tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37868679473686117442024-02-06T23:55:54.401-08:00Ill-AnnoyingHonorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-3043656906040745462008-11-05T19:41:00.000-08:002008-11-05T20:32:32.672-08:00My Adventure in Obamaland (aka Grant Park)Tuesday night, I decided to venture downtown to see what was going on at the Obama rally in Grant Park. I decided that I would look at the festivities outside the park rather than what was going on inside the park.<br /><br />I rode in on the train as parking for the event was going to be hard to come by, and expensive. Yes, I'm a bit of a cheapskate. On the train, the groups boarding were mostly young, and diverse in appearence. However, they were not diverse in opinion or goal. I overheard one group discussing the 2000 election and how Gore got the popular vote but not the electoral vote.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsdNkg3oi6YT2vWEBF6NUlX7tuExFm0fcu-ep9qePEy0IrZA1z28aAa2pD1tdX-qtlR5dZmmsFe3ZCr-ISfZGZCwJKZ6N8BD0LhoRZXmkbcD5Agif2fRGdDU3DEtrKVlVuH9MPyngZvI/s1600-h/100_0511.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsdNkg3oi6YT2vWEBF6NUlX7tuExFm0fcu-ep9qePEy0IrZA1z28aAa2pD1tdX-qtlR5dZmmsFe3ZCr-ISfZGZCwJKZ6N8BD0LhoRZXmkbcD5Agif2fRGdDU3DEtrKVlVuH9MPyngZvI/s320/100_0511.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265386769337539394" /></a><br /><br />Once downtown, I took note of the law enforcement presence. There were Chicago Police Officers, CTA officers, traffic cops, private security, and more. The presence was massive, with as many as a dozen LEOs at each street corner.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHVQ1uZmJdx2Q5QMOBGsXGXrDLXSh7bhRrVYy0KyBXm8TL-V0eJMqwHgzubcL7Su5RS7Qa-fiDBZXjIwxOn80ykYb6nz8ny-fxONBd5c2hhWs89rbONVVqvZk4J_vIMytNKoxl929VI0/s1600-h/100_0512.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHVQ1uZmJdx2Q5QMOBGsXGXrDLXSh7bhRrVYy0KyBXm8TL-V0eJMqwHgzubcL7Su5RS7Qa-fiDBZXjIwxOn80ykYb6nz8ny-fxONBd5c2hhWs89rbONVVqvZk4J_vIMytNKoxl929VI0/s320/100_0512.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265387302317541906" /></a><br /><br />I walked along Jackson on my way to Grant Park and took note of the many street vendors. This would be quite common, as I found out, along Michigan Avenue as well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14MfEzgism9jj47jiCgJzKIyXOvJMJ7RrWFknQiQjVQy5xkn1X3c6lQJfWmGWWEoctWdnocUzt5eCUatzeHWwZN6CkQlEKABsKCYtzbt_EKDDd_jxrIqkf3aieaLh1-N2A4RRmu8tZzc/s1600-h/100_0514.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14MfEzgism9jj47jiCgJzKIyXOvJMJ7RrWFknQiQjVQy5xkn1X3c6lQJfWmGWWEoctWdnocUzt5eCUatzeHWwZN6CkQlEKABsKCYtzbt_EKDDd_jxrIqkf3aieaLh1-N2A4RRmu8tZzc/s320/100_0514.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265387813923361186" /></a><br /><br />All sorts of items were being sold. Buttons, T-shirts, banners, posters, etc.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LIxqA_zTEJ3tzogPPJqDY4k9O9bETc26a_2KAmXQ0n3-gkLKb_IaosRFOiSPhzwyWR5aV8_IvVM4kJXXiW6o5FSdCFMA6e3DePy7HSMvJe1eS6dQQc4heOWVvY50qxBb1cbhq2e0qVg/s1600-h/100_0515.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LIxqA_zTEJ3tzogPPJqDY4k9O9bETc26a_2KAmXQ0n3-gkLKb_IaosRFOiSPhzwyWR5aV8_IvVM4kJXXiW6o5FSdCFMA6e3DePy7HSMvJe1eS6dQQc4heOWVvY50qxBb1cbhq2e0qVg/s320/100_0515.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265388272036353378" /></a><br /><br />When I got to Michigan, I saw several people playing music on various instruments. Some bands had real instruments, while others were using 5 gallon pastic buckets.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC_Rmaosjh9Pvsp5GOgsSCVcGRlPuOSpa7hQSrjrnT4r9tLo0gEdJgn6p56bQkjfIZbnwtmRwajLZfNpJFWHvd7C7diix-XgWeWvqsodgFFz8EWz66vP2xtxf3DongmAQIhvU8SUlK30/s1600-h/100_0516.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC_Rmaosjh9Pvsp5GOgsSCVcGRlPuOSpa7hQSrjrnT4r9tLo0gEdJgn6p56bQkjfIZbnwtmRwajLZfNpJFWHvd7C7diix-XgWeWvqsodgFFz8EWz66vP2xtxf3DongmAQIhvU8SUlK30/s320/100_0516.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265388566924363458" /></a><br /><br />There was also a guy at Michigan and Congress handing out religious material. I took one, and it was non-political, but talked about the need to be reborn. The guy was handing them out to anyone who passed by.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTz7lmsQrIdVYxlAIskgqUlmPmxP0iWigDr2zQFOU8HALYq041HuhvL9JySYeTsNDiPH14Fx_0VuE1vSg80b4pf51JECsn_F5rQg6dAzmXZSrWvOVSs4rI84Cv0_gxTWjt9ILbjYW-kLI/s1600-h/100_0521.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTz7lmsQrIdVYxlAIskgqUlmPmxP0iWigDr2zQFOU8HALYq041HuhvL9JySYeTsNDiPH14Fx_0VuE1vSg80b4pf51JECsn_F5rQg6dAzmXZSrWvOVSs4rI84Cv0_gxTWjt9ILbjYW-kLI/s320/100_0521.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265389381478057698" /></a><br /><br />I then went to the east side of Michigan Avenue to see what was to be found. In front of the main entrance to the Obama rally, World Can't Wait was set up with their tables and banners.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_9KXKFbmf3pQjOWjDtb4ywrUCX3vyQMh7uEeebZRMdW85juSWp8NAxovfVuPRnSAdLO2X1s-OYtbE2iwJBOLd1hK4YWDgEjZdRk9Os_H4AquuYxpmpH1wgApxezf6n6ewoHxUzz2kSA/s1600-h/100_0522.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_9KXKFbmf3pQjOWjDtb4ywrUCX3vyQMh7uEeebZRMdW85juSWp8NAxovfVuPRnSAdLO2X1s-OYtbE2iwJBOLd1hK4YWDgEjZdRk9Os_H4AquuYxpmpH1wgApxezf6n6ewoHxUzz2kSA/s320/100_0522.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265389724174306962" /></a><br /><br />They seemed to go all out, enjoying the night.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoi7ePFfYxeJtYszr88ZRa5bxFk6bpwQK-1TbtZlbedcQFWwKp9eZN4v-QXMga7CnUdPgjTYItSMYSd09QNQOS2vb4ev5bUR-d0eDG-Xs9uKRODw6stjvoVYqcQHSCcfvlQStHzwM-o0/s1600-h/100_0524.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoi7ePFfYxeJtYszr88ZRa5bxFk6bpwQK-1TbtZlbedcQFWwKp9eZN4v-QXMga7CnUdPgjTYItSMYSd09QNQOS2vb4ev5bUR-d0eDG-Xs9uKRODw6stjvoVYqcQHSCcfvlQStHzwM-o0/s320/100_0524.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265390340463359666" /></a><br /><br />In addition to the World Can't Wait folks, there were others who demanded to be seen with their signs at the ready. Here's a guy who claimed the election is a distraction. A distraction from what, I have no idea.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOg9ur8OLuGtBWv34VBIym2e4lZx9NBLVKHjLYu49PcyqyVqWQEY_qPHJwXzPZUbWGBJmkjUi9tTHlQ0qStgV9bDE8dWezrrvHQcRWZVOqW0x2vi2rMhC8yItfDlue0v3RRXBWNkKbrYQ/s1600-h/100_0530.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOg9ur8OLuGtBWv34VBIym2e4lZx9NBLVKHjLYu49PcyqyVqWQEY_qPHJwXzPZUbWGBJmkjUi9tTHlQ0qStgV9bDE8dWezrrvHQcRWZVOqW0x2vi2rMhC8yItfDlue0v3RRXBWNkKbrYQ/s320/100_0530.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265391936599308642" /></a><br /><br />There were also a colorful couple, dressed in a pig suit and a skeleton. Each held a sign. Miss Skeleton held an anti-Palin sign, while Mr. Pig had much more class. His sign simply read "Fuck McCain".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftJGbFNANH2zohhnjxQzxO-9koH59BMGqKMCtleogsLHtg06jJRt7I8D4hpUlSXDH271x8EpvhqW0C0FnuuGATszu-iUxru8vJSGJFMW8yNNza17qabbLSgVSO7JIrBg4hScj3XTgJIM/s1600-h/100_0528.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftJGbFNANH2zohhnjxQzxO-9koH59BMGqKMCtleogsLHtg06jJRt7I8D4hpUlSXDH271x8EpvhqW0C0FnuuGATszu-iUxru8vJSGJFMW8yNNza17qabbLSgVSO7JIrBg4hScj3XTgJIM/s320/100_0528.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265392158667595938" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNZDzNL_oFiGqeLe-AllUf5tvycFc7mb2Vu2T4zmOIJKbtavVS0R9ILPSmHoDz5b90F8pRBTlwEQDAVpL4S3KXG4bQE9FsHD9ggPh1H_ereOy7XFv5AimJooEfWuDAJ0KZzcwOdK13XQ/s1600-h/100_0526.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNZDzNL_oFiGqeLe-AllUf5tvycFc7mb2Vu2T4zmOIJKbtavVS0R9ILPSmHoDz5b90F8pRBTlwEQDAVpL4S3KXG4bQE9FsHD9ggPh1H_ereOy7XFv5AimJooEfWuDAJ0KZzcwOdK13XQ/s320/100_0526.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265392329544736754" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQ4_g9xEIafwpN0I8aa7FmGkUZrRA7j6uld-kSGEDoDNO-5vaFRWYgMZ9IROVS056j8oOim3-zJ8JSlcOFx4nSnVKvpqJ7aqcZA5aMMgghZSaiSrlH33p-PhOb6JXSPcYnDi0NdQh8RQ/s1600-h/100_0517.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQ4_g9xEIafwpN0I8aa7FmGkUZrRA7j6uld-kSGEDoDNO-5vaFRWYgMZ9IROVS056j8oOim3-zJ8JSlcOFx4nSnVKvpqJ7aqcZA5aMMgghZSaiSrlH33p-PhOb6JXSPcYnDi0NdQh8RQ/s320/100_0517.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265392873654885730" /></a><br /><br />Moving on, I took note of a car with Obama and "Punch #1" on it. This is a relic of the punch card days in Cook County when they'd tell you when number on the ballot a specific candidate was to make it easier to him/her.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9mHx8X68xneEZtjfX0uiaCDlLI45lEHlNt33ZBiibrPVXcNZypHT4sOvcc5MJiIYlatICAIF4RspAlqo4Bcf3VZJCwcO1yAlny184HFj7Ar6mI8Y8GeCvR6rGD-6KpoPMy2x7T3vuAA/s1600-h/100_0539.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9mHx8X68xneEZtjfX0uiaCDlLI45lEHlNt33ZBiibrPVXcNZypHT4sOvcc5MJiIYlatICAIF4RspAlqo4Bcf3VZJCwcO1yAlny184HFj7Ar6mI8Y8GeCvR6rGD-6KpoPMy2x7T3vuAA/s320/100_0539.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265393636227787682" /></a><br /><br />I also took a look at the crowds waiting to get into the park, standing in a line about two to three blocks long along Michigan Avenue.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OuvyYsA3cgjExzSWP3YXyGlkSrjmNR5TV-8tr833E9KVcxza2Lv3Fq-Mo4lLtu5-gWLqAXTO93SFg-rcs58s85dZydmFCWDkXeApbJKGM8xqeo5ZUSAQ8MHXN3k3D638q0oiSX5_tlQ/s1600-h/100_0531.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OuvyYsA3cgjExzSWP3YXyGlkSrjmNR5TV-8tr833E9KVcxza2Lv3Fq-Mo4lLtu5-gWLqAXTO93SFg-rcs58s85dZydmFCWDkXeApbJKGM8xqeo5ZUSAQ8MHXN3k3D638q0oiSX5_tlQ/s320/100_0531.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265394253093165330" /></a><br /><br />They also rode their bikes to the event. Bikes were parked everywhere. Trees, lamp posts, bike racks, where they were by the dozens. These "green" people also left trash in mounds, overflowing the trash cans,a nd in piles on the ground. Randomly on the ground.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszY0gIsM8sBLUspcPx33naMU9hoL7JHvMpp1UpVGLOaHvjs-cH5_la5RCczopmpB_E4hPILX2595cWEag86-Mk6vsWiGjFo4iSsnW7EYfGW6Lvzf_meb1Ym0k_l6bTyMywO_5TuoOnBQ/s1600-h/100_0519.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszY0gIsM8sBLUspcPx33naMU9hoL7JHvMpp1UpVGLOaHvjs-cH5_la5RCczopmpB_E4hPILX2595cWEag86-Mk6vsWiGjFo4iSsnW7EYfGW6Lvzf_meb1Ym0k_l6bTyMywO_5TuoOnBQ/s320/100_0519.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265395090613911538" /></a><br /><br />I caught a few scenes around the area as I was wandering on the edge of Grant Park. I overheard a guy ask "What state does Biden represent?". An Obama supporter who doesn't know where Biden is from.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuui-UuxZ9AGh9AjhCoHm3FNkDyFulkpYOFi66a0qMgef9ly6liDs2-kN_LYfP-aJpiLw_NeaPeQgcGBCvxKpob5mNjfpl6awA1juas_PGiIZdJrtDNpXaEFjCZknwCqQGrgBcehecU2o/s1600-h/100_0533.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuui-UuxZ9AGh9AjhCoHm3FNkDyFulkpYOFi66a0qMgef9ly6liDs2-kN_LYfP-aJpiLw_NeaPeQgcGBCvxKpob5mNjfpl6awA1juas_PGiIZdJrtDNpXaEFjCZknwCqQGrgBcehecU2o/s320/100_0533.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265395299733382338" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcrRI5gEyQfR1MRLN5KfRTDK8xmCu_RAA3NUhdF3Zr9eN8cmhrmuku3YC6Sipo7nTbNEyHdRzUnB0UjwlACGqDlpNQXuvIi_NmUDkoU4mgbfHOdX5Tg-DlmqMLl2ioOo-9wvOtCMT6Xk/s1600-h/100_0532.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcrRI5gEyQfR1MRLN5KfRTDK8xmCu_RAA3NUhdF3Zr9eN8cmhrmuku3YC6Sipo7nTbNEyHdRzUnB0UjwlACGqDlpNQXuvIi_NmUDkoU4mgbfHOdX5Tg-DlmqMLl2ioOo-9wvOtCMT6Xk/s320/100_0532.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265395488942724466" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F_MGKQOrk_A8BTTqTnYWWlI6oAVVNcYPQG2vEbIcKAi9UR-8Mr_O-5KZQzFciNJjsuktl1uTx3ug-e9uATdH3DVBp6TVkZc2o4luCGE04cOsqG0RGESPoNxfnCbc_4EeS0wv7-cVr_8/s1600-h/100_0541.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F_MGKQOrk_A8BTTqTnYWWlI6oAVVNcYPQG2vEbIcKAi9UR-8Mr_O-5KZQzFciNJjsuktl1uTx3ug-e9uATdH3DVBp6TVkZc2o4luCGE04cOsqG0RGESPoNxfnCbc_4EeS0wv7-cVr_8/s320/100_0541.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265396002886871682" /></a><br /><br />I then turned my attention to the Obama stage in Hutchinson Field. Looking across the railroad tracks, I saw what appeared to be a crown of light above the stage. There were several beams, all radiating from the same spot.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQex9oqNLufvzjNQ3zsnjRtBjq8375LyN1fnlyGFgaUuwAq98_EwXtFVeArhPhEZj4fLL8YDSWvuwBIaO5viDKqn1URSMcSjCPTsuzmwylu-2hbvLVL72Zt0RXcBOXWVhedEKl7xQMTe8/s1600-h/100_0543.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQex9oqNLufvzjNQ3zsnjRtBjq8375LyN1fnlyGFgaUuwAq98_EwXtFVeArhPhEZj4fLL8YDSWvuwBIaO5viDKqn1URSMcSjCPTsuzmwylu-2hbvLVL72Zt0RXcBOXWVhedEKl7xQMTe8/s320/100_0543.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265396649311916482" /></a><br /><br />I then started on my way back to the train station, and found a most humorous marquee offering drinks for that evening.<br /><br />When I got back to the train station, I heard a rather large, but not tall lady talking to the air. I realized she was talking to a Bluetooth phone. She was whining about how the "rednecks" couldn't take the election away after Obama was declared to be the winner. Another group, behind me, said "They can't steal this one". However, the train ride home was uneventful, and actually pretty quiet. Quite the change (heh) from the blaring of car horns and shouting along Michigan Avenue.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-64202067815728617322008-08-02T05:31:00.000-07:002008-08-02T06:26:22.242-07:00Why Senator Obama will never be PresidentChicgaodudewhotrades keeps the hits coming with this one about why Senator Obama will never be President.<br /><br /><br />I don't think Obama will be elected president in 2008. In fact, I don't think he will ever be president. I will even go so far to say he will probably only be a 1-term Senator and then lose re-election.<br /><br />Why do I think this? My reasons are long and varied. But it comes down to the simple fact that the more I learn about him, the less I like him. I have come to regret voting for him in November 2004. Why did I vote for him in the first place? He was running against Alan Keyes. Keyes is a good man, but the only thing he ever talked about during the campaign was abortion. Abortion is a important issue, but being a Senator involves more than abortion issues.<br /> <br />Let me start by talking about the man himself. His supporters say he is smart. Yes, when he gives a prepared speech he can speak quite well. However, when he makes off-the-cuff statements he doesnt do as well. I think when the debates happen, Sen. McCain will roll over him. This is probably why Sen. Obama has gone from wanting debates to seeming to dodge them. When Obama bombs in the debates, even this country's liberal media won't be able to successfully spin it for him (expect to hear plenty of "he had a headache/he was sick/ he was tired" type spin). When the American people see this, they will spot a empty suit begin to realize he isn't ready for the White House.<br /> <br />Here are a few more questions I have about Sen. Obama:<br /> <br /><blockquote>* He was President of the Harvard Law Review (HLR), but can he or anybody point to a single accomplishement of his while he was President of the HLR?<br /> <br />* Have his grades at Harvard ever been released? How about any important papers he wrote when he attended there?<br /> <br />* When he worked in a law firm, did he handle any important litigation or cases?<br /> <br />* What accomplishments can he point to as a Chicago community organizer?</blockquote><br /><b>HIS FRIENDS</b><br /> <br />Let us take a minute to look at Sen. Obama's friends. His friends and big supporters are some unrepentant terrorists and a racist anti-American preacher. Enough said.<br /> <br /><b>HIS FAMILY</b><br /> <br />I take Michelle Obama at her word when she says she hasn't been proud of America until her husband ran for office. I think those represent her true feelings for the USA. It would be interesting to learn if Michelle recommended Trinity United to her husband, or if the church was recommended to the Obamas by others. If she recommended the church it woulld speak volumes about her and her beliefs.<br /> <br />Is Obama's family in Kenya Muslim? Raila Odinga (who says Barack is a cousin) the current Prime Minister of Keyna wants to bring Sharia to Kenya. I have some personal problems with Islam, I think Islam is imcompatabile with modernity. If Obama is a true 'progressive' as he claims, then why hasn't he ever called out his cousin on this?<br /> <br /><b>HIS PARTY</b><br /> <br />Folks, I think the Democrats have some serious problems. I think the Dem convention will be a mess. First of all, the convention is short of money. Their kooky hard-left base will be protesting outside and making fools of themselves and the Dems. Seriously, when you have a group called 'recreate '68' coming to town, does anybody think anything good will happen?<br /> <br />Another thing to consider is the fact that technically, Obama is not the offiical Dem party candidate yet. That won't happen until the voting actaully happens on the convention floor. Hillary Clinton only stopped her campaign, she didn't concede or turn her delegates over to Obama. It is a slight chance, but I think she will go Brutus on Obama and pull a fast one against him.<br /> <br />Even if he is the Dem nominee after Denver, I think there are enough upset Hillary supporters who will sit on their hands (or even vote for Sen McCain) on Election Day<br /> <br /><b>HIS POSITIONS</b><br /><br />Does he have a single position today that was the same on January 1 2008? Okay, I'm being sarcastic, but not by much. He has flip-floped on Iraq, FISA, federal campaign money, just to name a couple. Plus, I think his and the Dem's 'no drilling for oil, at anytime, anywhere' is going to kill them both in November.<br /><br /><b>AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY</b><br /> <br />I think race-hustlers like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and Rev. Wright will secretly work against Sen. Obama. Why? Kinda hard for them to make a living race-hustling when a African-American is living at 1600 Pennslyvania Ave. Plus I think there is some resentment of Obama by both Jackson and Sharpton. Obama has had more poliitical success in the last few years then they have had combined over their lifetimes. That has got to hurt deep down. I also don't think they like their positions of leadership in the African-American community being taken over by Obama. <br /><br /><b>HIS BASE</b><br /> <br />I think some of the shine is coming off Sen. Obama among even his base. I think they are beginning to realize he is just a politician and not somebody special like he claims to be. He was the anti-war candidate, now that he is trying to back-track on that, and also FISA, in a effort to seem centrist, his base is getting upset with him. Also I don't expect the much talked about 'youth' vote that always gets hyped very four years to you know, actually <i>VOTE</i> for him. They will be busy on election day and not bother to go to the polling place and pull the lever. think I'm joking? Remember 'Obama Girl'? She was the internet video sensation that sang songs about Obama, but on Primary Day in NY/NJ did she vote for him? Nope, she was too busy clubbing that day. <br /> <br />To wrap it up, There are multiple reasons why I think Sen. Obama will not be the next President of the United States of America. Feel free to argue/comment/etc. with me about this. I can be reached at chicagodudewhotrades@gmail.comHonorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-29471693506498035332008-07-19T21:16:00.000-07:002008-07-19T21:31:26.730-07:00When will Israel hit the Iranian nuclear program? (part 2)Chicagodudewhotrades is back with another installment from last week's post.<br /><br /><br />First of all, I want to thank everyone who read the first part of this. I also want to thank all my friends with blogs who post my articles. Part 2 is mostly your thoughts and ideas about Israel hitting Iran. There are too many people who shared their thoughts with me on this subject, so I'd need pages to name you all. I just want to say "Thank You" to all of you. This article is more random thoughts/possibilities, then a hard article. But it is interesting to just brainstorm this stuff out. Here we go:<br /> <br />Israeli/US possibilities short of airstrikes:<br /> <br />Naval blockade of Iranian ships entering/exiting Persian Gulf: Iran has publicly stated if attacked they will close the Straits of Hormuz. If they can threaten International shipping then why can't we threaten Iranian shipping? Iran makes money if their crude gets out to the market. If their shipping is blocked, there goes their entire economy quick. Granted, Blockades are considered a act of war, but hey, If Iran can threaten this, then I don't see why they can't have it done to them. Another way to do it, would be to allow Iran crude to be exported, but incoming refined product not being allowed into Iran. A not well known fact about Iran is the dismal state of their national refining capacity. This is a country that sits on a sea of the stuff but they have GAS SHORTAGES because their refining capability sucks. If we block tankers from delivering refined gas to Iran their country shuts down.<br /> <br />Something related to the above involves tanker insurance. Readers have noted that the Iranians don't have to totally shut down the Straits to achieve their goal. If they attack 1 or 2 tankers the insurance cost goes through the roof. Once again, this tactic could be used against tankers that carry Iran crude. If you make tankers carrying Iran crude a target, no more tanker trips to Iran. Even if Iran starts hitting tankers, I'm sure the US, Japan (totally dependent on imported gas) and maybe other countries would step up and foot the bill for tanker insurance. Another possibility is 're-flagging' tankers under the Stars and Stripes and giving them USN protection. If Iran hits a US-flagged tanker, then it is game over for Iran.<br /> <br />Some type of airburst of a tactical nuke over Iran that would trigger an EMP-caused shutdown of a lot of Iranian electronics: In case people don't know what an Electromagnetic Pulse is, here is a link of what it is: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starfish_Prime">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starfish_Prime</a> and here: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_pulse">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_pulse</a>. Personally, I view this idea as extremely unlikely. Even tactical nukes detonated in the air is a huge red line that cannot be taken lightly. Therefore, unless Israel has convincing proof that Iran was about to nuke them, I don't think Israel is considering this as a viable option. Other facts to consider about the EMP idea. The pulse wouldn't stop at Iran's border. Also, I don't think Iran is as fully computerized/technology-dependent a nation like the nations in the West. Yes, an EMP strike over Iran would do them damage, but not on the scale, say, an EMP over London would do.<br /> <br />Israeli hacker attack on Iran's computer systems: Again, doubtful for the reason mentioned above.<br /> <br />This seems to be the limit of non-airstrike ideas. Let us move back to airstrikes and what types could be launched.<br /> <br />Israeli airstrikes on Iranian economic targets: I like it. Make the cost of Iranian nuclear weapons development too expensive for Iran to afford. Effects on Iran's economy already discussed above. Downside: Iranian leadership doesn't seem to give a damn about their people. Iran seems willing to sacrifice their nation in the pursuit of nukes. Therefore , economic problems for their citizens may not even compute to the leadership. Something worth pondering is the affect any type of airstrike would have on the people of Iran. Would they get all nationalistic and rally around the Mullahs, or do the opposite? I just don't know enough about the Iranian people to say anything one way or the other. One more imponderable.<br /> <br />A couple of reader comments about if a Israeli strike would happen before or after the US elections: <br /> <br /><blockquote>"Make Obama take a side on the issue. if he condemns Israel, he could dry up his jewish support including cash. If he supports Israel. the left goes nuts".</blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Conventionial wisdom says Israel won't do anything before the US election".</blockquote> <br />Here are my thoughts. Yes , Israel views the US as a friend, but their domestic security needs will trump the concerns of a effect on US domestic elections any day of the week. PM Olmert looks to be in deep sh$% because of personal corruption issues. I hate to be cynical, but maybe he would green-light an Op to take heat off him? Another personal thought: I think deep down some Israeli political leaders just don't trust Obama to not sell them out. They may as well hit Iran while the US president is a friendly one.<br /> <br />What are Iran's options when they get hit? Would Hezbollah hit targets outside the Mid-East? If Israel hits, would Iran wait until after the US elections to retaliate? Do the Iranians view President Bush as a political aberration? Do they view Obama as more 'understanding' of them? I think Israel needs to get ready for a multi-front retaliatory strike. They may face strikes from Syrian-controlled Lebanon, Gaza, and maybe long-range missiles from Iran.<br /> <br />The Israeli Air force is way smaller than the USAF. If they hit Iran by themselves, because of their smaller size, there is a greater demand for them to get the strikes right. On the bright side, Israel has pretty much been in never-ending conflict since 1948. That type of existential threat to their very lives tends to produce a first-class military. When Israel hits Iran, I think they will do some things that will just totally leave the Iranians 'shocked and awed'. When the IAF hit the Syrian facility back in September, there were some media reports of "On the ground, Syria's formidable air defences went dead." and "since the alleged IAF foray over Syria last week there have been severe disturbances in Lebanese communications systems and cellular frequencies." Here are some links about the September 6 strike:<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1189411391714&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull">http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1189411391714&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull</a><br /> <br /><a href="http://www.debka.com/article.php?aid=1301">http://www.debka.com/article.php?aid=1301</a><br /> <br /><a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article2461421.ece">http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article2461421.ece</a><br /> <br />When Israel hits Iran, it will be interesting. Israel has been fighting against enemies equipped with Soviet gear since 1948. I'm sure the Israelis can write the handbook for some Soviet gear they face better then the original Soviet designers can.<br /> <br />The next couple thoughts aren't really related to a Israeli strike on Iran, but I think they are worth mentioning:<br /> <br />Last week the Iranians test fired over a couple days a bunch of missiles. It turned out that some of the missile launches were duds and had to be photo-shopped to make them look successful.I think the Iranians know they are about to get hit, and are trying to look more powerful then they actually are. They want to try to deter a attack against them. Another reason is that Iran wants to be head of the Muslim world. They want to be the 'biggest, baddest kid on the Muslim block'. To be a leader in the Muslim world, you need to have a powerful military.<br /> <br />I'm not sure about the possibility of this, but it is worth throwing out and talking about. If Iran was to get their hands on nukes, would Israel be the first target for them? There is a huge amount of historical hatred between Muslim Sunni and Shia. Would Shia Iran launch their nukes against Sunni Saudi Arabia? Settle the hatred between them once and for all? Plus, Iran takes out the main competitor of Iranian oil exports. Iran would dominate the global oil market and therefore set the price. I'll admit, this probably isn't likely, but worth the thought.<br /> <br />Once again, I'd like to thank all the folks who offered their ideas about Part 1 of this. I'd also like to apologize that this is more a brainstorm type article then a better organized piece, but I think all these ideas are worth debating.<br /> <br />Thanks for your time,<br /> <br />CDWTHonorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-30534736216187679232008-07-07T17:54:00.000-07:002008-07-07T17:58:44.398-07:00Chicagodudewhotrades: When will Israel hit the Iranian nuclear program?And yet another great guest post from LGF lizardoid minion chicagodudewhotrades:<br /><br /> <strong>When will Israel hit the Iranian nuclear program?</strong><br /> <br />I believe that the Israelis will bomb Iran's nuclear weapons program soon. By 'soon' I mean between now and October. Israel views the Iranian bomb as a threat to it's very existence. Israel has only 2 options in dealing with the Iranian bomb: either stop the program, or live life every day with the threat of being wiped off the face of the earth. Living life like that is not viable. I believe the Israelis will launch a attack by themselves. The Israelis don't have to hit every single target that is part of the Iranian nuclear program to succeed. If they inflict enough damage and /or kill enough nuclear technicians to set the Iran bomb project back, that will be a win for them. I don't believe that the US will actively participate in the bombing strikes. If the US is involved it will be on the sidelines in the form of Tanker/Electronic Warfare/Jamming support. The main US participation will be in the form of the US giving overflight rights to the IAF as the strike package flies over Iraqi airspace.<br /> <br />What could be the possible Iranian reactions? That depends honestly on a lot of factors that I'll admit I'm not knowledgeable enough to talk about, but here I go:<br /> <br />The Iranians have publicly stated that if attacked, they will close down the Straits of Hormuz. Yes, the Straits are a pretty narrow chokepoint, but to totally close it down and prevent shipping to exit/enter the Gulf is still a challenge. Their navy is a joke. When the Iranian navy went up against the US Navy in the late 1980's (Operation Preying Mantis) Their navy was soundly thrashed. Today , they have a few ex-Russian Kilo-class subs, but I don't think the overall material condition of the subs and also their crews's training standards are that high. They do have a lot of small fast speedboats . If they load one up with explosives and suicide it into a tanker that will probably kill a tanker. They could get very lucky and sink a tanker right in the straits, but even that outcome will hurt the Iranians too. After all, Iran exports oil out of the gulf just like everybody else. Since the only way the Iranians make money is by exporting oil, their economy will get crushed if the straits are blocked for a long period of time. The Iranians have in the past dumped contact mines into the gulf and damaged a few tankers, but again, if the Iranians succeed with the mines, their own economy takes a hit too.<br /> <br /> Since it looks like any Iranian attempt to shut down the Straits will hurt them just as much as everyone else, what other cards can the Iranians play? Iran possesses a number of ground missiles with the range to hit targets across the gulf. they could hit US bases in the gulf. However, we have anti-missile systems like Patriot to handle this threat. Besides, if one of those missiles goes off target and say, instead hits downtown Kuwait City, then the Iranians may have to deal with Israel airstrikes against them turning into other gulf nations taking up arms against them too.<br /> <br />The best course of action the Iranians have is doing something against Israel. They can use their surrogates in Syria and Hezbollah to launch terror attacks in Israel and/or step up the never-ending rocket strikes on Israeli border communities. I don't think the Syrians would launch conventional military attacks across the Golan. But, if they did, the Syrian Military would have a couple very exciting days before getting wiped out. If the Syrians did throw in with the Iranians, the end result would be Merkavas parked on the lawn of the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus and baby Assad taking a one-way flight to Tehran (provided he hadn't already been bombed or his presidential jet smoked out of the sky as he attempted to flee).<br /> <br /> Another factor to consider in any Iranian reaction to airstrikes on it's nuclear facility is the Iranian national will to respond to airstrikes. Yes, the Iran nuke program is considered a point of pride by the Iranian people. but, if the Iranian people realize that their nuke program is hurting them they will probably drop support for it. There is already high Inflation and Unemployment along with low Economic growth. The Iranian leadership is already unpopular because of the domestic economic issues, if their desire to possess nukes causes a great deal of national pain...... well, Iran is a country that has had a revolution, nothing says the people can't have a second one to throw out the religious leadership. Granted, Iran is a police state, so a popular overthrow of the government is unlikely but not impossible. There are way too many possibilities to consider when thinking about a popular overthrow of the government (for example, would the Iranian military back up the government or side with the people?) to write about right now. but I do think a popular overthrow of the religious leadership is possible.<br /> <br />What would a attack on Iran's nuclear program mean for the rest of the world? The price of oil will shoot up, that is a given. I could see Crude Oil trading at about $200/barrel in the aftermath of any strike on Iran. Gold and Silver would also shoot higher (for the purposes of full disclosure, I'm a self-employed day-trader, I currently have small buy positions in both gold and silver because of the possibility of strikes on Iran). I think the price of Crude would depend on the amount and type of airstrikes against Iran. Again, this involves too many variables to consider (if the airstrikes are a single day's worth of airstrikes versus a days long campaign, if only Iranian nuke program targets are hit, instead of strikes that include Iranian military targets, if Syria decides to throw down with Iran, etc.).<br /><br /> One other possibility to consider is the effect a strike against Iranian Nuclear assets would have on the coming US presidential contest in November. Once more, there are too many possibilities to write about, but I think the aistrikes would hurt the Obama campaign and the Dems. Why? they stand together against any possibility of domestic oil drilling here. If Oil goes to $200/barrel with the resulting rise in domestic gas prices this will kill any Dem chances to win in November.<br /> <br />To wrap things up, here is where I see things. I believe the Israelis will hit the Iranian Nuclear weapons program soon, within the next few months. Crude Oil prices will move higher in the aftermath of any strikes. Their exact rise and how long they stay at elevated levels involve too many probabilities to figure out fully. Other commodity prices, especially, Gold and Silver will rise also. The range of possibilities in the aftermath of airstrikes goes from no Iranian reaction all the way to a regional war that could include the use of WMD'S. Sorry, this is the best I can do for outcomes. There are just too many things that need to be considered when pondering the aftermath of airstrikes. If you have any thoughts, questions, gripes, etc., feel free to email me at chicagodudewhotrades@gmail.com<br /> <br />Thanks for your time,<br />CDWTHonorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-10156351800563669422008-07-01T19:04:00.000-07:002008-07-01T19:14:14.593-07:00Is America in economic decline?Don't you just love it when life gets in the way of blogging? Well, today I'm back with more, a guest post by <a href="http://www.littlegreenfootballs.com/">Little Green Footballs</a> lizard <strong>chicagodudewhotrades</strong>:<br /><br />Is America in economic decline? Everyday, it seems there is a new economic statistic about a weakening US economy or a news report about the US$ dropping in value against other currencies. My answer is: NO. Maybe right now the dollar is at a low level and portions of the American economy could be better, but the overall economy is solid and the dollar weakness is temporary. If you read history, it seems to be a good rule to never underestimate the American people or our economy. In fact, i think some of the nation's best economic times lie ahead.<br /> <br />I'm writing this mostly because I'm a member of a very popular website called Little Green Footballs (www.littlegreenfootballs.com). Due to my online name (chicagodudewhotrades) I get asked a lot of stock market and economic questions by my fellow LGF'ers. Writing this I hope will help my LGF friends out. This is my first attempt at writing something like this, so don't beat me up too bad!!!<br /> <br />I'm also writing this because I get tired of the mostly negative coverage of the economy by the national media. This is my small attempt to try and convince my fellow Americans that the economy isn't as bad as portrayed.<br /> <br />What gives me the right to write about economic issues? In a word: Nothing. I'm not a economist or a CEO of a business. I don't have a PH.D in Economics or International Finance. The bulk of my professional trading experience comes from several years spent working as a clerk in the trading pits of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. However, I have been able to make a decent living from day-trading the last few years. Day-trading is a very brutal, Darwinian profession. You either make money at this or go bankrupt. I'm still doing this, so I figure my ideas and advice have some credibility.<br /> <br />I think the best way to explain why I believe America's best economic days are ahead of us is to run down what is happening in the world and what I think may happen in the future.<br /> <br /><strong>Europe</strong><br /> <br />The European Union has become a huge entity whose member states have a combined population of nearly 500 Million (1). However, I have come to believe that they are too big, too slow ,and most damaging, too bureaucratic.<br /> <br />Yes, right now the Euro is doing well against the Dollar. However, people seem to forget that a few years ago, the euro was trading at a record low of 82 cents against the dollar. (2)<br /> <br />Inflation is above the European Central Bank's public goal of 2% and rising (3). Western Europe has also always had systematic higher unemployment historically than the US. Eventually, economic fundamentals like these will catch up to the Euro.<br /> <br />You may read a lot about the grim future of Social Security. That is true. Basically, starting in a few years, more money will start being taken out of the program than going into it. However, Europe faces the same demographic issue. The big difference is that the working-age population of Europe is declining while America's is increasing.<br /> <br /><strong>Asia</strong><br /> <br />Today when you think of Asia, one country comes to mind: China. China is a huge country with a huge population. Because of low wages, China has become the manufacturing center of the world. All that manufacturing has brought huge sums of wealth into China.<br /> <br />But China has many issues. All that manufacturing has lead to huge environmental problems (4). Thanks to China's brutal 1-child policy and a Asian cultural preference for male babies, China has demographic imbalances in their youngest generations. How can a nation be successful with a demographic imbalance like that? China's biggest problem however, may be it's own Communist government. Folks, I don't know any other way to say it.: Communism , Socialism, etc, just doesn't work.. Eventually, China will pay a huge price because of their system of government. Free, democratic, open market economies work, nothing else comes close. It is truly that simple and basic.<br /> <br /><strong>Africa</strong><br /> <br />It is hard to write off a entire continent, but unfortunately that is what I'm basically doing with Africa. I don't think Africa has moved beyond a tribal identity yet. They will not grow or be economically successful until the people of Africa start thinking in terms of national identities and not just tribal.<br /> <br /><strong>Middle East</strong><br /> <br />Currently the Middle East is doing well because of high oil prices that bring huge amounts of wealth into their nations. Historically, however nations with commodity-dependent economies do not succeed in the long run. There is a theory in economic circles called the 'commodity curse" . The theory states that commodity-dependent nations get politically and economically lazy because of the easy money pouring into their economy. I think this will happen in the Middle East someday. The Mid-East has one principle export: oil. What happens when that export runs out? There are questions about the true proven reserves of both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait (5). Back in the late 1990's when oil prices were low. Saudi government bonds were rated 'junk' status. This will give you a idea of what happens to the economic prospects of the region when the wells run dry.<br /> <br /><strong>Latin America</strong><br /> <br />Latin America seems to be taken a turn for the worse lately. A couple governments seem to be going back down the Socialist path. Once again, democratic free market economies work, everything else doesn't come close. Democratic open market Brazil and Colombia are doing well. The ones going down the socialist path like Venezuela and Bolivia will have problems.<br /> <br />I see some parallels between the Middle East of today and the Japan of the 1980's. Remember how everyone thought back then that 'Japan, Inc." was going to be the world's largest economy and how they would be the globe's dominant economic power? How did that work out for Japan? I do think that the sub-prime mess and resulting housing price slump will continue to hurt the American economy.But this is a incredibly flexible economy that will survive this mess. In fact, i think the sub-prime problem will hurt other economies worse than ours just because our national economy is so resilient and others aren't.<br /> <br />I wanted to keep this brief. I didn't want to write 1 huge piece that went into all the above issues in detail. However,I plan on writing more about this. I want to learn from you as well as maybe teach a thing or two. If you have questions, criticisms, any thoughts about this, feel free to contact me. I can be reached at chicagodudewhotrades@gmail.com<br /> <br />Thanks for your time.<br /> <br /><em>Sources</em><br /> <br />1. Website of the European Union <a href="http://www.europa.eu">www.europa.eu</a><br /> <br />2. Wikipedia's entry for the Euro Currency<br /> <br />3. Website of the European Central Bank <a href="www.ecb.eu">www.ecb.eu</a><br /> <br />4. Financial Times article. China Report. Environment: 'Devasting price to pay for rampant growth' By Jamil Anderlini. Published: 9 Oct 2007<br /> <br />5. Reuters. "Kuwait oil reserves only half official estimate-PIW" . Published 20 Jan 2006Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-3391288728708769462008-02-24T10:40:00.000-08:002008-02-24T11:02:08.793-08:00Robbery My Rear End, The Tinley Park Killer Was There For Something ElseOn February 2, 2008, a man entered the Lane Bryant store in Tinley Park where Harlem Avenue (IL-43) meets Interstate 80. <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/773695,tinley020208.article">He killed five of the women in the store</a>, and left one survivor, who police believe, he also intended to kill. They called it an attempted armed robbery gone wrong. I don't think robbery was the motive.<br /><br />If armed robbery had been the motive, there are several better prospects for quick cash at that interchange. There are several gas stations, convenience stores, and fast food resturants there with easy cash on hand, and lot of it in the tills. So why pick a Lane Bryant, a clothing store where most purchases are made via credit cards?<br /><br />I am proposing an ulterior motive based upon the killer's looks in the sketch, the place he chose to do his crime, and the victims.<br /><br />1. Since there are better prospects for quick cash via armed robbery, armed robbery and a botched robbery attempt seems not to be the motive.<br />2. The store he chose is a women's clothing store where there are unlikely to be any men.<br />3. All six victims were women.<br />4. He had each of them <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/775862,survive020408.article">tied up in the backroom</a> and he shot them execution style to make sure they were dead.<br />5. There was a police squad car in the parking lot. The squad responded to the shooting at the store because of the 9-1-1 call placed by the store's manager, not to any shots fired. I find it very odd that no one ever reported any gunshots. I suspect he was using a silencer on his weapon. <b>What armed robber uses a silencer?</b><br />6. The <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/24-7/798284,tinley021608.article">sketch</a> of the gunman shows him wearing a skullcap and a braid. To me, he appears to be stereotypical Nation of Islam. Whether he is or isn't is up for debate, but stereotypes exist for a reason.<br /><br />Due to all of these, I suspect the shooting at the Lane Bryant were not motivated by robbery, but by something else, possibly sudden jihad syndrome (SJS). SJS seems a likely motivation here due to the target chosen, the victims chosen, and the way it was performed. This was done to instill terror, not to rob the store. Again, as in the NIU shooting, there is not concrete evidence, but many of the signs seem to point in that direction.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-43682821810496393952008-02-22T21:51:00.001-08:002008-02-22T22:40:18.269-08:00Was the NIU Shooter a muslim with SJS?It's been too long again for posting, but I plan on doing expose`s here rather than reporting. Too many people do reporting already.<br /><br />It's been a little over a week since <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/795042,niu021408.article">Steve Kazmierczak</a> stepped onto the stage in Cole Hall at Northern Illinois University and killed five before committing suicide. <a href="http://www.debbieschlussel.com/archives/2008/02/niu_killer_like.html">Debbie Schlussel</a> suggests that he may have have been a muslim committing SJS or Sudden Jihad Syndrome. I think I concur with her.<br /><br />There were several things that stuck out as the incident being SJS, but they did not reveal themselves to me until the <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/801984,niugrad021908.article">Chicago SunTimes</a> published an article by a close friend of his Rasmieyh Abdelnabi. Here's the quick rundown of why it could be a case of SJS:<br /><br />1. Steve Kazmierczak studied Arabic and became rather fluent in it. This in of and by itself means nothing, but his close friend was a <a href="http://muslimwatcher.blogspot.com/2008/02/rasmieyh-abdellnabi-knew-and-spoke.html">religious muslim</a>. According to <a href="http://muslimwatcher.blogspot.com/">Bruce Keegan</a>, Rasmieyh Abdelnabi was known for writing pro-Hamas/anti-Israel artices in the paper.<br />2. He seemed to shoot mostly at the women in the class. Of the deaths, four were women, and one was a man protecting his girlfriend. I'd like to see a breakdown by gender of the injured. I suspect it will be overwhelmingly female.<br />3. He premeditated the entire event. He deliberately purchased guns for the event. Good guns too, that would not jam on him. He also erased any trace the police and FBI could use to figure out his motive.<br />4. His association with Rasmieyh Abdelnabi, his religous muslim friend is potentially the biggest clue we have. The mosque she goes to seems to yearn for the <a href="http://www.sa.niu.edu/msa/newsletters/newsletterAug04.pdf">"early glorious days of Islam"</a>. It is unknown if he went to the mosque.<br />5. His radical muslim friend also mentions in the SunTimes article that he had come around on his opinions about Hamas while sidestepping what those opinions might be. Given that she is a religious muslim, I suspect he came around to favoring Hamas.<br />6. He was a sociology major who specialized in religion in prisons. The largest growing religion in prisons is Islam. He at least had an interest in it, if not embraced it.<br /><br />In addition, <a href="http://www.vdare.com/misc/061209_richert.htm">Derrick Shareef</a>, the guy who attempted to bomb and shoot up the CherryVale Mall in Rockford was a jihadi from DeKalb County. He hailed from Genoa, but attended the <a href="http://www.niumsa.org/">Islamic Society of Illinois Northern University Mosque</a>. The same mosque Rasmieyh Abdelnabi belongs to.<br /><br />Given this, I suspect, but cannot prove that the NIU shooting is a case of SJS. However, it is an angle that should be pursued. I suspect it will yield more clues than any other angle on this incident. Everything here is circumstantial, and could be wrong, but I suspect they might be right.<br /><br />To the five deceased, rest in peace with God.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-28445746992165138332008-01-06T15:42:00.000-08:002008-01-06T16:39:55.654-08:00Obama, Articulate But Not Squeeky CleanYeah, it's been too long since an update or any activity. I fully apologise for that.<br /><br />Now, down to business.<br /><br />I've heard reports from various people about how clean and honest Barack Hussein Obama is. I call it a bunch of baloney. Someone somewhere is trying to sell a bridge, and a really big one somewhere. We know all about the Clinton Body Count, and how slick Edwards is (I'll stick to the Democrats as this is their primary), but there seems to be little nationwide knowledge about Antoin "Tony" Rezko and Obama's dealings with him. Obama also seems to avoid questions about why he wants to be president as well. Let's shine a light on a few things, shall we.<br /><br />Obama closed on a house the day before Rezko purchased a vacant lot next to Obama's house. Let's let the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-0611010273nov01,1,2716725.story">Chicago Tribune</a> tell some more:<br /><br /><blockquote>In normal circumstances, the two real estate transactions probably wouldn't have raised an eyebrow. There is, after all, nothing illegal or untoward about an aggressive developer buying hot property next door to a rising political star.</blockquote><br />Exactly, but there is more to the story. The transactions were anything but normal.<br /><br /><blockquote>"I told them if you can spare another 5 or 10 feet, I'd be happy to purchase it from you," Obama said. "They came back and said they could sell us up to 10 feet."<br /><br />Using a standard formula, Obama's appraiser estimated the 1,500-square-foot portion at a market value of $40,500.<br /><br />But Obama felt it would be fair to pay the Rezkos $104,500, or a sixth of their original $625,000 purchase price, because he was acquiring a sixth of their land. The sale closed in January 2006.</blockquote><br />But why did Obama feel the need to pay far more than the land was worth. About $60,000 more?<br /><br />Let's delve a bit deeper. It turns out that <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/353797,CST-NWS-rezdavis23.article">Obama's ex-boss is one of Rezko's partners</a>. This is from the Chicago Sun-Times:<br /><br /><blockquote>When Barack Obama took a job at a small Chicago law firm in 1993, the first name on the door of the firm was Allison S. Davis. <br /><br />Five years later, having left his Davis Miner Barnhill & Galland firm, Davis invested in Antoin "Tony'' Rezko's final government-subsidized, low-income housing project, state records show, in a deal handled by Davis' former law firm. <br /><br />Davis and Rezko also went into business together, building upscale homes in the booming Kenwood neighborhood where Davis lives. The legal work on those deals was also done by Davis' former law firm, where Obama was working.</blockquote><br />And Obama was working at Davis's law firm at the time, and knew very well who Rezko was. And there's another connection to the Illinois Politicial Mafia (maybe that's derogatory toward the mafia):<br /><br /><blockquote>Four years ago, Blagojevich appointed Davis to the Illinois State Board of Investment, which controls state pension funds -- one of a series of appointments the governor made at Rezko's request.</blockquote><br />Wait a minute, appointments made by Blago at Rezko's request? Hold the phone! Blago's already <a href="http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/01/03/news/doc477c3b84c1904219034600.txt">suspected to be "Official A"</a> for his own corruption in the state.<br /><br /><blockquote>A court document filed by federal prosecutors just before Christmas claims Blagojevich boasted to a key government witness about awarding contracts and other work to boost campaign fundraising.<br /><br />The document was filed in the criminal case of Antoin “Tony” Rezko, one Blagojevich’s top fundraisers, who is scheduled to go on trial in February. Rezko is charged in a fraud scheme that included shaking down companies that wanted state business.<br /><br />Blagojevich isn’t named in the document, which refers to “Public Official A.” Attorneys who have asked not to be quoted by name due to grand jury secrecy have said Blagojevich was Public Official A.<br /><br />-Bloomington Normal Pantagraph</blockquote><br />Patrick Fitgerald has been very careful in his attempts to corner the Blago administration and indict the guilty. The guilty, which I feel, extends to the governor, Mayor Daley, Alexi Giannoulias(state tresurer), and many more. Rezko was one of Blago's top fundrasiers, as well as involved in dealings with Obama. So, how well did Obama know Rezko? <a href="http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/6/11/154620.shtml">Newsmax.com</a> gives us a hint of it:<br /><br /><blockquote>Sixteen years ago, Chicago businessman Antoin "Tony" Rezko tried to hire bright young Harvard law student Barack Obama to work in his real estate development company. <br /><br />Obama said no, but it was the start of a political friendship. <br /><br />Rezko contributed thousands of dollars and raised thousands more as Obama ran for the Illinois legislature, the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. He was even involved in Obama's purchase of a family home.</blockquote><br />So did Obama keep his distance from Rezko?<br /><br /><blockquote>While Obama turned down Rezko's offer of a job back in 1991, he ended up in a group of real estate deals involving the developer anyway.</blockquote><br />The answer is a resounding no.<br /><br />In Illinois, nothing seems to happen without being connected to something else. To be honest, Blago, Daley, Todd Stroger, William Beavers, and Obama are all Chicago Democrats. Being as such, they come from the same politicial machine, that famous Chicago Democratic Machine. They practice typical Machine politics as well, with all the bells, whistles, and corruption that goes with it. So why would the Machine decide they want a candidate for president? After all, they have their own fiefdom in Cook County and now across the state of Illinois. Why the presidency as well?<br /><br />The answer does not lie in what they can do for America or even the White House. It lies in what they can get rid of in Illinois. Patrick Fitzgerald, the US Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and the Federal Bureau of Investigations are hot on the trail of the Chicago Machine and its corruption. They have sent former Illinois governor George Ryan to prison for his own kickback scheme, <a href="http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/George.Ryan.Larry.2.327151.html">Licenses for Bribes</a>. And they have indicted people involved in the Daley admninstration in <a href="http://chicago.fbi.gov/silvershovel/silvershovel.htm">Operation Silver Shovel</a>. Patrick Fitzgerald was appointed US Attorney by President George Bush at the suggestion of former Senator Peter Fitzgerald (no relation). The same Peter Fitzgerald who was pushed out by the Republican Party in Illinois.<br /><br />So what can Obama do as president to Fitzgerald and the FBI? He can fire Fitzgerald as the US Attorney and put a stop to the investigation by the FBI. Removing Fitzgerald from the equation removes a major thorn in the side of the Machine. With Fitzgerald and the FBI gone, they would be free to continue their corruption and free to manipulate the vote in Illinois. They could also cover their tracks better and make the trail of corruption harder for the next prosecutors to follow.<br /><br />That is why Obama is running for president. It's not the fame, it's not the foreign policy, it's not even for change as he so proudly exclaims. It's all for his politicial buddies and allies in the Chicago Democratic Machine and taking the federal heat off them.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-88252418406768265242007-12-07T06:08:00.000-08:002007-12-07T06:16:06.917-08:00The Sharks are Circling, and They Smell Blood in Springfield<a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-patti-feds07dec07,0,5442994.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout">The Feds are investigating</a> some of Patti Blagojevich's real estate deals in a three-year probe of Blago's corruption.<br /><br /><blockquote>Patricia Blagojevich's real estate deals with power brokers close to her husband first came under scrutiny in 2005 when the Tribune disclosed her eight-year business relationship with Antoin "Tony" Rezko, a Chicago developer who became one of the governor's top fundraisers and a member of his kitchen cabinet.</blockquote><br />Tony Rezko was indicted last year on federal charges of soliciting kickbacks from firms involved in state contracts. He is involved in a shady real estate deal with presidential candidate Barak Obama.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-30245041198378485922007-12-07T05:58:00.000-08:002007-12-07T06:07:53.193-08:00Blago Gets SuedRod Blagojevich is at it again, trying to appropriate money for his own pet projects without the approval of the General Assembly. However, Ron Gidwitz of the Illinois Job Coalition is taking him to task for it. <a href="http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=5818427">According to Andy Shaw of ABC7</a>, Gidwitz is suing Blago to stop him from moving money appropriated for other projects to health care.<br /><br /><blockquote>The governor is expanding access to free breast and cervical cancer screenings for women to three additional health clinics, <b>including one in Oak Park</b>, even though a lawsuit supported by a lot of Illinois lawmakers is challenging Blagojevich's decision to spend money on new health programs without the approval of the state legislature.</blockquote><br />Oak Park!?! Posh Oak Park needs a free clinic!?!<br /><br />What's Blago thinking!?<br /><br /><blockquote>"It's mind boggling that the heir of a shampoo fortune would go out of his way to take health care away through the courts. And, yeah, it is Scrooge-like in many ways," said Blagojevich.</blockquote><br />No, Governor Nero, it is not "Scrooge-like" of Mr. Gidwitz. It is more "Hugo-like" or "Fidel-like" or, dare I say "Mugabe-like" of you to move money without the permission of the General Assembly to your own pet projects.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-54178215935257978752007-12-03T14:18:00.000-08:002007-12-03T14:24:24.118-08:00Where's Roddo?Someone should make a children's book when all is said and done. You know, the point being to find the guy in the striped shirt or something like that. At least I have a name for it: <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=88308&src=109">"Where's Roddo?"</a>. I'm willing to bet it could become a best seller, maybe even a cult following.<br /><br />Here's Tom Cross's staff (R-Oswego) on the debacle with Blago at the Hawks game:<br /><br /><blockquote>"What we really need is a political Zamboni," said David Dring, spokesman for House Republican leader Tom Cross of Oswego, "to clean up this mess that's been the 2007 legislative session."</blockquote><br />How apt an image.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-48061385979880997902007-11-30T17:12:00.001-08:002007-11-30T17:15:42.254-08:00Do You Want To Be Governor For A Day?Well, <a href="http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/blagojevich.republican.raffle.2.599866.html">the Illinois Republican Party passed out raffle tickets in front of the Thompson Center today</a>, according to CBS2's Mike Flannery. The winner will dine at a fine restaurant and attend a Chicago Blackhawks hockey game, as Blago did while the Illinois House was discussing the RTA bailout.<br /><br />It must be easy to be governor. Attend hockey games, eat fine food. Sounds more like Nero than a governor.<br />Governor Nero.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-25203787701600069772007-11-30T16:59:00.000-08:002007-11-30T17:10:41.069-08:00RIP Henry HydeLong time Illinois Representative Henry Hyde <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/674466,CST-NWS-hyde30.article#">passed away early Thursday</a>. He served 32 years in the House of Representatives, succeeded by Peter Roskum. He spearheaed the impeachment of then-President Bill Clinton and cut off federal funds of abortions.<br /><br /><blockquote>"He was as much a libertarian as he was a conservative," liberal former Rep. Abner Mikva said of Mr. Hyde. "I always thought he was typecast on the abortion issue. He cared about civil rights and values that went beyond the 'Right to Life,' like extending the Voting Rights Act. We lost a good man."</blockquote>Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-32940860905334821552007-11-30T16:51:00.001-08:002007-11-30T16:59:08.658-08:00Blago's Budget BustingBlago is running into trouble with his attempts to get a bailout budget together for the RTA (CTA, Pace, and Metra). He called the General Assembly into session earlier in the week, and decided that instead of staying in Springfield to help with the effort, <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/674429,CST-NWS-leg30.article">he'd treat himself to a Blackhawks game</a>.<br /><br /><blockquote>He was ridiculed in the House, where Rep. Ed Sullivan (R-Mundelein) brought a hockey stick to the House floor to make a point.<br /><br />"If he's truly up there working on commerce, that's one thing. But this is him going to a hockey game to enjoy himself at the expense of the people of the state of Illinois. You can't get any more plain than that," said Sullivan, who called on the governor to cut a check to the taxpayers for his airfare.</blockquote><br /><br />Shame on you, Mr. Governor. It's your budget you want pushed through, and you feel as though you don't even need to attend the budget battle? Shame, shame, shame.<br /><br />Now, <a href="http://www.sj-r.com/News/stories/20979.asp">there's no resolution in sight</a>, at least not til after the first of the year.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-4362480946389825582007-11-30T16:44:00.000-08:002007-11-30T16:49:36.137-08:00Big Nut Hog Plays Race CardWilliam Beavers is watching his attempts to <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-1129edit1nov29,0,1891330.story">grab $880 million from Cook County taxpayers' pockets</a> is taking a turn for the worse, and as a result, the self-titled "Big Nut Hog" claims that anyone who votes against the Toddler's proposed "Robin Hood" plan (as in robbin' from all and giving to the crooks) must therefore be a racist.<br /><br />Well, Mr. Beavers, I say YOU are the racist here, Mr. Big Nut Hog. The "Hog" part aptly describes you. Knock it off with the race card as there are both Blacks and White, as well as Latinos and others who don;t want to pay for your "Family and Friends" program.<br /><br />Sorry for the lack of posting. It was quiet over the Thanksgiving holiday, and then I got busy.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-59151997726436106842007-11-20T17:53:00.001-08:002007-11-20T17:59:15.895-08:00When Democrats FightAmazing how we seem to have only one party in this state right now. One would think they'd agree on almost everything. They don't. In fact, they can't even agree how best to ding us with taxes. Being Democrats, you'd think they could at least to that together. Maybe we should be thankful they disagree so much. Here's a case in point over the RTA with King Richard II vs. Blago from the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-ctanov21,0,6106226.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout">Chicago Tribune</a>.<br /><br />Even ex-governor Jim Edgar sees it, and <a href="http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2007/11/ex-gov-edgar-on.html">notices that it's gotten personal</a> (from the Trib's Clout Street).<br /><br /><blockquote>Edgar said he was “flabbergasted” by Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s decision to move ahead with a health-care expansion after it was rejected by a bipartisan legislative panel—a panel Edgar helped create while serving as a legislator in 1978.</blockquote>Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-39228799193721465982007-11-20T17:49:00.000-08:002007-11-20T17:52:57.910-08:00Back Door Socialized Medicine, Illinois StyleBlago still <a href="http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/news/658552,4_1_JO20_HEALTH_S1.article">intends to move ahead</a> with his rejected health care plan, even though the General Assembly told him they (and we by default) could not afford it. What about NO do you not understand, Mr. Governor?Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-84584886899399250752007-11-18T13:26:00.001-08:002007-11-18T13:31:21.689-08:00So What About Raiding The Public Pensions, is CTA Pension Next, Mr. Governor?King Richard II is <a href="http://www.nbc5.com/news/14631724/detail.html?dl=mainclick">calling on Blago</a> to find money for the CTA health care and pension plans.<br /><br /><blockquote>He said workers have done everything they can. Now it's up to the state to fund their pension and health care deal.<br />-NBC 5, Chicago</blockquote><br /><br />Do we really want Blago's hand in any pension plans? He raided the state's pension plan to fund his pet projects and make it appear liek he was balancing the budget. Not that I'm in favor of using more taxes for the CTA, but we don't need the governor's hands in yet another pension plan.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-72201429290749729982007-11-18T13:14:00.000-08:002007-11-18T13:22:49.365-08:00Stroger Family and Friends Program Affects Public Defender's OfficeStroger's wonderful family and friends program seems to be affecting the budget for the public defender's office in Cook County. Somehow the Toddler can find money to place his family and friends in high places, but can't cough up the money to keep the courts running smoothly. Maybe he wants to make sure there is a backlog so he never winds up as the defendant. From the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-defender_bd_18nov18,1,512996.story">Chicago Tribune</a> and <a href="http://cbs2chicago.com/local/public.defender.lawsuit.2.570296.html">CBS2, Chicago</a>: Public Defender Sues County Over Budget Cuts.<br /><br />Sorry this isn't as updated everyday, but then, that's the nature of Illinois politics. I'm sticking to this, and not touching the Peterson or Stebic cases with a 39 and a half foot pole.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-36094812670298388002007-11-14T10:28:00.000-08:002007-11-14T10:34:50.086-08:00Mass Transit Meeting "Unproductive Shouting"From the <a href="http://www.sj-r.com/extras/breaking/index.asp#3845">Springfield Journal-Register</a>, House Speaker Michael Madigan left a meeting about funding Chicagoland's mass transit, declaring it to be little more than "unproductive shouting". King Richard II, by contrast, felt "optimistic". The meeting was between Daley, Madigan, and Blagojevich, and other legislative leaders in Chicago.<br /><br />I, for the record, support cleaning house in each of the RTA's agencies first, then raising fares so they can support themselves without any band-aid fixes or more taxes.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-88305262672177017872007-11-13T18:36:00.000-08:002007-11-13T18:48:56.316-08:00Taxalicious ChicagoThe Chicago City Council passed a large tax and fee increase today, in hopes of funding their $5.9 million budget starting January 1, 2008, according to the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-council13nov13,0,7298649.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout">Chicago Tribune</a>. Here's the <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/647721,111307budget.article">SunTimes story</a>.<br /><br />What does this mean for Chicago residents?<br /><br />1. The tax on beer, wine, and liquor will increase. About half of that drink you have at the bar is purely taxes. I think I'll have a tax and coke, please.<br /><br />2. The city property tax increases by $86 million, total.<br /><br />3. Bring your own bottled water into the city. That now has a tax of 5 cents a bottle.<br /><br />4. Don't run red lights (or yellows) unless you can afford it. Those fines increase, and Dalye wants more cameras.<br /><br />5. If you own an SUV, be prepared to pay more for a city sticker. $30 more a year, and more than a smaller car.<br /><br />6. Watch where you park. Fines for illegal parking are increasing under King Richard II's new taxing budget.<br /><br />This is on top of what the Cook County Board will add in taxes. This town needs a tax revolt like Michael Moore needs liposuction.<br /><br />MAYOR DALEY’S $276.5 MILLION REVENUE PLAN BY THE NUMBERS<br />• $83.4 million property tax increase costing owner of a home sold for $250,000 roughly $60 more a year. <br />• $43.9 million increase in water rates. <br /><br />• $20.8 million increase in sewer fees. Combined water and sewer increase costs the owner of the average single-family home $45 more each year. <br /><br />• $10.5 million by imposing a new five-cent tax on each container of bottled water. <br /><br />• $12 million liquor tax increase that’ll add seven cents to the cost of a six-pack of beer, two or six cents to a bottle of wine, depending on the liquor content, and 22 cents to a liter of hard liquor. <br /><br />• $48 million by doubling — to $2.50 — the monthly surcharge on telephone bills. <br /><br />• $24 million by raising the tax on lease transactions from 6 to 8 percent. It’ll add $4 to a $200 car rental fee and a dime to a $5 DVD rental. <br /><br />• $8.7 million by raising 32 different parking fines. Individual increases range from 11 to 140 percent. <br /><br />• $3.8 million by increasing the fine for being caught on camera running a red light from $90 to $100 and $5.7 million by installing red light cameras at 20 more intersections. <br /><br />• $1 million by raising billboard fees and cracking down on illegal signs. Signs located on the premises of a business go from $75 to $200. Larger, off-premise billboards go from $75 to $500. <br /><br />• $3.5 million by imposing a 25-cent development fee on every square foot of buildable floor area. <br /><br />• $1.6 million by raising — from 1.50 to $2 — the cost of a strip of tickets to Taste of Chicago, Blues, Jazz and Celtic festivals. <br /><br />• $6.2 million by raising the cost of a city sticker for SUV owners from $90 to $120. <br /><br />• $3.9 million by raising the natural gas use tax from 5.2 cents to 6.3 cents per therm.<br /><br />- Chicago SunTimesHonorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-88758419061017029192007-11-10T22:35:00.002-08:002007-11-10T22:55:13.511-08:00State Police Probe Blago DonationAccording to the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-pharmacist-bd11nov11,0,7455189.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout">Chicago Tribune</a>, the Illinois State Police are investigation some campaign contributions made in order to stave off an on-going fraud investigation.<br /><br />Harish Bhatt, owner of Basinger's Pharmacy in Joliet, is at the center of this investigation for donating $25,000 to Blagojevich during this time. Bhatt has made other contributions to Illinois Democrats as evidenced on <a href="http://www.campaignmoney.com/political/contributions/harish-bhatt.asp?cycle=04">Campaign Money.com</a>.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.freewillblog.com/index.php/joe_nobody/">Free Will Blog</a> asks How Corrupt is the City of Chicago? Well, it isn't just the city, it's the whole dang state right now.<br /><br />How much deeper could this get, and could Blago end up as Ryan's bunkmate?Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-40783559983646823512007-11-09T04:59:00.000-08:002007-11-09T05:14:13.325-08:00Why I-355 Is NeededSo, the new tollway opens on Sunday, you may be asking, if you are not from Will County, "What will it do? It just looks like more sprawl to me."<br /><br />Not so is it more sprawl at all. It is in response to development that has already been built. Will County has over 600,000 people now, and the majority of them live in the northern townships: Wheatland, DuPage, Plainfield, Lockport, Homer, Troy, Joliet, New Lenox, and Frankfort, and growing toward the south.<br /><br />So what will I-355 do for us?<br /><br />I-355 will do several things:<br /><br />1. There are limited number of bridges across the Des Plaines River between Joliet and the Tri-State Tollway in Willow Springs. There are exactly 4 of them: 9th Street - Lockport, 135th Street, Lemont Road, and Illiois 83. One of these is only 2 lanes, the other three are 4 lane bridges. All have traffic lights at their ends. I-355 will add a 6 lane bridge across the river at the midway point between all 4 bridges with no signals to stop anyone. This will vastly improve crossing the river, especially toward the north.<br /><br />2. Lemont Road, Cedar Road, Bell Road, Joliet Road are all overburdened with traffic right now. A lot of the traffic on Joliet Road crosses the river at 135th Street and 9th Street, causing major traffic delays during rush hour. I-355 will pull this traffic away from these roads and let it off at the 4 interchanges along the route. There will be an increase in traffic along 127th Street, 143rd Street, 159th Street, and maybe Southwest Highway as well, but this will be more than offset by the removal of traffic from the overburdened north-south arteries.<br /><br />3. Regional connector. This will provide a bypass of the Tri-State Tollway for through traffic between I-90 and I-80. I-355 can allieviate some of the traffic congestion on the Tri-State between these two interstates, and maybe improve a few travel times there as well.<br /><br />4. Alternate route. I-355 cannot come too soon as IDOT is widening I-55 between I-80 and Weber Road. Traffic will now be able to avoid most of the construction zone by taking I-80 east to I-355 north.<br /><br />So, as you can see, I-355 does have a purpose, and not a minor one at that. Now if only Lake County and McHenry County can start the north extentions.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-83222014212417343172007-11-08T17:50:00.000-08:002007-11-08T17:56:07.560-08:00Biking a TollwayOn Sunday November 11th, the new North-South Tollway extension is open for a <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/living/chi-071108bikeride,0,6963183.story">bike ride</a>. The bike ride proved to be so popular that it actually sold out.<br /><br />"This Sunday the new extension of Interstate Highway 355 will turn into a $1 billion bike path, as more than 9,000 people are expected to run, walk and roll down the road to celebrate its grand opening." - Chicago Tribune<br /><br />The new tollway is 12.5 miles in length, and has the longest bridge in the entire Tollway system, a 1.3 mile long bridge over the Des Plaines River. That makes it the second longest bridge in the state, behind the Abraham Lincoln Bridge over the Illinois River for I-39/US-51 near LaSalle/Peru.<br /><br />I hope it is good weather on Sunday for the bicyclists.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786867947368611744.post-51251173173552919632007-11-08T10:52:00.000-08:002007-11-08T10:59:54.229-08:00Al Qaeda to Target Shopping Malls in ChicagoAccording to this <a href="http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/11/exclusive-fbi-a.html">report from ABC News</a>, apparently Al Qaeda may be preparing attacks on shopping malls in Chicagoland (and Los Angeles, California). The text of the FBI warning is <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/images/Blotter/FBI_bulletin071108.pdf">here</a>. Last year, if you will recall, a jihadi tried exactly just this in Rockford, at the Cherryvale Mall. Fortunately, he was caught before he could obtain the explosives for the planned attack. This <a href="http://michellemalkin.com/2006/12/08/a-terrorist-mall-plot-i-swear-by-allahi%E2%80%99m-down-for-the-cause/">link</a> is about the planned attack from <a href="http://michellemalkin.com/">Michelle Malkin's blog</a>, last year, to refresh everyone's memory.Honorary Yooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16906798645294452469noreply@blogger.com0