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Question of the day
Friday, Nov 16, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller Every now and then, usually when I’m distracted elsewhere, I ask readers to come up with their own ideas for our “Question of the Day” series. That day has arrived yet again. Question: What QOTD would you suggest? Explain, if you can.
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- GoBearsss - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 10:51 am:
Turkey, Tofurkey, or TurDucken?
- Anonymous - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 10:53 am:
Who’s Bill?
- LathamPlace - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 10:53 am:
If you are a State employee did you receive a COLA, raise or bonus this year? If so, are you a member of the union? I’m just curious ’cause my State ‘agency’ did not recieve anything.
- Levois - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 10:56 am:
Do you listen to rap? Why or why not?
Should there be an law banning people from wearing sagging pants? Why or why not?
Should we return to using flogging as a punishment? Why or why not?
Wait a minute! Is snark encouraged? Why or why not?
- Bi-Partisan - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:06 am:
Who are the most effective legislators? Why? Who are the most effective lobbyists? Why? Who are the nicest or easiest to deal with? Just trying to keep it positive in the negative world of Springfield.
- Ghost - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:07 am:
Blago is to ______ as Hugo Chavez is to democracy?
How would you fund the CTA/RTA (new tax, higher fares, gameing, gas tax, abolish chicago tiff’s, combo)?
- Wumpus - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:10 am:
What position should the Bears draft next year?
Should Turner be fired?
- Arthur Andersen - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:12 am:
Name a State agency, bureau, Board, or Commission that is NOT FUBARed.
- phocion - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:15 am:
Which legislative incumbent will lose in the primary?
How big will Obama win the Illinois presidential primary?
- Snidely Whiplash - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:21 am:
Who won the Dem presidential primary debate last night, and why?
Why hasn’t the Tony Reszko scandal become an issue with the Annointed One?
When the Annointed One loses the presidential primary, will the “ride” FINALLY be over, or will people continue to fawn over him for no apparent reason?
- Carl Nyberg - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:22 am:
What is the vote for an Illinois politician you most regret casting or would most like to change?
- 312 - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:24 am:
Creative + unrealistic place to put a Chicago casino.
What do you see as the ‘line of demarcation’ for Chicago and downstate?
Why does downstate Illinois hate Chicago so much?
Notre Dame - love them or hate them - Why?
Date you think GRod will get his personal subpoena?
Who will run against GRod in the primary - will he survive?
Downstate pol with best chance for winning statewide
Best + Worst Chicago Alderman.
Best. Movie. Ever.
Favorite legislative secretary
Blackberry Treo Sidekick or IPhone?
- anon - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:32 am:
what is rod thinking?
- Cogito - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:33 am:
If Illinois state government were a movie, what movie would it be?
- Jake From Elwood - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:40 am:
Perhaps you could come up with an Illinois-centered version of Sen. Proxmire’s “Golden Fleece Award” and the bloggers could present candidates for entry into enshrinement.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Fleece_Awardire “Golden Fleece”
- Jake From Elwood - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:41 am:
Sorry . . . here is the link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Fleece_Award
JFE
- Wacker Drive - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:46 am:
Since Rod Blagojecvich has been governor, has your Illinois state agency’s moral improved or declined, explain.
Bonus Question applies only to state employees with no clout: When is the last time you received a merit increase?
- Bookworm - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:53 am:
Have you or has anyone you know (individual or business owner) left, or seriously considered leaving, Illinois due to your displeasure with government, taxation, the economy or other matters?
Do you know anyone (again, can be an individual or business owner) who decided not to move to Illinois specifically for these reasons?
- Joe in the Know - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:55 am:
If Madigan, Jones, Cross and Watson were to resign en masse, who would their likely replacements be in their respective leadership roles?
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:57 am:
Democrats: Who’s the best current GOP state lawmaker?
Republicans: Who’s the best current Dem state lawmaker?
Independents: Who are your favorite Democratic and GOP lawmakers?
Please explain.
- Bookworm - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 11:57 am:
Follow up question: If you’re staying in Illinois, what keeps you here?
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:00 pm:
Republicans: Who is the best Democrat to take on Rod Blagojevich in the 2010 Democratic Primary?
Democrats: If Blagojevich wins the Democratic nomination, what GOP candidate has the best chance of beating him?
Please explain.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:01 pm:
Posting the rollcalls on the School Prayer law and asking which legislative races it could play a role in would be great fun, too.
- anon - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:04 pm:
It’s a bit late but …
Name what the governor and legislative leaders gave to trick-or-treaters
Rod — Rice crispie treats
Jones — State jobs
Cross — Zagnuts
Watson — bibles
Madigan — turned off the porch light and turned on the lawn sprinkler
- Bill - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:06 pm:
YDD,
Don’t bother with your question. Rod will be unbeatable in ‘10.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:07 pm:
I had to laugh at that one, anon, particular the Madigan item. Funny.
Although, fyi, MJM’s wife throws the biggest Halloween bash in the entire Southwest Side. Kids line up around the block to get candy and see her decorations. It’s quite something.
But your entry was pretty darned funny.
- Squideshi - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:13 pm:
For those of you stuck in the Republican, Democrat, and Independent mode; Greens aren’t Independent–they’re members of the Green Party. Sure, you could say that Greens are independent of the Republican and Democratic parties; but that would be like saying that Republicans are Independent of the Democratic and Green parties, or that Democrats are Independent of the Republican and Green parties.
- GoBearsss - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:19 pm:
anon… you did forget one thing.
Madigan snarling “Release the hounds”
- Pot calling kettle - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:29 pm:
What leadership scenario would result in a stable, sane budget for Illinois? Pick your dream team of Speaker, Sen. Pres, Gov., and Minority Leaders. What lineup would get the job done and why. (Don’t say it’s not possible; you get to pick a “Dream Team.”)
- Northside Bunker - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:33 pm:
What mixed drinks would you compare with our currents leaders listed below?
Daley:
Blagojevich:
Jones:
Madigan:
Cross:
Watson:
- Little Egypt - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:34 pm:
Not only WHO is Bill but what is his profession, how long has he been a Kool-Aid Democrat and how much has he contributed to the party?
- Little Egypt - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:38 pm:
This question is for the sake of my beloved Southern Illinois:
Do you believe Illinois should be divided into two states (VA/WV, ND/SD, NC/SC) and where should the demarcation line be drawn (obviously a line running from west to east would be the only option and preferably WAY south)?
- Little Organic - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:39 pm:
Even funnier, what marijuana strains(real and factitious) would you compare to our current crop of leaders?
Daley:
Blagojevich:
Jones:
Madigan:
Cross:
Watson:
- Just Sayin' - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:44 pm:
What’s your favorite Bill Black moment?
- anonymous - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:47 pm:
best board game to play at holiday get-togethers.
bonus question what would be a good game for the leaders to play to create good will and camaraderie?
- Crimefighter - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 12:55 pm:
Thanksgiving turkey - baked or fried?
Do you bake your turkey in the oven or do you fry your turkey?
- Just Wondering - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 1:20 pm:
Why are we here?
- Some Guy - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 1:22 pm:
What’s the best thing about Blago? Can do that one twice - once as snark and once in earnest.
Over/under on the Bulls?
Who would be the best signing for the Sox? The worst? Same questions for Cubs.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 1:39 pm:
Why should businesses located in Illinois?
Illinois has 102 counties, which ones do you think need to be eliminated?
What kind of State Fair attractions will bring Chicagoans to Springfield?
Would you recommend public service to your children?
If you knew Abraham Lincoln during his New Salem days, what advice would you give him?
Should legislators and governors be allowed to have public buildings and roads named after them while they are still living?
What is your favorite Illinoian product?
It appears that after generations abandoning agriculture, even urban youths are interested in pursuing an agricultural career. What does this mean for Illinois?
What tragic fashion crime from your youth do you believe will make a comeback?
Will America accept a Clinton co-presidency?
What Illinois city outside Chicagoland would you be willing to relocate to? Refuse to locate to?
If Springfield or Chicago didn’t exist, what Illinois city or town should be the state capital?
What can Southern Illinois do to boom and grow?
What Illinois community has the best Illinois name?
Which Illinois city, outside Chicago, would you consider the most liberal? The most conservative?
Should Illinois build a toll express system just for interstate trucks to get them off current Interstates?
Railroads built this state, what is the future for rail?
- CICERO - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 1:41 pm:
YDD makes some good suggestions. And the favorite Bill Black moment will surely come up before he retires. My QOTD: What do party leaders have to do to breathe life back into the Illinois Republican Party?
- The Elderly Republican Tomato Farmer - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 1:45 pm:
What does Blago do for an encore in next year’s budget address? Does he scale back his healthcare proposals with an eye on actually passing something or does he try once again to shove universal coverage down legislators’ throats?
- Levois - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 1:53 pm:
Should the state legislature be returned to what it was before the 1980 cutback amendment complete with cumulative voting?
- Leigh - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 1:58 pm:
Is there anyone left in the state of Illinois (besides Bill) who thinks Blago should even consider running for office anywhere after this term?
- Crimefighter - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 1:59 pm:
>Will America accept a Clinton co-presidency?
Vanillaman, you mean a SECOND Clinton co-presidency.
- Kiyoshi Martinez - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 2:12 pm:
Would you trade your right to vote for an iPod Touch?
What would you trade your right to vote for?
[Background]
- open to opinions - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 2:37 pm:
Seriously:
Is there one person in the state of Illinois that you think is qualified to be governor; if so, please name that person.
Is there one person in the United States of American that you think is qualifed to be president; if so, please name that person.
- Prairie Sage - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 2:46 pm:
Under current Illinois law, the next gubernatorial primary is scheduled for Groundhog’s Day, February 2, 2010. No joke. Who would Speaker Madigan prefer to be governor on that date — Rod Blagojevich or Pat Quinn?
- Skeeter - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 3:20 pm:
If a traditionally Democratic stronghold like New York City can elect Republican mayors, and traditionally liberal Mass. can elect a Republican gov., why hasn’t the Cook County GOP been able to put anyone in office?
Bonus Questions:
1. Where will Fernando Alonso drive next year?
2. Will Renault return to competitive form?
3. Which former Indy 500 champ will be most competitive in NASCAR next season?
Pondering any of those last three will sure beat pondering when the CTA will work out its funding.
- ivoted4judy - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 3:30 pm:
Fast forward to December 21, 2007: Is there a gaming-capitol bill laying on G-Rod’s desk???
- Pot calling kettle - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 3:33 pm:
Sage: Everyone would be obligated to answer “Lisa” even though that’s not one of the choices.
- Little Egypt - Friday, Nov 16, 07 @ 3:40 pm:
VanillaMan
Answers to your QOTD in order of listing:
I don’t know.
Cook County.
Free Bears game.
Yes.
When you become President, don’t go to Ford’s Theater.
No.
Popcorn.
More farmers.
Poodle skirts and saddle oxfords.
We did once, we’ll do it again.
Relocate to anywhere in Southern Illinois.
Refuse to relocate to Benton (I’d rather die than be a Benton Ranger).
Benton.
Cecede from Chicago and build a casino.
Illiopolis.
Carbondale, liberal.
Nauvoo, conservative.
Yes. they won’t but they should.
Put Blago on one and ride him out of town.
Prairie Sage - Madigan already knows how hard and when to spank Blago. He’s have to go through a new learning process with Quinn.
- Blue Book - Saturday, Nov 17, 07 @ 7:20 am:
Q. Best looking member of the General Assembly?
A. Will be Jessica Jaramillo, hands down, assuming she wins.
Q. Best looking member of the General Assembly, all-time?
A. See above.
Check out her website if you think I’m remotely kidding about this.
- Calling V-Man - Saturday, Nov 17, 07 @ 8:48 am:
1. Service industries only.
2. The southernmost 6 counties who originally voted to side with the Confederacy.
3. None. They won’t go. Especially in summer when Chicago has the best weather.
4. Short-term or career only. (This is VanillaMan’s best question–I could write volumes on every angle on this and will; and cannot wait to see everyone else’s views on this. It’ll be a fun day.)
5. Absolutely not.
6. Theatre is overrated. Stay home.
7. It’s great. Outside of Chicago, this is primarily an agricultural state and manufacturing jobs are disappearing.
8. Those stupid hats made out of yarn and cut-up soda cans. Kids already dress like idiots; this will top it off, literally.
9. They did twice already.
10. Yes-Rockford. No-Danville.
11. Peoria.
12. Sell people North of I-80 on the fact that the weather is much nicer down there.
13. Champaign-Urbana. Outside of Chicago and Peoria, does any other name (besides Illiopolis, of course) just scream Illinois?
14. Liberal: Oak Park/Evanston. Conservative: Can’t think of any…Government keeps moving further and further to the left. Maybe Crestwood.
15. No.
16. Looking good.
- Calling V-Man - Saturday, Nov 17, 07 @ 8:57 am:
Corollary: As good as Question #4 was, #14 is kind of nebulous for reasons stated above and the fact that, if money were not an object, I would rather live in Oak Park or Evanston than some other places for what I believe to be quality of life issues regardless of my personal political views and suspect this to be the case for many people with regard to many locales.
This could skew people’s answers considerably, especially if subconciously, they don’t make the distinction, (which I didn’t at first.)
And I forgot best Illinois product: The intangible intellectual property of Chicago’s architecture. That and Plochman’s Mustard.
- Sahims2 - Saturday, Nov 17, 07 @ 5:03 pm:
How can state agencies justify not hiring replacements for retiring employees, instead of just dumping their work on other’s shoulders who are neither prepared or have knowledge of what that person did and expect them to immediately be up to speed on the new work?
- Sahims2 - Saturday, Nov 17, 07 @ 5:06 pm:
Where is the line of demarcation between the agency upper level management that has no interest in the day to day street level operation of their agency and the level of management that is supposed to be accountable for those same operations and report to those higher ups?
- Sahims2 - Saturday, Nov 17, 07 @ 5:10 pm:
Why is it that agencies never have money for something logical and workable, regardless of size or scope, but always can find the funding for any size projects that are nothing but a waste of money, are poorly planned out, and are virtually of no benefit? Like consolidating a bunch of older field office printers into a central location, when it’s already been proven to be far cheaper just to buy new printers and install those.
- Aaron Slick - Sunday, Nov 18, 07 @ 7:17 am:
Among the “current” crop of Illinois GOP & Democrat politicians, who would Illinois citizens vote for as the most honorable and having the most credibility with the voters?