A Note About The "Dark Arts" of Politics

I'd like to say problems with 'pay to play,' nepotism, cronyism, etc; the assortment of the 'Dark Arts' exist outside of Lowell. But, as a city, Lowell excels in these shady dealings. It's almost a point of pride. Certainly a crooked pride, but there are those that smirk with cheating the system. It's like they get a kick out of it, as would some punk ripping off a drug store for an over sized candy bar.

The pride part confuses me the most. Ultimately, the pride swells to the point of bragging. There's no fun in getting away with something, unless a few people know. And, in Lowell, 'a few' means everybody. That's when the authorities barge in.

In the case of the Ware Report (Link), there is enough low level shenanigans, that only the plums really pop out. Mr. O'Brien sticks out like a sore thumb. The process for him will play out in the Courts. Which, of course, could spell trouble for all the peons that wish to be swept under the rug of crooked history. Should O'Brien's defense seek out assorted bits of evidence, it could take them into records that are normally obscured, like personnel records.

I realize many will file a grievance with what Lynne writes, over at Left in Lowell (Link). Her accusations and insinuations are fully suited for submittal in the court of public opinion. If her evidence was stronger, she'd run to the District Attorney. (Not always a slam dunk, btw, as that position relies on politics.) For the thin skinned who bear the trouble of the blogs, casual guffaws of 'plausible deniability' don't cut it, anymore. Nor, do public brushoffs on Facebook.

Don't cheat. Definitely, don't brag. And, ALWAYS, be paranoid of your pals. They will throw you under the bus, just for the sport of it. I know. They call me.