THE LOST CITY … AND OTHER REMAINS FROM THE DESK
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY JUNE 29, 2026) — Clearing off the desk, THE PLANET finds many interesting items on our desk here at the Summer Fortress:
“End Game“: President Trump once more threatened to annihilate Iran after the mullahs attacked a British freighter in Hormuz and caused other trouble. This is the “war” that has now “ended” more times than Joan Rivers had facelifts. Fat chance of selling the peace “agreement” worked out a couple weeks ago. Part of the agreement is the U.S. unfreezing billions in Iranian assets, with the provision that the money only be used to buy American agricultural goods. Right. Farm goods such as missiles, explosive drones, and glide bombs.
Author Dan Valenti latest book, SANITY MADE SIMPLE, is available at amazon.com.
Vlad the Bad: Vlad Putin, not to be confused with baseball’s Vlad Guerrero, has been trying to subdue Ukraine since February 2022. Surveying the fighting capabilities of the Russian military, THE PLANET rates the army’s combat effectiveness once step above Liberace and one step below Wayne Newton. Once a superpower, it can’t even bring down a curtain. Still, Russia has a lot of nukes.
Soterocare: The Fed crackdown on fraudulent enrollment and graft has eliminated 3 million grifters from Affordable Care Act health insurance, better know as Obamacare, know in the Secret Squadron as Soterocare. The program included an indefinite “nonpayment grace period” where loafers could simply ignore premiums forever. The Trump Administration ended that grace period. Note it as a tiny win for taxpayers, one that the Massachusetts Matriarchy of Healey-Spilka-Campbell has surely prevented time and again for beleaguered Bay State residents.
How’s That?: Speaking of corruption, how’s Two Petes and Earl governance of the city of Bitchfield, aka Lumpyville, strike you? Do you think it’s working out? Do you want someone of substance tooled a coup?
Loan Ranger: Thank you, President Autopen. Your handlers instituted a policy intended to wipe out student loans. Just vanish them. Poof! After the Supreme Court ruled the plan unconstitutional in 2023, loan payments resumed. … sort of. Seems that more than half of those in debt still “expect” their debt to be forgiven, and they continue to not pay. Some 9.2 million folks are delinquent. More than half of those, rather then paying their bills, took out even more loans in the form of consumer debt. Remember the song? Everything free in America.
Pot Calls Black a Kettle: Gotta give it to Autopen, however. Over the weekend, at some swarmy fundraiser of loons, Smokin’ Joe called Trump “a loser.” Finally. He show some zest! Of course, this is the guy who meekly dropped off the presidential ticket in favor of a lightweight laughing hyena. The Dems are still calculating the damage.
Billions and Billions: California Gov. Gavin Newsom opposed a ballot question that would tax billionaires. Yes. He’s against it, which has pissed off many of his far left supporters. Newsom’s eyes, however, are on the 2028 Democrat presidential nomination. Party leaders, in true Dem fashion, want the tax, even though it will cause countless dollars to flee the state, as has happened in glorious Taxachusetts. This sets up a Dem v. Dem confrontation that will greatly affect the 2028 race. THE PLANET predicts that Newsom prevails, becomes the nominee, faces Marco Rubio, and … wins or loses? What do you think?
The Lost City: Back to loco local, recently THE PLANET walked the lanes west on East Street, up Fenn Street, all the way to a near-deserted North Street. We walked that way countless times in our youth. The blight and neglect was shocking in what was once a clean, respected, and respectable enclave. Hitting the downtown, we faced a barrage of empty storefronts and the walking dead. Where have you gone, Pittsfield?
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“Failure goes by it maiden name: Persistence” — Sir Donald Turpentine, Knight of the Bath.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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Do I think Earl and the 2-Pete’s are doing a good job? Answer: It is a con job.
Do I think that inner-city Pittsfield collapsed? Answer: It is a downward spiral of collapse after collapse.
Do I think that the Massachusetts Matriarchy is doing a good job? Answer: Not when it comes to local aid dollars.
Do I think that Joe Biden will help the Democrats in 2026 and 2028? Answer: He helped out his middle-aged son Hunter with a presidential pardon, but old Joe going on 84 is not the same as 1984.
Do I think that Donald Trump is going to make peace with Iran’s extremist regime? Answer: Iran will try to wait out Trump until 2029, and hope for the return of Democrats similar to Obama and John Kerry.
Do I think that student loans are a financial scam? Answer: It is up there with the rest of the worst financial products out there that make most people poorer.
For the fictional Kapanski’s, inflation is high, “One Pittsfield” is spending a record-breaking amount of taxpayer dollars, Boston’s matriarchal state government is under-funding local aid, and the Swamp is spending billions of dollars everyday on endless wars. At least they can avoid North Street.
Good one, JON!
Pittsfield blight? Sinking manholes. What is going on? Getting blindsided by sunken manholes popping up here and there unexpectedly. Word is city has been doing the cheap repair on them. These things collapse in short time if not done properly but Waconah park redo for private vendors is sucking up both money and time from essential projects. Focus is on parks and lakes and fun things.
I have to laugh. The street sweepers actually make some streets dirtier. I was behind a broken down one (sweeper) in another town, and the thing was blocking traffic for at least 100 yards, couldn’t see past my bumper it was billowing clouds of dust.
On my street we clean up in front of our homes and that includes plow divers on the grass and would rather do that than wait for it to be done anyway.
One year the city didn’t do our street until August ?
Channel 13 reported it is looking for a seven year old boy who is missing in Menands N Y…then the other story of importance ? Was a missing Iguana in Pittsfield Ma. It also states if you find it don’t grab it by the tail.
Aside…How is Iran complying with the Deal Maker. Reason for pushback? Your deal maker, had to reduce his oil future profits. They’re making billions. Iran is complying.
Carrry on Wall St.
THE PLANET asked, “Where have you gone, Pittsfield?”
Good question.
Maybe we should start by asking, “Where have all the cops gone?”
Seriously… has anyone noticed?
Shootings. Stabbings. Group fights. Speeding. Cars blowing through red lights, stop signs, crosswalks, and yield signs like they’re merely suggestions. Every week it seems there’s another serious crash or another violent incident.
Yet where is the police presence?
Not after the radio crackles. Before.
Once upon a time, you couldn’t drive across Pittsfield without spotting patrol cars. Officers were visible. People knew they were out there. Their presence alone made people think twice.
Now? Drive by the police station instead. Patrol cars everywhere. Lined up in the lots. Parked along the streets. It’s beginning to look less like a police department and more like a municipal car show.
Maybe that’s the new strategy. If criminals can’t find the cops, the cops can’t find the criminals.
Bold.
Who’s running patrol these days? Because from where the public is sitting, proactive policing appears to have gone the way of the North Street department stores.
The officers all received raises. Benefits improved. Overtime continues. Yet residents are asking a simple question:
What are we getting in return?
People don’t expect perfection. They expect to actually see the people they’re paying to protect their neighborhoods.
And while we’re asking questions…
Where is Chief Maddalena?
Has anyone seen him? At community events? Walking downtown? Giving interviews? Answering residents’ concerns? Returning emails?
It’s like Pittsfield is playing an ongoing game of “Where’s Waldo?” except Waldo occasionally sends out a press release.
Leadership isn’t something you do from behind a closed office door. It’s something people should be able to see.
Because right now, residents see empty storefronts, reckless driving, rising violence, and a downtown that’s struggling to remember what it used to be.
What they don’t see is leadership.
Maybe that’s the biggest missing person case in Pittsfield.
VEN
Trenchant observations. “It’s like Pittsfield is playing an ongoing game of ‘Where’s Waldo?'”– Great line because it’s so true.
I’m not sure why you’re complaining VV?
You called for “defunding the police,” didn’t you?
Guess what? You got your wish. Sucks, huh?
When the large majority of crime is caused by young the POC nationwide and you (democRATS) called for defunding the police and thought relaxing enforcing the laws was a good idea, we just sat back and shook our heads.
Does the term, “we could have told you,” make sense now?
Not to mention, if I’m a w/m cop, why take a chance of being proactive in patrol and increase your odds of having to possible shoot a Bitchfield Pubic Scohol Skoler and have wingnuts like you picketing outside of my house.
Be careful what you wish for….
“In the latest show of indecisiveness, President Roosevelt broke his own cease fire and the army blew up a German pillbox outpost. So much for cease fires…”
Chaz
Teddy Jr was a chip off old block, his actions on Utah beach are legendary.
you heard secretary Pete Hegseths D Day speech, but missed the context?
Or thought it was President Roosevelt.
The point was protocol is important , but not mandatory, if immediate action is required.
Pete’s the pipe hitting , trigger pulling warrior, America’s military has been lacking for decades.
Winning is back , and recruiting shows the confidence of next generation.
He doesn’t want our troops dying for their country, he wants enemy dying for theirs.
Possibly
A second coming of Patten
…
6/29/26@10:20am
Tom
They have plenty $ for curb bumpouts and ski jumps, look at at West st stupidity!
Trap. Just a matter of time before another accident especially near the church.
Linden Onota….west union Onota and the worst of the three now Onota Columbus ave.
Mad
But Mayor Pete- AKA Alfred E Newman- rode a bike to political stardom ( when cameras were rolling)
Lumpy likes the look of Ricky in bike shorts?
Not sure why a Northeastern city would spend major taxpayer money, on a seasonal transportation system, at the expense of public safety and convenience.
It’s worked out as expected, businesses are folding, and local contractors are being funneled grants to rehabilitate their buildings.
Seeing the pattern yet?
6/29/26@10:30
Tom
CA/UCLA is giving $7000 summer stipends to….CRIMINAL ALIENS!
Mad
Sorry to hijack your comment, the Planets Auto delay feature, strategically delays my ability to comment or edit them.
Robert’s has again stabbed Republicans in the back, with his tortured opinion saving Cook.
Odumbercare part 2,
Hopefully he retires before next term, Alito will be staying on….
Barrett of course sided with the elitists, being an academic. No surprise Mitch’s anti Roe justice hates the muscular class.
She is almost as judicially illiterate as Sotomyor and Autopen.
Election Day lasts until democrats manufacture enough votes to win.
Kavanaugh again shows he has all the spine of Al dente angle hair pasta.
DC elitists are dependent , and protect their own interests. Cook stays
Look for Goersh to be forth on 4/4 Birthright citizenship care , with Barrett recusal
Time for Trump to give Democrats what they want , pack the court.
SAVE AMERICA ACT is now only thing that matters, Trump saw this coming, Thune best cancel recess , and get busy.
Separation of Powers…?
Not while academic elitists still control SCOTUS…they know better than the citizens, Wilsonian politics 101.
Academia/ expert are ruining America, on her 250th birthday.
6/29/26@11am
Tom
The Planet’s accuracy has improved, from his eastern retreat;
Iran will be receiving more American products, at their expense. The assets will be purchasing, more bombs , missiles and fuel, delivered courtesy of the red, white and blue. The British Navy runs as well as the rest of its government, with its ships, broken down and unable to protect their own interests. NATO is as impotent as ever, look for next Ukrainian leader, to partner with US with drone technology. Something good will come out of all the deaths.
“ necessity is the mother of invention” Plato
3 million fraudster voters, losing their insurance, but will they lose their votes? Planet fails to point out, Odumber was just practicing, tried and true Demonrat vote purchasing scheme.
Seeing the pattern yet?
ACORN, NEGRO, Odumbercare….student loan forgiveness…
I don’t think Melissa’s interested, city’s pool of candidates, is as empty as rest of Demonratic party.
Did Autopen require the teleprompter, in his eloquent retort? How many attempts to find stage exit? What flavor Ice cream did he have?
Gavin Newscum and bride, will be previously engaged, with criminal matters until long after 2028 election cycle. Even the fake news , is turning to Kameltoe, as the prospective candidate. Newscum is taking an alternative route to political demise, while Swallowswell and Platner are taking normal Demonrat path of rape and sexual exploitation, to the dustbin of history.
JD has benefit of youth, if Marco closes the Iran incursion quickly, he has plenty of time to topple Cuba prior to midterms.
Winning garners votes, how else can baby bush’s two terms be explained?
Did the Planets stroll through the ever expanding west side, include security?
Off Topic;
Venezuelan regime’s feared Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello blocking members of a U.S. rescue delegation from helping Venezuelans.
Puerto Rico, Haiti add your disaster.here.
politicians will always exploit tragedy for their own gains.
Fake news giving this a good leaving alone. SMARTMATIC voting system is based where?
Nothing to see here.
kung fool plumber, withholding FEMA why?
Trump still can’t see a rino when they are too close.
Seeing the pattern yet?
Will our local muscular Italians spend some of the money, they received for Statue of Liberty restoration, on Forth of July Fireworks?
Or bow to paymasters Healey and the Demonrats who funnel grants to them?
The Propaganda Parrot extolled copiously, their patriotism on Lady Liberty restoration, must their patriotism be purchased?
Looking like it’s the later…
The founder would have been lighting the fuses himself, a truly great man…
Why hasn’t Timmy the fixer, had a press conference on efforts to nab Tyler street shootist? A description of get away car, might lead to apprehension. Dark colored jeep or police explorer…
Just another open case to be filed in the “ nothing to see here Distracted Attorneys Office.
Lacks lounge shooter , still active, and sporting a badge….?
6/29/26@10:00am
Tom
And what’s with Massachusetts not setting up a display on the National Mall for the 50 state fair. We are one of the original 13 colonies after all. Healy should be asshamed.