Thursday, May 19, 2005

Nothing

Meet Edward Barrett.

Edward Barrett is a rare Bostonian. He roots for the Yankees, adores Republicans, and prefers Ronald Reagan to JFK. And every week, he voluntarily attends Boston City Council meetings.

Every Wednesday morning for six years, Barrett has shuffled into City Hall's Iannella Chamber in time for the 11:30 meeting, waved to the stenographer, and assumed his preferred spot in the top row of stadium seats.

The 68-year-old has scrutinized the council's every move, because he wants to "get a handle on things," and, as he put it, somebody has to keep an eye on government.

"I don't come here for fun," Barrett said. "All politics is local, and there's so much waste of money in city government. If most people did this, Boston would be a better city, once they see what's going on."


Can't argue with that, except maybe the part about rooting for the Yankees. Traitorous bastard.

Quote of the Day:

Asked if he could think of one thing the City Council does well, he laughed and shook his head. "Nothing," he said.


What is it that I find so refreshing about a person who can give a concise, one-word answer like that? Perhaps, it's something our junior senator should have looked into.