Saturday coffee.
This morning in Chicago we are waiting for Sunday.
Tomorrow afternoon there won’t be a lot of traffic on the streets.
First of all, the temperature will not get above the 20 degree mark.
Anyone who is not working at that hour will more than likely be at home or with others watching the game. The Bears and the Packers kick-off is at 2PM.
Or taking advantage of an empty movie theater.
The Shedd Aquarium, which sits next to Soldier Field, is offering free admission. I don’t think that will be a big draw.
“Where are all those people going, daddy?” “Don’t worry about it kid. Let’s look at fish.”
Meanwhile, as Anne and I were having our Saturday coffee at Peets, Erin comes up and whispers, “It’s Kerry Wood.” Of course, my hearing is not so good, and I say, “What?” But I look up and see the big Cubs relief pitcher.
A baseball celebrity at our local Peets. Nice. Makes me think of summer.
Money and politics.
Some pundits are mocking City Clerk Miguel Del Valle for having raised only $60,000 for his campaign, comparing it to the $11 million raised by Rahm Emanuel.
I don’t know whether Miguel can survive past the primary. But I know he’s energized a good number of progressive voters and young folks, giving them an opportunity to learn the ropes in a tough political town. I know the money we’ve raised is a good investment in the future of progressive politics in Chicago.
And I hate the cynicism of those who are awed by Rahm’s billionaire connections. The cynics will speak pompously about money and politics on the one hand, but then dismiss someone like MDV who has raised money mainly via neighborhood meet and greets and passing the hat.
“Money is a sign of support,” they will say, even knowing that the millions Rahm has raised come from a small handful of local corporate fatcats and some Beverly Hills Spielbergs who are friends with his Hollywood agent brother.
Does anyone really think Rahm raised his money from the guys he’s shaking hands with at the Fullerton el stop?
And I know the alternative is this:
The new Republican leaders in the House have received millions of dollars in contributions from banks, health insurers and other major business interests, which are pressing for broad reversals of Democratic policies that affect corporations, according to disclosure records and interviews.
Much of that money flowed to the GOP chairmen overseeing banking, energy and other key committees – leaders who will play a central role in setting the House agenda over the next two years.
Reader Matt wrote to say,
It’s appalling, Fred. It’s like the nuclear arms race in redux. They’re raising billions of our dollars and giving it right over to the paid media. The ability to grease candidates with ever larger contributions has silently, and utterly corrupted our entire political system. It must be stopped cold. How did bribing politicians with cash become a form of free speech, anyhow? It’s pure sophistry.
