Ray Hanania
We’re being distracted from the real scandal
By Ray Hanania
The warnings that Russia will attack Ukraine have been much like forecasts of the TV meteorologists. They can predict snow, but how intense or light they often get wrong. Schools close. Some parents stay home from work, but the snowfall is light.
We live in Chicagoland, folks. It snows! It always has. We’ve seen some real storms but what we have been seeing lately seems pretty much mild and manageable.
Every day, we’re told, a Russian attack is imminent “in the next day or so.”
Everyone is focused on the apparent plans that Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin has to revive the old Soviet Communist empire when he is not killing rivals with radiation poisoning in cities around the world.
But this crisis isn’t just about Putin. It is about President Joe Biden, who benefits from the crisis to offset his past problems.
As we enter the midterm elections this year — what we are not talking about when we talk about Ukraine — is Biden’s failed policy on Afghanistan, where tyranny and religious fanaticism that empowered terrorists has returned.
What we are not talking about is the failed efforts to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement with the terrorist regime in Iran. Iran has been dragging its feet in the Vienna negotiations since they began nine months ago and advancing its uranium enrichment to the point where even Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has warned it will reach the point where an agreement becomes irrelevant.
Domestically, Biden has been unable to gather the votes needed to pass the Build Back Better plan, which he claims will help America’s economic recovery. He can’t get the whole package through because he can’t keep his party together.
But then there is the Ukrainian “crisis.” Every day that Americans fear the breakout of war, we are not talking about Biden’s failure in Afghanistan, the expansion of terrorist Iran or the erosion of his political base as we enter the midterm elections.
The midterm elections, as you know, are important because in nearly every presidential term, with only a few exceptions, the political party that holds the White House, this year the Democrats, lose control of the House and Senate to the opposition, in this case, the Republicans.
If you think negotiations with Iran have been bad, wait until the Republicans take over the House and the Senate. America will be in worsened polarization.
You can’t blame the Republicans alone for the polarization. You have to blame the Democrats, too. It seems no one cares about the country more than they care about their politics.
Democrats keep exaggerating the Jan. 6 violence as an “insurrection” (meaning an orchestrated, organized violent assault); when in fact it was an act of unprecedented violence from some of the thousands of demonstrators who gathered to protest the presidential election results.
The media was so biased against claims of vote fraud — something inherent in American election systems across this country — that it fueled the belief that somehow the election was stolen.
Meanwhile, the Democrats did nothing about the months-long violence that was fueled by George Floyd’s murder when thousands and thousands of protesters destroyed, burned down and vandalized businesses, and killed police and civilians.
They were just expressing their rage, or letting off “justified” steam.
The media has exaggerated the cries of the left while marginalizing and demonizing the cries of the right.
There is a middle ground, but the mainstream news media is not there as they should be.
Among the questions not being asked are those involving Biden’s controversy-plagued son, Hunter, who has engaged in millions of dollars in consulting contracts in Ukraine.
Miranda Devine, whose father, Frank Devine, was a friend of mine when he ran the Chicago Sun-Times under right-wing media mogul Rupert Murdoch, wrote an eye-opening book you should read called “Laptop from Hell.”
The book is about what Hunter had left on a laptop that a computer store owner said he brought in weeks before his father announced his candidacy for the presidency. But Hunter, who had a drug problem, according to the book, never picked up the laptop. The computer store owner, who held conservative political views, owned it and made it available to Biden’s critics.
Few media would explore those facts because they didn’t want to hurt Biden’s chances of defeating the blowhard and petty former President Donald Trump.
How does this all tie into Ukraine? Like most conspiracy concerns, we won’t know for many decades. By then, who knows what will happen in Ukraine?
Check out Ray Hanania’s columns and political podcasts at hanania.com.
Local News
Oak Lawn officials rip governor, legislators over crime
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle Two Oak Lawn officials are calling for Gov. J.B. Pritzker and local legislators to re-evaluate a police reform law that they say has resulted in a rise in crime. Trustee Alex Olejniczak (2nd) served as mayor pro-tem during the Oak Lawn Village Board meeting Tuesday night in place of Mayor Terry Vorderer,…
Troop 1441 Scout earns Eagle rank
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A journey that began years ago for Adrian Ayala recently culminated in Boy Scouting’s highest honor. Ayala, a member of Boy Scout Troop 1441 (sponsored by the St. Mary Star of the Sea Holy Name Society) was honored at an Eagle ceremony at Duggan Hall on Jan. 13. The Eagle rank…
Hog Wild to open Monday in Oak Lawn
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Dining choices will get a boost in Oak Lawn with the arrival of Hog Wild. The restaurant is scheduled to open Monday, January 17, at 4040 W. 111th St. That’s a week later than originally scheduled. “We are very fortunate here in Oak Lawn to have attracted Hog Wild,” Oak…
Home security cameras could be big help to Orland cops
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Residents of Orland Park could have a hand in solving crime in the village. The board of trustees unanimously approved to move forward with a voluntary security camera registration program at its Jan. 4 meeting. It’s expected to start on Feb. 1. This program gives citizens and businesses a chance…
Ailing eagle on the mend
Spread the loveSeveral blocks northwest of Garfield Ridge—just west of 47th and Harlem–motorists late last month noticed an eagle flying low and acting erratically. The Villa Park-based Chicago Bird Collision Monitors was contacted, and its volunteers found and captured the majestic bird. It was transported to a facility owned and operated by Glen Ellyn-based Willowbrook…
Can’t we just fast-forward to spring?
Spread the loveBy Joan Hadac Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge (708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com Hi everyone. Is it spring yet? Is the pandemic over yet? Not that I’m impatient or anything. I want to move forward past all the negative COVID-19 has brought to my life and everyone else’s life. I want to see…
Scavenger Sale different this year, Pappas says
Spread the loveFrom staff reports Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ 2022 Scavenger Sale will look different, as the Treasurer’s Office takes steps to help small developers, homeowners and investors rebuild neighborhoods and create generational wealth. Under Illinois law, the Treasurer’s Office is required to conduct a Scavenger Sale every two years, offering at auction the…
Give poor countries a break, Chuy says
Spread the loveFrom staff reports U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-4th) is one of 18 Members of Congress who recently sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging her to use the voice and vote of the United States at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to abolish the IMF’s surcharge policy, which requires countries…
Stop sale of dangerous drugs online, Rush says
Spread the loveFrom staff reports Legislation designed to ensure that social media platforms and websites are held accountable for failing to prevent the sale of dangerous, illegal drugs on their platforms has been introduced by U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-1st). The Domain Reform for Unlawful Drug Sellers (DRUGS) Act also was introduced by U.S. David…
$1 million Lucky Day Lotto jackpot won in Bridgeview
Spread the loveFrom staff reports If you bought a Lucky Day Lotto ticket in Bridgeview for Thursday night’s drawing, you may want to check it right away – that’s because you might be a newly-minted millionaire! Circle K gas station, located at 7050 S. Harlem Ave. in Bridgeview, sold a $1 million winning Lucky Day…
Neighbors
UPDATE: Bedford Park man, girlfriend charged with plotting Bridgeview father’s murder
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong A Bedford Park man and the victim’s girlfriend have been charged in the shooting death of Arturo Cantu last Wednesday. Bridgeview police arrested Anthony Calderon, 20, of the 7700 block of 65th Place, Friday night. He allegedly confessed to the murder and reportedly led police to the weapon used in…
Stickney celebrates Cinco de Mayo
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan The Village of Stickney didn’t disappoint this year with its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. Village Trustee Leandra Torres, who is the Co-Chaiman of the Parks and Recreation Commission along with Trustee Jim Hrejsa, said it was a fun-filled day. “We had 774 people attend this year,” she said. “It…
Summit congratulates District 104 westlers
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan At their April 15 board meeting, Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez and village officials presented Certificates of Accomplishment to boy and girl wrestlers from Summit School District 104. Rodriguez read their accomplishments and called them up one-by-one to receive their certificates. They were given a standing ovation by those in attendance.…
Auto mechanic Vern Woyner honored for 47 years working in Lyons
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch If you have lived in or near Lyons the past 47 years and needed your car repaired, there’s a good chance you know Vern Woyner. Woyner, 70, has been repairing vehicles in Lyons since 1977. His longevity of expert service has earned him the highest award presented by the village.…
Robbers hitting Chicago Lawn
Spread the love. From staff reports Police are warning the public about a robbery crew working the south end of Chicago Lawn. Crimes scenes include: 2500 block of West 73rd Street at 10:50 p.m. Monday, April 29. 7400 block of South Rockwell at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 7. 7100 block of South Mozart at 6…
Moving scammers out there, BBB warns
Spread the love. By Better Business Bureau staff . Moving is always a stressful project. Throw in the threat of a moving scam, and things get even worse. Before hiring a moving company, careful research is necessary to avoid falling victim to a moving scam. These scams run the gamut from missing items, massive price…
Burglars hitting local businesses
Spread the love. From staff reports Police are alerting the public to what appears to be a crew of burglars hitting businesses across the city. A CPD alert noted 10 separate crimes. Three were committed against Southwest Side businesses on Friday, May 17: 7800 block of South Western at 12:11 a.m. 3300 block of West…
Rainbow Cone adds 4 new flavors
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong Chicago’s iconic Original Rainbow Cone has been evolving over the past few years. First, it joined forces with the folks at Buono Beef and expanded its presence from its original location in Beverly to offer cones at Buono Beef locations and a few stand-alone stores as well as food trucks.…
Park Lawn opens day program in Palos Heights
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Promoting inclusion and individuality, Park Lawn provides services that promote choice and access to community living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mission behind the organization focuses on encouraging people with disabilities to discover their passion, to take pride in their accomplishments, to live more independently and to…
EPCHS adds Emmy-winning actor Gary Sievers to Hall of Fame
Spread the loveEvergreen Park Community High School has added a name to its list of Hall of Famers. Gary Sievers, a 1968 EPCHS graduate who became well-known for his acting, public speaking, work in radio and television, community service, civic leadership and teaching, was posthumously inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame during the Honors…