ONE BIG, BEAUTIFUL SPEECH … FRAUD FINALLY IN THE CROSSHAIRS
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE THE WEEKEND EDITION FEB. 27-MARCH 1, 2026) — Ah, March, harbinger of spring. In like a lying and out like a lamp. THE PLANET loves it.
It was One Big Beautiful Speech.
The State of the Union address, that is.
President Trump even got Democrats on their feet a couple of times with his masterful theatrics, a set piece of nationalistic arousal meant to lead the partisans into the opening of the Congressional midterms. In the “USA USA USA,” it’s always “campaign season.” Trump feinted, jibbed, jabbed, and tossed in a few uppercuts at Democrats, who grumped and groused, shouted and screamed — and also rose to their feet a couple of times. Trump tossed the bait, and the Dems took it all the way into the trap.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever seen them get up,” he noted. That was when he went for the hearts in the cheap seats in introducing the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team. Right on cue, it was if the lads took gold at Trump’s bidding. Trump also apparently fixed the Olympics to deliver gold for the US women’s hockey team, who, too, were invited to the White House and the State of the Union. The ladies, however, declined. Trump, as is his want, needled the women, though not as toasty as he scorched the men. It proved what scholars, philosophers, and comedians have long known: Guys can take a joke far better than gals.
———- ooo ———-
Talk about working a room. The President gave a masterclass in political performance, his showmanship on full display in one of the top speeches of his career, a last hurrah that will have two sequels. Just remember that the followups rarely match up to the original.
In THE PLANET‘s view, the most substantial aspect of the speech had to be his War on Fraud. He even had the courtesy to mention the MOM– the Matriarchy of Massachusetts.
In MOM, fraud and corruption run wild, with the crooks getting away with massive theft leaving taxpayers to fund their “Everything free in America” lives.
That’s about to change, at least fractionally. No one can put a complete stop to such massive wrongdoing, but Trump has made it clear. He wants to catch as much of it as he can, naming VP J.D. Vance fraud czar. Massachusetts and Minnesota will be first in line. It can’t come too soon.
———- ooo ———-
According to data from analysis company LexisNexis, under Biden-Harris (FY24) the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) in MOM accounted for $364 million in “error payments” (that’s “fraud” in civilian lingo) — $1 million wasted every day of the year. LexisNexis added “[the actual] number is likely double.” o the math.
Two factors guarantee SNAP/EBT fraud in MOM:
- The state is self-reporting. No outside checks.
- There are only 11 people in the inspection unit of the EBT program. These 11 monitor 5,000 EBT-SNAP vendors, 70% of which are convenience stores, where it’s so easy for transnational criminal groups to get involved.
To bring this down to the local level, do you think that Bitchfield is the exception to this rampant theft? Consider the $43 million in ARPA funds given to the city. Forty million questions, no answers. In fact, THE PLANET says it’s reasonable to suspect EVERY welfare program in the city given the municipality’s non-existence of honest, independent, outside audits.
———- ooo ———-
All this comes as Gov. Maura Healey refuses to turn over the state’s SNAP data to the feds. What’s she hiding?
Haywood Talcove, Lexis-Nexis CEO, said “the only way to stop fraud, because it’s all connected across the country, is for all the states to share the data. For example, at LexisNexis, we see the same 10 identities being used in all 50 states. The states don’t see it because they’re operating in silos when it comes to sharing data. But it’s the most effective tool to stop fraud and improper payments.”
What say we invite Talcove to Bitchfield? Have his company take a look at the books.
Pure as the driven snow, no doubt. Those filthy, crusted mounds that line the roadways, we mean.
(ED. NOTE: Tim Dunn of the Boston Herald contributed to this report.)
———————————————————
“If you see fraud and do not say fraud, you are a fraud” — Nassim Nicholas Taleb.
“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.
Pittsfield is receiving Opioid settlement funds over many years.
I hope it won’t end up like the ARPA funds.
It’s “PAY to PLAY” politics with fraud mixed into the cooked books.
The Kapanski’s are treated like an ATM, a doormat, and a toilet that the career politicians….
Oh, I haven’t even begun to catch up on the circus — I haven’t had the time to read The Planet. I’ve been a little busy actually existing in the real world and doing tangible things for my community, as opposed to screaming into an echo chamber of forty loyal commenters who treat speculation like journalism.
But I did happen to catch Lumpy’s grand, slow-drumroll announcement of the “new” police chief.
Lt. Maddelena.
Effortlessly vaulting over every Captain.
Despite not holding the highest score.
Fascinating.
Almost as if the ending was drafted long before the performance began. As I have said for months now, the trajectory was obvious (LOL) the only inconvenient hiccup being that JP Murphy reportedly scored higher than Mark Maddelena.
Awkward little detail.
But when the script is already written, merit becomes decorative. Process becomes theater. And transparency becomes a buzzword you toss around while hoping no one reads past the headline.
So now we’re all expected to gasp, clap, and pretend this was an organic, merit-based surprise instead of a neatly packaged inevitability.
And here’s the part that must be especially irritating for the Planet crowd:
You don’t have to like me.
You don’t have to agree with me.
You don’t even have to stop obsessively watching what I say.
But time and time again, the information I share ends up aligning with reality — while you’re still busy mocking it in real time and quietly adjusting your narrative after the fact.
That’s the difference between commentary driven by ego and commentary driven by observation.
One performs.
The other notices patterns.
Shhh.
Give it a few weeks and you’ll all pretend you “knew all along,” just like always. LOL
P.S. What about those Epstein Files?
I’ll have to give you a Ribbon, Gold Star and a Medal. So proud.
Glad you are finally “SEEING” things clearly, Joe. Even without your Snellen chart.
Val
The “captains”Lt. Maddelena.
Effortlessly vaulted over, moved from shitsfield, due to their inability or unwillingness to combat crime.
Look up “residency”, the only thing fascinating is your idiocy.
The Epstein files was another demonrat distraction, to deflect from their criminal conduct. Delaying the DOJ, with redaction of documents.
Val your crystal ball, is as cloudy as your judgement.
hopefully this clears it a bit!
2/27/26@12:00p
Tom
He’s the Traffic Police. A good place to start there.
I thumbs up this. The idiocy of Vendatta Val is a strange and difficult path to follow.
Someone claimed she uses ChatGPT; I doubted that until I ran across this post on a different site:
Ah a yes – the “patriotism is only valid if it flatters my feelings” argument.
——
“So let me get this straight:
Criticizing America = unpatriotic
Cheering when an American athlete crashes because you’re mad at a hand gesture = totally fine?
That’s not patriotism.
That’s emotional fragility wrapped in a flag.
Real patriotism isn’t blind loyalty to a politician. It’s believing your country is strong enough to handle criticism without collapsing into a tantrum. The first amendment doesn’t come with a “but only on domestic soil” footnote.
If you’re so fragile, that one athlete in the world stage can damage it, maybe the problem isn’t the athlete.
You don’t defend freedom by demanding silence. You defend it by tolerating speech you don’t like.
And if your version of patriotism requires rooting against Americans to protect the politicians, ego, that’s not love of country.
That’s cult, maintenance with fireworks.”
—-
It’s identical in style, form, and non-conclusive messaging. Even has the this & that’s.
There must be a Soro’s branded AI engine that progressives subscribe to.
EDIT: The sample post above begins with “Ah a yes – the “etc…””
Charles Kronick- Ah, Yes, I remember him.
He doesn’t debate ideas. He debates oxygen usage.
They are all more than capable of shifting an address when it serves their interests. In fact, two Captains in particular were reportedly willing to do exactly that. But you already knew that, didn’t you, Tom? Go sit down before you hurt yourself.
If Murphy scored higher and is ranked higher then he should be the Chief plain and simple. Is Lumpy being the Arbiter? As in moral,social,or leadership. He’s already created chaos whomever gets to be Chief.
Maybe he scored higher but is less competent.
A subject you might know a lot about?
The PPD has a playbook for situations like this. They operate as brothers in arms, supporting one another’s advancement through the ranks. Maddelena was not a last-minute choice — he was selected months ago, and this plan has been in motion since at least October. There was no uncertainty behind the scenes; this was the solid trajectory all along.
Dawley gave notice of his retirement in early 2025, providing the Mayor with more than enough time to coordinate the transition. After the prior criticism about a lack of competition, this process was presented with the appearance of a contested exam. Murphy’s participation created the optics of competition, but the outcome had effectively been decided well in advance.
The only true wrinkle in the process was that Murphy was never expected to score higher. And if this truly was not the plan from the start, then it raises a simple question: why has this exact outcome been publicly discussed by me in these very comments and predicted since last fall?
“Maddelena was not a last-minute choice — he was selected months ago, ”
That is always the case for all organizations, except where promotion happens with an election.
But sometimes even in elections.
True. EG: Kamala was selected as candidate without a preliminary vote.
What a bunch of RINO’s!
Oh, I see what’s happening here.
You don’t actually care about corruption, policy, merit, or facts. You care about protecting your guy.
Because if you truly cared about corruption in Pittsfield, you’d be asking why the same inner circle keeps getting recycled into leadership while the public is fed a performance about “process” and “fairness.”
Lumpy didn’t want an independent chief.
He wanted control.
And control doesn’t come from someone neutral. It comes from someone predictable. Someone loyal. Someone who knows exactly which calls not to question and which doors stay closed.
We watched this movie already with Dawley. Handpicked. Installed. Then suddenly gone once the reality of the internal nonsense set in. Funny how that works.
Now we’re supposed to pretend this Maddelena situation just magically unfolded based on merit?
Please.
The Mayor literally floated the “highest score gets the job” narrative in the press, and then the second the testing results complicated the script, the narrative shifted. Suddenly the department is in “temporary” leadership limbo, scrambling, while the chosen candidate has already been functioning as if the seat is his.
Weeks. Not days. Weeks of operational influence.
Departmental adjustments. Internal positioning. Quiet groundwork.
But sure, let’s all pretend the playing field was wide open.
Murphy testing higher wasn’t part of the plan. That was the wrinkle. The inconvenient variable. And now we’re watching the cleanup phase where perception is massaged until the predetermined outcome feels inevitable.
Meanwhile, the public is told this is about stability and leadership, while inside the department we’ll likely see the same predictable shuffle: preferred shifts, strategic placements, and a deeper divide between those inside the circle and those outside it.
And the most ironic part?
The same people screaming about moral outrage over cultural issues suddenly develop amnesia when it comes to backroom politics, patronage, and institutional favoritism that directly impacts taxpayers, public safety, and departmental integrity.
Drag queens are the crisis.But entrenched power networks and administrative puppeteering? Totally fine.
Got it.
This was never about politics.
This was about control of the department, control of the narrative, and control of who gets to sit in the chair.
And in Pittsfield, that chair rarely goes to the person who surprises the system. It goes to the person the system already chose.
I love that President Trump is exposing fraud at all levels of government including Democrats not wanting ID to vote. The young men in this country are more conservative than the young women. The brainwashing in the schools and the media and culture has not been as effective with them. The young women are allowing their emotions to rule and not their common sense. Hopefully the young women’s team will come to their senses and show up at the White House.
Girls team. Epstein-Trump?
Why is he not exposing the Epstein files in their entirety? He should be the guy leading the charge to find and punish people who assault young children but instead he told Marjorie Taylor Green that he did if he helped his friends would be hurt. Uh huh…his friends for sure.
But your big concern is that the grown-up girls on the hockey team are not also bowing down to him as you do? Such odd priorities you have Pat. Very odd indeed. But just the way trump likes his woman. Bowing and subservient.
MEAN
President Biden had the E files for his entire term. Obama had them. Hillary had access. You can be sure they were vetted. It’s reasonable to assume that if they had anything substantial on Trump, they would have released them, either in 2016 v. Hillary or 2024 v. Kamala. Nothing. The Democrats didn’t release one page. Trump has released 3 million pages.
The last thing anyone would call me is bowing and subservient. Why didn’t Democrats release the Epstein files when they were in power? Nobody on the left can answer that question. Democrats say they are so worried about young children, but they continue to support young children transitioning to another gender with drugs and surgeries and without parental consent. They want young girl athletes to compete against men and Democrat open borders have allowed dangerous people to invade our country and commit crimes against women. Trump is leading the charge to protect young children and young women from the very odd and dangerous policies of Democrats.
I find it most sad where I see woman supporting sex offenders. Especially if they have had daughters themselves.
So why did You vote for Biden/Autopen?
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/26/nolte-trumps-post-sotu-approval-rating-jumps-to-51-percent/
I heard it was one hundred and fifty one percent. A really big beautiful number like nobody ever seen before.
Thank you for your attention this correction.
Math is wacist!
An amusing story of how to treat woke leftist media…..
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/immigrant-owned-maryland-crab-shack-goes-viral-after-telling-huffpost-go-fk-yourself-over
Dan
Moran Healey, entrapped herself (see todays Herald article), she now must issue an immediate executive order, to release documents to Diana DiZoglio. Or lose what little credibility, she has. Told you so….yesterday!
Seeing the pattern yet?
How long will you delay this post?
2/27/26@12:15p
Tom
JD Vance had some interesting observations.
As a side note, a group of baboons is known as a Congress.
Forgot the link:
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/dmitri-bolt/2026/02/25/jd-vance-torches-democrat-cowards-n2671886?utm_source=twdailypm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl&bcid=5c088d8ef92b12e6c83fff929b3442730e0873a8e210fd48cd30c0c0bdc80b8d&lctg=21777958
Otherwise known as Congress-Critters.
J.D. Vance called Donald Trump: America’s Hitler.
J.D. Vance is called Lazy Boy Lover.
J.D. Vance is Trump’s V.P., but he is ordered to stay away from Trump’s couch.
J A Melle is a
Zohran “free” Mammelle fighting for the little guy.
https://x.com/RThoughtfulness/status/2022621398188073160
That’s all u got ? Time for some sun. Buffoon.
you like to wear womens clothes and underwear how can I get a free government bag to
Weren’t you ordered to stay away from some females because of your behavior?
In February 2026, I wrote 3 political emails about “Jon Melle” being persecuted by “Luciforo” for close to the past 30 years, but my posts were blocked by blogger Dan Valenti.
If you, or anyone else out there, want to write: Weren’t you ordered to stay away from some females because of your behavior?….
Then it is NOT your fault because my voice has been silenced in Massachusetts by the news media outlets and blogs who allow Andrea Francesco Nuciforo Junior to walk on water, despite being a mean-spirited Son of a….
I was set up, entrapped, and put through years of abuses by Nuciforo and his conspiratorial network of bullies. But I know all about him, and I know everything that he did.
I believe that Nuciforo is an alleged criminal who I believe belongs in prison for all of his wrongdoings.
GET OVER YOURSELF!
The same comments, day after day…..
FORGIVE and MOVE ON!
Better to just stick the memories in the bottom drawer, say “I’m not opening that one again” and live on.
JM: You cannot make permanent a memory on this site. Each page vanishes and a new one opens. All forgotten and forever lost to time in a day.
Why are you so retarded?
I think you meant congress -critters and grifters?
They come in lots of shapes and sizes.
Top stories from MassFiscal;
The Healey admin is out of control!
To contribute to MassFiscal: http://www.MassFiscal.org/contribute
Of course she opposes a taxpayer reduction. If she wasn’t running for reelection she would raise them instead to cover her spending spree on illegals .She gave the communities the go ahead to raise excise fees etc., if they choose. You know how that will go.
Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran,……….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJevjUqtooQ&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.m14forum.com%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ
What is the proponent for the U S attacking Iran. Why is the media getting that question with no viable answer ? Come on Dan. Give us the answer.
DP
Do you mean “What is the rationale” for it?
Close. It all depends on what is…is.
The definition of “is.” Hmmmm. I’ll have to ask Bubba for some help.
How many thousands of Americans have the Mullahs and their proxies murdered since 1979?
Think about it.
Carter should have done it while he was still in office.
Remember 10 US Navy sailor snatched, bound, humiliated, and paraded on TV. Held 15 days, all while the Obama Admin prepped the release of billions of dollars.
It was a 47 year war.
“thousands” is not a safe, evidence-based claim under standard counting.
It’s a reasonable estimate, and certainly fewer than what the IRGC aimed for.
““thousands” is not a safe, evidence-based claim under standard counting.” – ^^^^
MSM/NBC “fake leftist news” reported 30,000 Iranian CIVILIANS, in LAST TWO MONTHS, by Ayatollah’s minions. 3/2/2026
May it lead to freedom restored to the Iranian people and finally a new era of stability and peace in the Middle East.
Also, cutting off cheap oil to China could make them rethink the value in propping up Russia.
Uh, China buys oil from Russia not the other way around. And the only reason those two countries are even talking to each other is because trump/America has pushed them together by treating both of them badly. He is pushing many countries who did not like each other together because he is treating the whole world like crap.
Watch what happens in the next couple of weeks.
Psst, Chi-Coms get their oil from…. Iran.
Normally responding to you is silly, but I need to correct you here. China gets its oil from Iran.
“With Strait of Hormuz traffic nearly halted, China’s reliance on Iranian oil could trigger “real problems” within two months if the crisis continues, one expert warned.” Fox News Report, 3/3/2026
The answer likely is that the IRGC and the ayotallah thought they could get a better deal if they got us to attack them. I think they committed a blunder.
Yah, more countries should invite us to bomb the shit out of them so that we give them a better deal. You are a genius.
They gambled that they could drag us into a high cost war. And then we’d negotiate. For that to work, they needed to survive a few more than half a day, which you know they did not. It’s Erev Purim and a fitting day to celebrate Megillah Esther.
No one wants war. Sick of war”
i think no one wanted the Iran people to be massacred (30,000+) anymore and also no wanted a evil man to acquire a Nuclear Bomb. Except Obama, of course.
Amazing how people on the progressive side clamor for war with Russia, even at risk of nuclear catastrophe, even donning Ukrainian flags on their homes and clothing. Suporrting the Ukrainian war effor was/is important, but it is illogical to support that policy and oppose this Iranian one which answers the problem that “Iran never wins a military conflict but always wins a negotiation.” The Iranian Republic’s government began its reign with terror against our diplomats and an unwavering pursuit of calls for our destruction matched with terror. Yet the progressives oppose even this attack that followed a failed negotiation which we conducted in good faith.
The administration offered the IRGC a free and permanent supply of fuel grade uranium in exchange for relinquishing permanently the independent pursuit of enrichment. That’s a great deal and accepting it would have prevented the current deal. When in the history of the Western Civilization has a nation, holding the better hand, offered its opponent a valuable concession in exchange for civility?
Uh, but Gaza was uh somehow different? Please explain in detail.
Massacred 2000 people in hours. Statistically similar.
When do wars end? (Not how?)
Agree with Wart. War sux. Israel has received the most aid many-billions. Now they need help from the U S either way. Where I draw the line is Americans in the Middle East,thought we were done with that ?
Iran has Nukes-why aren’t they using them ? Now ? Anti- Semitism is an all time high in the United States and it’s gonna get worse because of this attack.
Not only do Many Americans hate Jews,a lot of Jewish friends of mine are against this Netty Clown and his bombing of innocent civilians. If I wereCongress right now I would vote to cease fire and again negotiate with whom ever the new regime is. This is a personal feud for a long time against Israel and a fucking parcel of land. All the U S has been doing is prolonging the feud because their only way of keeping peace in that shit hole has been to pay for reduced nuke reduction by Iran.
This make zero difference because Iran hates the U S for supporting Israel. But Iran and Israel will never coexist.
Can’t have 500 commanders in chief. Congress is out of line.
They can pass their resolution, and the president can veto it.
It’s our war, and we should stop when we are done. You should be glad to have the Israeli support, almost half. Arab states support us, but offer nothing. Israeli cities take direct hits and lose civilians, but show little fear to support the US military.
The UK, by contrast, state they support the US, but want no part.
Your point carries no weight, the people who count are Iranians, and they are grateful. Let’s hope this ends in peace.
Charles, trump has already, seeing we are getting our asses kicked, has asked for a cease fire. Iran said NO, it will be over when WE say it is over. Just like the recent 12 day war. Only this time Iran is not buying our bullshit that peace will be restored. No country on the planet trust america anymore.
You may be right, but I don’t think so.
Most sane people hate war but on this board you will find many who are cheering it on. (as long as they do not have to go themselves of course)
Look for them to change their minds when they get a clue what is really happening as we speak. And to do that they have to look outside of Fox and their general maga fed pap. And sadly they are not allowed to do that so they will be finding out the hard way.
By the way how much is gas and oil today? Remember that number.
March 01, 2026
Hello blogger Dan Valenti,
Should Pittsfield borrow $28 million for the water and sewer plants boondoggles?
https://www.iberkshires.com/story/81886/Pittsfield-Seeks-28M-Borrowing-for-Water-Sewer-Infrastructure.html
What about the Wahconah Park boondoggle? Will they borrow another $20 million?
The city’s upcoming operating budget and capital budget proposals will probably be well over $250 million combined. Will it go over $300 million in fiscal year 2027 (July 01, 2026 – June 30, 2027)?
Pittsfield’s Level 5 public schools are facing a $4 million budget deficit.
https://www.iberkshires.com/story/81859/Pittsfield-Schools-Plan-Another-Difficult-Budget-Year-Sans-Layoffs.html
Pittsfield’s Commercial tax rate is the 2nd highest only behind Holyoke out of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts.
Pittsfield’s Residential tax rate is a lot higher than its peer small cities. To illustrate, Westfield’s fiscal year 2026 operating budget is over $62 million LESS than Pittsfield’s annual spending. Westfield and Pittsfield are two similarly sized small cities in Western Massachusetts.
Financial Management is a BIG piece of public administration. The first thing that an effective manager looks at are the financial reports.
The fictional Kapanski family is paying their taxes for Pittsfield City Hall’s excessive spending and borrowing instead of being able to use their own money to take care of their own personal financial situation.
Earl and the 2-Pete’s Pittsfield politics pounds people’s purses.
What the HELL is going on in our native hometown of Pittsfield, Massachusetts?
Jon Melle
It’s called the Petearl Syndrome. People are leaving in droves. Check out the homes being sold on Oak Hill- Partridge.
RT
Another good one! “Petearl.”
Trump is a genius, a master chessman.
He just preserved the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency by obliterating Iran’s regime & seizing control of $27.3 trillion in natural resources.
”Control distribution. Reap the rewards.”
Don’t quite understand Lumpies statement so,eons has been offered the job?.Why the delay in answer?Maga
Yah, and Scott Diamond of Goldman Sachs is warning that the stock market is on a cliff.
MM is an excellent choice for the lead. he’s a great guy and officer. we should all be thanking him for taking the helm of this mess of a city with the leadership that we have. Best of luck, but my prediction is two years max, Slamming your head against the wall at this stage of a career only lasts so long.