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Then and now

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* From a 1986 Chicago Magazine interview of House Speaker Michael Madigan…

* From Madigan earlier this month…

“Like so many, I’ve been reflecting on the injustices our communities of color, especially within the Black community, have faced for generations and thinking about ways in which we can address these issues and ways we can do better in Illinois to improve the quality of life of Black America.

“We are at a turning point, and it’s past time to take action. We know there isn’t one single source that has contributed to issues of inequality in our country and our state. We must evaluate all of our institutions to finally bring about the change that will make a difference. We must revisit issues with our criminal justice system, policing tactics, education system, workforce and economic opportunities and access to healthcare, among others, to bring about equity in the lives of Black Illinoisans.

“I thank the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) for advancing these difficult but necessary discussions. I believe it’s time we build on the legislature’s past efforts to meaningfully explore the issues outlined in the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ Policy Agenda, and I will continue to work closely with the ILBC to support their efforts to end systemic racism throughout Illinois.

“Along with my staff, I have had many conversations with Black Caucus members, community leaders, other elected officials and residents across the state to understand the pain, concerns and ideas for moving forward. I am committed to working with everyone seeking changes to address those recommendations and enact policies that finally start to provide equal justice under the constitution.”

* Recent news…

* Mayoral allies back out of ‘Back the Blue’ rally: Catanzara was incensed. “I can guarantee you we are going to find people to run against these aldermen. Enough is enough,” Catanzara said. “They listened to the squeaky wheels. They got a couple phone calls from their constituents [saying], ‘You can’t possibly go.’ Now, they’re gonna be cowards and … back out. Shame on them. Every single member of that committee should be at that rally. Every single one of ’em. We are gonna be paying attention to see who shows up and who doesn’t.”

* FOP storms away from contract talks after Lightfoot demands 17 pages of disciplinary reforms

* Willie Wilson embraces endorsement of police union that’s clashed with Black Lives Matter: “Dr. Wilson made us two promises,” Catanzara said. “He believes in protecting our pensions and he said if there’s any defunding going on, he’d move out of Chicago — and we’re all going to move with him.”

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 11:29 am

Comments

Someone might want to tell Catanzara he’ll have no job when his members move to the burbs. Because they’ll have no job.

Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 11:38 am
Part of the problem with the “cancel culture” might be that people’s past sins can’t be forgotten. Who Madigan was decades ago is not necessarily who he or others are today. Who has not changed some or many of her or his views over the years?

The FOP has become a scab organization, supporting Trump and RTWFL for every government employee in America. I would consider revoking my membership from that union if I was in that field, and lay on it like a beached whale, making it carry me for free.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 11:43 am
“hippies and Yippies”, that brings back some memories.

Comment by pool boy Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 11:47 am
“Hippies,and Yippies”……”and YaHoo’s”. (George Wallace)

Comment by Sayitaintso Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 11:56 am
I disagree with their anger but understand some of where it’s coming from, but the FOP should remember “don’t back no losers.” You endorse someone but can help them over the finish line? That endorsement is worth a “bucket of warm spit.”

Comment by Paddyrollingstone Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 11:57 am
FOP has become a scab organization, supporting

As unions historically did, those who help and support their membership.

If the other unions abandon the FOP, can they complain when the FOP does the same to them?

Comment by Fav Human Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 11:58 am
MJM getting Woke washed

Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 11:59 am
“We are gonna be paying attention to see who shows up and who doesn’t.” - Catanzara

Sounds like a threat to me.

Comment by Dotnonymous Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 11:59 am
The FOPhas already abandoned any pretense of supporting other unions. They protect rogue police officers at the expense of the communities and people who pay their wages and cover the court settlements for their malfeasance.

Comment by Froganon Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 12:07 pm
Grandson of Man–11:43am….is spot on with the FOP supporting Trump. I hope every government employee is paying attention. I hope every Union Employee is paying attention. Yea….the FOP loves collective bargaining and union rights for themselves. Look and see what they think of you….and your union. Classic example of what’s in it for me. Shameful.

Comment by Druid Eye Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 12:15 pm
==Shame on them.==

Speaking of shame, the city’s 2020 budget set aside $153 million for legal settlements. How about in exchange for them showing up, we put an end to qualified immunity?

Comment by Jocko Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 12:18 pm
“Who has not changed some or many of her or his views over the years?”

I think that most folks are willing to accept the fact that people change over time provided that the reason for the change isn’t: a) political expediency, or b) I got caught.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 12:35 pm
“Someone might want to tell Catanzara he’ll have no job when his members move to the burbs. Because they’ll have no job”

From what I have read for “significant” reform to happen in the union contract the city would have to give up residency requirements for police.

Comment by 1st Ward Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 12:38 pm
“- Dotnonymous - Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 11:59 am:

“We are gonna be paying attention to see who shows up and who doesn’t.” - Catanzara

Sounds like a threat to me.”

Sounds like mafia to me.

Comment by Rich Hill Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 12:46 pm
=I think that most folks are willing to accept the fact that people change over time provided that the reason for the change isn’t: a) political expediency, or b) I got caught.=

100% agree. So who sees any recent changes of heart by the Speaker as not being caused by A or B?

Comment by phenom_Anon Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 12:46 pm
I suggest that MJM play a sample of Travis Scott or Drake at his next presser. It worked for the VP.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 12:49 pm
A little hat tip to the state’s unofficial legislative historian John Amdor?

Comment by Ok Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 12:57 pm
In 1986, Madigan stated “our ward” was one thing; 34 years later, it has transformed into something different. Madigan changed with it. Its called listening to and learning from your constituents. Electeds who want to stay so do so.

Comment by Scott Cross for President Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 1:00 pm
Catanzara and the FOP better pray those primary challenges succeed.

Comment by low level Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 1:02 pm
With Illinois’ marijuana legalization, if memory serves, Madigan said something like he didn’t want to get rolled by the tide of change—because voters’ attitudes changed. He was right about that. If it’s time for anti-racism reforms, as it is now, Madigan seems intelligent enough to follow and adapt.

Take Rauner: It was impossible for him to get his anti-union agenda, but he refused to adapt.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 1:45 pm
you know you are way out there when the posts on Second City Cop are mostly against you. that was the status right before the election for FOP leader. there are right thinking police who know the new guy gives them a bad name. 600 people? not impressed. there are way more police and family members out there. shoulda been in the thousands. for their clearly political rally.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 1:50 pm
Hey FOP leadership, talk to the IPI and Trib editorial board about protecting your pensions. You sold out to them.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 2:59 pm
People forget that in 1986, the 13th ward was much different and being a liberal was seen as being a “loser” (Carter, Mondale, etc). Regan Democrats were still very much in vogue, and most Dems wanted to try and position themselves as conservative or very centrist.

Madigan changed with the times, just as he explained Richard J. Daley did.

Comment by low level Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 8:14 pm
Sorry - Regan should be Reagan. Didnt mean to bring Don Regan into it, just Ronald Reagan.

Comment by low level Thursday, Sep 17, 20 @ 8:23 pm