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Question of the day
Thursday, Oct 29, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller * I caught a cold this week. I’m miserable and I got nothing for you. I mean nothing. So, I’m declaring an open thread and going to bed as soon as my Crain’s column is approved.
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- Give Me A Break - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:29 pm:
In the words of Todd, “Hang In There”.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:30 pm:
Hang in there Rich.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:30 pm:
Yikes. The bar is Open!
- Robert the 1st - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:31 pm:
Here’s a question. How many of you are posting from an IL state office? I feel at least 2/3 of commentators are state employees or retirees… am I close?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:32 pm:
- Robert the 1st -
Bad form, bud. lol
- Archiesmom - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:32 pm:
A nice dose of warm Oscar the Puppy will help as well. Feel better soon!
- Anon221 - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:33 pm:
Take Care and have a Great All Hallows Eve:)
- Anon221 - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:34 pm:
Nice try Robert!
- Stones - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:35 pm:
So I’m hearing Donald Trump is one of the most popular Halloween costumes this year.
- illini - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:36 pm:
Have a glass or 2 of red wine and let Oscar know you will be well soon. We all wish you a quick recovery, and thanks for your site.
- Keyrock - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:36 pm:
OW- how many episodes of “Dad’s Home State” are in the contract with HBO?
Rich -please feel better soon.
- DuPage - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:37 pm:
Rest up Rich. Hope you feel better soon.
- Abe the Babe - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:37 pm:
What city is the most dysfunctional?
A. Springfield, Illinois
B. Washington, DC
C. Damascus, Syria
- OneMan - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:38 pm:
Robert the 1st, have wondered the same thing myself tbh. For what it is worth Rich has from time to time called out folks who have government IP address who are obviously shilling for their boss.
- Union Leader - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:39 pm:
Rich-take some Zinc and lots of Vitamin C. Hope you are feeling better real soon!
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:39 pm:
- Keyrock -
Think we have 30-33 edited and ready to go.
The problem is there’s SO much there. Goldberg steals every scene he’s in, and if you figure out the hero in this, it takes it to a new level…
…
Feel better Rich.
- Concerned - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:44 pm:
Rich, I have had this cold for almost two weeks (not to throw cold water on your hopes for a quick recovery).
In the phrase of the day, “hang in there.”
- Because I said so... - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:44 pm:
Some good soup and lots of rest. Feel better!
- PublicServant - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:47 pm:
I second what Illini said Rich. Have two glasses of wine. You’ll still have a cold, but you will no longer care that you have a cold.
- First Time Caller - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:47 pm:
Just started following this blog and am impressed with all the words of wisdom. Really curious how this (budget impasse) ends. My guess is that Rauner at some point very loudly drops the most onerous anti-union stuff and calls it a “moral victory.” Tax hike occurs with a few Republican votes and a few cuts are made and no one is very happy. What do you all think?
- Nick Danger - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:48 pm:
OW, …” I’m declaring an open thread …” really doesn’t mean that, does it. “Bad form, bud. lol”.
- Nick Danger - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:48 pm:
lol
- Birdseed - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:50 pm:
=== - Robert the 1st - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:31 pm:
I feel at least 2/3 of commentators are state employees or retirees… am I close? ===
I’ll take the over.
- Enviro - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:50 pm:
Rich, have chicken soup, tea, and lots of rest.
Sorry, no wine for now.
- Honeybear - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:51 pm:
Plenty of liquids and a warm Oscar dog next to you. Hope you feel better. Oh and set the humidifier up. It’s starting to get dry with the heat on.
- Cheswick - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:51 pm:
Take care, Rich, stay warm, and get well soon.
For the rest of us, IDOT is hiring and they want us on their team:
https://twitter.com/IDOT_Illinois/status/659384491992068096
- A guy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:52 pm:
Thought for the night:
To catch a cold, you’ve got to be faster than the cold.
So there’s that.
- Retired - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:52 pm:
3 fingers of Southern Comfort. It will either cure or kill, but you won’t care.
- JoanP - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:52 pm:
Another vote for chicken soup, and tea with honey and lemon.
But, of course, you should be sleeping, not reading this thread!
- Mama - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:54 pm:
Rich, drink a hot Toddy. It will make ya feel better.
- Eddy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:54 pm:
Zycam. Works great for me
- A guy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:56 pm:
Med Mar. It will either cause you to sleep through it, or you won’t even know you have one; and yet you can still feel bad for the guy in the mirror. Magical.
- Gooner - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:57 pm:
Initially, I hope you feel better. My daughter is sick too. There must be something going around the midwest.
And now on the meat of the post — Amalia and others, this is the nearest we are going to get to a football open thread, so go to it.
Arsenal top of the table on points? Never would have predicted it after the first week defeat. Chelsea down in 15th and fighting relegation? A thing of beauty.
- thunderspirit - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:57 pm:
Hope you feel batter, Rich.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:59 pm:
Hope you feel better Rich. I’m going to take my cue from the Governor on how you should feel better. When you stop at Wal-greens to pick up cold medicine, treat the worker really poorly. That will help turn your cold around.
- Gruntled University Employee - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:00 pm:
Rich, Get well soon.
- Anonin' - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:03 pm:
All these booze ideas makin’ us thirsty.
Zycam stuff good.
But first get naked, throw yourself in the lake, take one gulp and expect poisons to kill the germs.
- Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:05 pm:
I’m trying to figure it out. Are the state employees commenting in support of the “status quo” or against it. I’m confused. LOL
- Grimm - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:07 pm:
New Illinois State Motto: “Hangin’ There”
- Mama - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:07 pm:
++Here’s a question. How many of you are posting from an IL state office? I feel at least 2/3 of commentators are state employees or retirees… am I close?++ My guess is most are news people, politicians & others are retirees, but not all of them are state retirees. I doubt very much that State workers have time to post on here during work hours (maybe lunch hour). However, what difference does it make?
- Robert the 1st - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:09 pm:
=Mainly government IP addresses. No private businesses.
Surprise!
Not.=
https://capitolfax.com/2015/06/17/cullerton-workers-comp-is-not-an-economic-development-tool/
- Dudeman - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:09 pm:
I’ll give you a topic. The chick pea is neither a chick nor a pea. Discuss!
- Me too - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:11 pm:
I feel your pain. Hopefully your editor doesn’t throw another Polish war re-enactor at you and you can call it an early night.
- Diogenes in DuPage - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:19 pm:
Be careful any OTC cold remedies you take, as they may interact poorly with any new meds. (My youngest is a newly minted pharmacist.)
- Norseman - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:23 pm:
=== Here’s a question. How many of you are posting from an IL state office? I feel at least 2/3 of commentators are state employees or retirees… am I close? ===
What a perceptive observation. Who’d a thunk that a blog dealing with State government and the politics that affect state government would be attract the interest of folks who work(ed) in state government. Of course your rhetorical question can’t be answered, but your unimportant inference is understood by all.
As with most things in life you get a better quality of information/services from people with experience. If you don’t care for experience, I’d be willing to help you repair your car really cheap.
- Chicago Cynic - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:25 pm:
Feel better Rich!
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:25 pm:
(Tips cap to - Norseman-, lol)
- Norseman - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:26 pm:
I do charge by the hour. Results are not guaranteed.
- Amalia - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:26 pm:
Feel better. Hot toddy!
- Jabes - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:27 pm:
Gooner — I’m a Villa fan. It’s been a terrible season so far. I mean, at least we beat Birmingham City in the League Cup, but we are seriously looking at relegation.
- Very Fed Up - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:27 pm:
Would be surprised if at least 1/3 were not Current or former state employees
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:28 pm:
“Norseman’s Campaign, Government, and Auto Repair” - Hourly rates available.
- BaronvonHammer - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:32 pm:
As a retired state employee, I would hazard a guess that very few active employees are using the state computer and thestate internet to post here. Except those shilling for the governor.
- Southern Illinois Hoopdee - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:33 pm:
Norseman’s repair broke my car down worse, but it saved me a TON of money!
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:34 pm:
Rich
Get your Flu shot when you get well.
I get one every year. The one year that I missed it, 1999, I was sick for three weeks without pay. Never again, get your flu shot
I have gotten sick since then but never ever even close and have not taken a sick day in over six years. Get your Flu shot.
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:35 pm:
Rich, hope you feel better soon. If not, get thyself to the doc.
Robert, State retiree here blogging while I’m not out whizzing away my fat pension. Feel better now?
- Norseman - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:35 pm:
Norseman’s Campaign, Government, and Auto Repair Cards are being printed now.
Thanks Willy. Like it.
- Wensicia - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:36 pm:
Here’s something to discuss. Eric Zorn’s column: “Why it’s time to pick a side in the budget battle” for those not directly connected to the conflict, but whom represent those negatively affected by the standoff.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/zorn/ct-illinois-budget-impasse-take-a-stand-zorn-perspec-1030-20151029-column.html
- Bogey Golfer - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:37 pm:
Rich, single malt scotch, 2 fingers, neat.
- Norseman - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:38 pm:
Hoopdee, my motto is I try harder. Oops, Avis’ attorney is calling again.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:39 pm:
- Norseman - I tried to keep it less wordy, lol.
Send me a stack!
- Captain Illini - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:40 pm:
Clearly Rich is trying to besiege our sympathies with his - “I’m miserable” - line…I for one won’t buy his sham of a cold! (obvious snark)
But just in case, try chicken soup, followed by two fingers twice of Jaegermeister, that’ll do it.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:41 pm:
Robert is Rauner
- Gooner - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:41 pm:
By the way, as noted above, the heart med/cold med warning is serious.
I hear somebody combined those once prior to a political event a year or so ago and had to be taken out by ambulance.
That’s not something to mess around with.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:44 pm:
In the private sector, always on a private computer, and never post from a state office (unless you count the cafeteria at the JRTC every once in awhile as a “state office”.
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:53 pm:
Norseman, I’ll hustle up some business for you. If you do Body Shop work, my kids’ car could keep you going part time for years.
- A guy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:55 pm:
Oy. Rich, this thread is proof enough that you should wash you hands 30 times a day and stay healthy. lol.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:58 pm:
- Norseman -, get a big enough place and rent campaign office space.
You can advertise on Capitol Fax.
- Norseman - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:59 pm:
AA, my late father-in-law was in the biz. Since my wife helped in the shop, I might actually get good enough advice to paint a scratch. Remember, I try harder!
Ring… Ring … Darn that Avis lawyer.
- cailleach - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 5:04 pm:
Get well soon, Rich!
As long as advice is being handed out: puppy snuggles, hot toddy and rest. In whatever order you like.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 5:06 pm:
Stay home because people will make you sick
- Mouthy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 5:07 pm:
Get better, there’s nobody else around that will spoon feed us important info..
- Kenny Bania - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 5:09 pm:
We Want Barton!!
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 5:13 pm:
Joan Rivers is to guest hosting Carson’s “Tonight Show, as Barton is to guest hosting Capitol Fax.
- Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 5:23 pm:
Except Joan Rivers wore less makeup….
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 5:24 pm:
I hope you get better soon, Rich. Please get enough rest and keep the stress levels down.
- Poolguy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 5:44 pm:
Fell better Rich. a weekend by a nice cozy fire and away from us sounds pretty wonderful…
- RNUG - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 5:44 pm:
== Just started following this blog and am impressed with all the words of wisdom. Really curious how this (budget impasse) ends. My guess is that Rauner at some point very loudly drops the most onerous anti-union stuff and calls it a “moral victory.” Tax hike occurs with a few Republican votes and a few cuts are made and no one is very happy. What do you all think? ==
The General Assembly does not need a budget because they don’t have to spend money; the Executive Branch does need a budget to spend money (OK, the 10% of the budget that is not under court order of one kind or another). It’s going to have to be most of not all of the GOP votes on the tax hike with a few Dem votes to make up the difference.
- @MisterJayEm - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 6:00 pm:
1) Get well, Rich.
2) Unwelcome and unsolicited impasse advice: “How to Spot Manipulative Behavior” and “Trust After Emotional Abuse” http://www.metafilter.com/154260/How-to-spot-manipulative-behavior
– MrJM
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 6:19 pm:
Rich. Look behind your washer/dryer. Find that rogue sock that missed the basket. Place it as a face mask. Inhale deeply. You will feel much better once you burn the sock and breath good air. (The cold will stay for awhile)
- Rich's Mom - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 6:20 pm:
I wish I lived closer; I would bring you over some soup. Get some rest and drink plenty of fluids. I hope you get better soon. I agree with some of the commenters, see a doctor if you aren’t better tomorrow.
- Southern Illinois Hoopdee - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 6:31 pm:
Here’s a serious question: why couldn’t the Democrats own a tax hike? I realize that a lot of us are programmed to think that a tax increase is bad, but if there’s enough pain dished out, then the Dems could become heroes and more or less use a tax hike as more leverage against Rauner. If it goes south, then go back to “governor’s own.”
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 6:38 pm:
Governors sign tax increases, otherwise you don’t pass them.
Further, Rauner needs revenue, so the toll, is all 67 GOP green lights… with Rauner’s signature.
That’s why governors own, they always have. It’s not a new concept, but Rauner refuses to see the dynamic and is willing to pay ($) anything to own nothing at the other cost, the other shoe… of the ILGOP and the GOP GA.
The politics, it’s as clean as crisp as can be.
- Southern Illinois Hoopdee - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 6:44 pm:
OW,
I think my greater point is that by holding out this long, Madigan and Co. have already pushed themselves into an advantageous position regardless of what they do. It’s what happens when one party at the negotiating table plays chess and the others play checkers. You can probably guess, without too much trouble, which is which.
What you seem to be counting on is that Rauner is willing to do that when I think he’d rather sink himself rather than pass a tax hike. He’d rather cut. If he’s going to own anything, it’s going to be the ownership he and the people who bought him want.
Dems would most certainly be fixing the state’s issues with a tax hike…though to be fair I’d be wanting to see Dems reward the people who supported them and punish the Raunerite crowd.
- Geneseo Gent - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 6:46 pm:
VODKA!
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 6:51 pm:
- Southern Illinois Hoopdee -,
Ugh.
In Febuary the Dems had Rauner with Rauner’s own budget needing revenue. There is no greater point. It’s the Math. Nothing has changed since that letdown. Rauner is holding out, thinking hurting people is leverage, knowing in February, hurting people was the game plan.
The deficit is going to be $10 billion soon.
How do you think Rauner can cut $10 billion? He can’t.
The reason Dems aren’t forcing the revenue increase is because Rauner can’t make his own numbers now work without one.
Math is Math is Math.
- DuPage Dave - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 7:02 pm:
Rich you inadvertently picked a great time to be sick- the whole state government mess is a repetitive drone of misinformation and accusations.
I call a three-day weekend for everyone. Shut it down and start all over Monday.
- Mousy Librarian - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 7:09 pm:
Hope you feel better soon, Rich.
- FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 7:12 pm:
Rich. Be careful of meds with heart meds. Your doctor needs to be reminded as well.
I prefer whiskey, honey and cinnamon after something spicy for a cold. Clears the head and a little rest in before the head clogs again
- dogbreath - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 7:14 pm:
If only we could get Rauner and his shills to read this blog and all the comments so they could benefit from all the wisdom expressed.
- Robert the 1st - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 7:30 pm:
I assume Rich is smart enough to avoid alcohol when experiencing cold symptoms. I know many of you were joking but booze can neutralize your immune system, dehydrate you, and give you pseudo-wellness, which can drain you even more. Plenty of water and rest, that’s the ticket.
- Dale Cooper - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 7:32 pm:
Outrageous. Outrageous. Shouldn’t have happened.
- DuPage Grandma - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 8:46 pm:
I vote for chicken soup and puppy hugs as the cure. What ever…the Get Well, Rich, Campaign is out in full force!
- Mama - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 8:59 pm:
Rich, please take note:
Do not mix Motrin and Robitussin it can cause a heart attack.
- justacitizen - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:22 pm:
==Here’s a question. How many of you are posting from an IL state office? I feel at least 2/3 of commentators are state employees or retirees… am I close?==
If OW is anything but a retiree, he needs to be fired immediately. lol
- Blue dog dem - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:56 pm:
Lots of meaningless garble here. Everyone stop drinking and go to bed!!!
- Property of IDOC - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:58 pm:
Norse. 4:23
A House lick for that fine comment!
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:59 pm:
- blue dog dem -
We’ll turn the music down and stay off your lawn…
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:05 pm:
- Keyrock -,
There’s also 3 more years left on the contract, HBO has been very generous
- Blago's Hare - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:18 pm:
Get some rest, recharge, and get well soon. Get some sun, if you are able.
- RNUG - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:03 pm:
== There’s also 3 more years left on the contract, HBO has been very generous ==
-OW-, you won’t need to work that hard. For the next 3 years, just re-shoot the same scripts with minor editing for the changing dollar amounts and the 2016 election possibly changing some of the players.
- Norseman - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:29 pm:
Hoopdee, the fact is that neither party will ever be in an advantageous position to vote for a tax increase. People don’t like taxes. Government needs taxes to operate so people don’t like government. That’s why people seeking office will rail against taxes and government and promise things people like. That is human nature and fact of political life.
Both parties recognize the need for a tax hike given the current state fiscal condition. One is being more honest about it than the other. Both want political cover to help protect members at risk for electoral defeat due to a pro-tax vote. The Raunerites want the turnaround agenda for cover, while the Dems want Raunerite votes and Rauner’s support for cover. Rauner wants the turnaround agenda for his crusade against unions and for political cover of his support for tax increases.
If it really was an issue of Rauner ONLY supporting taxes that Dems want in exchange for union curbs, than it would logically fit that the Dem rejection of Rauner’s agenda would result in a Rauner rejection of tax increases. Simple negotiation tactics - you don’t give me what I want, I won’t give you what you want. You would think that Rauner would then push for a balanced budget through cuts and probably special fund raids. That’s not happening because Rauner doesn’t want to wear the jacket for the types of cuts needed to balance the budget. Remember Willy’s admonition that Governor’s own! So we sit in a horrendous budgetary impasse waiting for Rauner to get his political cover - the political cover he insists on: union restrictions. As Rich has so brilliantly pointed out, the Dems don’t need to vote for a tax increase.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:39 pm:
- RNUG -,
You and I know that, HBO doesn’t!
===That’s not happening because Rauner doesn’t want to wear the jacket for the types of cuts needed to balance the budget.===
Great, great point, I miss/forget when responding, sometimes in shorthand. Great comment - Norseman -, hitting the much needed reset as to, the complete, whats and whys.
- Gobsmacked - Friday, Oct 30, 15 @ 2:09 am:
Late to the thread… Robert, I dare say that most state govt employees are extremely well aware of the prohibition against using state property (such as computers) for non state purposes. And most have so much to do they don’t have time during the work day to follow this blog on their mobile devices.
- Arthur Andersen - Friday, Oct 30, 15 @ 5:25 am:
Norseman, if this was Twitter, your post would be the “Pinned Tweet” at the top of every thread about this mess. Outstanding.