Spain’s Inquisition Explodes

We had intended a post that asked you to support three good causes. Instead we will inform you of an act worthy of the mentality of the Bolsheviks.

Jeff Spain or whoever is pushing his buttons has stooped so low as to embarrass the Democratic Party, the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee, his town and his family. Yes, it’s that sickening.

Mr. Spain has sent letters announcing his intention to hold a kangaroo court for the purpose of removing two duly elected members of the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee he fears and despises, Dan Ashley and C.B. Smith.

The North Greenbush Pipeline received 3 emails containing the letters late yesterday afternoon. They speak for themselves. Mr. Spain accuses Smith and Ashley as “corrupt and disloyal”. He accuses them of basically stealing funds. He acts as judge, prosecutor and jury except that he has the legal authority of none of the above.His loyal henchmen on the Democratic Committee include Kathryn Connolly, Doreen Connolly, James Davies, Frank Guiliano, Kyran Devery, William O'Neil and Edward Casino.

Yes we would expect such degradation of the rule of law from officials of a Communist Party. But from officials of a Democratic Party here in the United States and the State of New York, no way. Yet Chairman Jeffrey Spain has allowed the paranoia of his allies to supercede all rational judgement and has written a letter convening what can only be described as a kangaroo court composed of jurors who are hardly impartial. Once again this act defines injustice while defying public sensibilities and fair play. Not only is this move illegal, it smacks of the stench of politics at its very worst.

When did Mr. Spain acquire the power of a Board of Election to determine right from wrong? When did he acquire the power to declare loyalty to him a condition of membership in a party committee? No one in North Greenbush, regardless of what they may think of the personalities involved in this caper should have any tolerance for an effort to purge people from their lawfully attained positions because they have a difference of opinion over an issue or a candidate or the legal formation of a rival committee.

These letters make clear that neither Mr. Spain or the so called “reformed Democrats” he represents are worthy or capable of exercising power over any political party or committee. Mr. Spain and those supporting and advising him to take this action should resign. They have disgraced themselves and the party they purport to represent. The North Greenbush Pipeline is confident that the Rensselaer County Democratic Chairman will not ignore this challenge to his party’s bylaws or his own values as Chairman.