READING BETWEEN THE LINES - South Boston Tribune

Reading Between The Lines

Brian R. Mahoney

“Cops, Candidates And Cleanup”

Perhaps there is doubt that he is the person who stabbed an 84-year-old woman in order to steal her purse, the charge for which he was being interrogated. Is there any doubt who fired the shot, “Suspect” or detective, that killed the detective in the locked interrogation room? Can there be any doubt who used that same gun to shoot out a reinforced, third-floor window in order to escape?

Do you have any doubt that this vicious animal who, in about three hour’s time, had stabbed and robbed, shot and killed, jumped 60 feet and had run three blocks before capture, was determined to escape at any cost? If you still have doubts, bear in mind, that “Hanabal Lector” face mask he was wearing in court was not a medical aid; it was a “Spit” shield! A snarling, spitting, murderous animal was what we saw in court and it’s a shame time and money will be wasted on this garbage.

Congratulations to the new Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. Right away, of course, he’s being picked apart because some say he’s a traditionalist. Like John Paul II wasn’t? John Paul’s entire tenure was about reinforcing the eternal truths of Jesus’ teachings. Here’s a new’s flash; the Catholic Church is not the NBA! They’re not going to add a religious “Three-Point Shot” to jazz things up to increase attendance. Like any religion, Catholicism is founded on the basics contained in the Ten Commandments. You know, like don’t rob, kill, steal, swear, lie, fool around. These truths are not going to change. Those looking for some type of “Modernization or Liberalization” of Church doctrine can keep looking. This or any other Catholic Pope is not going to depart from those basic truths: no matter how whacked out American or Western European culture becomes.

I can’t believe some people are still moaning about the upcoming implementation of resident parking. Tom Tinlin and the Transportation Department deserve credit for being so flexible in working out the best hours for everyone. Six at night to ten the following day gives both those who work 9-5 or the graveyard shift an equal chance to get a parking spot before we’re overwhelmed with the daily out-of-town parkers. It also provides an outlet for South Boston workers and businesses to allow employees to park. This cry from a small, selfish minority is getting old. People had ten years to make their wishes known. If they had gotten involved and shown up at a meeting, maybe they wouldn’t be crying now. The time for talking is over. Resident parking is here. Get over it.

On issues where you can still make a difference, the future development of the old Labouré Center at “E” and Fourth Streets will be discussed in a public meeting at the Condon School on May 4th at 6:30. Those interested, particularly residents of West Fourth Street and “E” Street, should make every effort to attend.

The Little League will be playing tonight at Moakley and “M” Street Parks beginning at 5:30. Due to last weekend’s rain, opening day had to be postponed. Anyone interested in umpiring can still give your name to any coach. Also, the Minor League will begin at 4:30 on May 2nd at Viens’ Field at Moakley Park.

Finally, the political races are shaping up. Opposing Mayor Menino will be City Councilor, Maura Hennigan and former Councilor, Gareth Saunders. If you’ve followed any of the development hearings at City Hall over the last six years, you probably don’t have to be told that there wasn’t a bigger advocate for community involvement in development than Maura Hennigan.

Former Councilor, Saunders was a member of the City Council when the hearings to decide if the Convention Center would be built were held. As a Councilor, he supported the Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) including a preference for South Boston residents for affordable housing.

In the City Council at Large, candidate, Mike Connolly, won a few points after he accepted an invitation to return to a house party after the parade. We tried to get him to sing, but as he was only drinking water, he declined.

Sam Yoon, who is Korean-American, sure seemed like an Irish politician. He shook every hand, kissed every baby and made a good impression on everyone I was standing with.

Hometown son and longtime friend, Eddie Flynn, just announced his candidacy. Even without his political pedigree, Eddie is an impressive candidate. A member of the Naval Reserve just released from active duty, he’s already returned to his coaching duties at Little League and jumped right back into his steady involvement in community affairs and neighborhood meetings. So, we’ll all be getting a good look at some fresh faces with fresh ideas over the summer. It can’t hurt!

Finally, Joe Rull, of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, will be heading up the spring cleaning of our streets. Volunteers should meet at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, May 7th at Foster’s Park at the intersection of “F” Street and Athens Street.

Take care till next week.
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