Obama and beer

Seems like our President has spent some time in Dorchester, Mass. and learned the local custom for conflict resolution. Disagreeing sides should sit down together, have a beer, and chew the fat that separates them. This is an old Dorchester tradition that plays out every evening, sometimes earlier.

Henry Gates Jr. and James Crowley shouldn't have to fly to the White House to meet with President Obama. That's two plane tickets at taxpayer expense, while the President only needs one to fly into Logan. He can pick up the Silver Line to South Station, then the Red Line to JFK/UMASS. The perfect place for a summit is Tom English's Tavern, less than a quarter mile west of the station and amply equipped with Pabst on tap. There's even a pool table where the participants can unwind will discussing their differences. Should the President need a quick smoke, the back parking lot will keep him from prying eyes and cameras.

Dorchester beer is cold, crisp and clean and has been known to cool many a temper. Dorchester is a part of Boston built on talk, the kind of talk that brings people together. It will be neutral ground as Dorchesterites as a rule are without prejudice and don't seem to be taking sides on the inflammatory matter that divides these two participants in the recent kerfuffle.

I've just sent Rahm Emmanuel the address for the President's consideration.