Political Humorist Suggests Top 10 Apologies Owed

In this overheated political season, Republican leaders are claiming that President Barack Obama is not a strong enough leader and is too willing to apologize. But a quick look at American history shows that Republican presidents have a long tradition of apology.

Republican President Abe Lincoln once had doubts about the ability of Ulysses S. Grant to lead the army at Vicksburg, notes political humorist Steven Sarshik (www.sarshik.com), New York attorney and author of the satirical novel, The Apology, a humorous look at policy blunders as former President George W. Bush gets arrested for war crimes while in Greece.

"When events showed that Lincoln was wrong, he wrote to the general: 'I now wish to make the personal acknowledgement that you were right and I was wrong.' "

Grant himself offered an apology at the end of his turbulent presidential years in office, Sarshik says.

"He told Congress that it had been his 'misfortune to be called to the Office of Chief Executive without any previous political training,' and apologized for his 'errors in judgment.' "

Republican icon Ronald Reagan apologized in 1988 for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II more than 40 years earlier. He even signed legislation opening the way for reparation payments, Sarshik says.

"So, apologies from presidents are as American as apple pie," the author says, and offers Bush an opportunity to eat up.

Top 10 Reasons Bush Should Apologize!

10.  He was the first president in more that 200 years to have his vice president shoot someone (while still in office).  It happened one time before in 1804 when Vice President Aaron Burr, serving under Thomas Jefferson, shot Alexander Hamilton.

9.  He set back the cause of reading 300 years.  He read My Pet Goat and had trouble with the big words.  Bush reportedly said in 2000:  "One of the great things about books is sometimes there are some fantastic pictures."

8.  He set back the cause of science 200 years when he proclaimed to a crowd in 2005, "The jury is still out on evolution."

7.  He appointed John Ashcroft as attorney general.  One of Ashcroft's first tasks was to cover up the exposed breast of the Spirit of Justice statue at the Department of Justice.

6.  Kim Kardashian first came to prominence during his administration.

5.  He was responsible for hanging chads, swinging chads and the Florida election count, and ultimately for the lame Supreme Court decision in Bush v. Gore.

4.  He spent more than 400 vacation days at his ranch in Crawford, Texas.

3.  He said in all seriousness:  "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job."

2.  He unfurled the "Mission Accomplished" banner seven years too soon.

1.  He couldn't find Osama Bin Laden.

Sarshik, for his part, makes no apology for pointing out any politician's blunders.

About Steven Sarshik

Steven Sarshik has been a New York City trial lawyer for more than 30 years, handling all sorts of politically charged cases - much like the fictitious one he paints in "The Apology." He is also the author of "Wrongful Death," a novel about an NYC police shooting.

CHICAGO - July 13, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today granted 43 and denied 102 clemency petitions. This action marks another step in a series of clemency decisions aimed at eliminating a backlog of more than 2,500 cases that built up during the previous administration.

The 145 clemency petitions acted upon by Governor Quinn are part of dockets ranging from 2005 through 2011.  Each person granted clemency has recently undergone a criminal background check through the Illinois State Police's Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS). A granted clemency request for a pardon with expungement allows the petitioner to seek expungement of their conviction through the court system.

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has acted on 2068 clemency petitions. Governor Quinn has granted 761 and denied 1307 petitions. Those actions include granting 743 pardons and authorizing 17 people who had previously received pardons to seek expungement of their convictions.

For additional information on the granted clemency cases, please contact Ken Tupy at the Prisoner Review Board at (217) 782-7274 or ken.tupy@illinois.gov.

 

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CHICAGO - July 13, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 3329

An Act Concerning: Liquor

Permits grocery stores to sell liquor in cities with a population over 1 million and within 100 feet of a school if the store meets certain criteria.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 4031

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Extends the sunset repeal of the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council from Dec. 31, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2015.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4063

An Act Concerning: Firearms

Exempts airsoft guns from the definition of a firearm.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4076

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Defines cosmetology school so that students can apply for student aid and expands licensing for barbers.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4126

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Extends the Naprapathic Practice sunset an additional 10 years and streamlines the existing act.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4145

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Authorizes a county board to declare by ordinance all inoperable motor vehicles, whether on public or private property and in view of the general public, to be hazardous dilapidated motor vehicles.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4324

An Act Concerning: Liquor

Make a technical correction to statutory language to allow the sale of alcohol at a restaurant that is near a church in the city of Chicago.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 4440

An Act Concerning: Public Transportation

Streamlines data sharing between the Illinois Department of Public Health and the RTA to ensure that free and reduced fare transit cards

belonging to deceased individuals are deactivated.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 4545

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Ensures that employees Office of the State Fire Marshal who meet certain requirements, are not prohibited from receiving training certifications on the grounds that they are not employed or otherwise engaged by an organized Illinois fire department.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 4592

An Act Concerning: Government

Exempts from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), records requested by persons committed to the Department of Corrections if those materials are available in the library of the correctional facility; include records from staff members' personnel files, staff rosters, or other staffing assignment information; or are available through an administrative request.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4691

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Adds public and private ambulances engaged in an emergency service or duty that necessitates the use of the toll highway system to the list of vehicles that are not required to pay a toll.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 5234

An Act Concerning: State Government

Removes the Illinois Register of Historic Places and instead provides for all historic places to be registered on the National Register of Historic Places.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5321

An Act Concerning: State Government

Extends the sunset date for the Capital Development Board to charge contract administrative fees from June 30, 2012 to June 30, 2016, and provides that these fees are put into the Capitol Restoration Trust Fund for use by the Architect of the Capitol.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5336

An Act Concerning: State Government

Transfers the Safety Consultation Program from the Department of Commerce and Economic

Opportunity (DCEO) to the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), including the transfer of specified staff,

records, unexpended moneys, and rules.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5444

An Act Concerning: State Government

Creates the Economic Data Task Force to assess the potential uses and users of state data generated by Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the application of the data for economic development and other public uses.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5452

An Act Concerning: State Government

Gives the Illinois Finance Authority the authority to make discretionary changes, instead of mandatory in regards to certain provisions.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5616

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Increases the amount of bonds the Will-Kankakee Regional Development Authority may issue to $250 million.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5632

An Act Concerning: Employment

Removes obsolete language, redirects payments to Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) previously made to the director of IDES, and conforms with federal law.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 5656

An Act Concerning: Finance

Allows all unused federal funds in the Capital Development Board Contributory Trust Fund to remain in the

Fund, and be used only for other capital projects.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 5679

An Act Concerning: Health

Allows the Department of Human Service (DHS) to redirect funds when its developmental disabilities facilities decline in enrollment.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5780

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Exempts fees allowing police departments to transfer license plates from one vehicle to another vehicle.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 968

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Updates the definition of "commercial motor vehicle" to comply with federal standards.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 1286

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Allows animated film production tax credits to be applied beginning when the productions begin.
Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1900

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Changes the deadline for the return of assessment books and workbooks to the supervisor of assessments in order to allow additional time for the proper completion of the appeals process. Allows the supervisor of assessments in counties with less than 600,000 residents to take possession of assessment books and work books that are not submitted within the required time.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 2578

An Act Concerning: Health

Amends qualifications of the director of the Department of Public Health.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2818

An Act Concerning: State Government

Changes definitions to allow more youths to be eligible for scholarships through the Department of Children and Family Services.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 2819

An Act Concerning: Corrections

Eliminates specific mandates requiring the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) to public and furnish various reports.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 2839

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Requires floatation devices on sailboats and exempts sailboards.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 2844

An Act Concerning: Corrections

Amends bond rating standard for vendors who seek to enter into medical contracts with the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).  Also further restricts waivers for medical co-pays at DOC and adds revisory language regarding HIV testing.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 2849

An Act Concerning: Children

Expands the definition of "neglected child."

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 2935

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Extends the Wholesale Drug Distribution Act for an additional 10 years.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3242

An Act Concerning: Insurance

Provides that no insurer may issue a service provider contract that requires a dentist to provide services to the insurer's policyholders at a fee set by the insurer unless the services are covered under the applicable policyholder agreement.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3262

An Act Concerning: Liquor

Allows for the issuing of a liquor license to certain premises within 100 feet of a school following certain stipulations.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 3277

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Extends the Glenwood tax increment financing redevelopment project.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3318

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Gives the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) quick take power for the Illiana Expressway Project. Makes technical changes.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3450

An Act Concerning: Gaming

Provides that investigators appointed by the Illinois Gaming Board shall have authority to conduct investigations, searches, seizures, arrests and other duties imposed under the act and the Riverboat Gambling Act, as deemed necessary by the board.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3484

An Act Concerning: Government

Increases the membership of the State Board of Health from 19 to 20 and adds an optometrist as a member of.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3530

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Defines and provides for registration of former military vehicles with the Secretary of State (SOS).

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 3607

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Eliminates tiers of complaint dates for assessments under the Property Tax Code.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3798

An Act Concerning: State Law

Makes technical corrections, stylistic changes, and compile sections affected by multiple public acts.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

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Headquarters ESGR Names Holub 2012 Public Affairs Volunteer of the Year

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/13/2012)(readMedia)-- Headquarters Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recently announced Michael Holub, Public Affairs Director for the Illinois Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, as the ESGR Public Affairs Volunteer of the Year for 2012. Holub of Berwyn, received the award in recognition of his outstanding support to ESGR in helping the Illinois Committee publicize its many activities throughout the state over the past year.

The Public Affairs Volunteer of the Year Awards is a national-level ESGR award established to recognize the Public Affairs volunteer who has made the most significant contributions to his or her ESGR State Committee during the previous calendar year.

"We recognize the significance of your valued service and dedication of personal time to the Illinois Committee for ESGR," said James Rebholz, ESGR National Chair, in a letter congratulating Holub on his selection for the award. "Your active participation in this vital program has done much to enhance ESGR overall. Your hard work and dedication to our organization and our nation are deeply appreciated."

As the Public Affairs Director for the Illinois ESGR Committee, Holub works to publicize and promote the activities of the committee's more than 150 volunteers throughout the state on behalf of the men, women and employers of the National Guard and Reserve. He also maintains the committee's social media presence on its Facebook page.

"I want to thank Mike Holub for his continued outstanding support to the Illinois ESGR Committee and the ESGR mission to create a culture in which employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve," said Dr. Michael Ayers, Ph.D., State Committee Chair for Illinois ESGR. "His support to the Illinois Committee as our Public Affairs Director has been invaluable in helping us spread the word about ESGR, who we are and what we do on behalf of Guard and Reserve service members and those who employ them. This national recognition of his efforts is very well-deserved."

Holub will receive the 2012 ESGR Public Affairs Volunteer of the Year Award at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C. in September. He has been a volunteer member of the Illinois ESGR Committee since 2004. Holub is the Chief of Police of the Village of La Grange.

Nearly 5,000 volunteers serve on ESGR State Committees across the nation. The 54 ESGR State Committees conduct employer support programs, including informational briefings, neutral mediation and recognition of employers whose policies support or encourage participation in the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR is the lead advocate within the Department of Defense for Reserve Component employers.

DES MOINES, IA (07/13/2012)(readMedia)-- "Nothing Compares" to the heart-stopping thrill rides on the Midway at the 2012 Iowa State Fair. With a new ride and a variety of amusement savings packages, Fairgoers can enjoy even more entertainment. The Fair is set August 9-19.

Fairgoers can save big at the Midway by planning ahead for this year's Fair. Purchase a set of five Midway tickets for $13; each ticket is good for one ride. For an even bigger day of Midway excitement, purchase a Mega Pass wristband for just $25. It includes unlimited mechanical rides any one Fair day from open to close, including weekends. These Midway special savings must be purchased by August 8 and are available while supplies last at iowastatefair.org or the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office, as well as statewide Walgreens and Des Moines area Hy-Vee stores.

The Iowa State Fair welcomes back Belle City Amusements for 11 days of twists, turns and thrills that are guaranteed to delight Fairgoers of all ages. New this year, ride the Space Roller and experience lateral G Force and head-over-heel action with massive hang time and horizontal flips as the enormous boom rotates the satellite to heights of 70 feet. Young Fairgoers can experience age-appropriate thrills on two mini coasters, take a spinning carousel ride, soar through the air on the Yo-Yo Swings and more.

For more heart-pounding action, try the thrill rides located, west of the Varied Industries Building. The Area 51-Scare Zone will be on site to test Fairgoers' level of thrill. The haunted attraction will send Fairgoers into a neon-green trailer for a variety of amusement and freights while inside. The Crazy Mouse rollercoaster returns sending riders speeding down a zig-zagging track while simultaneously spinning each car around in a complete circle. Fairgoers' thrills will reach new heights with the other returning rides Sky Scraper, Ejection Seat, Turbo Trampoline and Climbing Experience. Ride costs may vary.

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair set August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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SUNDAY, JULY 22:  3:00pm  Kirstyin Synnestvedt presents an organ recital followed by a hat show and singing at the piano.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26:  3:00pm  Lisa Crews plays the flute with Ellen Bowlin on the organ and piano.

The recitals are free and open to the public.

Refreshments will be served following each recital.

St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church Preschool now accepting enrollment for Fall preschool classes.

Sessions:  Preschool hours are 9am until 1:30pm.

Level II:  Age 3 by September 15, 2012.  Tuesday - Thursday OR Monday-Wednesday-Friday OR Monday through Friday.

Pre-Kindergarden:  Age 4 by September 15, 2012.  Monday-Wednesday-Friday OR Monday through Friday.

Children are gouped in "classes" which are subject to availability.  They must be potty-trained and ready for group experience. Please enroll early.

Tuition:  See below plus a one-time $35 registration fee.

2-day classes: $110 per month.          3-day classes: $160 per month.          5-day classes: $260 per month

Note:  Kid's Crossing Day Care available Monday through Friday 7am until 5:30pm ages 3 through 5.

Save the Date! Tuesday, July 17, 2012. Come join Quad Cities Interfaith Taco Night Fundraiser at Azteca, 4811 N. Brady St (Walnut Center) in Davenport. From 5pm - 8pm. $10 per person for the buffet-style dinner. Drinks not included. Get your tickets at QCI 563-3622-4910.  Thanks Azteca for sponsoring QCI.

The City of Davenport required King's Harvest Ministries to install a $57,000 new fire sprinkler system.

King's Harvest needed to raise the money for the new system or shut their doors. Through the Capital Campaign called Saving King's Harvest they raised $110,000 in 6 1/2 weeks. King's Harvest serves the poor and homeless in the Quad Cities and is located at 824 W. 3rd Street in downtown Davenport.

Anne McVey, Fundraising Coordinator for King's Harvest, stated "We are wanting to reach out and thank the community for coming to our aid. We had wonderful people who organized fundraisers and many people who just gave as individuals. Many, many people from the community and outlying areas called to help as volunteers. We want to thank them from the bottom of our hearts. It has been an outpouring of love and support from the Quad City community and outlying areas."

King's Harvest received an Emergency Grant from SCHC (Scott County Housing Council) for $28,500 and received approximately $81,500 through private donations.

King's Harvest will use $57,000 for the new fire sprinkler system. Another approximately $20,000 will go towards a new fire alarm system (the panel was donated by Deco Davenport Electric Company), new emergency exit lights and building repairs resulting from the installation of the new fire sprinkler system.

They plan to use the remaining money towards day-to-day operations of the organization and hope to possibly expand some of their services to help more people in need. Anne McVey stated "We hope to use some of the money to help reach more people in need. In the past we have had to turn people away due to limited resources."

King's Harvest does not want to leave God out of this endeavor. Anne McVey stated "God loves every person that passes through our doors, no matter how broken. Obviously God wanted to keep King's Harvest open and so did the community because they gave us the money to save our organization. It has been a beautiful thing to be a part of and we feel very blessed."

DECORAH, IA (07/13/2012)(readMedia)-- Luther College held commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2012 Sunday, May 20 at 10 a.m. in Luther College's Carlson Stadium.

Anne Kuttler of Davenport, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in nursing.

John Stender of Davenport, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in religion and music.

Tyler Zinnecker of Davenport, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in biology.

Dallas Wulf of Durant, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in mathematics and physics, summa cum laude.

Commencement speaker was Ambassador Hans Brattskar, Norway's director general and special envoy for climate change.

Tory Hegrenes, a U.S. Navy lieutenant and flight officer, was presented with the Luther College Young Alumni Award.

Mallory Heinzeroth was awarded the Luther College Jenson Medal.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,500, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the bachelor of arts degree in 60 majors and pre-professional programs.

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