3,000 and COUNTING
THE PLANET, burning it at both ends.
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION JUNE 5-7, 2026) — Today, THE PLANET achieves a milestone. This marks the 3,000 column in this series.
It’s been a run that we didn’t anticipate when it began simply as an online experiment. As the internet grew and cyberspace got more adaptable, we had to follow–and did so willingly, making the appropriate investments along the way to keep up with the dizzying technology. We asked nothing in return, keeping this site free of charge.
What began on whimsy turned into a writing exercise equivalent to a gym workout prior to the big game. THE PLANET‘s big game has been back in book writing. The blog has kept the fingers nimble and the mind sharp, a requirement when writing tomes exceeding 100,000 words.
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We take pride in having presented this board to the people of Berkshire County and environs. We have built a steady, loyal readership whose size we couldn’t anticipate and whose shared insights we couldn’t have invented.
THE PLANET remains the only truly interactive local medium, allowing comments in real-time without many stipulations. We would submit that compared to any other local press outlet, including the local daily newspaper, this site has kept alive and represented freedom of speech and freedom of press. They give lip service. THE PLANET delivers the authentic goods, taking seriously the investigative and agenda-setting functions of an independent press.
We’ve written for every commercial medium that might employ writers–newspapers, magazines, the screen, advertising, radio. Each one, driven by profit, in some way requires the writer to adhere to certain protocols that ultimately cater to sponsors, investors, and those who put up the money to make the money.
The unique thing about this site from a writing standpoint is that we are free from ANY financial pressures, and this serves as the premise behind everything we do. NO ONE, except Yours Truly, would decide on what we write and how we write it. There’s no sponsor with a list of sacred cows. Every potential subject risks having its profanity exposed. No one and nothing is off limits.
The results speak for themselves. We piss off the right people. Everyone else we satisfy, bringing to our contents the professionalism honed by a rigorous, post-graduate training in journalism and more than five decades of practice.
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Enjoy THE PLANET while you can, because as George Harrison so memorably sang, “All Things Must Pass.”
Thank all of you who have made this board your morning cup of coffee and your evening belt of scotch.
“Power is the blank page of a notebook waiting to be filled” — Sir Donald Turpentine, Knight of the Bath.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
Copyright (c) 2026 By Dan Valenti, PLANET VALENTI and EUROPOLIS MANAGEMENT. All rights 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 the responsibilities that are or can be attached to those comments, be they rhetorical, semantic, or legal. Such commentators 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. We serve as a marketplace of ideas, without prejudice and available to all. All users of this site — including readers, commentators, contributors, or anyone else — hereby agree to these conditions by virtue of this notice and their use of/participation in this site. When PLANET VALENTI ends with the words “The Usual Disclaimer,” that phrase shall be understood to refer to the full text of this disclaimer.
Free Speech in the Fiefdom of Bitchfield equals the career politicians such as Earl and the 2-Pete’s Pittsfield politics refuse to speak with blogger Dan Valenti.
Good Job!
They shame themselves, since they fear honest questions as much as they fear the truth. It is a badge of honor when political hacks run away from us! Thanks, JON.
Dan, congratulations, and thanks so much for providing this sounding board for us Kapanskis. I am sure many fellow Planeteers feel the same way.
And its readers like you, JOE, who have made this such a worthwhile endeavor for me.
Dan,
What an accomplishment my friend, and what a public service. Thank you. What do you think of the fact that vets get one day a year in their honor, well over a million US war dead get one day, parent’s get one day, and grandparents, but the gays get to ruin a whole month with their pride bullshit. You Dan have real accomplishments to be proud of. I’ve got nothing against the gays, but by God, enough already. Around 2 percent of people are actually gay and that pansy of a mayor flies the gay pride flag, and one of the most beautiful months of the year is co-opted by the ABCDEAFEFEZ Alphabet Loons.
Pride month is a far left attempt to bring back the communist Red Calendar…..
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/modern-red-calendar-and-death-pride-month
Well stated, TELL. I’ve lost track now of the alphabet soup, which stands at LGBTQIA2S+. An entire month. For what, exactly?
James Failla :
“A strong password for hackers to figure out.”
LGBTQIA2S+.
Good one. It uses up 1/3 of the entire alphabet, and you can be sure that there will be more letters added. Especially in Massachusetts.
today is day 5 so it is E day as in everything goes
In the interest of tolerance, diversity, and inclusion the celebration of Alphabet People Pride could be assigned a specific day. February 30th is
still available.
It boggles the mind how people let the ability of a tiny portion of the population dominate the rest of the
population.
Dan you deserve a huge Community Service award. I mean that. In a real world Marchetti would have you in front of the council giving you a proclamation.
And whatever the opposite of that is, it should be given to the Marchetti’s and Tyers of the world who only seem interested in taking care of themselves and their closest associates. And that is why some cities thrive and others spiral, as a revolving door of useful idiots in power come and go.
By the way, is Scott Bessette doing the numbers for Pittsfield? Word on the street is that due to horrible policies Hyperinflation will land in the next couple of months and the peeps are not going to know what hit them.
How about Marchetti’s brilliant idea to build a 30-million-dollar ballpark during the prelude to a depression? Is it finished yet? Are the kids graduating from Pittsfield high schools today looking forward to paying for that for the rest of their lives as the corporate welfare folk laugh at them from the bows of their yacht’s?
MEAN
Much appreciated from one of our best contributors.
Tell all the kids to become cops and firemen they all make over 200K for doing nothing, but the liberal propaganda sheet won’t tell you that
They will make the big bucks if they work 90 hours per week, and for half of those they will have their lives on the line. Th only way cops are raking it in is overtime, unless they are the chief, and the chiefs job may pay big bucks, but the ass aches ain’t worth it.
How does any of them have their life on the line?? When they take their cruiser home for meals(or soemthing else?) or when they are parked in a parking lot hiding doine their time? No one should work more than 40-60 hours… if they are doing 90 they are no good for anyone. I will ask a question when was the last time a Pittsfield Police officer was killed or shot in the line of duty?? I believe I have had more attempts at my life than 90% of the Pittsfield Police Force and I’m not even close to what they make. Why do the towns surrounding Pittsfield have less police per 1,000 then Pittsfield?? While we are at it maybe the fire dept should go to 5 days a week 8 hour shifts.
Dan gets plenty of proclamations in city hall believe you me.
Fer sher, so many our portrait ought to hang inside the corner office.
Lumpy’s portrait
currently hanging in the corner office.
https://x.com/RThoughtfulness/status/202262139818
8073160
https://x.com/RThoughtfulness/status/2022621398188073160
The kids graduating today are getting the hell out of Shittsfield!
and a lot of kids who did not graduate in other cities are moving to Pittsfield
So many thanks for giving free speech to the people which is something that the Berkshire Eagle stopped years ago when they cancelled their blog. The Berkshire Eagle still has public comments that they print, but those comments are so biased one way that it’s ridiculous.
California vote counting still going on days after the election and officials saying it could go on for several more weeks. This is a perfect example of why mail-in ballots for everyone doesn’t work and encourages fraud. How can anyone trust elections when it takes this long to declare the winners?
Congratulations on your contributions Dan. One of my morning rituals for sure.
Thanks, RK.
Dan – Congratulations on this milestone. Thank you for providing a site where we can get the actual truth of so many issues.
Thanks, M&B. You’ve been a stalwart here.
Congrats Dan. Not unexpected or unimaginable. Dan. I’ve asked you this a few times on here and when you were at wbrkbeserk. A Book about Bitchfield. Call it your Manifesto to the peeps.
Thanks COOKIE my good friend. Such a book has been considered. I have kicked around do a tome on the infamous Civic Authority, and how that grievous conflict gave We The People a win in the battle but a grievous loss in the war. It would be a political expose equivalent to Bouton’s Foul Ball. And you–keep up the good work.
Dan, if you are open to ideas for the name, I suggest Shiittsfield; the story of a city that went down the shitter.
Not bad!
How,bout Dan starting a real newspaper. Call it……….The
@!!!!@
OoO
¥
Daily Flush….
Or perhaps Stoolflux, the story of a city that was flushed down the toilet and came back up full force and left a giant putrid mess, with politicians manning lifeboats but vowing to raise taxes higher because that was all they knew how to do. And it was easier.
Dan, I agree with many other posters on here for allowing us to post freely on The Planet.
We, the posters, might not always agree with federal political issues, but I think we can all agree that we are saddened by the poor shape the “leaders” of Picklefield/Bitchfield have allowed it to become.
A quick question for you Dan. What mayor started shutting down transparency? Lumpy is just continuing the trend.
Ruberto?
Bianchi?
Flat Tyer?
Keep on posting!!
Markus
Pretty sure it may have been Doyle,
” HE WAS ‘A GOOD GUY,’ BUT DOYLE LEFT A LEGACY OF OFFICIAL FAILURE” Dan Valenti
What did city expect, from a candidate that traded beers for votes?
6/6/26@12;30
Tom
Ah yes, when barroom politics were in full bloom. Prolly still are, though the petals look somewhat withered.
Dan
Withered, wilted and nearly terminal, going to need more than water and sunshine, to be revived.
Gerry, probed how far the boundaries of corruption could be pushed, paved the way for present conditions.
He managed Gas companies affairs effectively, yet destroyed Shity, accidentally?
Now it’s the norm, with assistance of Propaganda Parrot’s narrative building.
On different subject;
Eager to see what happens with Dershowitz v CNN, SCOTUS is actively working to resolve prior bad Precedents.
Times V Sullivan likely next, as the press is not credible, and mostly propaganda.CNN deserves no protection, similar to false advertisement, all judges involved, state clearly Times is bad law, but they are powerless to change.
The rose of independent news/podcasting / New Media exposure of truth has assisted in the self destruction of Fake News.
Has the Planet explored a podcasting platform?
Perhaps a call in program on DCTV?
Maybe we can get Timmy the Fixer, to answer the questions about Dalton/Hinsdale police Scandals he is covering up?
6/7/26@7:00am
Tom
Spot on, TB! Yes, we have explored podcasting, but not seriously. It’s a question of finding the time.
Started with Doyle.
Congratulations on 3000, Danny; you are one of the best and prolific writers I have ever known. What I don’t get is you always calling them demeaning nicknames and gratuitously insulting them and then commenting on the silence of them not getting back to you. A little honey instead of vinegar might be in order? Well, whatever works for you!
congratulations
Yes I agree with all the buffoons on here concerning your achievements. As far as Lumpy goes you might as well move out of the city if you think he’s going to straight us out.
Dan,
Thank you for creating and continuing to run this blog for the citizens (silent Majority and the Kapanski’s). I wonder what the value of your unselfish volunteerism to Berkshire County would total! I also wonder what Democrat from Berkshire County has donated at least a half of what you have for the Kapanski’s! Again I want to say thank you and may you continue for another 3,000 in great health!
SK
You’re most welcome, SHIRL!
Dan
Your truly a pioneer, with this site.
Thanks for your efforts
Tom
Thanks, TB!
Dan congratulations on your milestone!
My question for and my fellow Planeteers is:public schools public dollars where are our public defenders?
By which I mean the DA’s office not those of us who are standing up and speaking out about the legion and justices here in Pittsfield.
Why is the DA’s office opting out of prosecuting the teachers and administrators at PHS, and why are they allowing the former hanging judge of Berkshire county and her cursory investigation to have more power over the situation than their office?
Thanks, FOX. Good questions.
The minions have circled the wagons to protect those who have failed us. Like bees protecting the queen. Heeidi was chosen to fly out and sting Ciara to show others who may dare to speak up, that they too can be publicly ostracized in friendly complicit media outlets.
Message is Do Not Get in Our Way.
Unless a viable, truly outisde-of-politics candidate–one with intelligence, integrity, and balls–run in 2027, you know the outcome, GIMMEE. Lumpy will be gone, having done his damage, and we will get another coronation of the status quo.
CNBC Anchor Issues Dire Stock Market Warning: “I Can Assure You… We Will Have a Crash”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/dac1a1f2adf30aac00a449ddbb2a0950?s=120&d=mm&r=gBy Omor Ibne Ehsan
Updated Jun 5, 10:06AM EDT
·
Published Jun 3, 12:50PM EDT
Quick Read
Congratulations on 3,000. Impressive milestone. Wondering on other people’s thoughts about Gay Pride Month. Is someone Sexual Orientation something to be proud about? I don’t think it is. I also don’t think it’s anyone’s business. Live your life, enjoy your life, stuff your Flag, you know where.
Thanks JOE. The word “pride” has now been made meaningless, as has “gay” and “racist.” Once they had meaning. Today … meh.
Dan, I hear Marchetti is prepping a proclamation of your milestone, to be read to the full council at the next meeting, but he has to run it by 6 people 6 ways from Sunday first, then stick his finger in the air to see what way the wind is blowing, before he makes a final decision.
True, dat, but there’s one more step: Commission a “consultant” for $85,000 to study the issue. The 85Gs includes rebounds, also known as a word that rhymes with “stick” and “hack.”
And then keep the consultants report secret, that taxpayers paid for!
Yes. The final step!
The key is the audience. Proclamations from lumpy are only as good as the audience clapping.
His minions will clap on cue. Just like they give thumbs down on this site. On cue.
That’s pretty impressive, but Melle bested you in word count.
I will try to write less words.
Tuesday’s City Council meeting’s final vote on Earl and the 2-Pete’s Pittsfield politics’ record-breaking municipal operating budget.
A couple hundred million dollars in city spending that begins on July 01st, 2026.
One Pittsfield….One BIG spender with One BIG beer belly.
A quarter of a billion dollars. Some “budget.” Wonder how many beers that buys?
Has to be cases truckloads.
John
It would be better if you would refrain from your loquacious tendencies.
Less is more…
Unless it’s facts
Tom
JM, brevity produces better stuff. Cut and and fluff and ignore typos (editing for formal writing)
Great columns! Glad we have you!
Much appreciated, DOUG!
Very impressive Dan. What a feat!
You helped us get there, SIR CHAZ, by providing plenty of material for good stories.
A long strange trip, and some ghosts.
Congrats Planet on your spectacular run of hitting 3,000. I appreciate and look forward to reading each and every writing. God Speed always.
OPIE you guys are the best!
Israel currently being bombarded by Iran. Trump plans on attending a Knicks game. Not good. New Yorkers hate him. Iran doesn’t trust Trump nor Israel and they’re certainly not agreeing to a defenseless military. Get out of this War. There is no good ending. Get by reducing inflation and gas prices.
How much will you pay to eradicate pure evil? Is this how you would have responded in 1938?