On November 27, 2019, Massachusetts made history when Governor Charlie Baker signed An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control into law. This first-in-the-nation tobacco control legislation bans the sale of all flavored tobacco products in Massachusetts, imposes new regulations on the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping devices, and increases access to cessation products for all those looking … Continue reading An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control
About John
Condemnation of racism and commitment to change starts in our homes and schools, in our neighborhoods and institutions, and at all levels of our government.
As I filmed short videos a few weeks ago for remote Memorial Day ceremonies, I talked about how I hoped we would look back at this Memorial Day, which came while we were in the grip of a pandemic, and see it as the time when elected officials put politics aside, and as a time when all of us came together as a Nation and … Continue reading Condemnation of racism and commitment to change starts in our homes and schools, in our neighborhoods and institutions, and at all levels of our government.
We Must Demand Better
Last week the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, Mitch McConnell, said that President Obama “should’ve kept his mouth shut," and that he was “classless” in speaking out. President Trump tweeted that Mitt Romney, a United States Senator, former Governor of Massachusetts, and former Republican presidential nominee, was a “LOSER!”. Speaker of the United … Continue reading We Must Demand Better
My Boston.
I wrote the below after walking through Boston seven years ago, two days after the Boston Marathon bombings. I walked through Boston a couple of weeks ago late one evening, escaping the constant news of the coronavirus. Finding myself all alone on the streets of the City was eerie, but as I walked I felt … Continue reading My Boston.
Peace in our world. Peace in our time.
It was Friday evening, the sun had gone down, and the streets were quiet. Too tired to nap after hours of travel, I took a walk, finding the Old City, set within the high walls of centuries of stone and struggle. Not knowing exactly where I was going, I came to a square and then … Continue reading Peace in our world. Peace in our time.
Moria Moments – A Last Memory
I had just finished a 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning census of residents, the last task of my two weeks volunteering at Moria Refugee Camp on the Island of Lesbos, Greece. I paused to take a picture looking out over Zone 6 of the camp, as the sun was first climbing into the sky. It was … Continue reading Moria Moments – A Last Memory
Moria Moments – Shmuta
I am not exactly sure what it’s called. I am not even sure how to spell it. My wife calls it a shmuta. In our family, it is the satin-like edge to a childhood blanket, worn from years of being twisted by and run between the fingers of one of my sons. I remember once … Continue reading Moria Moments – Shmuta
Moria Moments – Three Kings and a Princess
Three Kings Three Kings of the Hill, The Olive Grove, Moria Refugee Camp, Lesbos, Greece, January 2020 The dump truck raised its bed, and clean, bright gray gravel spilled into a pile below. The driver lowered the dump bed and drove away. Then they came. Young boys, anxious to climb on the stones, but holding … Continue reading Moria Moments – Three Kings and a Princess
