The Arrogance of the Massachusetts Legislature
I knew things weren’t going well when one of the first things the Massachusetts legislature did in yesterday’s Constitutional Convention was to refer a people’s petition on health care to committee for “further study.” You can be sure that’s the end of that petition. Then, our leading Socialist leader, Sen. Augustus (Worcester), led the way to quash an amendment that would require the legislature to listen to the voice of the people before they take existing laws off the books. Heaven forbid they have to actually listen to the people who elect them!
When are we going to get it through our heads that we’re electing the most un-Democratic politicians this country has ever seen?!?! And this in the state where the American Revolution began!
So, I’m sure none of your are suprised that at the CONCON the legislature pretended to do a little work by discussing a few of the 21 amendments on its plate (not actually accomplishing anything, though), then promptly recessed until November 9th, after the elections.
Here’s the interesting part, the vote to adjourn to November was quite close: 100 to 91. If they had actually taken up Amendment #20, the voter petition on defining marriage as between one man and one woman, we easily would have won. And it appears that the majority party leaders were painfully aware of this as they did everything they could to drag things out. Rep. George Peterson (Grafton) did his best to try to keep things moving in a fairly timely manner by requesting a recess only until next Monday. But it didn’t fly. Thanks for trying, George.
So now we’ve got a chance to unseat the obstructionists. Find a marriage amendment supporter (amendment #20, not the fake #19 that Sen Brian Lees and his cohort came up with to confuse the issue), and support their run for office as loudly as you can. Give money, give time, write your current legislators and tell them if they’re not on board, then you’re supporting their opponent.
We have a chance to change the core of our legislature this fall. All we need is to win 10 races and they dynamics will change.
In the meantime, let Sen. Travaglini (Suffolk & Middlesex) know you are none to happy with the way he handled yesterday. The legislature is treating the voters like they are unwanted children vs the citizens who call the shots. Call Travaglini’s office and tell him the whole country is watching his behavior and his voters don’t like what they see. Call 617-722-1500. And email him at robert.travaglini@state.ma.us.
My Rep. was one of the 100 cowards who voted to delay the vote until 2 days AFTER the Nov. election.
Tell me please: she’s had a couple of years to think about it and decide, yet Barbara L’Italien needs another 4 months to decide???
This is just ONE of many reasons why I entered the race to for state rep in the 18th Essex district. She’s an absentee Rep. who has taken the voters for granted, and most likely figures that everyone will FORGET ABOUT ALL OF THIS come November. Well, I hope folks don’t.
My name is Lonnie Brennan. I’m in the race, on the ballot. My website is http://www.lonniebrennan.com and I would appreciate it if anyone and everyone could let her know how you feel, or better yet, let folks in the district (Methuen, Andover, N.Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Haverhill) know how you feel. Lonnie-
Comment by Lawrence "Lonnie" Brennan — July 17, 2006 @ 8:38 pm
Excellent, Lonnie. We need more people like you on the ballot. I’ll do my part to help the voters remember who ignored the will of the people when important issues were raised in the legislature!
Comment by sharilee — July 17, 2006 @ 9:16 pm