The election endgame is underway

Having completed watching "The Queen's Gambit" over the holiday weekend, the chess term is quite appropriate here. Some refer to politics as a game, I tend not to, especially since it affects our lives and livelihoods. Nonetheless, the term applies well. 

 

"A Republican congressman from Texas sued Vice President Mike Pence in the latest long-shot effort to reverse President-elect Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump.

In the lawsuit, Representative Louie Gohmert seeks a court order forcing the vice president to acknowledge what Gohmert claims is Pence’s power to disregard states’ chosen Democratic electors and instead select competing slates of GOP electors on Jan. 6.

That’s the day the Senate and House meet jointly to open and count certificates of electoral votes from the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The vice president has the constitutional role of presiding over the Senate, which has traditionally included overseeing the formal acceptance of the Electoral College vote."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/28/business/pence-is-sued-by-republican-congressman-long-short-effort-reverse-bidens-victory-over-trump/

The Boston Globe headline "Pence is sued by Republican congressman in long-shot effort to reverse Biden’s victory over Trump". 

The podcast "What Trump Can Teach Us about Con(stitutional) Law" provides insights into this recent development in the Presidential Election of 2020  https://trumpconlaw.com/47-lame-duck

 

 

What Trump Can Teach Us About Con Law

 

FM #422-423 School Committee Meeting - In two parts - 12/22/20 (audio)

FM #422-423 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, another one in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 22, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over two hour and thirty minute meeting into two logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Guests/Presentations (approx. 1 hour and 23 minutes)
• Second - picks up from the Superintendent's goals through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx. 1 hour and 9 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated due to the holiday break)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Dec 22, 2020

Audio files: 

First #422 -  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDbNY59S

Second #423 - https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXmz9VVS

--------------

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_12-22-20.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/december-22-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/franklin-ma-school-committee-meeting.html  

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #422-324 School Committee Meeting - In two parts - 12/22/20 (audio)

CommonWealth Magazine: steps to boost voting rights; let MA home bakers do their thing

 From CommonWealth Magazine:

"3 steps Mass. should take to boost voting rights

Too many of the state’s voters are disenfranchised"

"SINCE THE SHOT heard around the world at the battle of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts has been at the forefront of modern democracy. The Massachusetts Constitution – which was drafted by John Adams – formed the model for the United States Constitution and remains the oldest continuously-operating constitution in the world. Despite this history of democratic leadership, in recent years Massachusetts has fallen behind other states in ensuring that all eligible voters can register, vote, and have their votes count. The upcoming legislative session is an opportunity to change that and build on the work done in 2020 to open up voting to more people during the pandemic.

It was encouraging that Massachusetts leaders, like those in many other states, took important steps this year to expand early voting and to send vote-by-mail applications to every registered voter."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/3-steps-mass-should-take-to-boost-voting-rights/

 

"Let Mass. home bakers do their thing

Patchwork of regulations make starting a business difficult"

"RETIRED SALON OWNER and daycare provider Marcia Donnelly did not want to fight City Hall. She just wanted to sell home-baked sourdough bread from her kitchen in Southbridge.

Homemade food businesses are common and easy to start in 48 states, and have become increasingly popular during COVID-19. Worried about global supply chains and general uncertainty, the pandemic has boosted demand for fresh, locally sourced products. Unfortunately, Massachusetts has resisted the trend, along with New Jersey. “It was a battle from the get-go to set up my business,” Donnelly says."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/government/let-mass-home-bakers-do-their-thing

Memory Cafe' Monday, Dec 28 at 2 PM

Memory Cafe' with Mel Stiller sponsored by Atria Draper Place

Click below to join our Memory Cafe' Monday Dec. 28th at 2 PM
https://zoom.us/j/91644324462?pwd=aVVBeTVGalBaU2RjcGZvZTVrYU9Xdz09

Meeting ID: 916 4432 4462
Passcode: 387709

One tap mobile
+13017158592,,91644324462#,,,,*387709# US (Washington D.C)
+13126266799,,91644324462#,,,,*387709# US (Chicago)

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

Memory Cafe' Monday, Dec 28 at 2 PM

Franklin, MA: 1930 to 1939 (video)

Joe Landry provides this video about the history of Franklin, MA from 1930 to 1939. 

 

Direct video link: https://youtu.be/fKfxV65Jzvo

 

"Taking Back Control - A Resetting of America’s Response to Covid-19"

"Ten days ago, the @RockefellerFdn released a white paper on how we could reopen all US schools over the next new months with aggressive government investment in frequent proactive COVID testing and more.

I think it's an important report. Some highlights:" https://t.co/VLAyty3Dbu  

Shared from Twitter:https://t.co/awoUuzrY2W

Direct link to report:  https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Taking-Back-Control-a-Resetting-of-Americas-Response-to-Covid-19.pdf

"Taking Back Control - A Resetting of America’s Response to Covid-19"

The Hill: "CDC issues new guidance about vaccinations for people with underlying health conditions"

From The Hill

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Saturday issued a new guidance stating that people with underlying health conditions can receive a coronavirus vaccine.

The guidance explains that “adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19.”  

Thus, the CDC added that those vaccines that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration “may be administered to people with underlying medical conditions provided they have not had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.” 

Continue reading the article online

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/531722-cdc-issues-new-guidance-about-vaccinations-for-people-with-underlying

Direct link to CDC guidance  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/underlying-conditions.html

 

 

Stimulus and government spending bill signed to avoid Federal government shutdown

Via The Hill

"President Trump on Sunday signed the government funding and coronavirus relief package, the White House said, averting a government shutdown and delivering economic aid as the pandemic worsens.

Trump signed off on the $2.3 trillion package from his golf club in West Palm Beach, Fla., days after he expressed displeasure with the spending outlined in the omnibus and complained that the coronavirus relief measure should include direct payments of $2,000 per person, up from $600.

But the delay came after unemployment benefits expired for millions of Americans on Saturday as the bill went unsigned. Trump has visited his golf club in Florida each day since arriving in the state on Wednesday and has made no public appearances. "

Continue reading the article online

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/531632-trump-signs-relief-bill-despite-criticism

 

Related articles

• The Boston Globe  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/27/nation/unemployment-benefits-expire-millions-trump-rages/
• The Washington Post  https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2020/12/27/trump-stimulus-shutdown-congress/

 

 

Putter Day 2021 - So as it is fixed, so let it be done.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 12/27/2020

Once again Putter Day (a fave of mine) is nigh.  My ersatz holiday returns on Jan 1 to usher in the New year, and I celebrate by – puttering.

This  year  I  will  fix  the  kitchen  cabinet  door  (again).   This  time  for  sure.  I  will approach the ‘honey-do’ chores list – with some cautious optimism. Will I actually reduce it to zero items? Not likely, but hope springs eternal.

However, for some of the hardest hit in 2020 – perhaps not so much. Hope becomes elusive. Many have lost their loved ones. Tragically, many more will likely follow. With job losses unabated, risk of eviction, food insecurity and financial desperation for so many, I am putting an item at the top of my puttering chores list.

On this Putter Day, I will celebrate 2021 by doing something to help someone else. There is indeed a dire need to be met, and Putter day is all about doing. What better way to celebrate Putter day than to do unto others – in kindness.

Although the year ahead holds great promise, we still have to get through these darkest of days and return to brighter and better times ahead. That patient journey requires ongoing diligence and vigilance by all.

Until those brighter days, please don’t be among the callously cavalier and careless. The pandemic continues to be all too real. Social distancing is the new social grace. A mask is the new, must-have, fashion accessory. Flaunt it – with flair.

Don’t leave home without it.

I wish you a happy and productive New Year and better/putter days ahead. And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bh7gPXv7vFVblU2Ed_rrjnQNfY_hsTsk/view?usp=sharing

From The Guardian: Yes, climate crisis stickers coming soon to gas stations in Cambridge, MA

From The Guardian: Yes, climate crisis stickers coming soon to gas stations in Cambridge, MA.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, has become the first US city to mandate the placing of stickers on fuel pumps to warn drivers of the resulting dangers posed by the climate crisis.

The final design of the bright yellow stickers, shared with the Guardian, includes text that warns drivers the burning of gasoline, diesel and ethanol has “major consequences on human health and the environment including contributing to climate change”.

The stickers will be placed on all fuel pumps in Cambridge, which is situated near Boston and is home to Harvard University, “fairly soon” once they are received from printers, a city spokesman confirmed.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/25/massachusetts-city-to-post-climate-change-warning-stickers-at-gas-stations

And from FastCompany

https://www.fastcompany.com/90585821/these-new-gas-pump-warning-labels-remind-you-about-climate-change-while-you-fill-up

The ordinance was modified in Jan 2020 and at least part of it (referring to self-service stations) can be viewed on the Cambridge page

https://library.municode.com/ma/cambridge/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8HESA_CH8.12GASEST_8.12.010SERVSTRE&showChanges=true

climate crisis stickers coming soon to gas stations in Cambridge, MA

COVID-19 vaccine discussion on wfpr.fm - Monday, Dec 28

Given the recent vaccine news from both Pfizer and Moderna, with more trial successes likely to follow, I think it would be good to put this issue front and center.

Dr. Natalia Linos could address epidemiology and immunization stats (and societal/personal consequences of not being vaccinated?).

Dr. Jeff and Dr. Walker-Jones could also address government's role in organizing the effort and also encouraging/guiding or mandating compliance, masking, vaccination, etc. The ongoing debate is that 'personal rights-v-public good' element that is quite literally 'Trumped Up' by the President's followers.

Government sets guidelines, shared standards, regulations for the public good. We drive on the right side of the road - not wherever we want. We take tests to demonstrate competence and safety. We all benefit in a reasoned and reasonable common good. This is an important discussion.

The panel is  Dr Michael Walker-Jones, Jeff Roy, Peter Fasciano, Dr Natalia Linos, Dr Greg Chiklis and Frank Falvey.

The panel discussion will be broadcast Monday, Dec 28 at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 8 PM.

COVID-19 vaccine discussion on wfpr.fm - Monday, Dec 28

"What Will 2021 Look Like? (with Dr. Anthony Fauci)" (audio)

"It’s the episode you’ve all been waiting for: Andy closes the year with a recap of 2020 and predictions for 2021 with Dr. Anthony Fauci. Andy brings you into the bubble with Dr. Fauci by asking some of the questions he received from you. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss."

Direct link to podcast episode = https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-will-2021-look-like-with-dr-anthony-fauci/id1504128553?i=1000503293292

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/ASlavitt/status/1342939855140098048?s=03

This is 30 minutes I suggest everybody who had a chance listens to. Fauci answers every tough question about the future the best he possibly can. https://t.co/7xf82NhBWf

— Andy Slavitt @ 🏡🇺🇸 (@ASlavitt) December 26, 2020

So much for a deal, it still is waiting for a signature....

 The Boston Globe has the following:

"Unemployment benefits for millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet lapsed overnight as President Donald Trump refused to sign an end-of-year COVID relief and spending bill that had been considered a done deal before his sudden objections.

The fate of the bipartisan package remained in limbo Sunday as Trump continued to demand larger COVID relief checks and complained about “pork” spending. Without the widespread funding provided by the massive measure, a government shutdown would occur when money runs out at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.

“It’s a chess game and we are pawns,” said Lanetris Haines, a self-employed single mother of three in South Bend, Indiana, who stood to lose her $129 weekly jobless benefit unless Trump signed the package into law or succeeded in his improbable quest for changes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/27/nation/unemployment-benefits-expire-millions-trump-rages/

From The Guardian:

"As unemployment benefits were due to expire for millions of Americans on Saturday, Donald Trump, who spent Christmas playing golf in Florida, continued to block a $900bn pandemic relief bill that would extend them.

The package, which Congress passed with bipartisan support on Monday after months of negotiations, would keep unemployment benefits in place until March and expand state benefits by $300 a week – as well as extending an evictions moratorium, providing federal loans to small businesses and $600 direct payments to many Americans.

But without Trump’s signature, the entire package – set to be the second biggest in US history – is stalled and the US government now faces a shutdown on Tuesday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/26/tump-us-coronavirus-relief-package-shutdown

 

Walk Off Those Cookies! - Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - 10 AM

Please join us for a socially distanced group walk on the SNETT on Sunday, December 27 at 10 AM. We will start from the Center Street parking lot in Bellingham.

Masks are required for anyone 2 years old and up. Leashed dogs are always welcome. ***Registration is required*** 

Link =  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e084baaac28a13-walk1

In case the parking area at Center St is full, please proceed to Fox Run Rd for additional trail parking (marked). Questions, please email us at fbrtcommittee@gmail.com. Thank you.

Walk Off Those Cookies! - Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - 10 AM

Shared from the FBRTC page

https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/walk-off-those-cookies/

Franklin, MA: 1920 to 1929 (video)

Joe Landry provides this video about the history of Franklin, MA from 1920 to 1929. 

 

Direct video link:  https://youtu.be/Q00au18o0CE