Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: “We call it theft”
Next Post: Poll: Mark Kirk an unknown Senator
Posted in:
* Illinois became a state on this very day in 1818.
* The Question: Your 195th birthday wishes?
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:23 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: “We call it theft”
Next Post: Poll: Mark Kirk an unknown Senator
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
After 195 years, do you think you could get your house in order?
Comment by Kakistocracy Kid Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:27 am
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:29 am
Go home, Illinois. You’re drunk.
Comment by Empty Chair Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:31 am
If you had it to do over would you have had your Capital in Springfield?
Comment by Mokenavince Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:31 am
Move the capitol back to Kaskaskia. This bizarre state should have it’s capitol in that bizarre Illinois town. You can’t get to sanity or Kaskaskia from Illinois.
Comment by dupage dan Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:31 am
Amid the broad green fields that nourish our land,
For honest Labor and for Learning we stand,
And unto thee we pledge our heart and hand,
Dear Alma Mater, Illinois.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:33 am
You don’t look a day over 180 years. Many happy returns!
Comment by Linus Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:33 am
I wish others would stop comparing you to Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa,… any state.
Illinois is unique. Illinois is special.
Illinois is the 5th largest state population-wise, hosting the 3rd largest city in America, all the while being a giant in Agriculture. Your beauty is boundless, from the glass and concrete from Mighty Chicago, and from the greens and reds and oranges found all along the Mighty rivers that border you, and the Magnificent natural seetings found in your borders.
No state can compare, especially those states who can only pretend to be a major transportation hub, while your airports and trains hold the pulse of America.
No state, no state can compare to having Lincoln, and while Kentucky and Indiana try to steal your thunder, Lincoln’s heart was Illinois, and the United States is far greater with Lincoln’s Illinois common sense when a divided country need it most.
I wish Illinois a very happy birthday, and I wish those ignorant to what makes you different learn… those diffferences are indeed what makes you great.
A terrible injustice is to even speak of these other … states … as they can not hold a candle to your greatness.
“Eighteen-eighteen saw your founding, Illinois, Illinois,
And your progress is unbounding, Illinois, Illinois,
Pioneers once cleared the lands, Where great industries now stand.
World renown you do command, Illinois, Illinois,
World renown you do command, Illinois.”
Still true. Happy Birthday.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:36 am
You don’t look a day over 150.
Comment by Name Withheld Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:36 am
Might I be so bold as to suggest an amendment to today’s question of the day. If Illinois was going to invite 10 people to its 195th birthday, who would be in attendance? Not intending to hijack the post, but it could be interesting….
In regards to birthday wishes…
May your rivers run forever, may your skylines stand strong against the wind. May your governors stay out of prison, and your pension problem come to an end! Happy Birthday Illinois
Comment by John A Logan Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:38 am
Well stated, as usual, Oswego Willy!
Comment by Sarge Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:39 am
That it’s general assembly keeps its vow to uphold the Illinois constitution. ALL of it.
Comment by Roadiepig Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:39 am
Fair pension reform, closing the structural revenue gap with as little harm as possible to the poor and middle class and resurgence of the middle class.
“I wish others would stop comparing you to Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa”
We beat those states in per capita income, but do we rub it in their faces? Nope.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:40 am
Happy Birthday….our life as a state is by no means perfect but we have an amazing story of sacrifice, determination and innovation as we continue the quest of our founders to form a more perfect union. I for one will always be proud to be an Illinoisan and love that my home state is amazingly diverse in its people, geography and culture.
Comment by Prairiestatedem Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:44 am
(tips cap to - Sarge -)
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:45 am
Clear waters and filled coffers.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:49 am
happy birthday, miss illinois. i am sure everyone has forgotten that little kerfuffle about our statehood papers (petition). livestock are like family, so why wouldnt they be counted in the census?
Comment by langhorne Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:52 am
Get back to sharing Lincolns and Reagans with the world instead of Blagojevichs, Strogers and Quinns.
You did for the first 170 years or so, you can do it again.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 11:55 am
After 195 years, it’s safe to assume the state can survive just about anything it’s legislature does to it. Happy Birthday Land of Lincoln.
Comment by A guy... Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:00 pm
Illinois why did you go and do a stupid thing like include Chicago in this state?
Comment by concern1 Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:01 pm
Comity. That’s it. Just one thing.
Comment by Toure's Latte Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:02 pm
Happy Birthday Illinois! You are on wild and crazy guy/gal….government entity!
Comment by anonymouse Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:06 pm
With a 3% compounded COLA for 195 years, Illinois could retire…BUT NOOOO!!!
Comment by D.P.Gumby Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:07 pm
5 more years…
Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:10 pm
My 195th birthdy wish for Illinois is for
a fair and progressive state income tax.
Comment by Ruby Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:12 pm
Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
Here’s wishing that Illinois finds out sooner rather than later.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:14 pm
some thoughts. Illinois entered the union as a free state. Two years later the nation banned the importation of slaves. 40 years later Illinois resident Abraham Lincoln went to the White House and was propelled there by an abolitionist movement. Despite knowing that doing so would galvanize the confederacy, Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation and paved the way for the formal end of slavery in the United States. Illinois has always been on the right and just side of civil rights (just as most people in the united states were from the beginning and always have been). My wish is for Illinois to continue the tradition of supporting those who need support and setting a positive example.
Comment by Fred Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:16 pm
Ok I’m ready for the history lesson on why the state seal says August 26, 1818.
Comment by hold on Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:19 pm
Trivia note: Illinois actually shares its birthday with Mary Todd Lincoln, born 12/3/1818 in Lexington, Ky.
Like Illinois itself, its most famous First Lady often gets a bad rap for being crazy (and she did have her issues) while her good qualities — such as her keen knowledge of politics and her ability to discern Abe’s potential when hardly anyone else did — are often overlooked. There was a reason that Abe said, on the night he was elected president, “Mary, WE are elected!” — because in some ways, he couldn’t have done it without her. So, happy 195th birthday to both!
Comment by Secret Square Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:25 pm
“The date August 26, 1818, when Illinois’s first constitution was adopted in Kaskaskia”
The Feds said, “Ok, cool, you’re a state”. so, …
“On his day, December 3rd, 1818, The United States admitted ‘The Prairie State’ as its 21st state.”
So, kinda like a “Pledge” in a fraternity(?)
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:25 pm
Happy Birthday Illinois - my wish for you is cleaner air and water.
Comment by Siriusly Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:25 pm
I would love to retire in the state of my birth, but alas, your politicians from Chicago have ruined this once-great state. I will have to grow old and senile somewhere else.
Comment by countyline Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:28 pm
===I will have to grow old and senile somewhere else.===
Sounds to me like your senility is doing just fine.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:30 pm
We need more taverns!
Comment by foster brooks Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:31 pm
- Countyline -,
Without Chicago, Illinois would not be complete, Chicago, without Illinois, Chicago would not be whole.
Maybe my 1st Post directed towards those who might think as you do … maybe.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:32 pm
I was waiting for an even dumber comment about how Illinois couldn’t't survive without Chicago.
Comment by countyline Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:33 pm
Happy Birthday Big Guy!
Cleaner air, cleaner politics, and lots more job that pay substantial wages.
Comment by Belle Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:35 pm
A toast on your 195th Birthday!!
As I travel to Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin, I am tired of seeing all those Illinois license plates in their parking lots or the bus loads who leave downtown Chicago to spend their monies in other states. These people have been bussed to New Buffalo, Michigan where they are getting their jr. suites comped, free buffets, etc.
It’s time, Illinois to expand gaming here.
It’s time, Illinois to get serious about investing in our infrastructure system.
Comment by Dark Side of the Moon Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:36 pm
- Countyline -,
Drive-by Paost about Chicago are a bit lazy.
Claiming Chicago makes you a “victim” is just comical.
Wish you the best when you get to leave(?)
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 12:51 pm
Enough cake for everybody.
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 1:06 pm
Stay thirsty my Illinois!
Comment by One to the Dome Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 1:21 pm
That they hurry and build the Berlin, uh - I mean the Rahm wall across I-80 and leave us south of the wall alone.
Comment by Jechislo Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 2:36 pm
MrJM Took my idea, except I was going to suggest donuts (made in Illinois of course) instead of cake.
Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 2:50 pm
A lifetime endowment for repairs and maintenance of the governor’s mansion from Illinois’ beloved Uncle Bruce.
Comment by Cheswick Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 3:01 pm
- Jechislo -,
Nothing like using a “wall” analogy on a day we are celebriating the state’s birthday!
Nice drive-by. You do know there are areas, like even Oswego, that are north of I-80 and not Chicago, right?
Way to be celebratory.
Dope.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 3:03 pm
Here’s hoping you’re never annexed by Indiana or Wisconsin.
Comment by Dinosaur Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 3:08 pm
Jechislo,
Fine, leave. You ain’t gonna get any of the taxes that Chicago funnels “south”. You think you have it bad now……
Comment by dupage dan Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 3:11 pm
In many ways the most diverse and vibrant state in America. Keep it flowing.
Comment by walkinfool Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 3:15 pm
Have a cup of tea, Dear, and remember that those who lack drama in their lives strive to invent it. Celebrate today and then back to kicking bums in the morning.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 3:22 pm
Move the Capitol to Chicago
Comment by Biker Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 4:03 pm
” Your 195th birthday wishes? ”
a gift of $100 billion from the feds in consideration for providin two Presidents
Comment by ejhickey Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 4:10 pm
Bye, Bye constitution. You will be missed.
Comment by RetiredStateEmployee Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 6:51 pm
Cognizant as we are of so many of your strengths AND shortcomings, You are still our own, our Dearly Beloved Home State, the place we call Illinois, (the GREATEST State in the Union!), and so this Birthday my wish and prayer for our Home is that the Good Lord bless you, keep you, look kindly upon you, give you His Peace, and let His Face shine upon you for many, many more…!!!
Comment by Just The Way It Is One Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 6:54 pm
Capitol Fax had better read a copy of the State Seal, which clearly Says (August) not December 1818.
In other words Pick one, you can’t have both!
Comment by Lincoln16 Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 7:27 pm
- Lincoln16 - Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 7:27 pm:
Capitol Fax had better read a copy of the State Seal, which clearly Says (August) not December 1818.
In other words Pick one, you can’t have both!
August 1818 was the date of our Constitution (you know, the one that was violated today with the pension “theft” action).
How sad is that for a celebration by the Leaders.
Comment by OLD BRASS Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 9:28 pm
My birthday wish for Illinois is that Rod Blagojevich, way out in Colorado, will stand in the middle of the prison yard and recite British poetry from memory.
Comment by Steve Downstate Tuesday, Dec 3, 13 @ 10:48 pm
To become the least corrupt state in the nation!
Comment by 3rd Generation Chicago Native Wednesday, Dec 4, 13 @ 4:04 pm