Massachusetts Corruption

In view of the recent conviction of former House Speaker Sal DiMasi, the Democrats, some Democrats, seem convinced 'same old, same old' will do.

Not so!

DiMasi's conviction was preceded by Dianne Wilkerson, a legislator who showed great promise and City Councilor Chuck Turner and others.

For reasons unknown, Beacon Hill has been content to pretend transparency reigns, even as casino deals are being discussed behind closed doors and the People's Business remains paralyzed.

There is no budget. Legislation has been stalled.

Human Trafficking legislation was only recently passed.

The People's Business is ignored. Where's 'Right to Repair,' the 'Bottle Bill,' and numerous other matters that are stalled?

Beacon Hill has become the definition of dysfunction - held hostage by House Speaker "Racino" DeLeo's Gambling Obsession, as if nothing else existed.

Recently, Republicans proposed reforms.

This is a Democrat's wrong headed response:

Representative John J. Binienda, a Worcester Democrat who has served in the Legislature since 1987:

On Wednesday, Binienda, who heads the House Rules Committee, called the proposal revolting and went on to make the historical analogy.

Hitler, during the concentration camps, tattooed all of the Jewish people so he would know who was a Jew and who wasn't, and that's something that I just don't go along with, Binienda told State House News Service for an article posted yesterday.

From:
House leader apologizes for Holocaust remarks
Badge analogy˜inappropriate™
By Noah Bierman, Globe Staff


When voters elect grown adults, the assumption is made that they behave like adults and are capable of thinking independently, not supporting 'leadership' that is tone deaf to the scandals swirling around him.

Not to be outdone, Tom Keane felt the need to liken badges for lobbyists to Nathanial Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter:

Power on
Punish corruption, but don’t weaken the Legislature
By Tom Keane


Sorry! But I've witnessed the LOBBYISTS, stroking egos, dictating policy and legislation, voters be damned!

It's time for change.

And it begins with an Independent Cost Benefit Analysis that has NEVER been conducted to consider the costs and impacts of Predatory Gambling. Otherwise, one must wonder what is being concealed.

It begins with a serious debate and consideration of taxpayers subsidizing wealthy investors, destroying local businesses and theaters, the cost of regulation and enforcement, and a transparent discussion.

One need only consider the Vote Buying Scandal trial currently underway in Alabama to see the similarities.