John McCain: Steve Huntley Lays Out The Democrats Problem Facing a Uniting Leader in John McCain

Click my post title for Chicago Sun Times Steve Huntley who presents the catalogue of the Victimology ( they like them 'ologies')of the National Democratic Party.

A position that touts victimization is pretty weak argument for support. Voters, like Regular Democrats in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio and elsewhere, vote for effective programs and candidates, but the Democratic National Committee has been handcuffed to an ideology of want and despair for decades.

Jackie Gleason's recurring charcter, 'The Poor Soul,' seems a pretty good example of the DNC's opinion of most Americans: a hunch shouldered, sad-eyed, pouty victim awaiting his next shower of torment. The American Mope.

Steve Huntley writes today:

Democrats might well remember something else: That you reap what you sow. And four decades of identity politics and grievance culture are, to borrow a phrase from the pastor, coming home to roost.

Read Steve Huntley. The candidate who can unite our country is in Iraq doing what a President should do and the Democratic Candidates are talking - still.

John McCain against the Mopes. I'll take McCain.

McCain March Madness

'The Basket is a good Piece off, so, Cathal. Your leap is fine, but premature,Boyo!'


Sorry. That's not basketball it is Irish Football.

Happy St. Paddy's Day - That's All-Ireland County Kerry defeating County Mayo on the path to the Sam Maguire Cup! Irish Hang-time!


Illinois is already taking their togs and towels to the laundry, but you can still fill in some basketball brackets, Mateys!

Click my post title for the link to McCain March Madness - no where near as goofy as the Democratic Campaigns but Madness all the same.

Once you complete each region, you will be taken to the next region and the final matchups. Please also fill in a prediction for the total points scored in the championship game as a tiebreaker. Once you have completed your picks, please click "Submit" and your bracket will be saved. You can edit your bracket until Thursday at noon (Eastern).
Scoring: You will receive 1 point for each correct winner in round 1, 2 points for each correct winner in round 2, 4 points for each correct winner in round 3, 8 points for each correct winner in round 4, 16 points for each correct winner in round 5 and 32 points for correctly picking the 2008 champion. Prizes will be awarded to three Team members with the top scores. First place will receive a McCain 2008 Fleece, second place will receive a McCain 2008 Hat and third place will receive a McCain 2008 Lapel Pin.


You can also see John McCain's Bracket picks.

Remember - this is for fun and not venture capitalism.

Obama's 'Quiet Riot' Remarks Ring a Bell Anyone?

Back in June, Barack Obama made, what I thought to be, a rather callow and divisive remark while giving a speech at Hampton University:

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Tuesday that the Bush administration has done nothing to defuse a "quiet riot" among blacks that threatens to erupt just as riots in Los Angeles did 15 years ago.

The first-term Illinois senator said that with black people from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast still displaced 20 months after Hurricane Katrina, frustration and resentments are building explosively as they did before the 1992 riots.

"This administration was colorblind in its incompetence," Obama said at a conference of black clergy, "but the poverty and the hopelessness was there long before the hurricane.

"All the hurricane did was to pull the curtain back for all the world to see," he said.

Obama's criticism of Bush prompted ovation after ovation from the nearly 8,000 people gathered in Hampton University's Convocation Center, particularly when he denounced the Iraq war and noted that he had opposed it from the outset.

Repeatedly, he referred to the riots that erupted in Los Angeles after a jury acquitted four police officers of assault charges in the 1991 beating of Rodney King, a black motorist, after a high speed chase. Fifty-five people died and 2,000 were injured in several days of riots in the city's black neighborhoods.

"Those 'quiet riots' that take place every day are born from the same place as the fires and the destruction and the police decked out in riot gear and the deaths," Obama said. "They happen when a sense of disconnect settles in and hope dissipates. Despair takes hold and young people all across this country look at the way the world is and believe that things are never going to get any better."

He argued that once a hurricane hits or a jury renders a not guilty verdict, "the frustration is there for all to see."

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=3246610

Given the recent interest in racial politics in the last few days, I wonder if Rev. Jeremiah Wright helped to script that speech.

Click my post title for my Blog posts from last June - when McCain was 'toast.'

John McCain: Palm Sunday in Iraq - Service and Straight Talk

I just got back from Palm Sunday early morning Mass at Sacred Heart, an Old French built mission chapel on the far south side attended by folks from many parishes who find the earlier services to their the liking and schedules.

While I was at Mass, John McCain was landing in Iraq for his eighth visit to that unhappy nation, where American kids are fighting terror and bringing peace to neighborhoods for the first time in decades.

John McCain's opponents, Senator Barack Obama who hit an unassailable wall in his campaign bricked and mortared by the the outlandish and hateful rhetoric of his Pastor and the burgeoning bundles of evidence leaping out of the Rezko Corruption Trial and Senator Hillary Clinton working to get pace with Obama's meteoric start in the collection of votes and delegates, while stamping out the flaming little brown bags of offensive hip-shots from her husband and surrogates.

What was it that Senator Clinton told her angry crowd last week about the 'The Man in the Arena?' John McCain is squarely in the Arena.

John McCain goes to Iraq and his opponents orchestrate damage control to cracks and holes in their 'America Needs Change' flats and scenery.


Click my post title for more on John McCain's Service and Straight talk in the Arena.

John McCain: 35 Years of Freedom to Serve his Country - Obama is Finished

John McCain 2008 Launches 'Journey to Freedom' Commemorating the 35th Anniversary of John McCain's Return Home from Vietnam

Contact: Press Office, 703-650-5550; www.JohnMcCain.com



ARLINGTON, Va., March 14 /Standard Newswire/ -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched a new web video entitled "Journey to Freedom," commemorating the 35th anniversary of John McCain's release on March 15, 1973 from the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" after being held for 5 ½ years as a prisoner of war.



The web video features fellow former POWs LtCol. Orson Swindle, USMC (Ret.) and Cdr. Paul Galanti, USN (Ret.), as well as John McCain's mother, Mrs. Roberta McCain.



John McCain is a decorated navy captain with a distinguished personal record and family history of service to our country. The son and grandson of two Admirals, McCain spent 5 ½ years as a POW in Vietnam. He commanded the U.S. Navy's largest squadron. His Naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.



VIEW THE NEW WEB VIDEO HERE: http://www.johnmccain.com/journeyfreedom; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ypn76M0Wm-k


A group of John McCain's fellow former POWs released the following letter commemorating the 35th Anniversary of his release:



Dear Friend,

March is a memorable time for the Americans who were released from captivity in North Vietnam during the month back in 1973. The pathway to freedom began in February, as the war in Vietnam was concluding for America.

John McCain, one of those American heroes, returned to freedom on March 15th, 1973, released from Hanoi that day along with other very happy American Prisoners of War. His journey home was the continuation of a remarkable story with chapters yet to be written. Having survived life-threatening and disabling injuries, along with the brutality of the POW experience, John had steadfastly resisted communist efforts to exploit him and his fellow POWs. John's homecoming began a new phase of his life. His courageous service and his political career are well known today, and now he is the presumptive nominee for the Republican Party to be the next President of the United States.

We are but representatives of over eighty former POWs who shared those heady days of freedom and those years of captivity and suffering with John McCain. Collectively, we are proudly doing all we can to help our dear friend, John McCain, become our next commander in chief. We are campaigning with him, helping him raise money, speaking on his behalf and, in constant conversations, promoting his candidacy among our friends and family all over the country. We are doing so because we believe in John McCain.

Our convictions about John's character were born in the crucible of adversity. We have witnessed his courage, integrity, character and intellect. We know and respect his sense of honor and his tenacity in the face of grave danger and prolonged hardship. These qualities, combined with his life experiences, make John ready for the enormous challenges facing the leader of our country. No one -- no one -- is more qualified to be president, to lead our country, to protect our nation and our children and grandchildren. We know him. We know his strengths, his love of country and his commitment to serve it. He has been severely tested, and we have witnessed him under pressure. We trust his judgment and his ability to lead our country in these difficult times.

We are joined in that trust by over 130 retired Flag and General officers who are members of Senator McCain's Military Advisory Council. They know and have worked with John McCain over the past three decades dealing with major national security challenges. They know leadership and they know danger and challenges. They know experience. They know quality. And they chose John McCain for president.

We must elect a leader who is ready on day one for these difficult and dangerous times. We need a leader who will insist that we win in the struggle against radical Islam. John is committed to let our troops win! We need a leader who will take on the big problems that most politicians seek to avoid. Leaders take on the tough issues. John McCain is that sort of leader. He knows the American spirit -- he has lived it like no other candidate. He knows we can do better and that America's best days are ahead.

Sincerely,

Commander Everett Alvarez, USN (Ret.)
POW for 8 1/2 years

Colonel Bud Day, USAF (Ret.)
Medal of Honor
POW Over 5 Years

Rear Admiral Robert Shumaker, USN (Ret.)
POW for 8 years

Colonel Leo Thorsness, USAF (Ret.)
Medal of Honor
POW for 6 years

Commander Paul Galanti, USN (Ret.)
POW for over 6 1/2 Years

Captain Mike Cronin, USN (Ret.)
POW for over 6 years

Major General John Borling, USAF (Ret.)
POW for over 6 1/2 years

Captain Richard Stratton, USN (Ret.)
POW for over 6 years

Lt Colonel Orson Swindle, USMC (Ret.)
POW for over 6 years.


Issuers of press releases and not Earned Media™ are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Click post title for terms and conditions, including restrictions on redistribution.

Copyright © 2008 Earned Media™. All Rights Reserved.


Click my post title and Make Yourselves Proud!

Side Note I caught Hannity and Colmes after St. Cajetan 7th Grade presented Living Stations of the Cross - Anthony Reya was stunning as Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews and Danny Bohlmann his oily best as Pontius Pilate the Hand Washer - Clare Hickey was a 'Give Us Barabbas Crowd Guy and one of the Ladies at the Cross. Good Theatre and Great Lenten Service! Clare played 'Jail Break' with the Warrior Mob around the Church so beat it for home.

I wanted to catch The Wire Finale, but was snagged in the surf by the announcement that Senator Obama would speak to his Pastor's Ant-American and racist sermons. Normally Fat Boy Hannity and Skelator Colmes get short shrift from this Boyo. But I watched. Obama, thank God, did not talk to to the motor-mouthed Mick Hannity, but to Major Dude Something. Hannity never lets anyone get a word in edge-wise, especially if Hannity has determined the guest is not an 'America' - like Willie Cunnigham.

Senator Barack Obama blinked like a five year old locked over the weekend in Beverly Cigar, while answering Major Dude from Fox News. I like Barack Obama. Whoever is handling his campaign is arrogant and smug. I can just hear the Progressive NPR Low-Talker -'Ignore your critics Barry, if they ask you any questions, They are the racists.' I would say that this marks the end of a pretty good run for the Office, But it is very clear that Senator Obama is not ready The Presidency of the United States.

Chicago Daily Observer - The Only Place for Balanced Opinion

And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!


One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.


"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.

Lewis Carroll - He was no Cathleen Falsani


Thirsty in a very dry land, parched readers looked to drink from the water of a clear pond of thought and opinion, but there was ne'er a drop to drink. Chicago was a journalism desert until August 8, 2007.

And Then!!!!!!!

A leading Chicago Philanthropist funded the operation of an Internet news source that offer a varied and balanced forum of opinion for Chicago and the Nation.

The Chicago Daily Observer was launched in late summer of 2007 and continues to provide the best source of opinion on politics, religion, social mores and topical events.

Operated by local genius Thomas Roeser and business innovator John Powers, Chicago Daily Observer manage and edit the vast array of offerings from every point of view and level of talent - from Don Rose and Dennis Byrne all the way down to Pat Hickey.

Thomas F. Roeser is an 18th Century man of letters and parts gracing an age marked by convenient convictions and Wal-Mart world views. Tom Roeser, a life long Catholic and corporate leader,with a discerning eye that scans the offerings from the written word, drinks deeply from the best in thought and shares the best of what he has consumed in voice that levels the conversation with democratic largess.

Here is a posting of Tom's August 8th launch of Cdobs - Chicago Daily Observer. What Tom initiated with John Powers runs sprints in the lanes of opinion every morning.

Not long ago after I spent most of my blog (www.tomroeser.com) complaining about the abysmal quality of our local daily newspapers, a reader known as Lovie’s Leather wrote to say “why don’t you either shut up or start a newspaper of your own?” I don’t know what happened to Lovie’s Leather but he gave me an idea. I visited with a number of people and after a year we have funds were collected to start this five-day-a-week Chicago Daily Observer… which will be a for-profit Internet publication—free to you but paid by ads and other income-producing devices that will allow it to stand tall in the free market.

We have opened our doors to capture a “center-right’ treatment of the news…some breaking news, some commentary—but all, we hope, in the spirit of Chicago’s great newspaper tradition. We’ll have some well-known names in this issue and the succeeding ones…including Dennis Byrne , Russ Stewart, Jeff Berkowitz, Ben Joravsky, talk radio commentators you are familiar with—Deborah Rowe, Teri O’Brien, hopefully Eileen Byrne (who just got married)...as well as the inimitable Frank Penn, decorated veteran of Vietnam and a former Chicago police officer, Charlie Johnston, probably one of the finest grassroots practitioners in Illinois, Terry Sullivan who helps run an educational enrichment center in the inner city—Midtown, Nicholas Hahn III, the bright young just-turned-20 kid who in his efforts to conservatize DePaul and make it once again the Catholic university it somewhat dishonestly proclaims itself to be, has been named one of the five leading conservative young leaders in the U.S. by the Young America’s Foundation.

Others will include Peter Fitzgerald, Chris Dudley, Ben Joravsky (who will supplement his Reader duties to write in his interesting way on TIFs and other things), Joe Morris and Kathy Posner to name a few. Democrats won’t be ignored with contributions upcoming by people like Jack Franks, the bright young state representative and committee chairman from McHenry and Tom Dart, the young, vigorous sheriff of Cook county. More will be added by the day, Frank Avila, Frank Coconate—many others…

The idea got started with a lunch I had with Ron Gidwitz, entrepreneur and civic leader, whose innovative run for governor of Illinois impressed me. Not enough to support him at the time but as I got to know him, I was highly stirred by his encyclopedic understanding of government in the city and state, bracing ideas with a free-market twist and his courage in articulating them. Ron and all of us agree that the role of government must be subordinated to the free market. After that, I “drafted” John Powers, the young co-founder of Pay-Pal who has become our president. He is one of the brightest young men in Illinois. John is responsible for a lot of snazzy devices in our product—maps that pinpoint where in the Chicago area events are happening that interest us. In the future, for example, if you want to find a good charter school you just need to hit a button and they’re there…or a neighborhood with less crime than yours…hit the button and you’ll see them all. John is responsible for all those wonderful innovations.

Ron, John and I have a lot of fun putting this project together and we intend to see it grow and become a true alternative to the liberal promulgating four major daily newspapers in this market. In a sense, we hope to be something like a local version of www.realclearpolitics.com by giving you a taste of different views
that…for some reason (I wonder why?)...have been omitted from our newspapers.

Here in the Chicago area have two city newspapers. One is the Democratic party’s newspaper of record and frenetic Barack Obama cheering section. The other is all too often (although getting better) a paper torn between its liberal reporting staff and its editorial board. We have two regional dailies…but guess what? All follow the same generally liberal line. For this huge metropolitan area that is so diverse, they supply precious little diversity. By merely existing, we supply diversity. I hope you stick with us. I hope that today’s will be the worst edition we put out—since by doing we all get better. Welcome aboard!

Thomas F. Roeser
Chairman,
Editorial Board

Give my post title click for the best and most varied in Chicago thought

John McCain: Chicago Welcomes John McCain!

Join Illinois McCain Chairman Jim Durkin and Senator John McCain. What Have You Done To Make Yourself Feel Proud? Here's an Opportunity Not to Miss!

Friday, March 14th



5:30pm Young Professionals Event (under 35)

Hilton Chicago

720 South Michigan, Chicago, IL

Pam Kinsey, 847-446-9102

$100 per person





Soren Dayton

John McCain 2008

sdayton@mccain08hq.com

Office: 703-650-5636

Cell: 703-300-7465

Fax: 703-350-4506

John McCain: McCain's Taxes make sense - Obama's & Clinton's Do Not

You read…You decide.

Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican you might want to know just what the candidates have in mind for ‘our money’.

That's what taxes should be labeled up front..... ‘OUR $’ !



Proposed changes in taxes after 2008 General election:

CAPITAL GAINS TAX

MCCAIN

15% (no change)

OBAMA

28%

CLINTON

24%

How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.

DIVIDEND TAX

MCCAIN

15% (no change)

OBAMA

39.6%

CLINTON

39.6%

How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama or Clinton become president. The experts predict that "Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit."

INCOME TAX

MCCAIN

(no changes)

Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $31,250



OBAMA

(reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)

Single making 30K - tax $8,400
Single making 50K - tax $14,000
Single making 75K - tax $23,250
Married making 60K - tax $16,800
Married making 75K - tax $21,000
Married making 125K - tax $38,750

CLINTON

(reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)

Single making 30K - tax $8,400
Single making 50K - tax $14,000
Single making 75K - tax $23,250
Married making 60K - tax $16,800
Married making 75K - tax $21,000
Married making 125K - tax $38,750

How does this affect you? No explanation needed. This is pretty straight forward.

INHERITANCE TAX

MCCAIN

0%

(No change, Bush repealed this tax)

OBAMA

keep the inheritance tax

CLINTON

keep the inheritance tax

How does this affect you? Many families have lost businesses, farms and ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will not only lose them to these taxes.

NEW TAXES BEING PROPOSED BY BOTH CLINTON AND OBAMA

* New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet

* New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already)

* New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity)

* New taxes on retirement accounts

and last but not least....

* New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!

Can you afford THIS? You’d have to be a crazy socialist to voluntarily vote for these kind of taxes!

In case you want more information on Obama's tax and spend agenda:

If Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) Could Enact All Of His Campaign Proposals, Taxpayers Would Be Faced With Financing $874.35 Billion In New Spending Over One White House Term:

Updated February 14, 2008: Obama's National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank Will Cost $60 Billion Over Ten Years; Equal To $6 Billion A Year And $24 Billion Over Four Years. Obama: "I'm proposing a National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank that will invest $60 billion over ten years." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks On Economic Policy, Janesville , WI, 2/13/08)

Obama's Health Care Plan Will Cost Up To $65 Billion A Year; Equal To $260 Billion Over Four Years. "[Obama] campaign officials estimated that the net cost of the plan to the federal government would be $50 billion to $65 billion a year, when fully phased in, and said the revenues from rolling back the tax cuts were enough to cover it." (Robin Toner and Patrick Healy, "Obama Calls For Wider And Less Costly Health Care Coverage," The New York Times, 5/30/07)



Obama's Energy Plan Will Cost $150 Billion Over 10 Years, Equal To $15 Billion Annually And $60 Billion Over Four Years. "Obama will invest $150 billion over 10 years to advance the next generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure, accelerate the commercialization of plug-in hybrids, promote development of commercial-scale renewable energy, invest in low-emissions coal plants, and begin the transition to a new digital electricity grid." (Obama For America, "The Blueprint For Change,"www.barackobama.com, Accessed 1/14/08, p. 25)



Obama's Tax Plan Will Cost Approximately $85 Billion A Year; Equal To $340 Billion Over Four Years. "[Obama's] proposed tax cuts and credits, aimed at workers earning $50,000 or less per year, would cost the Treasury an estimated $85 billion annually." (Margaret Talev, "Obama Proposes Tax Code Overhaul To Help The Poor," McClatchy Newspapers, 9/19/07)

Obama's Plan Would Raise Taxes On Capital Gains And Dividends, And On Carried Interest. Obama's tax plan includes: "[i]ncreasing the highest bracket for capital gains and dividends and closing the carried interest loophole." (Obama For America, "Barack Obama: Tax Fairness For The Middle Class," Fact Sheet, www.barackobama.com, Accessed 1/8/08)

Obama's Economic Stimulus Package Will Cost $75 Billion. "Barack Obama's economic plan will inject $75 billion of stimulus into the economy by getting money in the form of tax cuts and direct spending directly to the people who need it most." (Obama For America, "Barack Obama's Plan To Stimulate The Economy," Fact Sheet, www.barackobama.com, 1/13/08)

Obama's Early Education And K-12 Package Will Cost $18 Billion A Year; Equal To $72 Billion Over Four Years. "Barack Obama's early education and K-12 plan package costs about $18 billion per year." (Obama For America, "Barack Obama's Plan For Lifetime Success Through Education," Fact Sheet, www.barackobama.com, 11/20/07, p. 15)

Obama's National Service Plan Will Cost $3.5 Billion A Year; Equal To $14 Billion Over Four Years. "Barack Obama's national service plan will cost about $3.5 billion per year when it is fully implemented." (Obama For America, "Helping All Americans Serve Their Country: Barack Obama's Plan For Universal Voluntary Citizen Service," Fact Sheet, www.barackobama.com, 12/5/07)

Obama Will Increase Our Foreign Assistance Funding By $25 Billion. "Obama will embrace the Millennium Development Goal of cutting extreme poverty around the world in half by 2015, and he will double our foreign assistance to $50 billion to achieve that goal." (Obama For America, "The Blueprint For Change," www.barackobama.com, Accessed 1/14/08, p. 53)

Obama Will Provide $2 Billion To Aid Iraqi Refugees. "He will provide at least $2 billion to expand services to Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries, and ensure that Iraqis inside their own country can find a safe-haven." (Obama For America, "The Blueprint For Change," www.barackobama.com, Accessed 1/14/08, p. 51)

Obama Will Provide $1.5 Billion To Help States Adopt Paid-Leave Systems. "As president, Obama will initiate a strategy to encourage all 50 states to adopt paid-leave systems. Obama will provide a $1.5 billion fund to assist states with start-up costs and to help states offset the costs for employees and employers." (Obama For America, "The Blueprint For Change," www.barackobama.com, Accessed 1/14/08, p. 15)

Obama Will Provide $1 Billion Over 5 Years For Transitional Jobs And Career Pathway Programs, Equal To $200 Million A Year And $800 Million Over Four Years. "Obama will invest $1 billion over five years in transitional jobs and career pathway programs that implement proven methods of helping low-income Americans succeed in the workforce." (Obama For America, "The Blueprint For Change," www.barackobama.com, Accessed 1/14/08, p. 42)

Obama Will Provide $50 Million To Jump-Start The Creation Of An IAEA-Controlled Nuclear Fuel Bank. Obama: "We must also stop the spread of nuclear weapons technology and ensure that countries cannot build -- or come to the brink of building -- a weapons program under the auspices of developing peaceful nuclear power. That is why my administration will immediately provide $50 million to jump-start the creation of an International Atomic Energy Agency-controlled nuclear fuel bank and work to update the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.." (Sen. Barack Obama, "Renewing American Leadership," Foreign Affairs, 7-8/07)

John McCain: McCain's Creedence Clear on the Issues Revival -Giving Us the Unscripted Straight Talk

I never liked paying for a performer who had a cut-and paste show. I remember being dragged to a Neil Diamond concert in the late 1970's at the old Auditorium Theatre here in Chicago.

Neil had a formula 'Hot August Night' or some such nonsense - very loud, tinsel-ly, important and bone-crushingly boring show. I slowed down to sixty MPH and let my date out of my 1967 Rambler American, immediately after Neil's sweat-stained 'Thank You!' never to see the young lady again -'I thought we were going to the Italian Village After?' What we want and what we get are two very different things.

Shortly, there after I took a lovely red-head to Creedance Clearwater Revival fronted by the Straight-as- Calvert's in a Cheap Saloon John Fogerty! Magnificent.
'Born on the Bayou' indeed. I married that delightful young woman.

The DNC performers, Senator Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are giving scripted and pre-packaged Pop Concerts. Huge productions, great expectations - so-what finish.

Now, John McCain has been shouting out 'Stuck in Lodi' again! He is the real agent for change because he gives straight talk the venue it deserves up close and personal.

Granite State Giant and Venture Capitalist Patrick Hynes offered to me:

There is a lot of talk these days about “a different kind of campaign.” And yet very little being offered by our friends on the left seems substantively different from everything they have offered for decades.

Sen. McCain truly is offering a different kind of campaign—one that will take direct voter engagement to an unheard of level.

While some candidates rarely even take questions from the media, Sen. McCain will continue to take question from the people. From today’s New Hampshire Union Leader:

Speak on it, my Fortunate Son!

Yesterday, Sen. McCain held the first town hall meeting in what is to be an unprecedented presidential campaign centered around coast-to-coast town hall meetings.



Sen. McCain said yesterday that his experience listening to and speaking directly with voters in New Hampshire led him to adopt that format for his national campaign. He wants an unscripted dialog with the American people, including those who disagree with him.



"If you don't have that, I don't think it's legitimate to say you're listening to the people," he told us.



And so New Hampshire has done more than breathe life into McCain's once condition-critical campaign. It has transformed that campaign, and with it the way national presidential politics will be conducted this year (and perhaps thereafter?).





http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=McCain+reborn:+Taking+NH+nationwide&articleId=c8b84c62-9e62-4975-9834-fe87d6aa858c



Union Leader: McCain Reborn: Taking NH Nationwide



Editorial

SEN. JOHN McCain's presidential campaign was reborn in New Hampshire . So it is fitting that his general election campaign be launched here, and in true New Hampshire fashion.



Yesterday, Sen. McCain held the first town hall meeting in what is to be an unprecedented presidential campaign centered around coast-to-coast town hall meetings.



Sen. McCain said yesterday that his experience listening to and speaking directly with voters in New Hampshire led him to adopt that format for his national campaign. He wants an unscripted dialog with the American people, including those who disagree with him.



"If you don't have that, I don't think it's legitimate to say you're listening to the people," he told us.



And so New Hampshire has done more than breathe life into McCain's once condition-critical campaign. It has transformed that campaign, and with it the way national presidential politics will be conducted this year (and perhaps thereafter?).



How is it that so small a state (only 1.3 million people) could have such a large impact on presidential politics? It is not simply our place in the presidential nomination calendar. After all, Iowa has had a smaller effect.



It is that the political process in New Hampshire is different -- and better -- than the process anywhere else.



Nowhere in America is government more closely controlled by the people. Nowhere in America are the people more widely and directly involved in politics generally and governing specifically.



Consider: At 2.9 million people, Mississippi has more than twice New Hampshire 's population. And yet only 29,700 more people voted in Tuesday's Mississippi presidential primary than voted in January's New Hampshire primary -- 559,242 to 529,542.



Sixty-one percent of New Hampshire 's registered voters -- and more than half the entire adult population -- turned out. Mississippi has more registered voters, 1.78 million, than New Hampshire has residents. But only 31 percent of them voted on Tuesday in an election of real importance.



Sen. McCain does well in New Hampshire because our political process is designed to cut through the fog produced by spin machines and image consultants and put voters in direct contact with the human beings running for the highest office in the land -- and when the voters size up Sen. McCain in person, they see a man they can trust and admire, even if they disagree with him on important issues.



Sen. McCain takes a risk in bringing New Hampshire-style campaigning nationwide. But that is the kind of politician he is. He won't hide behind a phalanx of staffers and consultants. If he can show the American people that strength of character directly, he can win them over, just as he won over New Hampshire .

John McCain wears flannel shirts. McCain and Fogerty know how to please an audience!

John McCain: Daily Kos - Why John McCain Will be President

One of the reasons Regular Democrats like me will be voting for John McCain has to do with unbelievable and shameful state of the national Democratic Party. One would think that every Democrat was a loudmouthed smarmy jerk like Bill Maher, or Keith Olbermann.

Not so. Even a solid Democrat like Geraldine Ferraro could be targeted by the morons who post on Daily Kos the Goebbels of Moveon.org and funded by the Magyar Millionaire Stalin George Soros.

Get this -
Ferraro: Give it to the Woman, Not to the Black Guy by DHinMI
Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 07:16:23 AM PDT
The latest in the disgusting story of longtime racist Geraldine Ferraro:

"Sexism is a bigger problem," Ferraro argued. "It's OK to be sexist in some people's minds. It's not OK to be racist."

Hey, former Congresswoman Ferraro, I've got a message for you from the 21st Century: it's not OK to be sexist OR racist. It's not OK to create a hierarchy of persecution and apply it to Democratic politics. It's not OK to imply, as you've seemed to be implying in recent days, that because women supposedly have it harder, that Hillary Clinton should get an easier path or that it's OK to denigrate Barack Obama's achievements by characterizing them as arising from advantages supposedly afforded to African-Americans.

Here's where the goof really lets fly -

Ferraro is playing a feminist George Wallace. Wallace appealed to insecure whites who felt that their struggles and hard work entitled them to live in all white neighborhoods, and elitist judges shouldn't be able to force them to accept black neighbors and integrated schools. Ferraro is trying to appeal to insecure white women who believe they've put in their time and now they're entitled to get their woman president, and nobody should be allowed to take away their presidency and give it to the Black guy who hasn't earned it.

Well heck; take Gerry out back and shoot her Comrade! That's Change for you!

What a clown Opera! Geraldine Ferraro, welcome. You have served your country honorably and this how our Party treats you. Hillary is hitting the silk on you and Obama is sending out his goof ghilies like oxygen deprived clown linked above.

Click my post title for Daily Kos's undignified and stupid smear ofGeraldine Ferraro.

Once More for Mike Mette! Once More in the Breach!

Hat Tip to the ever vigilant Second City Cop. The petition in support of Chicago Police Officer Michael Mette - wrongfully imprisoned in Iowa needs more signatures.

So I want both readers of my blog to get on the stick and wake up the Mopes in Iowa.

Click my Post Title for the Petition Link. You'll be doing the work of Justice. Make yourself Proud today!

John McCain: Chicago Young Professionals! Meet Mac March 14th

Illinois Young Professionals! Skip the Martini bar after work and make yourself proud. Meet the next President of United States, an American Hero who brings all Americans together.

While Dave Axelrod and whoever is working for Hillary are busy carving up the Democratic Party, you can get a taste of Unity ( Democrats and Republicans) and meet the Man who is bringing Americans together with Straight Talk - Senator John McCain!

Join Illinois McCain Chairman Jim Durkin and Senator John McCain. What Have You Done To Make Yourself Feel Proud? Here's an Opportunity Not to Miss!

Friday, March 14th



5:30pm Young Professionals Event (under 35)

Hilton Chicago

720 South Michigan, Chicago, IL

Pam Kinsey, 847-446-9102

$100 per person





Soren Dayton

John McCain 2008

sdayton@mccain08hq.com

Office: 703-650-5636

Cell: 703-300-7465

Fax: 703-350-4506

Why Goofs Run For Governor . . .Because They Can

Eliot Spitzer - The Governor LePetomane of New York attempts to hide from the public by systematically eating his own face.

Keep biting Guv - another anal aperture at the public trough trots out his poor wife.

Reporter: Sir, those are dummies.
Governor William J. Le Petomane: How do you think I got elected?

Click My Post Title for Marathon Pundit - John Rubery's take on this latest exercise in Public Funded Hubris!

John McCain: Catholics Support John McCain

Yesterday, I remarked that the issue of school choice should be a bell weather for American Catholic support of John McCain's Presidential Candidacy. McCain reflects the attitudes of most Americans and Catholics in particular. Catholics constitute one of the largest voting blocks in the Democratic Party, but many of us feel ignored by the Democratic National Committee and its sharply Left Wing rubrics for candidates: Catholics are Pro Life, want School Choice, an end to Tax strategies that shrink the Middle Class and Catholics support an Honorable end to the War on Global Islamist Terror: in Iraq and around the globe.

Catholics are supporting John McCain. This Catholic Democrat has supported John McCain from the get-go.

Click my post title for Catholic News Agency's report on the Surge in American Catholic Support for John McCain.

Huge Hat Tip To Patrick Hynes of the Granite State - New Hampshire and publisher and editor of Ankle Biting Pundits

This from McCain Headquarters:

JOHN MCCAIN WINS CATHOLIC SUPPORT NATIONWIDE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Press Office

Monday, March 10, 2008
703-650-5550


ARLINGTON, VA -- Today over 100 prominent Catholics nationwide have come together to support John McCain for president. The National Catholics for McCain Committee, led by U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Former Governor Frank Keating (R-OK), is growing rapidly. The group is represented by elected officials, businessmen and women, grassroots organizers, students, and Catholic leaders from over two dozen states.

"John McCain has a common sense vision for America based on faith, freedom, and families," said Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), National Co-Chair of the National Catholics for McCain Committee. "Committed to the protection of innocent human life, he is a leader Catholics will be proud to support. John McCain knows from experience what it means when a society tramples on the truth of the value of the human person. He is committed to defending the dignity and value of every person, regardless of their status."

John McCain expressed his deep appreciation and stated, "I want to thank Catholic voters today, who have played a vital role in electing me as the Republican nominee for the presidency. I am humbled by the support of such a diverse group of Catholic leaders who are dedicated to the defense of traditional marriage, advocate for the protection of innocent human life, and share my vision for a stronger, safer and more prosperous America . I stand firmly with those Catholics who believe that human rights are natural rights for all people, in all places, and in all stages of life."

The National Catholics for McCain Committee is actively recruiting Catholics at the national, regional, state, local, and parish levels to help share John McCain's vision and pro-Catholic message.

Catholics For McCain Co-Chairs:

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback, Kansas
Former Governor Frank Keating, Oklahoma

Catholics For McCain National Leadership Committee:

Republican House Leader John Boehner , Ohio
Former U.S. Senator Mike DeWine, Ohio
Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart , Florida
Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, Florida
Former U.S. Secretary of State Alexander Haig, Washington , DC
Representative Ray LaHood, Illinois
Representative Dan Lungren, California
U.S. Senator Mel Martinez, Florida
Representative Jean Schmidt, Ohio
Representative Pat Tiberi, Ohio

Catholics For McCain National Steering Committee:

David Adams, Florida , Retired Senior Foreign Service Officer
Laurence Alvarado , Florida , Managing Director, Bearing Point & Contributor, InsideCatholic.com
Hon. William Barr, Virginia , Former U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice
David Barron, South Carolina, Former Advisor & Surrogate, Reagan for President
Andresen Blom, Hawaii, Former Executive Director, Hawaii Right to Life
Gerry Bradley, Indiana, Law Professor, University of Notre Dame School of Law
Helen Anne Bunn, California , Owner & Operator, Health Care Facilities
Frank Cannon, Virginia, Treasurer, Susan B. Anthony List & Former Campaign Manager, Bauer for President
Mary Cannon, Virginia, Speechwriter & Former Deputy Communications Director, Kemp for President
Ryan Carney, Virginia, Former Chairman, CUA Republicans & Former Finance Director, Brownback for President
Alan Carson, Georgia, President, Obor Digital
Joseph Cella, Virginia , Founder, National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
Theo Chalgren, Minnesota , Visual Media Producer
Linda Chavez , Virginia , Conservative Author & Syndicated Columnist
Denis Coleman , Florida , Former Chairman, Covenant House & Former General Counsel, Bermuda
Jim Corbett, South Carolina , Former State Director, Brownback for President
Lisa Correnti, Maryland , Grassroots Activist & Homemaker
Timothy Costa, Rhode Island , Policy Advisor
Marjorie Dannenfelser, Virginia, President, Susan B. Anthony List
Martin Dannenfelser, Virginia, Former Vice President, Family Research Council
Shawn Denton, Florida , Catholic Outreach Coordinator in Broward County , McCain for President
Terry Denton, Florida, Catholic Outreach Coordinator in Broward County, McCain for President
Bob Destro, Washington, DC, Law Professor, Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law
Stephen Louis A. Dillard, Georgia, Attorney & Former Legal Policy Advisor, Huckabee for President
Bernard Dobranski, Michigan , Dean, Ave Maria School of Law
Aggie Dowd , New Hampshire , Political Activist
John Dowd, New Hampshire, Former State Chairman, New Hampshire Republican Party & Coordinator, Catholics for Bush
Martin Duggan , Missouri , Television Host & Catholic Activist
John Eddy, Arkansas , Former National Victory Director, Republican National Committee
Tracy Eddy, Arkansas , Former Senior Staffer, the White House
Umberto Fedeli, Ohio, President & CEO, Fedeli Group
Ariel Fernandez , Florida , Catholic Outreach Coordinator in Miami-Dade County , McCain for President
James Fitzpatrick, Pennsylvania, Former State Regional Coalition Chair, Catholics for Bush
Dorothy Fleming, Minnesota, Deputy Chair, Republican Party of Minnesota
Angela Flood, Virginia, Former Deputy Political Director, the White House
Robert P. George, New Jersey , McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University
Martin Gillespie , New Jersey , Former Director of Catholic Outreach, Republican National Committee
Rob Gleason , Pennsylvania , Chairman, Republican Party of Pennsylvania
Frank Hanna, Georgia, CEO, Hanna Capital, LLC
Hon. Melissa Hart, Pennsylvania, Former Representative, US House & Candidate for Congress
Deal W. Hudson, Washington, DC, President, Morley Publishing Group
John J. Jakubczyk, Arizona, Former President, Arizona Right to Life
John M. Klink, California, Former Diplomat, Vatican
Christian Kotscher, Georgia, National Principal, IBM
Alfred A. Lagan, Massachusetts, Founder & Chairman, Congress Asset Management Company
Alyssa Lombardi , Virginia , Teacher & Pro-Life Activist
Connie Marshner , Virginia , Writer, Editor & Grassroots Leader
Kitty Martinez , Florida , Former Educator
Hon. Bob McDonnell, Virginia , Attorney General, Virginia
Edward McFadden, Virginia, Former Senior Advisor, Fred Thompson for President
Margaret Melady, Virginia , Former President, American University in Rome
Amb. Thomas Melady, Virginia, Former US Ambassador, Vatican
Tom Monaghan, Florida, Catholic Philanthropist & Founder, Domino's Pizza & Ave Maria University
Hon. Maureen Mooney, New Hampshire, State Representative (R-Merrimack) & Former State Director, Catholics for Bush
Mario Murgado, Florida, President & CEO, Miami Automotive Retail, Inc. Brickell Motors
Dennis Myers, Florida , Broward County Republican Executive Committee
Chris Nolan, Maryland , President, Landbridge Equity, LLC
Catherine Nugent, Missouri, President, Willis Pendleton Inc.
Joe O'Farrell, Georgia , Catholic Activist & Fundraiser
Patrick O'Meara, Michigan, Founder, O'Meara Ferguson Kearns, Inc.
Hon. Brian Palmer, Michigan , State Representative (R-Romeo)
Dana Phillips , Iowa , Former Co-Chairman, Catholics for Brownback
William F. Plunkett, Jr., New York , Attorney
Alexandra Preate, New York , Principal, Capital HQ
George Prezioso, New York , Vice President, AWMA
John Pudner, Georgia, President, Concentric Direct
Robert Reilly , Virginia , Former Director, Voice of America
Maureen Roselli, New Jersey , Founding CEO & Former President, Catholic Alliance
Austin Ruse, Virginia, President, Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute
Cathy Ruse, Virginia , Former Chief Pro-Life Spokesman , U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Paul G. Scolese, Virginia , Former Staff, Bush-Cheney 2000 Presidential Transition Office
Lauren Shea, Florida , Political Activist
Timothy D. Shea, Florida , Real Estate Executive
Shawn Smeallie, Virginia, Partner, American Continental Group
Jack St. Martin , Colorado , Former Campaign Manager, Beauprez for Governor
John Stanton, Pennsylvania , Former Executive Director, Southeast Pennsylvania Pro-Life Union
Frank Stella, Michigan, Chairman & CEO, F.D. Stella Products Company
Hon. George W. Strake, Jr., Texas, Former Secretary of State, Texas & Former Chairman, Republican Party of Texas
Warren Sweeney, New Jersey, Former Executive Director, National Right to Life Committee
Christina Valentine, Virginia , Former President, Franciscan University of Steubenville College Republicans
Rick Valentine, Virginia , Former Deputy Assistant U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice
Susan Valentine, Virginia, Vice President, Virginia Society for Human Life
Tim Von Dohlen , Texas , 2004 Delegate & Former Representative, Texas State House
Pat Von Dohlen , Texas , Pro-Life Activist
Robert Wasinger, Virginia, Former Campaign Manager, Brownback for President
John Willke, Ohio, President, Life Issues Institute, Inc.
Chuck Yob, Michigan , Republican National Committeeman, Michigan
Eugene J. Zurlo, South Carolina, Chairman, Zurlo Investment Trust & Former President, Catholic Radio Association

Catholic Students For McCain Leadership Committee:

Billy Valentine, Virginia , Chairman, Catholic Students for McCain, Franciscan University of Steubenville
Lauren Benning, Florida , Catholic Outreach Coordinator in Lee County , McCain for President, Duke University
Raymond M. Gennawey, III, California , Former Chairman, CUA Republicans, Catholic University of America
Danielle Huntley , Massachusetts , Former President, Students for Life of America , Boston College School of Law
Kilty Maher, Iowa, Ave Maria University
Matthew Rooney, New Jersey, Former Chairman, CUA Republicans, Rutgers Law School
Terry Schilling, Illinois , Student Body President, Franciscan University of Steubenville
Thomas Ternan , Texas , Franklin & Marshall College
Katie Wilcox , Michigan , Ave Maria Law School
Colm Willis , Oregon , Boston College

John McCain: School Choice and Hope v. Clinton/Obama/DNC Static Public School Entrallment

The National Democratic Committee and all Candidates are Enthralled by the Public School Lobby - no brag just fact.

Enthrall -1. To hold spellbound; captivate: The magic show enthralled the audience.
2. To enslave.

from Old English - Þræl/slave Bright's Old English Grammar is always a useful tool as it helped me last Good Friday in my assist to Neil Steinberg on the Good Friday Story - godes frias daeg - God's Friday.

There I go again . . .


The DNC and the candidates it anoints pay homage to the Public School Lobby and they are heavier than whale poop with the Democratic National Committee. Most Democrats that I know, my neighbors and friends, would like to see school choice as an option for success. Most of my neighbors and friends are Roman Catholic Democrats - we pay twice for education, once for our kids to attend Catholic Schools and then again through obscene taxes that get soaked up by the monstrously - I can say that - unsuccessful public schools.

The Public School Lobby, especially the two major Teachers Unions, play hardball with every Democratic candidate - especially those who would presume to become National ( House, Senate, Presidency) Candidates.

Now, get this. Everyone is talking about Superdelegates for Obama and Clinton but no one, except David White in his Sunday New York Times op ed piece, is talking about the Public School Lobby as Kingmakers. Get This:

IF the Democratic race is settled at the party’s convention this summer — not unlikely, given Hillary Clinton’s victories over Barack Obama in Ohio and Texas — certain delegate constituencies are going to be the object of much affection from the candidates. Most prominent among these is the delegate and superdelegate bloc affiliated with the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, the nation’s two largest teachers’ unions. In 2004, more than 400 regular delegates to the convention were members of the two unions, making up a group bigger than every state delegation except California’s.

Now, Hold the Phone! They are enthralled.

John McCain is less than enthralled. Me too.

John McCain is for Parental Choice in Schools for theri Children. John McCain is for easing the tax-burden on parents who pay twice. John McCain wants to end the enthrallment of the States to Public School Lobbies and wants greater accountability from schools that soak up tax dollars.

Real Democrats will find john McCain to be more like them than their Presidential Candidates or the Democratic National Leadership.

Click my post title for David White's caveat to voters.

Real Change means Real Choice - School Choice will Set You Free! School Choice means less burden on taxpayers and more Accountability from Public Schools.

End the Enthrallment; Vote for John McCain and School Choice!

Al Sharpton's Popping For Florida Vote Expenses?

Crown Heights Al Sharpton, who came to Chicago, left Chicago, and that mattered how? - and still gets mug time on Fox goofball Bill O'Reilly whenever a bird flies over Al's Bentley, is warning up a plenty!

The Activist Race -baiter who told Jews to pin back their Yarmulkes and get ready to 'get it on,' told Bill-O that there will consequences and repercussions if something is not done about Florida! It was, as per usual with Crown Heights Al, unclear exactly what would come round the corner, if his latest demands, about what I have no idea, are not met! Al seems ready to Jew hunting Florida - he likes that demographic, probably more Jews than Crown Heights! They've been hogging the Holocaust! Al's got to turn up the heat!


“If the Jews want to get it on, tell them to pin their yarmulkes back and come over to my house." Rev. Al -

From Rich Lowery:
Those were the immortal words of the Rev. Al Sharpton during the Crown Heights crisis in New York City in 1991. A car driven by a Hasidic Jew had run over a black child in the Brooklyn neighborhood, prompting black-Jewish tensions that eventually spilled over into antisemitic riots. Sharpton's contribution to civic peace was statements like the above, together with such classic anti-Jewish smears as: "Talk about how Oppenheimer in South Africa sends diamonds straight to Tel Aviv and deals with the diamond merchants right here in Crown Heights."

http://www.nationalreview.com/lowry/lowry200312030840.asp

Oh, yeah - this clown needs to be heard! Bill-O more face time!



This from the New York Sun on Bill-O's Comfy Chair for Crown Heights Al:

'. . .If Mr. Obama is denied the nomination because of "back-room deals" made by superdelegates, he said, "you not only would see people like me demonstrating, you may see us talking about whether or not we can support that ticket."

I thought that Barack Obama would be dignified by the honorific SENATOR? Senator Obama, Al; give man his due! Shoot.

'Pin back them Yarmulkes!' Tell Howard Dean that Crown Heights Al and his NAN Network will spring for the votes! Al's ready to pull change out of his deep pockets - He's the Agent of Change . . .and folding money!

Way to go Bill-O.

John McCain: John Rubery - The Marathon Pundit Takes a Cold Look at Rasmussen Polling

John Rubery - The Marathon Pundit ( click my post title to link up with this great site) takes a hard look at the cold numbers crunched by Rasmussen Polling that reveals more Americans want John McCain to take 'the 3AM Call' - the new national metaphor equating National Security with Character. John McCain has that in bundles.

Marathon Pundit is nationally regarded and highly influential source of balanced and intelligent reporting.

Sprint over to Marathon Pundit and stay informed.

John McCain: Chicago's South Side Parade March 9, 2008

Many of the Marchers in today's south side parade will be voting for John McCain in November. Senator McCain these are your people. IlliNois McCain Chairman Jim Durkin will be working the crowd all along Western Ave. this cold blustery morning.

From the Official South Side Parade website - click my post title for the full story. Mary Beth Sheehan is the She-Bull of this massive undertaking ( Almost as large as Robert Sheehy & Sons Funeral Homes, but that is another story for another day)- Mary Beth Sheehan could direct a Fortune 500 Company or a small country!

The South Side Irish Parade Committee will hold the 30th Annual South Side Irish Parade on Sunday, March 9, 2008. The parade will step off at 12:00 P.M. sharp from 103rd & Western Ave. PLEASE NOTE that this date is one week earlier than usual due to the fact that Sunday, March 16, 2008 is Palm Sunday.

This is the story of how the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Parade began. As with many stories told by the Irish, exaggeration is inevitable, however, this story is completely true. The parade was the vision of two best friends, George Hendry and Pat Coakley. Both were raised on the South Side of Chicago, George in the St. Sabina Parish and Pat in the Little Flower parish in the Auburn neighborhood. The two did not meet until their early thirties, when both moved to the Morgan Park community with their young wives. There they became neighbors, best friends and in 1979, co-founders of the South Side Irish Parade.




In the winter of 1979, sitting around the Hendry’s kitchen table enjoying a few beers, George and Pat fondly remembered their experiences at the original South Side Irish Parade (aka the Southtown Parade) that was held on 79th Street. That parade moved downtown in 1960. It was at this time, while they were reminiscing, that George and Pat felt the obligation to create “something” for their children and the children of their friends and “green” neighbors. Nearly twenty years had passed, but now the South Side would rise again with a new parade in a new location for a new generation.

So on a rainy Saturday, March 17, 1979, George and Pat, with the help of their wives, Mary and Marianne (Mernie), gathered 17 children from the West Morgan Park community to march in the first South Side Irish St. Pat’s Parade. The children were the only marchers: Tim Kelly was dressed as St. Patrick; Eileen Hughes was the parade’s first and only queen; a few Boy Scouts, including Jack and George Hendry and Pat and Kevin Coakley, carried the American flag; and the parade’s original float, a baby buggy covered with a box decorated with shamrocks and the 26 county flags of Ireland, was pushed around the 10900 blocks of Washtenaw and Talman. The children were given the moniker “The Wee Folks of Washtenaw and Talman”. The theme of the parade was “Bring Back St. Pat”, which was George and Pat’s way of saying bring back to the South Side the parade they had cherished as children. Notices of the parade which were placed in mailboxes along the “route” invited neighbors to stand on their porches and wave to the marchers. Immediately following the parade, the children were invited to the Hendry’s basement for Kool-aid and Twinkies. Later that evening, the adults continued the party in the Coakley’s basement until the “wee” hours.

Others noticed this small gathering and celebration in the community and so in 1980, the parade moved from the sidewalks to the side streets and began at Kennedy Park. Three hundred participants marched past friendly neighbors watching from their front yards and windows. Marchers included families with wagons, children on decorated bicycles, dogs, and a bag piper. The St. Cajetan School’s band sat in chairs in front of the Kennedy Park field house and played for the gathering crowd. The parade meandered through the neighborhood and ended at the Beverly Bank parking lot, where Terry McEldowney sang Irish songs for the crowd.

It was hard to believe, but the parade was gaining in popularity and George and Mary and Pat and Mernie decided it was time to take the parade to THE STREET. On Sunday, March 15, 1981 the parade would march down Western Ave. for the first time, where it continues to march today. Then-Mayor Jane Byrne would only provide a permit for the southbound lane of Western from 103rd Street to 115th Street, while live northbound traffic whizzed by in the opposite lane. The Chicago Police were ordered not to provide crowd and traffic control, but parade volunteers and a few crossing guards assumed the responsibilities and the parade marched on safely. The 1981 parade was a parade of “firsts” – traditions that continue today and without which the parade just wouldn’t be the parade. This was the year that St. Cajetan Church, the official parish of the parade, would celebrate with a Mass honoring St. Patrick. Following the parade, a party commenced in St. Cajetan’s Memorial Hall. It was named the Post-Parade Party, and the parade trilogy and unofficial motto, which referenced the three successive aspects of each Parade Day, was born: “Pray, Parade, and Party”. Today, many families in the area celebrate the day by attending a special Parade Mass, then gather along Western Avenue to watch the parade, and finally head home to host parties for family and friends. A number of neighborhood families also use this gathering day as an excuse for an annual family reunion. Another 1981 first for the parade was the use of a Grand Marshall. That year, three neighborhood children, Bess Hendry, Annie Coakley and Sean Crowe, were the parade’s first Grand Marshalls. All three were chosen to signify that the parade would be first and foremost a family affair.

With the success of the 1981 parade, it was apparent that George and Pat needed some help. They asked a few friends and local parishioners to get involved, and a committee was formed. Without the help of Fr. Marty O’Donovan, Mike Hayes, Jim Davoren, Bob Rafferty, Paul Poynton, Sean McCarthy, Bill Letz, Jack McNicholas, Dick Norris, Bill Gainer, Jim Sheridan and Bill Wallace in those earlier years, the parade wouldn’t be the success it is today. Currently, there are 26 committee members handling everything from logistics, float entries, sanitation and sponsorship to related events, PR/Media, marshals, bands and merchandising. Today, the South Side Irish Parade is considered the largest neighborhood-based St. Patrick’s Day parade outside of Dublin. It grew from 17 children marching around the block 27 years ago to an event that hosts over 15,000 marchers and 250,000+ spectators each year.

Each year after 1981, the official parade route has been from 103rd & Western to 115th & Western, and each year a Grand Marshall is chosen, often a charitable organization that is dedicated to children. Each year since 2004, the parade has also designated another organization as a Special Honoree, thus enabling the parade to highlight and honor two unique organizations each year.

The South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade was created for Pat and George’s children. Children, family, faith and heritage are what this great parade is all about!

PMB 452 • 3400 W. 111th St. • Chicago, IL 60655 • 773-393-8687
southsideirishparade@yahoo.com

John McCain Beat the Press or A Man for All Snakes on a Plane

This is a screenplay that I have in the works concerning the latest John Mccain 'Rage Against the Machine.' This screenplay is an homage to the genres of the Period Piece Witty Dialogue Epic and the Samuel L. Jackson is In It Movie _ call it

A Man for All Snakes on a Plane:

Interior of the Straight Talk Campaign Plane - McCain - center aisle.

Set on an airplane the NYT Reporter an invited guest of the McCain Campaign queries like a three old asking Why? - Because- Why? -Because - Why? -Because concerning a private conversation and what it betokens:


NYT Reporter: Yet how can this be? Because this silence betokened, nay, this silence was, not silence at all, but most eloquent denial!

Senator John McCain: Not so. Not so, Miss Smartpants. The maxim is "Qui tacet consentire": the maxim of the law is "Silence gives consent". If therefore you wish to construe what my silence betokened, you must construe that I consented, not that I denied.

NYT Reporter: Is that in fact what the world construes from it? Do you pretend that is what you wish the world to construe from it?


Senator John McCain: The world must construe according to its wits; this court must construe according to the law. . . .Enough is enough! I have had it with these mother#$%^ing snakes on this mother#$%^ing plane!

Click my post title for the germ of this screenplay

John McCain: Steve Huntley Raises the Bar and few more Questions for Obama

Yesterday, Steve Chapman of the Chicago Tribune presented a 'passive voice' larded attack piece on John McCain. If you take a look at the comments ( including mine) over at the Trib or at Real Clear Politics.com you find that Steve Chapman is roundly and soundly cuffed for his offering - and well he should be.


Chicago journalism's other Steve - Steve Huntley - was one of the last sparks evident in a once great Chicago newspaper. The Chicago Sun Times was commandeered for months by a loopy Progressive agenda that drove a stake through its heart and through those goofy days Steve Huntley offered thoughtful and well-written columns on local and national affairs.

Today, Steve Huntley presents a sharp contrast between John McCain and Barack Obama. Huntley presents the Obama's sophomoric and fleet-footed dash from questions raised about his involvement with indicted bundler Tony Rezko, in Texas last week. Obama could not pry himself away scrutiny quick enough. Contast that with Senator John McCain's open and challenging presence in front of the world media following the New York Times protracted, dated and daffy attempt to smear an American hero.

Click on my post title for Steve Huntley's insightful study of the contrast between Obama, the Rhetorical Bard and Feckless Youth, and John McCain, the Prosaic, Tested and Forthright Leader.