Opinion

I was raised, like most Irish-Catholics, not to speak ill of the dead—at least while the wake is still underway. Of course, the affliction known as “Irish Alzheimers” exerts a powerful tug in the opposite direction. Forgetting everything except the grudges keeps you focused on those parts of a departed politician’s legacy that won’t be highlighted from the pulpit or, in Ted Kennedy’s case, in fulsome obituaries run as front-page news stories, op-ed pieces, editorials, and internet encomia throughout the nation.

Thursday, August 27th was set to be the date of the MBTA’s final public hearing on their proposal to raise fares and/or cut service.  On August 11th, however, less than 24 hours after widespread and organized opposition to the proposal overwhelmed the first of 12 MBTA-led meetings, Governor Patrick announced the cancellation of all remaining meetings.  Instead, a so-called “independent review” of the MBTA's finances has been ordered and is due November 1st.

Supporters urging passage of the Employee Free Choice Act took to the streets on Monday to back warehouse workers at Rite Aid's massive distribution center in Lancaster, California. They released a new Jobs with Justice report about how management there has aggressively interfered in workers' freedom to form a union.

On Monday, August 3rd, a judge ruled in favor of the Chinese Progressive Association's (CPA) motion to dismiss Sunshine Travel's defamation lawsuit against them. The judge has agreed to dismiss all claims except for the claim regarding the unauthorized use of the trademark or logo. This is a tremendous victory for CPA and for all workers who want to organize to assert their legal rights!