Blago runs, Blago spouts literature, Blago makes senate appointments!
He also got impeached.
Isn't this fun? I'm glad, with such expansive media coverage, that the whole country can enjoy Blago these days.
Did the man really quote the Sillitoe short story "The Lonliness of the Long Distance Runner"? He sure did.
Why wouldn't he identify with the character of a Boy who, following the death of his father, goes on a spending spree with insurance and benefits cash, ending in an arrest for robbery. The story of a youngster rebelling against an authority represented by a moronic police officer, a stereotypical politician, and the authoritarian head of the reform school the boy's arrest lands him in.
Authority wants to use the Boy for his one talent, running. The boy will buck Authority at all opportunity, including losing the big race (stopping short of the finish line if need be) in the face of the temptations of wealth and status promised by Authority. Added to the background of the story is the Boy's misguided reverence for the image of his Father as Saint/Knight/Holy Man.
The grand conclusion of the story has the Boy being punished with six months of labor that enables him to avoid National Service and, rather than reforming him, makes the Boy a better burglar.
Can y'all figure out which character is which?
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
1.11.2009
12.15.2008
Bah Bah Blago
The gov'na is in trouble. There is no surprise here. The guy is a piece of work and I think everyone knew that already.
How far reaching this latest politico-bullshit will be is the real question.
Is it too late to just scrap the whole lot of 'em and put D. Rose on a throne? The kid can do it all and he's local and has the kind of mass appeal we like to see. He certainly couldn't do any worse than the string of buffoons the state of Illinois has provided in the modern era.
How far reaching this latest politico-bullshit will be is the real question.
Is it too late to just scrap the whole lot of 'em and put D. Rose on a throne? The kid can do it all and he's local and has the kind of mass appeal we like to see. He certainly couldn't do any worse than the string of buffoons the state of Illinois has provided in the modern era.
10.23.2008
Polls say what?
The Chicago Tribune did a poll to find out what the IL Governor's approval rating was. They came up with an approval rating of 13%. The poll also determined that 8% of respondents think Blago lived up to his promise to end corruption. There were 500 participants in the survey. Without getting deep into stats and polling issues, we are left to consider that roughly 65 people of those 500 taking the survey approve of Blagojevich. Ten percent of participants want him reelected.
Who the fuck are you people?
This isn't even a partisan issue. Pay attention.
Maybe we can just assume those people are getting something out of it. Wink, wink.
Who the fuck are you people?
This isn't even a partisan issue. Pay attention.
Maybe we can just assume those people are getting something out of it. Wink, wink.
10.06.2008
A Rat in the Kitchen?
Another great idea by a Chicago politician. As they say, it's easier to ask for forgiveness...
Republican Tony Peraica has used an image of "Top Chef" winner and everyone's favorite TV chef, Stephanie Izard on a logo for a local access show called "What's COOKin' with the Republicans!"
Who cares what the show is for. The important thing is that Izard, a registered Democrat, did not authorize the use of her image. Tony, in a response that is certainly typical, claims he had no idea who the image was of, who Izard is or what the show "Top Chef" is. This is possible, though unlikely, given the amount of local exposure Izard got during the filming of her season of "Top Chef" in Chicago, her subsequent win, and her well-known restaurant in Bucktown prior to ever showing up on "Top Chef".
The show's producer, Dan Schmidt, designed the logo and even though he watched the Chicago season of "Top Chef", claims he didn't recognize Izard's image. This is a month or so after Peraica's boys used an image of well-known prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald in a campaign flier, which Fitzgerald subsequently requested not be used as it appeared like he was giving an endorsement.
Chicagoist has a side-by-side of the logo and a "Top Chef" promo photo.
Way to go!
Republican Tony Peraica has used an image of "Top Chef" winner and everyone's favorite TV chef, Stephanie Izard on a logo for a local access show called "What's COOKin' with the Republicans!"
Who cares what the show is for. The important thing is that Izard, a registered Democrat, did not authorize the use of her image. Tony, in a response that is certainly typical, claims he had no idea who the image was of, who Izard is or what the show "Top Chef" is. This is possible, though unlikely, given the amount of local exposure Izard got during the filming of her season of "Top Chef" in Chicago, her subsequent win, and her well-known restaurant in Bucktown prior to ever showing up on "Top Chef".
The show's producer, Dan Schmidt, designed the logo and even though he watched the Chicago season of "Top Chef", claims he didn't recognize Izard's image. This is a month or so after Peraica's boys used an image of well-known prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald in a campaign flier, which Fitzgerald subsequently requested not be used as it appeared like he was giving an endorsement.
Chicagoist has a side-by-side of the logo and a "Top Chef" promo photo.
Way to go!
9.26.2008
Palin Syrah
Drinking it is not a political statement. Please get your heads out of your asses.
You could even pronounce it correctly and avoid all confusion.
It's allegedly named after a hockey puck. Who even knew there was a name for a Chilean hockey puck?
You could even pronounce it correctly and avoid all confusion.
It's allegedly named after a hockey puck. Who even knew there was a name for a Chilean hockey puck?
9.23.2008
Sorting out Chicago's Backrooming - Cloutwiki!
Cloutwiki
This site is designed to provide basic information
on the political history and background of Chicago's political leaders. The
information gathered here is all publicly available, we have only compiled it in
one place. We've made a special effort to demonstrate the relationships and
connections between leaders.
Much of the work herein is a
extension of David K. Fremon's Chicago Politics: Ward by Ward, an unparalleled
snapshot of 1980's Chicago politics.
55-0!
The IL Governor's changes to the ethics bill got slapped down by the Senate. Why in the world this roll call had to require a call from Obama to put it in motion is beyond me. Far be it from me to question these world class politicians. Of course, this quick response had more to do with giving Obama something positive to point to in Chicago politics than it did with anything else.
There are still loopholes for determined fundraisers. Money can go to political groups, which can then funnel it back to state officials and there are no restrictions on donations to lawmakers, who are influential in the contract process. The bill focused on donations to state officials that dole out the contracts (Gov, Lt Gov, AG, Sec of State, Treasurer, Comptroller).
A Senate committee immediately advanced a bill that would address the Governor's proposals, but did not Blago's late additions prevent this tiny first step from going forward.
There are still loopholes for determined fundraisers. Money can go to political groups, which can then funnel it back to state officials and there are no restrictions on donations to lawmakers, who are influential in the contract process. The bill focused on donations to state officials that dole out the contracts (Gov, Lt Gov, AG, Sec of State, Treasurer, Comptroller).
A Senate committee immediately advanced a bill that would address the Governor's proposals, but did not Blago's late additions prevent this tiny first step from going forward.
EPA looks at perchlorate
No surprises here. Perchlorate mucks up the thyroid. It is used to make lots of things, including rocket fuel, road flares, explosives and batteries. The EPA has decided that mandating a clean level of perchlorate would result in meaningful health risk reduction for people using public water. The Pentagon doesn't think their testing of various rocket type things was as big an impact in the contamination as is thought. The Pentagon is also relieved that they won't have to pay for anything relating to cleanup, but they also assure us that they did not influence the EPA in any way.
Same old story here. Don't worry, you can always buy your public water from Pepsico or some other bottler who will take it from your public supply and clean it for you. At least, clean enough that they still have a healthy profit margin. At least something will be healthy.
More importantly, the EPA's assistant administrator for water is named Ben Grumbles. Grumbles is on the case, so if your babies don't develop properly, you know it isn't from perchlorate in the water. You probably shouldn't have had that last hit of crack, but I don't blame you. Any comfort in a storm on that grim day when they repo'd your car and you couldn't pay your mortgage.
Remember to vote this coming November! Or earlier if you can. Some campaigners are annoyed that you can vote early. It's possible that their carefully planned barrage of politico-bullshit won't be able to snow you as bad if you go early. The man on the radio this morning worried that if you vote now, you might think the economy and the mortgage crisis is the main issue. I know you better than that, so grab a bottle of water and get to the booth!
Same old story here. Don't worry, you can always buy your public water from Pepsico or some other bottler who will take it from your public supply and clean it for you. At least, clean enough that they still have a healthy profit margin. At least something will be healthy.
More importantly, the EPA's assistant administrator for water is named Ben Grumbles. Grumbles is on the case, so if your babies don't develop properly, you know it isn't from perchlorate in the water. You probably shouldn't have had that last hit of crack, but I don't blame you. Any comfort in a storm on that grim day when they repo'd your car and you couldn't pay your mortgage.
Remember to vote this coming November! Or earlier if you can. Some campaigners are annoyed that you can vote early. It's possible that their carefully planned barrage of politico-bullshit won't be able to snow you as bad if you go early. The man on the radio this morning worried that if you vote now, you might think the economy and the mortgage crisis is the main issue. I know you better than that, so grab a bottle of water and get to the booth!
9.22.2008
Barry Plays the Heavy
While I was busy basking in the Cub glow, Obama rung up his old pal Emil Jones Jr. and gave him the secret code. The result was that Jones will now be recalling the Senate this week to deal with the ethics bill (see some other post I made...I'm too lazy to link it right now HALLELUJAH, HERE IT IS).
Blago also announced on Thursday that he would call the General Assembly into special session today to deal with ethics reform. He, of course, wants his changes to the ethics bill to be considered. Fat chance, I think.
Jones was at a Senate Democratic fund raiser on Wednesday night and declined to discuss the matter of Obama's phone call. He was conveniently busy fundraising and didn't feel like talking about ethics.
The one lingering question I have is whether the gang will make a definitive statement about the 15-day period that Jones and cronies had to vote on the bill until the bill died (whether that be 15-days from delivery, or 15-days from the first Senate meeting following, or what defines delivery, etc). They will probably let the ambiguity linger until it comes up again and they need to delay some other bill seeking to reign in politicians greed. Perhaps that one won't result in a call from someone running for President and the shenanigans can go on unabated.
Blago also announced on Thursday that he would call the General Assembly into special session today to deal with ethics reform. He, of course, wants his changes to the ethics bill to be considered. Fat chance, I think.
Jones was at a Senate Democratic fund raiser on Wednesday night and declined to discuss the matter of Obama's phone call. He was conveniently busy fundraising and didn't feel like talking about ethics.
The one lingering question I have is whether the gang will make a definitive statement about the 15-day period that Jones and cronies had to vote on the bill until the bill died (whether that be 15-days from delivery, or 15-days from the first Senate meeting following, or what defines delivery, etc). They will probably let the ambiguity linger until it comes up again and they need to delay some other bill seeking to reign in politicians greed. Perhaps that one won't result in a call from someone running for President and the shenanigans can go on unabated.
9.18.2008
You Can Have Wings, But Not While Drinking
Attorneys General in 25 states want the beer companies to stop producing those alcohol-energy drinks.
Like most profit driven organizations, the top US beer makers have been searching for something to boost sales. Recent growth trends for their core market have not been good. Now you see the clamato bud, the lime flavored beers, and the low carb beers. The big producers are also dipping into craft brews and flavored malt beverages.
Of course, all the concerned parties are fretting over the youngsters and the abusive drinkers. Dear me, please think of the chilluns! They note that caffeine laced alcohol tends to result in massive benders and drunk kiddies. These attorneys general also claim that the marketing is targeted toward younger drinkers. Anheuser-Busch decided to cut the extra boost out of its products. I'm not really sure there is a reason to sell it anymore, but hey, they can figure that out for themselves. MillerCoors doesn't appear to be willing to give up the goat. I don't think they should. I happen to like those drinks. I also like the ads because like most men, I'm a juvenile at heart. The advertising is targeted to me and my low-brow, beer swilling cohorts.
There are no real studies on these products and the attorneys general, as usual, are swinging wildly and hoping to land something that will be seen as a glorious step forward for society. I don't know that they realize that the drinking age is 21 and the mechanism is in place already to prevent the kids from overindulging. I also don't think they realize that the kids can still buy the components separately and if they want a beer and red bull mix or a vodka and red bull, they are damn well gonna have one. Not to mention that MillerCoors' entrant in the market, Sparks, makes up 1% of their production last year. One percent.
Here's a tip. Alcohol is not evil. Being drunk is not evil. Being drunk at 18 is not the first horrid step toward a life in the gutter blowing degenerates for enough money to buy some crank. Suing MillerCoors, if they choose to produce a legal product, is not a good way to spend the peoples' money and is a waste of court time.
Yes, there are negatives in life. Some people have addiction problems. Some people abuse their liver until it doesn't function correctly. Some people drive into things and kill people while intoxicated. The populace is an abusive lot and they tend to make shitty decisions. We will never be able to legislate them into doe-eyed compliance and state enforced happiness. At least not in the world I want to live in.
These AGs and their backers can take their self-righteous bullshit and shove it. Put your efforts into something more constructive. The jails are stacked and I doubt we would have saved any of them had they just not been exposed to Sparks early in life.
Like most profit driven organizations, the top US beer makers have been searching for something to boost sales. Recent growth trends for their core market have not been good. Now you see the clamato bud, the lime flavored beers, and the low carb beers. The big producers are also dipping into craft brews and flavored malt beverages.
Of course, all the concerned parties are fretting over the youngsters and the abusive drinkers. Dear me, please think of the chilluns! They note that caffeine laced alcohol tends to result in massive benders and drunk kiddies. These attorneys general also claim that the marketing is targeted toward younger drinkers. Anheuser-Busch decided to cut the extra boost out of its products. I'm not really sure there is a reason to sell it anymore, but hey, they can figure that out for themselves. MillerCoors doesn't appear to be willing to give up the goat. I don't think they should. I happen to like those drinks. I also like the ads because like most men, I'm a juvenile at heart. The advertising is targeted to me and my low-brow, beer swilling cohorts.
There are no real studies on these products and the attorneys general, as usual, are swinging wildly and hoping to land something that will be seen as a glorious step forward for society. I don't know that they realize that the drinking age is 21 and the mechanism is in place already to prevent the kids from overindulging. I also don't think they realize that the kids can still buy the components separately and if they want a beer and red bull mix or a vodka and red bull, they are damn well gonna have one. Not to mention that MillerCoors' entrant in the market, Sparks, makes up 1% of their production last year. One percent.
Here's a tip. Alcohol is not evil. Being drunk is not evil. Being drunk at 18 is not the first horrid step toward a life in the gutter blowing degenerates for enough money to buy some crank. Suing MillerCoors, if they choose to produce a legal product, is not a good way to spend the peoples' money and is a waste of court time.
Yes, there are negatives in life. Some people have addiction problems. Some people abuse their liver until it doesn't function correctly. Some people drive into things and kill people while intoxicated. The populace is an abusive lot and they tend to make shitty decisions. We will never be able to legislate them into doe-eyed compliance and state enforced happiness. At least not in the world I want to live in.
These AGs and their backers can take their self-righteous bullshit and shove it. Put your efforts into something more constructive. The jails are stacked and I doubt we would have saved any of them had they just not been exposed to Sparks early in life.
9.12.2008
Can I Get an FU!
I'm a busy bee. Hardly have time to get rip roaring drunk like I should. Nevertheless, I couldn't let some local political shenanigans go by without comment.
Oddly enough, someone thought there should be some ethics legislation. Who'd a thunk it?
The ethics bill (good old House Bill 824) would ban people and business that have a minimum of $50,000 of contracts with the state from making campaign contributions to state officials that decide who gets state contracts. The Guv'na made some changes to the bill, extending the ban to lawmakers and party leaders, prohibiting lawmakers from holding other government jobs while in the General Assembly (double-dipping) and, best of all, changing the voting for pay raises such that a "yes" vote supports a pay raise (where currently a "no" vote supports a pay raise). The Guv'na sat on this for a bit while he generated some contributions but when it finally got in front of the Illinois House, the revised bill was voted down 110-3.
Now comes our pal, Emil Jones Jr. The Illinois Senate needs to shoot down the Guv'na's new version of the bill now, or the whole thing dies. Jones is our venerable Illinois Senate President and will preside over things with his usual majesty.
The Senate has 15 days to vote. Jones will not be reconvening the Senate until November 12. The Jones camp thinks they have 15 days from the next Senate meeting. [more on this below] There is also the matter of construction financing and budget issues that aren't going to be discussed until the fat cats get themselves back in session.
I won't debate whether Blago's ideas were bad, they seem to have some merit (though more in a you backstab me, I'll backstab you sorta way), but the end result is decent. He did overload the bill, making his version unlikely to get votes (and stalling the process yet again). Some Reps are correct in their clamoring that they are the legislators and the Governor isn't (everyone wants their say).
Yet....I'm pissed at these knob polishers as usual. I'm pissed that this will end up in the shitter eventually. These guys would fuck up a free beer because they were too busy hustling bj's in the bathroom for 2 beers a go. Greedy, selfish and shameless.
The Veto Procedure:
You can read it all in the Constitution of the State of IL in Section 9 "Veto Procedure".
Oddly enough, someone thought there should be some ethics legislation. Who'd a thunk it?
The ethics bill (good old House Bill 824) would ban people and business that have a minimum of $50,000 of contracts with the state from making campaign contributions to state officials that decide who gets state contracts. The Guv'na made some changes to the bill, extending the ban to lawmakers and party leaders, prohibiting lawmakers from holding other government jobs while in the General Assembly (double-dipping) and, best of all, changing the voting for pay raises such that a "yes" vote supports a pay raise (where currently a "no" vote supports a pay raise). The Guv'na sat on this for a bit while he generated some contributions but when it finally got in front of the Illinois House, the revised bill was voted down 110-3.
Now comes our pal, Emil Jones Jr. The Illinois Senate needs to shoot down the Guv'na's new version of the bill now, or the whole thing dies. Jones is our venerable Illinois Senate President and will preside over things with his usual majesty.
The Senate has 15 days to vote. Jones will not be reconvening the Senate until November 12. The Jones camp thinks they have 15 days from the next Senate meeting. [more on this below] There is also the matter of construction financing and budget issues that aren't going to be discussed until the fat cats get themselves back in session.
I won't debate whether Blago's ideas were bad, they seem to have some merit (though more in a you backstab me, I'll backstab you sorta way), but the end result is decent. He did overload the bill, making his version unlikely to get votes (and stalling the process yet again). Some Reps are correct in their clamoring that they are the legislators and the Governor isn't (everyone wants their say).
Yet....I'm pissed at these knob polishers as usual. I'm pissed that this will end up in the shitter eventually. These guys would fuck up a free beer because they were too busy hustling bj's in the bathroom for 2 beers a go. Greedy, selfish and shameless.
The Veto Procedure:
You can read it all in the Constitution of the State of IL in Section 9 "Veto Procedure".
If you read this like I do, Jones and Company are missing the window (as the House has delivered the bill). However, there are more than a few that agree with the Senate's interpretation that the bill isn't officially delivered until it is read into record. There is a nice recap of the issue here. Either way, this is just further mucking up the works and ensuring that business as usual continues. Congratulations, assholes.(c) The house to which a bill is returned shall immediately enter the Governor's objections upon its journal.If within 15 calendar days after such entry that house by a record vote of three-fifths of the members elected passes the bill, it shall be delivered immediately to the second house.If within 15 calendar days after such delivery the second house by a record vote of three-fifths of the members elected passes the bill, it shall become law.
8.25.2008
Rapid Fire Political News
When people pay attention, the shit flies.
I don't even feel like getting in all up in a tizzy about this stuff today, so I'll just drop some quick hitters.
Cook County workers have the option to check a box and select a charity from a list to donate a portion of their paycheck to. However, it seems that the County actually takes a 3% skim off that donation and hides it away in its own charitable fund, the Cook County Charity Fund. I'm not really going to lay this at Stroger's feet even though he sent out the letter encouraging workers to participate. The 3% skim is noted in the fine print of the payroll deduction form and has been in existence since 1989. It's just another example of business as usual. The Man will assure you that nothing untoward has happened and no attempts have been made to obfuscate; however, when you are doing the same thing as the unscrupulous car salesmen and mass marketing scam artists, you have to consider that you aren't much better.
Believe it or not, Emil Jones also gets a mention today. Yes, the man also called Obama's political mentor. He was accused of calling Delmarie Cobb, a black woman and a Clinton delegate, an "Uncle Tom" on Sunday. There were witnesses, but defenders claim the comment was in jest and misconstrued. Same old, same old. I'm sure Obama is happy about this turn of events.
In more Obama news, running mate Joe Biden's links to Tony Rezko are getting more attention. Biden has a relationship with attorney Joseph Cari Jr., who served as Midwest field director for Biden's failed 1988 presidential election bid and also was a confidant of Biden while Biden contemplated a 2008 run. Cari is a long-time friend of Biden and, among other things, was the DNC National Finance Chairman (1993-94) and the Finance Chair of the US Senate Democratic Campaign Committee in 1995. Cari also admitted to being part of an $850,000 kickback scam that is allegedly part of a larger fund raising operation for Gov'na Blago and overseen by Rezko.
Happy Monday! Rejoice in the wonders of humanity.
I don't even feel like getting in all up in a tizzy about this stuff today, so I'll just drop some quick hitters.
Cook County workers have the option to check a box and select a charity from a list to donate a portion of their paycheck to. However, it seems that the County actually takes a 3% skim off that donation and hides it away in its own charitable fund, the Cook County Charity Fund. I'm not really going to lay this at Stroger's feet even though he sent out the letter encouraging workers to participate. The 3% skim is noted in the fine print of the payroll deduction form and has been in existence since 1989. It's just another example of business as usual. The Man will assure you that nothing untoward has happened and no attempts have been made to obfuscate; however, when you are doing the same thing as the unscrupulous car salesmen and mass marketing scam artists, you have to consider that you aren't much better.
Believe it or not, Emil Jones also gets a mention today. Yes, the man also called Obama's political mentor. He was accused of calling Delmarie Cobb, a black woman and a Clinton delegate, an "Uncle Tom" on Sunday. There were witnesses, but defenders claim the comment was in jest and misconstrued. Same old, same old. I'm sure Obama is happy about this turn of events.
In more Obama news, running mate Joe Biden's links to Tony Rezko are getting more attention. Biden has a relationship with attorney Joseph Cari Jr., who served as Midwest field director for Biden's failed 1988 presidential election bid and also was a confidant of Biden while Biden contemplated a 2008 run. Cari is a long-time friend of Biden and, among other things, was the DNC National Finance Chairman (1993-94) and the Finance Chair of the US Senate Democratic Campaign Committee in 1995. Cari also admitted to being part of an $850,000 kickback scam that is allegedly part of a larger fund raising operation for Gov'na Blago and overseen by Rezko.
Happy Monday! Rejoice in the wonders of humanity.
8.22.2008
And So It Goes
Emil Jones III gets the nod from The Gang to take his father's spot on the Nov. 4 ballot.
The Trib quoted Emil Jones Jr as saying, "He's well qualified for the position. As the constitution says, 21 years old, resident, must reside in the district. All the other things are extra, and he has all the tools necessary. He knows the process."
He also added that his son has been schooled in IL politics since he was a child and showed a picture of Jones III attending a Senate committee hearing as a boy.
None of this is comforting. All the other things are extra? Is this really how we want to think about governing?
He's breathing and he fits the minimum qualifications. But wait, there's more! His father is a standout "Chicago" politician. That's right folks, he knows how to "play the game". Young Emil has learned at the seat of The Man.
You can go fuck yourselves. It seems your fucking of the citizens is done for the day.
The Trib quoted Emil Jones Jr as saying, "He's well qualified for the position. As the constitution says, 21 years old, resident, must reside in the district. All the other things are extra, and he has all the tools necessary. He knows the process."
He also added that his son has been schooled in IL politics since he was a child and showed a picture of Jones III attending a Senate committee hearing as a boy.
None of this is comforting. All the other things are extra? Is this really how we want to think about governing?
He's breathing and he fits the minimum qualifications. But wait, there's more! His father is a standout "Chicago" politician. That's right folks, he knows how to "play the game". Young Emil has learned at the seat of The Man.
You can go fuck yourselves. It seems your fucking of the citizens is done for the day.
8.20.2008
More of the same in IL Politics
Senate President Emil Jones is retiring at the end of his term in early January. Ho hum. I should be happy that an ally of the great gov'na Blago is stepping aside. Perhaps he knows something.
Jones officially announced his retirement on Monday.
Jones wants his son, Emil Jones III, to replace him.
Sound familiar?
It is up to the Democratic committeemen to decide who replaces Jones on the November 4th ballot as the Democratic candidate. Let's face it, that spot for the 14 District Chicago seat is owned by the Democrats unless something dire happens, so this amounts to a royal appointment.
Jones would have great impact as to how that selection gets made even without a vote.
The primary is long gone and the timing of this move leaves other potential candidates in the lurch. Perhaps a stronger Republican would have tossed his or her hat in the ring if Jones was never going to be on the ballot. Perhaps a Democrat would have chosen to run in the primary. Perhaps the winner of the primary would actually be representing the Democratic voters in the Nov. 4 election.
Jones has a history. Don't we all. Let's review....
Emil Jones III was granted an administrator-level state gig as a regional manager at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with an annual pull of almost $60,000. He has no college degree. That's making the most of opportunity.
Jones advocated a 7.5% pay raise for himself and his senate pals. This comes after the July 1 cost-of-living increase of 3.8% they were granted. Said Jones, "I need a pay raise. I need a pay raise." Two years ago Jones didn't allow a vote to reject pay raises until after the election, at which time Jones and Co. defeated a move to reject pay raises. I guess he'll have to settle for his state pension.
Jones will be eligible for over $500,000 of the $1.6 million of his campaign funds to be converted to personal use, if taxes are paid, according to a state law enacted in 1998.
Jones blocked mandatory disclosure of subcontracts while his stepson's firm was the beneficiary of
state contracts.
Jones supported ComEd rate hikes last year while other politicians took contributions from utilities during the negotiations.
Jones' office received a federal subpoena in 2003 alleging that his state staff performed campaign work on state time.
This is how it's done people. Don't turn your back on them and check your pockets when you walk away. I won't claim the man never did a lick of good, but let's keep our eye on the till here.
The State of Illinois is facing serious financial turmoil and a rat's nest of inefficiency. These fuckers are the problem, not the solution.
Jones officially announced his retirement on Monday.
Jones wants his son, Emil Jones III, to replace him.
Sound familiar?
It is up to the Democratic committeemen to decide who replaces Jones on the November 4th ballot as the Democratic candidate. Let's face it, that spot for the 14 District Chicago seat is owned by the Democrats unless something dire happens, so this amounts to a royal appointment.
Jones would have great impact as to how that selection gets made even without a vote.
The primary is long gone and the timing of this move leaves other potential candidates in the lurch. Perhaps a stronger Republican would have tossed his or her hat in the ring if Jones was never going to be on the ballot. Perhaps a Democrat would have chosen to run in the primary. Perhaps the winner of the primary would actually be representing the Democratic voters in the Nov. 4 election.
Jones has a history. Don't we all. Let's review....
Emil Jones III was granted an administrator-level state gig as a regional manager at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with an annual pull of almost $60,000. He has no college degree. That's making the most of opportunity.
Jones advocated a 7.5% pay raise for himself and his senate pals. This comes after the July 1 cost-of-living increase of 3.8% they were granted. Said Jones, "I need a pay raise. I need a pay raise." Two years ago Jones didn't allow a vote to reject pay raises until after the election, at which time Jones and Co. defeated a move to reject pay raises. I guess he'll have to settle for his state pension.
Jones will be eligible for over $500,000 of the $1.6 million of his campaign funds to be converted to personal use, if taxes are paid, according to a state law enacted in 1998.
Jones blocked mandatory disclosure of subcontracts while his stepson's firm was the beneficiary of
state contracts.
Jones supported ComEd rate hikes last year while other politicians took contributions from utilities during the negotiations.
Jones' office received a federal subpoena in 2003 alleging that his state staff performed campaign work on state time.
This is how it's done people. Don't turn your back on them and check your pockets when you walk away. I won't claim the man never did a lick of good, but let's keep our eye on the till here.
The State of Illinois is facing serious financial turmoil and a rat's nest of inefficiency. These fuckers are the problem, not the solution.
7.31.2008
Stroger Watch
I know that Chicago politics is ugly, but this guy is a caricature. Stroger doesn't think he gets a fair deal from the media. He thinks his political opponents (Commissioners Forrest Claypool and Tony Peraica) don't understand county government. I'm pretty sure they don't. At least not the way Todd does government.
Chicago already has the highest sales tax rate in the nation because Todd's expertise couldn't figure out how to reduce expense while simultaneously adding loads of new employees and still act like the traditional fat cat. All the while his friends and relations muddle through the days playing governemnt under his "tutelage".
Now a Trib report (of a Sun Times report, no less) tells us of the ill-fated Cook County magazine. A magazine that cost $24,999 because $25,000 requires approval from the county board. A magazine that was so poorly produced that it is "riddled with misspellings and other errors". A Frankenstein monster of a magazine that is so hideous and humiliating to it's creators that the 5,000 copies are stuffed away in the halls of government, never to be distributed.
Chicago already has the highest sales tax rate in the nation because Todd's expertise couldn't figure out how to reduce expense while simultaneously adding loads of new employees and still act like the traditional fat cat. All the while his friends and relations muddle through the days playing governemnt under his "tutelage".
Now a Trib report (of a Sun Times report, no less) tells us of the ill-fated Cook County magazine. A magazine that cost $24,999 because $25,000 requires approval from the county board. A magazine that was so poorly produced that it is "riddled with misspellings and other errors". A Frankenstein monster of a magazine that is so hideous and humiliating to it's creators that the 5,000 copies are stuffed away in the halls of government, never to be distributed.
I don't think this is what Todd had in mind when the magazine was commissioned to create a "non-threatening news environment that ensures regular, positive press -- to counter-balance negative press often found in the mainstream media."
We love you, Todd. Just not in that way. Stop fucking up my world with your bullshit.7.24.2008
WWHD?
I know what Jeez would have done. He would bitch slap you. But, Hitler? What the hell would he do? I mean besides growing that fugly 'stach.
According to Ben Stein's opinion of Obama in the Metrodome, "Seventy-five-thousand people at an outdoor sports palace, well, that's something the Fuhrer would have done."
Well, first of all, the Metrodome is not a god damned palace. It is damned, but it ain't no palace. Secondly, can't we go with something better than Hitler? I mean, that has to be a joke, right? It is for every other adult with an internet connection. Isn't it?
Stein, " It's like Juan Peron." OK, that's better.
To quote the scarily cool Nancy Botwin, "What the F?"
How stupid are we? Why do these people still get to spew this nonsense to the public? OK, you don't like the guy. I can see that. Nobody is perfect. McCain has issues. We know the "Mc" in a surname means "son of" and Cain was the first murder, so.....
But is a speech in the M'Dome really as "scarily authoritarian" as anything else that's been going on lately?
I would rather hear Stein prattle on about Intelligent Design. I think Hitler would like that too.
Damn. Did I just lose my own fucking post?
Oh, well. Remember when Strom had that record long filibuster back in '57? Do you think he knew he would be in office until he was 100 years of age? That's the kind of thing that lets you know things are running smoothly.
According to Ben Stein's opinion of Obama in the Metrodome, "Seventy-five-thousand people at an outdoor sports palace, well, that's something the Fuhrer would have done."
Well, first of all, the Metrodome is not a god damned palace. It is damned, but it ain't no palace. Secondly, can't we go with something better than Hitler? I mean, that has to be a joke, right? It is for every other adult with an internet connection. Isn't it?
Stein, " It's like Juan Peron." OK, that's better.
To quote the scarily cool Nancy Botwin, "What the F?"
How stupid are we? Why do these people still get to spew this nonsense to the public? OK, you don't like the guy. I can see that. Nobody is perfect. McCain has issues. We know the "Mc" in a surname means "son of" and Cain was the first murder, so.....
But is a speech in the M'Dome really as "scarily authoritarian" as anything else that's been going on lately?
I would rather hear Stein prattle on about Intelligent Design. I think Hitler would like that too.
Damn. Did I just lose my own fucking post?
Oh, well. Remember when Strom had that record long filibuster back in '57? Do you think he knew he would be in office until he was 100 years of age? That's the kind of thing that lets you know things are running smoothly.
6.19.2008
And Another Thing!
I forgot to mention that Todd Stroger cast a tiebreaking vote Tuesday on a scheme to have the city borrow $150 million as a bridge until the sales tax increase kicks in and saves the world.
The short term loan may cost as much as $9 million in fees and interest and should be paid back December 2009.
However, as Commissioner Larry Suffredin mentioned in the Trib article, the commissioners weren't told exactly what the fees or interest were going to be or what bond firm would be doing the deal.
How can you asswipes vote for something like this?
The short term loan may cost as much as $9 million in fees and interest and should be paid back December 2009.
However, as Commissioner Larry Suffredin mentioned in the Trib article, the commissioners weren't told exactly what the fees or interest were going to be or what bond firm would be doing the deal.
How can you asswipes vote for something like this?
6.18.2008
Stroge Me, Stroge Me
Todd Stroger, man of the people, finally got around to facing taxpayers in the northwest 'burbs of Chicago. Stroger, the Cook County Board President, was set to explain his $426 million tax hike.
The Background: Stroger is the son of the late John Stroger, who served as the Cook County Board President for 12 years. Todd was appointed to Alderman of the 8th Ward by The Mayor to replace Lorraine Dixon, who died in office. When his father, John, suffered a stroke in March of 2006, it didn't impede his winning the Democratic nomination and despite not being seen in public since the serious stroke, we were all informed by Todd that his father was going to run for County Board President yet again. In June of 2006, John was removed from the ballot and replaced by his son, Todd, per the decision of the Cook County Democratic Central Committee. The backing of The Mayor ensured that there was no opposition to this move and Todd was eventually elected to office in November of that year.
Stroger went on to hire his cousin as CFO and give her a nice $17,000 pay raise and his 2008 budget contained the largest ever Cook County sales tax increase for the county (a 1% increase to 1.75%)
Back to the present: After ducking an April 30th town hall meeting, Stroger finally made an appearance. When confronted with concerned citizens, Stroger was unfazed. Hearing claims of distrust and disgust did nothing to sway him; nor did the talk of secession. In fact, Stroger went in front of these fine folks to say, "people don't trust politicians....and that's the way this job works." He further informed the people that some people will get "pinched" by a sales tax increase.
Perhaps Todd isn't concered that Chicago now has the highest sales tax (10.25%) of any major US city. In fact, Stroger was trying to create a cash reserve as a hedge against future tax hikes.
Now that's balls. He's doing it for the people!
You're running a government, asshole. You don't get to hold the peoples' money in reserve for when your shortsited bullshit, rampant mismanagement and greasy hiring practices result in yet another budget shortfall.
Someone has to get pinched all right.
The Background: Stroger is the son of the late John Stroger, who served as the Cook County Board President for 12 years. Todd was appointed to Alderman of the 8th Ward by The Mayor to replace Lorraine Dixon, who died in office. When his father, John, suffered a stroke in March of 2006, it didn't impede his winning the Democratic nomination and despite not being seen in public since the serious stroke, we were all informed by Todd that his father was going to run for County Board President yet again. In June of 2006, John was removed from the ballot and replaced by his son, Todd, per the decision of the Cook County Democratic Central Committee. The backing of The Mayor ensured that there was no opposition to this move and Todd was eventually elected to office in November of that year.
Stroger went on to hire his cousin as CFO and give her a nice $17,000 pay raise and his 2008 budget contained the largest ever Cook County sales tax increase for the county (a 1% increase to 1.75%)
Back to the present: After ducking an April 30th town hall meeting, Stroger finally made an appearance. When confronted with concerned citizens, Stroger was unfazed. Hearing claims of distrust and disgust did nothing to sway him; nor did the talk of secession. In fact, Stroger went in front of these fine folks to say, "people don't trust politicians....and that's the way this job works." He further informed the people that some people will get "pinched" by a sales tax increase.
Perhaps Todd isn't concered that Chicago now has the highest sales tax (10.25%) of any major US city. In fact, Stroger was trying to create a cash reserve as a hedge against future tax hikes.
Now that's balls. He's doing it for the people!
You're running a government, asshole. You don't get to hold the peoples' money in reserve for when your shortsited bullshit, rampant mismanagement and greasy hiring practices result in yet another budget shortfall.
Someone has to get pinched all right.
5.21.2008
I've Got Amnesty On My Mind
What do you do if you had a brain cramp and forgot to comply with Chicago's yearly registration requirement for your cache of weapons?
If you are an Alderman, you simple have the law changed to create an amnesty period during which you can reregister without penalty.
You may think the case of Alderman Dick Mell is another case of Chicago Politicians Gone Wild, but you would be sorely mistaken. In fact, Mell is doing this for all the people out there that might have forgotten or didn't know the requirements of the Chicago gun laws. Mell is nothing if not a man of the people.
After coming to grips with the horrifying thought that his appeal to the Department of Administrative Hearings would not win, Mell did the only thing he could do. And if you don't like it, you may find you are facing the serious end of a barrel, punk.
If you are an Alderman, you simple have the law changed to create an amnesty period during which you can reregister without penalty.
You may think the case of Alderman Dick Mell is another case of Chicago Politicians Gone Wild, but you would be sorely mistaken. In fact, Mell is doing this for all the people out there that might have forgotten or didn't know the requirements of the Chicago gun laws. Mell is nothing if not a man of the people.
After coming to grips with the horrifying thought that his appeal to the Department of Administrative Hearings would not win, Mell did the only thing he could do. And if you don't like it, you may find you are facing the serious end of a barrel, punk.
5.15.2008
Politics in Action: The Year of Foie Gras
Back in April of 2006, Chicago Alderman Joe Moore managed to get the rest of his cronies to vote on a ban of foie gras in Chicago. The measure was passed by a 48-1 vote. A pretty lopsided victory for anything being voted on by these fellows.
Yesterday, those same gents reversed their stance, making foie gras legal once again. Of course, this upset a number of people. PETA for instance. I'm not going to get into the ethical debate here. You can see the anti-foie gras sentiment or arguments on the other side of cruelty, such as this clip of Bourdain all over the place. There's even a Spainish company (Pateria de Sousa) producing "free range foie gras" that eliminates the force feeding aspect by using the natural inclination of geese to be greedy eaters. This certainly won't satisfy the hardcore anti-cruelty element, as ultimately the bird gets the axe.
I really don't care to argue these points with anyone, even to the level of overall eating habits and the need for sustainability and efficiency. Really, I bring this up as an exercise in political analysis.
I'll start out by pointing out that the ban was not effective. People could still buy foie gras, restaurants outside the city limits still served it openly and restaurants within the city limits worked angles to get it on diner's plates or flat out flaunted the law and paid the resulting fines.
The reversal of Chicago's foie gras ban came due to some deft paperwork maneuvering by Alderman Thomas Tunney, who just happens to be a restaurant owner. Now, this seems a bit sketchy and propenents of the ban were hopping man, but Tunney used his knowledge of the system to force a vote. There shouldn't be anything devilishly wrong in that. The problem for organizations like PETA is that the Chicago ban was used as a shining example of "moving in the right direction". From a purely strategic view, this would be a blow to their efforts in more ways than just the situation in Chicago.
Moore was not allowed much in the way of debate by our Great Leader the Grand Poobah, Richard M. Daley. This was taken by Moore to be a political muscle job harkening back to the "glory" days of The Mayor's father. While this may be so, I can't help but agree with the point that this issue has been debated ad nauseam locally and nationally. Not to mention that the original vote was just two years ago. How much more is going to be accomplished by more tongue wagging.
Now, I never really got behind the ban in the first place, and it didn't seem to matter anyway (one of The Mayor's points). Nonetheless, the Chicago Tribune reported, "many aldermen who voted for repeal said they changed their minds because they agree with Daley's assertion that they have better things to do." This chapped me a bit.
The concept that they had better things to do than deal with this the first time somehow leaves me wondering how that equates to forcing another vote on it. A vote with drastically different results than one year ago. The reversal was passed with a 37-6 vote.
I know these people are addle-brained, that's not at issue. The real question is which mental misfire caused this great shift in attitude. Did they suddenly realize they voted previously without the facts? Did they hear whispering in the hallways of goverment? Is The Poobah really trying to make a heavy point about opposing his plans for the proposed Chicago Children's Museum? Did the gang of shitting geese on the local golf course finally cross the line and steal beer from someone's cart? Whatever the reason, nothing in this episode increases my opinion of the players or the political landscape of my fair city.
Only those privy to the smoky back rooms of Chicago's politicians, lobbyists and restaurateurs know for sure. I suppose they aren't smoky any more, but who knows what parliamentary magic may change that.
Yesterday, those same gents reversed their stance, making foie gras legal once again. Of course, this upset a number of people. PETA for instance. I'm not going to get into the ethical debate here. You can see the anti-foie gras sentiment or arguments on the other side of cruelty, such as this clip of Bourdain all over the place. There's even a Spainish company (Pateria de Sousa) producing "free range foie gras" that eliminates the force feeding aspect by using the natural inclination of geese to be greedy eaters. This certainly won't satisfy the hardcore anti-cruelty element, as ultimately the bird gets the axe.
I really don't care to argue these points with anyone, even to the level of overall eating habits and the need for sustainability and efficiency. Really, I bring this up as an exercise in political analysis.
I'll start out by pointing out that the ban was not effective. People could still buy foie gras, restaurants outside the city limits still served it openly and restaurants within the city limits worked angles to get it on diner's plates or flat out flaunted the law and paid the resulting fines.
The reversal of Chicago's foie gras ban came due to some deft paperwork maneuvering by Alderman Thomas Tunney, who just happens to be a restaurant owner. Now, this seems a bit sketchy and propenents of the ban were hopping man, but Tunney used his knowledge of the system to force a vote. There shouldn't be anything devilishly wrong in that. The problem for organizations like PETA is that the Chicago ban was used as a shining example of "moving in the right direction". From a purely strategic view, this would be a blow to their efforts in more ways than just the situation in Chicago.
Moore was not allowed much in the way of debate by our Great Leader the Grand Poobah, Richard M. Daley. This was taken by Moore to be a political muscle job harkening back to the "glory" days of The Mayor's father. While this may be so, I can't help but agree with the point that this issue has been debated ad nauseam locally and nationally. Not to mention that the original vote was just two years ago. How much more is going to be accomplished by more tongue wagging.
Now, I never really got behind the ban in the first place, and it didn't seem to matter anyway (one of The Mayor's points). Nonetheless, the Chicago Tribune reported, "many aldermen who voted for repeal said they changed their minds because they agree with Daley's assertion that they have better things to do." This chapped me a bit.
The concept that they had better things to do than deal with this the first time somehow leaves me wondering how that equates to forcing another vote on it. A vote with drastically different results than one year ago. The reversal was passed with a 37-6 vote.
I know these people are addle-brained, that's not at issue. The real question is which mental misfire caused this great shift in attitude. Did they suddenly realize they voted previously without the facts? Did they hear whispering in the hallways of goverment? Is The Poobah really trying to make a heavy point about opposing his plans for the proposed Chicago Children's Museum? Did the gang of shitting geese on the local golf course finally cross the line and steal beer from someone's cart? Whatever the reason, nothing in this episode increases my opinion of the players or the political landscape of my fair city.
Only those privy to the smoky back rooms of Chicago's politicians, lobbyists and restaurateurs know for sure. I suppose they aren't smoky any more, but who knows what parliamentary magic may change that.
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