Chicago

It's nice to hear Mayor Daley's concerned about the 'forgotten middle class'.

Maybe the next time WalMart wants to move in, he'll go after them on improving their wages and conditions so they don't have an advantage over established businesses in Chicago that treat their employees better. The 'forgotten middle class' doesn't need a race to the bottom when it comes to bread-and-butter issues.

I'm not against development per se but why in the world do they call this a 'park'?

Event organized by Health Care for America Now (HCAN Illinois) at the Chicago Temple.

WBBM Radio went on and on last Sunday about the protest at Addison and Western against 'redlight' cameras. You'd think a million people had shown up. With all that air-time, you'd think they could have interviewed a pedestrian or two for an alternative perspective.

But no -- which is kind of strange since last time I checked, we're living in a major metropolitan area where walking and taking public transportation are by necessity important facts of life.

Toni Preckwinkle thanks supporters and promises they'll be hearing from her soon in her run for President of the Cook County Board.

From Campaign for Better Health Care:

DOWNTOWN CHICAGO @ NOON
Federal Plaza - 230 S. Dearborn, Chicago 60602

EVANSTON @ NOON
Fountain Square
Corner of Davis St., Sherman Ave. & Orrington Ave.

I mean, that might as well be the headline. On the bright side, there's always Lincoln Park to sell off for next year.

Just noticed that the scoundrels at Chase are now charging me on an account that I don't use much a $6 monthly "Inactivity Fee".

Obama got the Nobel Peace Prize but it's the American people who deserve the credit.

After the horrors of the Bush Administration in everything from Rule of Law to Rule of Science, it was the American people who put Obama into office. This was an illustration, as if we needed it, of how strong democracies are in a sense self-correcting.

I think the Prize is as much an expression of relief as an acknowledgment of our yankee democratic process.

Citizen Action-Illinois had its Annual Dinner yesterday evening. The emphasis, not surprisingly, was on health care reform. The situation for hotel workers also got attention.

Award-winner this year was Gov. Pat Quinn who arrived late due to his attendance at a service in the suburbs honoring an Illinois veteran killed in Afghanistan.