Michael Tams

Impeachment proceedings begin

By Michael Tams | 12/16/08

So the Illinois House has launched the first-ever impeachment proceeding against a governor.  Given our State's rather checkered history that fact is remarkable in itself.You can read the story here.Meanwhile, Blago is lawyering up, apologizing to their neighbors, and making it clear - thus far - that he has no intention of resigning.In all of this, the real indictment is on the establishment - leadership of both parties.  These people... read more »

Speaking of crooks... Blagojevich arrested

By Michael Tams | 12/09/08

Blago was arrested today.  The criminal complaint is staggering.  I've read some of the 78 page document, and to save you some time, here's the three main wrongdoings:1.  He tried to get editorial board members fired from the Chicago Tribune that were critical of his administration in exchange for about $100 million in Illinois Finance Authority assistance in the sale of Wrigley Field (owned by the Tribune).2.  He sold state... read more »

Do the crime, do the time

By Michael Tams | 12/02/08

So our illustrious senior Senator Dick Durbin wants George Bush to pardon former Governor George Ryan.  Remember him?  What did he do, exactly?  Among other things, when he was Secretary of State, his office took bribes and sold drivers licenses.  Sadly, nine people were killed by truck drivers who bought licenses from Ryan's office.  He was found guilty on 18 counts brought against him in 2006, and after about a year... read more »

To be happy, and unsatisfied

By Michael Tams | 11/27/08

I've been struggling this morning to think about how I want to communicate a simple idea, and what in the world to call this post.  Another Thanksgiving is upon us, and I'd like to just draw for readers a distinction between happiness and satisfaction.  I'm far from perfect in this regard, certainly no expert; yet, if we insisted on perfect examples we'd never have a St. Paul, Francis of Assisi... and so on, which I hope is not a... read more »

New "Leadership"

By Michael Tams | 11/24/08

So our elected "representatives" (notice a theme with the derisive air quotes?) chose among themselves last week who will be each party's respective leadership in Springfield.  The results are in: Senator John Cullerton will lead the Socialists Democrats and Senator Christine Radogno will lead the Countryclubbers Republicans. Conventional wisdom says that Cullerton can't - simply can't - be any worse than Emil Jones, he of the... read more »

A Call for Reform

By Michael Tams | 11/24/08

A great example of grace, even in defeat, is the letter published in the Tribune from Tony Peraica.  Tony calls for what this state sorely needs, and it is a non-partisan issue: genuine reform. [The campaign] was about putting the political insiders on notice. It was about shining a spotlight on the waste, fraud and corruption that plagues our county and leads to higher taxes for each and every citizen, employer and working... read more »

We've Got Next

By Michael Tams | 11/15/08

Having allowed some time to pass and having reviewed soberly the events of this election cycle, it is safe to make some clear analysis on what happened and what happens from this point forward.  But suffice it to say: the title of this post is my prediction for 2010. I've witnessed a surprising amount of energy on the ground as Republicans, conservatives, libertarians and our assorted allies have picked ourselves up in the last week and a... read more »

Post-Election Commentary

By Michael Tams | 11/07/08

Change is coming all right.  It just might surprise the rest of the country.  In Chicago, there's a certain way of doing the business of politics.  America's about to learn all about it.  Don't say you weren't warned.Asked what she expected an Obama presidency to mean to her West Side ward, Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) replied, "One word: money. You're supposed to take care of home first, aren't you?" Mitts said the city needs... read more »

The Great Eight

By Michael Tams | 11/03/08

Since I've got as much an idea as anybody, here's my qualified prediction.  McCain will take the Presidency with victories in these eight key batleground states: Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Missouri.   If you live in one of these states you can't listen to the media telling you "it's over."  If you have loved ones in these states - tell them to get out and vote.  As the saying... read more »

Wake up, Illinois

By Michael Tams | 11/03/08

One of the worst scenarios imaginable: Obama gets elected and his ties to the Democrats in Cook County and the state at large pressure him to remove Patrick Fitzgerald from his spot as U.S. Attorney.   Let's add this to the list of horrible consequences from an Obama presidency.  John Kass lays it all out for you in gruesome detail.   We've got a very clear and obvious choice to make, and while I realize that things are probably... read more »