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THE UNDISCOVERED WORD, RULES FOR LIFE, and THE D.A.’s 24/7 CAMPAIGN (IT’S ALL ABOUT POLITICS, BABY, and F**K JUSTICE)

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION JAN. 21-3, 2022) — TFIG and the weekend, right?

THE PLANET‘s not so sure.

Everywhere we went this week, we sensed a general malaise out there in the vale of tears for which we should have to invent a new word to accurately convey. The nuanced ingredients to this word, which as yet to be discovered, includes fatigue, both mentally, spiritually, and physically; weariness, in its downward cycle; apathy, mixed with anxiety (shaken) and ambivalence (stirred).

Don’t know what it is, exactly, but THE PLANET’s hunch would examine the ongoing pandemic, our poisoned politics and the hate-filled divisions it has caused throughout the country, the attack on free speech and other constitutional bedrock, lack of confidence in all three branches of government, and — locally and regionally — the dreary, totalitarian nature of one-part rule, in our case extreme political correctness demanded of citizens by a tiny number of elite “progressives.”

———- ooo ———-

Someone sent us the following seven rules for life. We thought we’d pass them along.

1. If it doesn’t open, it’s not your door — Not necessarily. At times, if it’s not your door, you need to knock.

2. Some days you need the music and some days you need the lyrics — Yes. The heart one day, the head the next.

3. If someone is stupid enough, then walk away from you, be smart enough to let them go — True. They’re not worth chasing.

4. Making mistakes is better than faking perfections — Depends on circumstances, as writers, politicians, and performers know.

5. Remember to learn your limits if you are givers — Yup. Giving of yourself to others as a means of avoiding yourself will, always saying yes, will kill you.

6. It’s better to lose someone instead of losing your mind — Every single time.

7. Kindness is not flirting — And flirting is not kindness.

  • Attention is not love.
  • Silence is not anger.
  • Tears is [sic] not a weakness.

THE PLANET will add a couple of our own rules of life:

  1. Do what you say you’re going to do.
  2. If you believe in it, don’t back down.
  3. Never give up. There are always options.
  4. Question most everything.
  5. Don’t be a jerk.

6. Don’t be a mooch, a moax, or a hanger-on.

7. Never play victim.

8. Love freely.

9. Never be intimidated.

10. Fear not.

11 .Have gratitude

12. Give thanks.

13. Attitude is all.

14. Forgive

15. But if they dump one on you, give them back two. They sling two in your face, give them four.

———- ooo ———-

Since she won the job as district attorney, Andrea “Wrong Way” Harrington has gone back on just about everything she promised. End result is a regression of the criminal justice system in Berkshire County.

  • Cops: Harrington has antagonized the police, and not for the right reasons or reasons one can respect. Like former Ward 1 councilor Helen “Handgun” Moon, she has telegraphed her disrespect for our officers. Interesting that Wrong Way had to fire Handgun for reasons not yet fully fathomed. Perhaps the upcoming campaign for D.A. will shed some light.
  • Courts: The chatter in the courthouse about the D.A.’s office is, shall we say, not complimentary. There’s a reason Wrong Way almost never appears.
  • Press: She’s terrified of anything involving the media that isn’t puffery. Wonder why?
  • From Day 1, you’d have to be dead, dumb, and blind not to realize that Wrong Way’s office, the inner doings, is a 24/7 political canpaign HQ. Only this and nothing more, to paraphrase the Divine Edgar.

The D.A. shared the following campaign announcement regarding her upcoming 47th birthday. What are the odds this was produced by the office, during official times, on official equipment?

= = = = =

Celebrate Andrea’s 47th birthday with special guest District of Columbia Attorney General, Karl Racine, February 2, 6 – 7 p.m.
In the midst of voter suppression and the fight for justice reform, this year’s discussion will be themed around the role of elected law enforcement leaders in advancing democracy and equity in Massachusetts and nationally.
Andrea won her first election in 2018 because she built a strong and diverse grassroots coalition full of people like you who were fired up to send a champion for justice and equality to the Berkshire District Attorney’s office. She never forgets that. It guides her work every day.
Andrea needs your continued support. Please register and donate today. 
Ouch!
———- ooo ———-
With that, we leave you to enjoy the weekend. Live. Love. Be happy.

The unknown word, we just discovered, is “shoombala.”


“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”Martin Luther King.

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

(c) 2021 By PLANET VALENTI & EUROPOLIS MANAGEMENT. All right reserved. The views and opinions expressed in the comment section or in the text other than those of PLANET VALENTI are not necessarily endorsed by the operators of this website. PLANET VALENTI assumes no responsibility for such views and opinions, and it reserves the right to remove or edit any comment, including but not limited to those that violate the website’s Rules of Conduct and its editorial policies. Those who leave comments own all rights to those comments. They remain solely responsible for what they post and shall be and remain solely accountable for their words. PLANET VALENTI shall not be held responsible for the consequences that may result from any posted comment or outside opinion or commentary as provided in, but not limited to, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and this website’s terms of service. All users of this website — including readers, commentators, contributors, or anyone else making use of its information — hereby agree to these conditions by virtue of this notice and their use of/participation in this website. When PLANET VALENTI ends with the words “The Usual Disclaimer,” that phrase shall be understood to refer to the full text of this disclaimer.

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Deliver Mia
Deliver Mia
2 years ago

The President actually said this. I didn’t promise anything,I proposed it. Huh?

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
Reply to  Deliver Mia
2 years ago

We never knew what my come out of Trumps mouth. Good catch.

Ham Anex
Ham Anex
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

Or into Kamela’s

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Ham Anex
2 years ago

When Trump asked her where was her African DNA, she said ” I swallowed it”

Filo Beto
Filo Beto
Reply to  Deliver Mia
2 years ago

I think he was talking to Jill.

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

I respect blogger Dan Valenti’s commentary. However, I disagree with his writings about Berkshire County District Attorney Andrea Harrington because prior to her taking over the chief law enforcement elected post in the western-most county in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, both Pittsfield and North Adams were still always in the top 10 cities in the state for violent crime, according to the FBI’s yearly reports. Boston dumps its neediest and most marginalized citizens in distressed cities such as Pittsfield, and the race to the bottom in Pittsfield and other distressed cities is put on steroids! The Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office has a very bad history, especially with the railroading of the now late-Bernard Baran. Most criminal cases in Berkshire County are politicized due to the corrupt political insiders who have run the show in the beautiful Berkshires for generations. Nothing has noticeably changed for the better since Berkshire County D.A. Andrea Harrington’s progressive tenure, but what else does on expect?

In closing, I hope the SHIT-FEST stops. Please STOP shitting on Andrea Harrington week after week in the blogs. The Ruling Elite in Pittsfield politics and beyond do NOT represent you so stop SCAPEGOATING Andrea Harrington for it.

Annulgas
Annulgas
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

John, maybe you have come up with Andreas new campaign slogan. “Stop shitting on me!”

I'm with the band
I'm with the band
Reply to  Annulgas
2 years ago

It’s a Metal song called “don’t shit on me”, there’s a flag too with a coiled up shit emoji.

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

Thank god a mastermind like yourself can’t vote in Pittsfield. Anyone but Harrington will be a major improvement.

Shirleyknutz
Shirleyknutz
Reply to  joetaxpayer
2 years ago

Are you positive he can’t/doesn’t vote in Pittsfield? I haven’t seen the voter rolls nor heard of them being audited by an outside independent firm. I also remember comments of people stating they voted in 2 states FLA and MA. So to come out with that statement without proof seems premature.

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
Reply to  joetaxpayer
2 years ago

And it begs the question – why the hell aren’t competent attorneys coming out of the woodwork to run against her? Is Caccaviello or anyone else from the Capeless
Regime running? What the eff??? She’ll win if only light weights run

Sure thing
Sure thing
Reply to  TellitLikeitIs
2 years ago

Sorry to break it to you but with Healy Hinds and Mark on the ballot it’s gonna be a landslide for Harrington the smart ones know this. It takes a lot of money to run a county wide election.

Al
Al
Reply to  Sure thing
2 years ago

I don’t know one person who will admit they would vote for Harrington.

laughingstock
laughingstock
Reply to  TellitLikeitIs
2 years ago

It’s hard to think of an attorney in Berkshire County more light weight than Andrea Harrington.

Filo Beto
Filo Beto
Reply to  joetaxpayer
2 years ago

Including my cousin Vinny who be an improvement.

Hey Jude
Hey Jude
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

I’m just wondering if you realize you said this already 75,000 times?

Filo Beto
Filo Beto
Reply to  Hey Jude
2 years ago

And that isn’t the limit he’s capable of.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

Hey Marxist Melle – perhaps you should start your own blog. You & your followers could discuss the “Communist Manifesto”, “Rules for Radicals” and figure out how to best support your faves like Joe O’Biden, Linda Tyer and Harrington since the majority of taxpayers are quite upset with them.

Filo Beto
Filo Beto
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

I checked into his blog to see what he writes about and found a Shitf- Fest blog about his so called enemies, his victim hood claims from birth to now. I also found there is no traffic to his blog and wondered could that be why?

Filo Beto
Filo Beto
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

It is the content and style that built your blog into a power house here in the Berkshires.

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

Jon, a couple of things. First, any chance you could post your point of views on these subjects? What has Wrong Way Harrington done to improve public safety? Where are her stats on “racially bias policing” in Berkshire County? And what do you think of her lack of statistics to back this up? Finally, how would you feel if you were a police officer in Berkshire County and the chief law enforcement officer calls you racist, but backs it up with nothing? Not to mention views state laws she was sworn to uphold, as discretionary?

See, this is what we want to hear. Your thoughts and answers. Educate us!

We don’t want to hear your views on “Chrome Dome Hinds”, “Trippy Buffet”, Richie “K-Street” Neal, or the “Lovely Linda and her millionaire husband.” We’ve heard your SAME views on these same subjects, time and time and time and time……again. Understand? Comprende?

And I ask for current events. Bernie Baran, sad and tragic as the case was, was tried by Dan Ford, five prior Berkshire District Attorney’s ago. Almost 40 years ago buddy.

I’ve been civil with you and not called you a name. If I may offer a suggestion, you should really speak to a professional about your not letting grudges go. You’d be much happier, I promise.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

Thank you Markus & Dan.

JoeKapanski
JoeKapanski
2 years ago

Synonym for Shoombala – Fukitol! Definition- A figurative pill the average Mary Jane or Joe Kapanski takes to help cope with the city and country having gone to hell in a hand basket.

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
Reply to  JoeKapanski
2 years ago

Flukitol – A word that describes an exceedingly rare, one time event that is a total fluke, such as Harrington getting elected.

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
Reply to  TellitLikeitIs
2 years ago

I wish someone would paint a picture of who her main supporters really are. Names and who they are associated with. Anyone? Who does she really work for?

Pat
Pat
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

George Soros.

RNtoo
RNtoo
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

No, much as she would like to, Harrington did not make the list of Soros-funded prosecutors. Her cash is mainly funneled through people who send money to “progressive” DAs.” The come almost entirely from outside Berkshire County without a single clue where we are or what we are about.
We did not elect a DA to spend her time on a national agenda. What would you think if Linda Tyer started spending all her time on the issues of national urban politics?
Drugs and violence are like fighting cancer. You can do something about it but not if you fight on the side of the cancer.
https://komonews.com/news/nation-world/two-dozen-progressive-prosecutors-linked-to-soros-money-report-finds

laughingstock
laughingstock
Reply to  RNtoo
2 years ago

Do you think Harrington’s donors give two sh*ts that drug dealers get let out with no bail in Berkshire County? If you don’t mind a pile of people you never heard of running “policy” here go ahead and vote for her and get what you deserve. Again.

Linda
Linda
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

Rachel Rawlings?

We The People
We The People
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

Must be Capeless

laughingstock
laughingstock
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

Jonathan Melle.

Bernie
Bernie
2 years ago

A victim is defined as a person who has suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage, or economic loss as a result of a crime.

Yes nobody wants to be victimized & it’s the reason why there is a system of justice.

If there are no victims, than we won’t be needing the system.

Shall victims only speak in terms of damages as if conscious awareness of being treated lesser is acceptable that we not speak of being victims ?

No

People are being victimized and that’s the f* reason we do not buzz with delight when you see us; we are shoompy because we are beat down & damaged. Victims exist, sorry!

You don’t lose people whom are connected to your soul & keep your mind intact – the mind splits up and goes out with the bath water – I’m a victim. I did not choose to be. These are not results of bad choices – It is ABUSE of POWER and A CORRUPT BERKSHIRE COUNTY JUSTCE SYSTEM LACKING OVERSIGHT.

Peace Bea
Peace Bea
2 years ago

Hunt is on for woman who spit on and yelled at Jewish children and spewed hitler crap. What is wrong with people today? Stop the nonsense. N New Orleans interstate shootings? Crazy.

Newsbreak
Newsbreak
2 years ago

Letter: Harrington seems more concerned with out-of-state politics than with her job as Berkshire DAJan 20, 2022 
To the editor: Berkshire County District Attorney Andrea Harrington should focus her attention on the important issues in this county and not on the politics of the state of Maryland. (“DA Harrington backs indicted Baltimore prosecutor; likely challenger questions commitment to Berkshire County,” Eagle, Jan. 17.)
If she wishes to support Baltimore state’s attorney Marilyn Mosby, I could care less. Ms. Harrington’s time should be spent on serving the citizens of our county; apparently, she is more interested in out-of-state issues and looking for political opportunities in other endeavors. I shall not be voting again for Ms. Harrington as Berkshire County district attorney in the future. I shall be voting for someone who will devote his or her attention to our county and not getting involved in out-of-state politics.
Neil N. McLeod, Clarksburg

Just the facts
Just the facts
2 years ago

Dan,
The continued obsession with the DA is strange.
I would again ask since we are always talking about Justice. Why has not one single defense attorney or even the defense bar here in Berkshire county not ever said a word regarding the lack of trials taking place? No press conferences nothing! Do people realize cases are backed up by the thousands? I would argue at least the DA’ s office is holding the Dangerous criminals for 120 days or much longer not the ones stealing toothpaste from Walmart.

Why is this important? You have a right to a speedy trial in this country period. They are getting paid while the people they represent are and have been locked up for long periods of time. Really odd that these Justice warriors talk the talk but don’t…..

Lastly, I would say while I think you the Eagle our state senator ( who is campaigning 24/7 by the way do nothing Smitty should be getting slammed for letting the poor people in Housatonic continue to drink brown water this is an outrage! Can you imagine if this was in Pittsfield? Leaving this community like this is criminal.
Then we have my friend s in Lee who are represented by Judy Knight ( she is no Erin Brockovich) and is completely out of her league to try to stop the toxic dumps in the backyards of these good people. Where is the outrage for these folks? Again if this was in Pittsfield?

Really but hey the Twitter comments from the DA get more likes so I understand the play.

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
Reply to  Just the facts
2 years ago

Smitty Pignatelli’s failed public record makes me very upset! But what else would I expect of a man called SHITTY?

Stahhppp shitting in general
Stahhppp shitting in general
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

No one calls him that

Filo Beto
Filo Beto
Reply to  Stahhppp shitting in general
2 years ago

Sounds like Smitty might have ignored Melle’s e -mails or letters and hence the Shitty name from him.

JoePesci
JoePesci
Reply to  Just the facts
2 years ago

The fact is, as every defense attorney knows, justice delayed is justice denied – for the victim that is – so defense attorneys are okay with delays – it increases chance witnesses will go south and client will get off. The only one who really should care about a speedy trial is the DA and she is as useless as you know what.

Al
Al
Reply to  JoePesci
2 years ago

That is exactly what happened with the Johnson murder case the DA lost because the defendant intimidated away all the witnesses while she dragged her incomptent ass.

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
Reply to  JoePesci
2 years ago

You mean to say the DAs focus should actually be on victims and not politics Joe???

None ya
None ya
Reply to  TellitLikeitIs
2 years ago

I’m so confused is there such thing as victim or not?

Filo Beto
Filo Beto
Reply to  TellitLikeitIs
2 years ago

The current DA’s focus is on politics and keeping a good salary gig going.

Stahhppp f* think it through
Stahhppp f* think it through
Reply to  JoePesci
2 years ago

You know what it increases, they paycheck.

RNtoo
RNtoo
Reply to  Just the facts
2 years ago

It’s not an obsession with the DA it’s an obsession with public safety and the fact that an incompetent is running the DA’s office thanks to the duping of the voters. Some of us care about it.

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  RNtoo
2 years ago

Drop the mic RN…

Filo Beto
Filo Beto
Reply to  RNtoo
2 years ago

Out of all her nonsense of protecting those that shouldn’t be protected the one that still gets me is the Simon Rock episode.Her continued refusal to inform the public of what really happened is the one.

We The People
We The People
Reply to  Just the facts
2 years ago

Do you understand the details – papers were filed requesting for the removal of the Berkshire DA?

Removal is a legal term
Removal is a legal term
Reply to  Just the facts
2 years ago

Did you read the local news and the blog? One attorney did speak.

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
Reply to  Just the facts
2 years ago

With Harrington the bar is set so low it’s below grade. Anyone would be better, literally the word Anyone.

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  joetaxpayer
2 years ago

I’m sure more will emerge. The issue with coming out in the race, DA Wrong Way has that “progressive money” and “progressive attitude,” of do as I say, not as I do.

I’m sure, whoever runs against Wrong Way, will feel like they’ve been to an ungloved, unlubed, proctologist, once her money and people begin digging for dirt. Ask the former DA how nice and respectful Wrong Way’s people were during the last campaign.

Better have your ducks in a row. She’s a lightweight, but a well financed lightweight.

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
Reply to  Just the facts
2 years ago

About the toxic dumps. If this were Pittsfield? We got em. More than you know.

The Downtown Umbrella Guy
The Downtown Umbrella Guy
2 years ago

Remember Jesus Lugo, who in early June 21 was arrested for riding the hood of a car while shooting at a house on Dewey? Well he was free and celebrating new years eve with his not-so-better half (the driver).

“He was charged with discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, carrying a loaded firearm without a license and ammunition possession, according to court documents.”

Who do we blame but the DA?

Peace Bea
Peace Bea
Reply to  The Downtown Umbrella Guy
2 years ago

Well that’s the restorative justice working for you. He could be a fine officer someday.

Don Arthur Sebastiansunbich
Don Arthur Sebastiansunbich
Reply to  The Downtown Umbrella Guy
2 years ago

Not really? Has he been reformed? That’s the key.

The school committee
The school committee
2 years ago

The Trumps and the Republicans are knee deep in so many conspiracies and the wall of silence surrounding the criminal family business of money without earning it.The evangelicals call him the tool of God.People of discernment can’t completely understand the mass hypnosis.
The world’s most conservative media would rather focus on Bidens failed voting rights bill instead of the fasist well planned Coup of Trump and his band of traitors….we were seconds away from a successful Coup an overthrow worthy of independent journalism to see what happened not what the perpetrators say happened.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

Far Left policies are destroying California, New York, and are working their way across the country. These far left District Attorneys were put in place to make sure that crime explodes across the country and it is doing so in so many areas. Everyday there are stabbings, shootings, car jackings, and out of control crime. The far left is more worried about the rights of violent criminals than the innocent victims of their crimes.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/newsom-calls-littered-la-rail-tracks-unacceptable-brings-along-cleanup-crew

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

Pat , your diversion to California will never never ever explain what the Trump crime family did to your and my country.One day you will see that you base your thinking in Republican lies.

12 Gauge
12 Gauge
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

TDS from Mr. Cuckoo

Filo Beto
Filo Beto
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

But the chardonnay Progressives that do not live in the zones experiencing the crimes will feel much better about themselves voting in those who won’t enforce the laws.

Dementia Joe
Dementia Joe
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

Tell us how your uncle joe is

Shirleyknutz
Shirleyknutz
Reply to  Dementia Joe
2 years ago

Are you referring to illegitimate Joe, quid pro quo Joe, sleepy Joe, stumbling Joe, confused Joe, sundowning Joe? Or happy humping Hunter, horrific horrible Hunter, hallucinating Hunter? You must be more specific DJ

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Shirleyknutz
2 years ago

Traitor Joseph Stolen

Un provoking
Un provoking
2 years ago

Jesus Christ

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
Reply to  Un provoking
2 years ago

What can I do for you son?

Un provoking
Un provoking
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

Help me to be more like you & less like me

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
Reply to  Un provoking
2 years ago

I can only help once your are strung up on the cross and bleeding badly. When that is done, get back to me and we will discuss your worthiness.

Don Arthur Sebastiansunbich
Don Arthur Sebastiansunbich
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

Harrington is the Marie Antoinette of Berkshire County

Back-Pack
Back-Pack
Reply to  Don Arthur Sebastiansunbich
2 years ago

Perplexed

Sew Longfernow
Sew Longfernow
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

R I P Barry

Jobby job
Jobby job
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

Yes, you said that before, I am getting back to you; been through the valley; been to the mountain top; out 4.79 units.

Don Arthur Sebastiansunbich
Don Arthur Sebastiansunbich
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

Seven Our Fathers.

Gadfly
Gadfly
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

Could you stop posting?

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
Reply to  Un provoking
2 years ago

Dumb Ass

Mighty Joe
Mighty Joe
2 years ago

I commend Dan for bringing this subject to light. Courts have done minimal business for close to 2 years. Enough is enough, if people can go to the movies, sporting events, and bars, they can hold jury trials. There is a massive backlog of cases, and very inexperienced ADA’s being led by an even more inexperienced DA. We have liberal judges. There is a perfect storm brewing. Plea bargains will be coming left and right, in an effort to get rid of some of the backlog (close to 3000 cases), many of which will result in no jail time. There are already too many people out on the streets that belong behind bars. Pay attention everyone, your safety may depend on it. When the election comes up for the next DA, vote for a prosecutor, not a politician!

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

Members of Congress earn a few hundred thousand dollars each per year, while they spend millions of dollars to be re-elected every two years in the U.S. House of Representatives and every 6 years in the U.S. Senate. K Street Lobbyists are allowed to legally bribe Members of U.S. Congress. Last year of 2021, top K Street Corporate Lobbyist Firms posted record earnings. Critics of the Swamp say that the real Capitol Hill is on K Street because the Corporate Lobbyist wrote most of the Obamacare bill, Trump’s single largest federal tax cut bill, Joe Biden’s single largest federal spending bill(s), and other major bills.

Why do we have Members of U.S. Congress such as PAC Man Richie Neal when they only represent K Street Lobbyist Firms instead of the people and taxpayers who live in their Congressional Districts? When state and federal politicians retire from high elected office, most of them become registered lobbyists, including Dan Bosley, Peter Larkin and Stan Rosenberg, who also collect their public pensions and perks on top of their lucrative salaries as greedy lobbyists. Career Politicians and Corporate Lobbyists are enriching themselves at the public trough, while the rest of us feel lucky to survive.

Whatever happened to the government investing in the people, taxpayers, small businesses and institutions who elected officials represent in the Statehouse and Capitol Hill? No wonder why the American Dream and middle class has become so out of reach for so many American families in the 21st Century. All the politicians and K Street Lobbyists want is more and more tax dollars without working class families receiving anything in return for sending the government their hard-earned money. Instead of calling the government a democratic institution, we should call the government a shakedown operation.

https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/business-a-lobbying/590709-top-lobbying-firms-report-record-breaking-2021

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
2 years ago

Covid numbers improving some places. But worse in Pittsfield. Why mayor? Why are Covid numbers better almost everywhere except for your city?

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

One thing it proves, masks are ineffective. Dalton Lanseboro and other towns have no mask policy’s. When will Pittsfield put a end to this stupidity.

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
Reply to  joetaxpayer
2 years ago

Exactly! I used to teach kids how to spot weld and the first thing I told them was. No masks. Do not be a pussy and wear a mask. Most of them had no problems.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

Wearing a cloth mask to keep out a virus, is like putting up a chain link fence around your house to keep out mosquitos

Pat
Pat
2 years ago

Is Joe Biden leading us into war with Russia? His confusing statements in the last few days have everyone concerned. On the one hand, a minor infringement will be allowed, even though Ukraine is saying that nothing will be tolerated from Russia. The White House is now interpreting for us what Joe meant which is adding more confusion. Where is all of this leading?

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

Joe got us out of Afghanistan and has said no troops will be sent to Ukraine. What exactly would you have him do? Do you think this is an easy predicament and how do you think Donald would have handled it given his love for Putin. I think his solution would be to send military aid to Russia.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

Afghanistan debacle made America untrustworthy and a laughing stock.

Lock him in his basement. He can’t do any good so keep him from doing bad

Pat
Pat
2 years ago

Is Biden now leading us into war with Russia?

Merry & Bright
Merry & Bright
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

Certainly seems like it! Especially with his nitwit comment about a “minor incursion” the other day. Talk about opening the door to war! He should be impeached for that comment that the White House has now spent days trying to clear up. Problem is, look who would replace him. Shameful that our Country has to endure the lesser of two (Harris), possibly three evils (Pelosi)for the next three years if something happens to him! Shame on the Democrat party. What a mess they all have created in our Country and they have the audacity to act like everything is peachy keen!

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

Do you think that Biden should have called Putin a “KILLER” last year on the world stage? How does that factor in with the West trying to stop Russia from invading Ukraine? Do you think that Biden should have threatened China with WW3 if China invades Taiwan? The White House had to walk back Biden’s military threat against China. Lastly, do you think that Biden’s nearly 2-decade-ago vote for the U.S. Government/Bush 2 administration to invade Iraq makes him look like a hypocrite in the eyes of the world?

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

I guess you missed that Don Trump was a complete failure as the President.Im surprised Dan.You are holding on.Have you seen what is coming out of the committee?Remember Dan you did say that you use many sources to gather the news.What are they saying about the bankrupt greedy punk.He is doing as expected.His family members have stated many times that he is ignorant greedy and self serving.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

So,have you seen the info about what went on 1/6/2021.Trumps daughter had to go in to his room a 2nd time to ask him to please stop the insurection and he refused.Everyone knew who attacked the certification of Biden except his cult.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

How’s those gas and food prices since last year TSC?

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

Biden couldn’t lead a Cub Scout troop.

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
Reply to  joetaxpayer
2 years ago

Neither Biden nor Harris could manage a McDonald’s. Biden would be fired for sexual harassment and Kamala would piss everybody off and they’d quit

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
Reply to  joetaxpayer
2 years ago

That is pretty hard hitting stuff right there Joe.

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

As someone who served in the Cub Scouts, I know of what I speak.

Coke Izout
Coke Izout
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

Even he doesn’t know

Linda
Linda
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

Trying to since it misdirects our thoughts from the voting where we need ID. Not really him but his handlers. Joes just a standing puppet.

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

Hello blogger Dan Valenti,

Thank you for your advice for me that you posted on your blog, Planet Valenti. I appreciate that you care about me and take the time to give me your feedback. While it is true that I, Jon Melle, focus too much on the past, including in Pittsfield politics, I believe I am being fair when I write that I have also commented on current political issues and events many times. For over one-half of my 46.5-year-old life, I have openly said that I believe that I am a persecuted person, including to many mental health professionals. I have been told that I am really an emotionally disturbed person, including by some mental health professionals, while others have said that I have been a victim of difficult circumstances. I have also been told that my difficult life experiences are a combination of many variables that includes my own actions. In total, I believe that all of the above applies to my mental health disability. I need to handle things that happen in my life better than I have in the past, which is something I still work on.

Also, I understand the criticisms I receive that I “attack” (criticize) some politicians whom I dislike, while I defend some politicians whom I like. That is a fair criticism, but it is also part of what happens in politics. I like and support Berkshire County District Attorney Andrea Harrington in politics, and I have defended her from your blog’s recurring criticisms of her. It is a fact that Pittsfield and North Adams were in the top 10 cities in Massachusetts for violent crime long before Andrea Harrington was the D.A. It is unfair for your blog to blame her for the current situation plaguing the beautiful Berkshires. Her policies are progressive, but I believe she cares about the people and victims who live in the community instead of just throwing the proverbial book at them. In regard to Pittsfield politics, I believe that it is always totally predictable and has been banal for generations, and that the ruling elite are totally DISCONNECTED from the people and taxpayers who live in the Shire City.

In closing, I respect your, Dan Valenti, and your blogging about Pittsfield politics and beyond, and it warms my heart that you care about me; thank you.

Best wishes,

Jonathan A. Melle

Filo Beto
Filo Beto
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

Okay, deployed the victim card, as expected.

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
Reply to  Filo Beto
2 years ago

I never said I am always the victim. In fact, I wrote that it includes my own actions. Please stop putting words in my mouth; thank you. I continue to work on it because I don’t want to play the victim card or always think that I am the victim. I wish to be a good man.

Wakeupcandvote
Wakeupcandvote
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

Bruh. You need to stop. The owner of this blog and the people who comment here have done an outstanding job educating people on the important ways that elections have consequences. For example, rather than letting you get away with a statement like (Harrington) “cares about people and victims who live in the community instead of just throwing the book at them,” we call BULLSHIT. Where is your evidence that she cared about Lonnie Durfee and didn’t just throw the book at him because she disagreed with his ideas? Harrington cares about victims? Again, BULLSHIT. Where is that care when it comes to the family of Anthony Gamache after Harrington failed to present a case to the jury? That case was pure, unqualified ineptitude. How about the little baby whose mother tried to kill her but walked away scot free due to Harrington’s incompetence? Holman, one of our most disgusting habitual sex offenders was acquitted thanks to her office’s incompetence.Then there is the POS museum director, the one who stole $30k that Harrington agree to give a CWOF. Hey, you know what is also BULLSHIT? Repeating the claim that our police arrest citizens for racist reasons. I call BULLSHIT on Harrington’s baseless theory that our entire justice system is racist. It’s BULLSHIT to claim prior prosecutors ever just threw the book at people.Cases involving trespassing, shoplifting, simple drug possession etc have always been treated as minor offenses. If you were ever here in court you would know that. Stop letting Harrington get away with this lie. Harrington is an incompetent lawyer with no business being anyone’s DA. She needs to be called on her BULLSHIT. Get a clue and stop defending the indefensible.  

Filo Beto
Filo Beto
Reply to  Wakeupcandvote
2 years ago

He never learns. He has bought the Brooklyn Bridge a few times.

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
Reply to  Filo Beto
2 years ago

I never said that D.A. Andrea Harrington is perfect and that she never made mistakes as a rookie. I agree with her progressive views on the criminal justice system. I support her in politics. I wrote a political email about the missing 7-year-old girl Harmony Montgomery today.

Re: New Hampshire & Massachusetts both failed Harmony Montgomery – 22January2022

A 7-year-old girl named Harmony Montgomery, who is blind in one eye, whose parents are from New Hampshire and Massachusetts has been missing for over two years. Her father, Adam “Ace” Montgomery has a violent criminal history that includes drug use. A Massachusetts Judge gave her violent drug-user father legal custody of the then 5-year-old girl. That is INSANE! Harmony Montgomery should have been put in foster care and then she should have been adopted by a loving family. Both NH Governor Chris Sununu and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker are in disbelief.

Many modern families are made up of dysfunctional relationships and/or broken homes that innocent children such as the missing girl Harmony Montgomery was born into. The state government has a duty to protect children who are in abusive homes, and both New Hampshire and Massachusetts failed Harmony Montgomery. I hope she is found alive and that she will be O.K. I also hope that the tragic case of Harmony Montgomery will change things for the better in NH & Massachusetts and beyond so that there will never again be another missing child that the system failed to protect.

Jonathan A. Melle

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

Please give it a rest!

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

Mr. Fritz, I hope Donald Trump will thank you when he becomes the Dictator of the U.S.A. You could tell our beloved Dictator to tell Jon Melle to give it a rest!

Sew Longfernow
Sew Longfernow
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

We still have an unsolved little girl that mysteriously died while rolled up in a carpet on Plunkett st. Where was d c f. Now another child killed because of negligence will be interesting what the direction from the d c f was concerning this future case.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Sew Longfernow
2 years ago

We also have a dead body dropped at the state Forrest and silence

Coke Izout
Coke Izout
Reply to  Sew Longfernow
2 years ago

The parents are negligent and d c f also. Heads should roll.

gotcha22
gotcha22
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

You seem to have given our DA (not yours) a lot of thought and yet no matter the facts and evidence you refuse to believe anything negative. That is why you get no respect.

Last edited 2 years ago by gotcha22
fizzlehead
fizzlehead
Reply to  gotcha22
2 years ago

Not sure why so many people are obsessed with Melle comments. They could just skip over them and move on but for whatever reason have to stop and take the time to bitch about his opinions. Why? It does not seem that complicated to just move down to the next one.

Gadfly
Gadfly
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

Why are you so obsessed with those you feel are obsessed with Melle?

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

Turn to God and repent Jon!

Bleak House
Bleak House
Reply to  Wakeupcandvote
2 years ago

The doltish Mr. Durfee poured gasoline and set fire to someone’s personal property because he disagreed with their support of Joe Biden. That’s not an idea. It’s a crime. The judge gave that terroristic thug exactly what he deserved.

Sullivan couldn’t plea it down.

Hated Taxpayer
Hated Taxpayer
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

He should have been praised and not sentenced.

Al
Al
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

Thug? A thug commits crimes for personal gain through stealing, selling drugs, but especially violent crimes such as robbery. This man is a recovering alcoholic. What happened to reducing incarceration and especting the dignity of addicts or is that just for drugs? You people are full of it.

Hated Taxpayer
Hated Taxpayer
Reply to  Al
2 years ago

It’s for people they need to con to win elections. Everyone knows this. Just like libs getting caught with no masks. All a joke

Bleak House
Bleak House
Reply to  Al
2 years ago

Burning people’s property because you disagree with their politics is a terroristic act. People could have been killed.

And you use his alcoholism as some sort of pathetic excuse for his criminality?

Get a clue, “Al.”

Hated Taxpayer
Hated Taxpayer
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

Then logically those that steal from employers should be jailed correct ? He burned hay. In a field. Who cares. Theft from an employer is a real crime

Al if this guy had been black or Muslim little bleak would have no issue

Sean Sullivan
Sean Sullivan
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

As always you are correct Dan

Bleak House
Bleak House
Reply to  Hated Taxpayer
2 years ago

Ah, this “McDonough” nonsense persists. From what I read, that guy paid the money back and was sentenced to no jail time.

And that was nearly 10 years ago.

Hated Taxpayer
Hated Taxpayer
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

When did I say the name McDonough. I did not. You did. Was it worth it?

Bleak House
Bleak House
Reply to  Hated Taxpayer
2 years ago

You’ve used his name before. Why?

Sean Sullivan
Sean Sullivan
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

Everyone knows you are him, so just move on with your life.

Bleak House
Bleak House
Reply to  Sean Sullivan
2 years ago

Sure, Hated, sure.

Sean Sullivan
Sean Sullivan
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

Its awful what you did, but you need to move on. Seriously everyone knows. Yes you are hated by all.

Bleak House
Bleak House
Reply to  Sean Sullivan
2 years ago

Sure I am. Why do you use two names here?

Hated Taxpayer
Hated Taxpayer
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

Who is using 2 names? You are busted feel free to leave in shame

Bleak House
Bleak House
Reply to  Hated Taxpayer
2 years ago

You. You are using “Hated Taxpayer,” and “Sean Sullivan.”

Hated Taxpayer
Hated Taxpayer
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

Nope. Try harder.

Shirleyknutz
Shirleyknutz
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

Think you forgot the owner of the hay said he didn’t want to charge the person after hearing his story. If anyone needed mental health instead of incarceration the bale burner would be the one

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

Well thought out response and you sincerely seem to appreciate the feedback from Dan, and I’m not going to waste my time explaining why Harrington is the worst DA in the history of the Commonwealth.

Al
Al
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

The progressive view on the criminal justice system can be summed up as follows: if one racial group violates a law more than any other group the law must be racist.

Nurseoftheyear
Nurseoftheyear
Reply to  Al
2 years ago

Cops over at Trova Terrace last night. Crime is everywhere!

gotcha22
gotcha22
2 years ago

Another person struggling with addiction and mental health gets jail while dealers walk. Promises promises. SMH.
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/crime/woman-sentenced-to-jail-for-stalking-harassment/article_f8424b18-6fdb-11ec-acc8-0f8c6e22a774.html

Coke Izout
Coke Izout
Reply to  gotcha22
2 years ago

So Biden is giving a killer a mulligan of sorts if there is just a minor incursion.Followed by the comment on his agenda that he never promised anything he proposed it?

Trumiv Putinx
Trumiv Putinx
Reply to  Coke Izout
2 years ago

Vrady NOT done!,,,,

Filo Beto
Filo Beto
Reply to  Trumiv Putinx
2 years ago

Well Vlad will have to deal with Vindman if he try’s anything.

Last edited 2 years ago by Filo Beto
Trumiv Putinx
Trumiv Putinx
Reply to  Filo Beto
2 years ago

Told you. Vrady and Bucs very shady.,like Joe……

Trumiv Putinx
Trumiv Putinx
Reply to  Trumiv Putinx
2 years ago

Bucs lose but go down fighting. Kamala,just go down

Filo Beto
Filo Beto
2 years ago

Exactly how many wins does Andrea Harrington have under her belt as an attorney representing her clients?