Quick hits ...
Hub Blog saw the silly reference to 'potential economic benefits' in this story on repeal of the state's 1913 marriage act and thought, 'Oh, c'mon.' Then I read this editorial about the alleged economic befenfits and thought, 'Oh, now I see.' ... Think lawmakers will now be falling all over themselves to promote real economic development by reforming the workers compensation and unemployment insurance systems? Don't count on it. ... Nothing against gay marriage. But gay marriage is not about economic benefits. ... Joan nails it on Albert Arroyo: 'He is the sorry poster child for a public sector that too often shows contempt for the public that underwrites it.' Coming from a different angle, Howie also nails it. ... Oh, look. State revenue came in last year $1 billion above projections. But they're still 'warning' us that it's not enough. It's never enough. That's the problem. ... The Massachusetts Municipal Association is warning that there will be ‘widespread devastation’ if the 'dumb' income-tax ballot question is passed this fall. But hasn't Sal already said he'll ignore the vote if it's passed? So where's the risk? For lawmakers who will inevitably move to overturn it, that's where. The attraction of the 'dumb' idea is that we'll get the names of lawmakers who overturn it without implementing common-sense reforms. If they hold a quickie roll-call vote, they'll still anger a lot of people. ...

Update -- Quriltai has a great post on the frustrations with Republicans, Democrats, the Big Dig culture in general and the desire by many to 'send a message' via the 'dumb' repeal-the-income-tax referendum:

Had we a political movement in this state that could effectively keep an eye on Democrats, and truly call the Diane Wilkersons and Joe DeNuccis to account for their lassitude and poor judgment, this wouldn't be necessary. However, I think that many, many people feel the only effective way to send a message to the leadership of the Commonwealth will not be by voting for a Republican, but by voting to kill the income tax. If 50% + 1 feel that way, we're screwed.

As I've said before, the only thing dumber than the 'dumb' idea is not to change policies that anger people to the point where they'll willingly vote for what they know is a dumb idea. But lawmakers have left them no choice. They've refused to act. ... BTW: This latest Big Dig report just adds to the frustration. ...

Update II -- Here's a look at the Celts' newest backup center, Patrick O'Bryant. Don Nelson just rips into him. ...  ¶ 7:47 AM