Her activities did a lot of damage, to be certain. However, I don't blame her for putting her convictions into action just because I didn't agree with them. The people who didn't bother to vote, or counter-organize, acknowledge the consequences of these tax wars, or recognize the depth of her support are also to blame for the damage done to our infrastructure and economy.

We are now seeing what power lies with citizens who speak up and work for the change they want. Just because I might consider her activities to be destructive in hindsight is moot - citizens still have power when they organize, and that is a key feature of living in a democratic republic regardless of whether your demands are for complete streets, tax cuts, changes in your city charter, etc. Her continued involvement in civic life is a reminder of that.

May she rest in peace.

Gadfly tradition

By massmarrier on Sat, 04/09/2016 - 1:51pm.

She was nasty, contentious and self-righteous. I could disagree with most of her goals and methods. Yet, as you write, she was in there and up-front. She made people think and take sides.

Thank you Howie Carr for your column yesterday..

By bulgingbuick on Mon, 04/11/2016 - 8:20am.

As you reminded us her death was about you and an immediate deviation to ad hominem, cheap personal attacks. A fitting tribute.

R.I.P. Barbara.

By anon on Sat, 04/09/2016 - 5:03pm.

R.I.P. Barbara.

RIP

By Dave on Sat, 04/09/2016 - 6:45pm.

We need more people like Barbara.

Barbara Andersen may have been a woman of her convictions, but

By mplo on Sun, 04/10/2016 - 9:46am.

the fact that she gave the Bay State Proposition 2 1/2 doesn't speak well for her. Prop. 2 1/2 did a ton of harm, in some ways. People fail to realize that when taxes get rolled back, essential services will invariably get cut, as well.

When the people in some neighborhoods heard that their police and fire protection were going to be cut, they put up a ruckus about it, and subsequently, the police and fire stations were re-opened, or so it seemed.

Anyway, RIP, Barbara.

And non-essential services.

By anon on Sun, 04/10/2016 - 6:29pm.

And non-essential services.

Anyone, anyone

By sth on Sun, 04/10/2016 - 3:13pm.

Can anyone provide a town where the property tax bills have averaged 2.5% increase over the past 10 years?

Anyone?

Any one?

Two and a half minutes of silence, please

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