The Declaration of Independence
In Congress, July 4, 1776:
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America.

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Seriously?

June 17, 2026 – The Cambridge License Commission is considering new rules that would seem to suggest that Massachusetts’ Puritan roots are still alive and well - at least in Cambridge. Specifically, they have a working proposal that would (a) prohibit serving any alcoholic beverage within 30 minutes of a prior drink, (b) prohibit any alcoholic beverage from being served 20 minutes before closing time, and (c) require that all drinks must be consumed 15 minutes after closing time. License holders are questioning not only the rationale behind these restrictions but also the practicality of enforcing such rules - suggesting that they would need to serve a timer with every drink. [June 16 article on boston.com]

It is curious, to say the least, that these new rules are being discussed simultaneous with a recent relaxation of rules permitting “Seasonal Sale of Alcohol-to-Go, Public Consumption Districts, and Extended Hours to Support Local Businesses” that went into effect June 12 and which will remain until July 31 - presumably tied to the games of the World Cup.

The sidewalk patios operated by Central Square restaurants have become an integral part of the whole Central Square experience. Placing time limits on discussion may currently be in vogue at the Cambridge City Council, but the last thing we need are time clocks for patrons at bars and restaurants. The simple rule that clearly intoxicated people should not be served seems more than adequate for addressing any real or perceived problem of excess consumption.

Perhaps the greatest irony is the fact that the odor of marijuana permeates places like Central Square all day and all night with people toking away in full public view and often in direct view of police officers, and that doesn’t even include the edibles. Perhaps timers should be installed at the #1 Bus Stop limiting the rate of consumption by the alcoholics encamped there all day.

The License Commission consists of three people: the Executive Director (Nicole Murati Ferrer), the Acting Police Commissioner (Pauline Wells), and the Acting Fire Commissioner (Tim Cahill).

Comments may be submitted to license@cambridgema.gov.

Sydney James Cox, Sr.

Sydney James Cox, Sr., 73, of Methuen, MA, passed away on June 13, 2026, one day before his 74th birthday, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 14, 1952, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Sydney was a graduate of Rindge Technical School, Class of 1972, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and was later inducted into the Rindge Hall of Fame. He went on to dedicate 50 years of his life – from 1972 until his retirement – to the City of Cambridge, where he managed the city’s vehicle fleet and maintenance division. Along with his dedication to his role, he worked through countless nights, snowstorms, and emergencies to help keep the city running. In recognition of his five decades of dedicated service, a city building was named in his honor upon his retirement.

A true master of all trades, Sydney was a vintage car enthusiast known for his ability to rebuild classic cars from the ground up. He attended many car shows with his classic cars and was a proud member of local car clubs. He loved camping with his family and always cherished gathering with his loved ones for holidays, birthdays, and every celebration in between. Whether he was tinkering with one of his cars or working around the yard, Sydney was always willing to share his vast knowledge with anyone – generous, always smiling, and always ready to stop and talk. Known affectionately as “Jimmy,” “Dad,” “PA,” “Grand Pa,” and “Syd,” he was a husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend to many.

Sydney was the beloved husband of Debra (Stewart) Cox, his loving wife of more than 50 years.

He was the devoted father of Stacey Ralphs and her husband, Frank, of Mesa, AZ; Kim (Cox) Sarro of Methuen, MA; Sydney Cox, Jr. and his wife, Jodi (Bertrand), of Methuen, MA; and Jacqueline “Jackie” (Cox) Morey and her husband, William, of Methuen, MA.

He was the cherished grandfather of 11: Matthew Perry, whom he proudly helped raise; Jenna Lee Michel; Michelle Galibois-Cardin; Samantha Ralphs; Kaitlenne Sarro; Andrew Cox; Aimee Cox; Aryanna Morey; Konner Morey; Braeyden Morey; and Lukas Morey. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Gabriel Michel and Genesis Michel.

He is also remembered fondly by his close, longtime friends, Eugene Walsh of Methuen, MA; Jimmy Waldron of Pelham, NH; and Robert Genesse.

He will also be missed by his beloved dog, Penny.

Sydney was predeceased by his parents, Sydney W. Cox and Geraldina (Lopes) Cox, and by his sisters, Bernice “Bunny,” Theresa, Loretta, and Sylvia.

Visitation will be held Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00pm at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen, MA 01844. A funeral service will be held Monday, June 22, 2026, at 10:00am in the chapel at Cataudella Funeral Home. A funeral procession will form at 12:00 noon at the Sydney J. Cox Maintenance Facility, 147 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, with burial to follow at Cambridge Cemetery, 76 Coolidge Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138. [obituary]

Cambridge Seeking Community Members for New Commission Vacancies

Vacancies are available for the American Freedmen Commission, Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, Cambridge Climate Committee, Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board, Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, LGBTQ+ Commission, Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, and the Public Planting Committee

May 20, 2026 – Serving on a City of Cambridge board, commission or committee can be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to contribute to our community. Members have the opportunity to participate in the City’s decision-making process for a variety of important matters.

The City of Cambridge is currently seeking to fill vacancies on the American Freedmen Commission, Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, Cambridge Climate Committee, Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board, Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Public Planting Committee. The deadline to apply for each vacancy is June 1 or June 22 (see below).

Apply today at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. If you have questions about the application process or need assistance, please contact the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or boardsandcommissions@cambridgema.gov.

Below is more detailed information on each of the current vacancies:

American Freedmen Commission (Application Deadline: June 22)
The American Freedmen Commission explores historic and ongoing harms to the Cantabrigian descendants of enslaved people and determine appropriate reparations.

The Commission works together to investigate and report on any historical, systemic, and/or ongoing harms done to American Freedmen by the Federal, Massachusetts, and/or Cambridge governments. They also make recommendations to the City Manager and leadership concerning implementing sustainable solutions for transitional justice and prompt reparations for Cambridge Resident American Freedmen.

While experience is not a requirement, a commitment to the commission’s mission and to the principles of antiracism, equity, inclusion, autonomy, and dignity is required. Knowledge and understanding of American Freedmen history, the history and legacy of American Chattel slavery, and Reconstruction Experience, as well as community outreach and engagement, consensus building, and problem-solving, are preferred.

Regular meetings are held monthly. If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Deidre Brown at dbrown@cambridgema.gov.

Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission &
Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission &
Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission (Application Deadline: June 22)
Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCDs) were established by City ordinance in 1983. Conservation district designation recognizes a distinctive physical environment that reflects the architectural, cultural, political, economic, or social history of the City. NCDs foster wider public knowledge and appreciation of such neighborhoods. Designation encourages the conservation and maintenance of these areas, so that the City may be a more attractive and desirable place in which to live and work.

Each NCD commission includes seven members and three alternates. Appointments to these Commissions are made by the City Manager, with regard for a diversity of viewpoints and experience. Most members must reside in the respective district; renters, property owners and business operators are encouraged to apply.

The volunteer commissions meet monthly and are supported by the professional staff of the Cambridge Historical Commission. Applicants should have knowledge and concern for improvement, conservation, and enhancement of the district. The composition of each Commission shall represent the diversity of the designated neighborhood in terms of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and property ownership or tenancy.

More information and maps for the Neighborhood Conservation Districts are available through the following links:

Avon Hill NCD: Cambridgema.gov/avonhillncd
Half Crown-Marsh NCD: Cambridgema.gov/halfcrownmarshncd
Mid Cambridge NCD: Cambridgema.gov/midcambridgencd

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Sarah Burks at sburks@cambridgema.gov.

Climate Committee (Application Deadline: June 22)
The Cambridge Climate Committee is an advisory group of community members who work together to provide feedback to the City on strategies and goals related to climate change, advocate for community needs, and share City climate programs with their communities.

The committee is made up of volunteers who live or work in Cambridge. Members come from across the community and bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the table. They typically serve two-year terms and usually meet the second Thursday of the month at 6pm.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Stephen Early at searly@cambridgema.gov.

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board (Application Deadline: June 1)
The Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) Advisory Board works to increase access to all aspects of Cambridge community life for people with disabilities. The Commission raises awareness about disability issues and promotes equal opportunities for people with a range of abilities, including physical, mental, and sensory. CCPD also provides information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance to individuals and their families, employers, public agencies, businesses and private non-profit organizations. CCPD Advisory Board members work with other board members and office staff to carry out the CCPD Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.96).

The CCPD Advisory Board, which has 11 volunteer members who serve for three-year terms, currently meets virtually on the second Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Members must attend monthly meetings and also take part in Working Groups and work on projects as needed.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact CCPD@cambridgema.gov, call 617-349-4692 (voice), or 711 (relay).

LGBTQ+ Commission (Application Deadline: June 22)
The LGBTQ+ Commission was established under Chapter 2.125 of the Cambridge Municipal Code. The function of the Commission is to advocate for a culture of respect and monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Commission also works to promote policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare, and safety of all persons who live, visit, or work in the City, with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Commissioners are expected to be knowledgeable about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and must live or work in Cambridge.

The Commission consists of up to 20 appointed members, who serve three-year terms. Meetings are typically held on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6pm. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings, as well as participate and volunteer for outreach and other community events.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Shameka Gregory at sgregory@cambridgema.gov or call (617) 349-3355.

Public Planting Committee (Application Deadline: June 1)
This Committee is charged with the responsibility of promoting and improving the quality and diversity of plantings throughout all areas of Cambridge. This includes reviewing planting plans for new public work in the City, advising the City on effective maintenance of public plantings, supporting the role of the Urban Forestry Division of the Cambridge Public Works Department, and encouraging interest in public plantings in all neighborhoods.The term length is two years. The Committee holds a hybrid meeting where members and the public have the option to either attend in- person or virtually on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7pm. Candidates should be Cambridge residents who ideally have an interest in urban forestry and landscape issues and experience in horticulture.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact David Lefcourt at dlefcourt@cambridgema.gov.

All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Members should be Cambridge residents representing different disabilities, diverse cultures and races, and all areas of Cambridge.

Gunman fires ‘erratically’ on Cambridge’s Memorial Drive, striking two drivers, officials say; state trooper and civilian shot, injured suspect (Boston Globe, May 11, 2026) [PDF for those w/o subscription - because it’s just too important not to provide it]