Letters & Commentary

Capitol Fax

Rich Miller's commentary on State Government

You may have read the news by now that former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan is seriously considering another run for governor. Ryan commissioned a poll which shows him leading the GOP pack and running neck and neck with Democratic Comptroller Dan Hynes and trailing Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn by five points.

That ain't bad considering Ryan's been out of politics since he lost the 2002 gubernatorial race to Rod Blagojevich.

Ryan's last name, however, will always be a liability in the wake of George Ryan's conviction and imprisonment. 19 percent of those polled thought Jim Ryan was the former governor, for instance, and only 10 percent knew he was the former attorney general. Ryan's name identification in the poll is only surpassed by Gov. Quinn, although Ryan's negatives are as high as Quinn's - likely because of that toxic last name.

Ryan's name was one of his biggest liabilities in the 2002 race, but the trend at the time away from the Republican Party in Illinois certainly hastened his downfall as well, and his poor campaign didn't help much, either.

And while times are different now and George Ryan is long gone from the scene, Jim Ryan will face a major new problem if he pulls the trigger this time around.

Two words: Stu Levine.

Levine, of course, pled guilty to using his seats on two state boards to pad his pockets with kick-back money. His indictment shocked the Illinois political world because it included lurid details of Levine's heavy hard drug use and wicked sexual appetites.

Levine and Jim Ryan were law school study mates and Ryan is generally blamed for bringing Levine to the political dance. After Levine was indicted, Jim Ryan was quoted by the Daily Southtown saying this about his longtime friend: "He's always been a very compassionate person, and I always have liked and respected him, and I continue to call him a friend."

Oops.

Ryan has never been accused of any improprieties with Levine, but that was an unfortunate remark, to say the least.

A Chicago TV station did a brief report on Ryan's potential candidacy the other day. The anchor read the story while the station ran some stock video of Ryan making a campaign announcement in 2002. The station didn't notice that Stu Levine was on that tape, walking up to his old friend and whispering in his ear. Others did take notice, however. Lots of notice.

Guilt by association is distasteful and often just plain untrue. But the Republicans have been playing that card for months against Democrats for their association with Rod Blagojevich. They've even whacked Democrats who fought Blagojevich tooth and nail. So, turnabout would be fair play.

There were no questions about Stu Levine in that poll Ryan released last week. There also weren't any questions about Ryan's recent support for a broad tax hike on income and services, which won't go down well in a Republican primary.

And while Jim Ryan may lead the GOP pack right now, he doesn't exactly dominate it. Almost half (48 percent) of Republican primary voters remain undecided in the uninformed ballot test, according to Ryan's own poll. Ryan does far better in a slightly informed ballot test (he's called the former attorney general), but 30 percent are still undecided. And all those other establishment suburban conservative moderates in the race right now could be vulnerable to a more conservative type, perhaps Bill Brady, to lump them all together and take the win for himself.

Shortly after Ryan released his poll it was learned that former Gov. Jim Edgar was endorsing Sen. Kirk Dillard in the super-crowded Republican primary battle. Plain and simple, Edgar moves poll numbers. He is the most popular Republican - if not the most popular politician - in Illinois. If Dillard can raise the money to put Edgar in lots of TV ads, Ryan's initial lead will dwindle.

And if Ryan's past does become an issue, he could end up more vulnerable than almost any other Republican running right now.

Everybody's Wrong

The amount of misinformation in the Prairie Advocate Letters and Commentary for the week of October 7, 2009 is amazing. Let me quickly add that it is not Tom Kocal's fault; it is the fault of poorly informed letter writers who don't check their facts.

Bob Stretton is mistaken. The long quote he attributes to Abraham Lincoln was actually written by the Rev. William J.H. Boethker in a 1916 pamphlet titled "The Industrial Decalogue," better known as "The Ten Cannots." Also, it seems that Mr. Stretton hasn't read much fiction if he doesn't understand that novelists and other fiction writers often present an important and historically accurate picture of the world. The Grapes of Wrath does just that; A Tale of Two Cities is another classic example.

Ron Rendleman is also mistaken. If he checks the World Health Organization website or Wikipedia he will discover that sqauline is harmless. It did not make our Gulf War soldiers sick. That's simply another urban myth. While he is reading this, his body is busy naturally producing sqauline. The vaccine contains less mercury than a serving of tuna and contains less mercury than is in the air many Americans breathe everyday. I wish that the anti-vaccination people would read just a bit of the history of the great public health victories. Polio, Chicken Pox, TB, smallpox and a dozen or more serious diseases have been eliminated or brought under control through national vaccination and quarantine programs.

Richard D. Kocal seems a bit confused. Although elected officials uphold the Constitution, the courts interpret it. The whole purpose of the Supreme Court is judicial review, and Article III established the court to do just that. The courts since John Jay and John Marshall have always interpreted the Constitution and Congress has always written laws which needed to be checked to make sure they were Constitutional. So what's the problem?

He also asked "Does he not see tyranny raising its ugly head again?" What is he talking about? Could we have some examples please? He also defends carrying guns to rallies. Why? To intimidate others? In a nation that is infamous for assassinating its leaders, it's frightening, downright scary, to think that there are armed and angry men saying it's time to take back our country and that we need a second revolution attending rallies screaming about their Second Amendment rights. Surely, Richard Kocal reads the paper and reads the same stories I do. Just in today's paper he must have read the stories about the man who accidentally shot and killed his fiancee, thinking she was an intruder, and another story about a woman who was angry with her granddaughter's husband and shot and killed him.

Jane Carrell starts out with a bit of gratuitous name-calling, and then she mischaracterizes recent Congressional actions. She claims that Congress shares the president's views. If that were true, health care and C&T would be the law of the land by now.

She's also for a new political party, GOOOH. Which she also mischaracterizes. She says it doesn't have a party platform, but it does have a 100 question screening process. Seems to me that's the same as a platform. She says districts can elect anyone they want. What she doesn't say is that candidates have to pass the screening process. Their first goal, to replace the entire congress, sounds impractical, unnecessary and counterproductive. Their founder, Tim Cox, believes in the same old worn-out ideas of the far right. For example, on his blog he says: "I favor the smallest government and fewest regulations possible. I believe strongly in the right to bear arms. I am a Christian and believe we have the right to say a prayer before a football game or hang the Ten Commandments on any wall we choose. I favor lower tax rates. I do not want open borders. I believe school vouchers and a completely private school system would be better than a government controlled education system. I despise the Endangered Species Act and the way it is manipulated to prevent growth and progress. My core belief is that government tends to mess up just about everything it gets involved with."

Those ideas are not going to help us, have never helped us. One of the great ironies is that the right keeps calling for smaller and smaller government. We've been there. The Founding Fathers quickly discovered that The Articles of Confederation had established a government which was too weak and they had to quickly write the Constitution and form a new government. The size of the government has grown since to meet the needs of a growing and expanding country.

Both the right and the left correctly keep calling for a courteous discussion. It seems to me that we can't even begin until we are willing to agree to check our facts first and stop the name-calling. And we have to stop with the distractions. Worrying about guns, God and gays is not going to help us face and solve the real problems threatening our country.

Chuck Wemstrom

Mount Carroll

The Nation In Debt

Putting our nation a modest $3 billion dollars further in debt, "Cash for Clunkers" has been termed a great government success by some. The reality is that you cannot create wealth by destroying assets. If that were true, this misguided program would have been expanded exponentially, and we would be breaking windows in our houses just to create jobs.

Wealth is created by making better products at a better price. Henry Ford produced automobiles faster and cheaper while increasing worker's pay and increasing American mobility. The Rockefellers created the fuel and lubricants to propel America into the modern world. In recent years, Bill Gates improved an operating system that made it possible for the average person to use a computer at home.

Meanwhile, we are impoverishing ourselves by destroying functioning automobiles. This program has subsidized those who can afford to purchase a new car; will create shortages in the used parts market; and will increase the cost of the remaining used cars for those who are least able to afford transportation. How many cash-strapped municipalities could have used some of these vehicles? Never underestimate the ability of government to turn gold into lead.

Sincerely,

William J. Lee

815.624.8856

Yorkistrose@Charter.net

Coaching By Name

"Mom, I joined the junior tackle football team" Those very words said by my son struck dread in the pit of my stomach. Over the years, I have seen parents disillusioned and children's self-esteem and confidence shattered by a few of the coaches in this area. For this reason, I have always gently steered my children toward individualized sports or extra curricular activities. Now I would soon join the ranks with all the other disheartened parents.

The first few days of practice in sixth grade went without a hitch. "Mom, we were trying out for positions today at football practice." "That's nice" I replied only half listening. "Mom, two of my friends wanted to try out for quarterback, but the coach said they could not." "Why is this?" my son asked. Now he had my full attention. I stood there in shock with my heart racing because I knew where this was leading. I gathered all my wavering courage and asked "The Question" "Honey, who is quarterback? "The coach's son" my son replied. "Now what am I going to tell my son?" Do I tell him the cold hard truth? On the other hand, do I sugar coat reality and fabricate a tale?

Sixth grade season became a learning experience for me along with other numerous parents. I figured the children were just trying to understand the fundamentals of football, as was I. I questioned my husband and son repeatedly trying to comprehend this sport. I observed that the three coaches' sons and the parent's sons who spent the game at the sideline consumed the majority of the field time. The rest of the team spent the bulk of the game standing patiently along the bench, each hoping the coach would send them in to play. I tried to overlook this blatant favoritism and enjoy the feeling of pride each time my son or another made a touch down while struggling to ignore the disappointed faces of the forgotten team members. I told myself it would get better next year when hopefully there would be different coaches training our children and teaching them the concept of teamwork. After all, this is only junior high football, not the NFL.

The start of seventh grade football season brought even more alarm and apprehension than last year. My son came home and announced he had the very same coaches as sixth grade. The first two games were easily won with the coaches' sons and comrades while again the bulk of the children sat idly on the bench with longing expressions pasted on their face. Now I decided, I would have to tell my son the truth about unfairness. My husband and I watched the games half-heartedly contemplating what will happen when the kids have to play a well-tuned team. The game in question came the next week.

The game started routinely, but quickly our team lost their edge and the opponents were ahead. The coaches were going to have to make a decision. Do they put in some of their better players? Or do they take the loss and keep their sons playing the game? Well, as you already know the answer but I will tell you anyway. The coaches decided to break their winning streak. I sat their stunned, not really believing what just had happened. How could my tax dollars condone such behavior toward children? The coach tried to placate the other players by telling them the "2nd string" would get to play next game since they were playing the worst team of the season. WoW! Let us just tell our children they are losers and they do not deserve to play.

The next game, with "2nd string" starting brought awe and inspiration to all parents watching the game with rapt attention. The kids were fantastic. Where did all this talent come from? I even caught my self-asking another parent a few players' numbers since I was astounded at the players' aptitude. The excitement was so contagious it drove parents and family to shout encouragements louder than I had heard at any other game. Then the second half of the game started. The "named" players replaced the "2nd string" and the crowd quieted down. I could see the look of confusion on parents' faces, as the "named" players did not even come close to the talent I had just witnessed thirty minutes ago.

Do coaches and parents realize the profound influence they have on a child's future? What if children start believing they are always second best and just give up trying to attain their dreams? Can coaches justify demeaning a child's self worth for gain of their son's glory? Who gives them the right to decide that their child is more important than another? I thought a football team consisted of more than three players. Doesn't it? How many children have quit sports because of self serving coaches who refused to nurture a talent because he did not have the right "name" or come from the right side of the tracks? Did the coaches bypass the next Brett Farve or Walter Payton? Some children will never be given the chance to reach their full potential and go on to be "Great" in anything because they ended up with the "wrong" coach.

Numerous friends of mine informed me this was how "team" sports were played and only the "named" kids were allowed playing time. They also said no one could change it. Well they are wrong on that account. We as taxpayers and parents have this right bestowed upon us and we can change the wrong being done to the children. There are only really two choices here. We keep allowing the degradation of our children's self esteem or we put our foot down and say "enough is enough". I know what route I intend to take. Do you?

Shawni and

Donald Groezinger

Lanark, IL

National Friends of Libraries Week

October 18-24, 2009, is National Friends of Libraries week making it a good time to publicly thank the Friends of the Lanark Library who contribute so much of their time and expertise to significantly enhance our services. Our Friends group began in 2005 and over the course of the past four years they have donated money to cover the costs of children's programming and awards, special collections, and equipment. Join us for a tailgate supper Oct 21 being at 4pm in the downtown plaza to celebrate Eastland/PC Homecoming. A partnership of the Friends, Library Board and Chamber of Commerce will host the cookout and the proceeds directed to the Lanark Library for the purchase of non-fiction books.

November 13 and 14 the Friends will be part of the Lanark/Mt Carroll Holiday Shop Hop. They will offer Pie Plus on Friday and Saturday at the Lanark United Methodist Church, 405 E Locust St, Lanark from 9-4. A used book sale will feature gently used books for holiday regifting. Red canvas Friends of the LPL book bags make great gift bags. Book donations can be delivered to the LPL before November 13.

The Lanark Library strives to be a community resource. Our Friends group is a source of pride as well. I hope this week everyone will visit the library to find out how they can join and support this outstanding group.

Sincerely,

Janie Dollinger

Lanark Public Library Director

Deer Season

I thought you or someone you know might be interested in some of the recent changes in Illinois' deer hunting laws. These changes are intended to lengthen the deer hunting season for sportsmen. They are more hunter-friendly and will provide an opportunity for more deer to be harvested.

The fall deer season began on October 1, with archery hunters taking the first crack at the herd. The seasons are:

- Archery - October 1 - January 17;

- Youth - October 10 - 11;

- Firearm season - November 20-22 and December 3-6;

- Muzzleloader only - December 11-13;

- Late Winter - December 31 - January 3 and January 15-17.

Deer permits that remain after the daily drawing period will be available for over-the-counter sales on October 20. Hunters will be able to purchase these licenses through the Department of Natural Resources and approved retailers.

As you know, hunting can be a dangerous sport. It is important that all young and new hunters go through a safety education course. I hope our Illinois hunters will have a safe and bountiful season.

A link to deer season information and hunters' safety education materials can be found on my website: http://www.DanRutherford.com

Sincerely,

Dan Rutherford

State Senator

Publisher's Note: You can meet Sen. Rutherford, candidate for Illinois State Treasurer, this month, as he will be the guest speaker at the Carroll County Republican Roundup on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Buck's Barn in Thomson.

Misplaced Sentiments

I couldn't help reflecting after reading Richard O'Connor's letter to the editor in the Prairie Advocate of Oct.14, 2009 that while his praise of small government was clearly heart felt it was misplaced in a world faced with very large complex problems.

As much as I wish we could get by with small government the truth is that small governments lack the power, expertise and resources needed to deal with such problems as international corporations, global warming and global disease. The fact that large governments some times fail to meet our expectations does not mean that small weak governments are the answer.

Our Founding Fathers created the United States in part to prevent conflicts arising between the states by regulating their relationships. In a world of large if not huge nation states such as India and China small governments, as charming an idea as they may be, are simply inadequate and incapable of protecting and promoting our interests.

Lyle Sykora

Lake Carroll, IL

Capitol Report

By Jim Sacia, State Representative, 89th District

The tremendous privilege to speak at so many functions throughout our area is an honor that I treasure. Such was the opportunity afforded me by Dale Mc Call of VietNow to attend an outdoor dedication last Saturday. You will recall that Saturday, October 10th was our first blast of approaching winter, and snowflakes were blowing sideways as veterans and civilians huddled for the ceremony. Oh, I was on time, but I was in the wrong town. I was at the Veterans Memorial in Hanover. Those shivering were gathered at Elizabeth. After a phone call to Dale, I arrived fifteen minutes late. The speech was a privilege. My tardiness was unacceptable, and I apologize sincerely to those gathered for the event.

As I write this, it is Wednesday, October 14th, and Veto Session is in full swing in Springfield. The House Criminal Law Committee met this morning to deal with an amendment to Senate Bill 1812 which enhances the penalty from a Class 4 to a Class 2 Felony for gang members caught in possession of a firearm. The new Class 2 Felony classification mandates a minimum of three years in prison for those convicted.

The bill was presented by my good friend Eddie Acevedo (D-Chicago), himself a Chicago police officer. The legislation is an initiative of the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and is based on the slaying of Chicago Police Officer Alejandro Valadez who was gunned down in the early morning hours of June 1, 2009, by a gang leader on probation for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Eddie was a personal friend of Officer Valadez and I applaud his legislation.

It is hard to imagine here in Northwest Illinois that in the City of Chicago there are 79 documented street gangs with 80,000 identified members. The 13,000 sworn police officers in that city fight a constant uphill battle against violence and I so applaud their vigilance and dedication.

I sit on a newly formed bi-partisan Task Force on Government Reform and Spending Reduction, which met for the first time this week. It's a nice sounding name, and forty of us in the House volunteered to be members. The question is: can we accomplish anything? Our goals are lofty and we all bring good ideas to the table. An unexpected benefit was a visit from Sheila Weinberg, the Founder and CEO for the Institute for Truth in Accounting headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois. No one questions the significant financial hole Illinois had found its way into. Sheila's organization advocates for fact-based accounting which makes perfect sense. The smoke and mirrors that we face yearly attempting to grasp our $59 billion budget desperately needs this fresh approach. Their Website is: www.truthinaccounting.org. I look forward to learning more and sharing with you.

As always, you can reach me, Sally or Barb at 815/232-0774 or e-mail us at jimsacia@aeroinc.net. You can also visit my website at www.jimsacia.com. It's always a pleasure to hear from you.

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