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* Del Vecchio is a freelance reporter…
The action follows a pattern of @sunrisemvmt hubs around the country have marched to the doors of politicians in the early morning to demand their support of the #GreenNewDeal. #ChicagoProtests https://t.co/7v3WQUVT7h
— Grace Del Vecchio (@delvecchiograce) September 8, 2020
“Mike Madigan’s time is over,” said Keerti Gopal of @SunriseMvmtChi. “We will not be silenced, we will not put up with your corruption, we will not stand for your inaction… we are wide awake and we will not be silenced.” #ChicagoProtests pic.twitter.com/hqdBOnezHH
— Grace Del Vecchio (@delvecchiograce) September 8, 2020
It’s raining hard here in #WestLawn but it’s not stopping the protesters. #ChicagoProtests pic.twitter.com/GUa0WWIA9Q
— Grace Del Vecchio (@delvecchiograce) September 8, 2020
Protesters are now marching south after protesting outside of Mike Madigan’s house after he was found at the center of a ComEd scandal. #ChicagoProtests https://t.co/hUWuZM7cgd pic.twitter.com/B3lJIhpTXL
— Grace Del Vecchio (@delvecchiograce) September 8, 2020
“Well I went down to Mike Madigan’s house and I took back what he stole from me…” pic.twitter.com/BfbS2p2TAd
— Sunrise Chicago (@SunriseMvmtChi) September 8, 2020
A Madigan spokesperson had no comment.
The group has made some recent campaign endorsements. It’s mainly focused on the Green New Deal.
…Adding… Duncan Black recently made some very important points about activist dynamics…
Here’s the way it’s supposed to work.
1) Activists make “extreme” maximalist demands.
2) Centrist politicians say whoa whoa this is a real issue, but those activists are a bit nuts, still here is a Common Sense Proposal That All Americans Can Agree On which addresses the problem in a good bipartisan fashion (blah blah blah cue West Wing theme).
3) Activists keep making extreme demands.
4) Centrist politicians say, “See how reasonable we are? We aren’t like those nutters, our proposals are Good! And Reasonable! And Common Sense! And that those crazy activists are still mad about it is proof that we aren’t just crazy weirdo lefties! See how mad they are!”The point is that something can be achieved even as the politicians get cred for punching hippies. It’s a bit of kayfabe, but hopefully also a bit of win-win. Still it requires that the hippies remain mad! If the hippies are happy the show breaks down.
Now what happens is the “reasonable” proposals are made, the activists remain mad (as they are supposed to), and then people get mad at the activists for not being more grateful. That’s not how it works!
When activists, say, fight for $15, and then the politicians come back with, “well, that’s nuts, how about $12 in 3 years,” those politicians don’t get to run to their business donors and say, “see? we fought off the hippies for you,” if the hippies say, “wow, great, $12 in 3 years is good enough, thank you Mr. Politician.’
You see this a lot with the environmental groups as well.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 10:52 am
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I’ve always had trouble respecting a group that protests outside a politician’s personal home. An office is fine, but neighbors, kids, and pets don’t understand what is going on. Even with COVID and most offices closed it still seems inappropriate.
Comment by Just Me 2 Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:03 am
When they leave Madigan’s house they should march on the offices of every leading environmental group in the state. They, like Madigan, were all for Exelon/ComEd’s last big energy bill.
Comment by TNR Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:04 am
Wonder what they want that they don’t have. Keeping lights on? FREE Bulbs. Running frigs? PAY BILLS or Energy Assistance.
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:07 am
People have a right to protest, but they are awfully close to being on private property, if not already there. You do not have the right to protest on someone else’s private property. What are you trying to accomplish at the man’s house that couldn’t be achieved by going to the district office a few blocks away?
Comment by Powdered Whig Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:08 am
They’re like the kids who “occupied” a street in Kenwood where the U of C provost lives: https://www.hpherald.com/news/local/protesters-end-occupation-in-front-of-provost-s-house-with-march-to-ucpd-headquarters/article_f885e216-ef7f-11ea-8a4b-db3c93cf9df3.html
People like this are jerks. They have absolutely no consideration for other people. When they go to Madigan’s house “in the early morning”, they are disturbing not only the target of their attack, but all the neighbors.
Do they care that there’s a parent who’s been up all night with a sick kid? That someone just got home from a night job and needs sleep? Nah, it’s all about themselves.
Comment by JoanP Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:11 am
===they are awfully close to being on private property===
As the headline says, they are on private property.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:15 am
Considering they weren’t Federal marshals knocking on his door it wasn’t nearly as bad as it could have been for the Speaker
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:16 am
they should be arrested.
Comment by BlueDogDem Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:21 am
“Why can’t these people protest in a manner that is less effective and more ignorable?”
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:23 am
Hard for me to respect protestors that are on private property
Comment by Reddevil1 Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:24 am
I agree with the comments made above. This sort of protesting really crosses the line. A group of activists recently protested outside of the Oak Park Mayor’s residence during a zoom council meeting and destroyed private property. This crosses the line.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/oak-park/ct-oak-park-protesting-tl-0903-20200901-smp5gpo6prd3xofij42jbf6ezm-story.html
Comment by Boone's is Back Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:24 am
The activist dynamics piece is very true. I would add that the flip side is that if you are a politician trying to always satisfy the activist agenda, you are likely going to be disappointed.
Comment by Chicagonk Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:24 am
Support clean energy, support protest, but these kids are painfully naive and uninformed. They care about climate? We need nukes, too, for a while.
Taking it to people’s homes, showing no concern for neighbors, family members and other “political non- combatants” is going beyond free speech and into the realm of physical intimidation and menace. They are on his property, not the right of way.
Overall, the far-right is a bigger threat right now, especially from a violence perspective. As is well documented and affirmed by law enforcement agencies.
But, these left tactics have the whiff of early Cultural Revolution about them. A little more history these youngsters should study and understand, lest they become the monsters they think they are battling.
Comment by Moe Berg Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:26 am
=== As the headline says, they are on private property. ===
Then the protestors should have been removed, but I am guessing that MJM didn’t want to do anything to draw attention to them since it is likely what they would have wanted.
Comment by Powdered Whig Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:27 am
10 more people and they could have a very small march.
Comment by Sayitaintso Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:29 am
Mental image….
Speaker Madigan calmly exits front door of his home.
“Good morning everyone”
Pulls out hammer and taps stake into front yard.
“Wonderful weather we are having today wouldn’t you say”
Staples no trespassing sign to stake.
“Hope you all have a wonderful remainder of your day”
Reenters his home while waving to group.
Comment by Red ghetto in a blue state Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:34 am
==the far-right is a bigger threat right now, especially from a violence perspective==
In Illinois?
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:40 am
Groups such as this deserve only one response and that is complete disregard. They don’t care about the lives of people and the need for stable cost efficient electricity much less personal property. Don’t even acknowledge their passion because they are wrong. And stay off his property. This is bullying and the left is doing more and more of it. It will invite a backlash and that will help no one.
Comment by NeverPoliticallyCorrect Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:47 am
-==the far-right is a bigger threat right now, especially from a violence perspective==
In Illinois?-
Really? After the shooting in Kenosha, WI, you say something this stupid?
Comment by AnonymousFool Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:50 am
It’d be nice to know if they are for or against any specific proposals for Illinois. CEJA? “Path to 100?” All of the above, except no nuclear and more control over utilities? Hard to tell from their social media, beyond the Green New Deal generally.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 11:58 am
=In Illinois?=
Is Kenosha close to Illinois? Where did that guy come from?
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 12:00 pm
These protests take the focus off of MJM’s failed handling of sexual harassment complaints in his political organization.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 12:03 pm
Madigan: “Smithers, Release the hounds”
Comment by McLeanist Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 12:07 pm
==they should be arrested.==
Agreed. Anyone not on a public street or sidewalk should be arrested. No questions asked. No one should be on his lawn or driveway, and the bullhorn should be subject to a noise ordinance. I don’t believe in protesting homes, but if you do, it’s important not to encroach one toe onto private property. That’s not your “right”. You are a criminal when you do that.
Comment by A Guy Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 12:11 pm
1) Angry leftist hippie activists who hate neoliberal Democrat Madigan join public employee unions.
1) A Raunerite is governor and tries to crush them.
3) Angry leftist hippies run to Madigan for protection.
People should have a strategy for political success instead of just angrily screaming.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 12:20 pm
@AnonymousFool - I’ll let you know when it’s safe to leave your solar-powered bunker.
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 12:28 pm
=the far-right is a bigger threat right now, especially from a violence perspective=
Walk Mag mile - I guess smashed windows and boarded up storefronts and closed shops are not violence.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 12:36 pm
The environmental protesters should have stayed on the public street and sidewalk. However, with the worsening climate crisis, we may see grassroots activists joining together in the state to challenge the carbon reduction policies being put forth by mainstream environmental groups. We saw a somewhat similar dynamic take place in the 80s. Think Lois Gibbs, Love Canal, EPA hostages and the grassroots movement that was created to deal with hazardous waste dumps and toxic chemicals.
Comment by Going nuclear Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 12:39 pm
I really guess I ought not to be so surprised that he has one hell of a nice house.
Comment by Fav human Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 12:40 pm
MLK was writing about racial justice when he condemned the person “who constantly says ‘I agree with the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action,’” and “who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for [action].”
It’s a different issue, but the people scolding these youth activists for demanding action on climate change sound a lot like that.
Comment by Wait wait wait Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 12:43 pm
MJM hits it on the head with ““Why can’t these people protest in a manner that is less effective and more ignorable?”
We might not like it but we are talking about it and might see what they are advocating for. If they protest outside of ComEd’s building, city hall, the state building, etc. with two or three dozen people maybe a hyper local paper would have an article buried in the back. No one would care. No one would talk about it.
Protesting outside someone’s house or in their front lawn gets free publicity from multiple sources and people pay attention. The tactics are poor taste but effective in raising awareness. Protesting outside of the decision makers house is quickly becoming the norm and is here to stay.
Comment by 1st Ward Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 12:43 pm
I might agree with what some protesters have to say, but get off private property. they should be arrested. along with the goons in Oak Park. it’s not just crossing the line, and undercutting their message, it’s illegal. what the what.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 12:53 pm
These people don’t care about the environment, just like the people in Portland don’t care about Black Lives.
Someone referenced the “protest” of the Mayor of Oak Park above. This isn’t that, but it’s just about as bad. And to think, the Mayor or OP is a Palestinian immigrant who migrated here at the age of 18.
We have aldermen in this city pulling these kinds of stunts too. Who was the alderman who led protestors to Lightfoot’s home?
I wonder what Lee Elia would say about these kids today. No respect for anything.
Looking forward to a vaccine so we can get these kids working.
Comment by Blue Beard Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 1:03 pm
Madigan to self: “Wow. Look at those pictures. Never realized the street in front of the driveway was in such bad shape. Got to tell Quinn to get on that.”
Comment by Southside Markie Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 1:04 pm
And who are these “journalists?” They’re even less objective than FOX.
Comment by Blue Beard adds Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 1:07 pm
Was Chuck Goudie among those reporters on the scene in front of Madigan’s house?
Comment by Chatham Resident Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 1:34 pm
=Walk Mag mile - I guess smashed windows and boarded up storefronts and closed shops are not violence.=
I deplore looting and vandalism. And, it’s counter-productive.
Don’t equate damage to property to damage to people. Neither is acceptable, the later is worse.
The violence against people problem is most evident on the right today - according to law enforcement, hardly a bunch of squishy libs.
Doesn’t mean it couldn’t become a problem on the left, which is what the Cultural Revolution observation was about.
Comment by Moe Berg Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 1:34 pm
“These people don’t care about the environment, just like the people in Portland don’t care about Black Lives.”
Why is a mind-reader like you posting here instead of fighting crime or making your fortune at a Vegas poker table?
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 1:41 pm
I cannot fathom when it became acceptable to harass people at their own homes where they live with their families –no matter the “cause”.
Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 2:24 pm
Not condoning the trespass in any way. However, his driveway is in much better shape than the street. Maybe Mike should call his Alderman. He knows people, right? /s-ish
Comment by Proud Sucker Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 2:47 pm
“politicians get cred for punching hippies.”
Can’t we all agree that is a good thing? /S
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 3:08 pm
==It’s raining hard here in #WestLawn but it’s not stopping the protesters==
I’m sure there’s some environmental activists who think that “rain” means “bath or shower time” for them.
Comment by Chatham Resident Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 3:29 pm
Lighten up.
A peaceful march, on site for about 10 min, no apparent property damage, a little publicity…this is a model protest.
Speaker Madigan is not known for having office hours where groups like this can make an appointment for a 15 min F2F meeting. Few (if any) of our elected officials are less available than the Speaker. Maybe if he were available in the traditional ways, folks would not have to go to his front door.
The least he could have done was offer them each an apple.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 8:36 pm
===this is a model protest===
I doubt you’d think so if you were an innocent neighbor at 7 o’clock in the freaking morning.
===Maybe if he were available===
I’m thinking they don’t want a meeting. They wanted some attention.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Sep 8, 20 @ 10:12 pm
Duncan Black’s comments are spot on. And the easiest way for the activists to stay angry is by buying into the tried and true mantra, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”
Comment by John J Wednesday, Sep 9, 20 @ 9:58 am