POLITICAL ARROGANCE

2007

I don’t know about you, but I have been astounded by the arrogance of most local, county and state political leaders. It appears that they have been bitten by a bug that has cut off their ability to listen, see and reason. They have been caught up in the old adage that power corrupts. In most cases they are supported by aldermen, board trustees, county commissioners and state representatives. Any citizen unrest is countered by a new scheme to twist and turn the issue to deceive the public.

The political opposition to this arrogance is rare and few. County Commissioner Mike Quigley was courageous enough to speak out about TIF’s, Tax Investment Financing, which is being used by officials for pet projects instead of helping poor or economically distressed areas. Congressman Jesse Jackson has stood up to fight taxes. I have a question: where are the Republicans? Where is the Chairman of The Cook County Republican Party? They have nothing to say? Are they really Democrats in disguise?

People are speaking out, emails, letters, and phone calls. We must hold all elected officials accountable. They represent you and me, not the mayors, board presidents or governor. We must question the waste, patronage, TIF’s, pet projects and things that we cannot afford. Every citizen must live within his or her means, government must do the same. It would be nice if we could all lead the good life of our elected officials: good health care, pensions, big salaries, cars, expense accounts, favored friends, free lunches and on and on. We need to pull them in so they are like the rest of us, poor. Continue to speak out, send your letters, make your phone calls, emails. Enough is enough.