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Apparently, Illinois can’t get its act together on the upcoming Lincoln bicentennial…

So perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that Kentucky is ahead of Illinois and Indiana - the other two states that lay claim to Lincoln - in funding and in planning for events surrounding Lincoln’s 200th birthday in 2009.

The Kentucky General Assembly already has approved $6 million for that state’s Lincoln bicentennial festivities, and planners will ask for another $4 million for 2008 and 2009.

The Indiana Lincoln Bicentennial Commission received word just this past week that the state legislature approved $1.4 million over two years for its Lincoln commemorations.

Meanwhile, Illinois has allocated merely $500,000 so far. Gov. Rod Blagojevich has proposed another $500,000 for fiscal 2008. […]

As so much attention is being focused on Lincoln, Lincoln sites in Illinois have less funding and fewer programs than they did five years ago, Brauer said.

Question: What Lincoln celebrations would you like to see here in Illinois? Snark heavily encouraged.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, May 7, 07 @ 9:23 am

Comments

I would like to see Blago grow a beard and wear a top hat for all public appearances.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, May 7, 07 @ 9:45 am
HONEST Illinois politicians !

Comment by Willie Stark Monday, May 7, 07 @ 9:49 am
a re-enactment of the burning of atlanta. perhaps trent lott or tom delay could come up and “march to the great lake.”

it’s important to remember the absolute brutality with which lincoln waged war…

Comment by bored now Monday, May 7, 07 @ 9:50 am
I heard that all of the money allocated so far will be spent on large signs around the state that say: “Illinois Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration - Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor”

Comment by grand old partisan Monday, May 7, 07 @ 9:55 am
Maybe we can send lobbod to KY and IN and get their dough for IL! or for some worthy computer consultant

Comment by GettingJonesed Monday, May 7, 07 @ 10:20 am
Four words: Top Hat Beer Chug

Comment by Guy Montag Monday, May 7, 07 @ 10:59 am
A motto for the “celebrations”: Illinois - Where Honest Abe is rolling in his grave because of corrupt politicians.

Here is an event that would be interesting to see - politicians hooked up to a lie detector and asked to tell the truth.

Comment by Huh? Monday, May 7, 07 @ 11:01 am
With Lincoln sites not making the seven wonders of Illinois Blago thinks heck with 200th Lincoln birthday and spend the money on the 100th year since the Cubs won the World Series. At least Joe Handley would be happy.

Comment by what Monday, May 7, 07 @ 11:45 am
The Stovepipe Hat Celebration/ Competition would urge competitors to use a stovepipe hat to create heat for their homes. It could be a kickoff to the celebrations in February. It would coincide with people who have run through their yearly budget to heat their homes.

Comment by rachel Monday, May 7, 07 @ 11:46 am
Since we don’t fund public education properly anyway…..

Let’s celebrate with a Lincoln “Back to Basics!” Education Movement.

Close all the schools. Instead — let children fend for themselves and learn how to read and write by (a) scrawling with charcoal on (b) the backs of wooden shovels by (c) firelight.

If it was good enough for Lincoln as a lad circa 1820 — hey, it’s good enough for all of Illinois today!

(And think of all the money we’ll be able to plow into pensions instead!)

Comment by Dooley Dudright Monday, May 7, 07 @ 12:20 pm
We could also have a Civil War Re-Enactment…..North of I-80 vs South of I-80.

Comment by rachel Monday, May 7, 07 @ 12:21 pm
How about a Lincoln/Blago debate about honest politics (oops, those two words should never be used in the same sentence).

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, May 7, 07 @ 1:20 pm
rachel said: We could also have a Civil War Re-Enactmentâ€¦..North of I-80 vs South of I-80.

with political consultants as the generals?

Comment by bored now Monday, May 7, 07 @ 1:24 pm
National Review has a post on the Lincoln Bicentenniel Commission last fall. The national group has its problems. Here is my take:

http://marathonpundit.blogspot.com/2006_11_01_archive.html#116338745011742605

Comment by John Ruberry Monday, May 7, 07 @ 1:42 pm
Lets see Blago does do anything to take care of the debt. Does not seen to want to do anything to help illinois citizens with the high cost of Gasoline and power bills. But takes care of Senate President Jones. Has really done anything for downstate since he has been elected.
Why should he want to do anything for Lincoln’s 200th birthday since he mess up so bad at the openning of the library making even W. look good.

Comment by decaturboy Monday, May 7, 07 @ 2:02 pm
Revive Lincoln Fest

Comment by ekim Monday, May 7, 07 @ 2:19 pm
A log splitting contest with the Gov, MJM, and Emil as the prime contestants. They stay together as a tag team to take on Martire, Watson and an angry, surprise partner (with a high Ameren bill, of course) in a No Chance in Hell, WWE/ECW style hardcore, “wrastlin’” cage match. Forby can ref. Just like 1835.

Comment by zatoichi Monday, May 7, 07 @ 2:20 pm
I have a few ideas…

An anamatronic display at the old state capitol where convicted lawmakers share their excuses.

Comment by OneManBlog Monday, May 7, 07 @ 2:22 pm
Disregard my first post. Lincoln will be old news in 2009.

Obama will be in his second year as President, Blago - Secretary of State,
Lisa Madigan - Attorney General
Todd Stroger - Surgeon General
Emil Jones - Secretary of Energy
Tony Rezko - Ambassador to Syria

With most of Illinois’ important people and great minds in Washington changing the world, it would seem silly to be living in the past.

Lincoln Shminkin. Obama Fest and Olympic Fest in 2009.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, May 7, 07 @ 2:52 pm
Oops, I forgot to add that Rezko could be up for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, his track record is impeccable.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, May 7, 07 @ 2:55 pm
One of those mass nakedness Spencer Tunick photo shoot things, like they just had in Mexico City. Very frugal. Even better, if the State can eventually come up with funding for some authentic Lincoln flavor, have everyone wear a stovepipe hat.

Comment by Ivory-billed Woodpecker Monday, May 7, 07 @ 3:49 pm
A Lincoln look-alike teaching political honesty classes to Governor whatshisname and Senate President Smith, no no that’s not right, Jones. That’s the ticket!

Comment by The Federalist Monday, May 7, 07 @ 4:38 pm