A Letter to Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts

First off let me say that I have been a supporter of you and the Democrats in Massachusetts.

I am writing in regards to the use of the Filibuster rule by the Republican Party in the Senate. I understand that this is a procedural rule, and what it means is that 60 votes are needed to end debate so that a vote on a bill can occur.

However, if we read the constitution, it clearly states that only a simple majority is needed to pass a bill, in our current demographic that means 50 votes plus 1, that one which could be cast by the Vice President.

Its quite simply "political voodoo " to use the filibuster to continue debate indefinitely, in order to prevent a vote from happening and prevent a bill from passing. And quite frankly I believe it to be unconstitutional.

So my ultimatum to you and the rest of the democrats in the senate is to either get rid of the filibuster or literally make the senate republicans debate forever or hold an up or down vote on the bill.

If neither of these things happens, I do not see how I can continue to support our current political system and I will use my vote and support for those candidates that are serious about reform and belong to neither of the current political parties.

I clearly remember the up or down ranting of the Republican party when the Democrats wanted to use the filibuster rule to stop a vote, and I clearly remember Republicans using reconciliation to pass major bills. While our government is mired in these silly debates because of not having 60 votes to proceed to vote on a bill (effectively requiring 60 votes to pass a bill, which is against the constitution) other countries are moving ahead with their agendas, and in the long run our country will suffer for it because we will be left stagnant with our policies and not be the catalyst for change that we need to be in order to survive in our global markets.

Please look into ending the filibuster, and lets govern this country as it was intended in our constitution.

January 12th, 2010 - Thoughts and thanks for making this a great birthday!

Last night, starting at about 10pm I starting getting birthday wishes from all of my friends and family. As the night and day went by my phone kept getting all the email notifications of messages and emails coming from all of you.

Those of you that know me well, know that this year just past was probably one of the most challenging years of my life, but it was also a year of many rewards and achievements. And to have spent the day receiving messages from everyone no matter where I was made it something truly special.

I haven't really had a birthday party with cakes and balloons in the last couple of years, but this year my five year old daughter insisted I come home early, go straight to my room (and stay there) while she and my mom set up dinner, balloons, cake and gifts. She then came up and gave me permission to leave my room and "surprised" me for my birthday. It was something very small, but you don't need a grand ball of a party to know that people care about you.

Having received all the birthday wishes from all of you was the icing on the cake, I couldn't have asked for anything more this Birthday.

(( Well... maybe a thing or two more, but those will come with time ;) ))

This past Saturday I spent the day with staff and alumni from Massachusetts HOBY in Millis, and I heard a speaker there say this "The pain of regret is greater than the pain of rejection". In thinking about that, I took it a step further and interpreted it as follows:

I turned 28 today and there are still many things that I want to try in my life. I will not let the fear of failure or rejection stop me. I will live my life until the day I die. And if I can give anyone anything today, then let it be this: "Don't be afraid of what could happen if you do, instead you should be afraid of what will happen if you don't".

Life is too short, lets live it and enjoy it each and every day!