Letter: Hope for Democracy to Prevail Amid 'Chaos and Destruction'

To the Editor:

For an enhanced understanding of the madness currently afflicting American society and politics, I strongly recommend reading Erich Fromm's "The Sane Society." Fromm, one of the preeminent social psychologists of the 20th century, draws on his background as a Jewish refugee fleeing fascist Germany to describe the ease with which vast segments of a population can rapidly become untethered from factual reality, and wholeheartedly enter the delusional world of a psychotic dictator.

Fromm labeled this phenomenon "Folie a Millions." Individuals suffering from "folie" are impervious to facts. They regard any disagreement with their worldview, any criticism of their leader, as a threat of personal annihilation.

Sadly, in 2024 America suffered from all the requisite pre-existing conditions — personal isolation, alienation, gross income inequality, fear of change, prejudice and despair — for succumbing to "folie." It is a virulently contagious form of insanity. Add to all this the distortions and misinformation promulgated by social and right wing media, and we have the perfect environment for the disaster now unfolding in our country.

I hope and believe that the many millions of Americans who understand and value our democracy, who support our judiciary, our rule of law and the system of checks and balances set forth in our Constitution, will prevail through non-violent resistance against the chaos and destruction being unleashed by the current administration.

It is futile to attempt to find common ground with insanity.

Sally Filkins
Pittsfield, Mass. 

Berkshire Law Enforcement Officials Endorse Fenton for Governor's Council

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:11PM / Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Michael Fenton, a Springfield attorney, ran unsuccessfully for the 8th District seat on the council in 2022. He is challenging incumbent Tara Jacobs of North Adams. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ranking Berkshire law enforcement officials are putting their weight behind a Springfield lawyer for Governor's Council in the September Democratic primary over North Adams incumbent Tara Jacobs.

 

The Berkshires' District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, Sheriff Thomas Bowler, and Clerk of Courts Lisa Denault-Viale touted Michael Fenton's experience and approach over Jacobs, who bested him and two other attorneys in 2022.  

 

The Governor's Council advises the governor on matters relating to judicial appointments, treasury warrants, pardons and commutations, and a number of other important executive functions. The winner of the primary will represent the 8th District, which covers more than 100 cities and towns including North Adams, Adams, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Northampton and Springfield, as there is no other candidate on the November ballot.

 

Gathering at Park Square on Wednesday morning, Shugrue said Jacobs does not provide the representation Berkshire County requires and deserves. 

 

"This individual [Fenton] would conduct himself with a great deal of common sense and confidence," Bowler said. 

 

Fenton said there are only 11 Superior Court judges assigned to Western Mass, and that too few of them are from Berkshire County. 

 

"At one time there were four vacancies. That left only seven judges serving the entire 102 cities and towns of the western region. Seven judges serving 102 cities and towns at a time when you add Hampden County, Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee in, at a time when there were over 100 pending murder cases. Seven judges for 100 pending murder cases," he said.