TOM MENINO is getting the bum’s rush, an unceremonious push out the door on account of a newly identified case of Type 2 diabetes. The chattering classes — those who write about politics and those who just talk about it over a beer — seem almost thrilled by the mayor’s recent ailments, eagerly spinning out scenarios for his succession. Elections can’t dislodge the guy. The hope, apparently, is that illness will.
The 69-year-old Menino has suffered of late from a number of seemingly unrelated medical problems. After a month in the hospital — he’s now in rehab — his doctors linked the health issues to a newly emergent case of diabetes. With that diagnosis, the mayor joins a large crowd: About 8.3 percent of Americans — roughly 26 million. Even for older adults, the disease is far from debilitating, however, with Type 2 manageable largely through diet and exercise. Among well-known diabetics are the late Soviet strongman Nikita Khrushchev (no comparison intended, Mr. Mayor!) and lithe actress Halle Berry (definitely no comparison, Mr. Mayor), as well as folks such as artist Shepherd Fairey, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, boy band member Nick Jonas, and professional golfer Michelle McGann.
Comments
Yes Menino should be retired. He needs to start realizing that political power is not forever. If he retires he will still get the perks of office, by those who respect him, but their is more to life than that for most people.
The chatter referred to has gone on for 20 years; Bostonians are desperate for leadership, but those of sufficient caliber do not make themselves available for the job of Mayor. Attending every social event and glad handing half the voters in Boston is memorable to individuals, but only serves only to improve name recognition and creates the PR illusion that something is being done. City Hall on Wheels, for those that can't be bothered to visit City Hall, make a phone call or correspond by post, for those that lack Internet service. But then we have to view the City website to locate the vehicle, then go find the van; makes no sense. We have had a history of big projects announced, but few have ever seen the light of day, and most of those that came to fruition have done so on their own, which is as it should be. We almost had a football stadium, etc. but most of the owners and developers were not or in favor or fell out with the Mayor, or we failed to create the solutions necessary create jobs, as bank financing to fill in the Filene's hole; 1) by end of 2014 restore local schools 2) hire 300 auxiliary police, compensation less for light work 3) per study paid for by Mayor, consolidate Fire Dept., ask for BFD volunteers to retrain as Police 4) impose order in violent crime areas, as requested by 5th Suffolk House Rep... 5) invite Apple to build a factory here ... 6) make public the facts about the casino project