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* Gov. Pat Quinn was asked if he’d seen the new “Lincoln” movie…
“If you want to see how Democracy works, see that movie … You will appreciate the battle to get pension reform if you see the movie and see how hard it was to abolish slavery and get that amendment for the people. And they went to great lengths to use the Democratic process properly.”
So, he’s a pension abolitionist? Or something?
* The We Are One Coalition’s response was furious…
“We are also shocked and disturbed by the Governor’s recent comments to the Associated Press that compared his efforts to enact unfair and unconstitutional pension legislation to one of the greatest moral crusades in our nation’s history, the struggle to abolish slavery.
“Governor Quinn’s continued use of over-the-top rhetoric is not helpful to the effort develop a comprehensive fix to our pension shortfall. His careless comparison of slavery to the policy debate over pensions is insensitive, offensive and wrong.
“The We Are One Illinois coalition calls on Gov. Quinn to apologize for his remarks and then start showing true leadership on the pension issue. We hope the governor will join us in developing a plan that is fair to the workers and retirees who paid into the system and ensures adequate funding for state services going forward.”
* The governor talked about how Lincoln “went to great lengths to use the Democratic process properly” to abolish slavery. From the Illinois Times’ review of the movie…
However, the most pressing concern is making sure that there are enough votes to pass the amendment [to abolish slavery] if it comes to a vote. What ensues is a display of real politics in action as promises are made, arms are twisted and patronage jobs are given as well many other backroom deals that’s “the end justifying the means” in vivid action. James Spader, Tim Blake Nelson and John Hawkes provide welcome comic relief as “skulky men,” charged with getting the final 10 votes needed by hook or by crook.
Discuss.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 3:29 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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Up early, Rich? Or still up from the weekend?
Comment by Blago's Hare Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 5:03 am
The Governor appears to miss the big picture which isn’t something new for him, but it was the utter breakdown of democracy that led to the Civil War and even having the chance to pass a 13th Amendment.
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 7:21 am
Quinn will take the wrong cue from the movie and suspend Habeas Corpus regarding a balanced budget.
Comment by Newsclown Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 7:23 am
We Are One needs to be careful not to go through this process like drama queens. This WILL take wheeling and dealing — and not running to press like a bunch of crybabies. Everyone get to work!
Comment by state worker Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 7:40 am
Every time the boys in Springfield wheel and deal I get tire marks up my backside!
Comment by nieva Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 7:52 am
Quinn must have it confused with the Vampire Lincoln movie, but the vampires in Springfield are the ones that have been bleeding the pension funds dry for the last forty years.
Comment by Panopticon Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 7:59 am
That bizarre quote is a perfect example of the mess that State Government in Illinois is in. These jokers don’t have a clue how to fix the mess they have made.
Comment by Dan Shields, Springfield Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 8:30 am
He needs a mental health screening.
Comment by geronimo Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 9:12 am
Over reaction on the part of both parties - plain and simple.
Comment by collar observer Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 9:18 am
“Governor Quinn’s continued use of over-the-top rhetoric is not helpful to the effort develop a comprehensive fix….” No irony here. None.
Comment by Shemp Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 9:24 am
This Quinn has either an altered view of reality. Now demagoguery is as old as politics itself, but comparing pensions to slavery and himself in the image of Lincoln?
That’s more than a little over the top. Less pension reform, more medication. Perhaps Michelle Saddler could refer him to a professional.
Comment by Madison Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 9:42 am
Can’t he just say it was a good movie?
Comment by zatoichi Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 9:47 am
What zatoichi said.
Comment by Scott217 Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 9:49 am
We Are One what Quinn said, not what you wish he said. He was talking about the process of passing a bill. Find another reason to issue an absurd press release.
Comment by John Parnell Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 9:49 am
Can’t wait for his review of Red Dawn.
Comment by Fiefdom Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 9:54 am
—Can’t wait for his review of Red Dawn.
I can’t let this go
WOLVERINES!
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 10:15 am
Quinn needs to grow some giant, mutton chop sideburns.
Comment by John on the spot Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 10:18 am
I’ll choke the fool who hates on pension reform.
Comment by Squeezy Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 10:39 am
Bull, Bull and alot more Bull from the Governor and Representatives. Let’s get serious and resolve the pension issues. Unions cannot run the State or the USA, they must be willing to compro-mise. Unions are not all bad. I applaud them for the safety issues addressed with owners, but wages and benefits must be also addressed, with limits imposed. Most employess in non profits that serve those less fortunate, do not receive annual increases in these times.
Comment by Lay Person Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 11:06 am
Rich, please ban Squeezy for the violent remark.
Comment by Soccertease Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 11:36 am
Soccertease, that’s what pythons do.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 11:40 am
@Lay person-
The problems we face aren’t because the unions run the state-they don’t-it’s because no one runs the state. The guy nominally in charge thinks a cartoon snake will help get his point across. Sad times we live in.
Comment by Liam Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 11:50 am
I thought of Blago as I watched the movie. Something tells me he now feels even more vindicated as he compares himself to Lincoln in trading jobs for votes (or money).
Comment by Stooges Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 11:53 am
Cmon, everyone knows that Thaddeus Stevens had a pet python.
Comment by Boone's is Back Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 12:26 pm
Wow, talk about unclear of the concept. If a Republican had compared pensions to slavery, s/he’d be pilloried, and rightfully so, with howls of protest and calls for resignation. There should really be a Godwin’s Law corollary for slavery.
What an ignorant doofus. More proof he needs to go away.
Signed,
A confirmed Dem
Comment by Joe Bidenopoulous Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 1:51 pm
I missed the part where Lincoln created Squeezy the Confederate Python who was choking the North….
Comment by D.P. Gumby Monday, Nov 19, 12 @ 5:09 pm
Unlike Lincoln, Quinn doesn’t have Grant, Sherman and Sheridan as “grassroots” campaigners.
Those guys could be quite persuasive, in their own way.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Nov 20, 12 @ 7:37 am