Mount Greenwood, Beverly and Morgan Park: News, Real Estate, Photos, Classifieds • (773) 432-4137
Community Journalism. Evolved.
September 5, 2008 • (773) 432-4137
Keep up with the Observer! Sign up for Text Alerts to your cell phone, email newsletters and RSS feeds.a
Proud sponsors of Beverly Hills Cycling Classic • South Side Irish Parade • Chicago Irish Film Festival
Reading on Walden
The contents of these pages are imported from other local sites that have made their content publically available for distribution, and the Southwest Observer takes no responsibility for their content.
Yes We Can
Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
I have been following the continuing saga of Bill Daley's quest for Governor of Illinois for the 2010 election.
As Tony Soprano might say, "Forgetaboutit."
Opportunity was knocking loudly in 2002 for Bill Daley to run Governor, but for a variety of reasons, Bill Daley passed it up. He likely would have roundly defeated the current Governor, Rod Blagojevich and would have defeated the former CPS (Chicago Public Schools) CEO Paul Vallas. At that point he had a fundraising advantage, an amazing name recognition and political connections with no peer.
But Bill didn't answer the knock.
Opportunity again knocked for Bill Daley in 2006, but he, like many others were timid about taking on an incumbent governor. A weak incumbent governor, I might add. In many ways the 2006 campaign would have been an easier race for Bill Daley. He could have easily erased the money raising advantage of Governor Rod Blagojevich. He would have defeated this inept Governor in a landslide. Instead, an obscure former Alderman, Edwin Eisendrath and went a long way with little support and little money. Likely, Eisendrath would have opted not to run with Bill Daley in the race and Blagojevich would have ended his political career that year. Alas, we are stuck with this embarrassment to the Democratic Party of Illinois, Rod Bagojevich.
But again Bill didn't answer the knock.
Opportunity is again knocking for someone to take the governor's seat in 2010, but this time it is not knocking for Bill Daley. He is answering the door but nobody is there. Opportunity is knocking for Alexi Giannoulias (my first choice and someone who I would work feverishly to elect), it is knocking for Lisa Madigan (who would also make a fine Governor) and it is knocking for Dan Hynes (who would also do a fine job as Governor).
Bill Daley would get lost in this field of premium candidates. Giannoulias, Madigan and Hynes are all young, talented and intelligent people with limitless potential. Bill Daley hears the knocking, but nobody is there.
Opportunity is knocking for the governor's race but it appears the wrong person is answering. To Bill Daley: "Forgetaboutit." Reading on Walden Bookstore. Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
I have met Michelle Obama twice and what America saw last night in Denver is the same Michelle Obama I met on those two brief occasions. She is a sweet, loving, caring, generous soul who loves her husband and loves her two adorable children. Here is the quote from my upcoming book, The Story of Barack Obama’s Bookstore: How a Book, A Bookstore, Two Bookstore Owners, 300 Volunteers and A Community propelled Barack Obama onto the national scene.
We also met Michelle Obama that day (February 21, 2004) and were both impressed with her. One striking thing that came across to both of us was the attention and love she had for her kids. There is no question after several minutes with her that her children are the “priority” in her life. She thanked us for our help and said she was aware of our work on the southwest side.
I often hear Michelle and Barack Obama say in speeches that they decided not to "pursue wealth," and the one interesting thing I can share with you is that is exactly what Michelle and Barack say in private conversations. This single thing is the one thing I admire most about them. They don't whisper one thing and then say something else publicly. If they whisper something to you it is something that can be repeated.
Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Yes We Can
Yes We Can
Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
"It's over" means "It's over" regardless of how you "wash, rinse and spin dry"
Peggy Noonan, former speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan, summed it all up quite nicely: "It's over." She was referring to the nomination of Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin as Vice-President on the Republican ticket. There are those that try to spin it by claiming it is "taken-out-of-context," such as our friend Mike.
I agree with Peggy Noonan’s taken-out-of-context statement of ‘It’s over’; but not the way the Left would like.
Of course Peggy Noonan is trying to explain it away with a classic "wash, rinse and spin dry" approach. I said it but. . .
Well, I just got mugged by the nature of modern media, and I wish it weren't my fault, but it is. Readers deserve an explanation, so I'm putting a new top on today's column and, with the forbearance of the Journal, here it is.
And Noonan made it worse.
And when I said, "It's over!" -- and I said it more than once -- that is what I was referring to. I am pretty certain that is exactly what Todd and Murphy understood I was referring to. In the truncated version of the conversation, on the Web, it appears I am saying the McCain campaign is over. I did not say it, and do not think it. In fact, at an on-the-record press symposium on the campaign on Monday, when all of those on the panel were pressed to predict who would win, I said that I didn't know, but that we just might find "This IS a country for old men." That is, McCain may well win. I do not think the campaign is over, I do not think this is settled, and did not suggest, back to the Todd-Murphy conversation, that "It's over."
But nothing.
Peggy Noonan is another victim of the "live mic." The Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. was a victim of the live mic and got his political balls cut off. So much so that he is now "persona non grata" in the Barack Obama inner circle.
As far as Governor Sarah Palin's speech, she did a good job of appealing to the base. Her entire speech opposes everything that the maverick Senator from Arizona, John McCain, stands for. The Republicans never were comfortable with Senator John McCain, who counts among his friends as the former Democratic Senator Joseph Lieberman. I guess these turncoats hang together. They have no viewpoint. They have no political home. They have no political base. And now McCain is trying to make it all right by picking a bona fide conservative.
It seems to me that the wrong person is at the top of this ticket.
It matters little who is at the top of the Republican ticket, because Barack Obama will be elected the 44th President of the United States. America has grown weary of these Republicans.
Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
I agree with Peggy Noonan’s taken-out-of-context statement of ‘It’s over’; but not the way the Left would like.
Of course Peggy Noonan is trying to explain it away with a classic "wash, rinse and spin dry" approach. I said it but. . .
Well, I just got mugged by the nature of modern media, and I wish it weren't my fault, but it is. Readers deserve an explanation, so I'm putting a new top on today's column and, with the forbearance of the Journal, here it is.
And Noonan made it worse.
And when I said, "It's over!" -- and I said it more than once -- that is what I was referring to. I am pretty certain that is exactly what Todd and Murphy understood I was referring to. In the truncated version of the conversation, on the Web, it appears I am saying the McCain campaign is over. I did not say it, and do not think it. In fact, at an on-the-record press symposium on the campaign on Monday, when all of those on the panel were pressed to predict who would win, I said that I didn't know, but that we just might find "This IS a country for old men." That is, McCain may well win. I do not think the campaign is over, I do not think this is settled, and did not suggest, back to the Todd-Murphy conversation, that "It's over."
But nothing.
Peggy Noonan is another victim of the "live mic." The Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. was a victim of the live mic and got his political balls cut off. So much so that he is now "persona non grata" in the Barack Obama inner circle.
As far as Governor Sarah Palin's speech, she did a good job of appealing to the base. Her entire speech opposes everything that the maverick Senator from Arizona, John McCain, stands for. The Republicans never were comfortable with Senator John McCain, who counts among his friends as the former Democratic Senator Joseph Lieberman. I guess these turncoats hang together. They have no viewpoint. They have no political home. They have no political base. And now McCain is trying to make it all right by picking a bona fide conservative.
It seems to me that the wrong person is at the top of this ticket.
It matters little who is at the top of the Republican ticket, because Barack Obama will be elected the 44th President of the United States. America has grown weary of these Republicans.
Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
Rudy Giuliani leads the Republican losers into political oblivion because of their mocking of hard-working, ordinary people
The Democratic Party, my father often told me, represented the people. My father was an immigrant and was born in Italy and he was determined to come to America to find a "better life" for himself, but especially for his family. And indeed he found a "better life."
The Republicans, on the other hand, he would point out only cared about money, wealth, property and things and how they can protect their money, wealth, property and things.
I'll be damned that the Republican Party proved my father's thesis on Wednesday evening by showing the true colors of the party (and lack of color among delegates representing the party). This Republican Party continually mocked and belittled ordinary, working people. These acts I found to be outrageous.
Led by former New York Mayor Rudloph W. Giuliani and unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination for President, Giuliani mocked and belittled ordinary people in their ordinary everyday struggles when he commented about Obama's choice to serve people as a community organizer. He argued this:
“Barack Obama has never governed a city, never governed a state, never governed an agency, never run a military unit, never run anything,”
As the New York Times pointed out, this had a familiar ring when he said essentially the same thing about his friend, John McCain.
If his formulation sounded a little familiar, it is because it was one of the few criticisms that Mr. Giuliani aimed at Mr. McCain during the heat of their primary fight, saying that he had “never run a city, never run a state, never run a government.”
Obviously, Rudy's message didn't resonate with the voters since he was roundly defeated by John McCain and would have been roundly defeated by Barack Obama. The American people are tired of this toxic politics, this slash-and-burn style of politics of which Giuliani is the leader.
As Joe Biden said about Rudy.
Biden issued perhaps the most memorable put-down of Giuliani's presidential candidacy. In a televised debate last October, Biden remarked: "I mean, think about it! Rudy Giuliani. There's only three things he mentions in a sentence -- a noun, a verb, and 9/11. There's nothing else! There's nothing else! And I mean this sincerely. He's genuinely not qualified to be president."
May his political obituary rest in peace. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
The Republicans, on the other hand, he would point out only cared about money, wealth, property and things and how they can protect their money, wealth, property and things.
I'll be damned that the Republican Party proved my father's thesis on Wednesday evening by showing the true colors of the party (and lack of color among delegates representing the party). This Republican Party continually mocked and belittled ordinary, working people. These acts I found to be outrageous.
Led by former New York Mayor Rudloph W. Giuliani and unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination for President, Giuliani mocked and belittled ordinary people in their ordinary everyday struggles when he commented about Obama's choice to serve people as a community organizer. He argued this:
“Barack Obama has never governed a city, never governed a state, never governed an agency, never run a military unit, never run anything,”
As the New York Times pointed out, this had a familiar ring when he said essentially the same thing about his friend, John McCain.
If his formulation sounded a little familiar, it is because it was one of the few criticisms that Mr. Giuliani aimed at Mr. McCain during the heat of their primary fight, saying that he had “never run a city, never run a state, never run a government.”
Obviously, Rudy's message didn't resonate with the voters since he was roundly defeated by John McCain and would have been roundly defeated by Barack Obama. The American people are tired of this toxic politics, this slash-and-burn style of politics of which Giuliani is the leader.
As Joe Biden said about Rudy.
Biden issued perhaps the most memorable put-down of Giuliani's presidential candidacy. In a televised debate last October, Biden remarked: "I mean, think about it! Rudy Giuliani. There's only three things he mentions in a sentence -- a noun, a verb, and 9/11. There's nothing else! There's nothing else! And I mean this sincerely. He's genuinely not qualified to be president."
May his political obituary rest in peace. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
President Bush was right until he got to the part about John McCain
Here is what President George W. Bush said last night at the Republican National Convention.
In his speech to the convention, delivered via video hookup from the White House, Bush harked back to the attacks of Sept. 11, saying, "We live in a dangerous world. And we need a president who understands the lessons of Sept. 11, 2001: that to protect America we must stay on the offense. Stop attacks before they happen, and not wait to be hit again."
Yes. Yes. Yes.
The man we need is John McCain.
No. No. No.
The problem with John McCain is he would continue and promote your gargantuan screwup. Let's start with Iraq. So Mr. President, why are we in Iraq anyway, and not hunting down Osama bin Laden and his terrorist gang. You screwed up big time, Mr President, at a cost to the American people of thousands of American lives, caused thousands of life-transforming injuries, and disrupted thousands of American households by assigning them duty to this needless distraction and causing these families to struggle financially because they are serving our country.
So why are we in Iraq. I would hate to think that it is about oil so that your cronies can continue to line their pockets with this ill-gotten booty. And of course, you would want John McCain to be President to continue this silly mission you started in Iraq. It is about oil. It was always about oil. You, as President, have never lifted one finger to encourage the development of alternate fuels. Barack Obama has proposed a 10-year Manhattan/Apollo type project for "alternate fuels." My God, if you had started one, Mr. President, we would almost be there. Of course, you never wanted to get there.
We cannot have four more years of this Bush/McCain crap. We need change and we need it soon. This election isn't about the Vice-Presidential selection. It is about John McCain and his commitment to continue the Bush Doctrine.
Do you need any more reasons to elect Barack Obama? There are hundreds of more reasons to support Barack Obama and not John McCain, but isn't this enough. I say "Enough." Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
In his speech to the convention, delivered via video hookup from the White House, Bush harked back to the attacks of Sept. 11, saying, "We live in a dangerous world. And we need a president who understands the lessons of Sept. 11, 2001: that to protect America we must stay on the offense. Stop attacks before they happen, and not wait to be hit again."
Yes. Yes. Yes.
The man we need is John McCain.
No. No. No.
The problem with John McCain is he would continue and promote your gargantuan screwup. Let's start with Iraq. So Mr. President, why are we in Iraq anyway, and not hunting down Osama bin Laden and his terrorist gang. You screwed up big time, Mr President, at a cost to the American people of thousands of American lives, caused thousands of life-transforming injuries, and disrupted thousands of American households by assigning them duty to this needless distraction and causing these families to struggle financially because they are serving our country.
So why are we in Iraq. I would hate to think that it is about oil so that your cronies can continue to line their pockets with this ill-gotten booty. And of course, you would want John McCain to be President to continue this silly mission you started in Iraq. It is about oil. It was always about oil. You, as President, have never lifted one finger to encourage the development of alternate fuels. Barack Obama has proposed a 10-year Manhattan/Apollo type project for "alternate fuels." My God, if you had started one, Mr. President, we would almost be there. Of course, you never wanted to get there.
We cannot have four more years of this Bush/McCain crap. We need change and we need it soon. This election isn't about the Vice-Presidential selection. It is about John McCain and his commitment to continue the Bush Doctrine.
Do you need any more reasons to elect Barack Obama? There are hundreds of more reasons to support Barack Obama and not John McCain, but isn't this enough. I say "Enough." Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
Alexi Giannoulias supports Meeks and equal school funding
And this comment from our friend concerning the Meeks situation, Alexi Giannoulias, the current Illinois State Treasurer and a possible contender for Governor in 2010.
State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, who is mulling a race for governor in 2010, attempted to turn the spotlight away from his "friend" Meeks and toward Gov. Blagojevich.
Giannoulias said the boycott could have been avoided if only Blagojevich had accepted an invitation to discuss Meeks' proposed $120 million school funding compromise at last week's Democratic National Convention in Denver.
"Unfortunately, because of Gov. Blagojevich's complete lack of leadership in not coming to the table [the boycott went ahead]. Sen. Meeks got the speaker of the House and the Senate President to the table. [But] Gov. Blagojevich decided it wasn't important enough for whatever reason. That is extremely disconcerting to me. Now, Sen. Meeks is left in a bind," Giannoulias said.
You Go Alexi. Go get em. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, who is mulling a race for governor in 2010, attempted to turn the spotlight away from his "friend" Meeks and toward Gov. Blagojevich.
Giannoulias said the boycott could have been avoided if only Blagojevich had accepted an invitation to discuss Meeks' proposed $120 million school funding compromise at last week's Democratic National Convention in Denver.
"Unfortunately, because of Gov. Blagojevich's complete lack of leadership in not coming to the table [the boycott went ahead]. Sen. Meeks got the speaker of the House and the Senate President to the table. [But] Gov. Blagojevich decided it wasn't important enough for whatever reason. That is extremely disconcerting to me. Now, Sen. Meeks is left in a bind," Giannoulias said.
You Go Alexi. Go get em. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
John McCain and his Republican Party friends are disingenous
Mary Mitchell, a columnist for the Chicago Sun Times, weighed in on the latest controversy involving John McCain and Sarah Palin.
But Palin, John McCain's surprise pick for VP, is a real trouper.
"Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news, that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents," Sarah and Todd Palin said in a statement released Monday.
Malarkey.
Mary Mitchell writes on to explain from her perspective as a black woman.
When an unmarried 17-year-old girl comes up pregnant on the South Side of Chicago, Republicans don't make it sound like a beautiful thing.
They call it tragic and a moral failure, and they often blame the teen's parents.
There's no way to put a positive spin on a teen in this kind of trouble.
Where is the compassion when this happens on the south side of Chicago? Who even cares? Few care. Mitchell is hopeful that some positives can come from this.
Still, some good can come from all of this after all.
Conservatives like Palin have been hard on young, unwed, pregnant women in urban areas.
Maybe now that she is in the same boat, they'll show a little more compassion.
Somehow, I don't think Sarah Palin see themselves in the "same boat" or want to be in the "same boat" with an unmarried 17-year-old girl comes up pregnant on the South Side of Chicago. That is the real tragedy of this episode. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
But Palin, John McCain's surprise pick for VP, is a real trouper.
"Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news, that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents," Sarah and Todd Palin said in a statement released Monday.
Malarkey.
Mary Mitchell writes on to explain from her perspective as a black woman.
When an unmarried 17-year-old girl comes up pregnant on the South Side of Chicago, Republicans don't make it sound like a beautiful thing.
They call it tragic and a moral failure, and they often blame the teen's parents.
There's no way to put a positive spin on a teen in this kind of trouble.
Where is the compassion when this happens on the south side of Chicago? Who even cares? Few care. Mitchell is hopeful that some positives can come from this.
Still, some good can come from all of this after all.
Conservatives like Palin have been hard on young, unwed, pregnant women in urban areas.
Maybe now that she is in the same boat, they'll show a little more compassion.
Somehow, I don't think Sarah Palin see themselves in the "same boat" or want to be in the "same boat" with an unmarried 17-year-old girl comes up pregnant on the South Side of Chicago. That is the real tragedy of this episode. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
Three cheers for Reverend James Meeks
There are many reasons that Reverend Meeks should not have staged his boycott. For one, it hurts school funding that is based on students in attendance the first day.
Chicago Public Schools officials such as Board of Education President Rufus Williams lambasted the boycott and urged students to "boycott the boycott."
It is at this point that my uncontrollable laughter begins. Board President Williams says the fight belongs in Springfield. Yet last June this is what he said.
"Year after year, we go to Springfield to ask for more money, we go to Springfield for tougher gun laws. . . . Year after year we are told, 'We'll do what we can,' " Board of Education President Rufus Williams said.
I understand that his position as Board President, this is what he must say. But change comes slowly. Too slowly. All Reverend Meeks is doing now is picking up the pace. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Daley said opening day attendance sets the tone for student achievement for the entire school year and establishes the level of state funding to the cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools.
“If any child doesn’t go to school, we lose money….If they come the fourth or fifth day, you can’t make it up….You pay state taxes. And when they don’t show up, you lose it. It doesn’t come back next week,” Daley said.
Schools CEO Arne Duncan noted that, over the last six years, Chicago’s opening day attendance has gone up 17 percent. That’s 68,000 additional students.
Chicago Public Schools officials such as Board of Education President Rufus Williams lambasted the boycott and urged students to "boycott the boycott."
It is at this point that my uncontrollable laughter begins. Board President Williams says the fight belongs in Springfield. Yet last June this is what he said.
"Year after year, we go to Springfield to ask for more money, we go to Springfield for tougher gun laws. . . . Year after year we are told, 'We'll do what we can,' " Board of Education President Rufus Williams said.
I understand that his position as Board President, this is what he must say. But change comes slowly. Too slowly. All Reverend Meeks is doing now is picking up the pace. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
Barack Obama is competent and fit, John McCain is incompetent and inept
If this Presidential race was about ideology alone, for me the clear choice would be Barack Obama. I am ideologically aligned with him and I know from talking to him over the years he is a true progressive. And for the most part I vote based on ideology.
But for those on the fence (they call themselves independents, I think), there is another clear issue in this race: competence. Is the candidate of your choice fit to be President.
John McCain, I would argue, is incompetent, inept and unfit to be President. And the evidence is mounting by the day and by the hour. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
But for those on the fence (they call themselves independents, I think), there is another clear issue in this race: competence. Is the candidate of your choice fit to be President.
John McCain, I would argue, is incompetent, inept and unfit to be President. And the evidence is mounting by the day and by the hour. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
This from Sneed about Bill Daley in today's Sun Times
More Bill Daley running for Illinois Governor in 2010 stuff, this from the Chicago Sun Times Michael Sneed:
• • Translation: Word is U.S. Housing Secretary Steve Preston, who hails from Hinsdale, is being urged to consider a run to unseat Gov. Blagojevich. It was the whisper amongst top GOP Illinois delegates at the Republican National Convention here.
• • Translation II: Former U.S. Commerce Secretary Bill Daley, who served under President Clinton, is not only considering a run for governor, but he has already talked to Dem donors about funding the campaign.
• • Update: Gov. Blago indicated he's likely to run for office again while at the Dem National Convention in Denver last week.
Categories: Local bloggers
Won't you go home Bill Daley, won't you please go home
Former Commerce Secretary William Daley, is putting the word out that he is interested in running for Governor of Illinois in 2010. I expressed my displease with this possibility here and on the Daily Kos. The other day I was encouraged to see that Mark Brown, columnist for the Chicago Sun Times, also was displeased with a Bill Daley candidacy.
Mark Brown points out that there is too much power concentrated in the Daley family should Bill Daley become Governor of Illinois. He points out that Speaker Michael Madigan would need to step aside if he wished his daughter, Lisa Madigan, would run for Governor. I have heard this from several quarters that if Lisa Madigan runs, Speaker Michael Madigan will retire.
My argument against Bill Daley is that his time has passed and that that the torch needs to be passed onto to the new generation of Alexi Giannoulias, Lisa Madigan or Dan Hynes or someone we don't even know about at this point.
I have also heard the rumors that Paul Vallas is considering a run for either Cook County Board President of Governor of Illinois, but, and this is a big but, as a Republican of all things.
I am so sorry Paul, but if you ran as a Republican, I and many of my progressive friends would say no to you. Unfortunately. Paul Vallas has been making one political mistake after another and doesn't seem to learn from them. Paul Vallas ran a poor campaign in 2002 for Governor and I was lukewarm toward him because I had heard of his not so nice treatment of people in the Chicago Public Schools.
So Bill Daley. Paul Vallas. Don't waste your time. You both will not win. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
No, it's too much. Somebody needs to tell him. Somebody needs to tell Bill Daley "no." He has no business running for governor of Illinois, not as long as brother Rich is mayor of Chicago and brother John is finance chairman of the Cook County Board.
No family should control that much political power.
They can't have it all.Mark Brown points out that there is too much power concentrated in the Daley family should Bill Daley become Governor of Illinois. He points out that Speaker Michael Madigan would need to step aside if he wished his daughter, Lisa Madigan, would run for Governor. I have heard this from several quarters that if Lisa Madigan runs, Speaker Michael Madigan will retire.
My argument against Bill Daley is that his time has passed and that that the torch needs to be passed onto to the new generation of Alexi Giannoulias, Lisa Madigan or Dan Hynes or someone we don't even know about at this point.
I have also heard the rumors that Paul Vallas is considering a run for either Cook County Board President of Governor of Illinois, but, and this is a big but, as a Republican of all things.
I am so sorry Paul, but if you ran as a Republican, I and many of my progressive friends would say no to you. Unfortunately. Paul Vallas has been making one political mistake after another and doesn't seem to learn from them. Paul Vallas ran a poor campaign in 2002 for Governor and I was lukewarm toward him because I had heard of his not so nice treatment of people in the Chicago Public Schools.
So Bill Daley. Paul Vallas. Don't waste your time. You both will not win. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
And this from Paul Begala about Governor "Sarah, Plain and Tall" Palin
This is what Democratic strategist and Clinton Administration aide, Paul Begala, said about the Republican Vice-Presidential nominee, Sarah Palin.
(CNN) -- John McCain needs what Kinky Friedman calls "a checkup from the neck up."
In choosing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate, he is not thinking "outside the box," as some have said. More like out of his mind.
Palin a first-term governor of a state with more reindeer than people, will have to put on a few pounds just to be a lightweight. Her personal story is impressive: former fisherman, mother of five. But that hardly qualifies her to be a heartbeat away from the presidency.
Categories: Local bloggers
Governor "Sarah, Plain and Small" Palin is another John McCain fiasco
With apologies to author Patricia MacLachlan, Governor Sarah Palin reminds me of the great book for YA, Sarah, Plain and Tall or as I see it, "Sarah, Plain and Small." How could John McCain make such a blunder. Apparently, it was a snap decision on McCain's part in response to the successful Democratic Convention.
Some of my progressive friends worry there is too much talk about "Sarah, Plain and Small," but I predict it will fizzle out shortly and that the American people will not feel comfortable voting for this disastrous Republican ticket.
So I want to thank Senator John McCain for making Barack Obama's Road to the White House just a little bit easier. Reading on Walden Bookstore.
Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Some of my progressive friends worry there is too much talk about "Sarah, Plain and Small," but I predict it will fizzle out shortly and that the American people will not feel comfortable voting for this disastrous Republican ticket.
So I want to thank Senator John McCain for making Barack Obama's Road to the White House just a little bit easier. Reading on Walden Bookstore.
Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
John McCain's first major decision is a major blunder selecting Governor Plain Sarah
A Presidential candidate' s first major decision is the selection of a Vice-Presidential running mate. Generally speaking, it should be neutral. It is rarely a positive move for the top of the ticket, but it should never hurt the top of the ticket.
John McCain committed the ultimate political error and what will be known as the "great blunder" in selecting Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin. This choice certainly shocked the political world.
Transpose the letters "a and l" in Palin's last name and you have "Governor Sarah Plain" or as I like to say, "Plain Sarah." There is no question that she has a compelling and interesting personal story. One major problem with this choice is her lack of visibility. A Presidential campaign is not the time to introduce someone to the American people. There is a little over two months left to the General Election and if the focus will be on "Plain Sarah," that is an unnecessary distraction for the Republicans. If McCain wanted to name an unknown such as Governor Plain Sarah, he should have done it several months ago to give the American people time to get to know her. The word is that McCain made a snap decision on Thursday night and that is not advisable for such a major decision. That is a preview of how a President McCain will make his decisions. Snap, last-minute decisions that will affect the fate of the country and the world on an impulse and without thought.
McCain's selection of "Governor Plain Sarah" will go down with such memorable selections as Dan Quayle who likely stopped George H.W. Bush from a second term. There was Geraldine Ferraro who was selected as Walter Mondale's selection, although I am not sure any selection would have defeated Ronald Reagan for a second term. House member are generally poor choices because of their low-profiles. Another such example was in 1964 when Barry Goldwater selected Congressman William Miller.
What is truly amazing about McCain's choice were the people he didn't select. The strongest and most threatening candidate to the Democrats would have been formhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifer Governor and Homeland Security czar, Tom Ridge, would have been a candidate that would have given Obama/Biden a run for the Presidency. Mitt Romney would have been interesting, although it is a good idea not to select someone you don't personally like or get along with (we are told McCain cannot stand the sight of Romney). My God, if McCain really wanted to name a women to negate some of this Hillary Clinton stuff, he really missed his chance by not selecting Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson. No one can question Hutchinon's experience or qualifications. She has great experience and is highly qualified for the job. And she is a strong Southerner.
As a strong, Barack Obama partisan, I say to John McCain: thank you and good luck. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
John McCain committed the ultimate political error and what will be known as the "great blunder" in selecting Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin. This choice certainly shocked the political world.
Transpose the letters "a and l" in Palin's last name and you have "Governor Sarah Plain" or as I like to say, "Plain Sarah." There is no question that she has a compelling and interesting personal story. One major problem with this choice is her lack of visibility. A Presidential campaign is not the time to introduce someone to the American people. There is a little over two months left to the General Election and if the focus will be on "Plain Sarah," that is an unnecessary distraction for the Republicans. If McCain wanted to name an unknown such as Governor Plain Sarah, he should have done it several months ago to give the American people time to get to know her. The word is that McCain made a snap decision on Thursday night and that is not advisable for such a major decision. That is a preview of how a President McCain will make his decisions. Snap, last-minute decisions that will affect the fate of the country and the world on an impulse and without thought.
McCain's selection of "Governor Plain Sarah" will go down with such memorable selections as Dan Quayle who likely stopped George H.W. Bush from a second term. There was Geraldine Ferraro who was selected as Walter Mondale's selection, although I am not sure any selection would have defeated Ronald Reagan for a second term. House member are generally poor choices because of their low-profiles. Another such example was in 1964 when Barry Goldwater selected Congressman William Miller.
What is truly amazing about McCain's choice were the people he didn't select. The strongest and most threatening candidate to the Democrats would have been formhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifer Governor and Homeland Security czar, Tom Ridge, would have been a candidate that would have given Obama/Biden a run for the Presidency. Mitt Romney would have been interesting, although it is a good idea not to select someone you don't personally like or get along with (we are told McCain cannot stand the sight of Romney). My God, if McCain really wanted to name a women to negate some of this Hillary Clinton stuff, he really missed his chance by not selecting Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson. No one can question Hutchinon's experience or qualifications. She has great experience and is highly qualified for the job. And she is a strong Southerner.
As a strong, Barack Obama partisan, I say to John McCain: thank you and good luck. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
Hillary and Bill Clinton: Class Acts
Last night Hillary Clinton proved to me and many other progressive Democrats that she is a class act.
Tonight, I am certain, Bill Clinton will show lots of class too. I have great empathy for the Clintons. While I am an Obama supporter and known in the campaign as an old-timer (because of our very early support of Barack Obama), I do have great compassion for the Clintons and am grateful for the support they are showing my candidate, Barack Obama.
A big thank you to the Clintons.
Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Tonight, I am certain, Bill Clinton will show lots of class too. I have great empathy for the Clintons. While I am an Obama supporter and known in the campaign as an old-timer (because of our very early support of Barack Obama), I do have great compassion for the Clintons and am grateful for the support they are showing my candidate, Barack Obama.
A big thank you to the Clintons.
Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
Opportunity knocks once for Bill Daley in 2002 and then again in 2006, but Bill, opportunity ain't knocking anymore
I have been following the continuing saga of Bill Daley's quest for Governor of Illinois for the 2010 election.As Tony Soprano might say, "Forgetaboutit."
Opportunity was knocking loudly in 2002 for Bill Daley to run Governor, but for a variety of reasons, Bill Daley passed it up. He likely would have roundly defeated the current Governor, Rod Blagojevich and would have defeated the former CPS (Chicago Public Schools) CEO Paul Vallas. At that point he had a fundraising advantage, an amazing name recognition and political connections with no peer.
But Bill didn't answer the knock.
Opportunity again knocked for Bill Daley in 2006, but he, like many others were timid about taking on an incumbent governor. A weak incumbent governor, I might add. In many ways the 2006 campaign would have been an easier race for Bill Daley. He could have easily erased the money raising advantage of Governor Rod Blagojevich. He would have defeated this inept Governor in a landslide. Instead, an obscure former Alderman, Edwin Eisendrath and went a long way with little support and little money. Likely, Eisendrath would have opted not to run with Bill Daley in the race and Blagojevich would have ended his political career that year. Alas, we are stuck with this embarrassment to the Democratic Party of Illinois, Rod Bagojevich.
But again Bill didn't answer the knock.
Opportunity is again knocking for someone to take the governor's seat in 2010, but this time it is not knocking for Bill Daley. He is answering the door but nobody is there. Opportunity is knocking for Alexi Giannoulias (my first choice and someone who I would work feverishly to elect), it is knocking for Lisa Madigan (who would also make a fine Governor) and it is knocking for Dan Hynes (who would also do a fine job as Governor).
Bill Daley would get lost in this field of premium candidates. Giannoulias, Madigan and Hynes are all young, talented and intelligent people with limitless potential. Bill Daley hears the knocking, but nobody is there.
Opportunity is knocking for the governor's race but it appears the wrong person is answering. To Bill Daley: "Forgetaboutit." Reading on Walden Bookstore. Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
Let me introduce to you, the next First Lady, Michelle Obama
I have met Michelle Obama twice and what America saw last night in Denver is the same Michelle Obama I met on those two brief occasions. She is a sweet, loving, caring, generous soul who loves her husband and loves her two adorable children. Here is the quote from my upcoming book, The Story of Barack Obama’s Bookstore: How a Book, A Bookstore, Two Bookstore Owners, 300 Volunteers and A Community propelled Barack Obama onto the national scene.
We also met Michelle Obama that day (February 21, 2004) and were both impressed with her. One striking thing that came across to both of us was the attention and love she had for her kids. There is no question after several minutes with her that her children are the “priority” in her life. She thanked us for our help and said she was aware of our work on the southwest side.
I often hear Michelle and Barack Obama say in speeches that they decided not to "pursue wealth," and the one interesting thing I can share with you is that is exactly what Michelle and Barack say in private conversations. This single thing is the one thing I admire most about them. They don't whisper one thing and then say something else publicly. If they whisper something to you it is something that can be repeated.
Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
I'm sticking my neck out, It'll be Hillary Clinton for Vice-President
It only makes sense. Senator Barack Obama will pick Senator Hillary Clinton as his Vice-Presidential running mate. Several stories indicate an openness on the part of the campaign to a Hillary Clinton candidacy.
Barack Obama needs Hillary Clinton and Hillary Clinton needs Barack Obama. This ticket, in spite of my own reservations, is the only option now available to Barack Obama if he wants to get elected President of the United States and I'm guessing he has come to that conclusions too.
Remember, I told you so.
Reading on Walden Bookstore.
Several of you have asked, so the title of my yet to be published book is The Story of Barack Obama's Bookstore: How a Book, a Bookstore, two Bookstore Owners, 300 Volunteers and an entire community propelled Barack Obama unto the national scene.
Haven't finalized a publisher as yet.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Barack Obama needs Hillary Clinton and Hillary Clinton needs Barack Obama. This ticket, in spite of my own reservations, is the only option now available to Barack Obama if he wants to get elected President of the United States and I'm guessing he has come to that conclusions too.
Remember, I told you so.
Reading on Walden Bookstore.
Several of you have asked, so the title of my yet to be published book is The Story of Barack Obama's Bookstore: How a Book, a Bookstore, two Bookstore Owners, 300 Volunteers and an entire community propelled Barack Obama unto the national scene.
Haven't finalized a publisher as yet.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
I'm sticking my neck out, It'll be Hillary Clinton
It only makes sense. Senator Barack Obama will pick Senator Hillary Clinton as his Vice-Presidential running mate. Several stories indicate an openness on the part of the campaign to a Hillary Clinton candidacy.
Barack Obama needs Hillary Clinton and Hillary Clinton needs Barack Obama. This ticket, in spite of my own reservations, is the only option now available to Barack Obama if he wants to get elected President of the United States and I'm guessing he has come to that conclusions too.
Remember, I told you so.
Reading on Walden Bookstore.
Several of you have asked, so the title of my yet to be published book is The Story of Barack Obama's Bookstore: How a Book, a Bookstore, two Bookstore Owners, 300 Volunteers and an entire community propelled Barack Obama unto the national scene.
Haven't finalized a publisher as yet.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Barack Obama needs Hillary Clinton and Hillary Clinton needs Barack Obama. This ticket, in spite of my own reservations, is the only option now available to Barack Obama if he wants to get elected President of the United States and I'm guessing he has come to that conclusions too.
Remember, I told you so.
Reading on Walden Bookstore.
Several of you have asked, so the title of my yet to be published book is The Story of Barack Obama's Bookstore: How a Book, a Bookstore, two Bookstore Owners, 300 Volunteers and an entire community propelled Barack Obama unto the national scene.
Haven't finalized a publisher as yet.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
If McCain chooses Lieberman, Obama is the landslide winner
As I stated in the headline, "If McCain chooses Lieberman, Obama is the landslide winner." And I say "Go Joe." Prepare the Obama inauguration parties because Lieberman is a prescription for failure. Joe Lieberman is a divisive political figure. The talk of Joe Lieberman as Vice President is getting serious, as mainstream media is running with it including CNN.
Had Al Gore chosen anyone else in 2000, Al Gore would be serving his final full year of his Presidency. Choosing a Vice Presidential running mate is the first major decision of a campaign. Al Gore failed that test, as we see in hindsight. At the time it seemed a reasonable choice.
The selection of a Vice Presidential running mate should at least be neutral. McCain choosing Lieberman would be the final straw in his long list of poor judgments which includes the Iraq War, immigration flip-flopping, the savings and loan scandals of the 1980's, failure to support war veterans.
I find it difficult to believe that a smart guy like McCain could pick Lieberman. Remember, a Vice-Presidential running mate should help the ticket and at the very least not hurt the ticket. Lieberman not only doesn't help the ticket, he hurts the ticket. He will have a big target on his back and will distract McCain from discussing the issues and focus on his poor choice. But since I am a rabid Obama supporter, I say, "Go Joe."
Hey McCain, make my day. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Had Al Gore chosen anyone else in 2000, Al Gore would be serving his final full year of his Presidency. Choosing a Vice Presidential running mate is the first major decision of a campaign. Al Gore failed that test, as we see in hindsight. At the time it seemed a reasonable choice.
The selection of a Vice Presidential running mate should at least be neutral. McCain choosing Lieberman would be the final straw in his long list of poor judgments which includes the Iraq War, immigration flip-flopping, the savings and loan scandals of the 1980's, failure to support war veterans.
I find it difficult to believe that a smart guy like McCain could pick Lieberman. Remember, a Vice-Presidential running mate should help the ticket and at the very least not hurt the ticket. Lieberman not only doesn't help the ticket, he hurts the ticket. He will have a big target on his back and will distract McCain from discussing the issues and focus on his poor choice. But since I am a rabid Obama supporter, I say, "Go Joe."
Hey McCain, make my day. Reading on Walden Bookstore.Reading On Walden Bookstore, on the cutting edge of online bookselling
Categories: Local bloggers
Barack Obama needs to fight back against these "garbage" books
As a long-time bookstore owner, I am cognizant of the fact that books influence the reader. And the only way to fight back is with books. There are far too many books on the market whose only intent is to derail the candidacy of Barack Obama for the Presidency. And the Obama campaign is fighting back.
Two months ago, Barack Obama decided enough was enough. He had just clinched the Democratic presidential nomination, and a reporter asked him about an Internet rumor of a video showing his wife, Michelle, using a derogatory term for white people. Senator Obama was furious. There is no such video, he insisted, and to this day, none has materialized.
Then Obama told his aides: Time to get more aggressive about fighting rumors. The traditional technique of ignoring them, to avoid giving them added life in the media, just doesn’t work in the Internet age. Thus was born FightTheSmears.com, an Obama site dedicated to responding to rumors. Its goal is to give Obama supporters talking points as the charges fly.
Now, the most sensational hit job yet has reached the No. 1 spot on The New York Times bestseller list – “The Obama Nation: Leftist Politics and the Cult of Personality,” by Jerome Corsi – and the Obama campaign has fought back with a 41-page rebuttal posted on the site. But Obama supporters are wondering if the senator is being tough enough. As the book got major play in the mainstream media last week, including a Corsi interview on CNN’s “Larry King Live,” Obama was on vacation, leaving it to surrogates to reply.
Categories: Local bloggers
Advertising
Advertise to your neighborhood.
Recent blog posts
- "Mantilla Lady:Visits Baseball's Purgatory" Latest Book by L. Curt Erler at Orland Park Library's Author Fair
- A Single Mothers Nightmare...
- A quick visit to the farm
- Father Daughter Dance
- When will it stop?
- "Southside Kid' Author: L. Curt Erler Chicago Book Signing Tour 9-24 thru 9-30
- Love this website
- CFD Firefighter William Grant
Latest Classified Ads
Who's online
There are currently 0 users and 4 guests online.
Who's new
- andrewhow70
- strdbe
- jarosrobinson
- mel52281
- billgentry
Advertising
New forum topics
Advertising
Recent comments
9 hours 48 min ago
14 hours 14 min ago
14 hours 34 min ago
20 hours 49 min ago
1 day 8 hours ago
1 day 14 hours ago
1 day 18 hours ago
1 day 20 hours ago
2 days 13 hours ago
2 days 20 hours ago