Update on 16th anniversary of Tiananmen Square clampdown

Greetings,
I started the day off at the jobsite at 8 a.m., then off to the ballpark to coach my 6 to 10 year old Giants, who won 7-1 over the White Sox. I was driving over to a Ward Meeting to speak with the members. On the drive over, I heard on NPR that today was the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown.

Thinking of those days always brings tears to my eyes. I was fresh out of college, just starting my own company, with Big dreams, and even more idealistic (!) perhaps than I am today. I had just been through the Reagan years, with the Savings and Loan Scandals, etc. and the downturn in the economy as anyone who was around then remembers. I felt a kinship with the students and wished I could do something so passionate and important. The daily marches, the goddess of liberty erected in the square, the cooperation of the workers and the students against tyranny and corruption and for democracy was inspirational.

Then came June 4th and the crackdown. Hundreds or thousands died. The next day, the "unknown rebel" stood in front of 17 or more tanks, impeding their passage, asking "how can the people's army attack the people"? I only hope that I would have as much courage to stand up for what is right. This unknown person is in my opinion the greatest political hero of my lifetime and I draw strength from seeing his photograph. When I visited Beijing, I made sure to visit Tiananmen, and take in the collosal square and visit the areas where the events occurred. In a sad irony, in the center of the square is a "Monument to the People" that is roped off, so that no people can visit the monument. There are signs that make sure you understand that no one is allowed to linger, drop off notes, flowers or anything. You are always being watched. I paid my silent condolensces.

I feel that in some miniscule way, my campaign is standing up for the principles that I hold important. Democracy, openness, transparentcy. I want people to realize how important and how fragile democracy and freedom are. When one travels the world and realizes what a beacon America is to people in other countries, how they look to us for guidance and strength, they realize how important it is to follow through on the ideals this country was built on.

I spoke a bit about this to the ward meeting on Worcester Street, probably boring some of the members, but they were very kindly receptive. Candidate Connolly remarked he wanted to go before me next time because I speak too long, and that he didn't appreciate me asking him questions asking where he stood on issues. I just want everyone to know, they are free to ask me questions asking where I stand on any issue. I may not be knowledgeable enough about an issue to give you an answer, but at least I'll tell you that in a straightforward manner.

Next it was back to work for an hour or so, then got to take my motorcycle out and visit Allston for the dedication of the Honan Park. All the dignitaries were there, and the MC's were kind enough to mention that I and Ed Flynn, Patricia White, and Matt O'Malley were there. Someone remarked that I was most appropriately dressed because I was in a T-Shirt and jeans and that Councilor Honan would appreciate that on such a beautiful day.

It is almost 1 am, and I'm getting up early to run a 5K for the AIDS charity on storrow drive then visit the Dorchester Parade. Finally, I'll be working more on the lawsuit response to the City Council. Got to work hard for Democracy!!!

Thanks for reading,

God Bless

PS-read the editorial in this weeks south end news which essentially says, McCRea is right, City Council is wrong and please call the DA and the City Council to tell them to stop having these closed meetings. Thanks for agreeing with Kathleen, Shirley and I!