THE REFUGEE REFERENDUM, CONTINUED … or … KROL, WHITE, et al, WHAT GIVES AND WHY SO?
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THURSDAY SEPT. 22, 2016) — Continuing the discussion over the do-good proposal (or is it a “decision”) to bring Syrian and Iraqi refugees to Pittsfield, THE PLANET makes several additional points using yesterday’s post-and-comments as a springboard.
First, neither John Krol nor anyone else who has claimed the move “is an extraordinarily positive opportunity for the city” has explained specifically why? The quote is Krol’s and so is the embroidery. While these words will never be chiseled into the side of the JK School of Journalism it may serve as his political epitaph. People will be long reminding him of “extraordinarily positive” for a long time to come, even when he runs for mayor seven years from now. “Extraordinary” claims demand extraordinary evidence, yet Krol has offered none. Words mean something. THE PLANET has called him on it, and he backed down. So anyone: Please detail how letting in refugees will be “extraordinarily positive” for Pittsfield.
Second, Krol refers to the city’s history of welcoming immigrants. Key word: “history.” European immigrants were vital to launching America and Pittsfield into the Superpowersphere at the turn of the century — the previous century. So they came, Italians, Austrians, Irish, Russians, Poles, and the rest. They came sponsored. Almost all had relatives or friends already in the city to privately take them in while they got established. The newcomers worked their butts off learning English, becoming citizens, and submerging their culture to become Americans. They arrived here legally through proper channels, and when they got here, they did not expect public welfare. That’s why immigration worked then but can’t now — at least not the kind Krol, Fr. Peter Gregory, Peter White, the Pittsfield Council of Churches, Diedre Griffin, and other Trust-Us-We-Know-Better-Than-You “progressives” want to force on the city.
“Progressive” n., a meddling person who tries to carry water in a sieve.
Third, there is a security risk in accepting these people. 100% vetting will be impossible. Radical Islam wages jihad, which condones murderous attacks on innocent people — infidels in their lingo — in the name of religion. As the National Review put it: “How many of us look across the ocean at Europe and say, ‘Yeah, let’s bring some of that here?’ None of us with any sense.” Most of the refugees will be Muslim. How many sympathize with the jihad? Do we want to risk it?
Fourth, THE PLANET doesn’t dispute the enormous humanitarian tragedy of the Syrian and Iraqi refugees. But as writer Tom Tancredo noted, “these are not refugees from a terrible hurricane, a vocanic eruption, or a tidal wave. They are refugees from a civil war made intractable and horrific by an Islamist insurrection called the Islamic State.” He might add the disastrous meddling of two U.S. administrations in Iraq, Pakistan, and the region. This adventurism, done in the name of greed calling itself “democracy,” has radicalized a new generation of young Muslims.
Fifth, can Pittsfield afford it? Where’s the data? They will need food and shelter. They will be using water and power. They will require education, training, and employment. Other costs include transitional cash, medical help, English instruction, vocational training, and preventative health. THE PLANET asks: Who pays and how much?
Sixth, who gets final say? Krol? The priest? The PAC? Do the mayor, council, and school committee have a voice? Do Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski? Will this be one of those “trust us we know what we’re doing” deals by the autocrats using naive d0-gooders for their political gain?
Nah, it wouldn’t be that, would it John Krol or Pete White?
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“Power in defense of freedom is greater than power on behalf of tyranny and oppression.” — Malcolm X
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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Trump will have much support in pittsfield and the herion hills of Stockbridge, Lenox, and not everything John Kroll states is wrong.
Unlike Kroll I want to know what Bouvier..Connell..Tyer…
Caccamo think of Walmart.
Mazzeo is returning to her very thoughtful political beginnings…she takes positions and I relive what she’s doing.Now if we can get her business know how to influence the schools to shrink their footprint so that what’s left can be pure quality and affordable for a poor city that still seeks well run financial management of schools.
Melissa can be the next mayor in a landslide if she has a 5 year plan for affordable schools.She needs to target schools with her thoughtful look at the size of our system.Melissa Tyer has no plan…give us a plan and become our next mayor.
Really?
Melissa would make us proud.
She would be the first Mayor that couldn’t complete a sentence. Every time she opens her mouth diarrhea comes out.
Gaetani could beat her in a debate.
Her stance on Walmart is really Bianchi’s. She is nothing but a washed up puppet.
I think Mazzeo would garner more than 300 votes in a Mayoral primary.
You tried to think and nothing happened
Your mom tried to think and had you.
You have mommy issues.
Yes, your mommy.
Indeed
Why is Barry Sotero bringing in 99% MUSLIMS when all the Jews Kurds and Christians are being killed?
Others make up a lot more percentage than Muslim imports, that are not vetted under Barry.
So what goes Barry? Are you a racist bigot or Muslim?
Krol hardly strikes me as the humanitarian type, so I am wondering if he was given the assignment of trotting out this hard sell as part of his dues to the establishment. Somewhere in the facade of this humanitarian gesture is a pile of money and I could easily believe that this is what is really driving the effort. If Krol and his rich friends really cared about people they would make more of an effort towards the people they represent in their own city. If he won’t even make an effort to cut waste on the bloated city budget it suggest to me that the welfare of others is not high on his list of concerns.
So I call bullshit on this grandstanding “extremely positive opportunity”. It just does not pass the Pittsfield smell test.
Really?
Krol is 100% a do gooder. Have you been paying attention. He loves to give our money away in the name of doing good.
He is way off base. He stated on the local news that Pittsfield has a population of 43,000 but is built to handle 60,000. He stated we have excess public housing and plenty of jobs. I think he forgot that the reason we could handle 60,000 people was the G.E., Eaton Paper, England Bros, Beloit Jones, Crane Stationary, Sabic Plastics, ect.. They are gone or going. Where are the extra 17000 people going to get jobs to get the population to 60,000. Heck, I wonder if there are even 17,000 jobs filled right now in Pittsfield
You once again hit the nail on the head hehheh. Absolutely on the money with all these points.
This is a link to the federal law that governs this and it does speak to all 6 of your Points Dan, and to sum for you all – There is money to be had and lots of it, the feds have the final say but if the state doesn’t support it, the feds won’t do it, and the state plan has to include local government buy in and volunteer group support, and the govt is supposed to put people where they can assimilate quickly and become gainfully employed and learn English and the fact that they are radical Muslims can’t be used against them.
So where does Taxes Tyer stand on this? We all know the council is just a week sister with no,say. Where does heir Hinds stand? What about far away Farley and the governor?
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/resource/the-refugee-act
I think you know where Tricia Country-Buffiet stands on this issue. Behind what ever her masters in Boston tell her to stand.
My friend visited San Diego a few years ago. She told me that she was at a red light when a car with two illegal aliens (both Mexican males) didn’t stop and rear-ended her. Now mind you, she was in a rental car and was glad she bought the extra insurance they offer (and glad she did). When she wiped the glass and blood out of her face, she looked in her mirror, only to see those fine “dreamers” running away from the accident. She said when the cops got there, they told her this happens all the time with illegals. They don’t have insurance and drive junk (or stolen cars according to the cops) and when they hit you, in fear of getting arrested, deported, or even just a traffic ticket, they just take off running. Leaving you with a broken pile of metal to deal with.
So yeah, Tricia Country-Buffiet, while your at it, why don’t you agree to massive insurance hikes, toll hikes…..I’ll be quiet now, or she might actually take me up on it.
Your story is an excellent reason why licensing illegals and requiring them to have car insurance is a good idea.
Why would you license illegals? What part of illegal do you not comprehend?
um, to protect the rest of us from situations as you describe. I don’t recall Mass checking my citizenship status when I moved and applied for a license, I think it was just whatever I said.
Wow, what an eye opener. Thanks for the link. A quick read through brought up dozens of examples of why and how the deep pockets will make a big profit from this situation. Here’s one section that stood out. Sure sounds like the schools and BHS/BMC are in for a huge payday!
(e)4/ Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance to Refugees.-
(1) The Director is authorized to provide assistance, reimbursement to States, and grants to, and contracts with, public or private nonprofit agencies for 100 per centum of the cash assistance and medical assistance provided to any refugee during the thirty-six month period beginning with the first month in which such refugee has entered the United States and reasonable administrative costs of providing this assistance.
I work at BHS-BMC. Without giving away the store you can be certain that the organization is indeed in for a huge pay day because of this.
It is the driving reason the main one why this is happening. Follow the money. Not a coincidence that a certain Ward six councilor used to work here.
Is there a plan as to where all these refugees will find work? Is gov Baker, Krol and all these organizations have some news about job creation? Is a new factory coming to town? Is the game plan to infuse them into upcoming pot business?
I have noticed that the last bunch of refugees that showed up here are still useing EBT cards.
Something tells me that the ordinary Pittsfield citizens will have no say in this.
They can work at the new pressure cooker factory.
The latest terrorist who wanted to kill lots of people with bombs in New York has been here since he was 7 years old, but either the internet or trips back to his home country caused him to throw off his assimilation in this country. In France the terrorism has been blamed on that country not assimilating the refugees, but in this country we are doing this, but they are still radicalizing.
Until people wake up to what progressives are doing by bringing more and more potentially dangerous people into this country while at the same time attempting to disarm Americans, this country is in serious trouble. It couldn’t be more obvious that they are seriously weakening our country and leaving its citizens in a very vulnerable situation.
I would encourage any city resident opposed to this foolish plan to harbor illegal Syrian refugees – please take 5 minutes out of your day to call the Mayor, your ward councilor and at-large city councilors and express your outrage. Call TODAY! To her credit, the mayor originally cut the Immigration Center’s funding, but unfortunately the brain surgeons on our city council restored their funding. We still have laws on the books against illegal immigration. Resettle the Syrian refugees in the Middle East where they are amongst other muslims! The chaos in Europe will come to the USA unless this is stopped.
Our only way to combat this is through our elected representatives… I use that term “representatives” lightly, since most have their own interests (or the party) as a priority. Not the Kapinskis
It’s funny how it’s OK for ‘progressives’ to tell those who oppose them that they can easily leave the state if they are unhappy, yet if we said the same thing about illegal immigrants in America we are racist, xenophobic, etc.
Progressive = hypocrit
Gigi, I contact my councilman all the time. He votes the way he’s been told by the special interests anyway. I will call or email him but I doubt we will have any say in this. More than likely it has already been decided much like the new school.
I asked two questions yesterday to Krol and White. I know they read DV…..got the feeling they won’t answer. But let’s try again.
1) Can Pittsfield be guaranteed that none of these refugees practice Sharia Law?
2) Give us an estimate as to how much higher our already inflated school budget will increase with the necessary additional teachers needed for one-on-one teaching English.
Because they are such strong supporters, they should back up their beliefs WITH FACTS!
1. You still do not understand what Sharia law means, you are just babbling some second or third or fourth hand nonsense.
2. If you are asking for an estimate, then how can you demand facts? An estimate, by very definition, is not a fact.
Shakes: In your wisdom, please enlighten all of us as to your version of Sharia law?
Who knows, you might actually change my mind!!!
Krol and White will tell you your not really dead when one of them kills you.
The Eagle was on top of its game this morning . Printed the story of Holy Family church on ‘Wahconah’ St. that is being converted to apartments and accompanied it with a picture of the North Adams Holy Family church. Last I knew Pittsfield’s Holy Family was on Seymour St.
Susan Carmel is going to be the treasurer of Stockbridge. I know a guy from Stockbridge that done nothing but make fun of her for the past four years. Can’t wait to see him at Dottie’s so I can rub it in.
She’s actually going to be town manager.
Really?
She does have nice hair and a tight butt.
Personality???? She seems kinda mean.
And another question:
Why didn’t a major decision like this (that affects the entire city) come before the Mayor and City Council for approval. Or did I miss something?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/29/sharia-law-usa-states-ban_n_3660813.html
Although you probably will seizure since this isn’t from some hate pro white supremacist internet group, I doubt you will hemorrhage if you RTFA.
Thank you, Shakes.
I love the part that “corporal punishment is often taken out of context” I’ll try to remember that the next time I read of an atrocity committed in the name of Sharia.
Yet I’m am sure that you endorse the physical punishment of children in school. So it’s okay when you say it is okay.
Shakes….what would we do without you. You certainly add a bizarre twist to all logical thinking.
Keep it up. I for one love it!
What’s the difference between some “hate pro white supremacist internet group” and some bias progressive hate rag?
One is allowed to be used as a legitimate source, the other isn’t
I agree… how do you take “stoning someone to death” out of context and exaggerate it? You need 4 witnesses… that’s OK, we can just cut your hand off in the process while we dilly our chai boy (which are legal under Sharia law)
There are extreme factions of all religions. Condemning all Muslims is akin to condemning all Protestants. We worry about them coming over here and committing reprehensible crimes and murder, meanwhile the Democrats have zero issues with following our own laws while they execute entire extended families like its a video game? We blew up a French Hospital and they aren’t killing our leaders.
Bottom line is DV wants no part of them in Stockbridge and yes they will go to Stockbridge Ma.
Dan mentioned a very interesting fact. “They were sponsored.” So, why not create a list, with Krol and all of his minions’ names on the top, of people willing to bring these folks in, get them settled and signed up for all the free stuff AND bring them to the classes for citizenship, eventually making them citizens. That would be a great “do as I do, not as I say” gesture. Hows about it Krol, et ux, you up for it????
They were sponsored […] privately. And it resulted in slums and ghettos precisely that you claim you don’t want. Next thing you’ll be claiming the Irish were enslaved.
Torchinsky?
Yes I DO!!!!!!
http://settingrecordstraight.blogspot.com/2015/03/irish-forgotten-white-slaves.html
What are the requirements to sponsor? what are the liabilities?
?????? Crickets ???????
Shakes, you really reference the Huffing post?
You are a comedian. That rag is a joke.
Sigh
Wikipedia any better?
Application by country[edit]
Main article: Application of sharia law by country
Use of sharia by country:
Sharia plays no role in the judicial system.
Sharia applies to Muslim’s personal law.
Sharia applies in full, including criminal law.
Regional variations in the application of sharia.
Most Muslim-majority countries incorporate sharia at some level in their legal framework, with many calling it the highest law or the source of law of the land in their constitution.[140][141] Most use sharia for personal law (marriage, divorce, domestic violence, child support, family law, inheritance and such matters).[142][143] Elements of sharia are present, to varying extents, in the criminal justice system of many Muslim-majority countries.[11] Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Brunei, Qatar, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Sudan and Mauritania apply the code predominantly or entirely while it applies in some parts of Indonesia.[11][144]
Most Muslim-majority countries with sharia-prescribed hudud punishments in their legal code, do not prescribe it routinely and use other punishments instead.[140][145] The harshest sharia penalties such as stoning, beheading and the death penalty are enforced with varying levels of consistency.[146]
Since the 1970s, most Muslim-majority countries have faced vociferous demands from their religious groups and political parties for immediate adoption of sharia as the sole, or at least primary legal framework.[147] Some moderates and liberal scholars within these Muslim countries have argued for limited expansion of sharia.[148]
With the growing Muslim immigrant communities in Europe, there have been reports in some media of “no-go zones” being established where sharia law reigns supreme.[149][150] However, there is no evidence of the existence of “no-go zones”, and these allegations are sourced from anti-immigrant groups falsely equating low-income neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by immigrants as “no-go zones.”[151}
Shakes, bet you can’t wait untill you can go to the pot dispensaries legally.
Any moron like you can add Toa wikipedia article….. wikipedia is free and not worth the price.
I know I hang on to their every word!!!
John Krol & Peter White are making statements I behalf of the people in their ward without even knowing for sure that that’s the way they feel on this topic. Rather they are putting out the way they feel .
Really?
Painter, while I disagree with them on this issue, how do you know how a whole ward feels? Did you ask your next door neighbor, who is afraid to tell you they think you are nuts, so they just agreed with your opinion? Or, did you poll the whole ward.
It’s these types of statements that make people think you are a nut job. No basis in fact, just your opinion.
People have their own families in other parts of the Country from Pittsfield, give them assistance and many would come back, screw this idea.
Relax people, Krol is using the old tried and true kick the tires politics. If it’s popular he will take credit for the whole program, if he catches ANY heat he will craw back under his rock and wait for the next issue to toss out there. Oh Salisbury Estates wants the road plowed…ok let’s pay for it and take on the liability. Oh, affirmative action isn’t that popular ? let’s drop it like a hot potato…the examples go on and on…he will be our next Mayor though…guaranteed –
I think it should be Krols job to tell these “extraordinary positive opportunity” people that even in Pittsfield, we frown on child marriage.
And just because a woman is not wearing a shawl over her head that does not give them the right to rape her. I understand many European countries did not get the message through clear enough and were running out of rape kits.
Shakes even has to argue with sarcasm!!!WTF?
Has anyone asked the Syrian and Iraqi immigrants ( Muslim) what they think after being told that Jewish and Christian groups are going to take them in? Isn’t there some mistrust between them? Do they even know where they are being sent?
You think Councilor Krol didn’t do his homework on this? Our next Mayor is years ahead of the curve, give him some credit.
No May Hemm……John Krol was duped into this. And now he owns it.
You always can dupe a dupa.
RobEM, you are mistaken, the Jewish and Christian groups are not taking anyone in! You are if you are a tax payer. You will pay for housing, food (EBT cards), health care, education, child care, cell phones, and on and on! The most recent refugees that magically showed up in Pittsfield a few years back are still useing EBT cards and can’t speak English. Why would they? They are on the Pittsfield gravy train.
Just read a quote from Krol saying he hopes Pittsfield and surrounding communities do the right thing. John, did it ever occur to you that the right thing is not to rush this. Let’s let Northampton and Springfield take in refugees. They started there process long before us. Let’s see how things work out in there communities. What is the rush, isn’t the safety of our community more important. So John I hope we do the right thing and hold off on this until we’re 100% sure. I know you want those Obama Bucks Johnnie, pump your brakes.
Krol is a man of vision, do you think that this esteemed Councilor, a veteran Councilor, isn’t privy to the nonsense being spewed in the media. Krol has served admirably the last few years in Ward Six, he isn’t twisting arms on the issue, and certain he will present it to his constituents at the proper time.
Krol has made a big mistake in taking on this issue. It will come back to haunt him in future elections.
Your pretty funny!
Whoooooo’s there!?????
This board have anyone besides DV who can recall the problems when Kennedy had to speak about his presidency being run by the Pope…yes it seems silly now.
You have a unique style School Committee.
I think he has a drinking problem.
This country is ON FIRE courtesy of the progressive in charge because the lunatics have taken over the asylum. Do they think the rioting and lawlessness in North Carolina and bringing dangerous refugees into the country will do Hillary a big favor at the polls? Is a complete breakdown of law and order in this country what progressives will now do to win elections?
Haven’t heard from our fearless leader Obama ever since he said publicly, “Do you see rioting in the streets?” I don’t. “Do you see lawlessness, I don’t?”. This president of ours is choosing to look the other way to further his political agenda.
I had an old military friend that took everything they had to buy a home in Holyoke. Then the government dumped a bunch of refugees into Holyoke. His neighborhood went to sh## and his home became valueless. He and his family ended up moving out because life was intolerable! He tried to sell the house but realtors laughed at him. He walked away and destroy ed his credit. To this day they rent.
Good story
Until Americans stop playing politics and use “common sense” this craziness will continue. The progressives have already poisoned all of the young people to believe their nonsense.
White flight could easily be referred to as white fright….its normal .We were burning cities in the early 70s.If cops start shooting white guys with their hands up this will stop.
How about we do what I heard some progressive (obviously stoned) say on television that we no longer need a police force. Let people police themselves. If they want to loot, let them loot. If they want to shoot each other, let them. It’s all good for progressives unless its their stuff they are looting or someone they care about who is getting shot.
People like you that don’t know the facts are the problem. More white people are shot by police than black. Don’t let the facts get in the way of your narrative. 99.9% of cops good, yes the bad one’s most be arrested and prosecuted to full extent of the law.
That’s the problem with progressives. They feed each other lies and believe them.
the federal bureaucracy in charge of resettling refugees, the office of refugee resettlement http://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr gives organizations $50,000 per refugee to resettle them.
forget about the free stuff the refugees get forever, or that they are never asked to assimilate – yet they will fast track to the head of the citizenship line. remember, Jewish Family Services will get the $50K. The City, we get more police calls, higher costs to educate, more social unrest – all uncompensated.
Of course maybe we could resettle them next to gangbangers. I am sure their love of their fellow infidel would be demonstrated with a gift of a nice home cooked meal, still in the pressure cooker I would hope.
also ask how many folks will be sent to Northampton – where the organization has many staff….
my bet: zero
Time to watch Scarface again. Our government doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to screening refugees.
Pat ,nobody.believes.the nonsense pull it out of your hat comments except you Sean Hannity and the skinny angry blonde trump girl.
DV, great quote today, timely.
#5, nailed it. While I’m all for humanitarian efforts, Pittsfield really needs to take care of Pittsfield. Not sure both can happen with success.
I’ll bet a pint JK is the next mayor.
It is time for K R O L.
I sincerely support Syrian refugees coming…to Saudi Arabia!
Saudi Arabia is oil rich country, closer to Syria, has cultural
and religious ties with Syria. Other alternative is Turkey–also next door to Syria.