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As mentioned below, Sun-Times columnist Leslie Baldacci has asked for an intervention by Dr. Phil to help mediate the bizarre Statehouse war.

Question: Who would be your choice to step in and straighten everyone out? Why?

Bonus question: What solution(s) would you suggest?

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:17 am

Comments

Moe, Larry, and Curly. And the frying pan !
Wouldn’t accomplish much, but fun to watch.

Comment by shermans ghost Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:21 am
The mediators should be both U.S. Senators — Durbin and Obama — and the Illinois AFL-CIO leadership. All should take a leave from their jobs to work this out immediately before the entire Democratic Party of Illinois begins to wither under the heat of this ongoing conflict.

Comment by There you go again Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:22 am
Paul Vallas

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:23 am
get Oprah…she is a state taxpayer…this would make a great Oprah episode!

Comment by kjs Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:23 am
Tony Soprano…his “sit downs” get somewhere!

Comment by Bada Bing Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:35 am
I don’t know but I’m not sure I’d want them all getting along.

With the Illinois Republican Party reduced to spectator-only status, a Democratic party marching
together means a massive picking of my pocket to
fund huge increases in government patronage, contracts for contributors, corruption (even more corruption, that is), and nobody to call them on it but the feds, who will be working under a Dem Prez (Hillary) in a few months.

Comment by Cassandra Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:37 am
Jimmy Carter would be my pick.

Jones has to make his word again or be outed. The Gov is too unwilling to compromise or have meaningful discussions, so he needs to be rendered meaningless. The Senate needs to rebel against Jones, and the general Assembly then proceed as needed.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:39 am
Anyone skilled in facilitating consensus based decision making sessions would do. The solution is to move away from such a bitter, confrontational, and competitive decision making process and toward a more collaborative, consensus based system which seeks to include multiple viewpoints and mitigate the concerns of the various minorities.

Comment by Squideshi Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:40 am
Torqumada

None of the leaders respond to civilized prodding, only the knout will do.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:43 am
Gen. George Patton.

He would cut through all this grandstanding and get some things done, all the while fostering pride in being an Illinoisan and an American.

Comment by Fan of the Game Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:43 am
Jerry Springer

Comment by City Voter Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:47 am
Pat Quinn with a recall amendment! Remember that one? Jimmy Carter’s credibility is gone. It is amazing how one can go from being viewed as one of the best ex-presidents to a loon in about two years time.

Comment by Niles Township Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:48 am
Rowdy Roddy Piper in “They Live” (1998)(esp. the bank robbery scene… “I’ve come to chew bubble gum and kick [legislation] … and I’m all out of bubble gum.”)

Comment by Muskrat Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:49 am
No one individual or group can bring these factions together.

Blago has to realize that the legislature is an equal branch of government.Just because Blago doesn’t get his way is no reason to make it personal.

Jones doesnt know the meaning of keeping his word. For years he has been jealous of the high regard people have for Madigan, resulting in Jones double cross.

I have posed this question before and will do so again: If Edgar, Thompson, or George Ryan were Governor, and Madigan was Speaker would this problem exist today?

If the answer is no then one must conclude that Blago is at fault. Madigan in his role as Speaker has always been able to compromise with Republican Governors and if Blago was at all reasonable , none of this would have happen.

As far as Jones is concerned he will never have the intellect or moxie of the Speaker.

Blago and Jones are second stringers and should be sent to the bench.

Comment by MOON Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:55 am
Thinking about this, I do have something else to say… Part of the problem is that we have elected officials who decide matters on the basis of quid pro quo, rather than the individual merits of a proposal.

For example, after Blagojevich’s re-election, we spoke with one of his senior advisers, suggesting that now that the Green Party is established statewide in Illinois, he should come out strongly in support of Instant Runoff Voting, which, without either side compromising on any of its positions, would benefit both parties. He actually took the suggestion to Blagojevich, but the Governor merely indicated that Greens would “make significant progress” on this issue if they came out in support of his healthcare plan.

In other words, Blagojevich couldn’t support something that was a good idea in and of itself and that would have been a win win solution for both sides, without getting something in return.

Not only that; but from this exchange, it became obvious that the Democratic leadership is fundamentally clueless as to how the Green Party is organized, operates, and makes decisions. Unlike their party, we have no bosses that dictate policy–we are designed to be decentralized and bottom-up, with all decisions bubbling up; so there is no one person that can simply agree to “support” the Governor’s healthcare plan, even if we wanted to do that. The party’s position is what it is because that is what the members believe.

So, to wrap this all up, I suggest that not only is a more collaborative decision making process necessary, as the Green Party promotes, but we also need to elect officials who are willing to make decisions on merit, rather than quid pro quo.

To quote the national Green Party platform, “Political debate, public policy, and legislation should be judged on their merits, not on the quid pro quo of political barter and money.”

Comment by Squideshi Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:56 am
God, because He has the power of lightning bolts.

Comment by DeepFriedOnAStick Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:56 am
TV’s Judge Judy.

She can take charge and shut people up with a simple look, and her zero-tolerance policy on bull - coupled with her iron-fisted delivery - suggests she’d reach a sensible resolution with or without the “input” of the big three.

Comment by This Guy Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:58 am
Dr. Phil and Oprah,
If that dosen’t work, impeachment for all.

Comment by Good Citizens Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:06 am
Super Nanny.

Comment by Youngster Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:08 am
Arnold- The Governator!!

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:11 am
A couple of suggestions -
Pat Fitzgerald. Perhaps he can indict the gov and force him to step down
Gandalf - He can be very influential
Obi Wan Kenobi - that Jedi Mind Trick would be useful for making Blago sign bills.

Comment by jerry 101 Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:21 am
This easiest course of action is for people to listen to Madigan. He makes the most sense.

Comment by Reddbyrd Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:33 am
Me

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:34 am
Pee-wee Herman…think about it for a moment.

Comment by Prairie guy Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:37 am
Jack Bauer

Comment by General Assembly Watcher Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:37 am
Perhaps some combination of Yuri Gellar and Criss Angel. . . or Ditka.

Comment by Jake From Elwood Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:42 am
How about a round 1 smackdown of all three by Judge Judy, round 2 with Judge Joe Brown, and a final round 3, which I’d pay good money to see, with Dr. Phil.

Comment by Just My Opinion Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:43 am
Points subtracted for DeepFriedOnAStick’s score because he is involving God in state matters, and if we let him get away with this, the next thing you know, we will be worshiping our leaders as gods.

For shame, DeepFriedOnAStick!

Comment by Leroy Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:45 am
Bill Clinton

Comment by JolietJewel Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:45 am
The Voters - While the failed experiment of complete Democrat governing is “fresh” in their minds. No rush though as improvement doesn’t appear likely.

Comment by A Citizen Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:49 am
Hillary Clinton. She has the experience necessary for change.

Comment by Shikago Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:55 am
I was only kidding when I wrote this back in July!

“In a posh Loop office:

“Hello gentlemen! Come right on in, and take a seat. We’ve made special arrangements to clear our appointment books and get right to work. I hear we have a deadline for next week, so we have a lot of work to do.” “The deadline’s passed already? OH – the next deadline. If it is a deadline?” “I’m not following this line of thinking – but hey! – that’s why we’re here, right?”

“You can see I arranged the chairs around what I like to call our campfire table. So sit right down and let’s start discussing why you are here.” “Would you like to take a seat? No? You’d rather stand? Well, we don’t normally do that, we’d like for you to, you know get comfortable…you’re comfortable standing? Oh, OK – then.”
“First, I’d like for everyone to take an alias. That makes most folks comfortable and can sometimes helps me help you by revealing a little bit about yourself.”

“I’ll start. My name will be Dr. VanillaMan. I am a licensed family counselor and don’t normally work with government officials normally, but understand we have a state crisis that requires my services. So, I’m raring to go!” “And you sir, what alias would you like to use?” “Santo? Ron Santo? – you must be a big Cubs fan!…you are!…Elvis? You rather be called Elvis? Like Elvis Presley?” “And how about you, sir?” “Moneybags?…Oookay.”

“ And last but not least – would you like to sit down with us? Not yet? OK. What would you like for your alias? Well, we always do that – you rather not? OK – Michael.” “Hey Michael, would you like to join Elvis and Moneybags right here by our campfire table to get started?” “You want the curtains closed? - Sure, we can do that. Well, Elvis – Michael would like the curtains closed – do I have a mirror?” “Ah – no.” “Michael, can you help me out by joining us? – OK you can stand right there.”

“Now, I understand that the relationship we need to see working here isn’t. BUT - that’s OK because every relationship has rough patches.” “Hot dogs for our campfire? – What? Ah sure, Elvis, we can pretend we have hot dogs and we are roasting them as we talk.” “Mustard? – SURE, we can pretend we have mustard for our – imaginary hot dogs…right… just like at a Cubs game.”

“Now, Moneybags where would you see our problem?” “I’m…I’m not surprised – every relationship gets rocky when it comes to money. You need more money…I see Elvis nodding his head…uh, Michael, we try not to do any eye-rolling when someone else is talking…HOW MUCH? SEVEN BILLION? DOLLARS?” “Now…now! GENTLEMEN! One at a time!!”

“GENTLEMEN! I see we’ll have to…Michael, would you like to sit down at our campfire table? – No?” “Now, gentlemen listen up! We have an important rule I’ll need to enforce here, it is for everyone’s good…rule number ONE – no foul language…yes, REALLY!“ “We can’t heal our relationship when one of us is using foul language, as it poisons our campfire table conversations…”

“YES, Michael. Calling Elvis that would break our first rule.” “YES - that word would also qualify…would you like to join us at our campfire table?” “You keep breaking our first rule, Michael! OK –STAND!”

“Now - RULE number two – no name calling…that is why we use aliases.” “What’s that Elvis, you want to change your alias? Let’s just stick with our original aliases, OK?” “No, yes, I know Santo was your original alias, but in your case, we’ll stick with Elvis - for now, OK?” “Yeah, keep roasting your hot dog…”

“Alrightee then, Elvis, you and Moneybags sees our state budget needing seven billion dollars more than Michael, and Michael you see…” “Listen Michael, you keep breaking rule number one - now - LISTEN THAT’S breaking rule number TWO…Michael, we can’t resolve our little conflicts here if you won’t sit at our campfire table with Elvis and Moneybags and keep breaking our rules!”
“HUH? – Your hot dog’s done? – listen Elvis, while I admire your creativity…MICHAEL, no one wants to hear where Elvis should put his hot dog – HUH? Moneybags, there is no hot dog to buy, Elvis is just pretending for our campfire table…Sold?” “Did I just see Moneybags buy an imaginary hot dog from Elvis?”

“Hello Carol? We’re going to need more coffee in here…Elvis? He wants a diet Coke – No Michael, we don’t have anything stronger…” “Uh, Carol – we’re going to need lunches too.” “What’s that? No, tell the Republicans that can’t join us.”

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:56 am
Let them fight!!! Blago won’t be able to “help” the 1.4 million uninsured in Illinois. It’s too bad that there isn’t a true opposition in the state though.

Comment by Levois Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:57 am
Levois wrote, “Let them fight!!!”

You mean like a cage match to the death, or what?

When you wrote that, I couldn’t help but think of Tina Turner in Max Mad. I guess in this case, the rallying cry would be, “Three men enter, one man leaves!”

Comment by Squideshi Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 12:06 pm
Donald Trump - You’re ALL fired!

Comment by Herself Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 12:15 pm
The man who should have been Governor in the first place: Jim Ryan.

Comment by Blue Book Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 12:19 pm
1) Jerry Springer 1st pick

2) Michael Vick with Jones and Blagojevich wearing Snoopy costumes?

3) Richard Simmons: he would be louder than the Governor and would be fun to watch

4) Patrick Fitzgerald: no room for schoolyard bullying when REAL testosterone appears. And he may find some additional stuff that he can use for his regular day job.

Comment by North of I-80 Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 12:25 pm
Patrick Fitzgerald

Comment by S. Illinois Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 12:25 pm
Bill Maher. New rules!

Comment by anon Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 12:39 pm
George Ryan. Say what you want but he sure knew how to get the General Assembly (and, with the exception of Gov. Elvis), the party leaders, on the same page.

Comment by luca brazzi Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 12:39 pm
Send in all of their mothers. I am sure they would not be happy they way their children play with others. This sand box is too expensive to be behaving like 3 year olds

Comment by The Federalist Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 12:40 pm
Mr. T, because he’d cut out all the jibber-jabber.

Comment by Kiyoshi Martinez Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 12:40 pm
Warden Martin from “Cool Hand Luke”

“What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate”

Maybe the Warden could put all of them in the hot box for a week or two.

Comment by Trafficmatt Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 12:42 pm
Mills Lane, the referee from Celebrity Deathmatch and People’s Court…

“Let’s get it ON!!!”

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 12:49 pm
A lobotomist who is willing to work on a “buy one, get one free” concept…

Comment by Ilrino Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 12:53 pm
Part of me wants to say “Stewart Smalley,” just to be funny.

Unfortunately, I cannot thank of anyone who could realistically overcome those oversized egos. It seems that Blago is the biggest problem, the others have been able to get along in the past. Who would Blago listen to?

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 12:57 pm
God. I agree with DeepFriedOnAStick(DFOAS). And yes, for starters She can zap them off their horses to get their attention and show them who’s in charge, same as She did with St. Paul. Those three guys won’t work it out for any mere mortals.

And Leroy, your reasoning is faulty. All DFOAS is suggesting is that God could do this. God will decide whether or not to help, and you and I know that there are at least two of us who won’t be worshipping any of those three guys.

Comment by been there Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 1:03 pm
Aunty Entity.

Bust the deal spin the wheel.

Comment by ahoy! Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 1:03 pm
Trafficmat - you have the winner.

Comment by S. Illinois Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 1:04 pm
The voters.

Comment by anon Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 1:05 pm
WWF legend “Mean” Gene Okerland… He’s stepped in between some of the best. I’m sure he can mediate our little spat here.

Comment by HelpMeUnderstand Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 1:09 pm
I’m not suggesting our state leaders are on par with, or superior to, God. Quite the contrary.

I am saying that God, with His power of lightning bolts, can whip these characters into shape. If it takes lightning bolts to get them past their egos, then God is just the Man for the job.

Do you know anybody else with the power of lightning bolts? If so, bring ‘em on!

Comment by DeepFriedOnAStick Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 1:29 pm
Jeff Probst.

And at the end of Tribal Council, they’d have to vote one off.

Comment by God's Country Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 1:36 pm
New Press Release from the Gov:

“Let them Eat cake.”

Comment by Ghost Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 1:55 pm
Dog the Bounty Hunter.

The Governor wins by receiving national coverage — while the taxpayers win by removing the obstacle to compromise and rational thought.

Comment by anon Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 1:57 pm
All kidding aside, I think Emil Jones has a chance to come out as the guy who brings the two warring parties together - if he wants to. However, he appears to be more interested in demanding “respect” than in solving problems.

He is probably the only person or group (aside from the Blago inner circle - is there one?) who can get the Governor to listen to him.

No end in sight.

Comment by Goodbye Napoleon Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 1:57 pm
The Gov. If everyone would do things his way, like they are supposed to, there would be no problem.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 1:58 pm
Again, it should be Durbin, Obama and the IL AFL-CIO leadership. It’s time for them to use some of their “political capital” and skills for the good of the entire party. This sort of sitting on the sidelines, avoiding Springfield like the plague, isn’t leadership. Leadership is standing up at the plate.

Comment by There you go again Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 2:16 pm
Jack Kevorkian

Comment by Anon too Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 2:26 pm
I would hope the voters will resolve this conflict with EVERYONE involved next election. These ‘leaders’ need to get this resolved asap. Many people will be impacted - some will lose their jobs as a result of the cuts. Others may lose their homes due to these property taxes and tax increases. Probably most people reading this blog are not going to be effected this way - but so many others will. Although, the capital bill is not perfect - its too late to make changes - we are at the end of the road. These guys need to work around the clock and get something done. If nothing happens soon, peoples lives will change and, for many, drastically. The leaders need to get something done this week. Emil should override the budget cuts in return for the Madigan passing the capital bill. Then maybe these guys will have a political future….

Comment by Capitol Bill Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 2:42 pm
The government that governs least governs best. Perhaps we have the best government now. Certainly seems to fit the bill. We just need a Nero to fiddle while they continue not doing what it is they are supposed to do.

Comment by A Citizen Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 2:52 pm
Awwww….Leave them alone. Maybe when the state implodes, and is reduced to individual county rule, about 97 counties will band together and overthrow the Chicago Machine. Then the state can be lead from the Capitol instead of watching a bunch of spoiled, rich, brats throw temper tantrums when they don’t get their way!!!!

Comment by ABolt243 Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 2:54 pm
Da Mare, Richard M. Daley. He has the trust, personal relationship and clout to be effective.

Comment by respectful Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 3:14 pm
It’s also in Daley’s interest to broker a peace. It’s better than having the CTA self-destruct.

Comment by respectful Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 3:16 pm
Honestly, the time has come to start spreading the blame and questioning those who sit on their butts and let these guys argue. These guys each have support teams egging them on or quietly supporting them. It is time to start blaming them too! It is time to start putting the pressure on them! When they start cracking, then their bosses will start waking up, won’t they?

Top on this list - Debbie Halvorson. She is the Majority Leader and Silent Partner of Emil Jones. She wants to be a Congresswoman in DC. She has a tough race ahead of her, and this makes her vulnerable to attack. So, what have you been doing Ms. Majority Leader on your end to help Illinois out of this ruinous disaster? So far, your record looks worst than bleak. Your comments about boys fighting and needing a woman in charge is ringing hollow. You are the Majority Leader - what have you been doing?

Hello Lisa Madigan? What have you been doing to help this situation? Although you might not be directly involved, as Halvorson is, you have a whole lot more pull with your father than I have, right? I would like to know what you have been doing as we rot in this political hell-without-end.

As for Blagojevich, I think it is high time to start aiming our questions to the few guys left that carry his water.

The time has come to start throwing things at the teams that give these morons oxygen. It is time to start politically threatening those who wish to have a political future in Illinois.

We have a terrible problem due to a political structure that has given too much power to three people. Now that we have seen what happens if these three people go into meltdown, we see not only a failing of leadership, but also a failing of a political system itself.

Thanks to Blagojevich, Jones and Madigan, we have learned that Illinois, one of the largest states in the US, can go into a fiscal death spiral over petty personal politics. Anyone in the General Assembly should get a notice that under the dire circumstances we are currently in, they are to blame too.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 3:17 pm
The Wolf. Maybe Marsellus Wallace could send him east for a few days.

Comment by Gus Frerotte's Clipboard Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 3:22 pm
Vic Mackey

Comment by butt head Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 3:28 pm
Here’s the solution I suggest:
Emil over-rides the governor’s vetoes.
Madigan and Emil agree on a limited gaming bill and a scaled down capital plan and load it up with member initiatives. When the governor tries to veto any of those projects the GA over-rides him on every one.

The legislators don’t need to cooperate with Blago to release the funding for their projects, they can just wait him out until he’s gone in 2010.

Comment by butt head Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 3:30 pm
How about a constitutional convention chaired by the ghost of honest Abe L. that might straight’nem out.

Art.1 all bills are to recieve a posting TIME and DATE they are voted on that day and time or not at all until next session. Committees and Veto included. (If you ain’t got the votes tough nuts)

Art. II All bills will be voted on in each house after they pass thier house of origin. No potentate powers shall be granted by the little kings to not call a bill.

Art. III There will be NO legislation introduced that is not of funding/budget in nature during the second year of session Period. If its that important let the Gov call a special session. We all know how well that works(think per diem all you shrooms)

Art. IV Go to a two year budget cycle.

Art.V NO diversion of federal funds to other lines (see IDOT the last 5 years or so)

Art. VI No more conference committees (see the words contitional rights)

Art. VII Pension funding shall be at 85% level for all state pensions Not just the GA by 2015. Sorry No more arbitrage scams.

Art. VIII Elimination of control of other pensions by GA unless full funding is given by the state.

Art.IX No person shall be elected to the house for more than 5 consecutive terms and senate 3 consecutive terms. 2 terms max for Statewides (sorry to water down the lobbyist pool but the bleeding has to stop someplace).

Art. X No person or entity shall donate cash or in kind contributions totaling more than $5,000 in a calander year to any elected official. ( hey all you shrooms think of the windfall you can get if the tops aren’t sucking it all up.

Comment by The Cardinal Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 3:46 pm
Howie Mandel. Deal or No Deal

Comment by BIG R.PH. Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 4:05 pm
Millicent Fenwick…

Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 4:08 pm
The interrogators from Abu Ghraib - I think some judicious waterboarding might have a desirble therapeutic/motivational effect. But we definitely won’t torture them!

Comment by Captain America Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 4:11 pm
I think Dr. Phil is an inspired choice. You are your accomplishments.

Comment by Ahem Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 4:25 pm
Mike Lawrence, because he would level with both sides.

Comment by one of the 35 Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 4:27 pm
Is there anyone in this state that Rod Blagojevich listens to besides his own ego?

If not, what’s the point of a mediator?

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 4:43 pm
I would think the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, the Comptroller, the Treasurer, and the Mayor have most to lose if the party implodes, and among them they represent almost all wings of the party.

Comment by steve schnorf Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 4:59 pm
The candidates - both flavors.

Good rehearsal for the big desk.

Comment by countryboy Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 5:06 pm
Bill, I was going to nominate you, but you beat me to it.

Alternate picks:

1) Capt. Fax. He might not get the job done, but he would write a heckuva story about it.

2) Tony Rezko. Kinda looks like Dr. Phil and has plenty of free time.

3) Dick Cheney on a quail field.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 5:14 pm
Nurse Rachet. It obvious the inmates are running the asylum. Put them back on meds and lock the doors.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 5:18 pm
….Answer:
1) mercs; they apparently know how to stiffle dissent.
2) Jesus; although why he should care would be a wonder.

Bonus Answer:
There’s a line in Dr. Who as used by the Daleks to stiffle humans that could be appropriate; but probably not be favored by the pretend ‘leaders’.

Comment by How About.... Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 5:20 pm
Daley-Daley-Daley. He is the ONLY one that can save this situation. Yet he is off whining and moaning about Ald. Reilly actually representing his constituents (yes, this is still a novel concept for the man despite being Mayor since ‘89) and newspaper coverage of his tax proposals.

Come on, Rich! You know you will get your way in the City Council (in one form or another - may require some compromises) but Springfield is approaching MELTDOWN status which will hurt your beloved city. Lets get to work!

Comment by some former legislative intern Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 5:33 pm
I would pick Judge Judy. If Judge Mills Lane didn’t have a stroke years ago I would say him.

Comment by Crimefighter Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 5:53 pm
This Dr. Phil idea is about the best thing I’ve heard & I think most would agree. This has got to at least slow down if not stop & very soon. Nothings getting done period !!! You’d think they’d start to realize this !?

Comment by annon in illinois Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 6:35 pm
My 4 year old son would probably suggest Spiderman. At this point I’d have to agree.

Comment by Missing Springfield Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 6:57 pm
Aye, Laddies, let’s not be too hasty. We have an historic event of epic proportions unfolding in front of our very eyes. We will be telling our grandchildren about the anarchy and chaos of 2007+ for decades to come. Let’s at least not mess up this opportunity. Nothing is to be accomplished, and that is really something!

Comment by A Citizen Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 7:08 pm
In fact and in deed it’s Homeric.

Comment by A Citizen Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 7:13 pm
Steve Schnorf has a good idea but I like YDD’s better. No one can broker any kind of settlement or peace as long as Blago listens to no one but his own ego. He wouldn’t sit down for Dr. Phil or anyone else because he would have to answer some questions.

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 9:12 pm
A Citizen, there’s an idea. Homer Simpson.

Rod might learn a few things about Springfield.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 10:34 pm
Sigmund Freud.

Identify the ID Ego + SuperEgo.

Not too difficult to see who belongs where.

Comment by 312 Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 11:34 pm
I cannot suggest anyone. Where is Senator Dirksen-it is time to pass the the civil rights bill. Senators Vanderberg and George-the Marshall Plan. It does not happen anymore.

Comment by Loyal Whig Tuesday, Oct 16, 07 @ 1:13 am
Just let it go & when they’ve done all the “damage” they can do….next election vote them out in 08′ & set the sites on 2010! It won’t change in this current arrangement & I don’t think there is really anything that can make it change short of an election intervention. We’ve got Blago folks till at least Jan. 2011……think about that for a while !? The fun’s just begining !!

Comment by annon Tuesday, Oct 16, 07 @ 6:03 am
Their mothers. My solution would be “term limits” and voting these guilty parties (Rod, Emil, Mikey, and little Tommy) out of office. They are to be branded on their foreheads (as they leave Springfield)with the words “It’s all about ME!” written in a bright and bold scarlet color.

Comment by Aaron Slick from Pumpkin Creek Tuesday, Oct 16, 07 @ 7:04 am
Royko’s ghost.

Comment by Puzzled Tuesday, Oct 16, 07 @ 8:01 am