SEE CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES' NIGHT

                                                                                                                   

I moderated this forum

CCTV will broadcast our recent City Council Candidates Forum on

  Thursday, October 24, 2013
at
  12:00 PM

The video is also available online at:

  http://cctvcambridge.org/citycouncillesley

WASHINGTON POST OP ED RE: syria's secrets

Interesting to recall previous assurances of the need to use arms.

The White House's Syria secretsWashington Post

WELFARE FAMILIES HAVE TOUGH LIVES -- GET BUM WRAP

See excellent article by Claire Higgins, former Mayor of Northampton MA:

http://www.gazettenet.com/home/8189875-95/clare-higgins-inside-a-cato-institute-report-lo



The article answers a research study done by the CATO Institute, a very conservative think tank, on welfare recipients.


There used to be a war on poverty; now there is a war on poor people, especially poor families. As happens often at times of downturns in the economy, people who themselves are in trouble get upset at others who are in trouble. Then some politicl people take over to take advantage of this situation.


I have been extremely concerned that, while there is some recognition of the plight of the middle class in the present economic situation, very poor people have fallen off the radar screen. This particularly affects the children of very poor families whose brains and lives are liiely to be stinted for their entire lives.

We can and should do better. 

FUEL FIRM DROPS BID TO TRAIN TRANSPORT OF ETHANOL

The following appeared on Bostonglobe.com:
13

A fuel company has scrapped a proposal to transport ethanol by train through densely populated communities north of Boston, amid concerns from activists that the highly flammable liquid could be ignited in a derailment or attract would-be terrorists. Global Petroleum announced the step in a statement on Tuesday, a day after the Legislature moved to outlaw the storage of large quantities of ethanol near populous areas. Under the plan, the company would have transported ethanol -- which is mixed with gasoline to comply with Clean Air Act standards -- to its storage terminal in Revere over MBTA commuter rail lines. The path potentially would have taken the fuel through such cities and towns as Cambridge, Somerville, Everett, Chelsea, and Revere.


http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/07/02/fuel-firm-drops-bid-transport-ethanol-through-several-boston-area-communities/W5CM8dSlpaIyybtXaLVJQO/story.html?s_campaign=8315

GO          HILLARY         GO                    

Watch Hillary Clinton's speech this past weekend. Note her continuing commitment to our youngest children

View this email as a web page.

alice, I hope you were able to see Secretary Clinton's opening remarks at CGI America on Thursdaywhere she talked about her excitement to support the visionary work of the Clinton Foundation and outlined the work she will take on with the Foundation – promoting early childhood development, creating more opportunity for girls and women, and strengthening economic development in the U.S. In case you missed it, you can watch her inspiring remarks here. Secretary Clinton also announced a new project with Next Generation to help parents, businesses, and communities take meaningful action to provide our youngest generation with a strong foundation for success. Learn more about Too Small to Fail. We are grateful to have Secretary Clinton's vision and expertise and Chelsea's continued passion and dedication at the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation. The entire Clinton family has always been dedicated to public service, and now through the Clinton Foundation, they will continue to work on creating lasting solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. And because we know you share their dedication to building a stronger, more inclusive world, we hope you will continue to be an integral part of our work. Please join our new Clinton Foundation community at Facebook.com/ClintonFoundation and follow us on Twitter at@ClintonFdn for the latest news on our work and to learn how you can help improve even more lives and take action on global challenges. We know that when we work together anything is possible. Thank you, as always, for your support. Bruce Lindsey Chief Executive Officer Clinton Foundation

CRLSstrong     AND THE  MARATHON DAY BOMBINGS




Cambridge, Mass. -- The CRLSstrong Community Gathering (twitter: #CRLSstrong) will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2013 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Joan Lorentz Park on the corner of Ellery Street and Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138.




In the aftermath of the Marathon Day bombings,  all of us continue to grieve for those who died and their families and those who were seriously injured and their families. The resiliency of the community is remarkable but, even on these spring days, there is a strong chill in the air due to these events.

For many people in Cambridge, these events have come very close to home. For our neighbors, family members were seriously hurt. Others have friends who were affected.

Especially for young people, the fact that one of the bombers was a a member of the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School community, a very highly regarded recent graduate, is shocking. After this news spread over night, our children, and those of other friends, called early in the morning to report the news in case we had not heard. Classmates and teachers of the suspect expressed dismay and even disbelief -- having known him is a responsible,  friendly, smart person.

CRLS is known for its diversity and the learning experience that comes from going to school with people of many backgrounds. Sure there are cliques as there are among teenagers and we do not think of it as Utopia  There are plenty of challenges and difficulties there. But we in Cambridge do think of CRLS as a community that fosters learning and personal growth.

So this has been a time of sadness for many here in Cambridge.

Thus on Sunday, there will be a gathering to show the strength of community around Cambridge rindge and Latin School.  

BE SHOCKED   --   FAMILY HOMELESSNESS IN MA
   


The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute came out with a report today that documents how badly low-income homeless families are being treated in Massachusetts. I worked on this issue when I was in the Legislature. While there are some positive, though underfunded, efforts underway to provide longer term housing, these efforts are far from assuring that all families have a roof over their heads.

The safety net has more than frayed in this period of recession in which family situations are tougher for more families. It has large holes.

I am particularly concerned about the children in these families. We now have research that shows the enormously negative impact that great stress has on the brains of young children. Continued stress is toxic and this is a life time impact on the brain and life of these children.

Read the report:

http://www.mlri.org/uploads/12/fc/12fc1058ba4fdb3d0d4883d082aed86d/Out-in-the-Cold-FINAL.pdf

VULNERABLE FAMILIES: PLATFORM PLANKS FOR DEMOCRATS

Alice K. Wolf

48 Huron Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138 Phone (617) 868 - 9653 E-mail Alicekwolf@gmail.com www.alicewolf.org

MA Democratic platform hearing – Cambridge –April 6 2013

PROPOSED PLATFORM PLANKS RELATED TO LOW-INCOME, AT RISK FAMILIES

Supporting the lives of low-income families at risk through appropriate financial support and by providing assistance to exit this status is basic to Democratic values. This is an imperative for humane reasons and also ultimately impacts the economic future of the Commonwealth. This is especially true regarding the manner in which State policy impacts poor children.

1.    Improve the economic stability of low-income households by recognizing the enormous loss in buying power of welfare grants over the last 25 years and increasing those grants; supporting increased education and training and transportation assistance for those able potentially to move from welfare to work; and providing adequate staffing and technology to improve the TAFDC system.

2.    Move more rapidly toward the goal of a permanent roof over the heads of families who are now homeless, while maintaining the fall back of homeless shelters for families including those who are at imminent risk of having to stay in places not meant for human habitation.

3.    Recognizing that research now shows that the early years are critical in successful education for all children, but especially those who have some of the risk factors of poverty, instability or trauma in family life, or disabilities, assure that high quality, early education and care opportunities are available for all children who are at risk.

MORE ON THE VALUE AND NEED FOR EARLY EDUCATION

ECONOMIC SCENE Studies Highlight Benefits of Early Education BY EDUARDO PORTER Some economists say the government should focus on programs for infants and toddlers, which may be better at reducing inequalities between the rich and the poor.

Or, copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://nyti.ms/16uFmdB

MARY BONAUTO -- A HERO IN THE GLBTQ COMMUNITY  


The following article highlighting the years of strategic leadership and legal work by Mary Bonauto appeared in the New York Times yesterday after  US Supreme Court hearings on the constitutionality of proposition 8 in California and on the federal DOMA.

Maine Lawyer Credited in Fight for Gay Marriage BY SHERYL GAY STOLBERG Mary Bonauto, of Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, has only a sideline seat this week, but she spent a decade plotting a careful strategy.

Or, copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://nyti.ms/XGBWyG

The article gives Mary appropriate credit for her work on same-sex marriage. 

For me, there is more to say. Mary was the lawyer who helped me and the members of the Domestic Partners task force I created when I was Mayor of Cambridge in 1990 to draft the Cambridge Domestic Partners' ordinance. Remember part of recent history is, when that ordinance passed the Cambridge City Council in 1992, (by a 5-4 vote that was a bold step.  

Mary was also involved in my years of legislative work on both domestic partners and same sex marriage.

I had the pleasure of being present for the oral arguments in the Massachusetts marriage case. Mary's presentation was superb and, of course, the outcome changed history.

Besides her superb strategic sense and legal capabilities, Mary is one of the nicest people I know. That comes across in her sensitivity to the judges and, though I am not an expert on this, would give her a leg up before any judge. 

I am proud to know Mary Bonauto and consider her a friend. 

SAME SEX MARRIAGE  --  FASCINATING LEGAL HISTORY


Thanks to Arthur Lipkin for emailing this article to me.

Wedding Bells - NYTimes.com BY LINDA GREENHOUSE As the Supreme Court prepares to take up the question of same-sex marriage, it seems worth remembering how much has changed without the Supreme Court’s ever addressing the issue directly.

As someone who has been a leader in furthering gay rights for many years, the history is fascinating and the progress is gratifying. Let us remember, however, there are still many places where discrimination reigns and where people are hurt as a result.

MA DEMS HOLD PLATFORM HEARING APRIL 6

             

Party platforms sometimes seem like only words. However, they do represent the views of the party at a given period of time. They can be more than words if elected officials are held accountable for the planks they contain.

There is an extensive process of hearings in which  the public can make known their concerns . Then a Platform Committee crafts the actual document. The party convention then endorses, or amends, that document to have a final platform for the coming years.

The hearing described below is part of the Massachusetts Democratic party  process to adopt a platform for the state party. Participate. Let your views and concerns be known.

      FINAL MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM HEARING IN CAMBRIDGE 

                     Saturday, April 6   1 Pm  Main Cambridge Public Library  Broadway 

Please join us on April 6^th to help shape the values and vision for the Massachusetts Democratic Party for the next four years.

·         What should Mass Dems stand for when it comes to climate change and sustainability?

·         How should we address vulnerable populations and issues such as homelessness, poverty, and immigration?

·         How do we feel about the progressive revenues and expenditures proposals presented by Governor Patrick?

·         What are the Democratic solutions to housing, transportation, and infrastructure?

This will be the last opportunity to weigh in before Cambridge’s thoughts on the platform are sent to the drafting committee and voted on at the convention

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES
and the people in them.


Read governor's Patrick's testimony to the House ways and Means Committee on Friday, March 8 when inches of snow were falling outside.

http://www.mass.gov/governor/pressoffice/speeches/0308-budget-hearing-testimony.html


The Governor talked about the importance of investing in transportation and education  -- both important for our residents and for our economic future.

There will be a rally at the State House to support the Governor's proposals. Sponsored by the Campaign for our Communities

TUESDAY, MARCH 12 AT 11 AM

If you are looking for a way to support our future, show up or send others that can.

Yesterday, March 7, Paul Solomon interviewed Professor Jerome Kagan, behavioral psychologist from Harvard, on the extension of the PBS Newshour. The subject was the nurturing and education of poor children. Professor Kagan emphasizes the enormous educational gaps between poor kids and middle class kids.

The conversation can be found at

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/makingsense/

Look for "depressing data about early childhood"

Although the conversation is a little depressing, as an early education advocate, I am impressed by the number of very public places that the issue of early education and care is now being addressed: the Governor's state-of-the-state address, the President's State of the Union address, the editorial pages of a number of newspapers, etc. Perhaps this dialogue will move the issue forward a little faster.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION                  



-- for poor children and our economy

Art Rolnick,  a former economist at the Minnesota Federal Reserve bank, is a passionate advocate for high quality early childhood education -- as am I. The article

http://www.minnpost.com/driving-change/2012/04/making-case-early-ed-art-rolnick-has-had-enormous-impact

describes the path that led him to become so passionate. Try 16% return on investment.

Governor Patrick and President Obama highlighted this issue this year in their annual addresses. Now we need our congressional and state legislative leaders to act.

OPINION    Why Gender Equality Stalled                BY STEPHANIE COONTZ Betty Friedan prompted a revolution in attitudes. But our system still favors old stereotypes.
Or, copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://nyti.ms/Vs5rJ6

See  Dr.  Brazelton's White House award ceremony


The White House awards ceremony will be streamed live here at approximately 11:00am EST on February 15.   

CAMBRIDGE HIGHER ED SCHOLARSHIPS

Do you want to apply for a higher education scholarship for 2013-2014?  Here is the information supplied by Minka Von Beuzecom


The deadline to apply for for this year's $2500 scholarship is March 11th. The City of Cambridge will award approximately 50 Cambridge residents of all ages attending higher education  classes. Funding will go directly to the college.and must be applied to the 2013-14 school year. 

The Cambridge Day article gives more background: http://www.cambridgeday.com/2013/02/12/citys-college-scholarship-applications-deadline-is-march-11/

or you can go directly the the city's website to download an application: http://www.cambridgema.gov/finance/relatedlinks/thecityofcambridgescholarshipfund.aspx

This is a great oppportunity for high school seniors or those attending a Community College or other college.

Good luck

Berry Brazelton

Renowned Cambridge pediatrician and now serving young children, particularly those from low-income families, will be honored by President Obama later in February. Dr. Brazelton, now 94 years old, is still going strong and working hard on our children's and communities" future. "I may be 94 years old, but I'm not done," says Dr. Brazelton.

He is one of my heroes.

T. Berry Brazelton, MD to receive Presidential Citizens Medal at White House ceremony On Friday, February 15, President Obama will award Dr. Brazelton thePresidential Citizens Medal, the nation's second-highest civilian honor. Accepting on behalf of all children and their families, and all who protect and care for them, Dr. Brazelton is among a small number of recipients selected from nearly 6,000 nominations for this distinguished honor. The White House awards ceremony will be streamed live here at approximately 1:00pm EST on February 15.    Says Dr. Brazelton, "I may be 94 years old, but I'm not done. We must all speak up for the children we care for who so often are unable to speak for themselves. We know so much more now than back when I began practicing pediatrics more than 60 years ago. But we must do more to act on what we know if we are to ensure that all children grow up to become adults who can cope with adversity, strengthen their communities, constructively participate in civic life and nurture the next generation to be prepared to do the same."   According to the White House press release issued today, the Presidential Citizens Medal was established in 1969 "to recognize American citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens."

Invest in poor children - Nicholas Kristof

An excellent description on the up hill fight that poor children have and a call to develop a new anti-poverty strategy, starting with investment in children.

For Obama’s New Term, Start Here

By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF

Published: January 23, 2013

 http://nyti.ms/VkLVhk

See Governor Deval Patrick's State of the State speech given this evening, January 16 2013

 http://www.malegislature.gov/Events/EventDetail?eventId=560&eventDataSource=Sessions

The Governor is asking the Commonwealth to make substantial investments in education and transportation for the long term growth of the Commonwealth and its people.

I gave my farewell speech in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in
December, 2012.

welcome

Welcome to my new blog which will replace my State Representative web site.

To email me, alice at alicewolf  org