To my column readers
Thank you for reading From My Corner but I would appreciate it if you read the rest of the newspaper, too.
People usually tell me that the first thing they look for is my column but leave wondering if they’ve read anything else. We take pride in covering many news items that you will not read anywhere else, as well as serving this population promoting their services and community events.
The gas disaster has kept us extremely busy and we have tried to bring some of the information residents are complaining of not getting.
We also depend on you to stay in contact with us in order to serve you better.
Interpreter’s responsibility
The job of interpreter (verbally) or translator (in writing) is one of the most difficult tasks and I loathe doing any of it. Depending on the situation, it could be a casual conversation without much risk or a serious or dangerous circumstance in which a mistake could have dire consequences.
During the past week, I received a few calls complaining about Lori Trahan’s comments on the radio calling Rick Green “racist”. It was on Monday, October 22nd on El Tapón de la Tarde” with Santiago Matías. While driving, the car radio was on and the segment had just begun. Ms. Trahan was being interviewed and State Representative Juana Matías was her interpreter.
There were 3 or 4 questions including her thoughts of Mr. Green which she answered in her usual gentle tone. I remember thinking that her response had been very brief and Ms. Matías went on and on in her diatribe. Frankly, I didn’t hear the word “racist” because I was concentrating more in driving.
After I heard from three republicans (obviously) I listened to the playback on Facebook, this time paying attention to her words. When Ms. Trahan was asked a question regarding immigration, Juana repeated what she had said in Spanish and added, “Now, I have to intervene…”
At that point, Rep. Matías spoke about her experience working with Rick Green in the House of Representatives and his effort “against the Secure Communities legislation, attacking her colleagues for something that was meant to protect all immigrants.” The word “racist” was not mentioned by them.
Just like I didn’t hear that portion of her comment (that Ms. Matías wanted to intervene), probably most people did not hear it, either.
That is a very responsible position and they should limit themselves to repeat exactly what the person said without changing the meaning. Anything added could do lots of damage.
Early voting
Now, all over the United States, Early Voting is permitted. The City of Lawrence has made accommodations with extra hours and days for residents including Saturday and Sunday and people complained that it was not enough.
Hey, people! If Saturday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM is not adequate and you still cannot find a few minutes to go vote, you should request an absentee ballot and stop complaining. Sometimes, the more we try to make it easier for people to get something done, the more they say it’s not enough!
Respect vs fear
We attended the Columbia Gas meeting with residents of Lawrence at Lawrence High School on Saturday, October 27th and something that caught my attention was the politeness from the audience. Every time a representative of the gas company spoke, they received applause.
It was odd because that was not a theatre and they were not bringing good news worthy of that reception.
But the big applause was for Fr. Joel Almonó of Grace Episcopal Church in Lawrence. He and other members of the clergy from the three affected towns have been meeting with Columbia Gas. Fr. Almonó and his wife Susan had participated that morning at the meeting held in North Andover. He noticed the difference in behaviors between both cities, contrasting Lawrence “politeness” with North Andover’s fiery demands.
Perhaps the difference is that most of us came from tyrannies or abusive governments where we are trained to be submissive and accept what’s given to us quietly.
In North Andover, residents know how to demand what’s rightfully theirs. It will be very difficult for Columbia Gas to replace any of the equipment in North Andover with non-energy efficient stoves, boilers, hot water heaters and clothes dryers. In Lawrence, it’s already being done.
I wrote an article last week on page 17 (October 22nd edition) explaining why they should not be accepted. When the law becomes effective, homeowners will have to replace them all on their own. I recommend you read it.
Who else was affected?
Enough has been said on a daily basis of the residents of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover who are suffering as a result of the gas explosions but there other people in our midst who are struggling just as much.
Frank McLaughlin, president of the Lawrence Teachers Union has been keeping in touch with me sharing his anguish over this tragedy. There are 140 teachers and 90 teacher aides who have been affected, some staying in hotels far away.
There’s an additional problem among the children who have been displaced and it is their discipline. These students are in need of counseling to help them cope with the present situation.
Halloween
Changing the celebration of Halloween to Sunday was a good idea. It was light outside and no commotion with gas work on the streets.
We didn’t have as many children as in the past because most homes in Mt. Vernon were dark but there were great costumes this year. Here are my two favorites:
