The incident between disability rights advocate Michael Carey and New York State Senator Kevin Parker occurred in the state capitol building after Carey approached Parker about cosponsoring legislation. Carey described the legislation as addressing discrimination against people with disabilities in a similar way to a “Dr. Martin Luther King type of situation,” which caused Parker to lose his temper. Parker yelled at Carey, grabbed his shoulders, and shoved him twice, causing Carey to stumble backward. Parker did not provide any comment in response to the incident, and the New York State Police only confirmed that they responded to a disturbance.
Senator Parker has a history of physical altercations, including a 2005 incident where he was arrested for assaulting a traffic agent, resulting in a charge of third-degree assault. He also faced complaints from two former aides who accused him of physically assaulting them. Parker was arrested again in 2009 for chasing a photographer from The New York Post and damaging his camera, leading to a conviction on misdemeanor criminal mischief charges. He was stripped of his position as majority whip by the Senate majority leader at the time, Malcolm Smith. Additionally, last year, Parker was accused in a lawsuit of raping a woman, a claim he denies as “absolutely untrue.”
Carey had sought Parker’s support for legislation mandating staff in state and private facilities to report suspected abuse or neglect of vulnerable individuals to a 911 operator. The incident highlights the issue of violence and aggression from elected officials towards constituents and advocates. Carey, who became an advocate after his son Jonathan died while in state care, was shocked by Parker’s behavior and expressed disbelief at the altercation. The lack of response or comment from Parker’s office, the New York State Police, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins raises concerns about accountability and consequences for such actions.
The incident reflects a broader pattern of violent behavior by Senator Parker, dating back to 2005 when he was first arrested for assault. Despite previous allegations and legal consequences, Parker’s behavior has continued to escalate, with recent accusations of rape still pending in a lawsuit. The lack of disciplinary action or consequences for Parker’s actions raises questions about accountability and responsibility within the political system. Advocates like Michael Carey, who have personal experiences driving their activism, face challenges in seeking support and engagement from elected officials when met with hostility and violence.
The confrontation between Carey and Parker underscores the importance of advocacy for vulnerable populations, such as individuals with disabilities, and the need for legislative measures to protect their rights and safety. The proposed legislation that Carey sought support for aims to improve reporting and response mechanisms for suspected abuse or neglect, ultimately seeking to prevent harm and protect those in vulnerable situations. Despite the opposition and aggression faced by advocates like Carey, their dedication and determination to push for change and accountability in the face of adversity is commendable.
In conclusion, the incident between Michael Carey and Senator Kevin Parker highlights the challenges and obstacles faced by advocates in seeking support for legislative changes and addressing issues of neglect and abuse in vulnerable populations. The history of violent behavior and lack of accountability on the part of Senator Parker raises concerns about ethical conduct and responsibility in elected officials. Advocates like Carey play a crucial role in driving change and raising awareness about systemic issues that impact marginalized communities, despite facing hostility and resistance. The need for transparency, accountability, and consequences for aggressive behavior from elected officials is essential to upholding the values of democracy and protecting the rights of all constituents, especially those most vulnerable and in need of advocacy and support.
