Almost 25 years ago Doris Haddock of Dublin discovered billions of dollars being paid to the tobacco industry. She was horrified and decided her mission in life was to shine a bright light on transactions such as this.    She walked 3,200 miles across America at age 90 to promote campaign finance reform. Since then, this kind of corruption has gained more and more notice and attention. Laws to prevent it are gradually being passed.  

Haddock , also known as “Granny D,” was born in Laconia on Jan. 24, 1910, and lived until 2010, working for her cause. Open Democracy, an organization in Concord, has been carrying on her work and is planning a big birthday luncheon at the New Hampshire State House at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 24.

Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington will deliver a proclamation from the governor honoring Haddock on her birthday, and there will be short remarks on the ongoing problem of big money in politics. Speakers include State Sen. Dan Innis, former state Sen. Jim Rubens and Dan Weeks, author of “Democracy in Poverty: A View from Below.”

We all know that real integrity is very needed in our politics and that the love of money must give way to the love of our neighbor.  This doesn't happen overnight, but we can all do our small bit.

Join us for Granny D's birthday if you can.  If you want to carpool, contact me at 603-924-3037

Carol K Wyndham

Peterborough