Reflections of a Boston Lawyer

Since November 9th, millions of Americans have viewed the election of Donald Trump as cause for mourning. But for many others, the election was also a call to action. Not everyone is cut out to protest in the streets, but there are other, more conventional actions concerned citizens can take to prepare for and respond to the anticipated trials and tribulations. Redouble charitable giving to worthy non-profits.   There are many organizations devoted to fighting hate crimes and promoting the enforcement of civil rights.  Some that come to mind are the Southern Poverty Law Center, the ACLU, and the Anti-Defamation League, but there are many more.  Since the election, many people have been giving to Planned Parenthood, which has been threatened with a loss of federal funding, and there are certainly environmental organizations and other institutions that support the poor and help the victims of violence and oppression.  Support politicians who support your values.   Two years ago, I was

Well, the Pres-elect seems to be taking a cue from my last blog post (which I'm sure he hasn't read). Today in a NY Times interview, he disavowed and condemned the alt-right.  Still not enough, but it's a start.  He also seemed to back away from some of his campaign positions, such as prosecuting Hillary and tightening up the libel laws (whatever that means).  And he seems more receptive to tackling global warming.  As some of us suspected, maybe his campaign promises weren't all reflective of any principles he holds, but were just positions he knew his supporters wanted to hear.  Is a bait and switch in process?  If so, I don't want to discourage it. Stay tuned, folks.

Like many people, I suppose, since this month's election my thoughts have raced in many directions, too quickly to capture and too many to record.  Now, less than two weeks out, I thought I would begin to publish them, so here goes. The election is over, and it's time that both sides realized it. Donald Trump is our President-Elect, like it or not, for better or worse.  I admire the passion of the protestors who oppose his presidency, and I am heartened to see millennials engage in peaceful protest the way some baby boomers did during the turbulent '60s. Still, I am concerned that some of their energies may be misdirected.  With the election past, perhaps they should focus less on protesting the man and more on protesting his policies, his words and, after he takes office, his actions.  Pre-inauguration protests against hate and prejudice and in support of women's and minority rights are worthwhile, and holding them before the new administration takes the reins of fed