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* The setup, from ABC7…

Gov. Pat Quinn is facing criticism after announcing a $6 million grant for the Museum of Broadcast Communications Friday.

The grant will finish the half-built museum at State and Kinzie. MBC founder and president Bruce DuMont says it is not an unusual use of public money.

“If you look historically at how the great museums of Chicago have been built and funded over the years, they’ve all received significant support from the state,” said DuMont. […]

“Broadcast museum doesn’t mean a thing to anybody in our streets,” said the Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Parish. He doesn’t understand how the cash-strapped state with its $13 billion deficit can commit any money from its capital or operating budget to a museum when many neighborhoods are overwhelmed by violence.

He showed ABC7 two letters he’d received in the past week advising that the governor is considering cutting a $3 million statewide program for at-risk young people.

“Youth prevention and youth intervention for violence while we’re talking about broadcast museums and other things that are not being cut and are continuing to be out on the table? That’s unacceptable,” said Rev. Pfleger.

* The Question: With whom do you side in this? Dumont or Pfleger? Explain.

* And, for a bit of context, here’s a budget-related news roundup…

* Illinois Downgrade, Tax Decline Weigh on $500 Million Bond Sale

* State’s credit rating downgraded

* State furlough program could save more than $2 million

* Furlough to mean longer holiday weekends for state employees

* U of I President spells out grim future

* Glenbard Dist. 87 wants more information from Springfield: Because of very conservative estimates made early this year, Glenbard High School District 87 officials consider themselves better off financially than they expected, but uncertain funding from Springfield still leaves them in a bind.

* District 300 OKs pay cuts for three groups

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:05 pm

Comments

I’m with Pfleger on this one. Preferential option for the poor right now in state spending.

Comment by John Bambenek Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:07 pm
I am with Pfleger’s sentiment (certainly never with him). Tough times mean zero frills, zero.

Comment by justsickofit Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:11 pm
I am on the side of what is in law.

The legislature approved revenue for and appropriations for a capital plan that included money for the Museum.

The legislature did not approve revenue to sustain all the programs in the operating budget.

Additionally, the legislature did not approve redirecting any revenue for capital to be spent on operating.

So, Quinn couldn’t have just spent that Capital money on an at-risk youth program instead.

It’s a silly argument.

Comment by George Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:11 pm
Can I agree with neither? Unless the state has defined either program as super-spidey-extra-special critical to the function of the state, both programs should be cut. Of course, Pfleger’s program is a higher priority, but that does not necessarily mean it should be funded at this time.

Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:12 pm
Furthermore, its lazy journalism from ABC to not point out the difference.

It matters.

And it highlights the inability of the legislature to stand up and commit to finding revenue for all the great things they want money to be spent on.

This is a story of cowardice, not a story of priorities.

Comment by George Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:14 pm
sorry, but this is no time to be giving money away. we have a lot of things that are considerably more important (including paying our bills and fulfilling our pension obligations) that need to be funded before anything like this…

Comment by bored now Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:15 pm
Pigs must be flying, but I’m with Pfelger on this one too.

The primary role of government is to ensure public safety and to maintain basic infrastructure. Pork to museums doesn’t fall under either one of those two categories. If this were a flush year and we didn’t have a massive debt, then maybe.

But the “it stimulates tourism & the economy” argument just doesn’t fly with me. If that’s such a compelling argument, then they should have no problem raising money privately from local businesses, restaurants, hotels, etc. would see the massive influx of economic activity.

This was basically prok that Blago had promised and never delivered on. Quinn gave it to ‘em, mostly because the advocates are the local media that can craft public opinion.

Comment by John Galt Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:16 pm
Dumont. It’s a small amount of money for a good cause. I’m looking forward to it’s opening.

Do you need government money to save souls? I thought that was Pfleger’s job.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:17 pm
As much as I hate to ever agree with Fr. Pflakey, he’s on the money. Yes, museums receive generous funding from governments for buildings and operations, but normally the governments aren’t this negligent on their other funding obligations. $6 million isn’t a whole lot of money considering the backlog of bills that the state hasn’t paid, but it would take care of the bills of at least a few vendors.

Illinois has to have the mentality of a worst-case scenario budget. There can be no treats; every penny must be allocated carefully. Think of a couple who are scraping by wondering how they will can stretch $1000 into $1600 so they pay rent, buy food, and fix the car so they can commute and won’t lose their job. There are no trips to Starbucks; heck, spaghetti is considered an upgrade from ramen. Illinois is in this position, but the political leaders refuse to accept this. “Nice” spending such as a Museum of Broadcas Communications (whoa, talk about national attractions and big tourism dollars! /snark) must cease until Illinois’ budget improves.

Comment by South Side Mike Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:18 pm
Although this money comes from the Capital fund, the choice of this particular project for funding when there are numerous projects with higher public impact such as road reconstruction, water and sewer system renovation and school upgrades that go unfunded makes the Broadcast Museum a luxury rather than a necessity. Illinois never has money for what it needs, but always finds money for what it wants.

Comment by WRMNpolitics Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:20 pm
“And it highlights the inability of the legislature to stand up and commit to finding revenue for all the great things they want money to be spent on.”

You could also say it speaks to the inability of legislatures to stand up and push back against all the things special interests want other people’s money to be spent on.

It cuts both ways.

Comment by John Galt Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:20 pm
Have to agree with Father Pfleger on this one. George, How many other capital projects that were approved last year in the Capital bill have yet to be funded due to the budget situation in this state? And I’m no expert on the bill which gave Governor Quinn all that power over the budget, but if it includes providing him the ability to not fund other programs that are required by law, I’m guessing it would also allow him to transfer capital funds to the operating budget. But I’m not sure about that.

Comment by Really?? Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:20 pm
Fr. Pfleger. In hard economic times, you spend the money on people and services, not buildings. The museum can wait.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:21 pm
Even during the Great Depression we funded art and created some great museums. It’s a good investment to preserve our past for future generations.

Comment by Louis Howe Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:22 pm
I’m with Pfleger. We can “sweep” dedicated accounts with regularity, but we can’t use that $6 million to pay some overdue bills?

Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:22 pm
“Illinois never has money for what it needs, but always finds money for what it wants.”

Exactly.

Look, I’m not saying that $6 million isn’t a relatively small amount of money considering our budget problems. And I’m not saying that the museum would be a nice thing to have. But that’s the exact problem we’re having here: death by a thousand papercuts.

It’s the attitude of “Oh well, we’re already completely hosed, may as well forgo all restraint now…” Multiply that mindset & transaction a few hundred/thousand times and you get yourself a failed state.

It’s patently absurd.

Comment by John Galt Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:25 pm
When state senator Obama was funneling taxpayer money into St Sabinas (and getting campaign contributions from them at the same time), I didn’t complain, even thought it didn’t do anything for me.

Comment by Lucas Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:27 pm
George hit the nail on the head.

The governor couldn’t use capital money to fund programming even if he wanted to.

I suggested a long time ago to human services groups that they fight to ensure that human services organizations were included in a capital plan.

But I’m guessing that the programs for at-risk youth that Pfleger mentions don’t have capital needs, and even if they did, it doesn’t make sense to build them a building that would remain empty because there is no money for programming.

Yet more grandstanding from Pfleger.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:28 pm
I am also with Pfleger on this one. This is just another boneheaded move by PQ. In order to be an effective leader he has to show some consistency of thought. Before he can get any support for his revenue increases he has to consistently show they are needed. You don’t do that by hiring a paddling czar at IDNR for $85,000.00. You don’t get that by giving a museum that has been half built for a while $6 million to be finished at a time when you are shutting down programs for the most needy of citizens.

It is rather ironic that the same day the report comes out that PQ gave $6 million to the museum a report also comes out that State employees will save the State $2 million by taking unpaid days off. As a State employee who’s furlough days are not voluntary I am so happy that the money I am giving up is helping pay off the deficit. (snark intended) Maybe I will take my family up to chicago and show them part of the building that their grocery money bought.

And I also like the way the main stream media spun the furlough days. Instead of emphasizing the sacrifice, they spin it that State employees will get to add to their holiday time off. Well *$#% who wouldn’t give up two days pay to get a day off to add to a holiday weekend? (again snark intended)

Comment by Irish Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:28 pm
Pfleger.

Sorry Bruce, your pet project doesn’t qualify as one of the “great” museums of Chicago. Art, natural history and science transcend the human experience. The decades long golden age of radio came and went in a flash, so let’s stop comparing Little Orphan Annie, Dick Biondi and The Shadow to the one of a kind treasures we have in the Art Institute, Field Museum and Museum of S&I.

These are tough times, working families are cutting back on spending, the state should at least try to act like its facing the same pressures and make similar sacrifices, like not dropping $6 million on a museum.

Did I read that right slinger, a good cause?! This is not a ‘good cause.’ Even Steve Dahl, a long-time (albeit awesome) self-promoted who will likely be ‘enshrined’ in this radio HOF said the state funding was stupid on his podcast yesterday.

Also, count on Quinn to pull back the money in three, two, one … (I’m kidding, but if the heat keeps rising, we could see him pull a Quinn again here).

Comment by P. Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:31 pm
The museum cause of what George said.

Also, some of these at risk youth and crime programs are
money pits, example, Ceasefire’s cost per contact is
very high. A new player is in town with the addition of the
out of town program to the CPS set up. they do seem to
have good numbers and the regular suspects in chicago
in the crime and violence game must be worried cause
a group with an effective track record all over the country
has a standard to meet.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:33 pm
Tough choice. 200 construction jobs are 200 jobs.

Have to wonder: Which of Blago’s commitments are not being funded.

And the tourism angle. We sure hear a lot of justification of projects in IL from the prospect of increased tourism. I do question just how effective many of these projects actually are in bring in tourists in the short and long term. Seems like a lot of self serving numbers from the tourism bureaucrats and interest groups. Like with casino boats, lottery, video poker machines, etc. it doesn’t seem like we are establishing much of a foundation for a sustainable economy or government.

Comment by Vole Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:37 pm
Pfleger.

This is such a waste of money I don’t know where to begin.

Comment by shore Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:39 pm
I hate to do this. I despise much of what Fr. Pfleger stands for and his blasphemy in the sanctuary of a Roman Catholic Church. He is right that the money ought not be spent on the museum. Should it be spent on Fr. Pfleger’s pet programs, however? I don’t think so. But as others have said-this is not a time for frills in spending.

Comment by Peggy SO-IL Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:41 pm
YDD/George are right. It’s a flase choice. Capital cannot be redirected to programming (or for that matter operations) even with the emergency budget act. The budget situation cannot improve until the economy improves; the jobs will help, they’re not a panacea, but they’ll help.

Comment by Thoughts... Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:43 pm
I side with Phelger, but for different reasons.

According to the museum’s website, it has a staff of three. The board has few heavy hitters. It is a “niche” museum, one that has been trying to acquire its own building for years, without being able to attract public support.

If a huge infusion of government money is the only way to accomplish this, then it hasn’t proven its value to the larger public that will need to support its operations in perpetuity.

It has a nice collection, but not significant enough to warrant its own space. The Chicago History Museum would be a good home for it.

Comment by Zora Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:44 pm
Amazing, but I agree with Pfleger.

Quinn’s hands were tied on this one by statute, but it would have been a lot smarter for him to simply award the grant and not make it a media event.

Comment by A.B. Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:44 pm
I am with George and YDD. It is not as though it is one big pot of money he is grabbing from and decided to give it to the museum instead of the kids. There are other things he can say no to that will allow the important programs that Pfleger is referring to to be saved, but comparing the dollars available for the museum to the dollars available for human services is comparing apples to oranges.

Comment by Montrose Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:46 pm
I know of various community based providers who are waiting for their promised capital funding.

I’m delighted that the tavern gambling license revenues are coming in to pay for bonded projects, but this is another example of politics (fawning the press) dominating governing (funding needed facilities in human services and education).

Comment by Capitol View Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:47 pm
I’d rather the capital spending was on some part of our failing infrastructure over the museum. Id also like to find funding for programs like Father Pfleger’s.

Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:49 pm
I agree with A.B., why make this announcement a media event? Didn’t anyone in the Quinn shop think that this was going to look bad-$6 million grant for a museum when service providers are not being paid!

Comment by Streeterville Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:51 pm
Hell just froze over… I agree with Pfleger.

Comment by Wondering... Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 12:55 pm
Both programs gone. No way we can afford either one given the State’s fiscal situation. Massive cuts and revenue enhancements are needed, but don’t blame only Quinn, what about our legislators.

Comment by downstate hack Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:01 pm
George, How many other capital projects that were approved last year in the Capital bill have yet to be funded due to the budget situation in this state?

None. Different pots of money. GRF budget situation doesn’t affect capital bill bonding. Other things do, but not the GRF deficit.

And I’m no expert on the bill which gave Governor Quinn all that power over the budget, but if it includes providing him the ability to not fund other programs that are required by law, I’m guessing it would also allow him to transfer capital funds to the operating budget.

Nope. He can’t transfer capital bill funds to operating.

Like I said before - it is a false choice. You can say capital money should have gone to other capital projects first, and you would be right. But that money couldn’t go to operating.

Comment by George Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:03 pm
And, look. At the end of the day, Chicago media care more about that stupid museum of broadcast communications than any other thing going on in the State.

Bruce DuMont is as much an alarmist as Fr. Pfleger.

Comment by George Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:04 pm
Based on the info presented, neither.

I appreciate Dumont’s point, but I don’t think this museum will generate enough new tourism to justify the expense during a severe budget crisis. And while it’s refreshing to hear Fr. Pfleger acknowledge that the problem of youth violence is not simply a matter of gun control, I’d like to know more about the “statewide program for at-risk young people” to which he is referring before passing judgment on it’s value to taxpayers.

Comment by grand old partisan Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:05 pm
I’m with Dumont on this. Capital vs. Operating, people will never learn the difference.

Comment by Niles Township Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:07 pm
I beg to differ with George but many projects were submitted that did not get funding. I know of several in my Agency that are needed because we are currently breaking the law by not being in compliance with one law or another and those projects are still not in the works.

Comment by Irish Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:09 pm
Pfleger doesn’t know what he’s talking about and shame on ABC7 for putting him anywhere near a camera. George had it right from the get-go.

The museum was one of the victims of Blagojevich. He promised funding, then reneged on it. The museum started construction, then had to halt it when the state capital money didn’t come through. It’s been an eyesore in a prime location since.

Every major museum in Chicago has gotten serious state capital over the years. Every single one. Why? Because it is a good investment, drawing tourists and creating jobs that won’t move away. And as George pointed out, this is CAPITAL money. It can’t be used for Pfleger’s anti-violence program anyway.

And how much money have the taxpayers spent on anti-violence program? How’s that working out? Pfleger is wrong, and ABC7 is stupid for airing this ridiculous nonstory.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:09 pm
How about we put this museum near St. Sabina? Would that change Pfleger’s mind?

Comment by Levois Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:12 pm
I was struggling what ti write and 47th ward said it best. There is a difference between a good capital investment and pouring more operating dollars into a program of questionable success.

Comment by Lincoln Parker Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:23 pm
Pfleger. No time to be funding discretionary projects, regardless of funding source, when the State is broke.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:31 pm
“Every major museum in Chicago has gotten serious state capital over the years. Every single one. Why? Because it is a good investment, drawing tourists and creating jobs that won’t move away. And as George pointed out, this is CAPITAL money. It can’t be used for Pfleger’s anti-violence program anyway.”

1) Yes, other museums have received state funding. But they’re more broad-based: art, science, history. Radio & TV is niche.

2) Diminishing returns. Chicago already has a critical mass of tourist destinations. This one won’t change a single thing.

3) Even if #2 above is wrong, if it’s such a major boon to the local economy, then the money should be raised by private means. TV folks hobnob with shooters all the time. Have them cut big checks if it’s that in-demand.

4) Yes, the capital vs. operations makes Pfelger technically wrong. But there are a ton of under-funded capital projects already. The video gambling revenue will be less than expected. The $6 million could be $6 million less we’d need to borrow, etc.

5) And yes, Blago hosed them. Blago hosed a lot of people. These are tough times and everybody is tightening their belts. Sorry, but little Johnny shouldn’t be getting a shiny new museum for Christmans this year.

Furthermore, Quinn/Springfield is tone deaf:

$85K for a canoe czar

$6 million for a shrine to TV/radio stars

free CTA rides for millionaires

free healthcare for illegal immigrants

subsidized child healthcare for families making $140K+

These guys are absolutely incapable of cutting costs.

Comment by John Galt Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:37 pm
===But they’re more broad-based:===

Not quite.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:38 pm
The check should go to DuMont, Blagoof screwed him for 6 years and Pflager has let millions slip through his fingers over the years. He should have skimmed some while he had it.

Comment by CircularFiringSquad Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:43 pm
$85K for a canoe czar

Nope, they pulled back on that.

free CTA rides for millionaires

Name 1

free healthcare for illegal immigrants

If they are poor…

subsidized child healthcare for families making $140K+

Nope. Families at that level are actually subsidizing the program through their high premiums.

These guys are absolutely incapable of cutting costs.

They have already cut billions. Billions. And it already has been too hard of a hit.

Comment by George Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:50 pm
Pfledger.
Perception is everything and the state is broke. This project should not have been funded at this time. My guess is this project is not a Quinn priority. It is the priority of one of our legislative leaders. Quinn is Governor and he wears the collar.

Comment by Toast Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:50 pm
I disagree with Phlegar about alot of things.

He’s right about this.

Should taxpayers fund a cathedral-to-celebrity or fund programs for youth-at-risk of violence? A no-brainer. Help the lean & hungry kids.

Churches have capital programs. Holy Name Cathedral had fundraisers in order to restore the destroyed sanctuary. Dumont’s MBC is a not-for-profit. Have his heavy-hitters hold fundraisers. Have a 5 year capital program. MBC is already getting a huge break from the government.

The State should not have given taxpayer money to build a temple to the massive egos that will be shown on the screens of the jumbotrons. Let them and their heirs, who own the copyright to the celebrity, raise the funds.

Or, in return for the State funding the building of the MBC, give back to the State (and taxpayer) a piece of the action from the sales in the MBC gift shop.

The State should have given money to programs to help youth-at-risk for violence. They are young and hungry. We ignore them at our peril.

Comment by HatShopGirl Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:52 pm
===Radio & TV is niche===

Well, so is modern art. And botanic gardens. And childrens museums. And Italian-American Sports Halls of Fame.

Have you ever seen the half-finished MoBC? Next time you’re at the House of Blues, walk around the corner and take a look. It’s been an eyesore for several years.

And another reason every single major museum (and other museums) gets state capital funding is because the museums do raise private donations. The state capital grant program for museums created by Jim Edgar called for the big museums to put up $2 private dollars for each state dollar. That’s a smart investment by the state because it leverages private sector support.

===Furthermore, Quinn/Springfield is tone deaf===

That is not in dispute here John. Nobody is suggesting otherwise. Today’s QOTD is pretty specific.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 1:57 pm
How much money do we think the museum will raise ala tourism or the State?

if it draws in out of towners, or gets those driving through to make a stop, and brings in a a few hundred thousand in toruists dollars, then it is economic dev mony well spent.

if it provides little enhanced rev to the State, then in a fiscal crunch I would priotize the money to social service programs and education. Pay the meusum when we are on our feet.

Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 2:06 pm
Dumont. Pfleger is setting up a strawman-type argument. A budget rarely comes down to either/or. Moreover, what about the billions that the state is already spending to cure various social ills? I’ve worked in the social service arena — fat is everywhere.

Comment by Anon E. Mouse Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 2:09 pm
One of the main reasons the state is so broke is because we are pouring coutless millions, dare I say billions, into problem areas to no avail. Social programs, free health care, welfare, food stamps, after school programs, free lunches, police saturation and prisons don’t seem to be solving the inner city problems.

Maybe it would be okay to spend a little on a museum everyone can enjoy including Father Pfleger’s flock. It certainly can’t do any worse.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 2:25 pm
Favor the museum. Dedicated capital $; that is the purpose of this money. Will reap long term benefits in tourist $, increase appreciation for broadcast arts. If Fr. Pfleger asked me to donate $ to a program for at-risk youth, I might be inclined to do so, also.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 2:36 pm
I agree with neither.

The fallacy here is treating the state differently than you or I would be treated. Our credit cards have a limit. If we don’t pay, we get cut off. If the state can’t pay, we seem to think that it’s sound to let it borrow more. It’s a recipe for disaster, as more and more Illinoisians realize.

I hate to bring this point up, but it’s illegal for the state to spend into debt. A few may think it’s a minor technicality, but many realize it’s quite important.

The gig is up. The state should pay as it goes. I wouldn’t fund either unless there was money in the bank after all current bills are paid. Anything else is pure dishonesty.

Comment by Sergeant Hulka Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 2:42 pm
With DuMont. Yes, these are tough times. You should hear Ollie! Yet the museum seems a good idea. Six million is hardly Jack Benny’s safe. A modest public contribution toward a project that will help keep the tourists coming back.

Comment by Kukla Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 2:45 pm
I’m not “with” Pfleger, but I think Dumont is a little off on this one too. While I agree with what 47 said about museums, this particular museum has no track record of raising private funds at all. If its so darned important why isn’t the broadcast industry paying for it?

DuMont should spend more time raising private money and stop asking us for it, in my opinion. How many permanent jobs (besides Bruce’s) will this museum create? What kind of a draw will it really be? There’s a lot of museums that nobody goes to. I can think of one on Pulaski for example.

Comment by siriusly Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 3:07 pm
I am with the Father on this one. This is a classic example of a politician being out of touch with the citizens. 6 million is chump change to politicians who act as if it is their money….

Comment by casual observer Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 3:23 pm
The Father wants us to put our borrowed money into charity. That is his job. If he cares to check out that Bible, he’d read about how the “moneychangers” told church goers that it was their moral duty to give them money so that they can perform a moral mission, but instead the money went to the moneychangers and only a morsel went to the moral mission.

That’s government in a nutshell. Government is today’s moneychangers.

You put borrowed money into an asset. Bricks and mortars that will cost more in the future. That increase helps offset the costs of borrowing the money.

Dumont!

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 4:26 pm
Dumont seems like a decent guy. But that museum sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry. I think he’s too close to the subject.

Comment by just sayin' Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 4:58 pm
The networks could pay for this with a sliver of what they take in for incessant political ads during each election cycle.. Let it be their baby.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 6:26 pm
Niether.

The social work done by Fr. P should be funded when the state has money, there is none. Time to work on private sources. It has been too easy to collect bucks from the government.

I am sure there are better places to put 6 mil in capital development than a museum. Roadways and bridges are far more time sensitive than a boutique museum. The museum can wait a year or five without damage to the well being of the public.

Comment by Plutocrat03 Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 6:30 pm
DuMont. Construction started on the building based on the promise of state money. This grant just makes good on that 6 year old promise.

Comment by Dr. Reason A. Goodwin Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 9:07 pm
Just sayin’ put it right. I’d love for the state to fork over six million dollars for things important to me, but right now, dollars to get kids into the work world should supercede the Chicago Scotch and Napping Center.

Comment by Quizzical Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 10:54 pm
Quizzical, after a carb-laden meal, what’s a person to do? Take a nap! MBC needs to get leaner and engage itself more in community issues. Walk those few blocks instead of hailing a cab.

Comment by HatShopGirl Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 11:43 pm
VanillaMan, government social programs are NOT charity. They are social improvement with measurable goals and the expectation of a return on the government’s investment. Charity is when you give to someone with no expectation of getting something in return.

Welfare & food stamps were not meant to be a lifestyle choice, that would become the ‘family business’: stand in line and cry “poor mouth”.

Welfare was supposed to be a safety net for a crises.

Phlegar is not asking for charity. Phlegar is asking that society/government even the playing field and give his kids a chance at the American Dream. The expectation is that if his kids survive, they will become engaged members of society and NOT a social problem locked-up at 26th & California.

Comment by HatShopGirl Wednesday, Jun 16, 10 @ 8:26 am
amelia just had chance to read comments you are so right about this group, cant remember the name but they hire folks from the ‘hood to work with the kids and families. I know some ofthem and they do work long hours talking with the kids, finding jobs and getting them to school. There is no magic answer to violence reduction but more programs willhelp. Fr. Mike does a good job articulating the need for each of us to do our part to reduce violence.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jun 18, 10 @ 8:38 am