Councilor Turner wants to be able to discuss anything at city-council meetings, including the plight of Palestinians, the war in Iraq and domestic wiretapping by the NSA. Council President Flaherty uses the august majesty of his position to block him. Kevin Rothstein proposes a compromise:

... [C]reate a new committee dedicated solely to non-Boston issues. Make Turner the chair.

The committee can hold hearings that last for hours on end. Every peace activist in Greater Boston can testify. Resolutions, demands and proclamations can be passed in committee, then voted on in the full council meeting, where discussion would be limited to 5 minutes. ...