Who Knew That The Grinch Lives In Everett, MA
Only a lawyer and a politician could screw up something like this:
‘Insane’ red tape reins in lil’ Santa’s gift sleigh for Everett victims
Political red tape, and not a blown bulb in Rudolph’s red nose, has grounded a pint-sized Santa Claus’ miracle mission to deliver toys and clothing to the victims of this month’s tanker-truck catastrophe in Everett.
Mayor John F. Hanlon told the Herald that because of the massive recalls of misfit toys manufactured in China with lead paint, novelties dropped off to make the Christmases of nine displaced children a little merrier are instead quarantined at the Everett Armory.
And that’s just where the brand-new electronic and board games, trucks, blocks and crayons 10-year-old Peter-Anthony Hereu of Wellesley has collected will be dumped at the insistence of the city’s attorneys, Hanlon regrettably confirmed.
“It’s the liability,” Hanlon explained. “If you trip on ice, trip on a stair, trip on a present, we’re going to get sued. I don’t know what to do with the toys. We’re holding on to them until next year. A little kid 10 years old, I don’t want him to be disappointed.”
Neither do the fifth-grader’s parents, Peter and Judy Hereu, who yesterday threatened to load up a fleet of vehicles with toys and go looking for the needy tots themselves.
“He still believes in Santa,” his mom said. “I’m riding that until the wheels fall off.”
She called Everett’s fear of litigation “insane” considering 47 residents, burned out of their homes Dec. 5 by a rig that rolled over on Sweetser Circle and unleashed a flood of gasoline-fueled fire on a neighborhood, are hurting for the holidays.
“I can’t believe the world is like this,” she said. “This is why people are hesitant to give of their time and money. That’s what Christmas is all about: giving.” [Snip]
Even after the family scoured the donations for any hint of “Made in China,” Hanlon’s office told the Hereus thanks, but no thanks, to both toys and clothes.
When reached by the Herald yesterday, Hanlon agreed to accept new clothing. He’ll also take the toys off their hands, but reiterated they’ll meet an unknown fate at the armory. The Hereus want the toys to go straight to the families.
Peter-Anthony’s father said he has only told his son they are waiting on an address to make the delivery.
“I want him to take away from this that one person can make a difference,” the proud papa said. “And he did make a difference.”
Do the right thing Everett and distribute the toys. Otherwise you’ll be forever remembered as the Grinch who stole Christmas
December 24, 2007 at 1:11 pm | Trackback
6 comments
Mayor John F. Hanlon needs a special present. A January 2nd recall followed by the unceremonious tossing out of office.
These individuals are so brain shriven, the only potential lot in life is to be a politician. Put him down; he’s probably rabid too.
“Liability” is today’s justification for the spinelessness. Every age has one of more excuses for avoiding responsibility…race, class, religion, law, the state; the ingenuity of evaders is limitless.
The Feds recently allowed or encouraged the Post Office to refuse Toys For Tots, in one of the most boneheaded escapades of this century. The PO is doomed, they’re forging their own coffin nails.
Hanlon is just another gutless non-entitity cut out for nothing more difficult than a mayor’s job.
Mayor Hanlon is so concerned over legal troubles…. but we never hear about the Marines having problems, in their annual Toys for Tots drive.
This is just utterly ridiculous
Apparently, the Salvation Army isn’t so timid as Mayor Hanlon. They are going to make the donation happen.
Hanlon is obviously a moron. No, that’s not fair to the morons.
May I be a touch cynical…..
No lawyer is going to take a case at Christmas involving the potential of a charity having to pay out or to take on the US Marines who are of course heavily committed to action in various parts of the world. It would be professional suicide to attack those two organisations!
But, and here’s the but, it strikes me that should anything happen to a child through the use of those presents, after legal advice urging that they should not be distributed, well that leaves the Mayor and the local taxpayers footing a potentially huge bill!
After all, suing local government, is in the eyes of some at least, perfectly acceptable as it is a ‘free ride to a payout’ with little risk!
After the holidays had finished and the Christmas goodwill had dispersed, I’m willing to bet, that if the local government did have to take a hit, there would be a significant minority asking the question ‘why was legal advice ignored’.
I agree it’s terrible that the toys won’t go out and I agree all to often that ‘liability’ and ‘health & safety concerns’ seem to be excuses for doing nothing.
I think, respectfully, that criticising the Mayor for choosing the course of action, for the moment at least, that he has selected is a little harsh as given the proclivity of some to resort to legal action, it strikes me that he was left with little choice.
Good points, Andy. But Hanlon had a choice. To act like he had a pair of b*lls. Everything elected official does.