2015-08-28

The Jewish Press gets hysterical about Propaganda, failing to indicate that the well-funded groups opposing the Iran Agreement are those that will profit from ENDLESS WARS, the Military-Industrial-Congressional Industry, the GOP Chicken Hawk NeoCons who got us into Iraq and Afghanistan, Founders and Members of the Project for the New American Century whose goal is EMPIRE BUILDING.

In desperation, AP produced phony documents:

AP produced forged documents to promote WAR! 4 MILLION MUSLIMS KILLED! US ignores Saudi Genocide

Additional posts:

A short list of US interventions

VoteVets.org: Send a message to Senator Mark Kirk



Daily Kos

This says it all.

Thanks to The Middle Class is Drowning for the graphic.



Friday, August 28, 2015

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By George Donnelly (@geodonnelly) with Keith Regan

Today: Thumbs up for Wynn? Two former transportation chiefs diss plan

We'll learn today whether process will win over reason as Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton delivers a decision on a critical permit that would clear the way for Wynn Resorts to begin construction of its casino on the Mystic. It would appear the Baker administration's philosophy is enough is enough: Let's end the bureaucratic hazing of Steve Wynn, the casino mogul has played by the rules and we shouldn't change them. Department of Transportation's Stephanie Pollack gave a thumbs-up earlier this week, saying the casino's short-term traffic plan was acceptable.

It should be noted, however, that two former transportation secretaries disagree. In columns on Commonwealth Magazine's website, Fred Salvucci and Jim Aloisi offer critiques, one lengthy, one parenthetical. Salvucci pans the Wynn traffic plan, pointing out several technical flaws, but stating more broadly: "The Wynn document does not provide any analysis of the adverse impact caused by the proposed casino on traffic flow on 1-93, one of only two interstate highways serving eastern Massachusetts, nor any proposals to mitigate such adverse regional impacts." Jim Aloisi, in defending the need for the Green Line Extension, writes, with some despair: "A casino with no credible transportation plan is sailing through, even though we know that it will likely add to increasingly chronic daytime congestion on Interstate 93." Yes, any reasonable person knows that. But the process is being followed, and technically, 93 doesn't have to be addressed. Process first, reason second. And, despite the idea of a long-term traffic plan for the area, more gridlock seems inevitable.

Also today: Boch says Trump protestors welcome

Ernie Boch Jr. tells the Herald he's expecting 1,000 guests and 100 media members to attend the party he's hosting tonight featuring Donald Trump and says even the crowd of protestors expected to gather outside the $100-a-head event are welcome.  "Everybody's entitled to their opinion," Boch told the Herald. And at least one group of protestors will be there -- NARAL Pro-choice Massachusetts.http://bit.ly/1WWnPX2

The path to Harvard... is homeschooling?

Well, Boston magazine doesn't prove this scientifically, of course. Though it does a wonderful job generating buzz around the homeschooling trend, and placing the face of a Harvard freshman on the cover didn't hurt. The story isn't a treatise on how to get into Harvard, or even attempt to unlock the key to the Ivy League, which may let down some readers. Instead it's a critique of conventional schooling and something of a paean to the virtues of homeschooling. http://bit.ly/1hE4A4u

Markey's Iranian PAC money

Next month's vote on the Iran nuclear deal promises to be one of the most controversial political dramas of the year. The Massachusetts delegation already has lined up behind President Obama and the deal, although its equivocation, qualifications, and doubts about a pact that threatens one of the US's staunchest allies is not exactly reassuring. Many in the Jewish-American press are not gently accepting the decision of "friends of Israel" to support the Iran nuclear deal. One is the Jewish Press, which published Dan Greenfield's attack of Senators who have taken money from Iran American Political Action Committee. Identified as the leader of the pack taking the PAC money? Sen. Ed Markey, although the diatribe never says how much. OpenSecrets.org reports that Markey took $5,000 in the 2014 election cycle, tying him for tops with Minnesota Sen. Al Franken. See Greenfield's take here: http://bit.ly/1NXQox2

Somerville mayor recalibrates to save Green Line Extension

Somerville's Board of Aldermen appears ready to line up behind Mayor Joe Curtatone as he outlines a path of cooperation with the state and innovative financing schemes to keep the Green Line Extension on track. When the board meets next, it plans to take up a joint resolution endorsing the mayor's approach, which is to work with the Baker administration to pare down the ballooning cost of the project and seek additional revenue sources from the expected economic boom that would follow the trolley line extension. Last night, Curtatone told the aldermen any substantial alteration to the project -- such as scrapping of one of the seven stations -- is unlikely because it would require going back to the Federal Transit Administration, which has already pledged $1 billion. That news was a source of relief for Alderwoman Maryann Heuston, who said, "The first thing that came to my mind was... Holy crap they're going to take that spur to Union Square." Curtatone also said removal of the community path could potentially trigger the need to go back to the FTA and he said the path will likely remain part of the project even as state transportation officials seek to scale it down to reduce the cost. Full story coming onhttp://statehousenews.com --Andy Metzger, SHNS

Baker to drop in on kids' charter school debate -- but where's his legislation?

Gov. Charlie Baker this morning will drop by the Great Hall where more than 100 incoming ninth graders from the Excel Academy Charter High School in South Boston are planning a model UN debate about global pandemic response. Innocent enough, were it not for the simmering debate over charter schools that could roll to a boil at any moment. Baker campaigned on expanding access to charter schools, and has voiced general support for a ballot question that would essentially allow regulators to skirt enrollment caps. "It might be a nice opportunity to ask Governor Baker about the charter school cap lift?" emailed one reader with an interest in the debate. For now, Baker has only hinted at forthcoming legislation of his own relative to charter schools, but with formal sessions ready to start again in a few weeks, the governor holds the match that could light a fire under the effort. -Matt Murphy, SHNS

New State Police honcho backs body cams

Fresh off his swearing in by Gov. Baker as the new State Police Superintendent, Colonel Richard D. McKeon told the Globe he is open to deploying body- and dashboard-cameras, but said the idea needs more study first. McKeon said policies must be developed for use of cameras and resource-intensive issues such as buying equipment and developing an effective video storage system have to be addressed as well. http://bit.ly/1JpVzoH

Warren stockpiles cash

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren is "stockpiling" cash in her election account even though she has yet to say if she'll seek a second term in 2018, according to an Associated Press story published in MassLive. Warren's $1.6 million in new contributions in the first half of the year swells her account to $2.4 million, the AP said citing FEC records. http://bit.ly/1LFSyEg

A political love story

From the Globe's Meghan Irons comes the tale of two cities, or at least the love story of politicians from two cities, namely Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong and Holyoke City Councilor Anthony Soto. Wong, long seen as a star-in the-making in the Democratic party, has chosen not to seek re-election after moving closer to Soto.

http://bit.ly/1NKz14Q

Baker: Entire state must share success

While some communities are thriving, success must be spread evenly across the state, Gov. Charlie Baker said Thursday. Baker toured an EMC facility in Franklin Thursday and said the data storage giant's job-creation story must be replicated elsewhere for the state to thrive. "We cannot be a great state if we don't have strong communities," Baker said at the event, according to the MetroWest Daily News.

http://bit.ly/1LFT2KF

Pressley wants liquor decisions back in city hands

Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley plans to ask the legislature to return control of liquor licenses to the city, the Boston Business Journal reports. State lawmakers have made most decisions on licenses in the city since the end of Prohibition and Pressley said the council can do a better job of making sure licenses go where they will most benefit neighborhoods and foster economic development.

http://bit.ly/1Vh6kPe

Trivia Night with your host of hosts, Mike Deehan

Mark your calendars: The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate and WGBH News present "Pints of Order: MApoli Trivia" hosted by WGBH State House reporter (and veteran trivia emcee) Mike Deehan, Sept. 24 at 6 pm. More info here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/972393052780988/

Sunday public affairs shows:

This Week in Business, NECN,12:30pm and 8pm: Daniel Silver, President, Adviser Investment Management; Laura Foley Ramsden, Co-Owner Foley Fish; NECN Business Editor Peter Howe. Topics: Stock market volatility;  challenges of the New England seafood and fishing industry and potential cost overruns in the Green Line extension.

On The Record, WCVB-Channel 5, 11:00am: US Senator Elizabeth Warren (D). The show is moderated by NewsCenter 5 Anchor Ed Harding and features State House Reporter Janet Wu.

How to reach me and MASSterList

Nothing makes me happier than comments, tips, suggestions. Also, opinion articles also will be considered. Please don't hesitate to weigh in on what we're missing and where we should look. Reach me at gdonnelly@massterlist.com or on Twitter @geodonnelly.

TODAY'S TOP STORIES

National headlines

Clinton quietly trying to discourage Biden from a 2016 bid

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, coy on whether to seek re-election, stockpiles cash

North End artist paints portrait for fundraiser

Grand Old Party crashers: Ernie Boch Jr. says protesters welcome at Donald Trump bash

State headlines

New State Police leader says he welcomes filming of troopers - The Boston Globe

Richard McKeon, new Massachusetts State Police leader, sees changing public opinion as biggest challenge

Franklin: Governor says success should be spread to all parts of Massachusetts

Another natural gas pipeline project proposed for the area

Charlie Baker will build the Green Line but on his terms - The Boston Globe

Local headlines

Those Along Proposed Pipeline Route Express Concerns Over Environmental Issues, Jobs

Margaret McKenna Brings Her Civil Rights Mission To Suffolk University

Wareham Select Board rejects using CPA money for new housing

Ward 2 candidate says campaign is target of housing authority retaliation

Quincy Housing Authority says new policy puts ban on campaign flyers

Braintree electric officials make case for new power plant

Arbiter can't settle Lowell teacher contract, grievances

Townsend Police Chief Marshall retiring on Sept. 15

Renourishment project goes before voters

Medical marijuana dispensary wins Mashpee zoning board approval

Boston city councilor Ayanna Pressley wants liquor license control returned to Boston for first time since Prohibition - Boston Business Journal

Worcester committee wants stricter regulations for ATVs, dirt bikes.

Miguel Soto announces sticker write-in campaign for Springfield mayor on City Hall steps

Walpole school board votes to block Confederate flag, but not change Rebels name - The Boston Globe

Cape Cod student asking school officials to be flexible about yoga pants ban - The Boston Globe

The lowdown on 5 condo towers coming to Boston - The Boston Globe

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