By Dan Yorke, WPRO
THE STATE HOUSE SIGNING CEREMONY
Yesterday’s signing ceremony for the “marriage equality” bill was something to see.
I can’t remember the last time a speaking program like this happened as a result of passed legislation. If you have a human bone in your body you have to have been happy for those who celebrated. But this was such a profound overindulgence.
The very idea that House Speaker Gordon Fox practically admitted that the only reason he has pursued and battled to stay in leadership was to pass this bill for his partner and him says quite a lot. It also relieves him of his need to remain. Perhaps he should act on this accordingly.
But speech after speech, from the Governor on down to a Brown student from Lincoln, pounded away with not a thought about the people who feel a loss of something profound.
In essence, the ceremony was the NFL equivalent of spiking the ball in the end zone complete with a gratuitous dance.
And the one thing that came roaring at me while watching…if this was as important as the ceremony stated…we should have had the vote.
THE SUPERMAN BUILDING
The owners are seeking upwards of $50 million in local public assistance to rehab into apartments: at least $10 million from the city and nearly $40 million from the state. Watch the State Senate step up with a plan to exceed the $5 million dollar proposed limit per business on new tax credits introduced by the damaged House Speaker. What a move it would be to take the pressure off Gordon Fox, who is still in political hot water (or more) for his stealth scheme on 38 Studios. All it takes is some union job guarantees and the senate movers will step right up.
That project needs an open vetting to public input. Not just some quick and dirty hearing at the State House. Anything short will be a disgrace.
GUN CONTROL HEARINGS
Hearings this week at the State House included a visit from the Newtown Police Chief, and he offered nothing of a direct connection to his town’s tragic school shooting. School safety is an after-thought when you can cloud the issue with gun laws, none of which would have prevented most of what happened at Sandy Hook.
SCARY STUFF
It is scary how dumb the two Boston bombers were. And now we have three buddies just as dumb.
CAN THE CELTICS DO THIS?
Look, the Yankees recovered from blowing a 3-0 playoff lead to the Red Sox in 2004. The franchise was strong enough. The Knicks would be finished. For good.
Have a great weekend.
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Dan Yorke
