Several top Democrats have all but endorsed the re-election of Gov. Charlie Baker, and I want to talk about just one reason why that could potentially cripple the party's effort to convince people to register, turn out, and vote … [Read more...]
Bill to Regulate Marijuana (Mostly) Like Alcohol Introduced in Legislature
This session, a bill to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol has been introduced by Rep. Rogers and Sen. Jehlen. Dubbed the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act of 2016, it resembles legalization initiatives passed in Colorado … [Read more...]
Hope for grassroots movements’ impacts on 2015-2016 legislative session
Last week, the 2015-2016 legislative session began, with the swearing-in of the 189th General Court, and Governor Charlie Baker the following day. Media attention was focused on the three primary leaders of elected government: Governor … [Read more...]
Racism in the Criminal Justice System: #NN12 series, cont’d
Among all the keynote addresses given at Netroots Nation, the one that seemed the 'least sexy' (ie, I didn't know any of the speakers), was also what ended up being my favorite. The main exhibition room was kept so dark that it was hard … [Read more...]
Kids Need Love Most When They Deserve It Least
There is disturbing a trend in Massachusetts and across America that is leading us to be more punitive in how we address juvenile crime. Anyone who thinks that teenagers should be released back into society because they are a minor doesn't … [Read more...]
The Best Policy Depends on the Context, Not the Political Party
Republicans and Democrats are so firmly convinced that their ideas are in the best interest of the people they claim to serve. However, the ideas they push serve their party ideology more than the people. This is because there is no one … [Read more...]
Protecting Children From Sex Offenders: Parents, Take Action!
Sexual predation on children and youths was recently in the national spotlight with Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State football defense coordinator accused of sexually assaulting multiple boys over 15 years. But this crime has slipped … [Read more...]
House Bill 477 is a Waste of Time
The war on drugs is a failure, yet there is another useless "get tough" bill proposed by Massachusetts state legislators, House Bill 477. This bill is an attempt to re-criminalize possession of one ounce or less marijuana in a school … [Read more...]
ANOTHER inmate suicide, yesterday, in Shirley MCI – with POLL!!
Here is the story: http://www.boston.com/news/loc... Once again, history of suicide attempts. History of mental health problems. Dead - and with over crowding, cuts in prison mental health, cuts in staffing, cuts in mental … [Read more...]
Cost vs. Constitution
A "SINGLE VOICE PROJECT" is the official name of the petition sponsored by: The National Public Service Council To Abolish Private Prisons (NPSCTAPP) THIS PETITION SEEKS TO ABOLISH ALL PRIVATE PRISONS IN THE UNITED STATES, (or any … [Read more...]