Chip's Blog

I have been watching the Boston news with just a bit more than a shade of dismay.  In my view, my Fox25 reporters (ya, ya, I like youse guys...even if I "bust 'em here) have missed a golden opportunity to both report facts and do a public service.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm here to tell you , today, that the rally and voting are not mutually exclusive, nor are they conflictual.  In fact, with a little support frm the free press, they could be mutually compatible.  Even better, damned near symbiotic!!

First, as a loyal Patriots fan and season ticket holder for more than a decade, I'd like to say that this is no situation for a "Jinx".  Frankly, how about Boston hold a "Rolling Rally" if they "win, lose or draw"?  They certainly deserve our support for what they have done so far.  I know I owe them for a wonderful season and some wonderful times at Foxboro.

Now on to the "meat and potatoes" of my idea here:  With the enthusiastic assistance of the press, the City of Boston can leverage the supoort  of the "Rally" as a tool to increase voting turnout.  When Menino gets together with Bill Galvin, the Secretary of State, and brings in Tom Brady and Bob Kraft, we culd see the perfect "public service announcement" for voter turnout.  "Patriots Fans Vote"  Heck, Fox25 could run a slogan cntest for voter turnout and raise ratings.

Stories could be done abut peak voting times for the elderly....convenient voting times for the disabled.  Advocacy groups could be brouight in to help.  The list of creative and positive solutins is probably endless....and yet it ended before it began in a sea of negativism on my TV.

To Douglas Goudie I say:  Inspect your conscience.  Was it realy responsible t say that peoples' votes didn't matter?  VB, in ever instance a person's vote matters because it is a celebration of our freedom.  It is like the saying Grace before dinner, or the Lord's Prayer before bed.  It is like remembering both fondly and sadly your parents' birthdays after they have passed.  It is like seeing yur child's face for the first time at the moment of their birth.  It matters both because it sets us apart from the less fortunate, and because it honors those who died securing that right for us.  VB, you had the opportunity to be a role model this morning.  And just like ball players and steriods, or Michael Vick and dogs, you betrayed that obligation. 

With fame and fortune comes responsibility.  If your face hits that screen, the words that come from it need to be positive and uplifting.  Even in tragedy, you should find value.  And this ain't even close to tragedy.

So folks, love your Patriots.  And vote on Tuesday.  ONe is an honor, the second is a right given to you with blood.  Both should be a joy.