I remember Red Line commutes from Quincy Center to Park Street routinely taking 25-27 minutes. There were periodic unexplained delays and schedule adjustments which might add a couple of minutes. If memory serves, the T used to be called ‘rapid transit.’
Fast forward to my March 13 Red Line experience. It took 31 minutes from Quincy Center to JFK and an additional 20 minutes to MGH. I was transported, however in any manner but rapid.
When asked about affairs of state, Governor Healey routinely tells us she’ll ‘take a look at’ the issue in question. Were I the governor, I would take an immediate look at the dysfunctional system once referred as ‘rapid transit’ because it appears to be an unmitigated disaster not likely fixed solely with the hire of a general manager.
Paul Stewart
Quincy
Massachusetts is making a big mistake in allowing online sports gambling via apps,computer etc.This is going to cause those who already have bad problems with gambling hoping to get that so called “quick score’ which they falsely believe will solve all their financial problems. If people want to do sports betting they should have to go to the casinos and put down bets in cash only no use of credit or debit cards. And what about the fraudulent use of EBT cards as well?.I predict within six months we’ll be indundated with horror stories of individuals and families being ruined due to online gambling. The legislature clearly failed to think through all the negative aspects of such a thing.
Paul J. Baranofsky
Waltham
We and our European allies do not have the weaponry in storage or in production necessary to keep Ukraine’s military stocked. Ditto Russia and its Iranian and North Korean allies. China, a firm diplomatic friend of Russia, has yet to commit to supplying its ally, given that the shell shortage in the West is drawing to a Taiwan Strait, a gamble that has never looked as savory to the Chinese Communists. If Israel lives up to its commitment of stopping Iran’s relentless drive for nuclear weapons, then the Russian criminal invasion of Ukraine may well have begun the cascade to world war. We are weak and that begets global turmoil.
Paul Bloustein
Cincinnati, OH
President Biden has designated March 2023 as Irish-American Heritage Month. Today there are approximately 33 million Americans with Irish ancestry spread throughout the U.S.
The Irish have had a long history in America with a large contingent coming in the 1840s through the 1860s due to the Irish famine. When arriving they were greeted with the signs “No Irish need apply.” They then took the only jobs available which were the dangerous jobs of police, fire, bridge and high rise construction. They contributed greatly to the professional development of these occupations throughthe years.
Later they gained prominence in politics, law, education, medical, military, religious vocations and organizing labor associations.
When attending any of the many Irish parades in March give a hearty applause to our veterans and first responders.
Bob Sweeney
Warwick, RI