Irony In The Corner Office

Yesterday's Boston Globe Magazine featured an article by freelance writer Tom Keane who wrote about the failures of the Patrick administration. At the top of p.6 is a picture of Governor Patrick standing in front of a podium with the words "Together We Can" printed in white over a blue background. That campaign sign is roughly torn in two unequal parts. In the run-up to the election, Mr. Patrick suggested that a Democrat could work better and accomplish more with the Democratic majority than could a Republican. In the rest of the world, that idea certainly fits with common sense, but looking at it through the lens of the State House, the opposite is true. Mr. Keane attributes gubernatorial missteps and miscalculations as contributing reasons for the lack of accomplishment, but in addition to that states that Massachusetts needs a Republican governor to keep the Dems in check. "An insider to the party cannot simultaneously be an outsider. The pressure for jobs, political rewards, and horse-trading are too powerful." He goes on to say the GOP must have a viable candidate and names three. The first is Charlie Baker, CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. As an aside, Mr. Baker recently visited the Wachusett Community at a turn-out fundraiser in Holden for State Representative Lew Evangelidis. Second is Christy Mihos, then Scott Brown, State Senator from Wrentham.

At the close of the article, the author throws out the underwhelming figure of 11.6% of Massachusetts voters being registered Republicans. So how does he think the GOP is apt to get their candidate elected? Highlighted and bolded on p.6, "The key to GOP success in 2010 is independence, not ideology." Focus on fiscal conservativism as opposed to the far right social ideology being presented by some national figures. Mr. Keane states that the three aforementioned potential and current candidates do exactly that.

The subtitle sums up the gist of this article. "Is a GOP governor needed to balance the Democratic Legislature? One Democrat keeps bolstering the case."


Boston Globe Magazine, June 21, 2009, "Together No More" by Tom Keane, p.6
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2009/06/21/is_a_gop_governor_needed_to_balance_the_democratic_legislature/

They Rocked The House

On Sunday, May 3, the newly formed Princeton Arts Chorale, of which I was blessed to play a small part, put on a magnificent show commemorating the 250th anniversary of the town. Under the spectacular musical leadership of Larry Sigler, the Chorale sang a slate of songs ranging from Patsy Mollica's original composition about the Stimson Farm to a spirited spiritual "Rock My Soul" to the"Battle Hymn of the Republic". The Reverend Thomas Prince (we know him better as Harry Pape) descended from his resting place in the belfry of the First Congregational Church and graced us with glimpses into his life and Princeton Past. Although appearing rather austere in last week's edition of The Landmark, (April 30, p.15), "in real life" Thomas Prince is quite a funny fellow and delighted the audience by sprinkling humor on them throughout the evening. State Representative Lew Evangelidis, complete with stovepipe hat and bow tie, made a "cameo appearance," as artistic director of the show, Denis Coughlin put it, as Abraham Lincoln at his second inauguration. Rep. Evangelidis read a very stirring and somber portion of Lincoln's inaugural address.

The Chorale ended the program with Irving Berlin's Broadway blockbuster version of "God Bless America," and I dare say that during that piece there wasn't one person in the nearly-filled meeting house who was not feeling a sense of patriotism and love for country and for a beloved community once named Prince Town.

Check out this T & G photo of John Stimpson as he appears to catch Irving Berlin's attention from Somewhere back in time.

Telegram & Gazette picture, "Back to the 1920's" Tuesday, May 5, 2009, p.B3
http://telegram.com/article/20090505/NEWS/905050396/1101/LOCAL

The Landmark, "History of Princeton in song," April 30, 2009, p.15

And They're Off!!! . . . or . . . The 2010 Gubernatorial Race Has Begun

According to Globe writer, Matt Collette, the Republican Party now has a candidate running for governor in 2010, Christy Mihos. (April 27, p.B1) Mr. Mihos, who ran as an Independent against Kerry Healey and Deval Patrick in 2006, wrote an op-ed for the blog "Red Mass Group" dated last Saturday, 4/25 in which he details what he perceives should be done to begin fixing the state's economy. Do away with the capital gains tax, the death tax and the meals tax, lose 8,000 state workers, forget increasing the gas tax and the Turnpike tolls, merge all Massachusetts transportation authorities and drop tolls on the Pike west of Rt. 128. He also suggests eliminating what he terms "the health insurance middle man," i.e.,Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Mr. Collette highlights the last line of Mr. Mihos' blog posting, which is, of course, of huge interest to any self-respecting political junkie. "'Christy Mihos is a businessman, entrepreneur, and a candidate for governor.'" (p.B1)

Mr. Collette also adds that Governor Patrick, through a spokesman, said he will be seeking re-election.

Barney Keller, MassGOP communications director, responds. "'The problem for Governor Patrick in 2010 is that his words and his rhetoric are going to be compared with his record.'" Ending with Matt Collette paraphrasing Barney Keller, "Keller said Patrick will face a tough fight against Mihos, or another Republican candidate, should one emerge." (p.B4)


The Boston Globe, Monday, April 27, 2009, "Mihos sets new run for governor" by Matt Collette, p.B1
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/04/27/mihos_sets_new_run_for_governor/

Red Mass Group, April 25, 2009: "A Stimulus For The Rest Of Us" by Christy Mihos
http://redmassgroup.com/diary/4253/a-stimulus-for-the-rest-of-us

Too Much v. Not At All

Sam Allis wrote an interesting piece that appeared on p. 2 of last Sunday's Boston Globe. Titled "Shelve the spam" with a sub-heading, "No way to stop the flood of unsolicited political e-mails," he devotes most of his article to complaining about the barrage of e-mails he receives from the communications director for MassGOP, Barney Keller, who, as Mr. Allis puts it, "can knock off five a day without breaking a sweat." (p.A2) Although based on the premise of annoyance, half-way through the article, one begins to suspect whether the author is truly annoyed over Keller's onslaught of correspondence or not. Having seen Mr. Keller at a recent GOP meeting, though not getting the chance to meet him, (I snuck out early) I noticed that humor seems to exude from him. My feelings were confirmed on both counts as I read on. Consider this e-mail. He sets it within the context of what he calls"Deval's 'Trivial' Pursuit" referring to Governor Patrick dismissing the cadillac and the drapes back when and more recently, the $175,000 patronage job. Under that umbrella, Keller presents a take-off of a MasterCard commercial. "'New hire Robert Rooney as assistant chief engineer - $122,000. Governor Patrick trying to use a traffic jam on the Turnpike to justify a massive gas tax hike? Priceless.'" (p.A2)

Lest the reader walk away with the idea that Mr. Allis is truly upset about Mr. Keller''s e-mails, he adds a twist at the end about what he hears from the Dems. "Proud of his output, Keller asks me when was the last time I got an e-mail from the state Democratic Party. I pause and realize I have never received anything from the Democrats. How restful. I assume I'm not on their mailing list, which must be a good thing." (p.A2) So I pose this question. Does the amount of communication put forth indicate a party's willingness to strive? Kudos, Barney Keller!


Boston Sunday Globe, April 19, 2009, "Shelve the spam" by Sam Allis, p.A2
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/04/19/shelve_the_spam/?page=1

Stay involved. Get excited.

Worcester has been chosen as the site of the 2010 Massachusetts Republican Convention, to be held April 16 - 17 at the DCU Center. Active area activists is one factor Jennifer Nassour, head of Massgop, cited as important in the decision-making. In a Telegram & Gazette article, (Sunday, April 19, 2009, John J. Monahan, p.A13), Ms. Nassour is quoted as saying, "'Worcester and the surrounding area is not only a great place to live, but it also contains strong Republican grass roots.'" Those "grass roots" of which Ms. Nassour speaks, are us, Folks. We have come to the attention of our state party leaders. Now we need to rise to the occasion and show her and Massachusetts Republicans that Worcester is indeed the right pick for the location. That means showing up and becoming engaged with events and the issues at hand.

John Monahan mentions in his article that holding the convention in Worcester may help propel two of Worcester County's elected officials. He names Representatives Lew Evangelidis and Karyn Polito as "being watched as potential GOP rising stars" (p.A13). Karyn Polito and Lew Evangelidis are indeed, "rising stars," and in order for them to continue their upward trajectories they need a strong, broad base from which to take off. Concerned, caring Republicans need to stay involved, in spite of the fact that this is a non-election year and a reason for urgency may not be evidently apparent. The more Central Mass. Republicans solidify by becoming active and gathering people to the party, including indpendents, the more momentum will be harnessed for Lew and Karyn.

Says Jen Nassour, "'We had a great tour of the DCU Center and Destination Worcester made a great appeal to us, plus we have so many fantastic Republicans in Worcester, so it was an easy decision.'" (p.A13) The Republican Party in Massachusetts and for that matter, Massachusetts needs you now more than ever.

Sunday Telegram, April 19, 2009, "GOP 2010 convention at DCU" by John J. Monahan, p.A1
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/GOP+2010+convention+at+DCU%3B+Chairwoman+excited+with+Worcester+site.-a0198142015

A Trojan Horse

Visiting my daughter this weekend at Hamilton College, I happened to pick up a copy of her school newspaper, The Spectator. One article immediately caught my attention, probably because of the picture at the bottom, "Frat Party Protest" by Patrick Hodgens, production editor and student of this year's graduating class. Mr. Hodgens writes about the boycott being planned against Delta Phi's "Mexican Night", scheduled to take place this past Saturday. The reason for the clamor is all about the invitation. A fake Mexican-U.S. border is pictured with a camouflaged guard standing next to a very tall fence. He is looking up at a giant pinata, against which a ladder is propped. Not pictured in The Spectator, but printed on the actual invitation are the words, "proper documents required". According to Mr. Hodgens, a number of campus groups label this invitation discriminating and offensive.

Is this controversy an example of politcal correctness run amuck? When are we going to stop flinching at every word or phrase said about anyone of a different ethnic background if it doesn't fit into our White picture of what "they" want to hear or what "they" want to be called? As far as fraternities go, my daughter and her room mate seem to think the Delta Phi guys would never hurt anyone and that they're just being funny. What worries me is that we have become so attuned to watching our language, we are stifling conversation about ethnic and race relations. Eric Holder called us a country of "cowards". I won't judge the Attorney General for his choice of words, but I agree that the average person seems afraid or at least reluctant to talk about other races. On those rare occasions when I find myself in a conversation about race, I notice my conversational partner lowering his voice or almost looking over his shoulder to make sure no one else is listening. Why? In my opinion, because he's afraid he might say "the wrong thing" or use a word that is not in vogue for the day.

The hubbub over Mexican Night shows we have raised our children into believing that just about every cultural reference that deviates a bit from the standard thinking of what is appropriate and what is not is somehow discrimatory. At the same time, however, I applaud the students organizing the boycott for speaking out against what they perceive is wrong.

Perhaps the truth in what Attorney General Holder was saying is not that Americans are "cowards" but that we are afraid to make a mistake in language. Because of that we are therefore reluctant to discuss racial issues. This is a travesty because talking about our differences and similarities will help bring us together, whereas being afraid to do so and holding back merely broadens the gap.

As far as the party goes, Wally Greene, President of Delta Phi was quoted in The Spectator as saying, "'It's a party . . . it's not meant to be offensive . . . We apologize if we've offended anyone, this is all meant to be in fun.'" I think my daughter and her room mate know the score.

Hamilton College News - The Spectator, April 2, 2009, "Frat Party Protest" by Patrick Hodgens, '09, p.3
http://my.hamilton.edu/Spectator/040209/News/Frat_Party_Protest.html

Seminar on the Economy

Wachusett Area Republican Town Committees will host an informational seminar on Tuesday evening, April 14 on the economic crisis, the stimulus plan, ramifications and alternatives. This non-partisan, apolitical forum will take place at 7:30 pm at the Holden Senior Center, 1130 Main Street. Guest speaker will be Drew K. Stratton, CFP. Mr. Stratton has a degree in economics from Princeton University and is a Senior Financial Advisor for Ameriprise. Following the presentation, State Representative Lew Evangelidis will speak about the effect the stimulus package will have on the region. Republican town committee members will meet one half hour earlier to discuss business. All are welcome. For more information, contact Yours Truly.