Jake White writes a Letter to the Editor

Boston Globe

A far cry from democracy in the Bay State

October 2, 2008

I APPLAUD the editorial page for its concerns regarding South African democracy (“After Mbeki,” Sept. 23). I only wish you held those concerns for our dear Massachusetts.

In South Africa the African National Congress controls 70 percent of the National Assembly and the presidency, while in Massachusetts the Democrats hold 87 percent of the General Court and the governorship. You note that in South Africa, “a virtual one-party state has allowed ANC leaders in power to become less and less accountable to the populace.”

But so too in Massachusetts. Disgraced state Senator James Marzilli is still receiving a paycheck. Middlesex Register of Probate John Buonomo took the primary despite having already resigned under corruption charges.

You are outraged by the lack of accountability in far-off Africa while too comfortable with the entrenched Democratic power structure here in Massachusetts. Where is the editorial outrage for Massachusetts? Or will you never bite the hand that feeds you?

JAKE WHITE
Watertown

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