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Lucas: Let’s put a turkey on Mass. state seal

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Lucas: Let’s put a turkey on Mass. state seal


After three years of meetings and $100,000 later, a 20-member special commission still failed to come up with a replacement for the Massachusetts state seal.

Everyone would have been better off if they had simply chosen a turkey and called it a day. It could have been announced today, Turkey Day.

Don’t laugh. Benjamin Franklin, back in 1784 allegedly thought the turkey should have been adopted as the country’s national bird but was beaten out by the bald eagle, which is on the national Great Seal.

And if you are wondering if Massachusetts has a state bird, the answer is yes. It is not the much-maligned turkey or the bald eagle but the chickadee, which was adopted in 1941 as the state bird although nobody knows why.

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The Massachusetts state seal, which the commission was supposed to change, is composed of a Native American holding a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. Above him is an arm holding a sword.

Draped around the image is the Latin motto that translates into “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.”

The modern version of the seal has been used on state documents and on the state flag that flies over state buildings for more than 100 years.

Some social justice warriors found the seal objectionable and offensive to Native Americans following the national outrage after the 2020 murder of George Floyd.

That was the period when protestors rioted, trashed and toppled Confederate statues and other racist and alleged discriminatory symbols.

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Things got so bad that even moderate Gov. Charlie Baker succumbed to pressure and removed the only Confederate memorial in the state that nobody even knew existed, let alone visited.

It was a granite memorial erected in 1963 by the Boston chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy marking 13 young Confederate farm boys who died horrible deaths while imprisoned at Fort Warren on Georges Island in Boston Harbor.

The madness is not over.  A pair of progressive legislators have filed legislation banning the remaining 23 schools in Massachusetts from using the image or name of a Native American as a logo or mascot on their teams.

That aside, a solid case can be made for adopting the turkey as the state seal.

Not that I have anything against the current state seal, mind you. Over the years I have obtained or been gifted a pair of state seal cuff links, a state seal tie clip, and a set of highball glasses with the state seal embedded on each.

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The items have become collector items of sorts, though, since men do not wear cuff link shirts anymore, do not wear neckties, and do not even know what a highball is. (Hint: it is not a drug or something a baseball pitcher throws.)

Talking turkey, the problem for the turkey becoming the state seal is that it has been given a bum rap over the years.

Its unfair negative reputation stems from critics describing a failed Broadway theatrical production “a turkey.”

The term later — and currently — is used to describe in a derogatory way anything, like a car, that flops, or anyone who is ungainly, stupid or slow, like a politician.

Like: “That guy I voted for turned out to be a real turkey.”  Or “I’ll never vote for that turkey again.” Or “Did you hear what that turkey said?”

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It can be confusing at times, though. For instance, one would never say, having bought a bad turkey, “That turkey I bought turned out to be a real turkey.”

But you could say, after all the Thanksgiving Day political arguments are over and the guests have left, “What a bunch of turkeys they were.”

They say that turkeys are stupid birds. Perhaps they are.

But when a politician talks nonsense, we imitate turkeys and call what they say “gobbledygook.” So, how smart are we?

Peter Lucas is a veteran Massachusetts political reporter and columnist

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Massachusetts

How rich is Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren; Elizabeth Warren's net worth revealed

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How rich is Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren; Elizabeth Warren's net worth revealed


Due to her prominence in American politics and academia, it’s no wonder why so many wonder about Elizabeth Warren’s net worth and how she accumulated her wealth. In the following article, we’ll answer these burning questions and provide you with all other relevant financial information related to Senator Warren.

Who is Elizabeth Warren?

Elizabeth Warren is a US Senator from Massachusetts, serving in the Senate since 2013. Before her political career, Warren was a professor of law, specializing in bankruptcy. She taught at several universities, including Harvard Law School, and authored numerous books on financial topics. Senator Warren is also known for her advocacy on consumer protection, economic opportunity, and the social safety net. She ran for the Democratic nomination for President in 2020 but lost to Hillary Clinton in the process.

Elizabeth Warren’s net worth

There’s a lot of conflicting data related to Elizabeth Warren’s net worth. For example, CAknowledge reports a staggering net worth of $73 million, while Celebrity Net Worth suggests a way smaller figure of $8 million. Either way, the figure is substantial, and it reflects her earnings from her academic career, book sales, and US Senator salary.

How did Elizabeth Warren make her money?

From what we were able to gather, Elizabeth Warren has multiple sources of income. Here are some of the ways she has made her money:

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  • Senate salary: As a United States Senator, she earns an annual salary of $174,000;
  • Book deals: As an author of several books, Warren makes money from book deals. For example, she made more than $300,000 from books in 2018;
  • Lecturing and consulting: Apart from writing, she also earns income from lecturing and consulting;
  • Businesses and donations: She earns annually through various businesses and donations;

Warren’s assets and investments

When it comes to assets and investments, Elizabeth Warren owns over 10 real estate properties, which include both residential and commercial properties. What’s more, her car collection includes 7 vehicles, ranging from luxury sedans to SUVs. She also owns 3 luxury yachts, which are considered high-value assets.

In terms of financial assets, Warren also has cash reserves, as well as an impressive investment portfolio, with several high-value stocks.

Insider trading involvement

There are no public records or credible reports that suggest Warren’s involvement in insider trading. In fact, she has called for investigations into potential insider trading activities by other government officials. Moreover, Warren even introduced a bill that bans Members of Congress and their spouses from owning and trading individual stocks, bonds, commodities, futures, and other securities.

How much is Elizabeth Warren worth?

There is a lot of dispute over Elizabeth Warren’s net worth. Some reports suggest a $73 million figure, while others claim her wealth to be a lot smaller, somewhere around $8 million. Either way, both figures make Senator Warren part of the richest echelon of US senators. Nevertheless, with no public record of any financial controversies, it’s hard for an average American to make a case against her personal wealth in any way.

Disclaimer: The content on this site should not be considered investment advice. Investing is speculative. When investing, your capital is at risk.

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Days 103-111 on The Appalachian Trail—Connecticut and Massachusetts – The Trek

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Days 103-111 on The Appalachian Trail—Connecticut and Massachusetts – The Trek



Random Thoughts

The further North I go it seems the opportunity to meet other hikers on the trail seems to be diminished. In the last part of New York there was a small cluster of thru hikers and flip floppers, now it is rare to see anyone. Having started in the winter, the isolation of the green tunnel of spring is intense. It is necessary to wander off trail to see more notable things and get a flavor for the region. Some interstate rivalries exist up here. My friend Heidi, a native of New Hampshire, commented on my picture at the Connecticut State Line that it is the “Gateway” and not part of New England. The war continues.

Cultural Differences 

I take issue with being charged $4.08 for a fourteen ounce glass of unsweetened tea and no free refills. Perhaps word of the joys of sweet tea and unlimited refills hasn’t reached this far North after all of these years. Then again “The Boston Sweet Tea Party” isn’t in recorded history as never could anyone so foolishly waste the “Wine of the South”. I’ve tried to avoid the subject of biscuits and gravy as to not give away the fact that I hail from elsewhere. A translation dictionary for many phrases would be helpful. Who could know that “PSDS” means pierced ears? 

Company on The Trail: Battle Buddy


Back In Pearisburg, Virginia and again in Harpers Ferry, WV I had the good fortune of meeting a hiker who started two days before me in early January. At our second meeting Angelika, The Hiking Tomato, and I hatched a plan to hike together. By together I mean the same geographic miles on the same day and camp or lodge in each other’s immediate vicinity. She has a quicker pace and neither of us requires constant chatter while hiking. This has prove beneficial in a multitude of ways. There is someone to share a few words with, a constant in the day, encouragement, a break in the isolation after 4 1/2 months. Making good mileage every day, and some feelings of depression have subsided.

 

Days 103-105

 

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Connecticut I Hardly Knew You

A little over two days and done. Nothing of note except for the ice tea issue, friendly people, great scenery, and some beautiful covered bridges. My Canadian friend Gazelle/Solar completed the 53 mile Connecticut Challenge in less than 24 hours. Quite the impressive feat! Crossing the state line with THT feels like a huge accomplishment. I felt a little stuck in New York after my calf issue. More progress, another state  closer to home.

After crossing the state line all the trail seemed familiar and rocky. A lot of slab walking, boulder hopping, climbing over peaks, and yes the occasional rattle snake. Roger’s Ramp was yet another rock squeeze and photo opportunity. This is the first time I took a lunch break on this thru hike at a little cafe near Kent, CT. That’s where I discovered the tea problem. I traveled off trail after the hiking every day in Connecticut and found wonders from waterfalls to beautiful covered bridges. You have to leave the tunnel to see the communities and culture. The beauty and history of the surrounding areas is worth taking time to see. My favorite memory will be giving Gazelle support and trail magic during her challenge attempt.  This was my first time in Connecticut and I would like to see more. There have been milestones and points of interest. Unlike previous posts there is not too much to say as it felt like “Welcome To” and “Now Leaving” were on the same side of the sign. Maybe I should have taken more time.

Days 106-111 Massachusetts 


One of the striking things traveling further North is the amount of history in so many places near the trail. The introduction into Massachusetts is a simple sign in the woods as you pass a stream. The only thing I had seen of the state previously was Boston. Again, a short time in a state and I need to make better notes of  the days. The effects of TBI become apparent as I recount each section. Then again there are many places listed as “ Cliffs” and “Ledges” on the trail.  Continual amazing views when the trail opens from the tunnel to show the expanse of this incredible part of the state. Seeing Mount Greylock in the distance and then experiencing the climb was a good day. The forest near the top reminded me of the forest near Clingman’s Dome. Fairy tale like and the mirror pond and cabin are the subject of many hiker’s pictures. The war memorial at the top is a fitting tribute to the sons and daughters who gave their last measure for our freedoms. 
Seeing wild turkeys by the roadside on the way back to trail was entertaining. Two steps into the woods and they disappeared. THT definitely hikes the cliffs with more confidence. The memory if Tennessee stays with me. I didn’t stay too long in Massachusetts either. While I don’t want the journey to end I am getting anxious to be home.

Final Thoughts 

The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.
– W.B. Yeats

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Massachusetts shells out nearly $400,000 for vaccine record checks in state-run shelters

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Massachusetts shells out nearly $400,000 for vaccine record checks in state-run shelters


Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

State officials have pumped nearly $400,000 into a program to review the vaccine records of families entering the emergency shelter system, including migrants from other countries who may have foreign documentation, according to the Healey administration.

Officials at Boston-based John Snow, Inc., which has long worked with the state, have been contracted to review immunization documents. Since January, more than 1,200 children in state-run shelters have had their records checked, according to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, or HHS.

Vaccine record checks have occurred since September 2023 but the cost surfaced in a biweekly report on the shelter system released Monday, which said $381,000 has been shuttled to the program.

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Concerns about families’ vaccination status were most recently aired at a local meeting in Norfolk where residents heatedly debated Gov. Maura Healey’s decision to designate a former prison in the town as an overflow shelter for up to 450 people.

Many families entering shelters arrive with vaccine documentation received in other countries, according to the HHS.

Staff with John Snow, Inc. review the records families have with them and enter the information into a state database so clinicians can plan for and provide children with the vaccines they need, according to the state.

A spokesperson for John Snow, Inc. did not provide a comment in response to a Boston Herald inquiry.

The Department of Public Health has run “catch-up vaccination clinics” through the winter and spring for families to receive vaccinations. State officials have handed out more than 4,000 vaccinations at the clinics since January, according to the state.

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Massachusetts requires children and students to have various vaccinations before entering school.

An HHS spokesperson said compliance with school immunization requirements is a “priority” but vaccine record reviews and catch-up shots include all shots recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

The disclosure of the dollars spent on vaccine record reviews offer yet another look at the hundreds of millions the Healey administration is spending on shelters that house local residents and migrants.

Spending this fiscal year is up to $591 million, with $107.5 million used to pay shelter providers, $20.5 million shuttled to clinical assessment sites, $8.9 million on emergency per-pupil student aid, $6.2 million to cover National Guard deployments to shelters, and $1.2 million for municipal reimbursements, according to the report.

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Healey’s budget writing office still expects to spend $932 million this fiscal year and $915 million in the next on the shelter system, according to a spokesperson for the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

The Healey administration has received a total of $826 million this fiscal year from the Legislature to pay for the emergency shelter system and the governor appears poised to receive at least $500 million in the next based on yearly budgets the House and Senate have produced.

The state reported 7,431 families were enrolled in the emergency shelter system as of May 23, according to a dashboard that was once updated daily but is now refreshed on a weekly basis.

About half of the families, or 3,731, entered the shelter system as migrants, refugees, or asylum seekers as of May 16, according to the report released Monday. Another 514 families applied for shelter and 338 were in overflow sites in the two weeks preceding May 16, the report said.

Another 778 families were on the wait list for shelter placement as of May 16 , according to the report.

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