Change For A Nickel

As you all know the 2008 Presidential race is in full swing. I think it started a year ago! The candidates have promised to run a campaign based on the issues and not to rely on the dirty politics of personal attacks. Yeah, and we know how good a politician’s word is. With all this jibba-jab about Obama and Clinton (oh, and those Yahoos on the Republican side too!) it’s easy to forget about the very important local elections for mayor and Alderman.

While the national candidates “appear” to be above hitting below the belt, local politics is ALL about hitting below the belt. I live in the 35th ward. Or as Steven Colbert would say, “The fightin’ 35th!” And fighting it is! We have a three way slug fest going on over here. The former Alderman Vilma Colom lost her seat 3 years ago to Rey Colòn and she’s back in it to win it! There is also a third candidate. Some cat by the name of Sotomeyer. I’ve actually met Rey several times and he lives right down the street from me. I received the posted flyer in the mail from an anonymous source. Rey not only got hit below the belt he got a one two punch right in the ball sack! My money says someone from Vilma Colom’s campaign sent it. I’ve seen Rey in the bar on more than one occasion. Who knows, some of this could be true. I’m not pleased with either candidate. I might vote for myself. I hear these bozos make over $90k a year to do nothing. I can do that!

It’s cold as hell in Chicago! So what better way to get away from that ice box than a weekend getaway? So where did I go this weekend, you may ask. Someplace toasty warm like Miami or San Diego?? Doesn’t that sound just lovely? And I’m sure it would have been if I had common sense. No, I’m in New York city. Cheap flights. What can I say. Besides, it has been ages since I’ve seen my friends Jose and Bridget. It’s cold in NY but not as cold as Chicago! At least it got above freezing and I could see the snow melting. Jose and I went to a huge annual sale at Barney’s today. I was up for some serious deals. You know I’m part of the Filenes Basement, Old Navy, Kohls set. The location was like an old warehouse and was a dump. Nothing like the Barney’s retail outlet I’ve been to in Chicago. There were clothes everywhere. Tables full of pants, shirts and sweaters. People stripping down to their thermals and trying on clothes right there in the aisles! It was like being at a Salvation Army store. I felt right at home. Unfortunately that is where the similarities ended. One look at some of those prices ended any illusion that I was going to get a Salvation Army type deal. The picture is of a cashmere pullover sweater. Nothing fancy and I didn’t switch prices. A picture of the full sweater is listed on the right in the Flickr toolbar. Well, it is over 1/2 off so that must count for something, right?! WRONG!!!!!!

It’s Saturday morning and cold as hell outside. It’s actually a bit cold inside too. I had to put on my wool socks! But my discomfort was minor compared to the droves of people who stood outside in the blistering cold to hear Barack Obama officially announce his run for the 2008 Presidential election! Yes, it’s true. He finally did it and I’m happier than a man on death row released on appeal! The past six years I have felt like I’ve been on death row! I’m a huge fan of Mr. Obama. After Kerry’s loss to GW in the 2004 election Barack’s win of the Illinois Senate seat was the only thing that gave me hope. Though my birthday was this past Monday this announcement was probably the best birthday present I have received in years!

I will say one thing, the man has a flair for theatrics. He made his announcement in front of the old Capital building in Springfield where Lincoln gave his famous ‘House Divided‘ speech so many score ago. During his entrance they were playing some U2/Bono song I didn’t recognize. I didn’t even think Bono had time to make any new music these days with him saving the world and all! Barack is a cutie but I swear his satellite dishes (ears) were getting a bit red. I would have worn a hat or ear muffs myself but that would probably not be “presidential”. Boys and girls, it’s going to be a loooooong election season but if Obama can dodge all the poo slinging and dirty tricks he should have a chance. Hillary, I’m talkin’ about you!

I think I am slowly coming out of my mild depression. I can now talk about it, deal with it and move on. As you are probably aware, my Bears did not win Sunday’s Superbowl. The only way to ease the pain was by drowning my sorrow with tall glasses of Stoli vodka and cranberry. Don’t be fooled, booze works!! It was very disappointing but not totally surprised. I’ve seen this team do some amazing things this year. Like lose to one of the worst teams in the league! I was surprised when they lost and won but never board. It’s been one hell of a year and they have improved and moved the ball forward each year under Lovie Smith. I look for even better things next season!

GO (get some rest) BEARS!!!

You should all be aware of the three ring circus that is currently being played out in Washington. AKA the Louis ‘Scooter’ Libby trial. Many of you may think this trial has something to do with the allegation that Mr. Libby exposed or ‘outed’ Valerie Wilson, wife of Joe Wilson who was an undercover CIA agent. This trial is quite simply about purgery. Mr. Libby is accused of lying to a grand jury. The real story around this trial is about how intelligence was used (or mis-used) as a justification for th Iraq war. The following op-ed piece by Joe Wilson back in 2003 is what sparked the whole mess. It is key to note that Joe Wilson’s findings were submitted to senior officials prior to going to war in Iraq.

http://www.commondreams.org/views03/0706-02.htm

It is not up to Nancy Pelosi or anyone else on the hill to dictate to the American people who will and who will not be impeached. It is quite simply up to the American people. Last month’s anti-war march on Washington showed that there is a growing voice for answers from this administration. I do not believe that anyone who may have been involved in massaging intelligence as a justification for war with Iraq should be let off scott free. That includes the Vice President and the President. If we truly are a government of laws then that means no one, including the President is above the law. Impeachment is a lawful method which the Congress (and only Congress) has the power to execute but they will not do so unless you voice your opinion to your Congressman.

Impeach Bush Now!

OMG! Today is D-Day! The culmination of my dedication to the Bears and Lovie Smith. I’ve been a hard working fan for the Bears. I think I’ve only missed one game all season. I’ve been right there at the bar, with beer in hand and dressed in full regalia sporting my number 54 Urlacher jersey (he’s my baby’s daddy!). It has been a rough road getting to this point but I… the Bears made it! The last time the Bears were in the Super Bowl I was 18 years old, a private in the Marine Corps and living in the desert. I watched the big game in my squad bay with several other guys crowded around a 13 inch color TV. Wow, times have changed.

This time I will be watching the big game at my local bar. Apparently no one I know is having a super bowl party this year. Or no one invited me. At any rate, I already put in my request with the manager of the bar to reserve the corner nearest the plasma TV! I am in the best (Bears fan) shape of my life. I’m fit and ready for some serious cheering and beer drinking.

GO BEARS!!!