During Q & A at the Arlington Town Meeting on Health Care with Representative Ed Markey (10/12/09), one brave woman suggested to the Congressman that if we would end US occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan, the federal government would have more than enough money to provide comprehensive health insurance for every American citizen. Mr. Markey responded that President Obama’s health care plan isn’t going to require any new spending. It is "deficit neutral," meaning it will pay for itself! So, he said, there is no need to cut the military budget or any other funding.

Supporters of the re-legalization of marijuana and relaxation of drug laws that make it illegal to smoke pot in public, held a joyful rally on the Boston Common on Saturday.

This year’s Freedom Rally and Hemp Fest – hosted by the Georgetown, MA based Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition (MASS-CANN) marked the 20th year that marijuana proponents have celebrated their love for the “buzz” inducing plant and demanded changes in local, state, and federal laws governing its use.

BOSTON/Government Center - The Venezuelan Consulate marked Venezuelan Independence Day at Boston's City Hall by hoisting the flag on July 5th, 2009. Several community groups were in attendance to hear first Omar Sierra, the Consul General, and then Proyecto Hondureño's Tito Meza, celebrate the sovereignty and freedom movements in Latin America. Meza's rousing speech underscored the continental unity in opposition to the recent Honduran coup d'etat. Several well known local figures including former city councilor Felix Arroyo joined the ceremony. Community organizations like Chelsea Uniting Against the War joined the event as did supporters of El Salvador's Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN).

BOSTON/Copley Square - More than one hundred declared supporters of democracy, free communication, and peace in Iran gathered at Copley Square in Boston this afternoon, as widespread protests against the present regime continued one week and one day after an illegitimate election.

The diverse crowd appeared to be just over half non-Iranian, in conversation and to a very untrained-at-profiling eye.

Chants included "Stop the brutality," and "Iran Election Fraud!"

Organized nationally by Where Is My Vote, which presents itself as a voice for the Iranian diaspora, and locally online with postings on Craigslist, Yelp, and especially a Facebook event page.

Your neutral, unbiased reporter held a sign "SOLIDARITY WITH IRANIAN PEOPLE".

Framingham, MA - NEWS BRIEF: Before the annual Greater Framingham Community Church, MLK, Jr. Breakfast at the Sheraton Hotel on Monday, advocates of "Beyond War, Another World is Possible" greeted attendees with a reminder of King's opposition to war and economic injustice. Inside eight hundred people enjoyed breakfast while listening to BELL co-founder, Earl Martin Phalen and poet Iyeoka Ivie Okaowo. "Beyond War" fliers and sign up sheets were distributed.

Plymouth, Mass. - United American Indians Of New England, UAINE, held the 39th National Native American Day Of Mourning on Nov. 27, 2008, Thanksgiving (or thanks-"taking") Day.

Natick, MA - Patty Kupfer of America's Voice was the keynote speaker at an event sponsored by Pax Christi and several faith organizations in the Metrowest area on Monday, Oct 20th at the Natick Library. She spoke about the importance of caring for immigrants and related their plight to one of the most famous migrants, Jesus. Much of his narrative is a plea to followers to welcome and assist the traveler and the stranger.