OpenlineBlog.com

Illinois Political Mafia Co-Chairs Michael and Lisa Madigan Pushing Taxpayers Off Fiscal Cliff

2012-01-31T00:36:00.000-06:00

Chicago Police Chief Supports Change in Illinois Law to Allow Audio and Video Recording of Police in Action

2012-01-31T00:29:00.000-06:00

Should you be able to record what you see a police officer doing in public with your smartphone?

Fleecing of Chicago Suburban Residents | Metra Follows the Bad Example of Illinois Tollway With Massive Fare Increases Starting Wednesday

2012-01-31T00:24:00.001-06:00

Thanks to high gas prices and the Illinois Tollway's recent decision to skyrocket tolls, if you attempt to drive, you will get smacked with more expense.

But, if you thought you could save money by taking the train from Aurora / Naperville to Chicago, you are about to get smacked again due to massive fare increases.

On the bright side, if you float to Chicago in a hot air balloon, we are not aware of any agency that will charge you for the ride.

Just don't get anyone to meet you in downtown Chicago and expect to park...thanks to former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's parking meter fiasco, you will get smacked again.

Note: Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner sits on the Illinois Tollway Authority Board and voted in favor of the toll increase.

Election 2012 | David Axelrod Reveals Obama's Strategy to Solve All of America's Problems: Blame the Rich, Raise Taxes

2012-01-30T04:00:00.000-06:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Election 2012 | Send Most of the Political Mafia to the Moon

2012-01-30T01:00:00.000-06:00

Immigration | Commentary By Sen. Marco Rubio

2012-01-29T11:21:00.000-06:00

Hillary Clinton Says She's Done With Political High Wire of American Politics After Election But Could She Have / Still Beat Barack Obama in 2012?

2012-01-28T11:12:00.000-06:00

HUD Tells City of Aurora AGAIN There's No Need to Rebuild Jericho Circle Slum | Over $100 Million of Your Federal Taxdollars Wasted in Aurora During Last Decade

2012-01-27T03:00:00.000-06:00

HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) officials were in Aurora on Thursday to address the mayor's so-called task force considering ways to increase low-income housing and the controversial Jericho Circle slum scheme by AHA (Aurora Housing Authority).

Yet AGAIN, the officials from HUD made it clear, despite the fraudulent and false statements from AHA, that there is NO REQUIREMENT TO REBUILD OR REPLACE JERICHO CIRCLE.

So, why does the AHA continue to pursue a scheme to rebuild something that has repeatedly failed, nobody wants and HUD doesn't require?

It's because there's certain crooks, cronies, contractors and consultants looking to profit and exploit taxpayers, the poor and needy.

Meanwhile, while HUD said Aurora must continue to further FAIR housing (which involves issues of discrimination, not building low-income housing), any other actions such as pursuing low-income housing options were local decisions only.

Some city officials, including Mayor Weisner's spokesgirl Carie Ergo, have been confusing FAIR housing requirements with pursuing low-income housing alternates to Jericho Circle.

HUD also said about $11.5 million of your federal taxdollars come to Aurora annually (over $100 million in the last decade) to fund the low-income housing mess in the city, but a portion of that (about $1 million annually from community block grants) may start to shrink.

We say the sooner it shrinks the better. Anyone who objectively looks at how rotten public housing has been in Aurora knows all these millions of taxdollars have been wasted since they haven't produced solutions or quality housing for those in need.

Many of our viewers have made their voices clear. Aurora must eliminate public housing, mixed income schemes and other low-income housing units and instead use a voucher system only. As public housing is demolished, HUD will provide residents with relocation vouchers...that can be used anywhere, not in this or that failed complex and not just Aurora.

Taxpayers have paid millions, those in need have suffered in deplorable conditions while too many looked the other way or exploited the situation.

It's time to end the public housing, low income schemes and deal with real solutions to help those in need and the taxpayers who've been exploited for years.

Commentary | Blame the Mayor for Aurora's Reverse Economic Development

2012-01-27T02:04:00.001-06:00

The west side of Aurora has been the home of a vacant decaying property, formerly occupied by Cub Foods, for over six years now.

More recently, Aurora could add the Lowe's property on Orchard Road to its growing collection of vacant commercial buildings.

This is unacceptable and there should be some accountability.

Now, we cannot blame Mayor Tom Weisner for the nation's economic hard times.

However, he alone is completely responsible for the image and economic development for the City of Aurora.

Why has Aurora come up short?

These large empty buildings have resulted in a loss of tax revenue, higher unemployment and more crime in our city.

The mayor's main objective should be Aurora business and not state business.

Mayor Weisner was appointed by Governor Quinn to a paid position on the Illinois Tollway Authority (a group that imposed an 87 percent increase in the tolls we pay daily).

How does this help the citizens of Aurora?

Mayor Weisner's focus should be solely on improving the infrastructure of Aurora. He was elected twice to improve the City of Aurora.

As an Aurora taxpayer, it is a complete embarrassment not being able to compete with Montgomery, Oswego, Yorkville and North Aurora. All have made some significant commercial and residential improvements in the last six years.

Aurora has proven to be penny-wise but dollar-foolish when it comes to basic economic development strategies.

Failed policies are being recycled by the people in charge, hoping to get different results.

Their stewardship of Aurora can be called disappointing at best, and that's a shame because our hometown has so much potential.

John M. Aguilar

Aurora Taxpayer

Note: This opinion also appeared in the Daily Herald. If you wish to submit your view on this or any other issue for broadcast consideration, contact us at openlineblog@gmail.com.

Election 2012 | Republican Presidential Debate in Florida

2012-01-27T00:30:00.001-06:00

What's the Truth About Levels of Military Spending in the United States | A Report By John Stossel

2012-01-27T00:30:00.000-06:00

Military Spending in the United States
John Stossel interviews Chris Preble of CATO

Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens Shows Leadership and How to Handle a Loss

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens demonstrated leadership and how to handle a loss after the AFC Championship Game last week with this amazing speech.

The Economic Record of Local Political Rockstar Barack Obama as President of the United States

2012-01-26T03:05:00.000-06:00

When Barack Obama, our local political rockstar, became President of the United States, we urged our viewers to have an open mind to see if he would deliver on his promises of change and we promised that we would report the results, regardless of what they show and let you draw your own conclusions on his performance.

While it remains to be seen who will end up facing Obama in the November election, we can now say for sure there has been "change" but it's not the change he promised.

In this case, we focus on the economic record. Many of Obama's supporters say the fiscal crisis under Bush was in full swing when Obama took office. That may be true, but by now, this is Obama's fiscal crisis and he has responsibility.

And many things have gone from bad to worse.

Is there anything that Obama supporters can point to as being positive?

Sure, the world hasn't come to an end yet.

That's supposed to happen after the November 2012 election.

Chicago's Destiny for G8 / NATO Summit | Chaos, Cronies, Confusion and Cost to Taxpayers

2012-01-26T02:43:00.000-06:00

Chicago's new King Rahm Emanuel was granted his wish from Emperor Obama for Chicago to be the host of the G8 / NATO Summit this coming May.

The event is likely to bring thousands of protesters and, given Chicago's history with conflicts with protesters and various violations of free speech, many believe a "perfect storm" is forming where Chicago will suffer massive costs and damage...at taxpayer expense.

The true costs, who gets contracts and the critical details are all a mystery. King Rahm, like his predecessor, King Daley, has even convinced the Chicago City Council to give him blind authority to enter into contracts and spend money without oversight.

The Chicago Way.

On Wednesday, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, which typically rah-rahs whatever the Mayor (King) of Chicago says at any given moment, warned its business membership that they should prepare to take extreme steps during the G8 / NATO Summit, from security to boarding windows to closing down to traffic disruptions to potential violence.

The security issues won't simply affect Chicago because it's likely that thousands of protesters will stay around the region and may even stage in the suburbs. And, some believe that the protesters could shift gears and target suburbs because the international media will still report that as violence in Chicago.

Because the city's plan is to make protesters feel unwelcome, it's not likely the protesters are going to be hanging out on Michigan Avenue shopping. Lori Healy, the crony installed to coordinate the host committee, said a few weeks ago that "secret service will be staying in hotels and eating at our restaurants" to justify the economic impact she insists will come with all this...a mystery number.

Will there be any other benefit to Chicago for hosting the G8 / NATO Summit? Well, ask yourself a simple question...have you ever seen a G8, NATO or WTO Summit on the news and said "oh geez, I wish I could visit" because of it? Usually, there's two images...world leaders pretending they like each other, posing for pictures and protesters.

See below for what it was like at the 2007 G8 Summit in Rostock:

SOPA PIPA Internet Censorship Legislation Just Part of the Threat Against Your Freedom | Meet ACTA - Danger to the World

2012-01-26T02:00:00.000-06:00

Aurora Alderman Rick Lawrence Proposes Stunning Solution for Ward Remap | Shift 4th Ward Out of West Side, Create New Central Core Ward and Realign Wards for Efficiency and Effectiveness

2012-01-25T06:42:00.000-06:00

As Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner's task force on ward remaps considers spreading the size of west side wards to overlap into the east side for population growth and to create Hispanic wards where they already exist, one city council member is making a proposal that would boldly change the city's alignment and effectiveness for wards.

4th Ward Alderman Rick Lawrence, in an email response to several questions on the ward remap, told OpenlineBlog the current discussion to dilute west side wards and expand their size to overlap on the east side threatens the best interests of taxpayers, businesses and schools on the west side, making it more difficult for west side aldermen to cover larger areas with unrelated issues effectively.

Lawrence instead proposes a much bolder solution that would solve problems on the east side, west side and the currently neglected downtown, including shifting the 4th Ward out of the west side neighborhoods into the central core of the city along both sides of the river, leaving two wards fully dedicated to the west side and allowing the existing seven east side wards to each shrink in size to address bigger populations.

WEST AURORA

Lawrence says the issues in west side neighborhoods and working with schools is a different set of challenges than near downtown or the east side. He says it's important any west side alderman be able to focus and be responsive to those issues, so rather than spreading the wards over to the east side, by creating a central core ward, the two remaining west side wards can focus on neighborhoods and economic development on the far west side.

But, doesn't this mean Lawrence could be proposing a solution that may eliminate his own position since he would not live in the "new" 4th Ward?

"Yes, but this isn't about me. We need effective wards and effective aldermen to deal with them. I want to make sure the neighborhoods, schools and businesses on the west side are protected and have focus, so if that means I'm eventually not in the new 4th Ward where a new central core ward can be created, that's a sacrifice we need to make."

"We need to attract people of middle and upper income from outside the city to locate on the west side along with economic development. This requires the full attention of whomever the west side aldermen are today or would be in the future. We have worked hard to deal with issues on the west side and there's more work to do."

THE NEW CENTRAL WARD

Lawrence points out there are FIVE wards that currently overlap portions of downtown and the central core of the city along the Fox River. Those are Wards 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, who also have to deal with east or west side neighborhoods.

"Instead of five separate people overseeing a slice, we could create one ward along the central core from the tollway to the north down to Montgomery on the south. It's an area that is mostly downtown, businesses, industrial, retail and some residential, but one person would be responsible for the vision and plans being integrated to turn the central core from its current underperforming status to progress and generating economic development and tax revenue that will benefit the entire the city.

"On the west side, this will free the two remaining wards to focus on larger west side issues."

EAST SIDE GROWTH / SHRINKAGE

Lawrence says that by creating a central core ward this means that ALL seven east wards could either shrink in land area or be realigned to deal with population increases, making the wards more efficient and effective. It would still have wards with Hispanic majority populations regardless of the boundaries, but the focus should be on creating effective wards over demographics.

He also notes the near east side and the far east side have different challenges and different school districts, so in reality, there's four wards dealing with the near east side (2, 3 and 7) while three wards deal with the far east side (8, 9, 10). Ward 1 is primarily on the northeast side, but could realigned more with the near or far east side.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Lawrence says he's been honored to serve the 4th Ward residents, who are engaged in the issues that affect taxpayers, so he believes his constituents are best served by their alderman focusing on their issues.

"People in the 4th Ward want response, results and expect issues to be dealt with responsibly, but the rest of the city should demand the same from their alderman. We want each alderman to focus on making sure his or her ward gets the focus and attention taxpayers deserve."

"We should redraw the maps in a way that will make sure we have effective ward representation so that each alderman can be a strong advocate for their area and be accountable."

REALIGNMENT POTENTIAL

Under the proposal, the following could result:

West side - two wards (new ward 5 and new ward 6)

Central core - one ward stretching from north to south (new ward 4)

Near east side - four wards (new wards 1, 2, 3 and 7, which already include two Hispanic super majority wards)

Far east side - three wards (new wards 8, 9 and 10)

Illinois Political Mafia Kingpin Michael Madigan Suggests Sticking Pension Liabilities of Teachers on Backs of Suburban and Downstate Taxpayers | Admits State's Fiscal Crisis is From Wild Spending, But Takes No Responsibility

2012-01-25T03:54:00.001-06:00

Illinois Finally Veers Into Late 20th Century With Limited Experiment on Cameras in the Courtroom | Legal System of Kane, DuPage, Kendall, Will and DeKalb Counties in Desperate Need of Transparency

2012-01-25T03:33:00.002-06:00

The good news is the Illinois Supreme Court is allowing a limited peek into the archaic, dysfunctional, hidden view of the so-called judicial system with cameras in the courtroom.

However, these are baby steps with many restrictions that are far from giving the public full and transparent view into the vast majority of the legal games played in courtrooms across Illinois.

In the meantime, Cook County, the largest circuit system in Illinois, is taking the plunge to at least catch up to the late 20th Century.

That will allow some of the concerns to be addressed by both the legal players (judges, attorneys) and the media.

But, cameras should not be limited to simply the media. It should be open to ANYONE in today's world of smartphones and digital tools.

So, what about in Kane, DuPage, Kendall, Will and DeKalb counties, where there are dozens of incompetent judges and hundreds of incompetent doing injustice every day without the public's oversight?

The chief judges of the circuits say they will consult with their associate judges...that's like a parent asking a teenager if they don't mind if they watch what they are doing, but the real judge should be taxpayers, who have a right to see watch a system that has largely gone unchecked during the last century.

Are there any good judges and attorneys? Sure, but it's hard to tell...the public should see for themselves and we hope that one side effect of greater transparency will be to differentiate between the good and bad.

Illinois is FAR behind transparency in the courtroom. Let's see if they will now take a giant leap forward instead of small baby steps...for the best interest of justice and taxpayers.

State of the Union | Commentary By President Barack Obama and Response By Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels

2012-01-24T21:27:00.002-06:00

Senator Mark Kirk | Stroke Status

2012-01-24T20:00:00.000-06:00

City of Aurora's So-Called "Task Force" on Ward Maps Wants to Create Hispanic Majority Wards to Uh...Replace Hispanic Majority Wards

2012-01-24T09:11:00.001-06:00

The City of Aurora's so-called "task force" on ward maps, spending considerable time and taxpayer resources, has determined it must create two wards that contain a majority of Hispanics.

Blanca Dominqguez, who works under the direction of the city's so-called corporation counsel, Alayne Weingartz, who apparently prefers not to deal directly with Hispanics, says due to lawsuits against the city, at least two wards must be at least 65 percent or more Hispanic so a "super majority" exists.

Never mind that Hispanic majority wards ALREADY exist. Don't let facts or figures get in the way of the busy work city staff and so-called task force is doing...at taxpayer expense.

Based upon the 2010 Census, the following wards have 50% of more Hispanics:

Ward 2 - 81%

Ward 3 - 64%

Ward 7 - 74%

Ward 6 - 50%

That means four wards already have Hispanics as the majority ethnic group and two of those wards have a "super majority" with Ward 3 increasing.

So, why does any of this matter?

According to Mayor Tom Weisner's city spokesgirl, Carie Ergo, it's supposedly about getting Hispanics elected to city council so that Hispanics are represented.

2nd Ward Alderman Juany Garza is the only Hispanic on the Aurora City Council.

Does that mean a non-Hispanic alderman is unable to represent Hispanics equally?

If so, does that mean a Hispanic alderman would not be able to represent non-Hispanics equally?

The so-called task force isn't concerned that most of the current city council members, regardless of their ethnic background, are incompetent, clueless or fiscally irresponsible.

Stephanie Lulay also reports Wards 9 and 10 on the far east side have over 17 percent Asians.

Since Asians seem to be good at math and would likely be able to calculate the wild spending and higher tax rates residents of Stonebridge, Oakhurst and White Eagle are paying compared to Naperville residents, shouldn't we be more concerned city council members having basic fiscal sense than what they look like?

Some alderman are much more involved with issues affecting neighborhoods and their wards than others.

And, the two alderman-at-large positions, occupied by Bob O'Connor and Richard Irvin, do nothing for constituents except attend events and required meetings. O'Connor is Chairman of the Finance Committee and has overseen wild spending, tax increases and helped create the city's ongoing fiscal crisis.

City staff is preparing a new ward map that may enlarge the west side wards to take more population, even if it means crossing the Fox River and including portions of the east side.

The three west side city council members, Mike Saville, Rick Lawrence and John "Whitey" Peters, say that may create more complications.

They say there are many factors that go into representing the ward, including school district boundaries and there's really no overlap between the two sides of the river, so as odd as it would be to expect one of the east side alderman to handle west side issues, it doesn't make sense for west side alderman to deal with east side issues in addition to their current challenges.

Many of our viewers have said they would like to see objective boundaries based upon population AND land boundaries such as school districts. Most of all, they are more interested in getting effective representation and city council members that protect taxpayers regardless of what ethnic background they are.

Currently, taxpayers from most wards have nobody on city council protecting their taxdollars.

Note: Stephanie Lulay and city staff contributed to this story.

Election 2012 | Newt Gingrich Wins South Carolina Primary Big...Now What?

2012-01-23T01:30:00.000-06:00

As most old media entities pre-decided the race for the GOP nomination for President was over after New Hampshire, it turns out voters in Iowa and South Carolina didn't agree it should definitely be Mitt Romney.

On Saturday, Newt Gingrich won big in South Carolina and reset the Republican race and process ahead.

He not only easily defeated Mitt Romney, but exit polls showed something new for the first time...people think he's got a chance to defeat Barack Obama.

So, what happened? Many factors, but Gingrich's strong debate performances seem to have made a difference because he's openly declaring he can challenge Obama and provide a contrast.

"Voters want someone to smack the issues head-on with Barack Obama. Mitt Romney is a successful guy, Ron Paul is a man of principles with passionate and dedicated supporters, many of them young. Rick Santorum appeals to conservatives and a populist approach. Newt, whether you agree or disagree with him on his views, appears able to fire at Obama and make the case" said a campaign consultant.

The next primary is in Florida.

How will the Republican nomination for President end up?

Inauguration Speech By President John F. Kennedy (1961)

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

Inauguration Speech
President John F. Kennedy
January 20, 1961

SPC Christopher A. Patterson, Age 20, West Aurora High School Graduate, Dies in Afghanistan

2012-01-19T04:06:00.000-06:00

20 year old Christopher Alexander Patterson, SPC, a 2009 graduate of West Aurora High School and student in music education at Valparaiso University, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2012 while serving his country in the Kandahar Province in Afghanistan.

On Friday, staff and students of West Aurora High School and Jefferson Middle School will stand outside at approximately 10:30am when the body of Christopher Patterson is driven past the schools.

According to West Aurora School District 129, the Patriot Guard Riders will accompany the procession, which is scheduled to leave the Moss Funeral Home in Batavia at 10:00am.

The procession will travel south on Randall Road, turn east on Plum passing Jefferson Middle School, turn south on Commonwealth, passing by the high school auditorium where Patterson spent significant time and then proceed along the high school's main drive along Galena.

The North Aurora Fire Department will hang an American flag from two ladder trucks at the high school.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 1pm to 8pm and the Funeral will be Saturday at 11:00am, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 950 Hart Road in Batavia (map).

See inside for the full obituary.

The Obamas | An Interview with Jodi Kantor

2012-01-19T03:17:00.002-06:00

New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor discusses her new book, The Obamas, including more details about some of the members of the Chicago political mafia, such as David Axelrod, Rahm Emanuel and Valerie Jarrett.

Support Freedom | Stop SOPA and PIPA

2012-01-18T23:46:00.000-06:00

OpenlineBlog, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Wikipedia, thousands of internet and new media companies, millions of Americans urge everyone who values FREEDOM to take action on pending legislation called SOPA and PIPA in Congress that is supported by old media conglomerates and those in government who want to control, micromanage, dictate and decide what you can or can't see, share or do on the internet.

Click here for Google's action tools to save your freedom

See inside our comments for a list of some of the entities who are supporting internet censorship and taking away your freedoms.

SOPA and PIPA vs. Common Sense | Singing Happy Birthday Could Send You to Prison

2012-01-18T02:00:00.000-06:00

It was bad enough that singing "Happy Birthday" on the air could end up being a copyright claim, which is why you don't see the full song often in movies and television broadcasts.

Even singing the song at a little kid's birthday party and uploading it to YouTube is technically enough to get your video taken down by the copyright owners under abuses and misuse of existing copyright law by old media companies.

But, with SOPA and PIPA, it gets much, much worse.

YouTube could be shut down.

And, you could go to prison for posting that video of little Johnny or Sally.

Fair use? Forget about it...it's up to old media fat cats and government to pick and choose who to allow, who to censor.

If that is the America you wish to live in, do nothing.

Otherwise, take action now.

President Barack Obama's Only Claim to Fame: He Killed Osama Bin Laden and Can Kill You, Too...

2012-01-18T00:56:00.000-06:00

Constitutional law professor Jonathan Turley explains how President Obama's recent signing of the NDAA is a chilling step backwards for freedom and civil liberties.

It should be noted that GOP front-runner Mitt Romney says he would have signed the same legislation that would allow a President to detain or kill any American for any reason.

Don't worry, as long as you trust politicians to be 100% correct all the time, you have nothing to worry about.

Otherwise, you could be detained or killed. Sorry.

Hello Barack Obama, Even Hitler Rejects SOPA and PIPA

2012-01-18T00:30:00.000-06:00

Nominee for Best Guitar Solo Ever | Sweet Child O' Mine By Guns N' Roses

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-06:00

OpenlineBlog Rocks Music Series
Guns N' Roses | Sweet Child O' Mine
Best Guitar Solo Ever - Nominee
(solo by Slash begins at 2:53 in song)

Chicago Political Mafia Crony Valerie Jarrett Exploits Martin Luther King Day for Political Speech at Church and Exploits Taxpayers with Secret Service Security - The Chicago Way

2012-01-17T09:02:00.001-06:00

Valerie Jarrett, the Chicago political mafia crony who rose to political power working for the corrupt King of Chicago, Richard M. Daley, spoke at Ebenezer Baptist Church in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, using the church speech to play politics and bash Republicans.

Jarrett, who is "senior advisor" to President Barack Obama and close personal friends with Michelle Obama, also continued another bad habit from Chicago politicians...exploiting taxpayers with having Secret Service security with her trip to play politics on MLK day.

White House officials have thus far not explained why Jarrett, who is not a public or elected figure, is getting secret service security detail, even if she wasn't playing politics in a church.

Her former boss, Richard M. Daley, has been exploiting taxpayers with luxury taxpayer-funded security even after he "retired" as mayor. Many other Chicago politicians, ranging from Alderman Ed Burke to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, also exploit taxpayers with "security."

Barack Obama promised in 2008 he would CHANGE the politics-as-usual. Perhaps he meant he would change Washington DC so that it more reflects the Chicago Way.

Downer Place Bridge in Aurora Falling Down...Is It Time to Change Downtown Aurora Streets to Two-Way?

2012-01-17T03:00:00.000-06:00

As preparations are underway to replace the Downer Place bridge in downtown Aurora over the Fox River, one of the temporary changes will include converting Benton Street from one-way (eastbound) to two-way traffic between Broadway and River Street.

So, the question many of our viewers have been asking is why not make Benton and other streets such as New York and Galena two-way all the time?

For visitors to Aurora, including those coming from Naperville, one of the chief complaints is navigating the roads into downtown with the two-way streets that turn into one-way.

What long-term changes would you like to see to the traffic patterns through and surrounding downtown Aurora that would make it easier to navigate?

As for the Downer Place bridge, the process to tear it down begins February 6th at a cost to taxpayers of $7,830,000.

In addition, taxpayers will pay $70,000 for "rain gardens" as part of another "green scheme" to be installed at the corners of Downer and Stolp to collect storm water and make it difficult for snow removal trucks to properly plow the intersection in the future.

City spokesgirl Carie Ergo pointed out the $70,000 comes from a "grant" from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

When asked where the IEPA gets funds from, she acknowledged "oh, taxpayers."

Local Political Rockstar Barack Obama Needs a Campaign Slogan...Can You Help?

2012-01-17T00:42:00.000-06:00

Barack Obama, local political rockstar and current President of the United States (at least through January 20, 2013), needs your help.

Not helping with the economy, class warfare, flip-flop, healthcare, cronies, bailouts, shredding the constitution, tax increases, debt, wild spending or other governing blunders. He's handling those on his own.

No, he needs something simple.

A campaign slogan.

You know, like CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN.

Leaving aside the previous slogan turned out to be false advertising, what can he use in 2012?

CHANGE WE CAN REALLY, REALLY BELIEVE IN THIS TIME

CHANGE NEEDS 4 MORE YEARS TO WORK

KEEP THE CHANGE 2012

CHANGE? NO, KEEP THE STATUS-QUO THIS TIME

IT'S THE ECONOMY, STUPID or BLAME IT ON THE STUPID ECONOMY

Barack Obama's campaign advisors will see this post, so let's help them out. Yes, we can!

Death of Martin Luther King | Commentary By Robert F. Kennedy

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-06:00

Death of Martin Luther King
Commentary By Robert F. Kennedy

Aurora Township Hires Firm to Hire HR Manager to Hire People...Why Do We Still Have Township Government?

2012-01-16T01:08:00.001-06:00

The ongoing controversy with Aurora Township government took a twist when the board voted to hire Naperville-based Sikich at $120 per hour for up to 15 hours to sort out candidates to hire an HR manager to, uh, hire people.

The convoluted process is a reaction to Aurora Township Supervisor Christina Campos firing the previous HR manager and trying to hire a different candidate.

But, the bigger question is why do we still have township governments in urban areas wasting so much resources and taxpayer funds?

With or without the controversy at Aurora Township, we say it's time to eliminate ALL government entities that fail to provide a return on the investment of taxdollars.

Where to Save a Life | Best Hospital for Emergencies in the Aurora / Fox Valley Area?

2012-01-13T03:55:00.000-06:00

It's 2am and you have a medical emergency for yourself or a family member.

If you could be instantly transported, so travel time did not matter, to any hospital in the Aurora / Fox Valley area, which would it be and why?

From a minor injuries to life-threatening situations, who do you trust with your life?

Online Surveys & Market Research

Election 2012 | President Obama Visits Chicago to Raise Funds for Change We Can Believe In Campaign 2.0 - Yes We Can, Really, No Seriously, Well, Whatever...Just Write a Fat Check

2012-01-12T04:04:00.000-06:00

Hollywood Casino Aurora Revenue Shrinks Again

2012-01-12T03:55:00.000-06:00

Revenue at Hollywood Casino in Aurora continues to shrink, according to new information released by the Illinois Gaming Board.

Gross receipts went from $181.2 million in 2010 to $173.2 million in 2011, a drop of $8 million.

Aurora gets $10.5 million and the State of Illinois gets $48.89 million.

The new casino in Des Plaines had $177 million in revenue in 2011.

Elgin's Grand Victoria had $256 million in revenue and Joliet's Harrah's Casino had $223 million, with both having decreases.

Overall, mostly due to Des Plaines, statewide gross receipts increased by $103 million to almost $1.5 billion, generating about $400 million for the state in taxes.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Pat Quinn both support a casino for Chicago, which would further negatively impact Aurora.

Election 2012 | The "New" 11th Congressional District Race Features Petition Challenges

2012-01-12T03:23:00.000-06:00

Thanks to the political manipulation of Congressional districts by Illinois Democrats, many of our viewers will continue to be confused by which district they live in.

For Aurora, which has traditionally been in the 14th Congressional District, the "new" district will be the 11th Congressional District.

Three Republican candidates have filed, but each have their petitions challenged with the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Jack Cunningham
Kane County Clerk from Aurora

Judy Biggert
currently U.S. Representative from Hinsdale

Diane Harris
Joliet activist

Election 2012 | Romney Wins New Hampshire As Expected, But Ron Paul Vaults to 2nd Place with Jon Huntsman 3rd; Next Stop South Carolina

2012-01-11T07:30:00.000-06:00

Mitt Romney was expected to easily win New Hampshire on Tuesday, which he did at 40%. Although he's clearly in the driver's seat as the establishment candidate while the other candidates split the vote, the race for the Republican nomination to face President Barack Obama isn't over.

In New Hampshire, Ron Paul went from a 5th place finish in 2008 to a solid 2nd place "win" at 23% over all other non-Romney candidates. His campaign is clearly connecting with voters of all backgrounds and has ignited the youth vote, the same type of passion that helped carry Barack Obama to beat establishment candidate Hillary Clinton in 2008.

Some say Ron Paul doesn't have a "chance" to be nominated but one thing is clear. While much of the Republican PARTY establishment is settling on Mitt Romney, the vast majority of voters are still sorting out choices.

Jon Huntsman, who didn't really compete in Iowa, finished in 3rd place at 17%. To some, he may still be the emerging alternate to Mitt Romney.

Rick Santorum built on his momentum from Iowa and did better than expected in New Hampshire, but both he and Newt Gingrich are expected to do better in South Carolina.

Rick Perry is also focusing his efforts on South Carolina, which is likely to be the make or break state for his campaign and others. He finished last in New Hampshire.

Meanwhile, the Obama campaign is gearing up their attacks on Romney or whomever will be the nominee. Obama will be in Chicago on Thursday for fundraising.

How Low Can Illinois Go? Bond Rating Gets Downgraded to Worst in America

2012-01-11T05:00:00.000-06:00

Illinois' bond ratings was downgraded by Moody's, making it the WORST in America.

You can thank a lot of people for the crisis, ranging from the Madigan(s) to public pension ponzi schemes to wild spending and irresponsible fiscal policy, but the bottom line is the TAXPAYER will suffer even more as a result due to increased costs for borrowing.

Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford, who warned this would happen unless the state got its fiscal house in order, helps explain the situation in the video above and why it matters.

So, how low can Illinois go? With the state sinking in debt, corruption, taxes, fees, the chronic mistakes of the political mafia, it may be time for a new state song that more accurately reflects the State of Illinois with help from a song by Ludacris performed by Alvin and the Chipmunks:

Google Gets Personal with Search

2012-01-10T21:00:00.000-06:00

Our friends at the mothership (aka "Googleplex") would like us to share with you a major change to how search results via Google will appear.

The new personal feature will be exactly that...personal. Not just showing you the results across the universe, but the results personally connected to you or your friends with Google + and Picassa.

Tattoo | By Van Halen

2012-01-10T16:20:00.000-06:00

OpenlineBlog Music Series
Tattoo | Presented by Van Halen

Note: This song is dedidicated to the most common sign of economic development in downtown Aurora, Illinois: TATTOO

Ward Remap Small Step, But Bolder Reforms of Dysfunctional City Council Needed for Aurora

2012-01-10T02:45:00.000-06:00

City of Aurora Illinois Ward Map

Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner's so-called "Special Ward Redistricting Committee" met on Monday to discuss changes to the city's current ward map.

It's important to note the committee is not discussing various ideas to reform Aurora's dysfunctional city council, which include:

Reduce the number of overall wards (currently at 10, the maximum)
Eliminate the Alderman-at-Large positions
Change election schedule; ALL seats for council contested at same time
Introduce term limits (including mayor)
Mandatory rotation of city council committee seats
Ethics certification and anti-corruption training
Fiscal 101 and who pays for taxdollars training

What other ideas should be considered?

In the meantime, the so-called committee, which includes old guard, chronic wild spending Alderman-at-Large Bob O'Connor, instead is reviewing how to change the map to reflect the population changes of Aurora.

Stephanie Lulay reports:

"The city's population center is moving east, and the wards will be moving with it. Most wards currently east of the Fox River will likely get smaller in area and westside wards will get bigger, city staff announced at the first meeting..."

Wards 1, 3, 7, 9 and 10, all on the east side could see their sizes reduced while Wards 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8 may get more residents.

But, one longtime council observer noted "none of this really matters much. The two aldermen-at-large positions are useless. Only a few city council members really are paying attention to the issues of their ward and constituents. And, most of the wild spending and tax increases will continue to be 11-1 unless we change who sits in those seats, not just the alignment of the chairs."

The so-called committee will meet again on January 23rd at 3:30pm on the 5th Floor of Aurora's City Hall.

New Book Reveals Tensions at the Obama White House - The Chicago Way

2012-01-10T01:39:00.000-06:00

Since our local political rockstar Barack Obama was elected President of the United States, we said that the ONLY way for him to meet the lofty expectations and promises of bold change was to disconnect himself from the cronies of the Chicago Political Mafia that helped elect him.

Instead, he took them to Washington with him. Rahm Emanuel. David Axelrod. Valerie Jarrett. Arne Duncan. Bill Daley. And, others.

Now, we learn there was at least one person in the White House who may have seen our point of view and it happens to be Michelle Obama.

While Barack Obama didn't have sense to realize what a mistake it would be to make Rahm Emanuel his Chief of Staff, at least Michelle Obama did.

At the same time Bill Daley flops out of the White House as Chief of Staff, the book by Jodi Kantor shows not all was peachy at the White House.

It's starting to look more likely that Barack Obama's best shot of getting elected for another four years as President is not in 2012, but more likely 2016 or 2020...after he's had 4 or 8 years to sit on the bench and realize how much screwed up the chance of a lifetime.

William Daley, Brother of King Richard, Resigns as Worst White House Chief of Staff in History...Since Previous Worst White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel | Obama Finally Picks Someone Not Part of the Chicago Political Mafia

2012-01-09T19:36:00.000-06:00

How many times did we warn candidate, then President-Elect Barack Obama that if he really wanted to CHANGE politics-as-usual and not make the blunders we routinely see from the Chicago and Illinios Political Mafia that he SHOULD NOT SURROUND HIMSELF WITH THE CHICAGO POLITICAL MAFIA???

But, President Barack Obama, local political rockstar, didn't listen and instead surrounded himself in the White House with some of the kingpins from Chicago, including Rahm Emanuel as Chief of Staff. That fizzled and we are learning now from a book that came out that even Michelle Obama wanted Rahm fired.

So, did Barack Obama learn? No, he repeated the mistake by installing William Daley, brother of Chicago's King of Corruption, Richard Daley, as Chief of Staff. That has failed as well.

Now, Billy Daley is exiting the White House to come back to Chicago. The good news for the nation is Obama is putting someone other than a Chicago political mafia crony as the new White House Chief of Staff, Jacob Lew.

The bad news for Chicago and Illinois is that we are stuck with Rahm Emanuel and now Bill Daley is coming back to Chicago, apparently with eyes on becoming Governor so that a more seasoned member of the political mafia such as Daley can replace the current goofball, Pat Quinn.

Commentary | Stephen Colbert Rips Flip-Flopper Hypocrite Barack Obama

2012-01-09T09:12:00.001-06:00

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Election 2012 | New Hampshire Presidential Debate

2012-01-08T13:48:00.002-06:00

OpenlineBlog Election 2012

New Hampshire Presidential Debate Meet the Press

Presented by NBC and Facebook

Mitt Romney Ron Paul Jon Huntsman

Rick Santorum Rick Perry Newt Gingrich

Aurora Christian Campus for Sale?

2012-01-06T13:32:00.000-06:00

Aurora is often referred to as one of the "biggest small towns" in America, partly because, despite its size as the second largest city in Illinois, many of the issues are discussed behind-the-scenes, based upon who-you-know.

Our friends at the Beacon-News published a story on a "rumor" they said was untrue that Aurora Christian was selling its campus to West Aurora School District 129.

As some may know, Fifth Third Bank had taken legal action against the school for default on a loan for the building, which was purchased in 2004.

Earlier this week, we reported the Roundhouse in Aurora (formerly known as Walter Payton's Roundhouse) and currently operated by Two Brothers Brewing after getting over $5 million in taxpayer gifts, was being shopped around for $1.7 million.

That was not a rumor. That was based upon reliable information and investigation. And, there's more to the story (coming soon).

In both situations, Aurora Christian and the Roundhouse, the stories have spread like wildfire with phone calls among city officials, business leaders, this and that and discussion among media.

The Beacon-News hasn't done a story on the potential of the Roundhouse sale yet, but to the credit of city hall reporter, Stephanie Lulay, she has been investigating and we look forward to her reporting.

Just a couple weeks earlier, Jennifer Sturges, a different reporter for the Beacon-News, wrote a story that portrayed that all is well with Two Bros and they had long-term plans to reinvent the facility that had been Aurora's top entertainment destination under previous operator Scott Ascher.

In that story by Sturges, it made no mention of the $5 million in taxpayer funds being given to Two Bros, Jim and Jason Ebel.

Oops.

Denise Crosby, the writer for the Beacon-News on the Aurora Christian rumors, expressed "I have to admit, there's comfort in knowing rumors can still spread the old fashioned way. Not through Twitter. Not through Facebook. Just good ol' (not so) reliable face-to-face gossip."

Yes Denise, and that's how Aurora has operated for decades, why it's considered one of the biggest small towns in America, how the old guard has stayed in power and control and why it's critical that Aurora transform itself from that backward mindset into an open, transparent, collaborative and innovative mindset, where issues, facts, reality and what's right, not personalities, gossip and who's who, are what counts.

As for how to solve Aurora Christian's financial challenge, one viewer suggested, as strange as this may sound, they should approach the city and propose opening up a bar and restaurant at the school.

With Ballydoyle, Two Brothers and the Restaurant Row developer, the City of Aurora has given away over $8 million.

Speaking of stuff for sale, we reported weeks ago the Beacon-News was for sale (again). Despite denials, it turns out they were sold as part of a package with the Sun-Times Media Group. It's a bit early to determine if they are for sale yet again.

We are hopeful their new ownership has different new media mindset than the old media past.

City of Aurora Promotes 175th Anniversary and the Past...But Why?

2012-01-05T04:26:00.001-06:00

The City of Aurora is spending time, resources and effort promoting the chronological fact that it's 175 years old in 2012.

Yay.

Given the recession of the local economy, reverse economic development and not much going on other than public projects, city staff has plenty of time and your taxdollars at their disposal.

However, some of our viewers have been asking "who are they trying to impress?"

The old guard status-quo crowd, which is the cause of most Aurora's chronic problems, is already a fan of the "old" Aurora, so is this campaign directed toward them?

Does this campaign or the anniversary poster appeal to a young, dynamic, innovative, cool crowd? Are people in Naperville going to say "we wish were in Aurora!" after seeing the poster?

And, if the poster was going to accurately reflect history, how often do you see a woman in a red dress walking the street or a sleek looking train?

Aurora has got to figure out which way it's going...is this a city that will keep clinging to the old past or boldly change for the future?

You Know About Those 99%, But Who Are the 1%?

2012-01-05T03:30:00.000-06:00

Much has been made about the Occupy Movement, allegedly on behalf of the 99% of Americans, but who are the 1%?

Northwestern University recently did a study on Chicago's 1% wealthiest. The findings may (or may not) surprise you.

Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum Virtual Tie in Iowa; Ron Paul Close Behind

2012-01-04T01:36:00.001-06:00

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney squeaked out a victory in Iowa by only a handful of votes with a virtual tie with Rick Santorum at 25% each.

Ron Paul finished close behind at 21%.

Rick Perry is likely to exit the Presidential race.

Barack Obama Throws Civil Rights and Constitution Under the Bus; Signs NDAA Into Law to Give Sweeping Power to Detain Any American Indefinitely Without Charge, Due Process or Trial

2012-01-04T00:30:00.000-06:00

President Barack Obama is proving all the critics correct...he's stands for nothing, panders to politics and is not really about change, but maybe worse of the same.

On New Year's Eve, while most of the nation wasn't tuned in, Obama signed the NDAA into law. It's a complex defense spending bill, but that's not what the controversy is about.

It basically gives the government and military the ability to detain Americans on suspicion, association with those that may or may not be under suspicion and there's nothing you can do about it.

Soviet Union, China or North Korea?

No, it's Main Street USA.

Candidate Obama campaigned against unlawful detentions, rounding up people on suspicion and lack of due process, but President Obama has signed into law sweeping powers that even President Bush didn't have.

After promising to veto the bill if passed, Obama flip-flopped.

Why?

It's politics. With the economy on life support and so many foolish mistakes by the Obama administration, his only "accomplishment" is to claim he killed Osama Bin Laden and how he's tough enough to kill people.

To avoid looking weak on terrorism or national defense, the Obama political crew are putting politics ahead of principle.

Even Obama's biggest allies are saying Barack Obama is trashing individual rights, civil liberties and the constitution.

"On New Year's Eve, President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law. It contains a sweeping worldwide indefinite detention provision. And it has no time or geographic limits. It can be used by this and future presidents to militarily detain people...despite initial assurances that he would veto this outrageous bill, President Obama will now be known as the president who signed indefinite detention without charge or trial into law." - ACLU

Anyone, Republican or Democrat or other, who values civil rights, liberties or the U.S. constitution, should be concerned.

Freedom is a terrible thing to waste.

Barack Obama has proven he's good at one thing...hypocrisy.

This is change we can't believe in.

After Getting Millions From City of Aurora Taxpayers, Two Bros Shopping Roundhouse for $1.7 Million

2012-01-03T10:59:00.000-06:00

Two Brothers (aka Jason and Jim Ebel), who received millions of taxdollars from Mayor Tom Weisner to takeover operation and ownership of the historic Roundhouse (formerly known as Walter Payton's Roundhouse) from longtime operator Scott Ascher, are now shopping the Roundhouse for a $1.7 million sale, according to sources.

Contrary to a recent story by the Beacon-News, which portrayed that all is well and Two Brothers had long-term plans to reinvent the Roundhouse, the new owners are looking to exit the Roundhouse after getting $1.2 million from you, the taxpayer, to purchase it. That's aside from other $3.9 million in taxpayer funds so Two Brothers could open a warehouse on the city's northeast side.

Sources say there are no provisions in the deals negotiated by the city's administration for "clawbacks" or remedies. Two Brothers don't lose any of their taxpayer incentives and are under no obligation to repay anything back.

Taxpayers gave over $5 million to Two Brothers. If they sell the Roundhouse for $1.7 million, they will make a remarkable profit.

When asked why the City of Aurora would negotiate such a deal that costs taxpayers millions during a fiscal crisis only to see the new owners try to profit from it, spokesgirl Carie Anne Ergo would only say "well, the city council approved it 11-1 and how were we supposed to know they would turn around and try to sell the Roundhouse so quickly?"

David Dorgan, the former city manager for Elgin who was fired and then hired by "Seize the Future" in Aurora instead of directly by the city so he could continue to collect a public pension (at your expense) was the primary negotiator for the city. He also oversaw the deals that cost taxpayers and produced nothing such as the Elks Club Building and "Restaurant Row."

Since taking over the Roundhouse, many viewers have noted changes did not seem to be going well, including going from restaurant food to primarily "bar" food.

Former operator Scott Ascher, who transformed the Roundhouse into one of Aurora's top destinations, had sought the city's assistance, but the city would not help and instead took actions to encourage an ownership change.

One viewer noted, "ironically, the person who has actually been able to make the Roundhouse a success has been Scott Ascher. Maybe the city should invite him back."

Welcome to 2012 | Please Empty Your Wallets, Illinois

2012-01-03T09:20:00.000-06:00

As taxes skyrocket indirectly via toll increases and parking rate increases, it's becoming far more expensive to travel within Illinois.

Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner, who was appointed to the Illinois Tollway Board by Gov Pat Quinn, voted for the increase in tolls.

If the cost of gas and tolls isn't enough to prevent you from driving to Chicago, don't forget parking costs will increase again thanks to the parking meter fiasco and a 75 year exploitation scheme enacted by former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, who does not have to feed any meters or park himself because he has taxpayer-funded security and drivers...at your expense.

Illinois Micromanages Your Trash

2012-01-03T09:10:00.000-06:00

Election 2012 | Which Presidential Candidate Gets Most Support from Active Duty Military? It's Ron Paul...Overwhelmingly

2012-01-03T08:54:00.000-06:00

Whatever happens in Iowa, New Hampshire and the rest of the United States of America, there is one candidate emerging as the preferred choice of active duty military and that is Ron Paul. Not just slightly, but by an overwhelming margin.

Previews | New Year's Eve

2011-12-30T14:30:00.000-06:00

2011 Year in Review | The World

2011-12-30T00:34:00.000-06:00

2011 Year in Review | The World
By Zeitgeist + Google

Most Annoying Song of 2011 | Rebecca Black Singing "Friday"

2011-12-30T00:30:00.000-06:00

Friday By Rebecca Black
OpenlineBlog Winner
Most Annoying Song of 2011

Diesel Fuel Leak at FAA Center in Aurora Ends Up in Fox River Spill

2011-12-29T13:05:00.001-06:00

Approximately 1500 gallons of diesel fuel were leaked into sewers at the FAA Center on the west side of Aurora on Indian Trail.

The fuel ended up in the Fox River, creating an 8 foot wide, 1.5 mile long sheen. Various steps to cleanup the spill are underway with oversight from the Illinois EPA.

2011 Person of the Year | Steve Jobs

2011-12-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

Steve Jobs, a true visionary who changed the world and recently passed away, is our easy choice for 2011 OpenlineBlog Person of the Year.

Think different.

Stay hungry, stay foolish.

2011 Year in Review | Can't Wait Til Next Year...

2011-12-28T02:03:00.000-06:00

Sears Takes Millions From Illinois Taxpayers; Announces It Will Close Sears and KMart Stores...Illinois Lawmakers Fall for the Scheme

2011-12-28T01:55:00.000-06:00

Music Series | Love is Blindness by U2's Edge

2011-12-28T01:12:00.000-06:00

OpenlineBlog Music Series
U2 - Love is Blindness
Solo Performance by Edge

2011 Year in Review | Chicago and Illinois

2011-12-27T02:09:00.000-06:00

What are the highlights or lowlights of 2011 for Chicago and Illinois?

Rahm Emanuel becomes the King of Chicago from Richard Daley II?

Rod Blagojevich is convicted of corruption while Michael (and Lisa) Madigan continue to oversee a political mafia that controls Illinois as it sinks with an epidemic of corruption, debt, taxes and incompetence?

Watch WTTW's Joel Weisman host a discussion with Charles Thomas (ABC7), John McCarron (Chicago Tribune), Mary Ann Ahern (NBC5) and Lester Munson (ESPN).

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

2011-12-25T00:30:00.000-06:00

Christmas Lights
Live from Berlin
Presented by Coldplay

Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Presented by Glee

Election 2012 | Ron Paul Presidential Campaign On a Roll...Watch Viral Ad

2011-12-23T13:42:00.000-06:00

Presidential candidate Ron Paul is on a roll, even without the establishment or media's blessing. One of his latest ads is brash, in your face and makes his message clear.

What is the Controversy Over Protect IP and SOPA Legislation? Do You Prefer Freedom or Government Intrusion?

2011-12-23T13:25:00.000-06:00

Chris Pirillo, technology expert for real people, leads a discussion with Brian Rowe and Marcus Barnes-Cannon on the controversial legislation in Congress for Protect IP and SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act).

Don't let the names of the bills fool you. They would have drastic and dramatic negative effects on the freedom of the internet, giving old media companies and government massive power and control over what you can see, read, watch and share.

Chris explains:

The Protect IP Act is a set of legislation that would dramatically change the way the government and copyright holders handle potentially infringing sites. If the DoJ or the copyright holder deems a site in violation, they would have the authority to go directly to various search engines, domain registrars, and social networking sites to have the site pretty much blocked from anyone being able to access it. This, of course, prior to any trial or due process that one might imagine needing to come before such a drastic action takes place.

You can read the legislation for yourself here:
http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-s968/

SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) is a counter legislation currently being proposed in the House which takes a different (yet equally drastic) approach to combating piracy. By granting the copyright holders the ability to cut off the funding of these sites by directly contacting their advertisers and financial institutions, the RIAA or MPAA would essentially have the power to put you out of business if they deem your site in violation of copyright.

You can read the Stop Online Piracy Act yourself here:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.3261:

With either legislative proposal, the media conglomerates, RIAA, and MPAA would essentially have the power to shut businesses down without due process. Imagine having the fate of your site determined by the same legal bodies that have prosecuted children and put their families out of house and home because they installed a program like Kazaa on their parent's system without knowing the implications. If this is the type of drastic legal action they would take to a kid, imagine how quickly this same body would respond to a site that may be equally infringing, whether they know it or not.

OpenlineBlog joins companies across the technology landscape such as Google, Facebook, Twitter and many others to strongly oppose any legislative attempt to micromanage the internet.

Congress will consider the legislation in January 2012 and will have a choice to make America more like China or the Soviet Union...or stand for freedom.

We urge President Obama to VETO any legislation, if Congress makes the tragic mistake of passing it (note: ironically, if SOPA were law today, the White House's own website and Barack Obama's campaign website would be in violation and blocked from the American people).

* http://freedomforip.org/

* online petition urging VETO by President Obama

* list of companies against freedom and supporting SOPA

* watch more videos from Chris Pirillo

Chicago Cardinal Francis George Compares Gay Rights Groups to KKK

2011-12-23T11:46:00.000-06:00

During an interview on the subject of concerns Chicago's annual public "pride" parade that primarily promotes lifestyles of gay and lesbians would interrupt morning Mass at a church, Chicago Cardinal Francis George compared the gay rights movement to the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).

He said the gay rights movement might "morph into something like the Ku Klux Klan, demonstrating in the streets against Catholicism."

The Catholic Church has supported a constitutional amendment to protect marriage as defined between an a man and a woman and strongly opposes gay marriage, social acceptance of homosexuality, same-sex civil unions, but also says that "homosexual persons deserve respect, justice and pastoral care."

The "pride" parade is attended by many Chicago politicians, such as Illinois So-Called Attorney General Lisa Madigan (pictured above with Aurora Party Girl Alderman Stephanie Kifowit).

Madigan has strongly supported civil unions, gay marriage and with your taxdollars and using her official capacity, recently battled Catholic Charities to try and force them to provide foster care and adoption services to same-sex couples, alleging discrimination based upon "sexual orientation."

Catholic Charities said there are multiple agencies that offer similar services, but they should not be forced to put children into a homosexual lifestyle and sued Lisa Madigan for false discrimination. When the legislature failed to make an amendment to allow them to lawfully refer them to other agencies, they shut down all adoptions, resulting in less services and a loss of jobs.

When asked if organizations that assist gay and lesbians should be forced to provide the same services to everyone else and if she is discriminating against people's right to practice their religious beliefs, Madigan had no comment.

Beacon-News Sold AGAIN | Sun-Times Saga Latest Chapter

2011-12-21T23:23:00.000-06:00

For our local viewers in the Chicago suburbs such as Aurora and Naperville, the latest twist in the saga of the Chicago Sun-Times will impact local community papers such as the Beacon-News and Naperville Sun.

An investment group with plenty of old money and SOME sense of technology is purchasing the Sun-Times and 39 community papers.

The Beacon-News, which converted to a tabloid as we predicted months before it did despite their denials, has undergone various changes. Gone are some of the incompetent editorial staff and reporters such as Mike Cetera, Dave Parro, Andre Salles. There are still some leftover bad writers there, such as Matt Hanley.

However, they have some hope. The new City Hall beat reporter Stephanie Lulay, when she focuses on reporting the facts and what's really going on at Aurora's City Hall, is a much better writer than Cetera, Parro and Salles put together. We don't fully understand what Denise Crosby says most of the time, but at least she's a good writer.

But, they along with the Sun-Times are also planning to charge for online content, a move that could backfire and make their situation worse, not better.

As we have shared with our viewers before, OpenlineBlog had extensive discussions previously about taking over the Beacon-News, but after reviewing the situation along with the entire Sun-Times portfolio, we determined it resembled the Titanic. Later, they declared bankruptcy.

Now, with new owners that have SOME idea of technology, we can only hope the Beacon-News is among those that survive the next chapter. Contrary to what some may have thought, we are not in competition with the Beacon-News...we want them to survive and fix their mess.

We look forward to seeing what happens and see if they survive the next chapter of their saga.

Who Created the Fiscal Crisis at All Levels of Government? Answer: Wild Spending By Government

2011-12-21T22:49:00.001-06:00

From local government to state government to federal government, you will hear many politicians complain the reason for the fiscal crisis they all have faced is due to "lower revenues" and blaming the "economy" and other excuses.

But, the truth is the cause of the problem is as close as the nearest mirror for government. It's their own wild spending.

The reality is lower revenues and the economy have forced the problem to be exposed, but most elected officials don't ever say "hey, it's OUR fault, we spent YOUR money irresponsibly" because then you may feel compelled to throw them out.

Instead, we hear excuses and how they "hope the economy will recover" so that they can continue their bad habits of the past.

However, if they don't boldly change, not just tweak, their way of doing business, they will flop regardless of the economy because even extracting more revenue will not meet the pace of the wild spending, debt and promises made to cronies, public pensions.

If the laws that put Bernie Madoff in jail were ever applied toward politicians, there would be a lot of people at the local, state and federal level joining him.

Should the Illinois Tollway Authority Be Eliminated and All Tollways Converted to Freeways?

2011-12-20T11:04:00.000-06:00

Back in 2010, Dan Proft was running for Governor of Illinois and put some perspective on the rouge state agency, also known as the Illinois Tollway Authority, when they decided to go "green."

What most of us didn't realize at the time, they meant "green" as in collecting massive more tolls and your money to distribute to cronies, contractors and unions for so-called "improvements" to the tollway system.

A taxpayer group's lawsuit in Cook County against the Illinois Tollway is now seeking to block the massive 87.5% toll hike that will extract an extra $12 billion from suburban drivers in the Chicago area.

Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner, who was appointed by the Illinois Tollway Board by Gov. Pat Quinn, voted for the massive tax, uh...toll increase that was approved on August 25th to go into effect January 1st.

According to the Chicago Tribune, James Tobin of Taxpayers United of America raises various legal questions, including the frequently asked question of why tollways still exist after 60 years.

"The tollway's legislative mandate also requires it to convert tollways to freeways and to dissolve itself...the legislature never intended the tollway to be a self-perpetuating bond issuing machine that continues ad infinitum."

The lawsuit also questions the agency's plan to convert a freeway such as the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway, into a tollway

Would you support legislation to finally eliminate the Illinois Tollway Authority as taxpayers were promised and convert tollways into freeways?

Blagorama | Judge Zagel Calls Juror Motion 'Harebrained'

2011-12-20T10:41:00.002-06:00

Just when you thought Blagorama was over...he's baaaack.

Well, sorta.

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's lawyers filed a motion asking for a hearing on potential misconduct by juror Connie Wilson, who reportedly showed a juror questionnaire to students in a discussion on juror duty.

The questionnaire is technically the property of the court, but it turns out it was just a generic form, not the actual questionnaire from the Blago trial.

Judge James Zagel called the motion by Blago's attorneys "harebrained."

While that may or may not be accurate, we must also wonder what kind of "harebrained" legal system exists that a juror's own questionnaire for a PUBLIC trial isn't allowed at her own choice to be public?

Blago was recently sentenced to 14 years for his convictions on corruption charges. He will report to federal prison in March 2012.

Meanwhile, the corruption epidemic from Chicago to Aurora to Springfield continues to spread.

Get a Cool Mug Shot and Help Change the World

2011-12-19T12:20:00.000-06:00

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Get a mug for yourself and your friends. Makes a great gift.

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Tragedy of Former West Aurora Band Director Steve Orland | Isolated or Sign of the Times?

2011-12-16T13:09:00.001-06:00

What the hell was he thinking?

That's probably the most frequent reaction we've heard from our local viewers in Aurora since news broke about West Aurora Band Director Steve Orland being accused of having sexual contact with two different students.

By all reports, Steve Orland was passionate about music and leading the West Aurora Band program, one of the best in Illinois, where he once was a student. He has been terminated from his position.

The alleged sexual contact was apparently consensual, but would be unlawful due to the age of the girls at the time and his position of authority over the students.

Wouldn't he know better? And, if he did know what he was doing, why would he risk it all? Lose his job, get prosecuted and even if he isn't convicted, probably never work in music education again?

Some say it's simple...he didn't think he would get caught. But, we aren't talking about speeding or other minor offenses. Regardless of the moral view on Orland's alleged conduct, the fact is the law is very harsh when it comes to these situations.

Is this situation more serious than what President Bill Clinton did with an intern? Is it less serious than the allegations against Penn State Coach Jerry Sandusky? Is this less worse than what many Catholic priests have been accused of doing?

Steve Orland has the right to be presumed innocent under the law unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, but is this situation isolated or has society overall veered off-course?

Are these type of situations becoming more common or are we just learning more thanks to technology and sharing of information?

Is this problem just limited to sexual misconduct?

How it that Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's administration had two decades of corruption scandals, but yet he had "no control" over ANY of it in a city that everyone knows he controlled everything?

Why would Illinois Rod Blagojevich knowingly be corrupt when the prior Governor was convicted for corruption?

Why would Pat Quinn call him a man of integrity and run for re-election with him when everyone knew there were allegations of corruption?

Why is corruption an epidemic from Chicago to Aurora to Springfield? Everyone knows it's wrong, yet everyone know it's going on.

Just the other day, an Aurora City Council member (Stephanie Kifowit) traded a vote in exchange for campaign support from Mayor Weisner. Doesn't she and the mayor know better or do they think everyone else is just too stupid?

We are outraged at sexual misconduct, but shouldn't be similarly outraged when politicians screw taxpayers?

Meanwhile, Daily Herald reports Kane County prosecutors are building their case against Orland and details of their evidence include 47,000 text messages and witnesses who say they saw him alone with each girl in unusual situations.

Orland's attorney says his client is innocent and will fight the admissibility of the text messages, so if he's successful, it means the prosecutors case may rely on the testimony of the girls.

Whatever happens, a school, community, families and people's future are all impacted and it's a tragedy for all concerned.

Steve Orland, what were you thinking?

What are the corrupt politicians and their cronies who enrich themselves at taxpayer expense thinking?

What the hell are all these people thinking?

Election 2012 | Iowa Presidential Debate Review

2011-12-16T11:42:00.001-06:00

Previews | Men in Black III

2011-12-16T00:30:00.000-06:00

Men in Black III
Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones
Opens May 2012

National Alert | Urge Congress to Reject Censorship and Proposed SOPA Legislation or Innovation, Freedom and the Future of the Internet Could Crash

2011-12-15T03:51:00.000-06:00

OpenlineBlog joins Google, Facebook, Twitter and many of the nation's entrepreneurs, technology and new media companies to alert our viewers of the attempt by some in Congress to pass SOPA legislation that could destroy the internet and freedom.

The legislation would give power to some and government to knock out sites from YouTube to Facebook to Google to Twitter...and to criminalize anyone who dares to "share" anything that could be be considered "copyright" under the dysfunctional copyright laws.

For example, suppose you take a video of your kids dancing to a popular song...under the proposed legislation, that would qualify as a FELONY for posting it and the ability to KILL the site where it's posted (i.e. YouTube).

Old media companies and old publishing companies are among those pushing for the legislation because they don't like technology companies and the PUBLIC from having the ability to share content with each other. They would prefer the old monopolistic ways where access was limited and they could profit.

Contact your member of Congress and President Barack Obama to REJECT the abuse of laws and efforts to micromanage and restrict your freedom of the internet.

NOTE: Some of the companies and groups pushing for the legislation to destroy the internet and promote censorship include:

ABC

AFTRA – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists

AFM – American Federation of Musicians

AAP – Association of American Publishers

ASCAP

BMG Chrysalis

BMI

CBS Corporation

Cengage Learning

DGA – Directors Guild of America

Disney Publishing Worldwide, Inc.

EMI Music Publishing

ESPN

Graphic Artists Guild

Hachette Book Group

HarperCollins Publishers L.L.C.

Hyperion

IATSE – International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Kaufman Astoria Studios

Macmillan

Major League Baseball

Marvel Entertainment, LLC

McGraw-Hill Education

MPA – The Association of Magazine Media

NFL – National Football League

National Music Publishers’ Association

NBCUniversal

News Corporation

New York Production Alliance

New York State AFL-CIO

Pearson Education

Penguin Group (USA), Inc.

The Perseus Books Group

Producers Guild of America East

Random House

Reed Elsevier

SAG – Screen Actors Guild

Scholastic, Inc.

Silvercup Studios

Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Sony Music Entertainment

Sony/ATV Music Publishing

Time Warner Inc.

United States Tennis Association

Universal Music Group

Universal Music Publishing Group

Viacom

Warner Music Group

W.W. Norton & Company

Wolters Kluwer

Aurora City Council Votes 11-1 to Resume Wild Spending Habits and Rely on Taxpayers to Pay the Bills for 2012

2011-12-14T05:39:00.000-06:00

Quick...what do you do as Mayor and/or a City Council member when your city government has been engulfed in a fiscal crisis with reverse economic development, sinking casino revenues, squandering the "good times" and going on a six year wild spending spree, raising taxes and fees and shoving hundreds of millions of debt onto taxpayers?

Well, for 2012, if you are talking about the City of Aurora, Illinois, instead of learning your lessons, you plan to INCREASE spending by millions in a $358 million budget.

On Tuesday, the Aurora City Council approved Mayor Tom Weisner's 2012 budget 11-1 to increase spending and costs to taxpayers.

Alderman Rick Lawrence, who has consistently been the only city council member to protect taxpayers, voted against the budget.

Meanwhile, Alderman Stephanie Kifowit, who's various votes on the budget can be directly traced to her political motivations of the moment, flip-flopped and praised the wild spending budget because she has been seeking the support of Weisner for her so-called campaign for state representative in a district she doesn't live in.

Before and during her mayoral campaign, Kifowit has repeatedly trashed and called Weisner "corrupt, vile and irresponsible" along with he's the poster child for "leadership that doesn't listen."

However, apparently if she's trying to gain political support for her selfish ambitions, she's willing to trade a vote for the budget and to hell with her constituents and taxpayers of the city.

Finance Chairman Bob O'Connor, one of the chronic offenders of the wild spending habits of the city, praised himself and others for attending meetings...something they are supposed to do and get paid extra for by taxpayers.

Lawrence says the budget is a reflection of bad policy and failure by the administration to change the business model for city government.

"Aurora taxpayers should not have to keep writing checks to underwrite the same failed way of doing business. It's our responsibility as elected officials to put Aurora's taxpayers first. This budget is once again putting everything else first and expecting taxpayers to pay for it," said Lawrence.

City spokesgirl Carie Ergo said "we are spending more money in 2012 primarily due to labor costs."

When asked why the administration isn't cutting further given the ongoing fiscal crisis, she responded "we expect increases in revenue from taxes."

NTSB Pushes Complete Ban on Phones While Driving, Even Hands-Free

2011-12-14T00:30:00.000-06:00

NTSB, which reviews safety issues for transportation, is urging states to enact laws that fully ban the use of phones while driving, even hands-free devices.

While texting and holding a phone have been linked to various accidents, is the NTSB being reasonable when pushing a ban on talking with a hands-free device?

What about police officers, firefighters, truck drivers and first responders? Has the use of radio systems created more accidents by them?

What should be allowed and not allowed?

Should States Be Able to Stop Illegal Immigration When the Federal Government Fails?

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

Should states like Arizona, Alabama, Utah or even Illinois be able to enact laws and take action to stop illegal immigration when the federal government fails?

The US Supreme Court will review recent decisions that could clarify this question in terms of law...what do you say?

State Senator Chris Lauzen Says No to Crony Capitalism for Illinois | Urges Repeal of Massive Income Tax Increase for All, Not Special Deals for the Connected Few

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

Illinois State Senator Chris Lauzen from Aurora and candidate for Kane County Board Chairman appeared on Chicago Tonight to discuss the controversial special tax break deals for CME Group and Sears that will cost hundreds of millions.

Lauzen says these type of deals for the connected few are not appropriate and instead of picking and choosing who's who in Illinois to boost profits, there should be broad-based low rates for business and individual taxpayers so there's a fair climate for all.

Video Link: http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2011/12/12/special-session-springfield

American Airlines Apologies to Alec Baldwin via Alec Baldwin

2011-12-13T00:30:00.000-06:00

Alec Baldwin was recently taken out of his first class seat on an American Airlines flight because he continued to play Word with Friends on his iPhone after the flight attendant allegedly told him to stop.

On Saturday Night Live, American Airlines apologized to Alec Baldwin via Alec Baldwin.

It's Time to End the Aurora Housing Authority (AHA) Scheme to Rebuild the Jericho Circle Slum NOW

2011-12-12T13:03:00.000-06:00

As the Jericho Circle crisis, created by the Slumlords of Aurora Housing Authority (AHA), continues to unfold with their scheme to exploit the community, taxpayers and schools for generations to come, our viewers have expressed concern over recent statements by Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner and his aides saying they were "considering" what their position would be on supporting tax credits after public statements for several months the mayor strongly opposed any plan to rebuild Jericho Circle.

Last week, West Aurora School District 129 Superintendent Dr. James Rydland sent a letter to Weisner stating his concerns and urging the mayor not to support any application by AHA for tax credits.

Alderman Rick Lawrence, who has been strongly advocating ways to end the crisis at Jericho Circle and reform AHA, has issued the following letter to the public and Mayor Weisner:

* * * * * * * *

The question shouldn't be whether Mayor Weisner will or won't write an official letter of support for the Aurora Housing Authority (AHA)'s tax credit application to Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) to rebuild Jericho Circle.

The more important question is why he has failed thus far to send a letter to IHDA stating the overwhelming opposition from the community and himself?

As the controversy over Jericho Circle has swirled for the past year, Tom Weisner has made many statements to the media, pounded his chest, demanded AHA to "stop the freight train" but he has yet to take action to protect taxpayers, schools and community, which have overwhelmingly opposed any scheme to rebuild Jericho Circle after decades of chronic crisis.

The mayor has not used his authority to remove members (that he appointed in the first place) of the AHA Board responsible for misleading the community that HUD was "requiring the rebuilding of Jericho Circle."
Since the AHA scheme was revealed they are pushing forward to rebuild Jericho Circle, the new board members the mayor has appointed have voted against his stated position.
The mayor has allowed his staff to continue to confuse the legal requirements of "Fair Housing" by HUD with the subjective views of "Affordable Housing."
Tom Weisner's own written consolidated plan for the City of Aurora still includes the Jericho Circle site listed for housing and he has refused to remove it, saying it was "premature" even though he made statements opposed to any housing on the site.

HUD officials have made it clear repeatedly. They are not requiring Jericho Circle to be rebuilt or any expansion. They have said this is a "local issue and decision not required by HUD." They further stated after visiting the site "it is not an appropriate location for any housing development."

Meanwhile, during the mayor's inaction and diversion of a task force to "study" affordable housing, AHA has not only moved full speed ahead on their scheme, but they have accelerated their timeline. AHA hasn't waited for the mayor to study anything.

When Tom Weisner decides a project should not proceed, as illustrated by his decision to kill the Hampton Suites Hotel project on Route 59 that would have provided commercial economic development at zero cost to taxpayers, he was prepared to use all tools, lawyers and consultants necessary, knowing it would result in legal action against the city.

But, for a project the community, schools and taxpayers overwhelmingly oppose, what is he waiting for to send an official letter consistent with his statements?

Mr. Weisner, enough talk, it's time to put action behind your public statements, protect the taxpayers of Aurora and "stop the freight train" by AHA now without any further delay.

Alderman Rick Lawrence

Election 2012 | Ron Paul Smacks Newt Gingrich for Serial Hypocrisy

2011-12-12T12:02:00.002-06:00

60 Minutes | Interview with President Barack Obama

2011-12-12T11:44:00.000-06:00

During a 60 Minutes interview on Sunday with Steve Kroft, President Barack Obama blamed Congress and the problems underway for the lousy progress during his Presidency and declared "it doesn't really matter" who the nominee is for Republicans for President in 2012.

He renewed his focus on class warfare ("tax the rich") also claimed most Americans think the stimulus packages worked well.

And watch Mitt Romney's campaign ad in response to last night's interview:

Election 2012 | Presidential Candidate Jon Huntsman Takes Step Toward Comeback

2011-12-12T01:30:00.000-06:00

Coldplay Unstaged | Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall

2011-12-09T03:00:00.000-06:00

OpenlineBlog Music Series
Coldplay Unstaged - Every Teardrop is a Waterfall
Live from Madrid | Sponsored by American Express

Illinois Judge Rules Against So-Called Attorney General Lisa Madigan on Privacy of Gun Owners

2011-12-09T00:30:00.001-06:00

In a victory for advocates of gun-rights, a judge has ruled the Illinois State Police cannot release the names of 1.3 million firearm owner identification (FOID) cardholders.

So-called Attorney General Lisa Madigan had issued an "opinion" saying the names and personal information of cardholders should be public. The same Lisa Madigan allowed the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) law to be weakened last year so that state and local government entities would have an easier time hiding information from the public.

The judge's order also prevents the release of anyone who has applied, been died, had a card expired or revoked. It prohibits police from also releasing information about requests for verification of FOID cards from gun dealers.

Lisa Madigan had no comment on the ruling.

Election 2012 Congress | Joe Walsh Announces He Will Run in 8th Congressional District; No Primary Battle for Randy Hultgren

2011-12-09T00:30:00.000-06:00

Joe Walsh will run for re-election in the 8th Congressional District instead of 14th. Democrats includeTammy Duckworth (heavily backed by the Chicago and Illinois political mafia) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (who previously ran for state comptroller).

That means no primary battle between Walsh and Randy Hultgren in the 14th Congressional District, which would have put the two popular freshman congressmen against each other.

The suspense and confusion around who's running for what district is a result of the remap for Congressional Districts, which was done on a purely partisan basis by Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan with input from so-called Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton, Governor Pat Quinn and other political cronies via Washington DC.

Matt Harrington, Former Aurora Alderman-at-Large Candidate, Alleged to Conduct Political Intimidation and Threats of Harm

2011-12-08T18:03:00.001-06:00

As reported by Illinois Review and CapitolFax, as Illinois sends a Governor to prison for 14 years for misusing the public trust and playing dirty politics, former Aurora Alderman-at-Large candidate Matt Harrington is alleged to have left voice messages with political intimidation and threats to harm.

Harrington, who says he is Campaign Director and Senior Advisor for various campaigns, including currently for Frederick Collins, a Chicago police officer running for Congress, allegedly left the voice messages for Tom Swiss, a candidate for Illinois State Representative.

Mr. Harrington's petitions for Alderman-at-Large were challenged with the Aurora Election Commission.

The Swiss for State Representative campaign released the messages allegedly left by Harrington. It's not clear yet if any action is being taken by law enforcement.

One viewer, who heard the messages and has met Harrington before, said "Matt Harrington's conduct has been unusual around Aurora, but this is clearly improper and perhaps unlawful. This is unacceptable behavior."

OpenlineBlog has not been able to independently confirm the authenticity of the messages. However, the person on the message self-identifies himself as Matt Harrington.

We must STRONGLY CAUTION our viewers the following messages are not suitable for children and contain EXTREME profanity and threatening language:

Exhibit A

Exhibit B