Sunday, March 6, 2016

GOVERNOR MIKE DUKAKIS

Mike Dukakis is a local boy. Born in 1933. The Duke will be seen on a presidential special tonight. The Massachusetts Miracle of the 1980s catapulted Governor Dukakis high and dry. Twice Governor of our "Bay Colony" Mike Dukakis was no stranger to our Brookfields. He would appear from time to time at Graceland. Doc Grace and Mike were friends.


In 1993 I attended a ceremony at the State House with auctioneers. We presented Mike Dukakis with an honorary membership in the National Auctioneers Association. He said 'I do auctioneering every now and then." Mr. Dukakis was the son of a doctor. Mike's wife's name is "Kitty." Her father was band director Harry Ellis Dixon.


Mike was a unique personality. He rode to work every day on the "T".. the subway in Boston. George H.W. Bush dealt the death knell to the Duke defeating him in the 1988 Presidential Election. The governor blames himself for the loss. Dukakis rode in a Sherman tank with a combat helmet on his head coupled with the Willie Horton controversy spelled retirement for Mr. Mike Duke.


I have seen Mike Dukakis on the streets of Boston in recent years and spoke with him about Dr. Grace. The pejorative saying 'The Duke Makes Me Puke" was good for a laugh but is really bad like "Potvin Sucks" connoting the New York Islander of fame; Denis Potvin.


Be it as it may, Mike Dukakis served his state and his Country well. Tonight we shall get to see Mike Dukakis at age 82 or 83.

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