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THE RAPE OF DEMOCRATIC REPUBLICANISM IN PITTSFIELD, or, A PRIMER IN POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY FOR THE USED AND ABUSED

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By DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015) — Allow THE PLANET to play philosopher and political scientist, a morphed character revived from the 19th century who still can hold court today.

Democracy, so the introduction to old TV show The Defenders goes, is a bad form of government, but all the others are so much worse. Fact is, all forms of governance share two co-abiding dualities. They are (pick one) all equally effective and ineffective, equally beneficial and detrimental, equally “good” and “evil.”

Let us explain the apparent contradiction. In theory, democracy, republicanism, monarchy, dictatorship, authoritarianism, patriarchy, matriarchy, theocracy, oligarchy, and technocracy all work to perfection. Hobbes built his Leviathan utopia on absolute power concentrated in the hands of one man. Jefferson and the Founding Fathers wanted power dispersed to the people but into the hands of their representatives. The Greeks wanted pure democracy: one man one vote. Marx wanted a classless society built on economic egalitarianism. In theory, each of these radically different systems for devising a ‘social contract” work flawlessly.

Ah, but humans live in “the real world,” a physical space articulated by fleeting time. There’s the rub. Our species is, to be kind, yet a work in progress. In practice, the merits of theories of government must fend for traction. And what do we see, in practice, with each system of government ever devised? They all get “done in” by the one irrational human quality that proves 100% fatal. THE PLANET speaks of greed in its many forms: avarice, competitiveness, acquisitiveness, covetousness, rapacity, and materialism. No system of governance has ever been able to cure the human heart of this leaning.

The Doom of the Species

Greed has been the doom of this sorry species called humanity since civilization’s first spear of light penetrated the prehistoric heart.

We say this as the long introduction to the aftermath of the city council’s vote on building a new Taconic High School. The issue was never about education, only about politics. One common theme in this entire episode has been an illustration of the extent to which representative democracy, a perfect theory in the abstract, has been so thoroughly been destroyed in Pittsfield and in practice by the special-interest lobby we call The Suits.

When we mention this small and elite patrician class, most everyone knows what and who we mean, except the innocent, the ignorant or, more likely, those who cannot admit the truth because of their own compromised state. For example on Facebook, Howard Herman, the hackneyed sports scribe of The Boring Broadsheet, responded to our reference of The Suits with a crack about them being a new punk band. As humor, it was faintly funny in a paint-by-the-numbers way. As revelation, however, it exquisitely illustrated the power dynamic just referenced.

Herman is not innocent nor is he ignorant. He is, however, advanced in age for the workforce and without options for employment elsewhere, particularly in journalism (or what passes for it). He thus has no choice but to “toe the line” and play the game. For someone in his sad position, “playing ball” is the “smart” thing — a morally weak choice that would make a questionable compromise into a pragmatic understanding.

Works for some. It would never work at this address. THE PLANET has the fortitude and independence to admit that a silk purse and a sow’s ear are two entirely different objects. Those who have been compromised by The Suits (such as BB scribes and city councilors) must pretend they are one and the same. How lamentable.

With Nostradamian Accuracy, PLANET Predicts The Final Score

For this reason, BB writers and 11 councilors “had” to approve of new school. That’s also why THE PLANET was able to predict with Nostradamian accuracy the exact nature of this Done Deal. We called it from the start, playing our best Devil’s Advocate knowing the shutout pitched at the council meeting Tuesday night was long ago foreordained.

Perhaps the great and venerable Chuck Vincelette identified the nature of the vote the best, when he posted this on THE PLANET yesterday:

As most people know I do not support the replacement of Taconic High School and have expressed my opinion to Councilor Connell and others. However I understand why they voted to proceed with the project.
I believe the majority of taxpayers would be opposed to the project if a vote were taken. Paradoxically the majority of voters would favor the project. So you need to perform the calculus, if you want to be re-elected you vote yes!

Eleven councilors performed that electoral calculus, and not one dared to show some spine. At least The Man From Mensa had the stones to resign from the farce early on, a heroic stance as events determined. All 11 councilors caved. Even those not up for re-election know they have 8 more months in office, and if they bucked The Suits on this one, life would get a lot more troublesome.

‘Winners’ and ‘Losers’ … So Called

To the “winners” we offer congratulations. Let whatever cost overruns run. Let whatever kickbacks begin kicking. Greed has in this past generation destroyed representative democracy in Pittsfield, and the helpless prisoners of political office — the mayor, the school superintendent, the council, the school committee, the SBNC, and the slaves toiling in the mainstream media — deserve our pity for being used so callously by their big-shot bosses.

To the “losers,” you have three options: (1) Accept defeat and move on … or out; (2) File a challenge with the appropriate state office as to the legal standing of the vote; or (3) begin a challenge based on the powers given to citizens in the charter.

As for THE PLANET, the bees are humming in Essex. Let those with ears hear.

——————————————————————————-

“Hey hey mama said the way you move gonna make you sweat gonna make you groove.”Led Zeppelin, “Black Dog,” from Led Zeppelin IV, (1973).

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

 

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Fat Cats
Fat Cats
8 years ago

I agree that greed and selfishness plays a large part in Pittsfield politics. Graft, kickbacks and perks are part of politics everywhere but in Pittsfield it seems like they do not know when to pull back. They seem to have no concern whatsoever about the people around them and appear headed to cut off the hand that feeds them.

Stick a fork in it
Stick a fork in it
8 years ago

Those who orchestrated the main event sit in celebratory splendor, salivating over the big payoff. Life to them is measured out in 70 or 80 years. Amass the greatest amount of wealth possible in the time you have here on earth is their guiding principle.

The elderly taxpayers on a fixed income and those truly struggling to pay their mortgage is of no concern to these greedy elites.

The scheme, hatched in dirty backroom deals, the graft, the kickbacks, denying the people a vote on spending over $200 million USD of their money and all the stooges, pawns, who helped execute this legal larceny…..show the character of the corrupt suits who have overtaken Pittsfield politics.

The cleanup of the toxic pcbs was never even mentioned in their celebration but shall soon take center stage when these costs get added into your tax bills.

“Early in the morning
I’m a giving you the warning
Don’t you step on my blue suede shoes
Hey little little
Gonna play my fiddle
Ain’t got nothing to lose
Roll over Beethoven
And tell Kapanski the news”

spagirl
spagirl
8 years ago

Taxpayers should withhold taxes (escrow) and demand …a right to a voice.

Dio
Dio
Reply to  spagirl
8 years ago

Spagirl, can you please let us know when you have withheld your taxes? If you do it, others will surely follow.

Ed Check
Ed Check
Reply to  spagirl
8 years ago

Unless you are underwater on your house/mortgage, and planning to bootscoot out of Pittsfield, not a very good idea. I am sure the interest and fees will continue to accrue, and you will be in a tax lein situation. Probably better to appeal (abatement) prior to Feb 1 based on valuation. If you look at recent sales on sites like Zillow, you too are probably aware that your actual home value has dropped between 15-25% over the last few years. Valuations and properties can also be checked online through Pittsfield Assessors Office.

Magic
Magic
Reply to  spagirl
8 years ago

Spagirl do you own property in Pittsfield

spagirl
spagirl
Reply to  Magic
8 years ago

Yes I am a homeowner.

Billy Zorn
Billy Zorn
Reply to  spagirl
8 years ago

Not a bad idea. As an alternative, how would one go about getting a re-evaluation?

Another tax that’s screwing us all is the auto excise.

Pat
Pat
8 years ago

Greedy describes perfectly everyone associated with the Pittsfield Public School system and the pols and councilors who are only worried about where their next vote is coming from.

Ironically, these are the same hypocrits who can’t get to the polls fast enough to vote for Democrats like Obama with their progressive agenda who want to take from the rich to give to the poor. Not seeing any concern for the needy and poor here in Pittsfield. They have destroyed the democratic system of government in which the majority of people get to decide issues that effect everyone in the city. The special interests have taken over here in Pittsfield. They keep giving themselves raises which raise taxes on their neighbors who are struggling financially. To add insult to injury they gloat about it.

Dan you described it perfectly in one word…GREED. This is why the progressive Democrats are failures and Pittsfield is ground zero for what will happen across this country as the progressives continue to take over.

Dio
Dio
Reply to  Pat
8 years ago

Pat, if you think this type of greed and corruption is limited to the Democratic party you are sadly mistaken. The Republicans are just as bad. Both parties have worked together to rape the hard working middle class. The 2 party system is a colossal failure.

Browning
Browning
8 years ago

Excellent posting DV. Food for thought. Though to be honest it puts one off of breakfast, lunch and dinner to realize what has happened to local government in Pitts.

You know what they say about fish rotting. Look first to the head. The rottenest is the mayor. Stay on him. We the people need you.

Ed McClelland
Ed McClelland
8 years ago

Several regulars at the senior center were told that at least one city councilor. KEVIN MORANDI, had stated even up to the date of the vote that he was going to disregard the entrenched special interests and be the lone dissenting vote to champion the taxpayers whom the project would place a financial onus upon.We heard his scripted remarks.
Mr. Morandi, can you please advise in earnest, Why you decided to go along with the crowd, knowing one vote or spokesperson for those on fixed incomes who felt this represented unecessary over spending wouldn’t really make a deciding difference ?

Fat Cats
Fat Cats
Reply to  Ed McClelland
8 years ago

i would like to hear from Kevin right here as to whether or not this is true. What is his version? Did he outright lie to the seniors right in their own center? If true that is about as low as it gets.

Foxy Lady
Foxy Lady
Reply to  Fat Cats
8 years ago

I want to hear from Kevin Morandi also on the Planet. Did you tell seniors one thing then do another w/your vote? If you don’t reply I will take that as a yes. I know you read this site.

Guess what
Guess what
Reply to  Foxy Lady
8 years ago

Education starts early in a child’s life. At home, elementary school and so on. If the city is so concerned about giving children a real education, what happened to Morningside Elementary? This is a school that definitively needs help. This school was never included in the first round of school renovations. I hate to repeat myself but this was not about the children and we all know it. Councilor Morandi, what happened? Very disappointed.

Ed McClelland
Ed McClelland
Reply to  Fat Cats
8 years ago

FC- I don’t believe Mr. Morandi formally addressed a group of seniors per se. They were at the senior center as part of their daily routine and had spoken individually to him or with someone who had spoken with him. I personally did not speak to Morandi.The gentleman who spoke first at the council and was against the project may address this with first hand knowledge. I’m sure you know who he is .

Magic
Magic
8 years ago

Off topic – I work downtown, just took a walk up North St. More of my tax dollars at work. I hope the low lifes that are using the new park at the corner of Columbus Ave and North St. are thanking me and all of you for giving them a really nice place to sit, smoke and do nothing while I am working and paying my taxes so they can hang there. Hotel on North – I hope your patrons aren’t afraid of going out during the day never mind at night. What are you all thinking. Am I annoyed – you bet I am.

Tow Cents
Tow Cents
Reply to  Magic
8 years ago

Well, if you were walking by the park late Friday morning, you may have been witnessing Mayor Bianchi and other city cultural icons announcing this year’s 3rd Thursdays. I’m assuming that’s what you mean by “low lifes” who do nothing while you work hard to pay your taxes.

Magic
Magic
Reply to  Tow Cents
8 years ago

Tow Cents – It was Thursday at lunch time Mayor Bianchi wasn’t one of the “low lifes” I was referring to but if the shoe fits

Tammy Ives
Tammy Ives
8 years ago

Has anyone looked at the damn peda mess on Iberkshires.com. Another let down.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Tammy Ives
8 years ago

U.S. EPA – Housatonic River –
Hold the Date: The next meeting of the Housatonic CCC will be on April 15 [2015] from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. This meeting will be held in Kent CT (at Kent Town Hall, 41 Kent Green Blvd, Kent, CT 06757).
http://www.epa.gov/housatonic/publiceventsandmeetings/20150415/574822.pdf
From 1932 to 1977 a General Electric plant in Pittsfield, Massachusetts polluted the river with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s), a known carcinogen.
Members of the public are invited to attend and participate in discussions.
http://www.epa.gov/housatonic/

Joe Blow
Joe Blow
Reply to  Tammy Ives
8 years ago

Unbelievable!!!

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
8 years ago

Pittsfield politics is totally corrupt and public meetings are for show only, as closed door decisions are done deals by the Suits. It used to frustrate me that local Pittsfield political candidates would say how they are for transparency, open door policies, jobs and economic development, lower taxes, lower crime, and the like, but when they got elected, they did the exact opposite of what they promised to do. Thousands of people have fled Pittsfield. Population loss and job losses are staggeringly high in Pittsfield. Taxes have increased in Pittsfield by about five percent per year for over one decade now. The working class and fixed income Senior Citizens have to decide whether to pay their high local taxes or eat. Teen pregnancies and welfare caseloads double the statewide averages in Pittsfield. It is a never ending downward spiral in Pittsfield, Massachusetts!

Henry
Henry
8 years ago

What happen In the City Council chambers on Tuesday night was a loud slap in the face to the taxpayers of Pittsfield and a huge blow to the democratic process. I was told by several people that the new city charter mandates that the City Council is responsible for making the decision’s regarding this new school project funding. Well I live in Ward 1 and there is no way I want Lisa Tully making any decision’s on my behalf. She came to my house last election season and said she would NEVER vote to raise my tax’s under any conditions. Then I watched the council meeting on Tuesday and there she is looking like a high school cheer leader telling everyone she is proud to be the first to say yes.

Wow has Melissa Mazzeo taught her well…..

Dave
Dave
Reply to  Henry
8 years ago

If Ward 1 reelects her I hope there is something in the charter that lets the other 6 Wards take a vote to give Ward 1 to Lanesborough!

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Henry
8 years ago

Lisa and Melissa are now close buddies and go to all the artsy stuff around the city. Melissa has been a bad influence on Lisa. Lisa did start out promising to help the people which is why I voted for her. She has gone bad like Melissa. I will not vote for her again.

Tammy Ives
Tammy Ives
8 years ago

No one I don’t think has taken out papers for ward 1.

Jimmy Gee
Jimmy Gee
Reply to  Tammy Ives
8 years ago

Tammy I think you should run. Anyone who would write “F Y” on their fence surely would make a great councilor for The city of Pittsfield .

Larry
Larry
Reply to  Jimmy Gee
8 years ago

I agree

Tammy Ives
Tammy Ives
Reply to  Jimmy Gee
8 years ago

At least I express my feelings and I don’t hide. I hate my neighbors and things went down. I am not afraid to do the unpopular thing obviously it’s because of my thinking people are afraid of what I say as if I am a lose cannon. That what the city needs someone not afraid to stand up for themselves. Unlike the followers we have now. They are afraid to shake the tree and piss off people.They are like ducks just follow in line.

Jimmy Gee
Jimmy Gee
Reply to  Tammy Ives
8 years ago

Tammy. Good luck. I’m sure you will get some votes

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Tammy Ives
8 years ago

I am sure the Tyer camp will produce their own lackey to run against her. Being that Tully is a dyed in the wool Bianchi soldier she should be easy to beat.

NO More Bianchi
NO More Bianchi
8 years ago

Tammy did run for Ward 1. She got what 50 votes at best? She couldn’t win if the seat was open

Tammy Ives
Tammy Ives
Reply to  NO More Bianchi
8 years ago

I actually didn’t try to win last time thanks, but you should run for council No More Bianchi because small minded people like you elected these a holes.

Tammy Ives
Tammy Ives
Reply to  Tammy Ives
8 years ago

Honestly if I had won the school never would have went forward. I did . run and you voted in lisa now look at this mess. If I tried I know I could win regardless.
Lisa and I have long unfinished business. It’s rare I think for a councilor to have 3 civil lawsuits against her isn’t it.

Sal
Sal
Reply to  Tammy Ives
8 years ago

Yes Tammy you sued everyone in the neighborhood, too. How many now? 6? 7? and they were all thrown out. I’m not surprised you sued Lisa too…

Are you going to sue me now for this comment?

Tammy Ives
Tammy Ives
Reply to  Sal
8 years ago

lol little do u know whichever stalker you are we are in appeals. Defamation no I won’t sue but it shows I have what u don’t maybe you should grow some and say who you really are? FYI your a hater because your life sucks

Tammy Ives
Tammy Ives
Reply to  Sal
8 years ago

125 right am I close

Tammy Ives
Tammy Ives
Reply to  Sal
8 years ago

michelle is that you! Your not worth my time but keep trying

Henry
Henry
Reply to  Tammy Ives
8 years ago

So you did not try to win? What were you thinking?

You know you cost the taxpayers around $5,000.00 to run primary in which you got 26 votes.

You call yourself concerned for Pittsfield? Really !!!!!!

Tammy Ives
Tammy Ives
Reply to  Henry
8 years ago

really Henry your worried about primaries costing 5,000? That’s nothing compared to what peoples votes costed them in the end. If I was trying or not at least I went out there and tried to change things because I was unhappy. I didn’t sit around waiting for someone to do it for me.
Are you concerned about pittsfield? then if you are then go out and try to change things.

Henry
Henry
Reply to  Tammy Ives
8 years ago

So you tried to change things in Pittsfield by not trying to get elected.

Well that is certainly worth 5K…. Here I thought it was wasted monies.. I’m sorry Tammy.

Tammy Ives
Tammy Ives
Reply to  Tammy Ives
8 years ago

Henry the people chose the path that lead us here.You even said you voted for Tully. I didn’t try hard enough obviously or we would not be having this conversation I would be a councilor. I never promised anything I ran an open honest campaign but because I was not an incumbent or my father-in-law wasn’t already a councilor a long time ago I lost big. Do I have regrets on how I ran yes, but at least I got up there and did it. Of course I tried but it wasn’t good enough what you read was an argument I had with someone and I made it seem like what happened was no big deal. I wouldn’t waste my time if I hadn’t tried, but again it wasn’t good enough..

NO More Bianchi
NO More Bianchi
Reply to  Tammy Ives
8 years ago

I did not and have never voted for Bianchi

Tammy Ives
Tammy Ives
Reply to  NO More Bianchi
8 years ago

regardless who you voted for at least I got up there and tried. I didn’t win because you chose Tully on name recognition due to her father-in-law. Yon was the incumbent. I didn’t have a chance from the get go.

Bill
Bill
Reply to  Tammy Ives
8 years ago

Why would you run and not want to win?

Tammy Ives
Tammy Ives
Reply to  Bill
8 years ago

I wanted to win but after I bombed the debate I came to the realization that I wasn’t going to. I had never debated and I became nervous and forgot my points and it was a bad case of the nerves.
After that debate I gave up because I knew I would be slaughtered at primaries.

Carolyn Barry
Carolyn Barry
Reply to  NO More Bianchi
8 years ago

I was at that debate for ward 1 sitting next to a current at large councilor and was shocked when one of the questions turned to PEDA and Tammy didn’t know what it was even though it was the hot button topic at the time and in the ward she was running for. We were embarrassed for her and she did seem sweet.

Tammy Ives
Tammy Ives
Reply to  Carolyn Barry
8 years ago

Honestly Peda is the same as it was then too. It is sucking pittsfield dry and isn’t worth even the money it was bought with now its right on the doorstep of the tax payers again

Mike Ward
Mike Ward
8 years ago

It’s one thing to disagree with the city’s plan to build new vs. refurbish but attributing that decision to graft or kickbacks is irresponsible. And I don’t believe it qualifies as moving the discussion forward.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Mike Ward
8 years ago

No I think it’s a bunch of stupid, greedy people from the school system who basically think the own the city and all the money in the city budget and can get whatever they want. They are spoiled and the pols and councilors do their bidding. That is corruption of the process of the law. A project this large should have gone to a vote. The school people led by the superintendent didn’t want a vote so they basically did an Obama and said to heck with what the people of the city want, we want a new school.

Jimmy Gee
Jimmy Gee
Reply to  Pat
8 years ago

Great reply! It’s Obama’s fault!

Silence Dogood
Silence Dogood
Reply to  Mike Ward
8 years ago

even if there is no visible graft or corruption it is a fact that contractors and labor unions will stand to gain the most from this unneeded new school……always follow the money Mike.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Mike Ward
8 years ago

Mike do you think graft and kickbacks exist in any other cities? Just not Pittsfield? Or is it a myth perpetrated by crusty old seniors who just can’t stand to pay their fair share of taxes?

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
Reply to  Mike Ward
8 years ago

Agree with you Mike, but will say the numbers for alternative construction were less than honest and so was the reimbursement rates. The consultant’s for the feasibility study had everything to gain by pushing new construction.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  danvalenti
8 years ago

My comments regarding graft and kickbacks comes from frustration of openness and what looks like totally reckless spending given the city taxpayers ability to pay. It just makes one wonder what the hell is driving this mad spending. As a senior who has never ever had a child in the public school system, but still 70% of my property taxes goes to the school system, which grows like an engorged tick each year I find it more than a little frustrating. Frustrating, that local millionaires seem to be able to leverage tax breaks while seniors on a fixed income and in danger of losing their homes get no such consideration. There should at least be an age where seniors get a 50% tax break since they are paying for services they are not receiving and haven’t for years. It is the sense the people in charge just don’t care about some regular folk and there issues.

Jimmy Gee
Jimmy Gee
Reply to  Mike Ward
8 years ago

Thank you Mike!

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
8 years ago

Hoosac Valley got 78% reimbursement for renovating there school. Why would Pittsfield be any different?

Gigi
Gigi
8 years ago

Wanted: a fiscal conservative to represent Ward 4 residents on the City Council. Anyone interested?! It is time to send the incumbents packing!

amandaWell
amandaWell
8 years ago

That’s an easy one joe…….We are Palookaville.

Shelly Liver
Shelly Liver
8 years ago

If you guys get a chance take a ride down North St.

Dman
Dman
8 years ago

It is unfortunate that Dan’s blog is now attracting all of the trolls from Topix. Many of these comments are comical and infantile. What happened to civil points and counter points?

I still check back to see the latest news, since the Berkshire Eagle is not very relevant, but reading through the petty comments makes me wonder where all of these characters have come from.

MrG8811
MrG8811
8 years ago

I don’t know about backroom dealings between the elected and the elite, but it will be interesting to see how the bids are written and whether or not Petricca and Maxymillan are involved in the project.

Tammy Ives
Tammy Ives
8 years ago

I apologize to the people on here that I took the topic into something personal. I let neighborhood disputes get in the way for what this sight is for and that is sharing political opinions and not reducing ones self to a less competent persons level(sal).