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Rauner: Turnaround Agenda would help curb Chicago violence

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Illinois

Gov. Bruce Rauner says passage of his pro-business Turnaround Agenda would help curb violence in Chicago. […]

“There is tragic violence in Chicago,” Rauner said Tuesday during a private interview with Illinois Public Radio. “I’m not going to comment about the mayor’s failures today about these shooting incidents. My personal view is the violence stems primarily from lack of opportunity — the lack of a future that these young people see for themselves, and then they turn to gangs and then they turn to violence.

“And that means schools, that means jobs and that means supporting families,” he added. “We have a tragic loss of two-parent families in so many communities. That’s the core problem.”

No question that economic development would help. But claiming his Turnaround Agenda is the answer is a bit much.

* Meanwhile…

“Sometimes I’m too blunt, too direct, I’d say. I call it like I see it and sometimes that can alienate somebody or a group. Sometimes I’m impatient. Sometimes I’ve just got to be more patient. I’m not that way by nature. I am persistent and that ain’t gonna change but sometimes I’m impatient. I’ve got to learn a little bit more patience.”

Meanwhile the governor says he’s going to stay the course to bring economic and political reforms.

“Every year we’ll introduce reforms. Every year we will never give up on anything we’ve recommended. We may have to delay. Delay is not giving up. Delay is just tactics. We’ve got to keep our eye on the fact that we’re not gonna win every battle. We have to win the long-term struggle to improve the state.”

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 8:52 am

Comments

The Turnaround Agenda will also cure cancer, whiten your whites better, and increase your car’s miles per gallon by 50%! /snark

Comment by Roadypig Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 8:56 am
I didn’t know the ALEC Agenda cured gun violence. Does it also cure cancer? Varicose veins? /s

Comment by Keyrock Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 8:57 am
I was thinking of changing the lyrics of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” but after reading them again, I am convinced it’s about Mike Madigan and Bruce Rauner:

“Total Eclipse Of The Heart”

(Turn around)
Every now and then
I get a little bit lonely
And you’re never coming round

(Turn around)
Every now and then
I get a little bit tired
Of listening to the sound of my tears

(Turn around)
Every now and then
I get a little bit nervous
That the best of all the years have gone by

(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit terrified
And then I see the look in your eyes
(Turn Around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn Around, bright eyes)
Every now and then
I fall apart

Comment by Colin O'Scopey Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 8:58 am
===“Every year we’ll introduce reforms. Every year we will never give up on anything we’ve recommended. We may have to delay. Delay is not giving up. Delay is just tactics. We’ve got to keep our eye on the fact that we’re not gonna win every battle. We have to win the long-term struggle to improve the state.”===

Short term pain for Raunerite long term gains.

If you’re not paying attention…

File under Rauner Indie-Rock?

===“Sometimes I’m too blunt, too direct, I’d say. I call it like I see it and sometimes that can alienate somebody or a group. Sometimes I’m impatient. Sometimes I’ve just got to be more patient. I’m not that way by nature. I am persistent and that ain’t gonna change but sometimes I’m impatient. I’ve got to learn a little bit more patience.”

- Gov. Rauner

“I’m broke but I’m happy
I’m poor but I’m kind
I’m short but I’m healthy, yeah
I’m high but I’m grounded
I’m sane but I’m overwhelmed
I’m lost but I’m hopeful baby
What it all comes down to
Is that everything’s gonna be fine fine fine
’cause I’ve got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five

I feel drunk but I’m sober
I’m young and I’m underpaid
I’m tired but I’m working, yeah
I care but I’m restless
I’m here but I’m really gone
I’m wrong and I’m sorry baby

- Alanis Morrisette

Just sayin’…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 8:59 am
“Delay is just tactics.”- Bruce Rauner

Delay- definition: to use a full veto instead of the AV to delay any work on a budget; to rely on court orders and consent decrees to avoid having to implement a budget; to turn a blind eye to the benefits of federal matches for key social programs; to allow CLWP and other vendors across the state to have to go into debt to support state facilities; to constantly “blame Madigan”

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:00 am
What if I told you about my Turnaround Agenda? Is that something you would be interested in?

Comment by Almost the Weekend Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:00 am
What is the unemployment rate for young African Americans in Chicago? Didn’t we read in a post here a couple years ago it was nearly 91%?

Our previous efforts have failed miserably in this regard. Anything that might help generate economic development in this state and our cities is worth considering. Especially when alternative proposals are lacking.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:00 am
Not sure how an end to gerrymandering would reduce violence, but Obama and Rauner are on the same page about nonpartisan redistricting.

Comment by nona Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:01 am
Does Rauner really think the low wage jobs his agenda would result in are an alternative to the money the gangs bring in from drugs, protection, etc.?

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:01 am
“The large print giveth, and the small print taketh away.”

— Tom Waits, “Step Right Up”

Comment by Sam Weinberg Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:01 am
Rauner should’ve watch Chicago Tonight last night with the presidents of Governors State and NEIU talking about how the budget has drastically affected their state universities.
Love the Tom Waits quote.

Comment by James the Intolerant Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:06 am
Meanwhile, all of this pro business work is closing social services providers, which are, incidentally, businesses. And it is a matter of time before there are deaths. In the east Metro region, seniors are now down to four frozen home delivered meals per week, all delivered at once. The providers can’t afford to deliver any more times per week or make any more meals. Their owners have put up their own savings, mortgages, retirement funds in order to continue to serve. And it still won’t be enough. The seniors don’t all have microwaves and not all of those that do necessarily know/remember how to use them well. And four meals for a week isn’t enough nutrition, even if they can/will nuke them. But somehow, I’m certain, Rauner will say that the Turnaround Agenda is worth it, because it will cure hunger, too. I’m thinking maybe a budget would cure hunger in this case.

Comment by CCP Hostage Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:07 am
Like Rich wrote, he’s right that economic development would help.

HIS JOB though is to SHOW how the TA would lead to the outcome AND convince 60/30 to vote his way.

Without showing any numbers he’s just a talk-radio caller or blog commenter with half formed ideas (not like us).

If only he had a highly paid, hand chosen staff at his disposal to do the research and make the case.

Comment by LizPhairTax Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:10 am
- nona - Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:01 am:

Not sure how an end to gerrymandering would reduce violence, but Obama and Rauner are on the same page about nonpartisan redistricting.

Um, getting rid of useless legislators like Joshn Shimkus, Luis Guitierrez, Bobby Rush and Danny Davis, who provide 0 leadership would be a great thing for communities.

Comment by Tone Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:13 am
- RNUG - Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:01 am:

Does Rauner really think the low wage jobs his agenda would result in are an alternative to the money the gangs bring in from drugs, protection, etc.?

Do you think the no jobs agenda of the last 20 years is better?

Comment by Tone Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:14 am
Illinois has yet to recover 125,000 jobs from the 2000s.

Comment by Tone Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:14 am
Ever the snake oil salesman.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:16 am
So if the Turnaround agenda is passed all I can see is the strongest African American households being financially destroyed by the loss of union wages and benefits. Those Public sector workers form the backbone of financial strength in Black communities. Not only that but with the wages lowered overall because of the TA we can look forward to a decline in African American employment AND if African Americans only earn an average of 64 cents on the dollar, what does Rauner think that is going to do to the black community? Think crime will get worse as economic disparity increases? I do.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:17 am
“I’m not going to comment about the mayor’s failures today about these shooting incidents.”

He just did.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:23 am
Read the fine print. Term limits will apply to gangs. 6 years and you are out. Redistricting will break up the gang territories. Local governments can, if they choose, prohibit gangs from negotiating cash benefits from muggings and drugs. Problem solved. How dense are you?

Comment by Langhorne Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:24 am
Lol. I’m not going to comment on Rauner’s narcissism (so Rich, you can’t delete this).

BTW, reform is defined not just as change, but change for the better. So, governor, if you want to keep describing your agenda as reform, you have to demonstrate that it’s a change for the better. To receive full credit, you need to show your work. Otherwise, please stop misusing the word.

Comment by X-prof Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:26 am
This “stretch” trivializes the issue and is completely insensitive to those victimized.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:31 am
“Hey, know what this City needs? Fewer good union jobs, and more low paying jobs! Yes, that will curb urban violence!”

Hmmn, sorry, but I don’t find that argument persuasive. The things that would reduce crime would be things that cost money — like drug dependence treatment, and more quality vocational programs for either troubled high schools students or drop outs.

Jobs paying $7.50 an hour? No, I’m just not seeing that as a solution.

Comment by Gooner Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:35 am
–My personal view is the violence stems primarily from lack of opportunity…–

You mean like going to college?

Tell us, governor, about your proudest accomplishments in your first year as to access to and support of Illinois community colleges and universities.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:36 am
=Illinois has yet to recover 125,000 jobs from the 2000s.=

Betamax never got a fair shake over VHS.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:36 am
Turn the state around
Waste no time discussin’
Turn the state around
Waste no time discussin’
Do not fear it.
My agenda sure sounds pretty
I’m gonna bring right to work to every city.
Let’s stop the union bosses and Mike Madigan.
Then we can bring the gilded age back again, so
Turn the state around
Waste no time discussin’
Turn the state around
Waste no time discussin’
Do not fear it.
Turn the state around
Waste no time discussin’
Turn the state around
Waste no time discussin’
Do not fear it.
Tax payer don’t you fret ’cause
I know that you want to get your write offs
But you see I’ve made up my mind about it
The Caymans are where you’ll find it, woah woah
‘Cause I’m here to get Springfield shaking
Give state programs a belt tightening with a slash, slash, slash
Makes the Tribune happy they go yeah, yeah, yeah
And when it comes to state worker pensions
I’ll just tell them we can do longer afford them.
Super stars. stars, stars, stars, stars in my cabinet, hey
Turn the state around
Waste no time discussin’
Turn the state around
Waste no time discussin’
Do not fear it.
Turn the state around
Waste no time discussin’
Turn the state around
Waste no time discussin’
Do not fear it.

Comment by Carhartt Representative Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:40 am
Man, even by the low, LOW standard I’ve come to hold Rauner to, this is crass. Yes, rich white man, kids would stop ending up in gangs if only it weren’t so easy for them to join AFSCME. You’re way out of your league Bruce; you’d think after a year of this you’d have at least learned how to keep your mouth shut.

Comment by Nope, Nope, Nope Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:40 am
Why is he underselling the turnaround agenda? It doesnt just curb violence in Chicago; it brings world peace. Cures cancer too. Joe Biden should support it.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:43 am
Pardon, 9:36 was me.

Rich, any sign yet on all those data-driven analytics on the projected economic and fiscal benefits of the governor’s agenda?

He said they’d been done already and he’d send them over. Have you checked your inbox?

Here’s a guy who made a fortune in the private sector, but when asked directly during the campaign to name one company in which he’d “created jobs” could not do so.

Not one. After a lifetime of work. He wasn’t a job-creating kind of capitalist. Quite the opposite.

Yet now, with his limited shared powers in state government, he’s supposedly some economic growth messiah.

It’s nonsense. His agenda is political, not economic. That’s why you’ll never see any real economic justification for it.

Governors can help lay the base for economic development by doing their jobs well. Taking hostages, stiffing Illinois businesses and piling up billions in unpaid bills ain’t the way to do it.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:46 am
If rauner keeps adding items to his TA, it can never be achieved, and there is always an excuse not to do a budget. Radogno was right. This mess is the new normal for the forseeable future.

Comment by Langhorne Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:46 am
She baaacckkk…

Everything you wanted to know about the budget (warning IPI story by Donna Arduin)

https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-budget-from-the-inside-a-conversation-with-state-budget-director-tim-nuding/

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:00 am
After reading all of the above comments, I have to agree. Creating jobs in neighborhoods in Chicago where little or none currently exist is not a viable solution to ending hopelessness and violence.

We should simply outlaw gun ownership again in Chicago and then sit back and continue to watch the bullets fly.

But seriously, the Governor has a point a majority of partisans here refuse to recognize. Economic development leading to a stable job market in areas where neither exists at the moment will certainly help reduce the violence in those areas. Or is the current situation in those neighborhoods the fault of all those Republican Mayors and Alderman who have controlled Chicago government for a century? Oh, wait . . .

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:01 am
There were a lot of lessons learned during the implementation of TANF in the 90s. It takes more than providing a job to help a person succeed. People who have never had much lack money management skills, so run into transportation issues, housing issues, etc. which impact their ability to report to work at an expected level of attendance.

It takes social services to break generational poverty. When Rauner spoke of the compassionate state he wanted to create during the campaign, my hope had been that he would bring business skills to social services to maximize the effectiveness of the services.

Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:02 am
“Gov. Bruce Rauner says passage of his pro-business Turnaround Agenda would help curb violence in Chicago.”

Starting to think there may be something to that “messiah-complex” theory…

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:07 am
Continuing Wordslinger’s theme @9:46, Rauner is often wrongly described as a venture capitalist based on his work in private equity. However, a venture capitalist is someone who makes risky investments in underfunded start-up companies with the hope of occasionally winning a share of profits from “the next big thing”. This form of capitalism can create new jobs or even new industries.

Rauner’s business model is sometimes called vulture capitalism. Vulture might sound like venture, but as WS points out, that form of capitalism has nothing to do with creating new jobs; quite the opposite, in fact. So let’s stop calling Rauner a venture capitalist; it’s a gross distortion.

Comment by X-prof Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:07 am
===But seriously, the Governor has a point a majority of partisans here refuse to recognize. ===

Curious…

===Or is the current situation in those neighborhoods the fault of all those Republican Mayors and Alderman who have controlled Chicago government for a century? Oh, wait . . .===

Then - Louis G Atsaves - goes “partisan”

I know that Raunerites aren’t necessarily Republicans, I get that part, but being a “victim” to the partisans here, then go full-partisan is really comical, given then that Governor’s govern the state, including Chicago, irregardless of who is Mayor or not.

So… Rauner won’t, choosing not to, help Chicago is because of Chicago Democrats.

That’s fun…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:08 am
If the TA is so good, why does the governor need hostages to pass it? If we’re going to create millions of jobs and create an economic boom in Illinois, we would all sign on. And really, does he think we hostages don’t see the future? Even if we did see all the facts that prove the TA has the magic to cure all of Illinois’s ills, you don’t need a crystal ball to see that if hostage taking works once, it’ll be used every year. In fact, the governor says he is going to use this strategy every year. So how does taking hostages benefit the situation? Even if we do exactly what the governor wants us to do, our reward is being taken hostage again next year, regardless or whether we are good little hostages or not.

Comment by CCP Hostage Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:13 am
-Tone-,

Yes jobs are better than no jobs. But the point was that low paying jobs will not be viewed by a number of groups as a viable alternative.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:15 am
===”So… Rauner won’t, choosing not to, help Chicago is because of Chicago Democrats.===”

Willy in his anti-Rauner zeal strikes again. If you finish your own sentence with “due to their failure to enact structural reforms” you will have proven that you actually read all of those interviews the Governor participated in this week.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:20 am
Yes. The Turnaround Agenda will help cure type one diabetes as well, except diabetics will still have to take shots…

Comment by low level Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:22 am
Rauner’s cruelly impotent budgeting process is starving the violence prevention infrastructure in Chicago (and across the state) and actually causing deaths in real life, yet he DARES to blame other people’s values, suggesting that his unrealized fantasies are “the solution.”

If anyone out there still wonders whether or not he and Emanuel share a playbook, the gleeful stacking of black bodies like cordwood to fuel his personal political furnace really does say it all.

Comment by crazybleedingheart Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:22 am
Brucie is like the old fortune cookie trick where one adds “between the sheets” or whathaveyou at the end of your fortune. Only w/ Brucie you just add “with the Turnaround Agenda” at the end of any issue. How does one solve gun violence in Chicago? With the Turnaround Agenda. How do we solve crumbling infrastructure? With the Turnaround Agenda. How do you solve a problem like Maria? With the Turnaround Agenda….

Comment by D.P.Gumby Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:24 am
–But seriously, the Governor has a point a majority of partisans here refuse to recognize. Economic development leading to a stable job market in areas where neither exists at the moment will certainly help reduce the violence in those areas.–

LOL, is that a gag? Who refuses to recognize that?

The governor has made zero case that his political agenda has anything to do with economic development. None.

He has been asked directly to do so, says he has the analytic goods and still, crickets.

Dude, you are just phoning in the nonsense these days.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:26 am
“a point a majority of partisans here refuse to recognize.” I disagree with that contention right off the top. I’m as partisan as anyone and fully agree jobs are the answer. And I’m certain I’m not alone. I also disagree that the TA is the way to create those jobs. And I’m certain I am not alone in that either.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:27 am
===Willy in his anti-Rauner zeal strikes again.===

Making it about me doesn’t make your argument stronger, lol

=== If you finish your own sentence with “due to their failure to enact structural reforms” you will have proven that you actually read all of those interviews the Governor participated in this week.===

Again, Chicago, you are a hostage;

Do reforms, or nothing.

That’s a Rauner choice.

Rauner is choosing NOT to help… unless.

Got it. Rauner can care less if Chicago, CPS, fails.

You can’t have an ultimatum and blame someone else for the choices.

Pathetic.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:34 am
Anon221- Thanks for posting the Darth Arduin piece. Here’s the point I found most interesting.
“The No. 1 issue facing Illinois is our inability to adequately compete with other states for jobs and economic development. That drives everything else, economically and fiscally.”

So is that why DCEO has done literally NOTHING to bring businesses in the state or assist businesses which are struggling in our state. No, all DCEO has done is try to put together a Public Private Partnership which supposedly would magically solve all the states business problems. Point to a single success of DCEO this past year? Go ahead. Sorry, let me rephrase that, a single success that benefits the State of Illinois or it’s citizens. Benefits to corporate profits only count towards those corporations and not towards it’s citizens.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:35 am
““Sometimes I’m too blunt, too direct, I’d say.”

But then, sometimes you claim you don’t have a union agenda and refuse to release a budget plan for the entire campaign.

“Sometimes I’m impatient.”

But then, sometimes you can wait six months on a budget!

Don’t be so hard on yourself, Guv!

Comment by Boss Tweed Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:41 am
“The governor has made zero case that his political agenda has anything to do with economic development. None.”

Until the governor’s office addresses this, any faith in the healing powers of the Turnaround Agenda is literally baseless.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:42 am
Evidently, the man believes his b.s.
Rauner is incredibly out of touch with what drives the world beyond the borders of his nation of billionaires.
Dogma doesn’t persuade, Governor.

Comment by Independent retired lawyer, journalist Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:42 am
Hey look. Many of us don’t know much about how to make serious inroads into the tragic violence occurring in several Chicago neighborhoods — or we would have had some successes already. Cannot blame Rauner for that; but we can criticize him for appearing to lack humility while overselling easy solutions.

We can probably all agree that economic and education improvements will have some positive impact, as will much better policing. The TA is weak sauce in this context, with hard-to-foresee actual impacts on those areas in these locations. Rauner should better realize the immensity of the problems, and stay away from silver bullet thinking.

To lecture from a high horse on the structure of the family, even briefly, never rubs the right way. That talk has got to go.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:43 am
DP Gumby- fortune cookie trick! lol that’s perfect. I’m going to enjoy doing this.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 10:49 am
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit terrified
And then I see the look in your eyes
(Turn Around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn Around, bright eyes)
Every now and then
I fall apart

Turn bright eyes into bright guys and this could be a really cool COWL song at the show!

Comment by sideline watccher Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 11:15 am
==Many of us don’t know much about how to make serious inroads into the tragic violence occurring in several Chicago neighborhoods — or we would have had some successes already. Cannot blame Rauner for that;===

While others of us do know, and have had those successes, and are watching them be dismantled, and have feelings a lot stronger than “blame” for the Gov.

Comment by crazybleedingheart Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 11:28 am
Gosh, I’m still laughing at the “I’m too direct” thing. No budget plan in the campaign, claiming no desire for new union laws, claiming he talked to Madigan and Cullerton on Election Night, the Good Friday cuts, the education funding bill, refusing to name all of the Democrats who “secretly” agree with him, burying some wage-cutting poison pill in every major policy proposal, fighting to keep his calendar from public view…besides anti-union pathology, the one unifying theme of his public life so far is obfuscation.

Comment by Boss Tweed Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 11:28 am
“Turnaround Agenda would help curb violence in Chicago…” Not only would it do that, it would also cure the heartbreak of psoriasis, lower the price of ice cream in Australia, and turn Iran into a democratic, capitalist country! /snark

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 11:29 am
I think it’s cruel and exploitative to tell residents of violence-plagued and poor neighborhoods that union rights need to be curtailed so that jobs come. It’s a bad way of trying to advance the political and economic power of Rauner and Koch brothers.

Why don’t the super-wealthy invest more in these communities without trying to weaken workers’ collective power?

Reading the last quote in this thread, I wish Rauner would get what he can, pass a budget and push for his agenda after that. Illinois wasn’t broken in a day and won’t be fixed in a day. There are elections every two years to try to tilt the political landscape and enact more policies.

It’s a pretty scary prospect for Rauner to dig in and not budge for his entire term.

I have something to say also about Madigan. Is there no urgency in this man? What is he doing to push for a budget? Any policy combo offers to Rauner? There has to be urgency and a will to get things done, instead of what appears to be a political chess match that is harming so many people.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 11:44 am
== Without showing any numbers he’s just a talk-radio caller or blog commenter with half formed ideas (not like us). ==

LOL I resemble that remark.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 11:52 am
Louis, you’ve outdone yourself again. Have you been downtown lately? North Loop or South Loop? West Loop that was skid row for over 100 years now growing like crazy with transplants from the suburbs.

Your buddy Donald Trump even built one of tallest buldings in the US there.

Clearly, Chicago Democrats have been doing something right.

Comment by low level Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 11:53 am
Do you believe in miracles?

St Bruce does.

+1 @walker and @LizPhairTax

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 11:56 am
-Grandson of Man-,

The way I read it from their public actions, MJM thinks Rauner reneged / double-crossed him early on, so for mostly worse, MJM has no problem watching Rauner flounder. He’s not going to take any action, like a tax increase, that will endanger his party without major concessions from the Gov. Not the best way to run a railroad, but that is where we are right now.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 12:21 pm
@Louis G

Yes, economic development and opportunity must play a big part in revitalizing these communities and I doubt many would disagree with that. But Rauner’s claim that the Turnaround Agenda is the key to doing that is dubious at best.

Comment by Ferris Wheel Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 12:53 pm
Don’t you let nobody turn you’ round
Turn you round, Turn you round
Don’t you let that sinner man turn you ‘round
We’re gonna keep on waiting, keep on waiting
Waiting ‘til 2018.

African Americans waited 100 years after the 13th and 14th Amendments were enacted before civil rights legislation that made the rights conferred by those amendments enforceable was passed. Women of all races waited until 1916 before winning the right to vote.

And we’re worried about not having a budget! People who are accustomed to their privileges are not used to waiting for anything. So they insist on a budget. But what are they going to do about it?

When the man is in power and is determined to keep you down and to extract pain in order to get you to do something you don’t want to do, the only practical solution is to maintain patience, optimism and wait for the opportunity to remove him.

Comment by James Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 1:14 pm
Unfair to Local 12 -
Villains, Thieves and Scoundrels Union

- Boris Badenov

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 1:19 pm
==What is the unemployment rate for young African Americans in Chicago?==

The Chicago Urban League says it is 91 percent for Chicago black male teens.

They do not show the percent including females, but that may bring it down some.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 1:26 pm
Does the villains, thieves and scoundrels union local 12 allow rascals to apply for membership?

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 1:31 pm
CrazyBleedingHeart 11:28: point well made

Comment by walker Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 2:14 pm
Huh?-

Remember, they have to be persistent rascals to be fully invested.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 2:32 pm
To Summarize:

AFSCME causes gangs.

Either that, or Honeybear is right.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 3:05 pm
nona@ 9.01: Rauner wants no gerrymandering in Illinois; Obama wants it nation wide. There is a world of difference. As others have commented, “not until Texas does!”.

Comment by JackD Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 3:06 pm
The irony is that Rauner is essentially making the case for the Neighborhood Recovery Initiative.

And those suggesting that the situation is hopeless are wrong. There are evidence-based programs for reducing violence.

Governor Rauner has slashed funding for almost all of them I believe.

Ask Emily Miller.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 3:57 pm
“Not until Texas does”….

And North Carolina, Ohio especially, Alabama, Georgia, and many Republican red states that gave new meaning to the term “partisan gerrymander”.

Comment by low level Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 5:15 pm
Too bad we don’t see more of this Rauner, from an article on GE Healthcare headquarters moving to Chicago:

“The relocation of GE Healthcare’s global headquarters to Chicago is a tremendous win for the state of Illinois. GE Healthcare will help grow the economy in Illinois by investing in our communities and building Chicago’s reputation as a global business hub. GE Healthcare joins a preeminent life sciences industry in Illinois and I am happy to welcome them to their new home,” Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner said.

Rauner is talkin’ up Illinois here, instead of dissing the state as terrible for business. More like this, please.

Here is the article:

http://fox6now.com/2016/01/11/ge-healthcare-headquarters-to-be-relocated-from-united-kingdom-to-chicago/

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 5:33 pm