Politics Redux: Barney Frank Speaks

Congressman Barney Frank made a lot of news this week. He has been a human talking point on all things economy, bailout and healthcare.

According to Barney:

• AIG owes us money.


• Executives must be good at their jobs to get paid like they are good at their jobs.


• Something called the "uptick rule" is good and we need it.


• He prefers single payer health care.


• Bank of America must name names of million-dollar bonus recipients.

While national political news usually unfolds in Washington, D.C. or New York, an event that could affect the country emanated from the Hub last week. Judges who sit on the Supreme Court rarely make news unless a big case is decided or a justice has an illness. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's comment on Friday at the New England Law School that an opening in the court may happen soon was a significant break from that tradition. Ginsburg, 76, has been battling cancer recently, which makes the media think she meant herself. Additionally, as Justice John Paul Stevens is 88, President Obama may need to make a couple of Court appointments during his term(s?). No jokes about a potential Justice Patrick, please.

Oh, and, if you missed it, the political elite of Massachusetts got together Sunday morning to make stupid jokes. Deval Patrick tried to sing, Senate President Therese Murray displayed a total lack of timing, mayoral candidate/city councilor Sam Yoon would have been funny if he'd been more concise, and Boston city Councilor Bill Linehan exists and can sign Irish songs well.

Flickr sketch/photo by Susan Giannantonio.