Read Op-Ed (Power Struggle, by Joan Vennochi)

This op-ed by Joan Vennochi speaks about the power struggle brewing (or that has already brewed) on Beacon Hill between Governor Patrick and the Legislature. Based on what I’ve red, I would say that the Legislature is more at fault. I haven’t paid enough attention to clearly say whether Deval Patrick is doing a good job in his spot, but we might need someone new come 2010 who can better handle the legislative branch. But I would first suggest getting rid of the top members of the House and Senate. I need to pay close attention to the State House and Senate races this coming election to see if I can vote for someone else. I’m not very happy that we may end up hiking the sales tax without Patrick’s proposed ethics reform. After Dianne Wilkerson, Chuck Turner, and DiMasi, we absolutely need some reform to cut spending. Even if it’s by a little, it’s the principle that matters. We also need to get faith back in the system. Vennochi says it best: “No one looks good. It’s all about power, not the people, and it’s a turnoff.”

I found it silly when Senate President Therese Murray said that “The governor has decided he doesn’t like us”. That sounds like what an immature child would say when (s)he and someone else merely differs in opinion but can still respect each other. Also, calling Patrick “irrelevant” is beyond rude, considering he holds the highest executive office and that his opinions should be put into consideration. Maybe she’s the one that needs to go.

Also, there’s this article by Yvonne Abraham which shows the hypocrisy of some legislature members who take in a per diem while they aim to cut a program for welfare recipients. I don’t know how you read about it and not get annoyed or outraged.