Democracy depends on transparency
Re “Spilka’s district gained windfall in earmarks’’ (Page A1, July 29): I was initially proud to move to Massachusetts, where so much of our founding democracy was both conceived and constructed. I was then surprised to learn that we have one of the least transparent state governments in the country. Transparency in government is critical to real democracy. And now I read that our legislators engage in a form of self-dealing that is immoral and maybe illegal if engaged in by anyone else with a fiduciary duty to their employer — in this case, all of the citizens of Massachusetts.
Who for a moment does not realize that by grossly favoring their own districts they are simply “buying’’ votes and favor with money that is not theirs? This kind of self-favoritism and abuse with tax revenues gives legitimacy to those who resist paying taxes and contributing to the common good. There is a reason these legislators do this in secret. Think about that, and what it says about their lack of character.
And when they say it has always been this way and everybody does it, think about what that says about their lack of character, and of courage. My 10-year old grandson knows it’s not right to quietly take something that doesn’t belong to him. Thankfully, he would have the strength of character to admit it, and to feel some shame for having done so.
These legislators need to go back to grade school.
REV. JOHN E. HICKEY
Cambridge
DiZoglio is on to something
I humbly request that the powers that be kindly keep the article “Spilka’s district gained windfall in earmarks’’ at the ready and set a reminder to run it again in, oh, about 90 or so days. It certainly makes the case for voting yes on Question 1 that would give Auditor Diana DiZoglio the authority to audit the Legislature. When voters emerge from their summertime bliss, it will serve us all to be reminded.
BRENDA SCOTT
Topsfield
Voters must challenge their complacency and their political leaders
I’ve lived in Massachusetts for almost 45 years and am glad to call the Commonwealth my home. The state’s political leanings suit me, the sports teams are enjoyable diversions, the schools have, for the most part, met the needs of our children, and, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was comforting to be in a place where most decisions derived from safety, compassion, and science.
That said, I must confess that I fear that a smug complacency has become too much a part of our culture. As a single-party state, our political leaders have both job security and minimal accountability. The Legislature, which may be the country’s least efficient, meets infrequently, is led by a small number of privileged power brokers who do their work behind closed doors, leaves important work either to the last minute or simply undone, and engages in blatant and indefensible self-dealing. At the same time, we are faced with crises in housing, transportation, educational and health care equity, high cost of living, an utterly broken and corrupt state police department, and pervasive racial tensions exacerbated of late by the migrant infusion (to name just a few).
So while I am still proud to be a citizen of the Commonwealth, I am saddened that we have thrown away valuable years during which things could have improved and am eager to see us take seriously the challenges we confront.
MICHAEL KNOSP
Melrose
