“I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

The events of the past week and months made me think of this. That line used to be said and heard often, but not enough times in the last 10+ years. It was attributed to Voltaire but is actually a paraphrase of his view on free speech. Our government leaders and the media have divided this country, have us more against each other than supporting each other, and continue to do so.

America has become more divided than I’ve ever witnessed in my lifetime. The leaders of both parties and what should be an impartial media have an equal share of blame for the polarization of America. Long gone are the days where Republican Ronald Regan and Democrat Tip O’Neil could disagree on so many issues, yet still have a beer together and share a few laughs.

We have seen the rancor of this president get worse in his 2^nd term. Americans, regardless of party, who weren’t enamored with him knew the narcissistic, wannabe king that was being elected and yet some still seem surprised at his responses when people criticize him.

He embodies the “Payback’s a Bitch” mentality. He told everyone that he was going to get those people.  Like the Democrats who weaponized the FBI with phony Russia collusion and other ridiculous lawsuits and impeachment tries, Trump has weaponized the FCC and the people who run the networks who care more about the $$$ than ANYTHING ELSE, ESPECIALLY “free speech,” have capitulated to his demands in order to save their profits. Independent fair media on the national level has been rotting away for years and has now sold out for the money.

They have and will continue to remove those who dare speak against Trump because they want their mergers and acquisitions and don’t want their license to broadcast threatened.

You hear a lot about the 1st Amendment, which in summary says: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

The FCC’s own policies state clearly: The Public and Broadcasting | Federal Communications Commission

Criticism, Ridicule, and Humor Concerning Individuals, Groups, and Institutions. “The First Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of speech similarly protects programming that stereotypes or may otherwise offend people with regard to their religion, race, national background, gender, or other characteristics.  It also protects broadcasts that criticize, or ridicule established customs and institutions, including the government and its officials. The Commission recognizes that, under our Constitution, people must be free to say things that the majority may abhor, not only what most people may find tolerable or congenial.  However, if you are offended by a station’s programming, we urge you to make your concerns known in writing to the station licensee.”

Yes, it’s true, the Government isn’t firing Colbert or Kimmel or columnists. It’s the corporations. But the government, led by Trump and his FCC Chair, are threatening their mergers and acquisitions that they value more than the notion of independent media.

BOTH parties and media corporations are responsible for the lack of civility and the divide in America.

Teddy Kennedy killed a woman, Clinton left his mark on Monica, Hillary’s email and Bidens deal with his son and pardons were overlooked by the Democrats. Dick Cheney and his One Percent Doctrine, his Enron connections and “accidental” shooting of a friend etc., were shrugged off by Republicans. Both parties and the press hammered some more than others, based on their political bent.

Trump is a bully who his fellow Republicans fear, so they don’t challenge him.

BOTH parties need to find a middle ground and some young leaders who can repair the damage done by the elders and their followers, and get government back to being FOR THE PEOPLE!

Most eligible voters are unenrolled and in fact are a larger group than either party. As of August 2025, 189.5 million Americans are registered to vote. That’s almost eight in 10 Americans who are 18 or older. Only Forty-five percent of registered voters declared a party affiliation on their registration. (How many Democrats and Republicans are in each state? | USAFacts) We need a 3^rd party for the people, a candidate to force a change in the way this country is governed and media needs to be more unbiased and fair than politically affiliated.

WHERE’S RODNEY? In an article in Friday’s SUN titled “State reps. wrote letter supporting Arthur T. ahead of failed Market Basket mediation,” a few people reached out to point out that Rep. Elliott’s name was missing from that list.

I reached out to Rep. Elliott who explained that “I was on vacation Labor Day weekend until Tuesday night and did not have an opportunity to sign onto the letter from the delegation (there was only a 5 hour notice.) I would have signed on that letter.”

Everyone is entitled to be away and on vacation. Especially those of us who have grandkids and get the time to spend with them. I believe him and hope others will also. In addition he wrote a letter to the Editor which he also supplied for me to share. (Letter from Representative Elliot published in its entirety below)

School Committee Review of Supt. Skinner: I watched and then read the performance review by the Lowell School Committee. Every time I read a Superintendent’s Review, I think of my late radio buddy Tommy Burns who used to say that as soon as they are sworn in, the School Committee members think they are Horace Mann (American educational reformer, arguing that universal public education was the best way to provide a quality education for all of America’s children).

The Superintendent scored an overall 2.5 out of 5. Right in the middle. Playing the role of the Russian Judge and giving the lowest score ironically enough, was Eileen Del Rossi, who should be the last member passing judgement on anyone considering her present situation. She skipped attending the meeting.

Overall, I thought both the committee and the Superintendent conducted themselves very well at the meeting in discussing the review. The Superintendent requested and received answers from committee members on certain statements they made about him.

I thought some of Dominic’s comments and rankings were off the mark (Joel Boyd isn’t around assisting him in crafting motions anymore), especially his comment on page 3 about Superintendent Skinner being more of a leader and not relying on subordinates to lead him in certain directions. Hello, did you block out Joel Boyd and his leaning on Latifa and Jim Hall constantly? Dom’s comment about Superintendent Skinner needing to invest in understanding different cultures we have in our schools? I see him as someone who came from the rank and file, including being Principal at a very diverse school, and being very understanding and respectful of all cultures.

I do think Dave Conway has a valid point questioning the lack of consistency between houses at the High School. This issue has gone on for a long time, especially in discipline, where records show one house and house “Principal” suspends certain students much more than any other house. That needs to be addressed ASAP

Mayor Rourke was correct, comments about rodents, elevators, copiers etc. don’t belong in an evaluation. Yes, the bottom line is he’s technically responsible, but SC members need to look more at student achievement, which if their comments are correct, needs improvement in EVERY grade.

(Letter reference above, from 16th Middlesex Representative Rodney Elliot)

There isn’t a single person in the Greater Lowell area without a connection to Market Basket. Everyone has shopped there. Most likely you have had a family member work there or maybe it was you. 

Market Basket’s slogan “More for Your Dollar” reflects the culture that Arthur T. Demoulas continues that was started by his late father Telemachus Demoulas. Through Artie T’s leadership and dedication, he has protected employees, provided economic opportunity to our region, and staved off big chain conglomerates from taking over – which  we all know leads to job losses, drives prices higher to serve shareholders interests rather than consumers.

I have heard concerns from many constituents regarding the uncertainty of how Market Basket will operate going forward. We are fortunate the first store was opened in Lowell and grew from there. The quality standard of the products offered at the lowest possible price cannot be matched anywhere. Those prices come from years of relationship building with suppliers by Artie T.  Those low prices are how many people can stretch their budget and feed their families. It’s a legitimate concern for many. 

Market Basket has employed more teens than any company in the area and I singularly credit Arthur T. Demoulas. He alone felt the weight of maintaining the legacy of his father. He alone remains a member of our community. He alone worked alongside thousands of associates every single day. He alone was the face, heart, and soul of Market Basket. 

On a personal note, I had the pleasure of coaching Artie’s daughters in the Lowell Youth Soccer League for many years. Artie and his wife Maureen could have put their children in any premier league in the area as they were very talented players. But they chose to have their children play in Lowell with our kids.

All the qualities we try to impart in our children, work hard, be helpful, have a positive impact on your community, Artie embodies. It is astonishing how Artie T. has been treated, and it feels personal to those who work alongside him and those of us lucky enough to have called him a friend. 

I strongly support the letter to the Board by my colleagues in the House of Representatives. The decision made by the Board is wrong on so many accounts and we all sense this injustice.

I would ask the Board to reconsider this decision and do what is in the best interests of Market Basket and every community where a store is located.  Please put people before profits and let Artie T continue the legacy that his father and grandfather started right here in Lowell, MA over 100 years ago.

Rodney Elliott
State Representative
16th Middlesex District