Welcome to Illinois - It's Not the Roadkill You Smell - It's Our Politics!
I guess I’ve just become apathetic over the years when it comes to politics in Illinois. Living in Decatur, pretty much smack-dab in the middle of the state, way too far away from Chicago to matter, state government has never mattered much to me, mainly because - I’ve never mattered to it! I’m almost ashamed to admit it, but I voted for Gov. Blagojevich twice. The first time because I thought he was a decent guy, and after Governor Ryan, I figured we’d already been there and done that – in terms of Governors headed for prison. The second time I voted for Blagojevich was because of his AllKids health care program, which came in very handy when my husband changed jobs and was without health benefits for about six months. We thought we could buy health insurance but quickly found out how difficult it is to obtain health coverage – even if you can afford it. I was turned down for a preexisting condition, that only requires two visits to my doctor’s office twice a year for a prescription, and my husband because of his weight. Serious reform is needed in the health care insurance industry but that’s another story.
Back to Illinois’ politics…The problem with Illinois isn’t too unique. Chicago has the greater population, money and political clout. The other 90% of Illinois, which is more rural, is largely ignored by the big political machinery residing in Chicago. It doesn’t help that our governor resides there too, when the state capitol is in Springfield! Road projects in downstate Illinois are always last on the list, if they even make the list at all. Districts are drawn up to benefit one party over the other without regards to the residents living in those areas. Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, where I live, is a perfect example of gerymandering. So what are we supposed to do? I guess we could become extremist and succeed from the state of Chicago and form our own state and call it, oh I don’t know, how about Illinois! I don’t know what the answer is but some serious reform, redrawing of districts, and better checks and balances are needed to ensure ALL the state is represented and “pay to play” isn’t the state slogan.
the 2nd election I intended to vote for Judy barr cause I really had formed the impression our gov was a game playing creep (althought I like the all-kids program too) then I read the H & R write up on her – her plan: to balance the budget by cutting medicaid! Nothing like balancing the budget on the back of poor sick people…
In good conscience I could do NOTHING EXCEPT VOTE AGAINST THE WOMAN.
So, I don’t really feel a bit guilty in voting for the creep cause I didn’t vote for him I VOTED AGAINST HER. I knew he was creep and knowing what I know now I still could NOT vote for her….not with that plan.
state motto:
Illinois – Where our governors make your license plates
Sue, I like your state motto better. It’s much more fitting. I knew Blago was creepy too but the health insurance issue tipped me in favor of him. It’s not like we’ve had great choices for governor in recent memory. Take your pick: bad or worse. We picked bad and it turned for the worse.
that motto came from Jo Caulkins (Dan’s wife) – litter lady as I call her (she has been over Keep America beautiful, Keep Macon county Beautiful or what ever is dealing with litter in our area for a long time – nature lady too)
“We picked bad and it turned for the worse.”
It sure did!! but I still could not vote for someone who wants to cut money from poor sick people!! Just still could not do it. Just can’t win
Did you see the SNL opening skit last week? It was so funny… and too true
Illinois – Where our governors make your license plates -Sue
Now that’s funny!
Even Ryan and Blagojevich would have to laugh!
Eric K. Johnson
Sue, Maybe You and I can form a band called The Banned?
I can’t play an instument or sing but I’m a mean whistler!
I have a title for a song I wrote.
It’s called “BanMan”.
HaHaHa…I amuse myself!
Eric K. Johnson
…or an instrument neither!