Fed wiretaps show IL guv candidate Pritzker sought appointment from Blago

Blogger at the state line

J.B. Pritzker is too stupid to be governor of Illinois. It was widely assumed in 2008 that then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich was under federal investigation which made the idea that his telephone conversations were under surveillance not far-fetched.

Pritzker, a scion of the family that owns the Hyatt hotel chain, is running for governor of the troubles state of Illinois as a Democrat.

From the Chicago Tribune:

J.B. Pritzker, a billionaire businessman with political ambitions, told Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich he was "really not that interested" in the U.S. Senate seat the governor was dealing in late 2008.

Instead, Pritzker offered his own idea: Would Blagojevich make him Illinois treasurer?

"Ooh, interesting," Blagojevich said during a November 2008 phone call with Pritzker. "Let's think about that. You interested in that?"

"Yeah," Pritzker answered, "that's the one I would want."

Blago of course was later convicted of attempting to sell that Senate seat.

Related post:

ILL-inois Democrat billionaire guv candidate buys property next to his mansion, lets it deteriorate, then claims tax break

(Video) Al Franken stands firm to host event with Kathy Griffin

Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) another comedian who isn't funny--although to be fair not only am I one of the few people who saw Stuart Saves His Family, I actually enjoyed the film--when asked in an interview on SiriusXM about a scheduled appearance with the disgraced Kathy Griffin, he said that the event with her is on.

Related post:

Gutfeld: Kathy Griffin's latest outburst isn't shocking, it's sad

Did Kathy Griffin's Trump beheading photo break the law?

Judge Andrew Napolitano discusses any legal implications of Kathy Griffin, a so-called comedian, posting a picture of herself with a fake bloody head of President Donald J. Trump.

The stunt was supposed to be humorous.

"The enemies of all civilizations" kill 90 in Kabul car blast

On Memorial Day our president spoke of  "the enemies of all civilizations" in Afghanistan.

The evil beasts struck again this morning.

From Fox News:

A massive explosion that rocked a highly secure diplomatic area in Kabul has killed 90 people and injured more than 400 people, the Afghanistan government's media center reported.

The center raised the death toll Wednesday after initially reporting that at least 80 had been killed in the blast, believed to be caused by a suicide car bombing.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast, though both the Taliban and the Islamic State group have staged large-scale attacks in the Afghan capital in the past.

Trump pulling out of Paris climate accord

Fittingly on an unseasonably cool late May day where I live, comes news that our president is honoring a campaign promise.

From Reuters:

U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, the Axios news outlet reported Wednesday, citing two unidentified sources with direct knowledge of the decision.

Trump, who has previously called global warming a hoax, refused to endorse the landmark climate change accord at a summit of the G-7 group of leading industrial nations on Saturday, saying he needed more time to decide. He then tweeted that he would make an announcement this week.

Gutfeld: Kathy Griffin's latest outburst isn't shocking, it's sad

Kathy Griffin, an alleged comedian who sometimes works as commentator on CNN, posted a picture of herself with what is supposed to be the bloodied head of President Donald J. Trump.

Fox News' Greg Gutfeld called this stunt from a woman who I only heard of just tonight not shocking, but sad. As in pathetic.

She'll do anything for attention. Except pose online wearing a Make America Great Again hat.

Griffin: Delete your career. Seriously.

(Video) Sununu cleans CNN's Camerota's over Russian "collusion"

Watch as former New Hampshire governor and George H.W.Bush chief-of-staff John Sununu schools a biased CNN reporter, Alisyn Camerota, over "collusion" between Russia and the Trump campaign.

Even Camerota admits there is no evidence of collusion.

Open Letter to Congress: Support "Open Competition" in Infrastructure Projects

Marathon Pundit photo--Chicago's
West Side

I did a lot of driving over the weekend and man, oh, man, do the roads in northern Illinois suck.

Repairs are needed--but let's not turn any infrastructure improvements into an adventure into wasting money.

Read below what I have in mind--a group of taxpayer advocate groups has suggestions for Congress on what needs to be done.

Open Letter to Congress: Support "Open Competition" in Infrastructure Projects

To Members of the U.S. Congress: As the 115th Congress considers ways to support revitalization of America’s infrastructure, we ask that the free market principles of transparency, competition and cost effectiveness be incorporated into all appropriations or authorization legislation related to infrastructure projects. Specifically, legislation should include language that clearly requires an open, competitive bidding process for materials that will be used in infrastructure projects.

There is bi-partisan agreement in Congress that the country’s transportation energy and water infrastructure is insufficient, outdated, or in need of repair or replacement. By allowing for an open and competitive bidding process, project managers and engineers will be better able to evaluate different options and select materials for infrastructure projects that enhance performance, durability, and reduce costs to taxpayers.

Much of the federal funds devoted to infrastructure flows from the federal level to state, county, or local agencies and is applied to projects that are managed locally. Within this flow of funds issues of economic inefficiency arise due to the fact that many states, counties, and localities limit or direct which materials can be used in publicly funded infrastructure and construction projects.

These government imposed restrictions on materials in infrastructure and construction projects were often put in place to appease special interests by preventing competition in the bidding process. Alternatively, such restrictions were enacted decades ago when lawmakers could not fathom the advancements and innovations in infrastructure materials that have taken place in recent years.

These restrictions on competition in the bidding process for publicly funded infrastructure and construction projects prevent new and innovative materials that can prove safer and more efficient from even being considered. In turn the costs of public infrastructure projects can be artificially inflated by outdated materials, wasting billions in taxpayer dollars.

A recent study released by the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) found it would cost $1.32 trillion to replace the nation’s entire aging water infrastructure. It is projected that allowing open competition for materials in just water infrastructure projects could save over $371 billion in taxpayer funds. A separate study conducted by Massachusetts-based BCC Research found removing barriers to competition could save up to 39 percent per mile in pipe costs alone.

Furthermore, the concept of open competition is not limited solely to energy and water infrastructure, but can be applied to numerous other aspects of publicly funded infrastructure projects that have been limited for decades by protectionist and outdated restrictions on materials.

A modern, strong and efficient infrastructure system is essential to a growing economy. While maintaining and updating infrastructure is both complex and expensive, requiring open competition in infrastructure procurement is a common sense way for members of Congress to fulfill their obligation to act as responsible stewards of taxpayers’ dollars.

We urge you to support requiring open, competitive bidding procedures for all materials in government funded infrastructure grant programs and procurement processes in future appropriations and infrastructure legislation.

Sincerely,

Grover G. Norquist, Americans for Tax Reform '

Marc Scribner, Competitive Enterprise Institute

David Williams, Taxpayers Protection Alliance

Tom Schatz, Council for Citizens Against Government Waste

James L. Martin, 60 Plus Association

Adam Brandon, Freedom Works

Dick Patten, American Business Defense Council

George C. Landrith, Frontiers of Freedom

Steve Pociask, American Consumer Institute Center for Citizen Research

Carrie Lucas, Independent Women’s Forum

Jon Russell, American City County Exchange

Heather Higgins, Independent Women’s Voice

Christine Harbin, Americans for Prosperity

Willes K. Lee, National Federation of Republican Assemblies

Lisa B. Nelson, American Legislative Exchange Council

Ashley N. Varner, ALEC Action

Kevin Kosar, R Street Institute

Andrew F. Quinlan, Center for Freedom and Prosperity

Judson Phillips, Tea Party Nation

Chuck Muth, Citizen Outreach

Chiraq: 6 dead and at least 44 wounded over Memorial Day weekend

Compared to last year's bloody Memorial Day weekend, shootings were down but it was still a depressingly violent weekend in Chicago. Six people were slain and at least 50 others were wounded, while in 2016 there were the same number of fatal shootings but 71 people were wounded.

Of this weekend's homicides two were particularly abhorrent. A fifteen-year-old was killed in a drive-by shooting in North Lawndale on the West Side. In Roseland on the South Side, a disabled 20-year-old man who was legally blind was murdered while playing basketball in a park.

There were two apparent domestic killings, one in Austin on the West Side and a murder-suicide in Bronzeville on the South Side.

The other two Memorial Day weekend killings were also on the South Side, one in Englewood and the other in Washington Park.

Over the last few days 1,300 police officers were dispatched to control the violence, but 50 shootings over the holiday weekend is something the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce will not be boasting about in a press release. On the other hand, how many fewer shootings would there be if the cops could ramp up stop-and-frisk searches? Longer term, an extensive investigation of the ties between Democratic politicians and street gangs would probably ease the carnage--and, wait for it--make Chicago a place people will want to live in.

Chicago is the only major city to lose population in 2015 and 2016.

EMOTIONAL: President Trump consoles family members of fallen soldiers

As part of today's Memorial Day service President Donald J. Trump met with the mothers of two fallen soldiers, with Vice President Mike Pence at his side.

One of the mothers recalled a conversation she had with her son and told our president, "He said, 'Mama, I hope that people don't forget that I lived.'" With great emotion she continued, "If you could just remember 'Jimmy' it would mean so much to me."

"We will do it," Trump replied and then shook the mother's hand.

Remember "Jimmy" on Memorial Day.

(Video) FULL SPEECH: Trump Memorial Day observance

President Donald J. Trump gave a moving speech today at Arlington National Cemetery in honor of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation.

"Words cannot measure the depth of their devotion, the purity of their love, or the totality of their courage," the commander-in-chief said. "We only hope that every day we can prove worthy not only of their sacrifice and service but of the sacrifice made by the families and loved ones they left behind. Special, special people."

Trump called out the Homeland Security Secretary .

"I especially want to extend our gratitude to Secretary John Kelly for joining us today," Trump told the crowd. "Incredible man. (Applause.) I always like to call him general. He understands more than most ever could or ever will the wounds and burdens of war. Not only did Secretary proudly serve in the military for more than 40 years, enduring many hardships, but he and his incredible wife Karen have borne the single most difficult hardship of them all--the loss of their son, Robert, in service to our country. Robert died fighting the enemies of all civilizations in Afghanistan."

Trump clearly understands who we are fighting.

"To John, Karen, Heather, Kate, Andrea and the entire Kelly family today 300 million American hearts are joined together with yours," Trump continued. "We grieve with you. We honor you. And we pledge to you that we will always remember Robert and what he did for all of us. Thank you, John." (Applause.)

Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole was in the audience and the president thanked the Kansan for his service. Dole will turn 94 later this year.

Trump marks Memorial Day at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Earlier today a solemn President Donald J. Trump marked his first Memorial Day as commander-in-chief as he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

St. Salomea Catholic Church memorial for those "who made the supreme sacrifice in World War II"

Years ago Salem Baptist Church in Chicago's Roseland neighborhood on the Far South Side was St. Salomea Catholic Church, the unofficial Polish Catholic house of worship in that part of town. It's now Salem Baptist Church.

But still outside of the church is a memorial dedicated "in loving memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice in World War II."

Remember them and the others who did the same today on Memorial Day.

Memorial for troops in Chicago's Pullman neighborhood

In Chicago's historic Pullman neighborhood on the Far South Side, on the grounds of George M. Pullman school, there is a memorial for the men living there who made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation.

Remember them today on Memorial Day.

From Da Tech Guy, Shetland: The series so far

Who is ready for a trip to the Shetlands? From Da Tech Guy, Shetland: The series so far.

Elton John: Tiny Dancer

Here's a fantastic new video of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer."

Here in the Chicago area, the term "tiny dancer" often refers to Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a onetime ballet performer.

Trump weekly address 5/26/17

President Donald J. Trump discussed his proposed budget in his weekly address.

"My administration is laying a new foundation to build a future of economic prosperity and achieve American Greatness," the onetime real estate tycoon said. "The budget we are proposing will reverse economic stagnation and open the path to millions of new jobs for American workers."

Bruce Rauner video: How We Got Here

Illinois' reform governor, Republican Bruce Rauner, is the Land of Lincoln's last best hope.

Democratic Party boss Michael Madigan and his underlings have destroyed the Land of Lincoln.

The latest Rauner ad is titled, "How We Got Here."

Oh, this blog enthusiastically endorses Rauner for reelection. Click here to contribute to the governor's campaign fund.

Penitent Gianforte wins Montana House race

The day after he admittedly assaulted a reporter from the liberal British newspaper the Guardian, Republican Greg Gianforte won a special election to the US House. The seat was vacated by Ryan Zinke after he accepted President Donald Trump's nomination to be Interior secretary.

The reporter, Ben Jacobs, says Gianforte body-slammed him and broke his eyeglasses. The race was targeted by libs as a way not only to win a House seat but to make a point about Trump's so-called plummeting popularity.

But Gianforte still prevailed. I'm not going to make excuses for the congressman-elect's boorish behavior and he isn't either.

"Last night I made a mistake and I took an action I can't take back and I am not proud of what happened," Gianforte said as he declared victory. "I should not have responded the way I did and for that I am sorry."

On social media liberals are complaining about conservative silence on Gianforte's attack while condemning leftist violence at events such as Milo Yiannopolous' aborted attempt to speak at the University of California at Berkeley. They're not the same thing. Gianforte losing his temper and a premeditated raid by masked antifa radicals carried out with military precision are different beasts.

The congressman-elect has apologized. When has an antifa done so?

Deep Corruption: Chicagoan found guilty of fraud involving state grant

A West Side Chicago woman was found guilty of fraud after a federal jury deliberated for just 40 minutes. Franshuan Myles received a state grant for teen job training.

Some of that money went to personal expenses.

The "deep" part is in the last paragraph of this Chicago Tribune excerpt.

Bank records showed that in September 2011, long after the grant program had wrapped up, Myles made 41 purchases for herself using state funds, prosecutors said. She bought shoes and clothing at retail stores, home improvement supplies from Home Depot, paid down her car loan and paid for her cellphone plan, all using a bank account containing state funds.

"This wasn't an accident," Assistant U.S. Attorney Abigail Peluso said in her closing remarks. "The defendant knew exactly what she was doing."

The case sparked interest because of ties to several current and former Chicago-area politicians.

Last May, the Tribune revealed that Myles wrote a Divine Praise check for $4,932 to 28th Ward Ald. Jason Ervin, identified by authorities only as "Individual A," just two days after the state money landed in her bank account.

A Chicago alderman. Hmm. Very interesting.

Illinois is of course functionally bankrupt.

Chicago math: CPS has 378K students and $9 billion in debt

CPS is on a mental Disney
fantasy cruise

Picking through details from an article on the WBEZ web site--oh, that's the Chicago NPR affiliate, so this information does not come from a conservative outlet such as the Wall Street Journal--I came across a couple of interesting nuggets. Chicago Public Schools wants to borrow $900 million to survive the school year and make a massive pension payment--instead of the $400 million it was asking for just last week.

Digging deeper into that article you learn that CPS is burdened by $9 billion in debt. Which comes out to $24,000 per student. If CPS manages to borrow the new cash that will bring the troubled and ineffective school system's debt to nearly $10 billion. But it may not be able to--Chicago Public School's bonds have been rated as junk for two years.

Some sort of bankruptcy or a default is coming to CPS. Numbers don't lie. Its plan to keep borrowing until enough pensioners die will not work.

"Pension holidays," deceptive pension "pick-ups" for teachers by CPS, and soaring salaries have contributed to this debacle.

Not surprisingly, most CPS students are terrible at mathematics.

Last month Barbara Byrd Bennett, the former CPS CEO, was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison for her role in a kickback scandal.

Two years ago Chicagoans were slugged with the city's largest property tax hike in history. Chicagoans suffer from the nation's highest sales tax rate.

Chicago is the only major American city losing population.

Decline and fall.

Decline and fall: Chicago population exodus bleeds into suburbs

Blogger in Morton Grove. Where
is everybody?

Below you will find more evidence that corruption, high taxes, incompetence, and gerrymandered empowered one-party Democratic rule is destroying the Chicago area and the rest of Illinois.

From the Daily Herald:

After years of modest growth, Chicago and most suburbs have seen declining population in the last several years.

That's according to the latest population estimates of Chicago and 90 suburbs from the U.S. Census Bureau released Thursday.

From 2010 to 2014, Chicago and 73 of the suburbs saw their populations increase.

But the trend reversed from 2014 to 2016. In that time, Chicago and 61 suburbs saw their populations shrink.

And it's not just the blighted areas--of which there are no shortage of in the Chicago area--suffering a population drain. My hometown of Palos Heights and where I live now, Morton Grove, also saw population shrinkage.

Decline and fall.

Illinois as a whole also has negative growth.

From Illinois News Network: Illinois' public pensions in some ways mirror Madoff's Ponzi scheme

Actually this scandal is worse, as taxpayers are on the hook. From Illinois News Network: Illinois' public pensions in some ways mirror Madoff's Ponzi scheme.

Hannity: The Russia collusion narrative is crumbling

There is no Russia-Trump collusion. There never was.

More from Sean Hannity.

Media so Trump-deranged, it ignores Manchester aftermath

Last night Tucker Carlson exposed more media bias. Shortly after the Manchester bombings, Fox News covered the terrorist exclusively. While MSNBC and CNN continued with their obsession with so-called Russian collusion with the Trump campaign.

(Video) Dem senator: Not enough evidence to "reach any conclusion" on possible Russian collusion

Sen. Claire McCaskill (R-MO), a former prosecutor, says there is "not enough evidence" to reach any conclusion about Russian collusion with the Trump campaign.

(PragerU video) Why Teachers Unions Don't Want School Choice

In this Prager University video we learn, well, if you are not a Marathon Pundit reader you learn, that public education money isn't necessarily "for the kids," it's for the teachers unions so they can conspire to get more people on the public payroll so they join teachers unions.

Watch as teacher, union member, and patriot Rebecca Friedrichs explains this lazy susan of public graft.

Red light cameras are a dishonest cash cow for many Chicago suburbs

Chicago's Northwest Side

Red light cameras are not about safety, they're about collecting revenue from unsuspecting drivers.

Even if they are legally turning right on red.

From ABC Chicago:

A joint investigation by the ABC7 I-Team and Chicago Sun-Times uncovered the suburbs making the most money from red light cameras, and found that most drivers get cited for turning right on red.

Dozens of angry drivers at court hearings, and even several red light camera insiders, all told the I-Team that the vast majority of tickets are handed out to people who go right on red. The I-Team found some of those people came to a complete stop.

Critics call it a money-generator, but suburban officials and a red light camera company insisted it's about safety.

The line of people outside a Dolton courtroom are all contesting red light camera tickets -- most busted for right on red.

Of course there are a plethora of red light cameras in the capital city of American graft, Chicago.

ISIS demons claim responsibility for Manchester killings

The first two named victims of the nail bomb attack in England last night were an 18-year-old and an 8-year-old. The victims were dismissed as "Crusaders" by the Islamic State.

ISIS is a weed that needs to be eliminated. Not contained. Eliminated.

From Fox News:

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bombing attack that killed at least 22 people and injured 59 others at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, Monday night.

ISIS says "a soldier of the caliphate planted bombs in the middle of Crusaders gatherings" then detonated them. It did not say whether the attacker was killed.

The group claimed that "30 Crusaders were killed and 70 others were wounded," higher than the totals confirmed by authorities in Manchester.

On Tuesday, British Prime Minister Theresa May called the attack a display of "appalling, sickening cowardice – deliberately targeting innocent, defenseless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives."

Nail bomb barbarian kills 19 at UK concert

"If you choose the path of terror, your life will be empty, your life will be brief, and your soul will be fully condemned."
President Donald J. Trump on Sunday.

And the next night a terrorist struck in England.

From the Daily Mail:

At least 19 people are dead and 50 more injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted children leaving a packed pop concert at Manchester Arena [Monday] night.

Witnesses told of nuts and bolts tearing into young concert-goers when the blast was detonated in the foyer area between the arena and the next-door Victoria station just after the Ariana Grande gig ended.

Horrifying footage showed petrified children leaping over chairs and barriers as they desperately tried to escape the 21,000-seat venue, which led to a stampede. Two US officials have said it was a suspected suicide bomber.

Armed officers surrounded the venue and bloodied casualties were seen being stretchered out of the concert that resembled a 'war zone'.

Please pray for the victims. As for the attacker, may he rot in hell. And those who supported the barbarian, may they meet Satan soon.

PragerU Video: The Inconvenient Truth About the Democratic Party

The Democratic Party was the party of slavery, the Ku Klux Klan, segregation, and fighting civil rights.

I bet you did not know that

Watch this Prager University video to learn the truth.

From the American Thinker: The Obama Cult

Yes, of course there is a Barack Obama cult, as the American Thinker tells us.

Chiraq: 4 dead and at least 34 wounded over weekend

The Austin side of the Chicago-
Oak Park border

It was chilly for all of the weekend and rainy for much of it--but the weather didn't temper the mood in Chicago as four people were shot to death and at least 34 others were wounded.

Two of those fatalities happened in the Austin neighborhood, which easily leads Chiraq in both fatal and non-fatal shootings this year. This West Side neighborhood, which borders affluent and liberal Oak Park, is a popular shopping venue for suburbanites seeking a narcotics fix. The gangs are battling over customers.

Of the two other deadly shootings, one occurred in Gage Park on the Southwest Side and the other, which appears to have been a domestic dispute, in South Chicago on the South Side.

From Da Tech Guy: The Great American Pension Swindle

In my weekly post at Da Tech Guy, you'll learn that the Russians didn't hack state public-worker pension funds: The Great American Pension Swindle.

Gingrich: Trump speech sets stage to defeat radical Islam

Shortly before President Donald J. Trump gave his impressive speech on terror in Saudi Arabia, Newt Gingrich praised the transcripts of this that he read, declaring that it "sets stage to defeat radical Islam."

Make America Great Again.

Meat Loaf: Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

Todd Rundgren was in the news this week when his comments about President Donald J. Trump were published.

"If I had the power, I'd say: If you"re a Trump supporter," Rundgren said, "don't come to my show, because you won’t have a good time."

I had a fabulous time the time I saw Rundgren, who was quite popular in the Chicago area, when he performed in the mid-1980s across the border in Northwest Indiana.

Does Rundgren deserve more attention? Probably not. But he's going to get it.

"Runt" is also a gifted producer. By far is most popular production work was Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell. The Wagnerian Rock classic is one of the best-selling musical efforts ever. But Rundgren sold the production royalties for it to buy a house in Hawaii. So if you buy this Meat Loaf album or download it, Rundgren gets nothing.

Meanwhile, watch the Loaf belt out a hit single from that work, "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad."

Trump weekly address 5/17/19

When was the last time a president spoke of the "civilized world" in regards to fighting terrorism?

Just now--in President Donald J. Trump's weekly YouTube address.

When was the last time a president had something like this to say about Christianity?

"I look forward to speaking with the Pope about how Christian teachings can help put the world on a path to justice, freedom, and peace," Trump says here.

(Video) Congressmen calls out leftist colleagues on obsession with impeaching Trump

"We have people I serve with who are calling for the president's impeachment" US Rep Lee Zeldin (R-NY) tells CNN here, "literally as his hand is on the Bible before he takes office."

The extreme left--which is the Democrat Party--wants Trump removed from office and they have no desire to work him at all.

Weiner to plead guilty today in sexting case

Weiner of course is the estranged husband of longtime Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin.

From the New York Times:

Anthony D. Weiner, the former Democratic congressman whose “sexting” scandals ended his political career and embroiled him in a tumultuous F.B.I. investigation of Hillary Clinton before the election, is to appear in a federal courtroom in Manhattan on Friday to enter a guilty plea.

The information has not been made public but was related by two people who have been briefed on the matter and asked not to be identified.

Mr. Weiner will plead guilty to a single charge of transferring obscene material to a minor, pursuant to a plea agreement with the United States attorney’s office in Manhattan, one of the people said. Mr. Weiner surrendered to the F.B.I. early Friday morning.

The federal authorities have been investigating reports that, beginning in January 2016, Mr. Weiner, then 51, exchanged sexually explicit messages with a 15-year-old girl in North Carolina.

(Videos) Waters, Feinstein: No evidence of Trump collusion with Russia

US Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) was given plenty of time on MSNBC today to explain the "collusion" between President Donald J. Trump and Russia.

She rambled on and on...and came up with nothing.



CNN's Wolf Blitzer also today asked another California Democrat, Sen. Dianne Feinstein about this so-called collusion.

She couldn't cough up any evidence of collusion between Russia and the president, his campaign, or Trump World.



Nothing to see here, please move on.

This is the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 18, 2017

Alderman in failing Chicago who is running for guv calls for impeaching Trump

Chicago's South Side

President Donald J. Trump often speaks of the "failing New York Times."

He should also refer to America's third-most populous city--for now--as "failing Chicago."

Once every eighteen months or so a Chicago alderman is sentenced to federal prison. Ald. Willie Cochran (20th) is currently under federal indictment. Chicago is losing population, it has the worst-funded pension plans of any big cities, and last year more people were murdered in Chicago than in the larger cities of New York and Los Angeles--combined.

Today one of Cochran's colleagues on the failing City Council, Ameya Pawar, a Democrat who is running for governor of the failing state of Illinois, introduced a resolution calling for the impeachment of Trump.

Pawar has far better things to do, such as preparing Chicago and Illinois for their inevitable bankruptcies, even though, as with the case of Puerto Rico, it may be called something else.

From a Pawar press release:

Alderman Ameya Pawar announces resolution calling for impeachment of President Donald Trump

CHICAGO--Ameya Pawar, 47th Ward alderman, today announced he is introducing a resolution to the Chicago City Council urging the United States House of Representatives to initiate an investigation to determine if there is sufficient grounds for the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump. Ald. Pawar will file the resolution to be considered by the City Council at the next scheduled meeting on May 24.

“Donald Trump has sought to divide our country from the very beginning of his campaign, purposefully pitting communities against one another to keep us fighting over scraps, while the power brokers and big corporations at the top continue to benefit,” Pawar said.

“The President and his administration is actively and deliberately causing harm to the American people, and Trump’s possible interference with Department of Justice investigations into Russian involvement with our election is the latest instance of the President placing the integrity of our nation’s democracy at risk and undermining the rule of law.

“Today, the City of Chicago and the American people must stand united against this illegitimate presidency and resist Donald Trump’s anti-American agenda. Together, we must fight the forces of evil which aim to dismantle our democracy and call upon our elected Representatives in Congress to do the right thing and investigate the President’s actions to determine, once and for all, if he is unfit to serve as our Commander and Chief.”

As the third largest city in the nation, the City of Chicago represents 2.7 million residents who are directly impacted by President Trump’s executive orders targeting people based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, and disability status. The President’s agenda threatens people's quality of life and, in many cases, directly violates the United States Constitution and erodes the spirit of our democracy. If passed, Chicago would be the largest city in the country to pass such a resolution.

###

RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, Many businesses receive, and streams of income include, emoluments from foreign governments, states of the United States, or the United States itself; and

WHEREAS, Leading constitutional scholars and government ethics experts warned Donald J. Trump shortly after the November 2016 election that, unless he fully divested his businesses and invested the money in conflict-free assets or a blind trust, he would violate the Constitution from the moment he took office; and

WHEREAS, Leading constitutional scholars and government ethics experts warned Donald J. Trump shortly after the November 2016 election that, unless he fully divested his businesses and invested the money in conflict-free assets or a blind trust, he would violate the Constitution from the moment he took office; and

WHEREAS, On Jan 11, 2017, nine days before his inauguration, Donald J. Trump announced a plan that would, if carried out, remove him from day-to-day operations of his businesses, but not eliminate any of the ongoing flow of emoluments from foreign governments, state governments, or the United States government; and

WHEREAS, On Jan 20, 2017, Donald J. Trump took the oath of office and became President of the United States; and

WHEREAS, From the moment he took office, President Trump was in violation of the Foreign Emoluments Clause and the Domestic Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution; and

WHEREAS, during the campaign, Donald Trump promoted a ban on Muslims entering the country, denigrating Mexican immigrants, people of color, the disabled, our LGTBQ neighbors, Gold Star families, women, indigenous communities, and Jews; and

WHEREAS, after taking office, Donald Trump has worked to implement his Muslim ban, defund Planned Parenthood, discriminate against our LGBTQ neighbors, attack Historically Black Universities, pollute and destroy our environment, foment divisions between black and brown communities, propose cuts to the arts, public broadcasting, and programs to protect the Great Lakes; and

WHEREAS, and more recently on May 16, 2017, it was reported that Donald Trump sought to obstruct the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s investigation into Russian interference in the November 2016 election by instructing the Bureau’s Director to abandon their efforts; and

WHEREAS, These potential violations undermine the integrity of the Presidency, corruptly advance the personal wealth of the President, compromise the rule of law in the United States, and violate the public trust; and

WHEREAS, Our democracy is premised on the bedrock principle that no one is above the law, not even the President of the United States; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Council of the City of Chicago call upon the United States House of Representatives to support a resolution authorizing and directing the House Committee on the Judiciary to investigate whether sufficient grounds exist for the impeachment of Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, including but not limited to the violations listed herein; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be provided to the members of the United States House of Representatives on behalf of the Chicago City Council. 

Pawar wants see Trump impeached for "cuts to the arts, public broadcasting?"

Clearly he has Trump Derangement Syndrome. Oh, when will Pawar's resolution calling for the resignation of Cochran be filed?

Oh many thanks go to Pawar's office for emailing this news release to me. Hugs and kisses from me to you!

Oh this blog enthusiastically endorses Illinois' reform governor, Republican Bruce Rauner, for reelection. Click here to contribute to the campaign fund of the Land of Lincoln's only hope.

Kucinich: Deep State trying to destroy Trump, "Our country is under attack from within"

No one will ever accuse former congressman and Cleveland mayor Dennis Kucinich of being a Donald Trump supporter. This liberal is perhaps only slightly to the right of socialist Bernie Sanders.

On Fox News last night Kucinich attacked the Deep State.

"The political process of the United States of America being under attack by intelligence agencies and individuals in those agencies," he told Sean Hannity last night.

"You have politicization of agencies that is resulting in leaks from anonymous, unknown people and the intention is to take down a president," the Fox News contributor added. "Now, this is very dangerous to America. It's a threat to our republic, it constitutes a clear and present danger to our way of life. So we have to be asking, what is the motive of these people? Who's putting these leaks out? Why doesn't somebody come forward and make a charge and put their name and reputation behind it, instead of attacking through the media and not substantiating their position?"

True, very true.

"Our first allegiance is to our country," Kucinich continued. "This isn't about one president, this is about the political process of the United States of America being under attack by intelligence agencies and individuals in those agencies, yes, as you said there might be good people in there, but there are certain individuals who are lifers who want to be able to direct the policy of the country. And if the president stands in their way whether it's a Democrat or Republican they'll just try to run that person out."



American democracy is in a precarious position.

Hannity then asked Kucinich if the Deep State is trying to bring down Trump.

"I believe that," Kucinich replied. "Not only that, Sean, it has to be pointed out in October of 2016, that same deep state overrode the decision of President Obama and Secretary Kerry, to come to an agreement with Russia to a ceasefire in Syria. They overrode it and launched an attack against a Syrian military base. So, this is a problem in our country. We've got to protect our nation here. People have to be aware of what's going on. We've got to stand up for America, this isn't about Democrat, Republican. This is about getting what's going on in the moment and understanding that our country itself is under attack from within."

Gutfeld: Trump impeachmentitis is spreading

Greg Gutfeld says that "impeachmentitis" is spreading among the mainstream media and the Swamp in Washington that President Trump wants to drain.

Media bias, Chicago Sun-Times headline: Griffin dumps $20 million into Rauner campaign fund

If Ken Griffin "dumped" $20 million into the campaign fund of a Democrat running for governor, the Chicago Sun-Times headline would read that he donated the cash. But because Bruce Rauner is a Republican it reads: Ken Griffin dumps $20 million into Rauner campaign fund.

(PragerU video) Why isn't communism as hated as Nazism?

In this recent Prager University video, Dennis Prager explains why communism--which killed far more people--isn't as reviled as Nazism.

You just know that the academic left will figure into the discussion.

Chiraq carjackings nearly doubled in 2016

In the latest National Review, eminent urban affairs expert Heather Mac Donald reported that pedestrian stops by Chicago Police were down 80 percent in 2016. Today the Chicago Sun-Times tells us that carjackings nearly doubled last year.

Coincidence?

No.

Oh, in its article, the carjacking surge was called an "uptick" by the Sun-Times.

Senator: Leaker is a "traitor who disclosed these facts to the Washington Post"

Sen. James Risch (R-ID) told CNN yesterday that the Deep State leaker who ratted out President Donald Trump is a "weasel" and a "traitor who disclosed these facts to the Washington Post."

Deep Corruption: Suburban Chicago municipal mechanic allegedly performed off-the-books repairs

Corruption is so pervasive in Illinois that it's deep.

From ABC Chicago:

A taxpayer-funded suburban village's Public Works garage is at the center of an investigation into off-the-books car repairs.

The I-Team uncovered videos of this apparently private works department that have officials saying public works is being used for private business.

An early morning off-the-books-auto repair, the mechanic claiming he's in for the long haul hauling in some cash.

"Two thousand dollars-worth of work is the only thing keeping me up right now. Dealer wanted to quote this guy $10,000," he says in the video, then laughs.

The alleged improprieties took place in Broadview, a western suburb of Chicago. ABC Chicago says the mechanic has been "suspected." Do they mean suspended?

Will there be another Father's Day lockdown at Chicago's Cook County Jail?

Let's see, last year there was a Mother's Day lockdown at Cook County Jail--which incarcerates about 9,000 inmates--because too many guards called in sick. There weren't enough guards to keep order. Also in 2016 there was a lockdown on Father's Day--there were a lot of sick unionized guards that day too. Game 7 of the NBA Finals was played that night as well.

Two days ago--Mother's Day--there was another lockdown at the jail. In that day's first shift, over 200 workers called in sick or abused the Family Leave Act--was mom dying?--to blow off their responsibility to show up for work. That added up to 32 percent of the staff. Second shift wasn't much better--25 percent played hooky and the lockdown continued.

Other recent Cook County Jail lockdowns include the night of last year's NCAA National Football Championship Game and the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao boxing match in 2015. That's why I mentioned the NBA Finals.

Will there be another Father's Day lockdown at Cook County Jail? Past performances may indicate future ones. What is Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, a Chicago Democrat, doing to prevent another "mass sickness" among his jail guards? Does the union for the guards, Teamsters Local 700, even care?

This Cook County taxpayer demands answers.

Oh, there might be another NBA Finals Game 7 on Father's Day this year.

Did you know that, Sheriff Dart?

Related post:

Cook County Jail in Chicago on lockdown because over 200 guards called off on Mother's Day

Chiraq: 14 shot on Monday

Summer-like weather brought summer-like violence to the bloody streets of Chicago yesterday. Fourteen people were wounded, but none fatally. Several neighborhoods logged more than one shooting. On the Southwest Side the Back of the Yards logged three, on the West Side Austin and East Garfield Park suffered two shootings each, and the Northwest Side's Humboldt Park neighborhood also had two shootings.

Family investigator: Murdered Democrat staffer had contacts with WikiLeaks

Meanwhile Hillary Clinton and the Democrats keep claiming that Wikileaks was a Russian hack.

From Fox DC:

It has been almost a year since Democratic National Committee staffer Seth Rich was murdered in the nation's capital. There have been no solid answers about why he was killed until now.

Rich was shot and killed last July in Northwest D.C and police have suggested the killing in the District's Bloomingdale neighborhood was a botched robbery. However, online conspiracy theories have tied the murder to Rich's work at the DNC.

Just two months shy of the one-year anniversary of Rich's death, FOX 5 has learned there is new information that could prove these theorists right.

Rod Wheeler, a private investigator hired by the Rich family, suggests there is tangible evidence on Rich's laptop that confirms he was communicating with WikiLeaks prior to his death.

Nearly half of Illinois education spending goes to pensions

Some form of bankruptcy is coming to Illinois. What we have now in the Land of Lincoln--what would Abe think?--is absolutely unsustainable.

From the Sangamon Sun:

Illinois spends more on its students than any other Midwestern state, according to an analysis by the Illinois Policy Institute.

Illinois spends approximately $13,000 per student on average, almost $4,000 more than Kentucky, at $9,300, and a little more than $3,000 more than Missouri and Indiana. Iowa and Wisconsin are the only other Midwestern states spending more than $10,000 per student, but each still spends significantly less than Illinois.

One problem with spending so much is that instead of going to the classroom, nearly half goes to funding pensions (excluding those in Chicago), the institute said.

"In fact, if you look at total education spending from 2009 to 2014, the state added $8.9 billion in new dollars over and above the base amount of $6.8 billion it spent in 2009," the institute said in its Pensions vs. Schools report. "Of those new dollars spent, 89 percent went to pay for retirement costs. Just 11 percent made it to the classroom."

Chicago Public Schools has their own pension system--it's a financial sinkhole too.

The next time someone tells you that your school taxes are "for the kids," at least if you live in Illinois, I want you to vomit all over them.

From my post at Da Tech Guy:

Puerto Rico a dire warning for blue states

Were senators under surveillance by Obama administration?

Here's a good question. Were senators under surveillance while Barack Obama was president?

Chiraq: 7 dead and at least 15 wounded over Mother's Day weekend

Old Marathon Pundit home
in Fernwood

Murder didn't take a holiday over Mother's Day weekend. Seven people were murdered and at least 15 others were wounded in Chicago.

Not all Chiraq murders involve guns. On Friday night an 18-year-old woman, the daughter of a Chicago Police officer, was killed after being repeatedly rammed into a tree by woman driving a Jeep Liberty in Morgan Park on the Southwest Side. When the abandoned Jeep was found about a mile away there was a child in the back seat. A suspect is being held for murder.

Of those six other murders, two of them occurred in my old neighborhood of Fernwood on the Far South Side. One of those happened just two blocks from my old home. Two men, best friends, were killed in the while driving in the Austin neighborhood on the West Side. As they tried to escape the shooting, they struck a man in a wheelchair. That man's injuries are said not to be life-threatening. There were two other South Side fatal shootings over the weekend, one in Englewood and the other in Woodlawn.

At least some Chicagoans were in the Mother's Day spirit, sort of. Cook County Jail was on lockdown because not enough guards showed up to work on Sunday. They either called in sick or invoked the family leave act.

That's enough of what Mayor Rahm Emanuel calls "Chicago values" for now.