Today’s history lesson
Wednesday, Apr 3, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Chicago Tribune editorial board…
Following an Illinois tradition that resembles a Stalin-esque concentration of power, the incumbent political party of North Riverside kicked the Transparency & Accountability in Politics Party off the ballot — because the ampersand allegedly made its name too long to be there legally. […]
While laws limiting ballot access are necessary to weed out genuinely ineligible candidates, election panels and court precedent have transformed those laws into a labyrinth so favorable to insiders, so undemocratic, that Josef Stalin himself would blush with pride.
* Oh, please. Stalin would’ve scoffed at such silly notions as “ballot access.” He was a real live and awfully brutal dictator, not some powerful Illinois politician that a newspaper doesn’t like. Stalin would have had the offenders murdered, or if he was in a good mood, sent to concentration camps…
After the Soviet Union dissolved, evidence from the Soviet archives also became available, containing official records of 799,455 executions 1921-53,[112] around 1.7 million deaths in the Gulags and some 390,000 deaths during kulak forced resettlement – with a total of about 3 million officially recorded victims in these categories.
Stalin didn’t rely on electoral technicalities in Poland, either…
The parties at Yalta further agreed that the countries of liberated Europe and former Axis satellites would be allowed to “create democratic institutions of their own choice”, pursuant to “the right of all peoples to choose the form of government under which they will live.” The parties also agreed to help those countries form interim governments “pledged to the earliest possible establishment through free elections” and “facilitate where necessary the holding of such elections.” After the re-organization of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Poland, the parties agreed that the new party shall “be pledged to the holding of free and unfettered elections as soon as possible on the basis of universal suffrage and secret ballot.”One month after Yalta, the Soviet NKVD arrested 16 Polish leaders wishing to participate in provisional government negotiations, for alleged “crimes” and “diversions”, which drew protest from the West. The fraudulent Polish elections, held in January 1947 resulted in Poland’s official transformation to undemocratic communist state by 1949.
So, yeah, our election laws are goofy in Illinois. I don’t dispute that. But Stalin wouldn’t have been proud of us, he would have thought us weak and not sufficiently blood-thirsty. And to say otherwise is amazingly stupid.
- Old Shepherd - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 1:14 pm:
It really bothers me when people (or media outlets) compare any American elected official to Stalin or especially Hitler. I see a lot of people comparing President Obama to Hitler. Really? Spend a few minutes on Wikipedia and educate yourself. In my opinion, comparing these folks to Stalin or Obama to Hitler minimizes the Holodomor Famine and the Holocaust.
- Jack - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 1:16 pm:
They should shorten their name to T and A Party. I bet they would get lots of votes.
- downstate hack - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 1:17 pm:
Admitting the reference to Stalin is indeed absurd and stupid, the underlining argument that ballot access in Illinois is “so favorable to insiders, and undemocratic” does have some merit.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 1:21 pm:
===does have some merit. ===
I agree and said so above.
- Endangered Moderate Species - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 1:40 pm:
The Editorial Board at the Trib squandered an opportunity to influence a legitimate issue when they lowered themselves with the Stalin comparison.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 1:42 pm:
There is nostalgia in some circles on the right for communism. Obama is often called a communist (on the days he’s not a fascist).
Perhaps it was because anti-communism was a unifying force. Now that it’s gone, the splits are apparent in the old coalition.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 2:01 pm:
Besides it being a stupid analogy, it’s just terrible writing.
Did you consider any other possible comparisons before you settled on Stalin? Mao? Pol Pot? Caligula?
Like an old editor of mine used to say, “run it through the typewriter a couple more times.”
Where’s the imagination and craftsmanship?
This editorial board could use some real editing.
- Judgment Day - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 2:05 pm:
Stalin? No way.
Now, if the Trib had used the Iranian “Guardian Council” as a comparison, well, they probably would have admired it.
- titan - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 2:08 pm:
Anyone who thinks things are bad today … particularly compared to some “golden age” of yore was either not around in such illusory golden age, or just didn’t know what was really going on back then.
Things are far from perfect…but overall, they’re far better than they used to be.
- Just The Way It Is One - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 2:50 pm:
Ah, that “liberal” Trib. Editorial Board strikes again! Obviously going to the extreme with the comparison to brutal dictator Stalin…maybe Ownership might “liberally” consider some new blood as Editorial Page Editor so as to provide a breath of fresh air for all of us…!
- Been There - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 3:06 pm:
Richard J. Daley would have been proud. But then a lot of us actually liked him as mayor so the Trib still would not have made the point they were hoping for.
- Jim - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 3:30 pm:
Rich, you’re right. But have you never heard of hyperbole?
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 3:31 pm:
We like to throw around inflamatory words these days. You’re a communist or a socialist or an Alinskyite or a Stalin-lover.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 3:32 pm:
===But have you never heard of hyperbole?===
Of course. But there’s also grossly inappropriate hyperbole.
- Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 3:46 pm:
Jim,
Obviously this is hyperbole. But I think Rich’s point is that it’s RIDICULOUSLY over the top and idiotic hyperbole. I completely agree. I have always likened Springfield far more to ancient Rome and Speaker Madigan to Julius Caesar. No hyperbole there.
- Chucky Jay - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 3:51 pm:
Here’s another Stalinist Russia comment from a different municipality.
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/appellate-court-keeps-wilson-off-ballot/article_568003eb-9d40-5641-bb69-44ae4c36b138.html
- Small Town Liberal - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 3:55 pm:
- But there’s also grossly inappropriate hyperbole. -
Agreed, I’m sure there are plenty of Eastern European families in Chicago that don’t appreciate the trivializing of Stalin’s legacy. Stay classy tribbies.
- Esquire - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 4:03 pm:
Illinois has some arcane election laws. To be up front, I do not like the fact that Madigan and his majority sometimes revise the Election Code not to make it simpler or more efficient, but in order to promote incumbent protection (i.e. increasing petition signature filing minimums to help organizational candidates).
That being said, too many first time candidates do not educate themselves about petition gathering and the process of qualifying for the ballot until AFTER they have filed their papers.
That can be a costly and short sighted mistake.
A few hundred dollars spent on solid advice from a capable lawyer beforehand or while there is still sufficient time to collect additional petition sheets in advance of the petition filing deadline is usually money well spent. Defending a faulty petition at electoral board hearings and on judicial review can cost several thousand dollars. Merely reading information booklets from the State Board of Elections is not sufficient preparation.
- grand old partisan - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 4:18 pm:
Due respect, Rich, but I don’t think the Trib’s use of “Stalin-esque” in reference to the N. Riverside shenanigans is an less appropriate than the frequent comparisons (including the one you made earlier) between SSM and slavery. In both cases you are comparing a procedural injustice with actual, brutal oppression.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 5:59 pm:
I have a response to all those candidates who want to be taken seriously, and yet have a difficult time …filing …
Spend the money and hire a Raucci, Jaconetty, Odelson, or Kasper.
That’s the list.
Moeny saved/spent to knock someone off, or to stay on… either way … is money well spent.
It stinks, but “thems the rules”
The rest of this is, I guess, just a history lesson, and fun to read.
Serious candidates do what it takes to ensure ballot access … like Rahm with his residency for example. You can hate it, but its a hoop all the same.
- Excessively Rabid - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 9:02 pm:
The editorial board at the Trib makes me think the editorial board, or whatever they have, at the SJ-R is keeping right up with the big boys in style. presentation, and quality of information.
- RNUG Fan - Wednesday, Apr 3, 13 @ 9:57 pm:
The SJR is owned by Gatehouse which is basically kaput and was made that way by an outfit called Fortress You can look it up Its FIG ticker symbol Its in the same business a Rauner was or is except its record is more public
I will engage in some hyperbole but not anywhere near the tribs . I have been watching CCTV on Dish a lot and its harder to detect their spin than it is here in Illinois
- unbiased observer - Thursday, Apr 4, 13 @ 7:53 am:
wow, the fact that mr miller chose to criticize this editorial says a great deal I think. clearly this was hyperbole, perhaps not a fantastic use of the same, but an article basically written in support of making our process more democratic and open.
it is curious to see the piling on process occur by several regulars here.
the value of this particular editorial by far outweighs any style or tastefulness issues.
some of the regulars on here are, despite being very deeply embedded and ingrained in our state’s archaic and convoluted machinations, are deeply out of touch with the general population, and more importantly, espouse anti-democratic themes when they think it affords them an opportunity to take a potshot at an institution they don’t agree with on other key issues.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Apr 4, 13 @ 8:15 am:
==some of the regulars on here are, despite being very deeply embedded and ingrained in our state’s archaic and convoluted machinations, are deeply out of touch with the general population, and more importantly, espouse anti-democratic themes when they think it affords them an opportunity to take a potshot at an institution they don’t agree with on other key issues.
You observe that here, do you, in you’re unbiased way, a lot of espousing of anti-democratic themes?
I guess in my embedded and ingrained (both?) way, all I see is ridicule for the Stalin analogy. But I’m out of touch with the general populace. Unlike you and the Tribbies.
- titan - Thursday, Apr 4, 13 @ 8:42 am:
@ Oswego Willy - your list is a little short. There are a handful more lawyers who are also very good. Those guys can do wonders with poor situations (although many mistakes are simply fatal once the paperwork is filed).
Several more are out there who can give good advice - ahead of time - on forms, proper petition circulation techniques, and associated items.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Apr 4, 13 @ 8:54 am:
Thanks, Rich. The way we cheapen history to serve some superficial punditry in this country makes me sick. Perspective, people. It’s one of the things that separates the reasonable people from the loons.
- Anders - Thursday, Apr 4, 13 @ 9:11 am:
Rich also in 1940 when Stalin invaded Poland from the east (the deal he worked out with Hitler) the massacres in the Katyn forest occured.
The number of victims is estimated at about 22,000. These included statesmen, generals, almost the entire Polish Army officer corps, religious leaders, lawyers; anyone Stalin and his henchman Laventia Beria believed the Poles could rally around.
Great analogy, Tribsters. In one fell swoop you have now antagonized anyone with a Polish background. Stupid.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Apr 4, 13 @ 9:16 am:
“unbiased observer”
That is quite cute.
The reason we are in all our troubles here in Illinois is that people THINK value outweighs style, and NEITHER in this case is very good or helpful.
As for the “pot shot”
With kindest,… personal, …regards, I remain.
Sincerely yours,
Oswego Willy
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Apr 4, 13 @ 9:20 am:
- titan -,
The reason “That is the List” is because no matter who you may speak to, of either party, those 4… are ALWAYS on the list.
Always. That… is the point I am making. The “always” list is quite short.
You make a good point about doing your work before you file and these four can do that too. Honest.
- Esquire - Thursday, Apr 4, 13 @ 9:49 am:
@Oswego Willy:
The persons that you have listed are all prominent in the field of election law, but necessarily unbeatable. All have won and lost cases for various clients.
What your listing overlooks is the fact that Kasper (Madigan) and Jaconetty (Berrios) are so closely tied to establishment political figures that their services are not always available to potential new clients unless the candidates are “approved” by the party bosses. It is far more likely that they would be challenging the papers of political newcomers rather than helping them secure ballot positions. Odelson is more a free agent and more likely to take on a variety of clients, provided that they are not challenging any of his existing clients. Raucci is semi-retired. He still practices law, but does not do as many election cases as he once did.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Apr 4, 13 @ 10:11 am:
- Esquire -
While those points have merit, and no lawyer is unbeatable, I think the point I was making, actually I know the point I was making, is that if you are going to be serious in running for office, and you can’t even file correctly becuase you refuse to make a point of seeking counsel, then you probably deserve whatever fate an election board deems fit.
I actually don’t think it overlooked anything in regards to loyalties, job/career status, or specifically choosing ONLY attorneys that are … beholden? They are the best…
“That … is the list”
To the post …
The school boards, for example, rule multi-multi-million dollar budgets, and you want to be on that board, and you don’t take 5 minutes to make sure your petitions are in order, what does that say?
Ballot access is based on foillowing rules, so if you get on and win, you have the opportunity to handle the position you are elceted to. If you don’t understand how to get on a ballot, get someone who knows. If it “can’t” be those four for … any number of reasons, you might just be facing them. Either way, the “Stalin” hyperbole and this idea there is ABSOLUTELY NO access is absurd, and comparing it to Stalin is even worse.
Food for thought.