Letter: Constitutional Crisis

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To the Editor:

In his inaugural speech, the president invoked America in the late 19th century when political corruption was rampant, Jim Crow laws were enacted, and disparities in income and wealth soared. Since then, the daily barrage of presidential edicts have ranged from absurdity, recklessness, vindictiveness and most concerning lawlessness. His words and actions have sown seeds of uncertainty, anxiety and fear. Presidential governance has become the politics of chaos in an attempt to grab power. MAGA/Republican legislators in the House and Senate feign their responsibilities. Blind loyalty to the president is their number one priority.

The Constitution is the law of the land, the bedrock of our democratic state. However imperfect, it aspires to secure, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all Americans. Beggaring belief, we are currently witnessing a constitutional coup intent on circumventing the legislative and judicial branches. Laws, regulations, norms and protocols are being violated. Americans of all ilk, various organizations, Democratic legislators and the federal courts are attempting to check this presidential overreach.

Authoritarianism is defined as a political system which rejects democracy, the separation of powers, civil liberties, and the rule of law. The most recent remarks by the president, vice president, the billionaire aide-de-camp, and his MAGA minions indicate an attempt to undermine our system of government. These actors mean to overrule judicial review by our federal courts and ultimately our Supreme Court.

What to do? At this time, our duty as citizens is to become informed and active. Millions of Americans are becoming aware of this constitutional crisis at hand. People are following, joining and contributing to pro-democracy organizations at the local, state, and national level. It is incumbent upon all Americans to raise our voices, protest and vote to ensure that this great experiment, American Democracy, survives.

Antonio Pagliarulo
Dalton, Mass. 

 

 

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Pittsfield Holiday Inn Temporarily Closes

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Holiday Inn & Suites is temporarily shut down, and 101 Restaurant & Bar has closed its doors until further notice. 

The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, after its last working elevator of three broke down.  The Berkshire Eagle reported that guests were forced to evacuate because an elevator broke down. 

On Wednesday, 101 Restaurant & Bar posted on Facebook that they would close until further notice due to circumstances beyond their control and the closure of the Holiday Inn. 

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We thank you and our staff for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able," the owners wrote. 

The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms.  Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access. 

The Holiday Inn recently demolished its crumbling parking garage and is replacing it with a smaller one.  The building at 1 West Street was constructed in 1972; it was formerly known as the Crowne Plaza. 

101 Restaurant opened five years ago within the hotel.  It is owned by John and Tucker McNinch, who formerly operated the Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox. 

Signs on the hotel's entrance explain that the doors are temporarily locked.  Anyone with questions is encouraged to call (413) 499-2000. 

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