Initial discussion was framed around the news of Qaddafi’s death and its brutal circumstances, and who might have been involved.

We talked about Herman Cain’s emergence as a viable candidate in the race for the Republican nomination. Nobody was impressed by his regressive 9-9-9 tax plan. Somebody mentioned Jon Hunstman’s quip about the plan, which he said sounds remarkably similar to a pizza-chain deal.

We talked about Sarah Palin, the fact that she decided not to run and the verbiage of her request for funding through her PAC. Some members noted that Stephen Colbert’s critique of the PAC provided refreshing insights on how money was moved from contributors to candidates, even those who had not yet decided to run for
office.

We talked about the Occupy Wall Street movement and how it has picked up steam lately. Citizens’ frustrations in the aftermath of the collapse of the housing market were also discussed in this context.

We talked about Elizabeth Warner and the success she has had in explaining the value of a public good (roads, schools, first responders, etc.) and the obligation of all taxpayers to contribute to them. Her position has been gaining traction with many voters in Massachusetts.