* Before I go, I want to thank you so very much for your overwhelming generosity to our commenter “HangingOn.” You contributed over $5,500 to help her get some dignity back in her life.

I truly do have the best commenters anywhere. You’ve helped make this more than just a blog. It’s a real community, and I love you all for that.

* From Citizen Action Illinois…

It’s with sadness that we share news that Lynda DeLaforgue, who served as the Co-Director of Citizen Action/Illinois (CA/IL) died on Saturday, January 12th after battling cancer for nearly five years. For two decades, Lynda served as the “Chief-Strategist” of CA/IL, leading campaigns to curtail predatory lenders, protect our food sources, beat back Social Security privatizers, win marriage equality, and secure quality, affordable healthcare for all. Whatever the fight, Lynda was a staunch and unstoppable crusader for our issues, for our candidates, and most importantly, for our progressive values. We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to Lynda, to her strength and her vision – as do millions of Illinoisans and other citizens, and citizens to-be, of this country. Rest in power, Lynda!

I knew Lynda for decades. She was one of those people who could be so kind and sweet and fun, yet totally no-nonsense when it came to the business of getting things done. She truly stomped on the terra and made a difference in this world.

And she was also very cool…

* Take care…