Dear Massachusetts RMV: little things make a big difference
The Massachusetts RMV, where, “These are the hours we’re open,” has an implicit, “… unless we feel like it.”
Category Archives: Government activism
Annissa Essaibi-George property-tax cover-up raises doubts about suitability for office
Dear Ms. Essaibi-George, Before today, my wife and I were unreservedly looking forward to voting for you in the upcoming election. Now, however, we’re no longer sure you’re the kind of person Boston’s City Council needs to fairly and effectively represent its residents. We’re worried that you’re just another hypocritical politician who places your own… Read More »
Citizens Bank: the bad house-guest who won’t leave
UPDATE: I was wrong. Yesterday, when I was digging through my pending paperwork pile looking for another document, I came upon a file folder containing the mortgage discharge paperwork, which Citizens Bank did, in fact, send me. I put that folder in the pile to remind me to take it to the registry of deeds, and… Read More »
The GOP does not have a monopoly on sexist political discourse
Author David Gerrold, who tends to attract a mostly left-leaning following, posted this link recently on his Facebook wall: Here are some of the comments that were posted within a few minutes: “Nice cleavage…did she say something?” (In response to “Geez, what an airhead…”) “Look at the picture again, I don’t think… Read More »
Boston2024 just won’t take no for an answer
Dear Boston2024, Let’s look at some pictures, shall we? Here’s a picture of my front door: Hey, look, there’s a sign posted next to the door! Maybe you’re finding it a little hard to make out. Here, let me zoom in à la CSI and highlight the important bit: Gee, that’s strange, there’s an obvious sign… Read More »
Why applying for passports is so not fun
To: U.S. Representative Michael E. Capuano Dear Rep. Capuano, The subject of this message is unacceptable performance from the agency responsible for issuing U.S. passports. My wife submitted three passport applications, for three of our minor children, on the same day — June 12. Two of the three passports for which we applied arrived over… Read More »
Boston Herald shares the blame for cash-starved government programs
When it comes to underfunded government programs, the Boston Herald is part of the problem, not part of the solution.
Initial thoughts on Olympic bid documents
The Boston 2024 committee has released most of the documents which it used for its bid to become the U.S. representative in the competition for hosting the 2024 Olympics. I’ve reviewed most of the documents, and here are my initial thoughts. There are four things that stand out for me: 1) The polls they did… Read More »
“A message to my friends about Question 2, the Bottle Bill Update”
This is from my friend Phil Sego: Dear Friends, I’m asking my friends, neighbors, allies, and family to please vote YES on ballot question 2, update the bottle bill. If you care about litter, the environment, and saving money for our cities and towns, I urge you to join me in supporting this important ballot… Read More »
EZ-Pass Massachusetts credit card replenishment stupidity
I’ve had my share of run-ins with the incompetent bureaucracy of EZ-Pass Massachusetts (née “MTA Fastlane”), but somehow they’ve avoided being deservedly mocked on my blog. Well, the free ride is over. Several months ago, I had to change the credit-card number associated with my EZ-Pass account, because of a lost credit card. Unfortunately, EZ-Pass tried… Read More »