Left to a coin toss

In the end, the Democratic candidate ran a lackluster campaign, refused to take any bold stands, avoided controversy or controversial issues, and relied on the ground troops of the Democrat party in her state to deliver the election to her while at the same time, the Republican candidate ran a lackluster campaign, refused to take any bold stands, avoided controversy or controversial issues, and relied on wealthy Republican super pacs outside his state to buy an election for him.  It was as if both had agreed to do as little as possible and were content to let the decision be decided at the flip of a coin.  I’m still not sure who won, or if anyone won at all.

After Springfield, how about….

Several candidates for governor of Massachusetts have expressed their view that should the citizens of the commonwealth decide to repeal the decision of the legislature that allows casinos in Massachusetts, the city of Springfield should be exempted from this decision because their citizens want it and that  ought to trump the statewide vote.  I have a few questions.  

1. How about Raynham?    Should the town of Raynham be allowed to get its dog track back if the citizens want it?

2. How about Boston?  Should the city of Boston be allowed to have Happy Hour at their bars?  At 3.8 bars per 10,000 households, bars are a huge business in Boston.  If the citizens of Boston vote for Happy Hours in their city, why not let them have it?

3. How about Somerville?  Somerville is a densely populated city and no doubt there are many children there.  If the citizens of Somerville should decide to exploit this resource of children, should they be given an exemption from this old law (1836!) because times have changed and frankly, they need more “jobs and the economy”?

 

 

Demand more than Jobs and the Economy

Take a look at any of the candidates for governor this year in Massachusetts ,with one exception, and you’ll notice that “Jobs and the Economy” take center stage. Yes sir, you betcha, jobs and the economy, that’s all you want and unfortunately, that’s all you are going to get.

If you are like me, and odds are you are, you are a laborer. In simple terms, you work for a living. You don’t own a large company with many employees; you don’t live off your investments, rental property, and so on. If you are able to support yourself with your labor and enjoy a few days off, we call you middle class. If your labor cannot support you no matter how hard you work, we call you poor. As more and more of us are learning, there is a thin line between the middle class and the poor and that line is vanishing.

Here’s a video from Elizabeth Warren that explains is more. It’s about an hour long, but worth your time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akVL7QY0S8A

Here’s the problem. Since the early 70’s, we laborers have been working hard and that hard work has pushed the GDP, soared the DOW, and created mountains of wealth. Unfortunately, that wealth has gone elsewhere, not to us laborers. For the past forty years we’ve asked for and elected representatives in government who promised to deliver “jobs and the economy” and that’s all labor got.

No one who is a laborer is immune from this. Even doctors today are feeling the pinch. Adjusted for inflation, a general practitioner in 1970 was making $185K. In 2011, that figure fell to $161K despite the fact that in this time, there has also been a doubling of patients seen by doctors per day. I just looked over my earnings since I started working in 1971 and discovered that I am just another example of many of us who are working more, making less, and paying more for necessities, especially health care. It’s hard to imagine that in 1974, as a kid out of high school, I managed to make $45K a year (adjusted for inflation) plus full medical, and two weeks paid vacation.

By the way, in this same period, corporate profits have soared and corporate tax payments have been reduced by two thirds. But hey, you wanted “Jobs and the Economy” and that’s what you got. If you are like me, you want to know where all the money went if we all got jobs and the economy grew. The CEO of a local not for profit hospital network raked in $2.1 million in 2011. The CEO the nation’s third largest health insurer added $30.7 million to his piggy bank in 2013. Sheldon Adelson, the casino guy, is currently pocketing $32 million……per DAY! (No wonder the casino people have money to burn trying to get a piece of citizens of Massachusetts) All that money comes from someone else’s labor and if you are wondering who that someone is, look in the mirror.

In closing, if you want the same old same old, your choices are simple. You can’t throw a rock into the crowd of candidates from either party and not hit someone pushing for “jobs and the economy” and casinos. Just pick one and stay on the same path we laborers have been on since 1970.

But if want more than a job, if you want justice, if you want an egalitarian America where your hard work really does pay off in your bank account, where you are able to get your own health insurance without being held captive by your employer (or his religion), vote for Don Berwick, the only candidate running on more than “Jobs and the Economy”.  

“Free Booze” What could possibly go wrong?

Massachusetts has banned businesses with liquor licenses from offering lower-priced drinks during happy hours since 1984, after a woman in Braintree was killed by a drunk driver who had consumed seven beers at a happy hour event.  The Gaming Act provision specifies that free alcoholic beverages can be served on a casino’s gaming floor.  Free.  Not just two for one, not half price, not with a purchased sandwich, just “free”.

 

Question One:  If your “business model” depends on an inebriated customer, what does that tell us about the product you are selling and your intent as to the health of the local community?

 

Question Two:  If you are a small tavern, family restaurant, or other small dining/drinking establishment in the shadow of a casino, how do you compete with “FREE”?

 

Question Three:  What’s the difference between a drunk driver on highway leaving “Happy Hour” versus a drunk driver on the highway leaving the blackjack tables?

 

Question Four: Why would our state treasurer who called the Happy Hour ban a “a very important public safety issue” not be against the Gaming Act that allows free liquor?

 

Question Five: Why would our state Attorney General not be against the Gaming Act that allows free liquor when she, in the past has tried to close the loopholes in our states drunk driving laws?

 

Why I will vote NO on casinos.

In November, the citizens of the Of Massachusetts will vote on the issue of allowing casinos in the commonwealth. I will vote “no”. These are my reasons.

When I think of casinos, the first thing that comes to mind is Las Vegas. It’s were it all started- and it makes sense there. At the time, Las Vegas was a desolate arid desert with little to offer anyone. There was little in the way of infrastructure, community, schools, rich earth, temperate climate, or even the most basic need for life, water. Given those conditions, it seems clear why Las Vegas allowed and encouraged casinos; there were no better options.

The second thing that comes to mind when I hear “casino” is Native Americans or our indigenous people who have built casinos in order to survive. That too makes sense. These people have been exploited for hundreds of years, forced off their fertile land, given poor education and even worse health care. Their cultures have been stripped and dried to be as barren as the desert that is home to Las Vegas. With few other options, casinos remain their last hope.

Is that what Massachusetts has come to? Are we without hope? Are we barren of resources? Have we lost our ability to provide prosperity for all though meaningful commerce in design, manufacturing, law, education, tourism, the arts, medicine, technology, agriculture and so much more? Have we gotten to the point where casinos, the last resort of those without any resources, are our best option?

I say no. We can do more. We have done so for over two hundred years and we can continue to be a center of innovation, prosperity and justice for all, without casinos.

Inspiration From Unexpected Sources

Sometimes inspiration comes from unexpected sources. This happened to me today after I received an email from a past acquaintance. As most of you know, I am active politically in the Democrat Party and all it stands for. I get emails hourly from President Obama, Elizabeth Warren, Al Franken, Joe Biden and others all asking me to get more involved, donate more time and money to the cause. Frankly, it gets old after a while and I begin to get complacent. I’ve already done a lot. Maybe it’s time to take a break and let others pitch in.
Then I receive emails like this from a “right wing” acquaintance.

Subject: Socialism and Racism

HOW TRUE!!!!!

SOCIALISM AND RACISM EXPLAINED

A black kid asks his mother, “Mama what’s Socialism and what is Racism?”

“Well son, Socialism is when white folks work every day so we can get all our benefits, you knows like free cell phones for each family member, rent subsidy, food stamps, EMC, free healthcare, utility subsidy, free computers and internet connection, free food, free clothing, free gifts at Christmas, & on & on, you knows? That’s Socialism.”

“But mama, don’t the white people get pissed off about that?”

“Sure they do son, that’s called Racism!”

(Never more simply explained. . . )

Anyone interested in the truth can easily learn that the “free phones” and “free emergency care” and so on were all signed into law by Republican presidents and provide vital services to our most vulnerable citizens. Anyone interested in the truth can learn that “whites” receive more welfare than “blacks” and that states managed under Republican administrations have the highest rates of poverty and federal assistance. And that’s just for starters. To cover all of the canards in this email would take me a few pages and I want this blog entry to be brief.
Sadly, it’s easier for many on the right to be willfully ignorant of the truth and instead, fall back on bigotry and racism. This post is more than I can take at the moment. The sender and his pals might as well be honest about who they really are, don white hoods, and burn a cross on the yard of their black neighbors.
As for me, this was a kick in the ass, a call to action, and the inspiration I need to get back into the fight if for no other reason than to make certain that at the ballot box, we outnumber the sorts of people who send and believe emails like this.

Health Care Needs To Be More Than “Affordable”.

Imagine a politician running on a platform of “Affordable Police Protection” where, in a particular community , state or nation, police protection was something that one had to purchase on one’s own or purchase an insurance policy that would cover the costs of police protection should it be necessary. Imagine living in that community and witnessing a hit and run driver damaging your car where you are lucky enough to get the license plate number but then had to “Google” through a listing of police services to see which ones, if any, were accepted by your insurance company. Finally, imagine your frustration when the approved police company dispatches a patrol car to find the hit and run driver, but only after you pay the $250 deductible!
As bizarre and barbaric as the aforementioned sounds, that is the state of health care in the United States of America. In every other developed nation, police protection and health care are guaranteed services that the citizens of those nations benefit from. It is only in the USA that we have yet to make the transition to 21st Century Health Care. The Affordable Health Care Act, or Obamacare, is a step in the right direction but it is a far cry from where we need to be.
The naysayers will point out anecdotal evidence in Canada or other nations where their policies are not perfect and mistake are made, but this is simply making perfect the enemy of the good. The fact remains that without exception in every nation with single payer universal health care, the citizens in those democracies, overall, prefer it to our system or any market based system. The fact also remains that these same citizens and nations enjoy a higher quality of life at a lower cost of health care. Again, the naysayers will point to isolated anecdotes but none of them are a match for the historically proven fact that universal single payer health care is superior to our present system, even with Obamacare.
Health care, like police protection and so much more in any nation of the developed world, needs to be more than just “affordable”, it needs to be a right.

Is that Whiskey in your Tea?

Tea Party people love to wave the flag, quote the founders, and wrap themselves in the Constitution as they push their agenda.  I suppose this is all to bolster their legitimacy as “true Americans”.  One of my favorite Tea Party bumper stickers is one that reads, “A government big enough to give you all you need is big enough to take all you have” and they attribute this to Thomas Jefferson.

The aforementioned quote was issued by an American president, but it was Gerald Ford, not Thomas Jefferson.  This is just one of countless errors and outright fabrications of the Tea Party as they push the agenda of Big Business upon the American people.

Speaking of Big Business, even the name Tea Party is misapplied to this group.  The real Tea Party was a revolt against the British government’s actions on behalf of the British East India Company, the “Big Business” of its time.  If today’s Tea Party wanted to he historically accurate, they would be protesting the bailouts on Wall Street, the special tax deals that guys like Mitt Romney get, and all the other special favors that our government hands out to Big Business.  Instead, today’s Tea Party protests against giving health care to the sick, caring for our retried citizens, protecting our workers, and providing education to our children, all in the name of budgets and taxes and their money, money, money.

A more appropriate name for the Tea Party, if they wish to link to a time in our history when a few citizens protested government spending and taxes, would be the Whiskey Party.  The Whiskey Rebellion in 1791 was a time when protesters used violence and intimidation to prevent federal officials from collecting taxes. President Washington responded by sending troops as he rode at the head of an army to suppress the insurgency.  The Whiskey Rebellion demonstrated that the new national government had the willingness, ability, and authority to collect taxes to pay its debt and provide for the public good.

So as Paul Harvey would say, now you know “the rest of the story”.

John’s List

Shopping locally has so many advantages.  By this I mean shopping at locally owned stores, not Big Box or franchise operations where the staff is often as distant and impersonal as the company headquarters hundreds of miles away.  Whenever possible, I like to shop where the owner, manager, or long time clerk and I are on a first name basis.  Yes, sometimes it costs more, but not always. I figure that when you add up the positives of your money staying in the community, the lack of hassles with returns or exchanges, the added bonus of the shopkeeper knowing who you are and helping you make a better buying decision, it probably costs less.  Add to this the fact that you are now dealing with a friend, someone who can brighten your day, or whose day you can brighten, you’re way ahead of the game.  It is with this in mind that I am going to list a few of the businesses I’ve found in the area that meet the above criteria.  Most are in my hometown of Franklin Massachusetts.  Some are in neighboring towns.  So, in no particular order, here’s where I “Shop Local”.

• Grace Bicycles, 1574 Washington Street, Holliston Massachusetts.  Roy and Scott are two guys who I trust with all my cycling wants and needs.  From an custom built artisan bicycle frame to help with a flat tire, this shop has what I need. They support local rides from the shop where you can hook up with other cyclists.  Roy is always willing to listen to my latest joke and Scott’s been known to fix a flat or two on my bike even on group rides.
• Fairmount Fruit Farm, 87 Lincoln Street, Franklin Massachusetts.  The freshest eggs around, local produce (in season), and plenty of locally sourced maple syrup, honey, and baked goods.  CJ and the rest of the staff are always there to serve you.
• Out Post Farm 30 Prentice Street, Holliston Massachusetts.  I joined their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program two years ago.  Adrian and his crew put out an amazing variety of fresh produce throughout the growing season, week after week.  They know I like mustard greens, so they add an extra bunch to my “share” when they can.  Got to love that!
• Holliston Superette, 777 Washington St, Holliston, Massachusetts.  When I am looking for a particular cut of meat or high quality seafood (they carry Captain Marden’s), this is my go to place.  Chris has never let me down, even when I needed twelve pounds of special cut short ribs on short notice.
• Daddario Hardware,528 West Central Street, Franklin Massachusetts.  Where else can you get the hardware, plumbing and electrical supplies you need plus some of the best pickles you’ve ever had?  The staff here is always eager to help with your project and if you’re like me, you need all the help you can get.  No need to wander the aisles looking for someone to answer a question here.  And don’t forget the pickles.
• Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits, 14 Grove Street, Franklin Massachusetts. Ann & John opened their shop about a year ago.  It’s hard to find which seems fitting because they carry a hard to find section of wine, craft beer, and spirits.  They also take community involvement to a new level as they host fund raisers on the premises for any group or community cause.
• The Village Groomer and Pet Supply / Chickadee Seed & Feed! . 2245 Boston Providence Highway, Walpole, Massachusetts.  Missi has an smile that makes my day every time I shop for dog food, treats, grooming tools, or bird food at these two businesses side by side on Route 1 in Walpole.  Mike never fails to ask me how the beagle it doing and is always there with advice on nutrition for Trixie.
• Sweet Basil, 942 Great Plain Ave, Needham, Massachusetts.  I hesitate to put this restaurant on this list, only because I want to keep it for myself and not have to wait for a table.  By far my favorite restaurant, bar none.  Be warned, they do not take credit cards or checks and they do not take reservations.  They also do not serve beverages other than water, but you are welcome to bring your own bottle of wine (or beer) for a $5 corkage fee.  Owner Dave usually stops by talk about the food.  I’ve never had a meal here that was less than great.  They do not serve dessert but trust me, you won’t have room anyway.  If need be, stop by Abbott’s Frozen Custard next door for cone if you have to.So that’s it.  Enjoy!

Who Supports the Risk Takers?

In a speech delivered at the Jack Kemp Foundation’s Leadership Award dinner,  Paul Ryan said this about the Republican Party, “As it stands, our party excels at representing the aspirations of our nation’s risk-takers.”

I firmly disagree with Paul Ryan. In fact, I will argue that if any party represents the real risk takers in the America, it is the Democrat Party.

Paul Ryan and the Republicans defend special deals for the “job creators” on the belief that wealthy individuals and corporations are taking great risk. This risk must be encouraged and the rewards gained must not be punished, for to do so will damage the nation, according to their ideology. It is why they believe in reducing or eliminating taxes on capital gains, the elimination of the estate tax, along with loopholes and deductions that allow the wealthy and corporations the ability to pay lower tax rates than the laborers who provide the muscle that moves the economy and creates the wealth.

On the other side of this issue, Republicans believe that laborers take little or no risk and so, deserve no deals, and few tax breaks. To Republicans, laborers depend on the wealthy individuals and corporations and so the laborer ought to pay higher tax rates to support the “job creators.”

Mitt Romney paid a lower tax rate than the rate paid by Richard Crowe, a 54 year old steel mill worker in eastern Ohio. Richard Crowe was laid off when the steel mill where he had worked for all his working life was shut down. He’d worked there since graduating from high school. Crowe is 54 years old and has nothing left after the mill closed. The owners of the mill walked off with $20 million. According to the Republican definition of fairness, Romney pays a lower tax rate and the owners of the mill take the $20 Million because they took the greater risk while the laborers pay a higher rate and get squat when business fails because they took no risk.

I do not know Richard Crowe , but I assume he is like me and many laborers in America. He was not born into a wealthy family, not lucky enough to be born with an incredible talent, not born into a situation that would propel him to instant wealth. No, he was like the rest of us, born into a life where his labor was his only asset; something he would have to use wisely to support himself and his family. To use his labor unwisely would pose a great risk to his survival. He chose to work in the local mill. At 18, he figured he had 47 years of labor to invest, and those 47 years were all he had. There was no trust fund, stock portfolio, or inheritance to fall back on. After investing 37 years of his labor with the worth of remaining 10 years greatly devalued, Richard Crowe and so many like him are in danger of losing their homes, their savings, and any chance of a secure retirement. But to Paul Ryan and the Republicans, Crowe is not a risk taker. Worse yet, now that Crowe is in need of unemployment payments and other social support, Ryan and others denigrate Crowe as a leach on society.

I doubt that Mitt Romney and those like him have ever taken a risk so great as to possibly result in the loss of his home, all his savings, and his security into his elder years. Men like Richard Crowe do it every day. Personally, I have come close to losing all I had, my house, my savings, everything. I am not alone. Many of my friends and relatives have done so. Anyone who supports themselves with their labor does so. Every time a mill closes or a company goes bankrupt, most of the laborers will be at risk of losing it all, while the owners and the private equity hedge fund managers will sometimes even profit, with few, if any, running the risk of losing it all. And yet, Ryan and the Republicans call them the “risk takers” who are due our support and protection with special tax deals.

In the movie, Braveheart, Robert the Bruce defends the Scottish nobles reluctance in joining the fight against English repression by saying, “I respect what you said, but remember that these men have lands and castles. It’s much to risk.” To which William Wallace replies, “And the common man, who bleeds on the battlefield, does he risk less?

Paul Ryan and the Republicans support the nobles of our time, not the risk takers.