Blue Mass Group

This is kind of weird. “I want to wait and hear what John Edwards has to say, he’s kind of good-looking,” Obama envisioned Iowa caucus-goers from the small town of Clinton telling themselves. During an appearance in West Burlington, Iowa, the phrase appeared again, this time with Edwards as “kind of cute.” Here’s the uncharitable interpretation, set forth at greater length at Sadly, No: Obama is subtly trying to push the notion that Edwards is too pretty to be taken seriously; that he’s kind of Breck Girl-ish; that he’s, well, maybe Ann Coulter was right after all.  Bear in mind also that Obama, like Sen. Clinton, initially booted his response to General Pace’s ghastly comments on homosexuality — though Obama, like Clinton, later corrected the initial mistake.  If anyone’s got a more charitable interpretation of Obama’s weird comments, I’m listening.  For now, this looks to me like a really stupid thing for Obama to be doing, and he should stop it.

Last week, the Department of Education released a report showing that more students than ever are earning their MCAS competency in only two attempts (release). While the numbers may be true, the assertion that this is indicative of statewide education improvement is dubious at best. Just last December, the Department released a report (release) (pdf) showing that students are dropping out of school in record numbers. And while the average drop-out rate has risen to 3.8%, the rates are substantially higher for students of color (6.3% for black students, 9.1% for Hispanic students) and students with limited English proficiency (9.3%). Most striking of all is the fact that 11th and 12th graders who have not passed the MCAS tests drop out at a rate over 10 times higher than those who have. While the MCAS tests are not the only reason for a student to drop out of high school, the Department’s own numbers show that the dropout rates have steadily risen since the tests’ implementation as a graduation requirement in 2002. The MCAS is supposed to give our schools the information they need to help struggling students, but instead it’s pushing those students out the door. To address this [...]

A couple of posts have already noted that the Governor’s office announced some staffing changes today.  Here is the full press release, so that everyone can see the full extent of the changes. Governor Deval Patrick today announced a number of changes to the Governor’s senior staff designed to facilitate implementation and coordination of the Administration’s policy priorities, including promoting progress on key elements of its budget, upcoming education initiatives, and programs to create jobs and grow the state’s economy. David Morales, now a senior aide to Senate President Robert Travaglini, will join the governor’s staff as Senior Advisor, reporting to the Governor and Chief of Staff Joan Wallace-Benjamin.  Morales will advise on policy and strategic planning, in collaboration with the Governor’s entire team.  Joe Landolfi, a communications specialist who currently works with Secretary of Administration and Finance Leslie Kirwan and has managed the communications needs of several high-profile state agencies, will serve as Senior Communications Advisor to the Governor.  He will work with the press team to communicate with the media and the public about the Governor’s initiatives and policies.  “There is a lot of work to be done to deliver on the people’s expectations for change – including [...]

As a certain pundit said on March 7 (“The Hacks Want In” thread: Trav’s guy, and others … (0.00 / 0)  I assume he is talking about Christian Scorzoni, the well-regarded Trav aide who is going to Ian Bowles’ office as Counsel, I believe. (David Morales wouldn’t be a bad grab either, BTW). From Boston.com today: David Morales, currently a senior aide to Senate President Robert E. Travaglini, will become a senior advisor to the governor. He will work with Joan Wallace-Benjamin, Patrick’s chief of staff, and advise the governor on policy and strategic planning. ————————————————- If anyone would like my bracket picks too, just let me know …. Seriously, congrats to David M. and to the Gov for recruiting him. And if we didn’t think Trav was moving on before ….

NEWS UPDATE: Governor Deval Patrick today announced a major shakeup of his administration that includes the resignation of the $72,000-a-year aide he hired for his wife and the addition of new communications and political advisors. — Developing

I haven’t posted here much in the last few months, but I definitely feel the need to publicize this Saturday’s rally to support New Bedford detainees, deportees and families, which I’m going to drive on down to myself. Please join me and thousands of others in calling for a just resolution to this fiasco, and fundamental immigration reform. Call to Action! Rally to Support New Bedford Detainees, Deportees, and their Families Saturday, March 17 @ 2:30 PM 53 North Sixth Street (Corner of Sixth and Elm) New Bedford, MA Click Here for Directions This Saturday in New Bedford, families will be holding a huge rally at the federal building calling for the release of all detainees, a congressional hearing on the raids, and immediate passage of humane and fair immigration reform. It’s time for us to say “ENOUGH  IS ENOUGH!”

MassEquality Political Director Matt McTighe issues a challenge to Senator Hedlund: “If he wins, I will volunteer for his campaign and hold signs in his next election , or he can name his prize if he’d prefer (within reason of course.) But if I win, he has to spend ONE ENTIRE DAY with one of the many same-sex couples with children who live in his district (and there are a lot) so he can get a better understanding of their lives and why putting their rights up for a vote is wrong. He doesn’t have to pledge to vote a certain way…he just has to be willing to keep an open mind. He can even pick the rink on his home turf! What better way to give business to one of the skating rinks in his district while considering the critical rights and protections marriage guarantees for his gay and lesbian constituents? Will Senator Hedlund accept the challenge?” Matt McTighe MassEquality Political Director Call Senator Hedlund’s Office and ask him to accept the challenge. Telephone: 617-722-1646 

Ok, I’ve been threatening this … With all the discussion about ratings and civlity, etc., I thought I’d get all y’all’s opinion on what the editors of the site should actually do to encourage robust, civilized debate and raillery. Under the best of circumstances, we have to walk a fine line between giving everyone an opportunity to speak his/her mind, and yet keeping an atmosphere free of bullying and mindless flame wars. I’m hoping this gives everyone an idea of the choices available to us. So do take the poll, on the flip:

The NYT splashed the “confession” extracted under torture of Khalid Sheik Mohammed all over its front page today. Mr. Mohammed indicated in the transcript that some of his earlier statements to C.I.A. interrogators were the result of torture. But he said that his statements at the tribunal on Saturday were not made under duress or pressure. Right. Mohammed has been tortured. He presumably will be again if he doesn’t cooperate. This story has as little credibility as the video interviews extracted from kidnapped reporter Jill Carroll by her tormenters in Baghdad. Mohammed would probably confess to being secret agent Jack Bauer if asked enough times. At best, fatuous. At worst, propaganda. This item — it is not even a real story — was worth a mention inside the paper, ringed with caveats about torture. The Globe didn’t even mention that he was tortured, as if he just suddenly spontaneously decided to confess! A sad performance by the Fourth 3.25th Estate.

Friends,

Congressman Meehan has agreed to take the Chancellorship at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and as has been speculated on Blue Mass Group and other outlets, I am indeed running for the US Congress seat he is vacating.  As you also may know, it is the same seat my husband, Paul Tsongas held years ago.  The University of Massachusetts Lowell is truly fortunate, and I look forward to seeing the Congressman accomplish as much for the Commonwealth’s public universities as he did for the people of 5th.

Thank you Congressman Meehan for your service.

Over the last six years I have watched, along with all of you, as the Bush Administration’s arrogance, coupled with a failed Republican agenda, has sent this country in a dangerous direction–one far from the direction that Paul, I, and many of you have wanted us to go.

We are involved in a war in Iraq which we should not be involved in.  Our health care system is on the verge of a breakdown, and our nation still has yet to truly face the continued and steady march of global warming.