Two on The Donald

Having observed a hundred of more candidates in the 17 presidential elections I've followed, starting in 1952, 'liking Ike', I've got two observations on current media star Donald Trump.

The former candidate he most closely resembles is George Wallace. LIke Wallace, Trump is a brilliant, charismatic speaker using racism and zenophobia to energize that segment of the population starving for a dynamic candidate to validate and foment their hate and alienation from sensible democracy. His fearlessness of and contempt for the media and political critics is a strength which adds to his appeal.   

If Trump ascends to the White House, an appropriate Secret Service moniker for this toxic human being might be "Agent Orange."

What's in a name?

I love the creative way lawmakers tag bad laws with fancy-schmancy names to fool the public. Back in 1989, the Illinois legislature wisely banned Happy Hours, the binge drinkers' delight, where cash strapped rummys could imbibe reduced price hooch between 4:00 and 6:00 PM or thereabout.

Twenty-six years later the Culinary and Hospitality Modernization Act awaits Gov. Rauner's signature to re-open the cheap booze spigots. While two for one isn't included, cheap booze is still on the fare, for up to 4 hours a day; 15 hours a week.

Full disclosure: I love liquor; but sparingly sip my Jack Daniels Sinatra Select to preserve both pocketbook and bod.

Hey, maybe legislative euphemisms have a point. As a supporter of legalized muggles (WA just cashed a $70 million dollar tax revenue check for 2014) how about IL passing a new law (wink, wink) entitled: The Native Plant Appreciation Modernization Act of 2015. Who could oppose that!

Rauner playing Zero Sum Game with 13 million Illinoisans

You don't become a billionaire in venture capitalism by considering the interests of all and providing for the Commons. You (and your partners) win every time. The other side, the workers, the Commons, lose every time. Once you are fabulously wealthy, you assuage your guilt giving large amounts (but a pittance of your fortune) to charity. That is a fair description of Bruce Rauner's modus operandi. Sadly, he decided to ...continue it into his governorship. Whether stumping for the expiration of the desperately needed temporary tax increase extension to give his base an unnecessary tax cut, rolling back Illinois' minimum wage to the Federal level, busting unions, along with their livable wages and working conditions, and ending prevailing wage standards, Rauner displays zero interest in economic fairness and responsible governance. That is Rauner's Zero Sum Game: everything for the elite; nothing for the masses.

But Illinois isn't a tantalizing company that Rauner can make a big score on or dump if it's a payday dog. It's 13 million folks who depend on a leader who considers a semblance of their needs versus the fat cats for whom Rauner truly celebrates and provides. They know for certain that Rauner is not now and likely never will be in their corner. But what Rauner will never replicate in Illinois is the disaster that a Walker has created in Wisconsin, Brownback implemented in Kansas, or Jindal foisted upon Louisiana. They had a pliant legislature to do their dirty work. Illinois has a legislature beholden to the people.

At age 58, Bruce Rauner will finally learn that the billionaire's Zero Sum Game in the business world doesn't play in the public arena.

Greeks stand up to European bullies

When 19th century Victorian historian Thomas Carlyle tabbed economics the 'dismal science', he may have been foreshadowing the dismal treatment of Greece by its wealthy European creditors. If so, the beleaguered Greek Davids struck a mighty blow against the EU bankster Goliaths Sunday with their surprisingly large vote against another round of heartless, cruel austerity against Greece. The Greek debt crisis would surely has worsened under new austerity with only the Greek people doing the suffering while the irresponsible moneylenders call all the shots. But the Greek people showed that no matter the overwhelming power of the moneyed interests, the suffering masses with a vote can level the negotiating field. First up? Turning the flow of money to Greek banks back on to end the latest, EU imposed hardship.

All decent Illinoisans, especially the needy now being threatened and intimidated by Governor Austerity, should take note as we push back against an economic oligarch who gained power with personal millions and slick sophistry to promote the interests of his wealthy base.

Doing the right thing in Illinois should be Greek to us.
 

A nice difference

Some of those fireworks you heard were ignited by folks celebrating a nice difference between July 4, 2015 and July 4, 2010: 16 million more Americans with health care insurance.