Chicago Reader

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Card games

Posted by Mick Dumke on Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 3:28 PM

A lot of our political leaders have been busy playing cards.

Earlier this week Mayor Daley played the Evil Unions Card, so you had to know it was only a matter of time before he returned to his old favorite: the Race Card.

And there it was on Wednesday (the same day he threatened to play the utterly predictable Tax Hike Card), when he suggested prejudice is what’s motivating opponents of the plan to move the children’s museum to Grant Park.

As might be expected, he surrounded himself with loyal aldermen who awkwardly tried to play the It’s In The Public Interest Card.

“This is a public park. People keep acting like it’s a private park,” 17th Ward alderman Latasha Thomas told the Sun-Times.

Thomas was right—but she may not want to make that point too loudly around her mayor or his children’s museum friends. I’m pretty sure the Chicago Children’s Museum is a private institution that wants to build its new pay-to-visit facility on public land.

In fact, 42nd Ward alderman Brendan Reilly also played the It’s In The Public Interest Card Wednesday, except he was explaining his firm opposition to the plan during an evening speech to Streeterville residents.

“I was just informed on my way to this meeting that Mayor Daley again chose to play the Race Card in this debate,” Reilly said. “We hosted nine public meetings on the museum plan. If the mayor had been at one of those meetings—just one—he would have seen the diversity. And the one thing people were unanimous about was their rejection of this proposal.”

Reilly, though, didn’t stop there. He played the Hypocrisy Card, then backed himself up with the Here Are The Facts Card, which is seldom used in local politics.

“I think it’s ridiculous to suggest that children are currently not allowed to play in Grant Park,” he said. “If you visit Grant Park you will see hundreds of children of every race and creed playing in the park at no charge. The truth is that under this proposal children will be welcome to play in Grant Park—so long as their parents can afford to pay the steep admission fees of this private institution.”

A few minutes later Reilly was asked what he thought of another recent park controversy: the private Latin School’s exclusive rights to use a soccer field in Lincoln Park during most of the spring and fall seasons in return for money to build it.

Reilly noted the field is in the 43rd Ward, not his, but blasted the deal anyway, playing the even more rare Let’s Put This In Perspective Card. “There are some similarities here to the current debate taking place in Grant Park,” he said. “What I see is the slow but steady leasing off of public land to private institutions. And I think that’s wrong.”

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Comments (42) RSS

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Here's a thought: If the CCM really wants to serve the public, let them commit to providing FREE access to their contemplated new museum, TOTALLY FREE FOREVER, 7 days a week, open to the public from, say, 9am until 9pm, rain or shine, winter, summer, spring and fall, accessible to any and all, just like Grant Park is now. NO ADMISSION charge, ever. And no parking fees, since those kids that the mayor's knuckleheads are claiming to be being discriminated against, and their parents/guardians, are supposed to be from neighborhoods some distance away from the lakefront. Let's see if this so-called charitable organization is truly a charity. If they don't like the previously suggested idea of multiple smaller museums, located within every neighborhood of this city, (especially those neighborhoods where the kids that they claim to want to serve actually live), being a better way to serve their intended clientele, let them bring some 'skin' to this game and offer a proposal that ensures that their 'public service' will truly be public, as in ABSOLUTELY FREE ADMISSION, AT ALL TIMES, FOR ALL CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS or GUARDIANS. That would be an authentic act of charity.

Posted by Testing on April 3, 2008 at 4:09 PM | Report this comment
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Dismiss him as a Madigan tool if you wish but Reilly makes a hell of a lot of sense. His logic, reasoning, and use of facts drives dimwits like Daley nuts. Daley isn't fighting for the kids. He's carrying a torch for the Pritzkers.

Posted by Hahaha on April 3, 2008 at 4:55 PM | Report this comment
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Brendan Riley is a great alderman. Put the museum in Pilsen, Little Village or Back of the Yards. With the CTA cuts it is hard for poor and minority kids to make it to the museum.

Posted by Xavier on April 3, 2008 at 6:26 PM | Report this comment
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Yawn . Bring back Coconutty!

Posted by Orion on April 3, 2008 at 7:51 PM | Report this comment
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When am I going to get my slot machines and Blackjack tables. Boot the little buggers out of navy pier, so that we can have Casino games.

Posted by The average Gambler on April 3, 2008 at 10:52 PM | Report this comment
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F- Daley F - Pritzker F- the Museum F them all.

Posted by DM on April 3, 2008 at 11:02 PM | Report this comment
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Thank you Ald. Reilly. Our own Alderman, Vi Daley, has caved and is part of the Lincoln Park Latin School Land Grab. Please continue fighting on behalf of all park users - regardless of what ward they're in!

Posted by Lincoln Park Freedom Fighter on April 4, 2008 at 6:38 AM | Report this comment
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WHAT WAS DUMKE THINKING WHEN HE PUBLISHED A NEW TESTAMENT CHAPTER TO ILLUSTRATE HIS POINT? DUMKE IS SO ARROGANT THAT HE CROSSES THE LINES OF JOURNALISM WITH THIS ONE, BOTH IN NOT BEING OBJECTIVE AND DRAGGING THE BIBLE IN TO SLAM A POLITICAL FIGURE, IN THIS CASE ALD. REILLY!

Posted by BIBLICAL "ILLUSTRATION"INAPPROPRIATE on April 4, 2008 at 1:03 PM | Report this comment
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Another scintillating ALL CAPS comment from the 'ALL CAPS' poser, once again proving that the useless fucks 'working' in city hall think that a lunch 'hour' runs well past 1pm. And it also makes Mick's point about the nature and characteristics of the hypocrisy. Since Mick isn't 'slamming' anyone but the Daley hustlers and, since the Daley hustlers are allergic to the truth, it's to be expected that they will react to the truth by responding with lies, more lies and, eventually, damn lies. Thanks, ALL CAPS, you are a true representation of the 'best' that the Daley administration has to offer the citizens of this city.

Posted by Hypocrisy is Inappropriate, but All Too Common on April 4, 2008 at 3:08 PM | Report this comment
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Mayor Daley's flatulence smells like roses. I know 'cause I got real close to him when he broke wind. I must have been too close 'cause his cops pushed me to the ground but it was worth it for a whiff of Daley.

Posted by Orion on April 4, 2008 at 4:45 PM | Report this comment
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I can't believe that Anita Alvarez could be so stupid and associate with HDO. Brendan Riley is a great alderman. He represents his constituents and is truly independent.

Posted by nicholas on April 4, 2008 at 5:05 PM | Report this comment
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It not surprising Orion enjoys "DALEY" his master's farts.He wants to return to his point of orgin,Daley rear.

Posted by Reality 7 on April 4, 2008 at 9:20 PM | Report this comment
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See neil steinberg's article "DALEY HAS LOST HIS MIND" IN FRIDAY 4-4-08 SunTimes. he sheds light on the Mayor efforts to steal public lands.

Posted by jolt on April 5, 2008 at 10:06 AM | Report this comment
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Tony Prickracka brownnoser, And he brownnosed Louis Farrakahan. FACT!!!!!.

Posted by Coconate Is A.... on April 5, 2008 at 12:48 PM | Report this comment
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His sweetheart Dumbke.

Posted by As Is...... on April 5, 2008 at 12:49 PM | Report this comment
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Louis Farrakahan ? Fact? From someone that is scared to put his name on a post? Hopefully, Tony Peraica is your next Cook County States Attorney. He spoke at my Shakman Settlement press conference.Anita Alveraz was told not to come by HDO's Tim Degnan. (go to www.frankcoconate.com)

Posted by Frank Coconate on April 5, 2008 at 3:18 PM | Report this comment
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Aldercrook Latasha Thomas and most of the other Mau Mau black aldercrooks are Uncle Toms. Their constituents are not the ones going to the Pritzkers Children museum.

Posted by Chuck Bowen on April 5, 2008 at 5:42 PM | Report this comment
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I am creating a comic series. Coco-Man and his fight with the evil Overlord of Chicago. The Overlord will have an army of slave trolls, and 50 demon commanders.

Posted by blaster on April 5, 2008 at 6:11 PM | Report this comment
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The Daley administration claims that photos, GPS records, and falsified documents prove that Coconate was insubordinate and, as a water department inspector, failed to protect the public. The mayor's office also claims Brennan gave Coconate $75,000 without talking to his water department supervisor. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My response to the Mayors Office: All GPS records, All Photos, and ALL of my Work product have never been given to my lawyers in Discovery. Insubordinate? I won Safety Awards 11 years (1993 to 2004) in a row and my real Supervisor (Mark Holder) praised my team work ability. Failed to protect the Public? Refer back to the Safety Awards. The Mayors Office claims Brennan gave award without talking to his supervisors: Noelle Brennan couldn't talk to the Supervisors that fired me because they both resigned there positions due to lying in my appeal. Commissioner Pestka went to work for a cleaning company and Robert Sorich's aid Brian Murphy is now Asst. Chief of Staff for Mayor Daley. Also note: Safety Specilaist and my Co-Workers in the Department of Water Management (William Coclanes, Derwin Thrower, Alice Carter) all filed Shakman Claims with Noelle Brennan. Evidently I was not the only one who felt abused! Note to Judge in the Circuit Court handling my case: I WAS FIRED FROM THE CITY OF CHICAGO for bringing a Black man to the Northwest side of Chicago and promoting him to run for Mayor

Posted by Coconate, YOU GONE on April 5, 2008 at 6:49 PM | Report this comment
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Good Bye. Fired and Finished. Coco gone for good. Nice knowing you. You are finished. Mayor Daley won again. Sorry for the family.

Posted by You Gone on April 5, 2008 at 9:02 PM | Report this comment
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Don't Drop The Soap!!!!!!........I guess the tables have turned on you. Squeaky clean?????????. Maybe you could share the cell with Tony's boy Marko, Should he get caught again. Heh, Daley may be no angel, But YOU????????. And your dishonest aims????????????. You'll either be a vagabond or incarcarated.

Posted by To Coconut...... on April 6, 2008 at 12:28 AM | Report this comment
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But Superman Peraica will be there to save the day, With a "Get Out Of Jail Free" card, Given to baldy Coconutty. Being the hypocritical charlatan & conartist he is......

Posted by OHHHHH!!!!!!!....... on April 6, 2008 at 12:31 AM | Report this comment
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These are the 11th ward inbreds I'm talking about. You show them a Administration that is stealing taxpayers money and they just care if he is White Irish. God help them.... You Gone April 5th - 9:02 p.m. Good Bye. Fired and Finished. Coco gone for good. Nice knowing you. You are finished. Mayor Daley won again. Sorry for the family. To Coconut...... April 6th - 12:28 a.m. Don't Drop The Soap!!!!!!........I guess the tables have turned on you. Squeaky clean?????????. Maybe you could share the cell with Tony's boy Marko, Should he get caught again. Heh, Daley may be no angel, But YOU????????. And your dishonest aims????????????. You'll either be a vagabond or incarcarated. OHHHHH!!!!!!!....... April 6th - 12:31 a.m. But Superman Peraica will be there to save the day, With a "Get Out Of Jail Free" card, Given to baldy Coconutty. Being the hypocritical charlatan & conartist he is......

Posted by Frank Coconate on April 6, 2008 at 10:56 AM | Report this comment
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The Federal Monitor says "You Won- Daley lost ". Yet they continue with the attacks. Could it be they are scared that you will throw all of them out of there ghost pay roll jobs? Brian Murphy, Mark Fary, James Stroden, Brian McGinnis, Mike Terranova,...

Posted by Cocofan on April 6, 2008 at 11:03 AM | Report this comment
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Did you see coconutty tell the Mayor Off on Channel 7 news? He is the man!

Posted by Coconutty the Man ! on April 6, 2008 at 11:05 AM | Report this comment
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You know, a lot of people here beat-up on Daley-- I'd say just about as many who defend him. He is what he is like so many others-- because of the environment-- that he came form. It all has to be put into context and really, the only fatal, fundamental defect that he has is that he is Irish-- otherwise, we should look at the man and what he's done and not done, in total, within the historical context of this city and its people.

Posted by Annono on April 6, 2008 at 3:20 PM | Report this comment
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Frank was a wonderful person. We will never see him again. Why did you sign your rights away.

Posted by Laborers Union 1092 on April 6, 2008 at 3:57 PM | Report this comment
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What the heck is with Coco's high pitched voice. Did he spend a night at the Purple Hotel. Coco did good but his friend needs his glasses repaired. The glasses almost fell off his head. Coco did not say anything about city workers, just himself. Shameless hussy.

Posted by Coco on 7 news on April 6, 2008 at 4:30 PM | Report this comment
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Laborers Union 1092, Sign my rights away ? I did that when I trusted local 1092 to defend me. Never see him again? The Daley Administration said that after I defended that nit wit plumber , who I saved from himself! I still hangin around BABY!

Posted by Frank Coconate on April 6, 2008 at 4:33 PM | Report this comment
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His boyfriend Tony Peraica at the Purple Hotel, Because he LOVES that Cepvaci.

Posted by Coco Spent The Night With..... on April 6, 2008 at 4:41 PM | Report this comment
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Coco on 7 news, ? Have another beer nit wit!

Posted by Frank Coconate on April 6, 2008 at 4:43 PM | Report this comment
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HEY COCO! You should not respond to the spin of these pro-Daley posters, you only give these individuals unwarranted credibility. Never argue with fools because people will not be able to tell the difference. I wonder how much spinning these miscreants will do if their evil leader is ever indicted ?

Posted by RE: TO DALEY ACOLYTES on April 6, 2008 at 5:51 PM | Report this comment
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COCO-MAN won an important battle against the evil overlord. Daley's troll slave army reacts,by making personal attacks to protect their down-low leader "the evil overlord". When attacked the overlord leaves town,to avoid answering questions regarding his defeat by the COCO-MAN.

Posted by Blaster on April 6, 2008 at 5:57 PM | Report this comment
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Is Victor Reyes really raising money for Anita Alvarez? Where is David Bonoma in all this? Is Anita Alvarez really that stupid or corrupt that she would take money from HDO thugs gangbangers and drug dealers?

Posted by George Prado on April 6, 2008 at 6:36 PM | Report this comment
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Anita will win the voters are too stupid to question or standup to H.D.O ,11TH or 19TH

Posted by jorge herrera on April 6, 2008 at 8:31 PM | Report this comment
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Coco-creep you make a measley $75,000. I made millions with my friends at the hall. I am not done yet. I WILL BE BACK.

Posted by CHRISTOPHER KOZICKI on April 6, 2008 at 8:48 PM | Report this comment
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Ok-- those strange voices are back. Accordingly, the specialized treatments will resume shortly with a new state-of-the-art protocol, improved diagnostics and a firm but compassionate treatment regimen. So-- where's our favorite patient... you-hoo...where are you... someone please bait the patient...

Posted by Nut House Lounge on April 6, 2008 at 9:52 PM | Report this comment
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Look, Parks are an old 18th century idea, we are in a new millennium. People no longer just sit around doing nothing at a park. These parks need to be developed into an interesting and interactive environment. I believe there are some good ideas about building a casino complex on the south side of Grant Park which would really help in bringing in tourist dollars. Adding the CCM and the Peace Museum (or maybe some others) to the north of Grant Park would balance things out. Ideally, some sort of restaurant complex near the fountain would really draw people in who want to spend money. We need a "new millennium" Montgomery Ward to draw up a new vision for an interactive park full of excitement and energy. Holding on to some old law that holds back imaginative development of such a useful area is backward looking.

Posted by Friend of Grant Park on April 14, 2008 at 6:50 AM | Report this comment
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This is getting better and better. A museum for children on one end and a gambling palace on the other. Will the whore house be located somewhere in between? Where will the opium dens be located? And the crack cocaine rent-by-the-hour hotel? Shit, if we open up this town to the three vices, legalized and appropriately taxed and regulated, we could eliminate the property and sales taxes entirely. Change the zoning of the public parks to a new category, that being a V for vice category, teach our kids that, contrary to what their parents have been telling them, there's a time and place for vice and the time is now and the place is here, and you've got a winning combination that will assure the reelection of those touting this plan for generations to come. Streets paved in gold, tourist dollars flowing into the city's coffers like wine, freedoms undreamed of by the previous generations, it'll make this city and county a paradise, akin to the historical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. I can hardly contain myself, anticipating all the fun and frolic that awaits us all, gambling 24/7/52, tasty whores to relieve the stress from that occasional losing streak, the much needed availability of a variety of stimulants, to help keep the old eyelids open during those 24-48 hour binges at the craps table, then the sweet peacefulness of putting oneself into a narcotic induced coma once one has gambled away all one's assets, fucked one's roscoe raw and one needs the old batteries recharged, before heading back to one's country of residence. Thank you, 'Friend of Grant Park', you are truly a visionary.

Posted by re fiends of da mare on April 16, 2008 at 3:38 PM | Report this comment
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Go fcuk yourself, At least there wouldn't be a city income tax like your asshole politico would want, Atop EVEN higher taxes. The Children's Museum SHOULD stay at Navy Pier, However, A Chicago casino WOULDN'T be a bad idea.....As for you city income tax sado-masochists, Go choke on it!!!!!!!.

Posted by Hey You on April 16, 2008 at 9:41 PM | Report this comment
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Now why would you object to the 'friends of grant park' sharing with us the obvious intention of the daley crew, that being to turn this town into an extrapolated version of Las Vegas? I'm all for it, as I stated in my comment. Although I would prefer that our parks remain true to that "...18th century idea....", said idea being more needed by the city's citizens than ever before. In fact, I propose the following: 1. Legalize all 3 common vices, namely Prostitution, Gambling and Substances currently 'controlled/prohibited'. 2. Using the powers of the zoning of the uses of real property, create zones where the 3 vices can be enjoyed and indulged in by whoever sees fit to do so. 3. License, Regulate and Tax the providing of the goods and services that comprise the 3 vices. 4. The specific locations of these 'vice zoned' properties would be proposed and then voted on by binding public referendum. 5. The opportunities for employment will be as great or greater than those for tax revenues. 6. The removal of these 3 vices from the communities currently suffering under their presence will, no doubt, be a welcome occurrence to the residents of same. 7. The increase in tourism resulting from the legal availability of substances, sexual services and games of chance will satisfy even the most doubtful, as businesses of all kinds will benefit from the influx of foreign capitol. The subsequent revenues garnered from implementing the above will, no doubt, prove to be quite substantial and would likely reduce or eliminate the need for residential property taxes, sales taxes and the relentless pursuit of revenue through the punitive practices of the city's 'Revenue Department', via parking ticket quotas, etc. This city can be the leader of the movement to restore true individual freedom to this country's citizens, to finally remove the unconstitutional influences of the various religions over our laws and our society. That is, if individual freedoms are what the people want.

Posted by re 'hey you' on April 17, 2008 at 10:02 AM | Report this comment
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Has anyone else been screwed by the City of Chicago Dept. of Revenue because their website failed to complete a transaction? Then they stick you with a late fee and say that their policy is one that states that late fees are NEVER waved, even in the event that it is the city's fault. Sounds like a revenue scam to me.

Posted by K on August 21, 2008 at 3:04 PM | Report this comment

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