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Is Blagojevich Victim Of Witch Hunt? Illinois Conservative Leader Thinks So And So Do I

Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

After a quarter century of following politics, there are some canards that will never let you down.  For example, a good way to judge the character of an individual is to look at that individual's enemies.  Also, if some unsavory individuals are all unified against one person, there's probably something rotten in Denmark and I'm not talking about eggs or cheese.

Beleaguered Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has certainly fit the bill regarding some of these words of wisdom.  For a moment, let us look at those who are most zealous in their criticism of Blagojevich.

The leader of the pack in the race to impeach Blagojevich is Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Mike Madigan.  The Chicago-based Democrat--who many believe takes a back seat only to the leader of the Democratic machine in Chicago, Mayor Richard M. Daley--is one of Blagojevich's most ardent critics.  However, during what I can only call a surreal press conference on December 15th, Madigan laid out the guidelines for the impeachment process he is currently leading against the Illinois governor.  There were some interesting tidbits of information which provided a sidebar to Madigan's words on that winter day in the state Capitol.  The Speaker of the Illinois House said the impeachment committee would consist of legislators who had at least six years of experience in either the House or Senate.

Of course Madigan would make this a prerequisite for service on his impeachment committee.  Madigan wouldn't want to go into the process not being able to count on or control the way panel members would come down on Blagojevich.  After all, Madigan had other clams to dig that would result from getting rid of the current Democratic Governor.  Lisa Madigan, the Speaker's daughter and Illinois' Attorney General has had her heart set on moving into the Governor's mansion for more than a couple of years now.  But her daddy needed to find a way to clear the path for his little darlin' and Blagojevich's reckless conduct opened the door.

Now don't get me wrong.  I do not believe Blagojevich handled himself with integrity as revealed on Patrick Fitzgerald's many wire taps.  But let's not forget that's how business is done in Illinois and the only thing that is shocking is the fact the public had a chance to listen in on what some think was a regular day of business inside the seamy world of the Daley Democratic machine or, as it is now referred to, the Chicago way.

And one more point about Lisa Madigan.  Does anyone else think she should have recused herself from taking any role in the investigation of Blagojevich?  I know it's a wild thought for those who are used to Illinois politics, but...

Now here's one piece of speculation that might shock you.  Could it be possible Blagojevich was a reformer and by taking this role he ran afoul of the powerful entities which control Illinois politics, both Democrat and Republican.  For those of you who reside outside Illinois' borders, long ago the state was unofficially divvied-up between the Democratic machine and what some call the Republican combine.  Chicago and some of the collar counties were designated possessions of the Democratic Party, while the Republican political machine--headed up by former GOP Governor "Big Jim" Thompson--controlled the rest of the state.  If Blagojevich had the audacity to buck both of these entities, he was bound to make enemies of the most powerful kind.

"It's a running battle between the state legislature and the Governor's office," said Bob Redfern, president of the Illinois Forum, a public policy group.  "This has happened before in Illinois history and it's happening again.  Things are not as cut and dry as they may seem."

Earlier this week, Blagojevich joined forces with former state Senator Bobby Rush (D) and appointed well-respected Roland Burris (D) to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.  By the way, Obama--as the Democratic machine's candidate--defeated Rush for the state Senate just a few short years ago.

The appointment of Burris by Blagojevich was widely criticized by the usual suspects, even though the former Illinois Attorney General and Comptroller is a man of great integrity.  However, integrity and quality of service to the state is not a prerequisite for those who wanted Obama's seat to go to one of their own and they have vowed to stop Burris from sitting in the Senate.

"Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White doesn't have the Constitutional right or power to keep Roland Burris from being certified as a member of the U.S. Senate and neither does Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid," Redfern continued.  "Who is Harry Reid to condemn anybody?  Reed needs to worry about taking care of the country's business, instead of dabbling in Illinois inside politics.  I hope Blagojevich sticks it out and this thing is handled according to the rule of law."

If Blagojevich is not a reformer, he certainly is a thorn in the side of those who feel Illinois is their own private political playground, Obama included.  Like Redfern, I believe Blagojevich should stick it out for as long as possible.  Let's see what skeletons falls out of that Illinois political closet.  Perhaps Blagojevich deserves to be impeached and convicted of a crime.  But I asked Madigan if the Governor was merely guilty of being a bad politician.  Madigan's convoluted answer did not satisfy me and it should not due for others.

After all, two years ago the Illinois Speaker of the House chaired Blagojevich's reelection bid.  However, during that Dec. 15th press conference, Madigan had the audacity to say he's been a critic of Blagojevich for nearly six years.  Perhaps the old cliché regarding something being rotten in Denmark is not apropos concerning the Blagojevich situation.  In reality, a better description of what's going on in Illinois might include something like "this is what you get when you have the foxes guarding the henhouse."

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Is Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty Allowing Franken to Steal U.S. Senate Seat?

Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza

You might ask how does another Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate impact me.  Why should anyone care, except for the people of Minnesota, if Al Franken (D) steals the election from incumbent U.S. Senator Norm Coleman (R).  The answer to these questions are very simple.  Each time the Democratic Party gets closer to a filibuster-proof majority in the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives, it matters to all Americans.  And partly in thanks to Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (R), funny man Al Franken seems like he's about to put the Democrats one vote closer to that magic mark of 60.

The current recount has Franken leading Coleman by just over 40 votes in the Minnesota U.S. Senate recount with both sides debating whether or not a few thousand absentee ballots should be included in the tally.  Coleman ended election day leading Franken by nearly 300 votes.  But with the help of creative counting, Franken has whittled Coleman's lead away to the point where the former Saturday Night Live cast member now leads.

While all this has been going on, Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty has been sitting on his hands, as the Democratic Secretary of State commits mid-day thievery.  Pawlenty--who until now was considered a rising star in the Republican Party--may end up damaging America beyond repair.  Instead of crying foul and calling the national media to his state, Pawlenty has promised a fair process regarding the Coleman/Franken recount.

The question is why would Pawlenty let a fellow Republican go down to defeat while doing nothing to preserve the integrity of the political process in Minnesota.  Some think, with Coleman's defeat, Pawlenty will become an even bigger fish in the small Minnesota pond which he resides.  Others say Pawlenty has allowed Franken's thievery to take place in order to maintain a positive image of Minnesota.  In other words, Pawlenty is trying to convince the rest of the country that his state is above the political high-jinks that goes on in other localities, like New Jersey and Illinois.

This would be all well and good if the results of the Senate race only impacted the people of Minnesota.  I could care less if these people from the frozen north want to lie in their own mess.  But, as previously stated, what happens in Minnesota will have a significant impact on how president-elect Barack Obama governs America for the next four years.  For once the press can't be blamed here.  Well, they could because it shouldn't take a call from Pawlenty for the media to do its job properly.  However, as we all know, the mainstream press isn't going to do the Republican Party any favors and if Coleman goes down to defeat in virtual silence there will be no tears from the Fourth Estate.

That is why Pawlenty should be screaming from the tops of one of the many pine trees in Minnesota, crying foul and calling for a greater spotlight to be cast upon what can only be called a political farce.

At one time, Pawlenty was being considered as John McCain's possible running mate.  If he lets Coleman go down to defeat, Pawlenty should forget about a future in national politics and remain that big fish in a small pond.

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Springfield Nativity Scene Committee Wishes All A Merry Christmas

The entire Springfield, Illinois Nativity Scene Committee would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

 

 

Click here for an audio/video card produced by David Spencer of the Springfield State Journal-Register:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCChvKTHS1M 

 

God bless,

 

Tom Brejcha

Eunice Conn

Karl Fritz

Pastor Dustin Fulton

Dan Gura

state Sen. Chris Lauzen

Arlene Sawicki

Julie Zanoza

Dan Zanoza, Chairman

IL Secy. of State Allows Symbol of Fictional Holiday Festivus to Join Nativity Scene & Menorah in State Capitol by Dan Gura

RFFM.org NEWS

 

Springfield, IL  --  Earlier this week, an 18 year old man from Springfield was allowed to put up a symbol at the State Capitol Building Rotunda in recognition of a fictional holiday.  Michael Tennenhouse applied for and received a permit from the office of Jesse White, Illinois' Secretary of State.  White's office is responsible for issuing permits to groups who desire to participate in a public forum inside Illinois' state Capitol building.

 

Tennenhouse claims he sought permission from White's office to honor something called "Festivus" which was a story line from an episode of the Jerry Seinfeld show.  One of the Seinfeld characters came up with the idea of Festivus as a celebration of nothing, supposedly in protest of the commercialization of Christmas.  Tennenhouse also said he put up the pole which sits in a Christmas tree stand in response to the controversy over a Nativity scene, Menorah and a sign that was put up by a group of atheists in the Capitol Rotunda earlier this month.

 

"It's the theater of the absurd," said Daniel Zanoza, Chairman of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee.  "I'm very disappointed with the Secretary of State's office.  They are supposed to be the 'gate keepers' regarding control of the Rotunda Building space.  According to this latest farce, the message sent from Jesse White is that anything goes.  I suppose since our government is fraught with corruption, I could put a mop and a bucket in the Capitol Building and receive a permit because it would symbolize that our state government needs a good cleaning."

 

The Springfield Nativity Scene Committee collected private donations to purchase a three-piece set which depicted the birth of Jesus Christ to celebrate the state and federal holiday of Christmas.  Shortly afterward, a sign disparaging all religions joined the manger scene in the center of the state Capitol Rotunda.  Finally, a Menorah was erected by a Jewish group to commemorate Hanukkah.  All the displays are near what White's office calls a "holiday" tree at the center of the Rotunda space.

 

"It's nihilism," said Zanoza.  "This demonstrates that there are those who want to tear down any symbolism or tradition which celebrates the Judeo-Christian heritage which most people in America adhere to.  White's office does not seem to understand that not all speech is protected.  You can't yell 'fire!' in a crowded theater and you can't scream obscenities into an open window of a house of worship.  At least the sign from the atheists group presents some sort of a message.  The Festivus symbol should be put in a corner where White's office originally placed the Nativity scene.  It took me six months to get a permit from the Secretary of State, but it seems the Secretary of State's office is cranking permits out like there's no tomorrow and it's one more sad statement about Illinois.  Jesse White needs to get a back bone because it's obvious he has lost his.  So, I guess the message is 'come one, come all,' no matter how ridiculous your message is.  It's turning into a circus and White wants to be the ring master.  Very sad."

 

The sign from the atheist group was stolen early last week, but the group replaced it on Monday and added a religious warning saying "Thou shalt not steal."

 

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Franken to Kennedy, from Minnesota to New York, Senate Madness

U.S. Senate Turning into Celebrity Star Search by Daniel Zanoza, Executive Director 

 

First of all, I would like to propose a bail-out be given to the voters in Minnesota.  It might sound like I'm a little off track here, but let me explain.  Obviously, the land of a thousand lakes--or a million lakes or whatever--is suffering from a huge deficit.  No, I'm not talking about the fiscal kind, I'm referring to a lack of common sense which was made evident by that state's attempt to elect so-called comedian Al Franken to the U.S. Senate.

 

When I first heard Franken was running against incumbent Norm Coleman, I thought it was a joke.  Forgive me, but Franken is an idiot.  He has no credentials that would lead anyone to believe this former member of the Saturday Night Live cast is qualified to hold one of the most important seats in U.S. government.

 

Therefore, I am proposing a quick infusion of common sense into the state of Minnesota.  Perhaps we can do it through the drinking water or with an aerosol spray.  But it's clear the arctic cold has numbed some parts of the brain which lead to cognitive thinking up there and these people need our help as soon as possible.

 

It is conceivable the whole situation may become moot unless the Democratic Party is allowed to steal the election away from Coleman.  A recount of the November 5th vote indicated Coleman had won for a second time, but absentee ballots keep popping up in the trunks of cars, on the bottom of frozen lakes and stuck to the shoes of Minnesota's Democratic Secretary of State.  Franken may make it to the Senate yet.

 

The influx of celebrities into the U.S. Senate seems to be a fast-growing trend.  Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, is the frontrunner for Hillary Clinton's soon to be vacated Senate seat in New York.  And, folks, believe it or not, Fran Drescher's name has also popped up as a possible replacement for the former First Lady.

 

It's madness.  Thankfully, a Democrat has stepped up in the Empire State and appealed for sanity as he brought up Caroline Kennedy's lack of credentials.  However, don't expect these words to have any impact because we are living in a society where celebrity rules.

 

No wonder our political leaders are so lacking in what it takes to govern.  Earlier, some may have believed I was picking on the state of Minnesota for the Franken fiasco.  After all, isn't New York doing the same thing?  But you have to remember Minnesota also elected the head-shaved, fuzzy boa-wearing Jesse "The Body" Ventura as Governor just a few short years ago.

 

It didn't take Ventura long to prove he was the victim of one too many pile-drivers during his professional wrestling career and the wacky Gov was sent packing.  I guess a few people have escaped the impact of the numbing cold.

 

Of course, there is Arnold Schwarzenegger who is out there in California.  But again, he is a Governor, not a member of what is supposed to be the most sober body in the legislative branch of our federal government.  The "crazies" are supposed to be in the U.S. House of Representatives.  This body sends fruitcake bills over to the Senate.  Respectable and prudent members who represent that body will make everything right by leveling out the bumps with thoughtful debate and responsible actions.  At least that's the way it's supposed to be.

 

Can you just see it?  Al Franken joining forces with Fran Drescher, introducing a bill to make Hollywood the honorary capitol of the United States.

 

Subsequently, since Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's plan to sell president-elect Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat to the highest bidder was foiled by the feds, I have some nominees in mind for the land of Lincoln.  Perhaps Carrot Top would fit in nicely on Capitol Hill.  Let's not forget Gilbert Gottfried, he might offer up some splendid oratory in the Senate as well.

 

Seriously, is it any wonder we are handing out billions of dollars of bail-outs like there's no tomorrow.  And there probably isn't.

 

America is at a crisis.  Our culture apparently has no soul.  Fifteen minutes of fame has become the objective of many in our society.  Some predict America will not be a major power in the world just a short 50 years down the road.  I used to think this was madness, but now I think madness has infiltrated the thought process of our entire nation, from government to big business.  Perhaps there are those who want it this way.  If so, they are winning the day.

 

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Springfield Nativity Scene Committee Chairman guest of Bob Dutko 103.5 FM Detroit at 11:30 AM Central time today

 

Today, Dan Zanoza, Chairman of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee, will be interviewed by Bob Dutko of WMUZ FM Radio in Detroit, Michigan at 11:30 A.M. Central time. 

 

Zanoza will discuss the Springfield, Illinois Nativity scene which now stands in that state's Capitol building Rotunda.  Zanoza will also discuss the theft of an atheist sign which was on exhibit near the manger scene.  On Tuesday morning, the Secretary of State's office announced the theft of the sign put up by a group which calls itself the Freedom From Religion Foundation which is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin.

 

Those in the Detroit area can listen to the program live on 103.5 FM.  The interview can also be streamed through the Internet by going to http://www.wmuz.com/

 

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Springfield Nativity Scene Committee Chairman Says Theft of Atheist Signage from State Capitol Unfortunate

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- According to a spokesman for Jesse White, the Illinois Secretary of State, a sign posted by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), was stolen from the state Capitol building Rotunda sometime between 9:45 P.M. Monday and 7 A.M. Tuesday.  The sign--which disparaged those who believe in religion or have personal faith--was placed in the Illinois Capitol building in reaction to a Nativity scene that was sponsored by the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) and donations from the public.

 

"It is truly unfortunate that someone decided to express their displeasure with the disturbing sign by stealing it," said Daniel Zanoza, Chairman of the SNSC.  "Of course, our entire committee would encourage the return of the sign to its rightful owners.  Judeo-Christian teachings tell us 'Thou shalt not steal' through the Ten Commandments.  I know SNSC members are in unison in their condemnation of this act."

 

Recently, some pro-family groups have been critical of the Secretary of State's office for placing the FFRF sign in close proximity to the Nativity scene and the so-called "holiday" tree which stand at the center of the Rotunda.

 

Dave Smith, Executive Director of the Illinois Family Institute, says he knows of at least 400 e-mails or calls that have come into the Secretary of State's office with complaints about the atheist sign's location in reaction to a story Smith wrote on the subject last Monday.  [IFI E-Alert: Atheists Attack Religious Displays in Springfield http://www.illinoisfamily.org/news/contentview.asp?c=34177]

 

"Yes, I do think the atheist sign and its message should have been separated from the positive religious images," said Zanoza.  "I also take umbrage at the suggestion made by this atheist group that Christians in our group or individually had something to do with the stealing of the sign.  It's a slanderous comment and I believe an apology should be forthcoming.  I also find it amazing that this group is now going to use words from Scripture to discourage further theft in the future.  Where I come from it's called hypocrisy, but they may call it something else in Madison, Wisconsin from where this group hails."

 

A spokesman for the FFRF reportedly said the words "Thou shalt not steal" will be included on a replacement sign.

 

The Nativity scene went on display December 2nd and will stand in the Capitol Building Rotunda through December 28th.

 

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President-elect Obama: Hands Off Patrick Fitzgerald

U.S. Attorney for Illinois' Northern District Should Stay Right Where He Is

 

by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director  

 

Patrick Fitzgerald, the U.S. attorney for Illinois' Northern District first achieved national prominence when he was appointed special prosecutor in the investigation of the so-called "outing" of CIA operative Valerie Plame.  Fitzgerald brought charges against White House insider Scooter Libby, but most would agree the call for the prosecution of Libby was driven by politics and Fitzgerald was simply doing the job he was given.

 

Fitzgerald, who was first appointed to his position in Illinois by then-U.S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald (no relation), has done an outstanding job rooting out political corruption for nearly a decade, no matter in what Party he found it.

 

Fitzgerald's list of accomplishments regarding the fight against Illinois-style political corruption is lengthy.  Perhaps his biggest catch was former Governor George Ryan who now sits in a federal prison after being convicted of numerous charges related to the abuse of his office.

 

Indeed, the name Fitzgerald strikes fear into the hearts of Illinois politicians, including those in the vaunted Daley Machine and those who remain from the "Republican Combine".  However, such success has its drawbacks.  There are individuals who would like to see Fitzgerald disappear from the caverns of Illinois justice and the sooner, the better.

 

Now, I'm not talking about a criminal plot that would bring harm to the U.S. Attorney.  I'm referring to those who would like to see Fitzgerald go away because they have the most to lose if Fitzgerald pulls more criminal indictments out of his legal hat.  I'm sure Mayor Richard M. Daley would be included in this group who would like to see Fitzgerald take a nice long vacation from his prosecutorial duties.  Former Governor "Big Jim" Thompson probably wouldn't mind seeing Fitzgerald go on a Titanic-like cruise aboard a ship to nowhere and his crony, former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar's head would be sticking right out of Thompson's pocket, echoing the same sentiments.

 

Of course, there is the well-respected Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, Mike Madigan, who would like to be on Navy Pier waving a scarf in farewell to Fitzgerald and he would be joined by his vivacious daughter Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.  Can't you hear Speaker Madigan introducing Lisa?  "My daughter, my Attorney General, my daughter, my Governor..."  Oh well, you get the idea and for those of you who don't, Lisa Madigan has been one of the most outspoken critics of maligned Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.  But you may not have heard Ms. Madigan was seeking Blagojevich's job and planned to run against him in 2010.  Does anyone else think Ms. Madigan should recuse herself from an investigation into the Blagojevich affair besides me?  "My daughter, my prosecutor, my daughter, my governor..."  But that's the incestuous nature of Illinois politics.

 

However, there is one man I haven't mentioned so far and this individual has the power to grant every one of the above the best present they could ever get for Christmas...the removal of Patrick Fitzgerald as the lead federal prosecutor in Illinois.

 

Of course, I'm talking about Barack Obama.  The rumblings have already began.  Did Fitzgerald say too much about Illinois corruption during his press conference when the case against Blagojevich was first revealed to the public?  Yes, I know, this criticism sounds very flimsy, but there are those who will grasp at any straw to get Fitzgerald removed, especially if it helps protect Obama, the media's darling.  This includes those in the Chicago press who have learned to benefit from the political shell game which defines Illinois politics.

 

There might be another route being planned out for Fitzgerald.  They might try to love him to death.  Obama may decide to give Fitzgerald a nice, juicy promotion.  Kick him upstairs, so to speak, where Fitzgerald can't do any harm.  Perhaps Obama might appoint Fitzgerald to be an assistant of yet to be confirmed Attorney General Eric Holder or something of the sort.  After all, one of Obama's closest buddies and real estate confidants Antoin "Tony" Rezko has already been snagged by the feds and Rezko is supposed to be singing like the Bird Man of Alcatraz's ... birds.

 

No, Mr. Obama, don't try it.  You frequently used the word transparency during your election run and that word would be applicable if Mr. Fitzgerald were suddenly needed elsewhere.  That's right, everyone would see through this ploy:  It would truly be transparent.

 

We need Patrick Fitzgerald right where he is, Mr. President-elect.  You are about to give the entire nation a lesson in Illinois-style politics.  And until a special investigator is needed to investigate you, Mr. Fitzgerald looks very good right where he is, thank you very much.

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Choir Performing at Site of Springfield Nativity Scene Wows Overflow Crowd at Capitol, Despite Presence of Offensive Atheist Signage

RFFM.org News by Dan Gura

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS -- Nearly 20 members of a choir--which calls itself the Joyful Senior Singers & Ringers--performed in the Illinois state Capitol Building on December 9th.  Hailing from the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur, the unique group of musicians and vocalists, consisting solely of senior citizens, performed near an historic privately-sponsored Nativity scene which has been on display in Illinois' Statehouse since December 2nd.

There was no official estimate, but those present said the Capitol Rotunda crowd was huge.  "What a wonderful experience," said Marian Blankenship, a spokesman and member of the choir.  "We didn't even use a PA system, yet 16 people sounded like a 100 member choir."

A rendition of "O Holy Night" nearly brought down the house.  And the audience, which surrounded the Rotunda space on all five levels was highly responsive, as the choir performed between 12 noon and 1 P.M. near the recently commemorated Springfield Nativity scene.

"What a joy," said Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) Chairman, Daniel Zanoza.  "My heart nearly burst with joy when I heard about the day's events.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend, but truly this is why so many dedicated people worked so hard to see a representation of Christ's birth standing in the state Capitol.  It truly reflected the spirit of the season."

Choir members were also taken on a tour of the Capitol Building complex before their concert.  This was the third in a series of musical revues meant to celebrate the Christmas season and the Nativity scene.

For some, the only fly in the ointment was the presence of a denigrating sign put up by an organization which calls itself the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF).  Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, the FFRF is the same group which caused controversy in the state of Washington after erecting a sign with identical wording which, according to many, is meant to insult the faith of Christians, Jews, Muslims and any individual who believes in a power higher than themselves.

"The juxtaposition of the two displays is telling," said Zanoza.  "The Nativity scene and accompanying plaque, proclaims love for one's neighbor and a prayer for hope and peace in accordance with Christ's message.  On the other hand, the message on the FFRF sign is designed to antagonize and belittle the faith of others.  A group that claims to seek equality and tolerance clearly demonstrates intolerance.  I am disappointed the sign is located where it is, but I guess it has a right to be there."

Some Constitutional scholars say there may be an issue of propriety regarding the placing of the atheist sign.  A Menorah which also now stands in the Capitol Building shares the message of hope and good will cited Zanoza, while the FFRF message is hardly appropriate in its placement among the Nativity scene, Menorah and the state's "holiday" tree.

A touching demonstration took place shortly after the Joyful Senior Singers & Ringers concluded their performance.  "After the program, we gathered around the negative sign and prayed," said Blankenship.  "It was certainly the conclusion of a day we will all remember for the rest of our lives."

Any group interested in performing in the Illinois Capitol Rotunda can contact the SNSC by either calling the Chicago-based Thomas More Society at (312) 782-1680 or e-mail Dan Zanoza, SNSC Chairman, at: [email protected].

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Blagojevich, Daley, Obama: Peas From The Same Rotten Pod

by Daniel Zanoza, Executive Director   

 

If anyone believes Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich dreamed up all of this corruption which may now put him behind bars of a federal prison for many years, I have a bridge I'd like to sell them for a very low price. 

 

The fact is Blagojevich was weaned in a political cesspool which is centered in the city of Chicago.  Chicago politicians for the most part have been given a pass by many local journalists because if you didn't play along with the game and asked too many questions, your access to information would be cut off and the same could be said for your employment.  So, writers for the Chicago Sun-Times and the long bankrupt Chicago Tribune simply looked upon the city's one-party approach to government as business as usual.

 

Everyone who lives in or near Chicago understands this fact.  It's like a dirty little secret akin to the family that puts on airs for public consumption, but is torn asunder by private strife.  Let me take that back.  Chicago Machine politicians were corrupt and they didn't care who knew. 

 

If you didn't play the political game the correct way, as a resident your garbage might not get picked up.  Or if your Alderman bucked the Daley Machine, your Ward's streets would never see repair and you might not see much police presence either.  And Heaven forbid if you had the nerve to put up a Republican sign in your front yard.  The Lord only knows what would happen by demonstrating such blatant disregard for Big Brother.

 

However, we have primarily been talking about the everyday citizens of Chicago--up until now.  The real juicy wheeling and dealing takes place behind the huge doors of City Hall, in those now smoke-free back rooms where deals are cut, patronage is rewarded and nepotism is just a way of doing business.

 

Rod Blagojevich didn't learn how to be a crooked politician over night.  He was taught by the best of the lot and, for that matter, so was Barack Obama.  Blagojevich's only problem was he didn't play the game the way the Daley Machine wanted him to and some believe the beleaguered Illinois Governor was cast to the wolves, something like a human sacrifice without the blood and gore.

 

You see, Richard M. Daley was irked when Blagojevich didn't go along with the Chicago Mayor's plan to turn Lake Michigan's Navy Pier into the Las Vegas of the Midwest.  This combined with the fact Blagojevich refused to jump through Daley's political hoops every time he cracked his whip, led to some frosty relations within the Chicago Democratic Machine and when Richie gets mad at someone, heads will roll.  Even Blagojevich's own father-in-law, the very powerful 33rd Ward Alderman Dick Mell, rolled over on Blago. 

 

The incestuous Chicago political machinery was grinding Blagojevich to a pulp and the now indicted Illinois Governor must have felt like he had nowhere to turn.  His phone was tapped by the feds who obviously were tipped off by someone in the Democratic inner circle and Blago was served up like a Thanksgiving turkey with all the trimmings. 

 

Now Americans are expected to believe Barack Obama--who ran with this same pack of political wolves--had hands that were cleaner than a newborn babe.  Obama hardly knew convicted wheeler-dealer Antoin "Tony" Rezko.  Obama probably wouldn't be able to pick Blagojevich out of a line-up, if that's the way our political criminals were identified. 

 

Everyone who lives in Chicago knew how the game was played and all Obama's wide-eyed denials won't mislead us a bit.  Folks, that's the way things are done in Chicago and that's the way they have been done for years.

 

But there was one interesting aspect of the Blagojevich indictment that caught my attention.  Patrick Fitzgerald, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and the lead prosecutor in the case said there was a piece of legislation sitting on Blagojevich's desk awaiting the Governor's signing which was connected to a $100,000 contribution to the defendant's campaign fund.  Can someone please tell me what the thousands of lobbyists who work in Washington, D.C. and the capitols of every state in America do every day of the year?  Legislation is passed, campaign contributions are made, but nobody goes to jail or is even faintly accused by charges of impropriety.  I guess it's all how you play the game, isn't it? 

 

No, I am not excusing Rod Blagojevich's behavior.  I simply addressed the fact that Blagojevich learned how to play the game from the best in the business.  He was a sacrificial lamb, given up by forces which had him in their sights.

 

And one more thing.  The media should drop all the "aw shucks, what a tragedy" stuff.  You didn't have to live in Chicago to know it was a den of political thieves.  The national media is looking a bit pale right now because in their zealotry to get Barack Obama elected, there was very little vetting of a man who quickly rose through the ranks of the Chicago political machinery.

 

If the whole situation weren't so sad, it would be laughable.   

 

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