!!PLANET EXCLUSIVE!! DEANNA RUFFER TO RESIGN!! … WHAT’s ‘RACIST?’ … FIRST OF A TWO-PART SERIES ON THE POWER OF THE WORD
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
ADD 1 MONDAY AFTERNOON — “Ding dong, the wic … ” Oops. Forgive us. (PLANET ASSUMES A ‘WALTER CRONKITE” GRAVITY):
THE PLANET has received word that Deanna Ruffer will resign as Community Development director in early to mid-February. From the mayor: “Over the next month or so, we will be conducting a search to find the city’s next Director of Community Development. Once that person is selected, Deanna is willing to stay on for a transition period if needed.” In addition, THE PLANET has learned that Ruffer and Gina Armstrong will divvy out project the American Rescue Plan funds, aka, The Biden Bux. Nothing to see there, folks.
The mayor says Ruffer and Armstrong “are sharing the one full-time position of Special Projects Manager. As you know, Deanna has extensive experience in community development, neighborhood planning, economic development, and managing federal grants. Gina is a seasoned public health professional who will help guide us through the public health elements of pandemic recovery and also has experience with grants management.”
What was it the Doublemint Twins used to say: “It’s two (SMACK) two (SMACK) two mints in one.”
Now back to our regularly scheduled program:
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First of Two Parts
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY NOV. 29, 2021) — The Sword conquers. The Word subdues. Conquerors have long known this and so have propagandists. George Orwell made the ideological malleability of words a key plot point in his classic 1984, a prophetic novel of dystopia THE PLANET sees coming truer with each passing day.
In this column and Wednesday’s we present two such words: “racism” and “democracy,” respectively.
What does it mean to be racist? In the neutral and non-passionate sense, “racist” applies to any distinction one can make based upon race as the qualifier. As we know, however, the dispassionate meaning of the word has gone from valid to weaponized in discussion and debate.
To that end, THE PLANET presents this story from MSN news. It details how one concerned Jersey parent criticized how its school district presents race via \as an issue more important that reading, writing, math, and other classroom staples that have been shunted in favor of politicization. The parent’s remarks, echoing what the majority feels about the state of public education in America, drew rousing support, resulting in a school board member calling him out for, you guessed it, “racist comments.” The committee then shut down the meeting.
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before.
Here’s the story:
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A school board meeting in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, ended early after parents applauded one man’s “racist” and “embarrassing” comments.
The man, who identified himself only as Mark from Gladstone, accused the Bernards Township School Board of “teaching our kids about race and how to hate each other.”
“This is horrible: teaching our kids about race, how to hate each other,” the man said. “Teach white kids, ‘Oh, you got to give up your opportunity, if you get one, and give it to somebody of color.’ And then we teach the kids of color, ‘It doesn’t matter how good your are. You’re brown, so you just get.'”
“Nobody seems to care about these kids anymore,” the man continued. “It’s all about virtue signaling. It’s all about politics and it’s all about hating Donald Trump, anyone that’s a conservative or a Republican. … You want to talk about racism and being called names? It’s called ‘toughen up.’ It’s called ‘grow a set.'”
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The action of the school board neatly exemplify what has become of public “debate” in America’s woke lands.
Lest you forget, Massachusetts remains among the “wokest.”
Lest you wonder by public education is failing.
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“Say the Word and you’ll be free” – The Beatles “The Word,” from the Rubber Soul album.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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I will define racism. It is when a person and/or group believes that they are racially superior to other persons or groups who in turn are believed to be inferior based on their race. I have written about conflict and violence before on this blog. The 1st form of conflict/violence is personal (verbal/physical assaults), which can be stopped. The 2nd form of conflict/violence is structural (jobless, homeless, poverty), which can be stopped. The 3rd form of conflict/violence is cultural (racism, sexism, religious/political extremism), which cannot be stopped and has been used as a weapon for thousands of years of human history. The main reason why I hate extremists is that they use cultural conflict and violence to have legitimacy and power over people. The only way to limit cultural conflict/violence on all sides is for good people of all races, genders and backgrounds to practice and teach tolerance and Human Rights for All people and Peoples. No one person or group is better or worse than any other one person or group. We have to stop using violence – personal, structural, and cultural – as a weapon of conflict to get what we want. Instead, we should use reason, Human Rights, tolerance and compassion to get what we want.
Thus Spake Mellethustra,
Utopias exist with Unicorns, Pots of Gold, Santa Claus, Pigs with Wings that Fly, and the Green New Deal or possibly MAGA Trumpism….
This from the guy who calls Trump a Nazi!
Mr. so-called “Love & Peace” is actually full of hate!
At least I try. It is true that in the heat of the moment, I don’t always succeed. Trump is the leader of the Nazi-like MAGA White Nationalist Movement in the USA. He has his counterparts in Europe. The alt right is Nazism!
Could you go into detail and explain your assertion?
And there’s the epitome of a racist – Marxist Melle, right here on the Planet!
Sarcasm: Thanks, Mr. Fritz. I am happy you think so much of me. Joke: When all else fails, I hug a Pug while I am wearing my Uggs while I am standing on a Rug which makes my heart go Tug and Lug while I look a Bug that is named Dug who has a relative that lives in a Jug that vacations in a Mug.
Are you on a drug that you want to plug?
Long Live Donald Trump! Shame to Dem/Liberal Commies!
No to CRT! No to Liberal “progressive” ideology! No to Socialism!
No to Bernie Sander! No to Communism!
There is absolutely nothing racist in what the man said, at all. Personally, I am sick and tired of all the talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion (except that they always exclude white males that don’t think like them). Whites have been discriminated against in college admissions and civil service exams for decades, based on their race. How is that not discrimination?
Limbaugh radio for 3 hours per day for 30 years will get you this statement.Conservative white radio tells poor white men they are getting screwed by the people that do control a thing.Women could not get a credit card or buy a home in 1970…Not enough woke in America.
Somebody get this nitwit a calendar.
What do you think of Biden taking showers with his daughter?
Did Hunter get in on this?
Personally I thought the guy was a blowhard and first time I ever saw him was when he had a tv show and I saw all these books behind him with his picture on cover and he was bloviating on and on and I thought it was a spoof. So I was no fan, never listened.
It is discrimination. Has anyone received the phone call that says they are calling about access to medical care, but when they ask you if you are white and you say yes, they say this survey is only for non-white people and they quickly hang up on you. They obviously don’t care if white people do or do not have access to health care. They assume that all white people have healthcare and, if they don’t, it’s not their concern. Where is the concern for all people regardless of race? We shouldn’t be teaching CRT in classrooms because they want to train youth to only see race and to see non-white people as victims.
My feelings are that there are those amoung the BLM movement that have actually made black lives worse. The world is not perfect. Not every wrong against a black man can be made right as applies to every man in the world. There are levels of the movement that seem whiny. I have come to hate the term “people who look like me”. Stop it already, it now sounds whiny.
I have always had black friends. Up until a couple of years ago they seemed OK with their lot in life, like myself and most people. But there are people stirring the pot. Agitating and making things seem much worse than they are.
p.s. Putin would love to see a race war in America. Anything and everything he can do to stir up shit he will do. I think he has a lot to do with it.
REDACTED
Astonishingly, Levi Strauss and Best Buy offered counseling to employees after Rittenhouse walked. Levi’s hired a racial trauma specialist (case had nothing to do with race), and safe spaces. Even more astounding, Fitchburg State college is offering racially segregated safe spaces to process the verdict, and their announcement of this was riddled with lies, such as that the police killed a black man, and that Kyle had assault ride and crossed state lines with it.
https://www.thecollegefix.com/fitchburg-state-u-offers-safe-spaces-after-rittenhouse-verdict-includes-3-lies-in-campus-email/
https://www.the-sun.com/news/4162714/kyle-rittenhouse-best-buy-levis-boycott/
Massachusetts is the leader of education and NY,New Jersey,West coast or as you say more liberal thinking.It is where Science does not take a back seat to politics or your church.Woke is another word for education as is liberal.That being the case unwoke and conservative is radical ignorance…..Trump Boebart Green Gaetz have teamed with FOX and Putin and the evil of ignorance is strong because it does not require Truth and lies always fit your narrative. Who the heck attacks the true history of race slavery and the genocide of the native Americans history.Telling the truth of history in America is so uncomfortable and worthy.Why would anyone not want America to be inteligent and educated…..The fight against truth to save America from the fear of history began when ignorance tried to overthrow America on 1/6/2021.Your freedom begins with the truth and many do not want you free…..Trump is the leader of the lies that so easily fall from his lips.
TSC, You are a shinning beam of deep rooted ignorance and stupidity.
But, your rabid, frothing, lunatic fringe posts, are fine entertainment.
TSC had the Omnimoron varient
Yes,I too listened to that idiot punk Limbaugh and recovered.Fox is now punking dumbasses.
Maybe now you should go to AA to recover.
Thank You
Massachusetts is the leader of education and you’re the example of fine writing skills.
I was the dumbest kid in class.
Sorry but you seem to be out of touch with reality.
Critical Race Theory is wrong and should not be allowed in our schools, but it is being taught in schools across the country even in conservative areas. Combine the teaching of CRT with the lack of discipline in the schools and how schools now teach very explicit sexual education courses and it’s easy to see why so many Americans who can do so, want to remove their kids from public schools. Young people were giving lap dances to teachers in Virginia schools and hiding sexual assaults which is a big part of why that state is turning toward Republicans.
You are not allowed to lie just because you are a republican Pat
Critical of race and rape theory is still taught at Wahconah in Dalton.
Led by whitesupremist football coach , with long ties to District attorneys office(his wife long time personal assistant)
While the stupidintendent relieved him as Athletic director, he is still allowed on sideline and locker room to spew his rhetoric.
Check with Helen Moon bat. She’ll tell you what’s racist.
I believe the award for her to produce the Boston Police arrest report documenting she was arrested at gunpoint now Stands at 1,200. Tax free money
Wasn’t it on 1/6/21?..ask TDS
She will land softly in Wu administration.
Perhaps the video, like evidence on disgraced Former Boston police commissioner white her info will resurface.
Bravo to Mark for having the kahunas to call the school board out. Unfortunately in Pittsfield there is too much apathy to address the racist hiring practices and discipline policies of the PPS.
FRITZ
The Pittsfield School Committee’s idea of an urgent issue is to change the names of Columbus Day and the Taconic sports teams.
Both decisions were almost as disgraceful as Linda Tired hiring a director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which of course means the office of Discrimination, Inequity, and Exclusion of white people.
Taconic sports teams = Economic Injuns
Big Chief Stick’nthemud send funny joke. Good medicine, best in many moons (no include Helen).
Yeah it’s getting old. Teach the kids. Improve the scores. Get the punks out of the class permanent.
Milwaukee Christmas murders:
6 dead including one 8 year old boy
18 children injured, 10 to pediatric ICU
3 sets of siblings
Suspect Darrell Brooks has a decades long rap sheet with social media posts calling for violence against white people and suggesting “Hitler was right” for killing Jews.
This is Milwaukee’s justice system, hijacked by a progressive prosecutor.
Waukeesha DA Chisholm describes himself as a “bold reformer with a track record of keeping our community safe.. and has taken credit for inspiring a wave of “progressive prosecutors” across the US.”
“Is there going to be an individual I divert, or I put into treatment program, who’s going to go out and kill somebody?”
“You bet. Guaranteed. It’s guaranteed to happen. It does not invalidate the overall approach.”
Where is the outrage?
https://www.fox6now.com/news/waukesha-christmas-parade-childrens-wisconsin-treats-18-kids
If dead and maimed children don’t invalidate the approach what does?
Sadly these DA’s don’t care about the consequences of their actions, because unlike you and me they are not held accountable.
RILEY
Thanks. Agreed. Chisholm’s another one like Rollins, the ones Harrington tries to follow. These “reformers” have set back law & order, endangered public safety, and have made “the law” just another tool for cynical politics.
This beautiful child is called Jackson Sparks. There were a total of 40 injured. The suspect was fleeing a domestic at the time. Previously he assaulted a woman with a car and was out on $1000 bail. You might not know all of this because it’s just a story about some crazy guy, not something caused by low bail in the name of “criminal justice reform.” I’m just disgusted.
https://www.tmj4.com/news/waukesha-christmas-parade/funeral-services-scheduled-for-jackson-sparks-8-killed-in-waukesha-christmas-parade
The black man was a racist, who according to his social media hated white people. He drove at the children and many others on purpose. Waukesha is 90% white community.
The far left media is blaming the attack on the car. The car was acting on its own. Nobody was behind the wheel.
Just like the guns in Chicago. Got minds of their own…….
Call it what you want but White Deckusion has come to fruition. Got a better name for it?
The problem is the perp is black. If Rittenhouse did this, and it was a black town, Biden would be there hooting and hollering about white supremacy and lame stream media would be all
over the systemic failures that let this animal out of the cage.
Even worse, had Rittenhouse been released on a major felony crime for only $1,000 bail, like Darrell Brooks was, and run over an 8 year-old black child, the “peaceful rio….protests” would have fired up again.
Wrong Way, Handgun Helen, and others of their low intelligence ilk, would have chimed their two cents on social media about “YT privilege” and how a POC would have been jailed on bail “ten times” that amount.
Speaking of Wrong Ways “idols,” how about that Milwaukee County DA John Chisholm, and his “progressive lunacy?” Darrell Brooks had a 22 year year history of being involved in the criminal justice system. He’s only 39 years-old. He started his history of felony convictions at 17. Let me guess Wrong Way, “he wasn’t old enough to understand?” Please Wrong Way, help me understand this thinking? Im closer to death, in terms of age, than birth and I don’t understand.
Let’s vote out these wing-nuts and bring back “three strikes.” And I don’t mean low level, drug possession cases, but violent felony crimes. You commit three felony crimes in a lifetime, (weapons, B/E, robbery), a person should earn a minimum 25 year sentence.
Bring back the death penalty. Repeat felons should be put out of their misery, not given a bed & 3 squares daily.
I have found in my travels and schooling racists of all colors, shapes, sizes and genders. It is a sad commentary on the human condition. The reason I continue to follow my religion is to help me understand how to live better and become a better person for myself and others. Hopefully everyone on this board will take a good look at themselves and those around them to see how we can improve and make Berkshire County a safer and friendlier place. Understand that everyone is an individual with their own personal beliefs and baggage, including myself. How do we take all of this and improve our communication and understanding with one another so as to not tear each other apart but to grow and improve? That is the question which I have yet to find an answer!
Human nature? DNA? History is awash in stories of humans bashing in each other heads. Has it been this way since the dawn of man and if so why would we think it will change?
We may all come under the “human” unbrella but our visually similiar brains think and see things quite differently. And out of fear, competition and greed we attack one another.
I have no answer for that. It may be one of those problems without a solution if humans are the ones in charge.
How about starting by treating each other as we want to be treated- with fairness and respect, not made to feel less than, or unable to be hired, because we are white. The whole white privilege non sense and CRT is BS.
One of the most racist things happening in today’s world is the constant need or desire to redefine racism to suit whatever whim we fancy at the time.
The definition of racism hasn’t changed. The calendar year doesn’t expand or amend the definition of racism.
Racism is treating someone poorly because of their race.
It can be through violence or hateful communication.
It can be through policies or decisions or omissions based on race.
It can be the brunt of a joke or a victim of discrimination.
Racism is, was and always will be treating someone (a person or race) poorly because of their race. Poorly may mean with malice, or unfairly, or unequally, or unlawfully.
It is not giving a black kid a scholarship over a white kid based on race. If the very opportunity is designed to combat systemic racism, it cannot be racist.
I agree that the “Woke Culture” has harmed and diluted the meaning of racism, confusing people and enabling their racist ways by allowing the standard definition of racism to be blurred. It’s still the same as always.
Very simple way to stop looters at high end stores. Automated gun turrets. Controlled by security not on premises. Very easy to set up. And only targets the looters. Sorta light shot spotter only better technology. Live rounds don’t have to be real bullets. Rubber ones are just as effective.
So it’s a spot shooter, Love it!
So then white people have been discriminated against in college admissions and civil service exams for dozens of years.
I disagree. If the policy is enacted to advance the positions of traditionally marginalized people (through education, job placement, etc.) it is not racist to pick them to level up with white counterparts.
Then you ought read and revise your definition of racism to jive with your racist views. Because if you give a less qualified black person a job over a white person who scored dozens of points higher in a test, because the black person is black, well if that ain’t discrimination against the white person, then Tyer ain’t the worst
mayor since Hathaway.
I am not sure what metrics Tyer uses to hire people but if the North street debacle is any measurement tool then she sure is not going by the ability to do the job. If you hire friends and family and family of friends you get Pittsfield. North street says it all and all of her public relations rollouts combined have not convinced anyone that turning North street into a cornfield maze was a good idea. But she is as stubborn as a mule and will not admit she screwed up. In the meantime, most of the city sees her as a fool and a tool. Too proud and ashamed to go back to what was working just fine.
2022 is going to pile one more sad year on Pittsfield. You can see it coming right of of the door on Allen street.
So you’re saying discrimination is okay then. You can’t have it both ways.
Decades actually
As far as I am concerned, Deanna Ruffer can’t leave fast enough! Her nastiness especially toward Chris Connell and Kevin Morandi has gone on long enough. She should have never been hired back in the first place. She has been one of the key characters in the downward spiral of Pittsfield. Feel since both she and Gina have chosen to leave their posts in the Pittsfield Administration they should NOT be a part of the decision committee allocating the Biden bucks, their appointment to this committee is a typical Tyer crooked as they come decisions.
As far as Tyer deciding to hold only a virtual tree lighting on December 3rd at 6 p.m., I have seen many posts elsewhere asking that Pittsfield residents show up to the lighting in person. It is our City, large events such as Patriots games, parades and tree lighting and other holiday festivities are being held in surrounding cities and town all around Pittsfield. Tyer has absolutely no authority to stop residents from attending! This crap has been going on for almost two years. It is time to start living again and having some enjoyment. Tyer has never listened to the taxpayers, it is time we take our City back, and stop listening to her. Evidently she thinks we are all little kids and she is our mother. Last I knew, fresh air never hurt anyone! Hope to see many of you at the tree lighting!
Cuomo says under oath he doesn’t remember groping a woman’s breast Where will the next immunity of the month come from. He also stated he wouldn’t refuse someone sitting on his lap. Update. O J still hasn’t located the real killer.
Yup. And Pittsfield authorities are still hot on the case of the $10,000 in prom cash stolen from a desk in the English Department at PHS. That was only years ago. Not yet solved. (As if it will ever be).
They’re still trying to figure out who stole the keshka and who stole second when Peter Arlos invented baseball in 1796.
Dan, the statue of limitations was up years some years ago, and according to my sources the money was left unattended in an unlocked teachers desk in an open classroom that dozens if not hundreds of students and teachers had access to. Absence a witness,
confession, or video evidence, case couldn’t be solved. I can assure you it wasn’t for lack of effort.
Maybe it is just Pittsfields reputation for covering things up for special people that makes everyone jump to conclusions. A rather normal reaction given the city’s history. And it is not likely to abate given the current team on top.
Who leaves 10k in a teaches desk drawer on Senior night except that it does make everyone a suspect.
The teacher in charge of the money did just that, I just can’t recall now when it was stolen exactly.
Speaking of sitting on laps, have you seen hot teenage Ivanka sitting on her daddys lap? Donald did not seem to mind that at all.
Joe showered with his daughter according to her diary
Hunter was humping his niece/Creepy Joe’s grand daughter.
Great quote by Newtvtonight. I prefer Biden skeeping as opposed to Kamala laughing.
Ruffer is going to retire on all the kick back money she has received over the years from all of the elite firms she has helped steal from the city. Dan, didn’t she have a corporation set up in Florida? We can only guess how that’s been funded!!!!!
A true poison pill for the city. But I am sure the cabal has an equally compliant replacement ready to step in and funnel the funds.
Personally I love the pushback she’s given to those councilors over the years. They deserve it. I think they are threatened by smart women. But the way they behave in their pompous and immature ways, they should have been voted out years ago.
Take it from someone that works for a Fortune 500 Company, Deanna and also your pal Linda would never make it in a private company, That type of snarky behavior is not tolerated.
Apparently it is more dangerous to attend an Xmas tree lighting than it is to go to one of the mayors favorite restaurants. Cuz she ain’t shutting anything else down. This woman has all the class and charm of Steve Bannon with the difference being that he is much smarter.
And prettier
While you’re right about Crosby, you seem to be disparaging blacks as whole, versus the actions of some members of the race. I find your flagrant use of derogatory and inflammatory language and your poem to be despicable.
For the record, I wrote this in response to a since redacted and totally racist and uncalled for post by maumauatter. And I am
pleased the post was redacted.
First of all, its not my poem, but thanks anyway. Secondly its not despicable. Its an innocuous little poem which points out that the negro is god’s mistake, not mine. So while it perfectly fine to demonize caucasians as a whole, its obvious that god’s mistakes are not going to be satisfied until everyone who isn’t one of them gets down on their knees and asks for the negros forgiveness for the sin of being born white. I expect that this allegedly racist inflammatory comment will be redacted. I’m sure that it will please you as you obviously support Christmas Parade massacres of innocent children and the burning and looting of cities perpetrated by BlackLIESMatter as atonement for the sins of the white privilege race.
It’s a shame that you can vote.
I support none of that nonsense and I think like MLK thought – people should be treated equally and not better or worse based on immutable characteristics like gender (which ain’t fluid), and race. But for you to apparently buy into the poems narrative about blacks being a mistake from God is Indeed despicable, in my opinion, along with your other words. We are all God’s children and are all equal and special in God’s eye and if you get to heaven you’ll know it for sure, just not sure you’ll make it.
How very inclusively MLK of you to question whether I’ll make it into your pork chop heaven.
“In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over the ninety and nine righteous persons who need no repentance – Luke 15:7
Does the shepherd not leave his flock of ninety-nine sheep in the wildness in order to find the one which is lost.
As for my despicable little poem, its not so much a poem, as it is more of an “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” which reminds me of the absurdity of two African Americans who brought a failed lawsuit against an airline for alleged intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Call me when the mayor resigns.
Nobody is going anywhere till that 40 million gets spent
We do not envy – up here on The Planet – we feel like politics are chilly. Just so as ya know; envy is not the correct word.
No offense, but is it really an “exclusive” when iberkshires posted the same story?
TONY
None taken. You have a point. I will say that THE PLANET posted the story first, hot off the press (the advantage of speed that a one-man shop permits). At that point, it was exclusive. iB had it later, and it was no longer exclusive, of course.
I would also add that the iBerkshires story on this, which followed long after we broke it, had ZERO — nothing, nada, zilch — comments. We shall soon easily top 100 — a typical day here. “Nothing to see here. Go to your homes, now,” which is the first thing city officials learn to say after taking office. It’s usually applied to embarrassing and corrupts situations.
Thank you
My thoughts on the trial by jury of Ghislaine Maxwell are that she is being portrayed as a persecuted scapegoat for all of the sexually abusive men who allegedly sexually exploited the sex trafficked 14-year-old girls versus her being portrayed as a predator of 14-year-old sex trafficked girls whom she proverbially fed to the wolves in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking ring. Ghislane Maxwell faces up to 80 years in federal prison if she is convicted of the sex trafficking criminal charges, which would really mean life in prison. Her trial by jury in federal court in NYC that began on 29-Nov-2021 will last from 4 weeks to 6 weeks. Her defense Attorneys argue that too much time has passed for the sexually exploited women to be able to provide accurate testimony, and that the sexually exploited women may be unduly influenced by the financial legal settlements from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate and the other rich and powerful men who allegedly sexually exploited them. Of course, like everyone else, Ghislaine Maxwell is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law by a jury of her peers. I believe that the public has a right to know who the rich and powerful men are who Ghislaine Maxwell allegedly sex trafficked the 14-year-old girls to for sexual abuse and exploitation. I believe that it is the height of SEXISM for one the woman – Ghislaine Maxwell – to face federal criminal charges when there are many men who were involved in Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking ring. In closing, the law should apply to everyone regardless of one’s class and status in society, which does NOT seem to be the case here as the rich and powerful men go uncharged.
It was interesting that the salary info was not included in any of the reporting, only that they are paid through Biden bucks.
This stinks HIGHLY of a “200 Hours Nick Russo” plot to attend one meeting a month and answer some weekly emails while earning a (split) full time salary.
Pittsfield is a corrupt city. Imagine what a forensic audit would unearth.
If all is equal or the powers that be want it to be equal here is a start. step one, remove the question that asks what race you are on all forms. If all are equal then why ask? It immediately makes anyone checking a box feel a certain way. Second, eliminate programs that favor any race over another, this is as racist as it gets and it is counter productive and not needed at this point. At one time yes but now that time is long gone and giving one race a crutch while giving another a handicap will breed resentment in some, create an entitlement feeling in others, and fuel deep rooted racism that may have not been there in the first place. Third, stop describing the person on the news by saying their race first!!! It is a man or woman or a “they” in today’s world but if all are equal, what does it matter what color they are unless the police are looking for a person and a physical description is needed? This could be a start to creating a country that is what I guess it’s “meant” to be as currently interpreted. Change happens over time, but forcing a person to check the box on the form saying what color they are tells them in clear written form that race matters and there must be a difference or it wouldn’t ask. There is way more that this conversation brings out and many steps to getting to the point where all will feel that there is a level playing field for all but in the end a certain percentage of people will be criminals, drug addicts, poor, rich, mean, happy, and successful. This is simply the way it is. Help people if you can, ask for help
If you need it, be kind if you are kind, be mean and a criminal if that is you but we must enforce the laws we have and punish those who break the law to discourage others from doing the same then maybe there will be less crime but letting a person skate for a crime that is committed sends the wrong signal. Either change the law so it isn’t a crime or punish for breaking it when it happens. EQUALLY! I got off topic but they are related.
White people are not a part of the multicultural bridge.
Looks like two retreads are going to spend ya’s 41 million
Has the hiring of Ruffer and Armstrong gone over the head of the Great Planet ? I don’t think so?…Forty one million and in charge Dan? Duh?
NOPE. In fact, we learned of it and had it first. Yeah, these are the two INSIDERS who will decide. Gee, maybe THE PLANET should put in for a couple hundred thou. I’, sure Deanna especially would enjoy rewarding me for all the years I have given her fair and truthful coverage.
Ruffer is the most qualified person to spend the taxpayers 41 million.Nobody is better at spending other peoples money.How much is she going to be paid?
Jeepers Pothole, you mean you want the DA to actually prosecute these crimes and actually have more sympathy for the victims than the perps? It ain’t in her DNA man.
This DA and every other one too! If the rules are on the books, lets create a list of punishments based upon the crime and offense number and stick to it. If there isn’t going to be any penalty then lets not call it a crime and waste everyones time.
The article does not mention the guy is a convicted local rapist. He has a manslaughter conviction in another state. He has already fled court here once so is a total flight risk if there ever was one and he poses a danger. Yet the DA asks for no bail because she has a no bail policy based on her self-serving ideology rather than our safety. #RecallAndreaHarrington
“The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office recommended Hall be released on his own personal recognizance with conditions that he refrain from driving and drinking.”
JUDGE SETS $10,000 BAIL FOR MAN ACCUSED OF SECOND OUI OFFENSEPITTSFIELD
By Amanda Burke, The Berkshire Eagle
A judge on Monday ordered a local man accused of second-offense drunk driving held on $10,000 bail, pointing to his history of defaulting on court dates and a four-year stint as a fugitive.
Shane H. Hall, 50, of Crane Avenue in Pittsfield, pleaded not guilty in Central Berkshire District Court to driving erratically and under the influence of alcohol on Saturday morning.
The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office recommended Hall be released on his own personal recognizance with conditions that he refrain from driving and drinking.
Prompted by a question from Judge Paul Smyth, Assistant District Attorney R. Talmadge Reeves said the second-offense operating under the influence charge did not qualify him to be held without the right to bail before trial under the state’s dangerousness statute.
Smyth noted Hall’s record, and asked prosecutors to produce more information about his criminal history.
After a break, Reeves said Hall fled the state in 1999 and was “on the run” for four years. During that time, the ADA said Hall was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in South Carolina.
Smyth said Hall has a history of missing court, and over two decades ago had fled the state before he was expected to stand trial on charges in Berkshire County.
“What I’m worried about is him appearing in court,” said Smyth. “It looks like every case he’s had in this district he’s defaulted.”
Hall told Smyth that he was younger then, and would not miss any future court dates.
“I just had too much to drink the other night,” Hall said. “I’m definitely going to show up for court.”
Defense attorney Thomas Donohue agreed with ADA Reeve’s recommendation, and said his client planned to check himself into a treatment program immediately.
Smyth ordered Hall held in lieu of $10,000 cash bail, and Hall was put in handcuffs by court officers.
He had been taken into custody initially by state police about 8 a.m. Saturday, when the car he was driving on Pecks Road left the road. According to court documents, a trooper reported that Hall was slurring, his eyes were watering, and noticed a “moderate smell” of alcohol on Hall’s breath.
According to the trooper’s report, Hall could not focus or follow instructions, and was missing a shoe. Hall was taken to the state police barracks in Cheshire, where began vomiting before EMTs determined he needed to go to Berkshire Medical Center for evaluation.
On the way to the hospital, Hall allegedly said he drank too much that day. Once at the hospital, Hall told a trooper he had been trying to retrieve his own car, which “slid off the road” Friday night while Hall was driving in Lake Onota Village.
Hall said he left his car on the side of the road and took a taxi home, the report states.
Then on Saturday morning, Hall took someone else’s vehicle without authority and attempted to drive it back to Lake Onota Village to pick up his vehicle, Reeves said. That’s when Hall went off the road a second time, leading to his arrest.
Hall was arraigned Monday on second offense OUI, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, driving without a license, speeding and using a motor vehicle without authority. He is due back in court Dec. 29.
This guy violently raped a 17 year old has run away from court before. We have no district attorney.
Restorative justice candidate. Better known as Mulligan 5.0 ( golf term)…
GOOD ONE!!
We’d be better off with no District Attorney. She’s an embarrassment.
CRT sounds like another distraction to the colossal failure that public schools have become. Has Pittsfield fulfilled its 2012 Pittsfield Promise initiative to increase the reading proficiency level of 3rd graders from a dismal 25%, or less, to an unbelievable level of 90% by the year 2020.
“Pittsfield schools suffer from serious disparities in reading proficiency levels as measured at the third-grade level, from Steans Elementary, which at 85 percent maintains the highest in the city, to Morningside Elementary, where only about a quarter of third-graders are deemed proficient. Pittsfield Promise says those issues could worsen if left unchecked. …” Pittsfield Promise Praised for All-American Award/iBerkshires August 23, 2012
How’d that work out? Well, maybe the kids who still can’t read can build snow statues of George Floyd in the razor fenced-in Morningside school playground. Or maybe not, considering that snow is RACIST WHITE.
Dalton LOWERS taxes 4 percent? How did they do that Mrs Tyer?
https://www.iberkshires.com/story/66626/Dalton-Tax-Rate-Estimated-to-Drop-by-4-.html?fbclid=IwAR39-VM5vTXg4F1Oboms4F4Lu5YgKXnDwheaOMrn87z8FSvQK3nW0qF7B1A
This guy should be impeached!
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/11/republican-massachusetts-governor-considering-implementing-vaccine-passports/
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/think-carefully-about-accepting-concept-vaccine-passports
Deanna quit so she could manage the ARPA funds.
https://www.iberkshires.com/story/66623/Pittsfield-Picks-Veteran-Employees-as-ARPA-Fund-Managers.html
Watch what happens
Spreadsheet ngvthe wealth is her expertise.
I agree ,she follows the money.
Money moochers Pelosi and Schumer promising that their Build Back Better disaster bill will pass by Christmas. A horrible Christmas gift for all Americans. The final key to the Great Reset these elderly far leftists want for this country. Nance will probably retire soon after to her newest palatial mansion in Florida while the majority of us suffer the consequences from this horrible bill. Their goals of no property ownership in 10 years for most Americans (poor and middle class), expensive electric cars for the elites while the rest of us pay big buck for gasoline, and the further brainwashing of young people in public schools by all of this expanded daycare.
Pat.Many more problems with this Biden Administration,start with gas prices C N N Doesn’t want to talk much Biden.
Oh, I know. What I mentioned is just the tip of the iceberg of problems, but there are massive problems being caused by Biden and his Bernie Sanders followers. Many may not be reversible and that’s what they are counting on. Even if they lose in 2022 and 2024, their socialist/communist/globalist polices will be carved in stone and that’s all they care about.
If chucky, Nancy, Biden, Harris, hilliary, and sleepy Joe were standing on edge of cliff that was caving and you had one rope to save only one, which one would you save?
I’d save Joe. He’s a Syracuse brother. He drank at The Orange on Crouse, just around the corner from Marshall Street. The Orange is no longer there. Neither is Joe.
Harrington newsjack of the day – what does this have to do with her?
DA Andrea Harrington
@harringtonforda
The strength of survivors inspires and amazes me. Thanks to Mr Saviano for being brave and comforting so many. Time to shine that light on the history of clergy abuse in Western MA. Survivors deserve that the truth be known.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/11/28/metro/phil-saviano-clergy-abuse-victim-who-refused-stay-silent-dies-69/
What bullspit.
Don’t you know? Everything is about her.
Legally it is OK to be a Racist as long as person doesn’t call for any violence.
Bad? Not nice? Offensive! May be so, but perfectly LEGAL.
Free speech in the U.S. allows to say ANYTHING, except call for violence/terrorism.
There are many Federal Lawsuits won defending Free Speech as described above.