There is a difference between détente and appeasement. Also, there is a third player in this game. I'll take the second part first.

As the Times pointed out, a lot of pork went to "Assembly Democrats" as well -- and that means Sheldon Silver. Over the past year, while Spitzer sputtered, Silver and Bruno got pretty chummy. They are running things in Albany now, and Paterson knows it. Both Silver and Bruno have power bases, while Paterson, doesn't. Additionally, when Silver and Bruno work together there isn't much any governor can do. That's how the budget got passed. (If you don't think Silver works with Bruno, ask him what he's done over the years to get Democrats elected to the state Senate.)

As regards détente vs. appeasement, I think the new governor realized his currently weak position, and felt he had no choice but to go along with the Silver/Bruno axis (I'm just loaded with WWII allusions today). As a result, we got a "budget" that is bloated, unreasonable, indefensible, and subject to serious change long before the fiscal year is out. The question is, where does he go from here? Every day he is in office, people get more used to the idea of "Governor Paterson," and his ability to get his way increases. How soon does he start throwing his weight around?

If he calls the legislature into session this fall to make the budget cuts a deteriorating economy requires, then yes, his work with Bruno can be called détente. Otherwise...