Mr. Aeschliman states the obvious in his "Business Insighter" column (see "Globalization Trend Means Change in Job Types," River Cities' Reader Issue 458, January 7-13, 2004). He summarizes the symptoms and partial effects of the current runaway globalization.
Last year was one of transition for Illinois' political leadership. The year began with Republican Governor George Ryan leaving office after just four years in office - a term constantly overshadowed by allegations of corruption while he was secretary of state.
"A prosecutor once described political corruption as a 'time-honored tradition' in Illinois, but the scandal outlined in a 91-page indictment against former Governor George Ryan might be the worst yet," claimed the Associated Press last week.
I am opposed to John Lewis Community Services' (JLCS) and Executive Director Kate Ridge's plan to build Cobblestone Terrace at 12th and Myrtle streets in Davenport. The project is for 14 single-family rental properties under the ROSE program through the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) tax-credit program.
My father is a Barry Goldwater Republican. Goldwater, you will recall, was the Republican presidential nominee in 1964 who once said, "Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice." Dad never voted for a Democrat in his life until 1984.
To me, the month of December brightens the end of the year like a cheerful hearth fire brightens the dead of winter. I love the rituals, foods, smells, and sense of connection that surround the holidays. And, like most kids, I love the gifts.
Without a doubt, it was way past time that a giant corporation was rebuffed in Springfield. Every year, at least one of the big boys hires every available contract lobbyist, signs up a PR firm, cuts a deal with some pliable and influential third parties, and descends on the Illinois statehouse with a clever proposal in hand.
A subpoena can work like truth serum. Drag waffling officials and dissembling politicians before a serious investigating body and suddenly secrets start to spill and disclosures mount. Dots are connected. Confessions emerge, and sometimes, indictments follow.
Up until last Tuesday afternoon, it looked like Commonwealth Edison had it made in the shade. House Speaker Michael Madigan had signed off on what was thought to be the final draft of ComEd's bill to help it purchase downstate electric company Illinois Power.
Many Republicans must be fairly dumbstruck this week, after the recent vote (55-44) to pass a new Medicare bill that critics say is no reform at all, especially because it only significantly benefits the pharmaceutical and insurance companies, giving precious little relief to seniors and other participants in Medicare.

Pages