Normally I whip out my Peter...Turchin and talk about how structural-demographic theory could predict the increased marginalization of vulnerable groups as societies reach their next crisis point.<p>The truth of this problem however is probably more prosaic. Someone in Amherst has somehow gotten under the skin of the mayor or city council - probably refused to contribute to a campaign or hire someone&#x27;s dumbass relative so now the target gets to enjoy the benefits of &quot;civil society&quot; or whatever half-assed rationale finds its way to the local rag.