Political and Book Blog (another Reading on Walden Bookstore blog)

American Captain Richard Phillips is rescued and unharmed, three pirates killed

2009-04-12T10:16:00.000-05:00

In initial reports by CNN, Captain Richard Phillips was rescued and three pirates were killed.

The official said Capt. Richard Phillips is uninjured and in good condition, and that three of the four pirates were killed. The fourth pirate is in custody. Phillips was taken aboard the USS Bainbridge, a nearby naval warship.
Earlier Sunday afternoon Maersk Line Limited, owner of the Maersk Alabama, said the U.S. Navy informed the company that it had sighted Phillips in a lifeboat where pirates are holding him.
Phillips was spotted another time earlier in the day, the Navy said.
A man who answered the door at Phillips' home in Underhill, Vermont, told CNN's Stephanie Elam that the family has known the news for hours. He said details would have to come from Virginia, apparently referring to the home base of Maersk Line Limited, based in Norfolk, which owns the ship.

While details are sketchy at this time, this would appear to be a victory for the Obama Administration in its first foreign policy test. During the 2008 Presidential campaign, the criticism was often heard on Obama's ability to handle a crisis. We may have our answer. Chicago City Hall Examiner.

Jerry Hurckes is the best person to lead Oak Lawn as Mayor

2009-04-06T09:47:00.005-05:00

The village of Oak Lawn has gone through four years of a closed-door administration. An administration that has stacked the city payroll with friends that are not qualified for the positions they hold but simply there because of a friendship. This is no way to run a government.

In view of this and many other factors, it is time for a change in Oak Lawn. Election Day is this Tuesday, April 7th.

It is time for Jerry Hurckes for Mayor of Oak Lawn. Jerry Hurckes walks the line and does not duck confrontation or the issues. Jerry Hurckes hosts semi-annual Town Hall Meetings for his district residents and there is no reason to believe this will not continue when Jerry Hurckes is elected Mayor of Oak Lawn. Jerry Hurckes promises to deliver the accessibility to all other Oak Lawn taxpayers so that everyone’s voice is heard.

Jerry Hurckes publishes his home phone numbers and personal email addresses as his constituents of the 1st district know, making him the most accessible politician in Oak Lawn or any village anywhere. Jerry Hurckes has been known to show up at constituents doors to remove snow and rake leaves for constituents.

But Jerry Hurckes should not be supported just based on accessibility and his outreach to the community. That is important too, but where is he on the issues. Jerry Hurckes has the support of organized labor, starting in Oak Lawn with The Oak Lawn Professional Firefighters Association Local 3405. The union recently endorsed Jerry Hurckes for Mayor. The Union was a major supporter of the current Mayor in the last election but now have felt betrayed by him. The current Mayor supported a bill laying off three firefighters and Jerry Hurckes voted against the measure. He is also supported by Local No 150 International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Sprinkler Fitters Union Local 281, Teamsters Local 705 and a host of other labor support.

Jerry Hurckes also promises to end wasteful spending, seek common ground in negotiating, work hard to support existing businesses, and keep public safety at the top of our list of priorities. Jerry Hurckes also will continue to work hard for residents to solve flooding problems, repair and maintain roads — especially in winter — to support the Senior Center, Family Services, and other vital village services, and keep doors and phone lines open to all residents.

For these reasons, I am wholeheartedly endorsing Jerry Hurckes for Mayor of Oak Lawn, along with the Oak Lawn Leadership Team of Debbie Janicke (Clerk), Dan Geraghty, (Trustee District #2), Terry Vorderer (Trustee District #4), and Joe Conroy (Trustee District #6). Chicago City Hall Examiner.

Rod Blagojevich will be indicted later today

2009-04-02T14:17:00.003-06:00

The Chicago Sun Times is reporting that former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich will be indicted later today, Thursday, April 2nd. Replace text with your entry.

The U.S. Attorney’s office said this morning it plans to make an announcement about a “significant criminal matter’’ later today, which sources said is the indictment of ex-governor Rod Blagojevich. The indictment will likely be handed down within the next several hours.

Since Blagojevich's December 9th arrest, the former Governor has been on a media blitz including appearances on network morning news shows and late night talk shows. He also recently hosted his own radio show on WLS-AM, in which he took the opportunity to defend himself and to lash out at his political enemies.

Former Governor Blagojevich has also signed a book contract.

Disgraced former Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois is writing a book. The publisher, Phoenix Books, promises it to be a tell-all book with all the "behind-the-scenes dirt." The publisher reportedly paid Blagojevich a "six figure advance," although details were not revealed. The publisher, Michael Viner, said that he was fascinated by the Blagojevich saga.

"It's not been written yet, but conceptually, [it will focus on] the horse-trading that is done and considered throughout politicians' reigns, the choices they make and why they make them, and the influence of lobbying groups and other politicians have and how it affects how business is done," Viner said. "It's more than a story about one man."

Viner said he was "shocked" Blagojevich would be willing to take on such a project while facing the likelihood of a criminal trial, "but he believes in it that strongly."

"He's not coming out as a hero by any means. It's going to be a tough, true story," Viner said.

Lawyers typically advise clients against publishing a book or speaking out in public because it could jeopardize a client's defense. But nothing about Blagojevich is normal. He is hell bent on telling "his side of the story," and this book will continue to fuel the fire.

Blagojevich will have plenty of time in court to "tell his side of the story." Chicago City Hall Examiner.

For more info: Blagojevich puts the bite on Burris.

2009-03-24T10:10:00.000-06:00

My fellow Examiner from New Mexico, Kent McManigal, the Albuquerque Libertarian Examiner, reported that the New Mexico legislature has banned the death penalty. There is a national trend now developing opposing the death penalty. I applaud the New Mexico legislature and one of my favorite Democrats, Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM). It was decision that Governor Richardson acknowledged was a personal struggle.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Bill Richardson, who has supported capital punishment, signed legislation to repeal New Mexico's death penalty, calling it the "most difficult decision in my political life."
The new law replaces lethal injection with a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The repeal takes effect on July 1, and applies only to crimes committed after that date.
"Regardless of my personal opinion about the death penalty, I do not have confidence in the criminal justice system as it currently operates to be the final arbiter when it comes to who lives and who dies for their crime," Richardson said.

I can only hope that more of our Governors, Republicans and Democrats will see the light and do the right thing: abolish the death penalty. Chicago City Hall Examiner.

Roland Burris feels the pressure of fellow Democrats

2009-02-17T09:51:00.004-06:00

The chorus is growing louder against Senator Roland Burris. It is understandable when Republicans call for Burris to resign his United States Senate seat. And while only a handful of Democrats are calling for his resignation, many prominent Democrats are calling for Burris to come clean, including Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

Illinois Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan led a growing chorus of Democratic officials Monday calling for a deeper investigation of U.S. Sen. Roland Burris' explanation about how he was appointed by now-ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Burris has maintained there was nothing inconsistent between his testimony before state lawmakers and a recently filed affidavit outlining more extensive contact with Blagojevich insiders than he had previously disclosed. But Illinois Republicans pressed their call for a perjury investigation by the county prosecutor in Springfield and on Monday, Democrats expressed increasing discomfort over Burris' evolving explanation of efforts to get the seat.

"This is a particularly frustrating revelation," Madigan said of Burris' recent disclosure that he had contact with five Blagojevich insiders. "I encourage the Sangamon County state's attorney to take a closer look at this in the interest of truth, integrity and transparency."

Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) has also been calling for further investigations concerning Burris testimony before the Illinois House impeachment panel.

Franks called for a criminal investigation by Madigan or the Sangamon County prosecutor.

"Right now, certainly the main question is no longer about his political life, it's on life support because of this. It is now a question of whether there is a criminal aspect to this," Franks said.

In the coming days, more prominent Democrats will be putting the pressure on Burris to resign with threats of criminal prosecution. The fact is Burris deliberately lied to the Illinois House impeachment committee. He lied for one reason and one reason only: he wanted the job. So blinded by ambition that he would do anything or say anything to become a United States Senator. And that is shameful. Chicago City Hall Examiner.

For more info: Burris failed to pass the smell test. Burris must resign. Blagojevich puts the bite on Burris.

Senator Roland Burris must resign his seat

2009-02-16T22:05:00.001-06:00

Senator Roland Burris

United States Senator Roland Burris has had a wonderful political career. He has in many ways been a trailblazer for African-Americans seeking higher office. In 1978 he was elected as Illinois State Comptroller, being the first African American elected to statewide office. In 1990, he was elected to another statewide office as Illinois Attorney General.

He has always served in these positions with high honor and distinction. His integrity was always beyond question. He ran over the years for such other statewide offices as United States Senate in 1984, defeated by Senator Paul Simon. He ran for Governor of Illinois in 1994 and in 2002 and lost both times in the Democratic primary. He lost in 1995 against current Mayor Richard M. Daley. But always he was honorable and was revered by the citizens of Illinois in spite of these defeats.

Until now.

Senator Roland Burris must resign. He perjured himself before the Illinois House and brought disgrace unto himself and the state of Illinois. He also accepted a "loan" in the amount of 1.2 million from businessman Joseph Stroud and never repaid the "loan" begging the question, what type of payment was this. And now Illinois House Republicans want to pusue this matter of Burris testimony before them.

He then discussed with Robert Blagojevich campaign contributions to then Governor Rod Blagojevich, presumably in exchange for the appointment.

And he denied he ever discussed anything with Blagojevich. It is obvious why Burris lied. It was because he was blinded by ambition. To be a United States Senator is a great honor and unfortunately, it is an honor that Burris does not deserve in view of the facts.

And although Burris now acknowledges the fact that he was approached by Robert Blagojevich, it is too late, I believe. The damage has been done. He had an opportunity to square with the Illinois state house and the people of Illinois. But Senator Burris chose to lie instead.

And it is for those reasons Burris must go. ASAP. Chicago City Hall Examiner.

Blagojevich puts the bite on Roland Burris prior to naming him to the Senate

2009-02-15T09:02:00.002-06:00

The Chicago Sun-Times, in an exclusive report, said that former Governor Rod Blagojevich, through his brother Robert, tried to hold up Senator Burris for $10,000. This is not a surprising development in itself, but the problem could be a potentially large one for Burris because he initially failed to report this to the Illinois House in impeachment proceedings.

Burris acknowledged having three conversations with Robert Blagojevich, who headed the Friends of Blagojevich campaign fund -- and one of those was likely recorded by the FBI.

Burris' statement offers the third version of events he has given about his discussions concerning the Senate seat, to which Blagojevich appointed him in late December, after Blagojevich was hit with federal corruption charges that included an allegation he tried to sell the Senate appointment.

Burris said he sent the new statement to House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) after he read the transcript of his testimony before the impeachment committee she headed and realized it was incomplete. "There were several facts that I was not given the opportunity to make during my testimony," Burris said. "I voluntarily submitted an affidavit so everything was transparent."

The problem grows for Burris if he has any hope of winning an election to the United States Senate in 2010. Burris is expected to have several opponents in the Democratic primary, including Congressman Jan Schakowsky and Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. Both candidates are friends of President Barack Obama. Schakowsky was an early supporter of Obama in 2004. Her support and delivering of Evanston, is considered a key event in that campaign. And Giannoulias was also a key early supporter, organizing his community in the same 2004 election. Obama and Giannoulias often play basketball together.

WASHINGTON -- Newly appointed Sen. Roland Burris opened a campaign fund to raise money for a 2010 election bid as it looks like he may face a Democratic primary challenge: State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is mulling a Senate run, and Rep. Jan Schakowsky isn't ruling it out.

Trust me on this -- Giannoulias, who the ability to self-finance a campaign, is looking very closely at challenging Burris. Schakowsky is also considering her first statewide run. An issue for Burris -- in office for a week -- would be to explain to Illinois voters in the February 2010 Democratic Illinois primary why he took an appointment from the tainted Gov. Blagojevich.

And Burris may have other baggage too, having accepted a loan in the amount of 1.2 million in 2002 from businessman Joseph Stroud. And to top it all off, the loan was never repaid, begging the question, what does Burris owe this man.

Even if Burris survives the Democratic primary, he will be challenged by such possible Republican opponents as Congressman Mark Kirk.

Senator Burris will need to clean up his act quickly and make amends with the people of the state of Illinois if he expects to win his seat. Or he could just gracefully walk away. Chicago City Hall Examiner.

Governor Patrick Quinn is no caretaker

2009-02-01T10:06:00.001-06:00

Many years ago, back in the early 1980's, I was employed by Lerner Newspapers and vividly recall having a conversation with the then-publisher, the late Louis Lerner. Louie, as I knew him, told me that keep an eye out for this Pat Quinn guy. "He is a real up and comer and reform-minded and is going to be governor one day," Lou would gleefully tell me. At the time Quinn served on the Board of Tax Appeals and was pushing for "tax reform." That would be his mark, tax reform for the little guy. He was also instrumental in forming the Citizens Utility Board or CUB.

The point of this is that becoming the governor of Illinois for Patrick Quinn is the culmination of a dream come true. And now that he has become Governor Pat Quinn, there is no way he will let this go. And he made many political and personal alliances over the years that I believe will sustain him throughout the next two years and beyond: in 2010 when Patrick Quinn will run for and win election as the Governor of Illinois.

First, he will have a built-in alliance with veterans and veterans families for all the attention he has given them. Governor Patrick Quinn, as Lt.. Governor, attended every single funeral service for every soldier that died in the service of their country in Iraq. Veterans are a huge constituency and one that he will be able to build upon.

"I believe he's attended almost every single funeral of our Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans and that just goes to show you the soul of this man," said Roy Dolgos, former IL Veterans Affairs Director.

Governor Quinn will also address the Illinois budgetary shortfall and will likely raise the state income tax. He has great political cover in that he can blame former Governor Blagojevich's neglect in forcing his hand to raise taxes. He also announced today that he will meet regularly with the other constitutional state officers, all of whom have professed an interest at one time or another in becoming governor. Like most men, I love to quote the Godfather movie: "keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer."

No, Patrick Quinn has worked much too hard toward his dream of being governor all these many years and he will not let it slip away. Not without a fight.

World Music Company needs your help and generosity

2009-01-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

Donate to World Music Company today!

Greetings from World Music!

We’ve been an important part of the Beverly Community for more than 12 years. In that time, we’ve provided music instruction to thousands of youngsters and adults, hosted hundreds of concerts, conducted hundreds of music programs for schools. But we’re writing to introduce ourselves to people who may not know us and reacquaint ourselves with old friends. World Music has changed a lot in recent months:

• We’ve just completed our first year as a not-for-profit organization. We incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization to focus exclusively on our mission of keeping music alive in the hearts of Beverly area residents through music education, performances and in other ways. The change could not be more timely. The tough economy has forced many local schools to reduce budgets for music programs and our services are critical – not just for music lovers, but for anyone who wants to see their children excel in school. Countless studies show that music performance experience helps kids achieve higher SAT® scores, get better grades on standardized tests and become more mature adults.

• We’re trying to expand our services. Because of the budget cuts at area schools, we’re trying to make more music education available to area residents, and especially to offer our children as much opportunity as possible.

• We offer something for everyone. World Music provides private music lessons, but we offer much, much more. We have group lessons. We offer infant and toddler music classes for children up to 3 years old. Our Little Folkies Instrumental classes are designed for 4 to 8 year olds. We provide music and movement programs for children with disabilities. We have a matinee concert series for area schools. We have weekly jazz programs. We hold award-winning concerts every month. And, of course, we have twice-monthly “open stage” nights for budding performers.

• We’re launching a new look. In the next few days, we will be introducing a new World Music website at www.worldmusiccompany.org. It will include more information about us, our activities and our teachers. Visit it often for updated information about concerts and other events taking place at World Music, 1808 W. 103rd Street. Plus, we will be launching an electronic newsletter and starting other initiatives to keep you informed about all the things underway.

• We need your help. To serve the community during these challenging times, we need to supplement our operating budget, which has traditionally been funded by music lessons and fees. We need extra help to reach as many students as we can with as many programs as possible. Please consider making a contribution to World Music.

As a 501(c)(3), your donation or contribution may be tax deductible. And, if your company offers to match your donations, at $100 donation becomes a $200 donation.

You can donate online at www.worldmusiccompany.org (click the “Donate” button) or write a check to World Music; 1808 W. 103rd Street; Chicago, IL 60643.

Stay tuned for more news from World Music!

Help us Save the World by donating to World Music Company

2008-12-03T09:20:00.000-06:00

Please help us Save the WORLD and Keep it on our Community Map!

Donate to World Music Company today and keep the music going!

World Music Company, a not-for profit corporation, is a unique music school serving residents in Beverly and surrounding communities. Formerly World Folk Music Company, we have been serving these areas for eleven years. We have grown and evolved through the years from basic offerings such as guitar and piano instruction to a full-blown program that includes one-on-one and group instruction in string, brass, and woodwind instruments to name a few. In addition, World Music Company is committed to serving the needs of children with mild to profound disabilities through a music and movement program; scholarship opportunities are available to the economically challenged. Also, WMC sponsors top-name entertainment right in our own “community back yard”. Yes, the same acts showcased in Chicago’s near north nightclubs are on stage in the Art Thieme Concert hall throughout the year. The performance venue is intimate with outstanding sound engineering with terrific sight lines.

All this and more of these fine programs can only be found at World Music Company. But this one-of-a-kind Music School and Performance Venue is struggling to remain a viable part of the community. Tuition and fees, unfortunately, do not cover the costs of our programs and WMC relies on contributions from generous donors and friends. The economy has taken a tremendous toll on our operations that is causing us to face some very difficult decisions.

• How do we continue to offer music programs to children who may not find them in their local schools?
• How do we continue to offer music instruction on a variety of instruments that can only be found at the WMC?
• Do we eliminate the concert series that has provided the community with a “downtown experience” right in the neighborhood?

OR, the hardest question of all;

• How do we keep our doors open and avoid leaving the community without a full-fledged music school and concert venue?

It is dire and daunting, to say the least. The Staff and Board of Directors are committed to saving the World and putting the World on the community Map for years to come; but, we cannot do it alone. We need your help and it is most needed in the form of monetary donations. Please consider making a donation* for this worthy cause to help this special gem remain a viable part of our community.

If you would like to volunteer to assist with upcoming fundraising activities, please do not hesitate to contact one of our Board Members, or feel free to call WMC to express your thoughts and suggestions to advance our efforts, both musically and financially. Your continued support and goodwill is greatly appreciated. We couldn’t do it without you.

Please click here and donate today.

John Presta
WMC Board President

John Devens
WMC Executive Director

*World Music Company is a federally-recognized 501(C)(3) organization and contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

President Barack Obama, do I like the sound of that

2008-11-13T07:56:00.000-06:00

Barack Obama has been elected the 44th President of the United States and that has changed the world. Of course you could argue whether the change is good or bad, but nevertheless the world has changed. And I would argue for the better.

There is already evidence of the beginnings of an "Obama Bull Market Rally" or a shorter simpler version, "The Obama Rally." The Dow Jones Industrial average has risen over the past twelve trading days. Confidence is slowly but surely being restored in World Markets. Banks are lending to each other again.

And the world is excited. If the elections were held in almost any foreign country, Obama would have received 80% of the vote. That is a positive after these nearly eight destructive years of confrontational foreign policy.

And President-elect Barack Obama is just getting warmed up. Reading on Walden Bookstore.

Howard Dean can truly stand up and say, "Mission Accomplished"

2008-11-13T07:55:00.000-06:00

I was sad to learn that Howard Dean will not seek a second term as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. This was a great victory for Howard Dean whose ideas and implementation of those ideas that set the stage for the 2008 Presidential campaign. President-elect Barack Obama simply took it to a higher level, somewhere in the stratosphere.

On July 3, 2003 I had the privilege to join then State Senator Barack Obama in a parade in Evergreen Park, IL and while waiting for the parade to begin, Obama talked about this national phenomenon, Howard Dean. He was fascinated by the fundraising efforts on this new gadget, the internet. And he was also fascinated by this new social network, "meetup.com." None of us there understood it at the time or understood how it would fit into a campaign except that it would. Nate Tamarin, deputy campaign manager at the time for Obama's United States Senate race, took charge of this effort to take technology to a new level.

Shortly thereafter, the "Obama for Illinois" campaign formed a special committee of experts (all volunteers of course) to bring their internet expertise to the table.

When the Obama for Illinois campaign did sign onto "meetup.com," they had the largest number of members outside of a Presidential race. As I recall, groups were popping up and meeting on a regular basis in many Chicago area communities such as Hyde Park, Ravenswood, Oak Park, Oak Lawn. Dozens and dozens of groups started to form. Not overnight mind you, but a very steady climb that when election day rolled around in March of 2004, there were hundreds of groups formed and thousands had donated to the campaign. The groups were small at first and so were the donations. But eventually they grew and grew by multiplication.

And all this is a thank you to Howard Dean, outgoing Chairman of the DNC and great visionary. He saw what no one else saw way back when. He advocated a 50 state strategy and that was what he promised to do if he received the nomination. It has revolutionized the Democratic Party.

I will miss Howard Dean on the national stage, unless of course he is named to the Obama cabinet or has a prominent position there. I hope to meet him one day and shake his hand to thank him for this great victory.

Reading on Walden Bookstore.

Sarah Palin funds kiddy travel, well the state of Alaska does

2008-10-24T04:14:00.000-05:00

An AP investigation showed that Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin has been "feeding at the public trough."

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Gov. Sarah Palin charged the state for her children to travel with her, including to events where they were not invited, and later amended expense reports to specify that they were on official business.

The charges included costs for hotel and commercial flights for three daughters to join Palin to watch their father in a snowmobile race, and a trip to New York, where the governor attended a five-hour conference and stayed with 17-year-old Bristol for five days and four nights in a luxury hotel.

In all, Palin has charged the state $21,012 for her three daughters' 64 one-way and 12 round-trip commercial flights since she took office in December 2006. In some other cases, she has charged the state for hotel rooms for the girls.

This from the candidate that is going to change and reform. Sarah Palin often says that she and John McCain bring a maverick approach to Washington. As John McCain often says, "I can't wait to introduce Sarah Palin to Washington." Well Palin doesn't need an introduction to her colleague on trial for corruption, Senator Ted Stevens. Reading on Walden Bookstore.

Halloween in the Neighborhood, Reading on Walden style

2008-10-23T11:22:00.006-05:00

Halloween is fast approaching and every day it seems more front yards and store windows are being bedecked in sticky spider webs, soaring witches and grinning pumpkins. Here are a few tips for making your Halloween a howl.

History

The celebration of Halloween is rooted in ancient practices marking the end of the harvest season and honoring the spirits of those who died in the preceding year. Halloween as we know it today had its beginnings in Europe in the late middle ages, when it was held on the day before All Saints Day (Nov. 1), known as Allhallows or Hallowmas. The celebration became linked to superstitions and the supernatural, and decorations continue to focus on images we associate with the supernatural – ghosts, witches, vampires, werewolves – and generally creepy stuff – spiders, bats, graveyards.

According to legend (and Encarta), jack-o-lanterns were first carved in medieval Scotland where people used turnips, not pumpkins. The practice apparently grew from British folk tales about a deceased man who was doomed to walk the earth carrying a lantern because his soul was not allowed into heaven or hell. The orange of the pumpkins and black of darkness were the inspiration for Halloween’s traditional color scheme.

Costumes

Dressing in costume to go trick-or-treating or to a party is one of the best parts of Halloween. Traditional costumes like witches, the Grim Reaper, ghosts, monsters and ghouls will never go out of style. Hippies, rock stars and greasers have been reliable choices for several decades now. Popular this year are superheroes (Iron Man and Batman the Dark Knight top the list), movie personalities (Star Wars good guys and bad guys, Indiana Jones, Speed Racer and Trixie, and Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett), cartoon characters (Spongebob Squarepants, the South Park kids, the Aqua Teen Hunger Force guys), and of course, Hannah Montana.

Trick-or-Treating

Traipsing around the block to collect candy from the neighbors is great fun! But remember to think about your safety: Don’t wear masks that make it hard to see, be sure to wear or carry something that’s light or reflective so you can be seen in the dark, don’t take treats from people you don’t know, and always go out with a group of people and/or adults.

In Beverly/Morgan Park trick-or-treat hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Also, in an attempt to reduce the “tricks,” 22nd District police are asking that neighborhood stores make eggs and shaving cream less available to young pranksters.

Halloween at Home

Halloween is a great night for family fun or terrifying thrills. On the fun side you can make caramel apples or popcorn balls, then watch a tot-approved movie like “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Step up the thrills with “Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Beetlejuice” or the classic versions of “Frankenstein,” “Bride of Frankenstein” or “The Mummy.” For more mature audiences, may we suggest the original “Halloween,” “The Exorcist,” “Young Frankenstein” or almost any title from the Alfred Hitchcock collection.

If you’re interested in spending time away from the TV, dig up the flashlight, douse the lights and gather the kids around to read your favorite ghost stories and spine tinglers. John and Michelle Presta of Reading on Walden recommend “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: Collected from American Folklore” by Alvin Schwartz and illustrated by Caldecott winner Stephen Gammell. According to the Prestas, Schwartz is as one of the best in the scary story circuit. Also on their list: Ray Bradbury's “Halloween Tree” (“always a winner.”), “Go Away, Big Green Monster!” by Edward R. Emberley (for younger kids), and to order these books or get more recommendations, contact the Prestas at 233-7633 or readingonwalden.com.
Reprinted with permission of the Villager and special thanks to Grace Kuikman, Villager editor

The Chicago Tribune contains two surprising items today

2008-10-18T11:30:00.003-05:00

The Chicago Tribune's Saturday edition contains two items: first that the state of Indiana is in play for Democrats for the first time since 1964. And. Brace yourself, the Chicago Tribune, the conservative Republican newspaper, is endorsing Democratic candidate for President, Barack Obama.

Neither item is shocking or unexpected. But still surprising. Both events have been developing for quite some time. The Obama campaign has opened 44 campaign offices in Indiana.

The Indiana challenge to John McCain on Republican turf has something to do with the fact that the Democratic primary against Hillary Clinton went the distance. The campaign infrastructure was kept in place there from the primary and many of the same faces that staffed and volunteered for Obama, popped up again for the General Election. One of the strongholds in Indiana for Obama will be northwest Indiana where hundreds of volunteers have been pouring into the state from the Chicagoland area to canvass door-to-door, make phone calls, solicit donations and distribute yard signs. This strategy is paying off dividends for Barack Obama because of the distracting nature of having a presence in Indiana. John McCain must spend valuable time and resources in a state that should have been in his back pocket. John McCain has been outflanked by the Obama campaign.

Across the state, the Obama campaign has 44 field offices. In 2004, John Kerry had none. Jonathan Swain, communications director for Obama's Indiana campaign, said Obama is the first Democratic presidential candidate to campaign in the state in October since Lyndon Johnson in 1964. Swain insisted the state is very competitive, even in the culturally conservative south, and he expects Obama to visit again before Election Day.

McCain, in contrast, has no offices in the state and hasn't been here since July.

A compilation of polls by Real Clear Politics, a non-partisan group, shows McCain with a lead of 48.8 percent to 45 percent in Indiana—a close-enough margin that the state is considered a toss-up.

And then the Chicago Tribune endorsement. Prior to Barack Obama's announcement for the Presidency, the Chicago Tribune editorialized on December 6, 2006 that "Obama should run" for President.

To run for president would be a big leap for someone who just a couple of years ago was commuting to Springfield as a state senator. There is a plausible case why [Barack Obama] should bide his time and burnish his credentials for the future--plausible, but not persuasive. When a leader evokes the enthusiasm that Obama does, he should recognize that he has something special to offer, not in 2012 or 2016, but right now.

For the Chicago Tribune, it may have been a shrewd business move aimed at selling more newspapers, possibly an acknowledgment that its subscribers have turned more Democratic, bluer if you will. Or they simply believe that Barack Obama is just what our nation needs. But they recognized this back in December of 2006. And today this is what they said.

However this election turns out, it will dramatically advance America's slow progress toward equality and inclusion. It took Abraham Lincoln's extraordinary courage in the Civil War to get us here. It took an epic battle to secure women the right to vote. It took the perseverance of the civil rights movement. Now we have an election in which we will choose the first African-American president . . . or the first female vice president.

In recent weeks it has been easy to lose sight of this history in the making. Americans are focused on the greatest threat to the world economic system in 80 years. They feel a personal vulnerability the likes of which they haven't experienced since Sept. 11, 2001. It's a different kind of vulnerability. Unlike Sept. 11, the economic threat hasn't forged a common bond in this nation. It has fed anger, fear and mistrust.

On Nov. 4 we're going to elect a president to lead us through a perilous time and restore in us a common sense of national purpose.

The strongest candidate to do that is Sen. Barack Obama. The Tribune is proud to endorse him today for president of the United States.

And they then acknowledged what they stated on December 6, 2006.

On Dec. 6, 2006, this page encouraged Obama to join the presidential campaign. We wrote that he would celebrate our common values instead of exaggerate our differences. We said he would raise the tone of the campaign. We said his intellectual depth would sharpen the policy debate. In the ensuing 22 months he has done just that.

Many Americans say they're uneasy about Obama. He's pretty new to them.

We can provide some assurance. We have known Obama since he entered politics a dozen years ago. We have watched him, worked with him, argued with him as he rose from an effective state senator to an inspiring U.S. senator to the Democratic Party's nominee for president.

Thank you to the Chicago Tribune for reporting the story on Indiana (a state in which I am volunteering) and thank you for finally seeing the light after all these years and endorsing the right candidate. It is never too late to get it right. Reading on Walden Bookstore.

Grassroots efforts in Indiana and other states are forcing McCain to retreat to Arizona

2008-10-05T02:28:00.001-05:00

The Obama campaign is skillfully organizing grassroots efforts in states that candidates like Al Gore and John Kerry wouldn't even have attempted. These states specifically are interesting: Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Colorado and the list goes on and on. These states have traditionally been conceded to the Republicans, but Barack Obama has adopted his fifty-state strategy in his campaign for President.

ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - With one month left in the campaign, Republican John McCain's path to the White House has become perilously narrow as Democratic rival Barack Obama gains momentum in crucial battleground states.

McCain is fighting to hold several states won by President George W. Bush in 2004, including highly contested Florida and Ohio, and is playing defense against a surging Obama in traditionally Republican states like Indiana and North Carolina.

Efforts in these battleground states have forced John McCain to retreat to Arizona for high-level meetings with his campaign staff.

And with more bad news on the economic front, McCain was to retreat to his Arizona ranch for the weekend, in a highly unusual disappearing act at the height of the campaign.

The prognosis for the McCain campaign is that they are in critical condition and near death. John McCain is being forced to fight the enemy in his own backyard. McCain is now so focused on defending territory that would be typically conceded to the Republicans, he cannot possibly wage any type of competition in states where he had a halfway decent chance of beating Obama: states such as Michigan (where he has officially withdrawn), Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire.

And Obama is now leading in three key states: Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida. Had John Kerry won two of these three states in 2004, we would be discussing the reelection efforts of President John Kerry.

With both parties’ national conventions now several weeks in the past, it’s safe to say we are back in the real world when it comes to polling data — and a slew of new polls paint an increasingly bleak picture for Sen. John McCain.

Quinnipiac University released its first round of post-debate polling results today for the three largest swing states. The pollsters found that Sen. Barack Obama has surged above 50 percent in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida — taking what is approaching a comfortable lead in all three states.

According to the data, Obama now holds an eight-percentage point lead in Florida and Ohio, and a whopping 15-point lead in Pennsylvania.

This, my friends, is the beginning of the end for the McCain campaign. But it is no time to take it for granted. I posted a diary yesterday about the grassroots effort in Indiana and gave information on how you can get involved for those that reside in Chicago and northwest Indiana. Check out the diary. Here are a few tidbits from it.

As incredible as it sounds, the state of Indiana is in play for the Democrats. This is the same state that George W. Bush received 57% of the vote against Al Gore in 2000 and received nearly 60% of the vote against John Kerry in 2004. Indiana is in play for Barack Obama and the Democrats. The Barack Obama campaign is swarming the state with paid staff and volunteers that are registering voters, canvassing voters and preparing for the big day, Election Day, Tuesday November 4th.

But, we need more volunteers to register a few more voters, canvass door-to-door to identify our voters, McCain's voters and the really important undecided voters. For those that live in the Chicagoland area, we need your help in Northwest Indiana. Places like Gary, Hammond, Merrillville, Schererville.

John McCain, as far as I can see, has no ground game in Indiana although Politico reports they are pulling out of Michigan presumably to help in other swing states. The McCain campaign plans a television blitz in Indiana and we should not underestimate the power of television. But we also should not underestimate the power of the ground game and the door-to-door campaign. And the power of blogs like these. The McCain campaign is underestimating the Barack Obama forces in Indiana and will come to the realization shortly, forcing the McCain to commit more resources there: resources which McCain has a finite supply. Our actions there also force the McCain camp to reallocate resources there which will hurt other swing states. This is a "Catch 22" for the McCain camp.

And finally, if you are interested in volunteering there, read this.

Come join us this Saturday, October 4th, in Schererville at 11:00 am and pick up a door-to-door canvassing packet from the committed staff there. The office is located at 1316 Eagle Ridge Drive. And every Saturday until Election Day. And volunteer for Election Day weekend. Or join others in Merrillvile. Or Gary. Or Hammond. And any one of the dozens of Indiana offices. Or perhaps in your home state or a nearby swing state. The time for change is now and the campaign and the country need you and your help to deliver from the eight nightmarish years.

Reading on Walden Bookstore.

How you can help Barack Obama win the state of Indiana

2008-10-04T00:24:00.002-05:00

As incredible as it sounds, the state of Indiana is in play for the Democrats. This is the same state that George W. Bush received 57% of the vote against Al Gore in 2000 and received nearly 60% of the vote against John Kerry in 2004. Indiana is in play for Barack Obama and the Democrats. The Barack Obama campaign is swarming the state with paid staff and volunteers that are registering voters, canvassing voters and preparing for the big day, Election Day, Tuesday November 4th.

But, we need more volunteers to register a few more voters, canvass door-to-door to identify our voters, McCain's voters and the really important undecided voters. For those that live in the Chicagoland area, we need your help in Northwest Indiana. Places like Gary, Hammond, Merrillville, Schererville.

John McCain, as far as I can see, has no ground game in Indiana although Politico reports they are pulling out of Michigan presumably to help in other swing states. The McCain campaign plans a television blitz in Indiana and we should not underestimate the power of television. But we also should not underestimate the power of the ground game and the door-to-door campaign. And the power of blogs like these. The McCain campaign is underestimating the Barack Obama forces in Indiana and will come to the realization shortly, forcing the McCain to commit more resources there: resources which McCain has a finite supply. Our actions there also force the McCain camp to reallocate resources there which will hurt other swing states. This is a "Catch 22" for the McCain camp.

Interested in impacting a Presidential race on the ground? And you will come away each day with great blogging material Daily Kos diarists reporting on the "Unraveling of the John McCain campaign."

My name is John Presta and I am a volunteer for Barack Obama. I reside in Chicago. This is my fourth Obama campaign. In 2000, through a series of interesting circumstances my wife Michelle and I met Barack Obama through our community bookstore in Chicago's Beverly community and got involved with his campaign against a Democratic incumbent Congressman, Bobby Rush. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending how you look at it), Barack Obama lost that race. (I have written a book about those experiences and several publishers are now reviewing it: the working title is Barack Obama's Bookstore: How a Book, a Bookstore, two bookstore owners, 300 volunteers and a community helped propel Barack Obama unto the national scene).

I was initially reluctant to support Barack Obama but I felt Bobby Rush voted on my issues 100% of the time. Eventually I did get on board with Barack Obama and despite this loss, I stayed on board and I never turned back. I was convinced back then he would one day become President of the United States although in my wildest dreams I never thought it would be this soon. Although Obama lost that Congressional race and lost it decisively, I continued to believe in him, and yes, I still believed he would one become President of the United States. We personally told him we would support his next political move and when he announced his candidacy in January, 2003 to run for United States Senate, we became part of his volunteer team and immediately started recruiting volunteers and raising money for the campaign. We supported him in spite of the fact that his chief opponent, State Comptroller Dan Hynes, was a strong political force in our community and there was enormous pressure to support Dan Hynes from the community. But we stayed with Obama and have no regrets for our decision. He was polling at 3-4% at the time and Hynes was the early front-runner and was running as if he were the "entitled incumbent" (sound familiar). We were told Obama could not win because he didn't have the organization, the money, the name recognition, the stature. But we never gave up. Not a moment of doubt. In July of 2003 we held a fundraiser for him that raised $4,000 at the most and close to 100 people came to hear him. And even then his poll numbers were about 7%.

And then like Lance Armstrong pedaling up a steep incline in the Tour de France, Barack Obama just kept coming and steadily passing up opponents one at a time, receiving donations one at a time, recruiting volunteers, one at a time. Slowly, steadily. But with tremendous self-confidence.

And here we are, fast forward eight years plus with the same crew as previous elections with lots of new friends, trying to deliver one more victory for our friend, Barack Obama.

Come join us this Saturday, October 4th, in Schererville at 11:00 am and pick up a door-to-door canvassing packet from the committed staff there. The office is located at 1316 Eagle Ridge Drive. And every Saturday until Election Day. And volunteer for Election Day weekend. Or join others in Merrillvile. Or Gary. Or Hammond. And any one of the dozens of Indiana offices. Or perhaps in your home state or a nearby swing state. The time for change is now and the campaign and the country need you and your help to deliver from the eight nightmarish years. I always remember after the 2000 Bush victory (the tainted victory), the satirical newspaper, The Onion, had a prophetic headline that read, 'Our Long National Nightmare Of Peace And Prosperity Is Finally Over.'

Wow. Great satire. Take a look at the entire article sometime. The editors of The Onion were just kidding. But events turned out to be far too real.

So let's end this national nightmare now and elect our friend, Barack Obama. Come to Indiana and force the McCain camp to make a move there. And if they do nothing, all the better. Or Missouri. Or Ohio. Or Florida. You get the idea.

Reading on Walden Bookstore.

Indiana wants you to help deliver Barack Obama to the White House

2008-10-03T02:37:00.008-05:00

Interested in volunteering for Barack Obama in the great state of Indiana. The Reading on Walden Political Discussion group is canvassing the state of Indiana. For those that live in the Chicagoland area, we need your help in Northwest Indiana. Places like Gary, Hammond, Merrillville, Schererville.

We have personally been working the Schererville office and welcome you to join us there.

If you are interested in volunteering please call me at 773-233-7633 or email me at readingonwalden@att.net.

America is "Coming Home" again this November

2008-09-30T00:44:00.000-05:00

Two exciting events will happen this coming November. First, the end of the George W. Bush era, our national nightmare. On a more positive note, we will surely elect a candidate that is not George W. Bush. While I totally support Barack Obama, any of the contenders takes us away from this low period in our history. America has lost its way, electing a man that was unfit to be President. And we did it twice.

In a sense, America will be "Coming Home" as Senator George McGovern intoned in his 1972 Democratic acceptance speech. McGovern was one of my favorite all-time Democrats because he is truly a decent, caring man who loves this country. He spoke out against the Vietnam, but that didn't mean he was weak or necessarily anti-war. He was anti-Vietnam. You see, George McGovern was a World War II hero.

I voted in my first election that year in Winona, Minnesota (attending Winona State College, later was changed to Winona State University). I was 18 then. The Nixon administration had actually gone to court to stop students from voting on campus, citing residency issues. Nixon lost that battle and that has been law ever since.

And I proudly voted for McGovern.

McGovern lost in a landslide to Richard M. Nixon, yet Senator McGovern maintained his dignity and integrity all these many years later.

So much of what he stood for, resonates today. He was painted by Nixon as this wimpy dove, yet the fact was he was quite a war hero (World War II) and never used his war record to his political advantage.

He should have.

In his acceptance speech in 1972, he called for America to "Come Home." Today, America needs to "Come Home." In this excerpt about Vietnam, we can apply it to this insane war in Iraq. We could be in Iraq a hundred more years, but we cannot ever win (as Bush defines victory). This excerpt is haunting against the background of the 2006 election where Americans "thought" the message was bring our soldiers home. Many voted for Nixon in 1968 because they "thought" he was bringing the troops home, yet another 20,000 American boys died. How many more must die, before America comes home.

"And this is also a time, not for death, but for life. In 1968 many Americans thought they were voting to bring our sons home from Vietnam in peace, and since then 20,000 of our sons have come home in coffins." George McGovern, 1972 convention

And then these closing remarks that apply to us today as much as it applied then.

From secrecy and deception in high places; come home, America.

From military spending so wasteful that it weakens our nation; come home, America.

From the entrenchment of special privileges in tax favoritism; from the waste of idle lands to the joy of useful labor; from the prejudice based on race and sex; from the loneliness of the aging poor and the despair of the neglected sick -- come home, America.

Come home to the affirmation that we have a dream. Come home to the conviction that we can move our country forward.

Come home to the belief that we can seek a newer world, and let us be joyful in that homecoming, for this “is your land, this land is my land -- from California to New York island, from the redwood forest to the gulf stream waters -- this land was made for you and me.”

So let us close on this note: May God grant each one of us the wisdom to cherish this good land and to meet the great challenge that beckons us home.

And now is the time to meet that challenge.

Good night, and Godspeed to you all.

George McGovern, 1972 convention

Come home again America. We should be home sometime in November. Reading on Walden Bookstore.

The Unraveling of John McCain

2008-09-26T02:54:00.008-05:00

Barack Obama showed what it means to lead and John McCain showed what it means to lack leadership. What is beautiful about this bailout negotiation is that it gave us a glimpse of what an Obama Presidency will look like and, God forbid, what a McCain Presidency will look like, Rep. Barney Frank put it best.

Following the meeting, Frank and Dodd implored President Bush to persuade House Republicans that the situation is urgent. “The president has got to go to work here,” said Frank. As for McCain’s offer of assistance, Frank said, “God save us from such help.”

John McCain again showed why he is fast becoming one of the least respected members of Congress. How will he regain the respect and trust of Congress after this fiasco. It will not be soon forgotten. The fact is he cannot be trusted. I have to question his mental state. His temper is legendary and it is only a matter of time before he will publicly explode. Do the American people really wanted such an unstable character with his hand on the "black box?" That should be reason enough not to support him. We already have an unstable President sitting in the White House, so it is not difficult for the voters to fathom such an event of having another unstable personality sitting in the Oval Office. This nation today is a reflection of this failed Bush Presidency.

John McCain, if he were to be elected, would certainly fail as President. He will most certainly expand the war in Iraq just to show the critics he was right.

While negotiators were working to avert certain economic disaster, John McCain was undermining an imminent deal. I have had enough of this man. Reading on Walden Bookstore.

John McCain hasn't done his homework in preparing for the debate

2008-09-25T04:33:00.001-05:00

John McCain is getting cold feet. Oh, I know he says he is taking the high road and is citing country over politics. John McCain wants to reschedule his debate with Barack Obama Friday and the real reason is buried in this New York Times story.

The debate on Friday was to focus on Mr. McCain’s perceived strength, foreign policy. Mr. McCain had not planned to devote large blocks of time to debate practice as did Mr. Obama, who was holing up with a tight circle of advisers at a hotel in Clearwater, Fla., on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to prepare. Mr. McCain had a preparatory session on Wednesday afternoon at the Morgan Library in Manhattan, but advisers said it had been interrupted by his decision, announced immediately afterward, to suspend his campaign.

He is unprepared. Again. And the key quote is "Mr. McCain had not planned to devote large blocks of time to debate practice." John McCain, a former Straight Talker, and now not so straight talker claims he is suspending his campaign and wants to reschedule the debate after the bailout plan is passed into law.

And it gets better. And this may be the really big motive. He wants to reschedule his debate with Obama on the very date that his "running mate" is scheduled to debate Senator Joe Biden. And you can bet that debate would never get rescheduled. And then the announcement that John McCain's running mate may suspend her campaign.

NEW YORK, N.Y. – John McCain's campaign has floated the possibility that Sarah Palin may also suspend her campaign, matching McCain’s announcement that he would cease campaigning for president to return to Washington to try to hammer out a fix for the nation’s financial meltdown.

As the governor of Alaska, Palin cannot participate in the high-level federal government deliberations on the economy that McCain gave as his reason for suspending his campaign.

Yet, after McCain’s dramatic announcement, his campaign chief Steve Schmidt suggested Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, would also suspend her campaign.

This is pathetic. I ask you, why would the American people want this type of person to be the President of the United States. Ill-prepared. Lacking in good judgment. Disorganized. Picks the wrong person as a running mate. And just imagine the "out of the box" selections he would make for his cabinet.

The fact is the candidates can do both if they wished. Attend to their Senate duties and campaign for President of the United States. This from a non-straight talker who is starting to read the tea leaves. The tea leaves are starting to read "the Presidency is slipping away from you, John McCain." Reading on Walden Bookstore.

John McCain is hardly a maverick or a reformer: he is the old boys' network

2008-09-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

You have to giggle every time time John McCain or his running mate refer to themselves as mavericks and reformers. "Mavericks and reformers my ass," as we say on the streets of Chicago. Are they kidding? Is this a bit he's performing on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Or a Jay Leno joke.

Well "Mr. Maverick/Reformer" needs to explain how it is his campaign manager, Rick Davis, is closely involved with Freddie Mac, collecting fees from them through last month, despite John McCain's recent assertion that Davis has not been involved for the past several years.

WASHINGTON — One of the giant mortgage companies at the heart of the credit crisis paid $15,000 a month from the end of 2005 through last month to a firm owned by Senator John McCain’s campaign manager, according to two people with direct knowledge of the arrangement.
The disclosure undercuts a statement by Mr. McCain on Sunday night that the campaign manager, Rick Davis, had had no involvement with the company for the last several years.
Mr. Davis’s firm received the payments from the company, Freddie Mac, until it was taken over by the government this month along with Fannie Mae, the other big mortgage lender whose deteriorating finances helped precipitate the cascading problems on Wall Street, the people said.

Either Rick Davis lied to John McCain or John McCain knew the facts and is lying publicly But one thing is certain that John McCain needs to come clean. And he needs to stop claiming this "Maverick/Reformer" tag and call himself what he really is: part of the old boys network. It gets worse, just check out Hunter's diary here at the Daily Kos.

His membership in this network goes back to his "Keating Five" days when he accepted $112,000 from Charles Keating who was using FDIC-insured funds for commercial real estate deals. Keating then donated over a million dollars to the "old boys network" to protect himself when the government started to investigate these illegal dealings of using FDIC-insured funds as collateral for these shady deals. John McCain was the biggest recipient of these donations.

The question becomes why do these shady characters keep popping up in John McCain's life and why is he defending them. Jack Abramoff, for example, donated over $100,000 to "Mr. Maverick/Reformer."

Old habits die hard. I have no doubt that if elected John McCain will waltz into the Oval Office with these habits and with dozens of members of the "old boys network." Come to think of it, they will probably be sitting there already entrenched in the White House, waiting for their new boss. Business as usual, "Mr. Maverick/Reformer" style. Reading on Walden Bookstore.

McCain's V.P. running mate is lying, again

2008-09-24T07:56:00.000-05:00

John McCain's Vice Presidential nominee is lying again. This time the lie is that she is accusing "Obama-Biden Democrats" of lying.

(CNN)— Governor Sarah Palin accused “Obama-Biden Democrats,” of launching a series of unfair attacks against she and her family in a fundraising email sent to supporters Monday.

“Friends, in the course of a few weeks, the Obama-Biden Democrats have launched attack after attack on me, my family and John McCain,” Palin writes in the email. “They’re desperate to win and they’ll no doubt launch these attacks against other reformers on our ticket.”

Earlier this month, the McCain campaign said its $47 million fundraising record for the month of August was due in large part to the addition of the Alaska governor to the ticket. Her presence on the campaign trail has also translated into larger crowds at campaign events throughout the country.

The email to fundraisers doesn't specify what lies she is referring to. I am not aware of any falsehoods being spread about "John McCain's running mate."

So please be specific: Lying about what?

We know it isn't about Troopergate.

That ain't it.

We know it isn't about "rape kits."

That ain't it.

We know it isn't about selling the Alaskan government plane on Ebay.

That ain't it.

Or refusing money for the "Bridge to Nowhere."

That ain't it.

There are a couple other things I would like to see explained like your relationship with disgraced Senator Ted Stevens and how it came that you received the money for the "Bridge to Nowhere" but you are able to say you said, "Thanks, but no thanks."

What I want to know is what can we believe about "John McCain's running mate?"

Reading on Walden Bookstore.

Two smart and savvy political strategists agree: attacking Palin is dumb

2008-09-23T02:44:00.003-05:00

Two smart and savvy political strategists, Bill Clinton and Karl Rove, both agree: attacking Sarah Palin is dumb.

(CNN) — Bill Clinton said Monday the Democratic ticket should steer clear of launching personal attacks on Sarah Palin over her relatively thin resume, and instead acknowledge she was a "good choice" for the No. 2 spot on the GOP ticket.

"Why say, ever, anything bad about a person? Why don't we like them and celebrate them and be happy for her elevation to the ticket? And just say that she was a good choice for him and we disagree with them?" said Clinton, who faced repeated charges during the primary season he was overly negative toward Obama on the campaign trail.

Clinton's comments appear to echo advice Karl Rove gave to Barack Obama in his regular Wall Street Journal column last week, when the former Bush strategist noted attacking the VP candidate has rarely proven to be an effective strategy.

And Karl Rove was even more direct to the point in talking about how attacking is a losing strategy, equating it to a flawed strategy employed by Michael Dukakis in his attacks on Dan Quayle late in the 1988 Presidential elections.

Of all the advantages Gov. Sarah Palin has brought to the GOP ticket, the most important may be that she has gotten into Barack Obama's head. How else to explain Sen. Obama's decision to go one-on-one against "Sarah Barracuda," captain of the Wasilla High state basketball champs?

It's a matchup he'll lose. If Mr. Obama wants to win, he needs to remember he's running against John McCain for president, not Mrs. Palin for vice president.
[Obama Can't Win Against Palin] AP

Michael Dukakis spent the last months of the 1988 campaign calling his opponent's running mate, Dan Quayle, a risky choice and even ran a TV ad blasting Mr. Quayle. The Bush/Quayle ticket carried 40 states.

Even more to the point, we vote for the top of the ticket. If the second spot is weak, the American voters will notice. And in full disclosure, I plead guilty to attacking Sarah Palin. It is now time to point out why Barack Obama should be the next President of the United States with the sub-text that John McCain should not. Reading on Walden Bookstore.

Obama surges in crucial battleground states

2008-09-22T14:27:00.002-05:00

This just in about the latest polls of battleground states.

(CNN) — Barack Obama holds leads in critical battleground states of Iowa and Pennsylvania with only six weeks remaining until Election Day, according to just released CNN poll of polls.

New surveys also released Monday suggest Obama and John McCain are locked in statistical ties in two other crucial swing states.

According to CNN's Iowa poll of polls, Obama holds a 7-point lead (50-43 percent) in the state that narrowly voted for President Bush in 2004 and gave a major boost to Obama's presidential fortunes earlier this year at the start of the primary season.

Reading on Walden Bookstore.