20 Dec 2006

Are We a "Christian Country" by Law?

By Administrator

The controversy over "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas" requires that we examine what has happened to our right to "petition the government for a redress of grievances." This is one of our inherent and inalienable rights. We have a "property" in that right. This means that any prior restraint placed on that right constitutes a "taking of property without due process of law" unless we are given something of equal value in return.

20 Dec 2006

Leader's European Visit Upsets Some Republicans

By Administrator

After losing five state Senate seats and ending up on the wrong end of a veto-proof majority, there's bound to be a lot of second-guessing and finger-pointing. But Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson probably did himself no favors by going to Europe for 10 days just a month before the November election.

13 Dec 2006

Vote for the Best of the Quad Cities 2006

By Administrator

Click here to vote. The deadline is January 15, and we'll be conducting weekly drawings from valid ballots for great prizes.

best stamp 200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember: You must provide valid answers for at least half the categories for your ballot to be counted.

13 Dec 2006

Speaker Urges Separation of Public Policy from Religious Rhetoric

By Eric Junco

Susan Jacoby Both Democrats and Republicans are doing harm to society by invoking religion, author Susan Jacoby argued in a November 29 lecture at Augustana College.

Jacoby's lecture, "Whose God, Whose Trust? Religion, Secularism, & American Patriotism," offered a historical perspective on what she called the "great American paradox" - the separation of church and state. She said that the conflict between secularism and religion is at an all-time high, and that both liberals and conservatives cross a moral boundary when using religious rhetoric to influence the general public or public policy.

13 Dec 2006

Russia's Disproportionate Response to "Borat"

By Administrator

"Borat"No one "banned" Borat in Russia. At least, not according to officials of Russia's Federal Agency for Culture & Cinematography. They just "advised" 20th Century Fox that the movie could offend some viewers and contained material that "might seem disparaging in relation to certain ethnic groups and religions." 20th Century Fox has promised to contest that "recommendation," which was accompanied by a denial of a screening license. (What kind of "advice" comes with a prohibition?)

13 Dec 2006

The Season of Giving

By Administrator

During this season of giving, please remember the many charitable organizations that assist people who are less fortunate. In addition to or in lieu of gifts to friends and family, consider a donation of money or needed items to one of the organizations listed below, or to any group that's trying to improve the community. Also consider volunteering at one these organizations.

13 Dec 2006

Where Did Air America Go?

By administrator

On Tuesday, December 5, the Quad Cities lost its only progressive talk-radio station, WKBF 1270 AM. Considering results from the recent elections, there should be a market for progressive-talk programming in the Quad Cities. Is anyone else upset by this loss? Will another radio station pick up the Air America network programs and other progressive-talk shows?

Patti Franklin

Riverdale, Iowa

 

13 Dec 2006

Official's Departure Might Mean a Kinder, Gentler Administration

By Administrator

The consensus among insiders seems to be that the departure of Deputy Governor Bradley Tusk this month will mean a less-confrontational administration in the coming years.

Governor Rod Blagojevich has always been someone who thrives on controversy, and Tusk - a young, brash New Yorker - did his level best to keep that spark alive each and every day. Tusk had no history in politics here and never had any intention of ever working in Illinois after he left the administration, so he wasn't all that particular about whose toes he was stepping on. And it showed.

06 Dec 2006

Three Departing Legislators Did the Job Right

By Rich Miller

Political columnists usually focus on the dark side of politics, but indulge me today while I say goodbye to three of the best legislators I've ever had the pleasure to know.

All three are hard-working, honest pioneers. Senator Adeline Geo-Karis (R-Zion), born in Tegeas, Greece, was the first woman in Illinois history to become a member of Senate leadership. Senator Miguel del Valle (D-Chicago), born in Puerto Rico, was the first Latino elected to the Illinois Senate and the first Latino to make it to a leadership slot. Senator George Shadid (D-Peoria), born to immigrant parents from Lebanon, was the first Lebanese-American ever elected to the Senate and was also the first Lebanese-American to make it to a Senate leadership position.

Geo-Karis ("Geo" to her friends) lost her primary last spring, del Valle was appointed Chicago City Clerk last week (another Latino first), and Shadid is retiring.

30 Nov 2006

Correction to the November 29 Issue

By Administrator

Due to a production error, an incorrect version of page 19 was printed in the November 29 issue. A short calendar article and several listings -- particularly in the theatre category -- were omitted as a result.

To download or view a .pdf file of the correct page, click here. 

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