June 5, 2009

They want to tax my booze!

The United States Senate is considering imposing a tax on beer, wine, and hard liquor. The Massachusetts State Senate is considering a similar proposal. As you might expect, this is making some people very upset.

May 13, 2009

“U sure?”

My phone vibrated while I listened to a panelist talk about youth violence and policy with a group of political progressives.

I looked at the phone. It was one of the boys.

I texted. “In meeting. Can’t answer. If you want community service hours go to church at 8-9 pm and sit in youth group meeting. I will not be there. I will be late. But my husband is expecting you all.”

He wrote, “Wat happen.”

“Do you want to do some community service,” I asked.

“Yeah,” he said.

“Alright, go to the church at 8. I will be late. But my husband--”

April 28, 2009

Massachusetts...in the hands of high school kids

Oak wood braced the banisters, blue and gold drapes cuddled the windows. A painting of John and Samuel Adams with James Bowdoin drafting the Massachusetts Constitution hung above the platform. The state representatives began to fill the chamber, clustering in clicks, chitchatting and laughing.

The speaker hit the gavel against the sound block, and the room settled. He quoted, “For every problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.”

November 18, 2008

I'm tired of business as usual

What will it take for the leaders of our communities to see the reality? Why are service providers all trying to find their way by themselves? Is it not apparent that apart from each other we are acting aimlessly? I am tired of business as usual. There isn’t enough time in one day to continue to run into the same wall over and over again. The head bleeds, but no one notices.