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Question of the day

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Illinois

* So many of today’s posts are bigtime downers, so let’s try something different. The new NFL code of behavior for fans includes these banned activities…

• Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal.

• Drunkenness and signs of alcohol impairment that result in irresponsible behavior.

• Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.

• Interference with the progress of the game, including throwing objects onto the field.

• Failing to follow instructions of stadium personnel.

• Verbal or physical harassment of fans from the opposing team

* The Question: How about we come up with an Illinois politics fan code of behavior?

Snark away.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:00 am

Comments

With recall.

Comment by John Bambenek Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:01 am
•Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal.
•Drunkenness and signs of alcohol impairment that result in irresponsible behavior.
•Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.
•Interference with the passage of a bill, including throwing objects at Madigan.
•Failing to follow instructions of Illinois voters.
•Verbal or physical harassment of fans from the other party.
•If indicted, you must resign your office for the duration of the term.
•A Constitutional Convention is automatically called every 20 years and no elected officials are allowed to participate in it.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:04 am
Why, the politicians seem to have NO code of conduct.

Comment by Dan S. a Voter and Cubs Fan Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:08 am
C’mon, Dan S, you can do better than that, even if you are a Cub fan.

Go Sox. Never give up.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:09 am
Will the players be wearing skirts too?

I feel it is my constitutional right to flip someone the bird.

Comment by Just Asking Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:15 am
In politics we need a ban on false accusations against political opponents.

Comment by Reformer Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:17 am
Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal.

• Drunkenness and signs of alcohol impairment that result in irresponsible behavior.

• Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures in the State house or at press confernecs.

• Interference with the progress of the game, budget negotiations including throwing objects or insults on the senate or house floor or at press conferences.

• Failing to follow instructions of stadium personnel JCAR Rules, or the Illinois Constitution.

• Verbal or physical harassment of fans from the opposing team, other democrats, or members of the opposing party

Comment by downstate hack Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:19 am
No throwing anything heavier than a subpoena at a politician if there is a reasonable possibility the object might strike said politician’s shield of children.

Comment by Downstate weed chewing hick Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:24 am
• Sociopathic behaviour and signs of impairment that result in irresponsible behavior.

• Failing to follow the law or issuance of rules not in complaince with JCAR.

• Harassment by special seesion.

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:25 am
• Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal unless you “pay to play”.

• Drunkenness and signs of alcohol impairment that result in irresponsible behavior or speaking in tougnes like Emil Jones and Ozzie Guillen.

• Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures except when directed at the Governor at the State Fair if he shows up.

• Interference with the progress legislation, including rewriting bills.

• Failing to follow instructions of stadium personnel or the voters.

• Verbal or physical harassment of fans from the opposing party

Comment by Dan S. a Voter and Cubs Fan Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:26 am
Really, how can anyone be a fan of Illinois politics?

Comment by Captain Flume Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:36 am
Find a way to get involved and don’t get involved with cheating, bribery, or grafting. lol

Comment by Levois Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:37 am
Oh and I forgot that one shouldn’t automatically expect a job when they become a fan and get involved in state politics.

Comment by Levois Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:38 am
Whatever they are, let’s make them equally enforced. Look at the Southtown Star’s editorial about the McCain ad decrying Obama’s use of the race card. They turn it around and, instead of at least acknowledging that Obama did it by stating, “they don’t want someone who doesn’t look like them,” turn it into an argument that McCain is racist. Huh?

My point relevant to this thread? That this happens most everywhere when a non-liberal viewpoint is presented. Instead of actually addressing the issue, an illogical attack is leveled and the opposing viewpoint (and its expressor) is simply attacked by mob action.

My rules as would apply to the media (some of the biggest “fans”):

1. Present the FACTS objectively;
2. Don’t insert your opinion as “fact;”
3. Don’t play spin doctor for your team (as the Southtown just did for Obama), nor attack dog against you “opponent’”
4. Give equal time to both candidates, sides of an issue, parties, etc.

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:49 am
Impeach the current governor for starters.

Term limits.

Recall amendment.

Constitutional convention.

Absolutely NO press coverage of any political event. No political ads of any kind in any media outlet. They want the office, they have to get out and meet & greet. That would sure cut down on the amount of money needed to run for office, would allow any ordinary blok to run for office, and would level the playing field. Also must pass a competency test on the Illinois Constitution, sign a contract that will be binding, and if the contract is broken, you’re out of office immediately - no hearing, no trial, no nothing. Just turn in your office key, empty your desk, and get escorted to the door, the way a lot of private businesses do.

I would be really happy with the first one though.

Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 11:50 am
There shall be no crying over state soil.

There shall be no suing political opponents for being mean to you.

There shall be no whining over getting booted off the ballot for not being able to get enough valid signatures.

Comment by archpundit Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 12:24 pm
Rich, are you asking for us to suggest rules for ourselves as posters here on the blog? because that;s the impression I get from how the question is worded.

My additional rule:
Any time Bill or Redbyrd defend this governor, we all have to down a shot.

Comment by Gregor Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 12:27 pm
Drunkeness while watching debate is required in order to be able to gain a full appreciation for the arguments being made by innebriated members of the House GOP’s far right side of the chamber.

Comment by drobfetty Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 1:15 pm
Let fans be fans, I say! And that goes for political junkies.

No rules, just good old-fashioned free speech!

BTW - this may be a self-serving post as I will need all the freedom I can muster as I usher my White Sox into World Championship history! Forget about the Cubs!

Comment by Black Ivy Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 1:22 pm
Gregor,

A BAC level of 0.40 or greater can cause unconsciousness or death.

11 shots consumed in an hour will result in a 0.40 BAC for a 120 lb. person. 21 shots in an hour will result in a 0.40 BAC for a 200 lb. person.

In the interest of the greater public health, Rich should limit Bill’s postings to 10 an hour or less.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 1:23 pm
#1 - all blog postings must be signed, either with your real name or nom de plume.

#2 - political fans are prohibited from attending fund-raisers and then later bashing that same candidate for no good reason

#3 - political junkies may not infringe on Rich Miller’s copyright protections, nor may they create their own blogs merely attempting to imitate or duplicate The Capitolfaxblog

#4 - political fans are prohibited from referring to members of the legislature as “my friend” when they are merely a constituent or colleague

Comment by Napoleon has left the building Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 2:25 pm
Illinois politics fans’ code of behavior should at the very least include the following tenets:

1. Never expect integrity, honesty or truthfulness from a politician. Then, if by some miracle it happens, inform that politician that similar behavior in the future will not be tolerated because once we have honesty in government, the current system of graft, bribery and favors is in jeopardy.
2. Understand that your politician has been appointed or elected to enrich his personal fortune and that of his relatives, supporters and friends. Any instance in which the politician actually represents his constituents in an ethical and responsible manner is simply a coincidence.
3. Always expect the politician to deny any responsibility when accused of wrongdoing, without providing anything more than a simple assertion of his innocence. How could he be guilty if he is an appointed or elected official?
4. Never expect a direct and honest answer to any question posed to the politician. However, you should expect a developed verbal adeptness at deflecting legitimate inquiries by the public or press.
5. Government is not cheap and therefore expect to be solicited over and over for “campaign contributions”. This will occur during contested races as well as other times during his tenure - whenever his political war chest needs enriching.

Comment by BobW Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 3:56 pm
Dream on. The real Illinois political rules ban
–”Behavior that is ruly, ruptive, or legal.”

Comment by Prairie Sage Wednesday, Aug 6, 08 @ 5:00 pm
Code of ethics:
Ban conduct that is childish, selfish or petty;
Half of every PAC contribution must go towards retiring state debt (unless it is a state contract holder – then all goes to state debt);
Ban mirrors, filibusters and - no patting of own backs
No re-write to do right or special sessions and no props at state speeches;
Must pass a test on how a bill becomes a law;
If you harass someone, you must put on his/her shoes and walk in them for a day

Comment by AsAMom Thursday, Aug 7, 08 @ 8:16 am