Jeffrey Toobin (Photo: CNN.com)

In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision upholding President Barack Obama's healthcare law, CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin gave a lecture about the case at the Hebrew Center in the well-heeled beach haven of Martha's Vineyard, however according to at least one attendee, the July 5 event turned into "utter mayhem." Doreen Kinsman penned a letter to The Martha's Vineyard Times describing how an "unruly mob" descended on Mr. Toobin's event leading to "utter pandemonium" and a scene straight out of Lord of the Flies.

Ms. Kinsman said the "shameful debacle" began shortly before the event's scheduled start as "a long line of patient would-be attendees" waited outside the Hebrew Center to hear Mr. Toobin speak when "suddenly" a woman came from inside and waved to the last group of people on line to come in as she had apparently been saving them seats.

"Then came the deluge," Ms. Kinsman wrote. "Suddenly, and totally unexpectedly, a sea of folks from Pine Street descended en masse, dashing across the lawn, rushing to the entrance, creating utter pandemonium. All law, order, and self-discipline departed as this appalling horde of people clamored to enter. It was utter mayhem."

According to Ms. Kinsman, many people remained in line and "watched helplessly as the unruly mob stormed the doors." In her letter to The Martha's Vineyard Times, Ms. Kinsman described her shock at seeing the "mostly older" crowd behave like "desperate, starving people."

"How could such civilized? educated? mostly older folk sink into a herd mentality?" Ms. Kinsman asked. "We have viewed on TV mob scenes at rock concerts, football matches, and desperate, starving people when food supplies are delivered, but for a lecture? It reminded one disappointed man of the novel Lord of the Flies, where mere children resorted to anarchy."

As if the horror of being cut in line was not enough, according to Ms. Kinsman a "second disaster loomed" when those who waited in line and were unable to enter Mr. Toobin's lecture gave up and tried to leave.

"Because they came early to the event and parked their cars in the adjacent lot, latecomers parked their cars perpendicular to the early arrivals. So now, not only did the conscientious folk who had stood in line, some since 6:00 pm, not hear the speaker, but they could now not retrieve their cars," wrote Ms. Kinsman.

Ms. Kinsman concluded her dispatch from the front lines of the Martha's Vineyard lecture circuit by noting that there is "no doubt" that "the staff at the Hebrew Center will attempt in future to prevent a re-occurrence." Though she came away from the horrific ordeal optimistic future events at the Center will be better managed, Ms. Kinsman's faith in humanity was permanently damaged.

"It was indeed a sorry sight and one which gives me cause to believe that civility is indeed only skin deep," she wrote.

As of this writing, the Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center has not responded to a request for comment on this story.

Massachusetts Senator John Kerry (Photo: Getty)

Massachusetts Senator John Kerry spoke at the New York Law School today and The Politicker asked his thoughts on whether the former governor of his state, Mitt Romney, has moved to the right now that he's seeking the Republican nomination. Mr. Kerry said it's clear Mr. Romney has substantially changed his approach.

"Well," Senator Kerry said with a laugh, "It's like 180 degrees night and day difference. It's just a different Mitt Romney. It's Mitt Romney versus Mitt Romney."

Mr. Romney's Massachusetts health plan, commonly dubbed "Romneycare" by conservatives, has frequently been used as an example of his liberal past by those who say it served as the model for President Barack Obama's health care reform plan. Mr. Kerry said Mr. Romney's plan is "completely similar to the president's.

"In terms of the fundamental notion of universal coverage, mandatory coverage, a penalty if you don't have the coverage, they're completely similar in that respect."

Mr. Kerry is currently accompanied by a Republican, Scott Brown, in the Massachusetts Senate delegation. Mr. Brown is up for re-election this year and we asked Mr. Kerry whether he thinks Elizabeth Warren, Mr. Brown's Democratic opponent, will win. He was loathe to make a prediction about the race.

"I can't prognosticate. I mean, obviously, I want a Democrat and I'm supportive of a Dem, but the voters of Massachusetts are going to make up their minds," Mr. Kerry said. "I'm not going to get into likelihoods or not. I think she's a terrific candidate."

The New York Giants logo, a beautiful symbol of excellence.

More New England lawmakers are making ill-fated bets with their New York counterparts that the loathsome and karmically-challenged New England Patriots will beat our beloved Giants in this weekend's Super Bowl. Yesterday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg made his "friendly wager" with Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. Today, the governors and two senators joined the fray. 

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick announced that he will give Governor Cuomo 46 Centerville Pies from “The Pie Ladies” in Centerville, Legal Sea Foods clam chowder and 46 cases of Food Should Taste Good chips in Needham Heights when the Giants inevitably emerge victorious. To keep up appearances, Governor Cuomo promised to give "46 cases of one of the State’s newest and hottest exports- New York made Greek yogurt," 46 dozen bagels from Ess-a-Bagel in Manhattan and 46 Junior's cheesecakes in the utterly impossible event the evil Patriots manage to win. Both governors promised to donate their winnings to local food banks.

Governor Cuomo clearly knows he's not going to lose.

"We all know what happened the last time the Giants and Patriots squared off in the Super Bowl, and there is no reason to believe the outcome will be any different this year," he said. "I look forward to congratulating the Giants on winning their fourth Super Bowl title and seeing Governor Patrick's generous wager offerings go to a food bank here in New York State."

Governor Patrick also said something about rooting against the Giants. We refuse to print that kind of incendiary and irresponsible language on this website.

Senator Chuck Schumer and New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen bet beers on the game. When the Giants win, Senator Shaheen will have to supply every member of the Senate with local craft brews from New York. If the unthinkable happens and the disgusting Patriots pull off a victory, Senator Schumer will have to purchase craft beers from New Hampshire for his fellow Senators.

Senator Schumer is appropriately confident about his chances.

“I can’t wait for Senator Shaheen to participate in the ‘I Love New York Brew’ Campaign by buying the best craft brews in New York and supplying them to every member of the United States Senate,” he said. “When Big Blue brings Tom Brady and Bill Belichick to their knees, the entire U.S. Senate will understand why we love New York brew. Go Giants!”

Like Governor Patrick, Senator Shaheen also said something disparaging about the Giants that we refuse to print on this page.

Full Disclosure: This reporter is a native Brooklynite who roots for the Giants, the Yankees and, sadly, the Knicks. His love of the Yankees and four years spent at an undergraduate institution in Massachusetts have made him hate New England with a passion. Go Big Blue!

The tax plan will save families an average of $300-$400 a year.

Albany power broker Fred Dicker called Governor Cuomo's political maneuvering on the tax plan a "dazzling display of political jujitsu."

Governor Cuomo's budget deal includes an agreement to pass a constitutional amendment legalizing non-Indian casinos. 

The contractor responsible for the fraud-filled CityTime payroll system agreed to pay New York City $232 million.

Occupy Albany protesters spent five days cleaning up their encampment in the hopes they can avoid eviction for code violations.

Sandra Lee, girlfriend of the governor, needs a new publisher for her magazine.

Caroling demonstrators protested the lighting of Governor Lincoln Chafee's "holiday tree" in  Rhode Island.

One bathroom isn't enough for Newt Gingrich.

President Obama's re-election campaign is being occupied.

FAA Chief Randy Babbitt resigned after being arrested for drunk driving.

Barney Frank (Getty)

Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank went out with a bang. In a nearly hourlong press conference this afternoon, Congressman Frank explained his decision not to seek re-election and why he hopes Newt Gingrich will win the Republican nomination. 

Congressman Frank, who has held his seat in the House of Representatives since 1980, told reporters at the farewell presser he wants Mr. Gingrich to continue his recent rise in the polls and eventually defeat formerly ironclad frontrunner Mitt Romney.

"It still is unlikely, but I have hopes," said Congressman Frank.

Congressman Frank predicted Mr. Gingrich's conservative positions might secure him the Republican nomination, but those same stances will be a dud with voters in the general election. As an example, Congressman Frank cited the issue of same sex marriage.

"I look forward to debating the Defense of Marriage Act with Mr. Gingrich," Congressman Frank said.

Congressman Frank is openly gay and Mr. Gingrich has a tumultuous romantic history including three marriages and multiple affairs.

"I think he is an ideal opponent for us when we talk about just who it is threatening the sanctity of marriage," Congressman Frank said.

Congressman Frank invoked Barry Goldwater's failed 1964 White House bid, which resulted in a win for Democrat Lyndon Johnson after backlash against Mr. Goldwater's staunch conservatism.

"He would be the best thing that happened to the democratic primary since Barry Goldwater," Congressman Frank said of Mr. Gingrich.

Mr. Gingrich has climbed up to first place in the polls after getting his campaign off to a disastrous start. Congressman Frank described Mr. Gingrich's resurgence as "a repudiation of Mitt Romney," who was once considered an invincible frontrunner, but has been unable to woo conservative voters.

"Given the nature of the Republican primary electorate, which is a very conservative electorate, I think it's possIble that Newt wins," said Congressman Frank.

In addition to expounding on the presidential race, Congressman Frank discussed the reasons for his departure from Congress. He told reporters he initially "tentatively" decided to make this his last term because he is getting older and needed a rest.

"I spent a very busy and somewhat stressful four years with the financial crisis," said Congressman Frank, who was chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services until earlier this year.

He also named recent redistricting as another reason for his departure. Congressman Frank said the need to explore and shore up support in the new boundaries of his district would take his focus away from his key issues.

"I wanted to have maximum influence on two issues--protecting financial reform and making sure military spending was part of the mix on deficit reduction," Congressman Frank said. "The need to campaign in a district that is almost half new conflicts with that."

Congressman Frank also indicated a desire to try his hand at academia.

"This decision was precipitated by Congressional redistricting, not entiirely caused by it," Congressman Frank said. "I've been ambivalent about running, there are other things I'd like to do in my life before my career is over."

Though he doesn't want "any institutional affiliation," Congressman Frank said he hopes to fill his days with "some combination of writing teaching and lecturing." He also mentioned a desire to complete his aborted PhD.

Congressman Frank said his political career got in the way of his literary aspirations.

"Some people are able to write and also pursue an active life. I am easily distracted," Congressman Frank said. "I will take almost any excuse not to write, and I do want to write and I want to write about some serious issues."

Congressman Frank said he believes his party will do well without him--especially with Newt Gingrich looking like their likely opponent in 2012.

"Things are looking better for the Democrats," said. Congressman Frank "If Newt Gingrich is the nominee, then, wow."

Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion reportedly has his eye on Gracie Mansion.

The Suffolk County Executive race is turning into a proxy war between Governor Cuomo and former Governor Pataki.

Deputy Mayor Howard Wolfson did lunch at Zuccotti Park.

New York liberals are enamored with Massachusetts Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren.

Could former New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine end up in jail?

Federal Reserve officials lowered their expectations for economic and job growth.

Herman Cain thinks Rick Perry is out to get him.

A third woman said Mr. Cain made inappropriate advances toward her.

Elizabeth Warren (Getty)

Massachusetts Democratic Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren says she "created much of the intellectual foundation" for Occupy Wall Street in a new interview with The Daily Beast. In the interview, Ms. Warren, whose many conservative critics say she advocates "class warfare," also describes how she used to be a Republican. 

Ms. Warren became a viral video sensation earlier this month with a clip calling for "fair taxation" of the wealthy.

"I created much of the intellectual foundation for what they do. ... I support what they do,” Ms. Warren said of Occupy Wall Street.

Ms. Warren also told The Daily Beast about her Republican roots.

“I was a Republican because I thought that those were the people who best supported markets. I think that is not true anymore. ... I was a Republican at a time when I felt like there was a problem that the markets were under a lot more strain. It worried me whether or not the government played too activist a role,” Ms. Warren said.

Ms. Warren, who is a 62 year-old former Harvard Law professor, said her affiliation with the G.O.P. ended after what The Daily Beast describes as a "political awakening" in 1995.

Last week, Ms. Warren came to New York to have an Upper East Side fundraiser for her Senate campaign. The event was hosted by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and billionaire George Soros, among others.

Videos posted online show police with batons drawn dispersing Occupy Boston protesters. (YouTube)

About 100 Occupy Boston protesters were arrested by police after refusing to leave a local park early this morning in the latest evidence Occupy Wall Street is becoming a national movement. 

According to the Boston Globe, approximately 200 Boston Police Department officers squared off with a crowd of approximately 1,000 protesters gathered on a section of the Rose Kennedy Greenway near Congress Street at approximately 1:20 a.m. Malden Patch reports police previously warned the protesters to leave the area by midnight.

Over the weekend, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said the protesters in his city were wearing out their welcome. "There will be a time when they’ll have to leave that location,” Mayor Menino said.

Occupy Boston was originally gathered in nearby Dewey Park and the police claim they wanted protesters to return to the original location because their presence was endangering recent renovations. The Rose Kennedy Greenway, named after the matriarch of the Kennedy clan, was the last piece of Boston's much maligned 16 year, $22 billion "Big Dig" construction project, so damaging the park is clearly a sensitive issue. Boston Police Department sent a message to the official Occupy Boston Twitter account saying, "The Greenway Conservancy recently invested over 150k in new plantings 4 all to enjoy @ 2nd site. Pls return to original."

Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis, who was on hand for the arrests, told the Boston Herald "anarchists" who infiltrated Occupy Boston were to blame for the arrests. "The group that was here for the first ten days was working very closely with us, but they warned us yesterday morning that a new group, the anarchists, wanted to take control,” Commissioner Davis said.

Occupy Boston disputed the BPD's account on their official Twitter feed with a message that read, "DO NOT LISTEN to how the BPD tries to spin this. We made a verbal agreement w/ the trust director to care for the land. No anarchists."

Prior to the arrests on Monday evening, police officers distributed flyers among the Occupy Boston protesters with guidelines for protesting:

"The Boston Police Department has continued to respect your right to peacefully protest. The BPD is also obligated to maintain public order and safety. We ask for your ongoing cooperation. ... If you are noticed by the BPD that you are unlawfully assembling, or trespassing, you will not be allowed to remain in the area. Please immediately leave the area with your belongings, or you will be subject to arrest."

Protesters posted a statement following the arrests claiming they were "brutally assaulted" by the police. Videos posted to YouTube documented alleged instances of violence. Despite the arrests, Occupy Boston vowed to continue the protests in a message posted on its official Twitter feed this morning that read, "People are coming from NYC, DC, and other places. Dewey, prepare accordingly."