A Declaration of Independence
WE THE PEOPLE of East Boston -- representing neighbors who have lived here their whole lives and those who have only been here a few years; "old-timers," newborn babies, and everything in between; bankers and builders; lawyers and full-time moms; every shade of skin color and country of origin; diverse religious beliefs and none at all; wealthy, middle-class and struggling to get by; drinkers of Dunkin', Honey Dew, and Market Café; gamblers and non-gamblers; married and single; from the Heights to the Flats to Jeffries Point; Eagle Hill to Maverick -- declare, with one voice:
- independence from financially compromised, predatory corporations who want to take what we have;
- independence from additional burdens to the ones against which we already fight -- an airport, two tunnels, gas tanks, a highway, pollution;
- independence from political structures that seek corporate profits above community engagement;
- independence from flashy bribes and promises of affluence that would have us give up a lot in exchange for a little;
- independence to make our own way and choose our own destiny as a neighborhood -- a destiny fueled by hard work, small businesses, our immigrant spirit, and our shared commitment to each other;
- independence to raise our children in a safe neighborhood free from unnecessary obstacles, temptations, and false hopes;
- independence to continue building an environmentally and economically sustainable future for our children and grandchildren;
