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Ray Hanania
Time is now to remove Putin
By Ray Hanania
Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin wants to restore the “grandeur” of the old Soviet Union. Over his past 22 years in power, he has done everything to reverse the move towards democracy that began with the resignation of Mikhail Gorbachev and presidency of Boris Yeltsin on Christmas Day 1991.
President Biden has been excessively cautious and may have given Putin the green light to invade when he said a military option to stop Putin was not on the table. Biden assured Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy he would “respond decisively,” saying sanctions would be the toughest ever.
The threat of going to war is often the greatest deterrent for war. But once Putin knew neither the U.S. nor NATO would respond militarily to an invasion, he invaded on Feb. 24.
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Ray Hanania
Biden’s response has been weak. They say former President Donald Trump would be tougher, but Trump’s rhetoric has been embarrassing, praising tyrant Putin as “tough” and “savvy.”
Worse is the rhetoric from Putin, who called Zelenskyy (who is Jewish) a “neo-Nazi.” Putin has threatened to kill Zelenskyy’s family and families of Ukrainian soldiers.
Biden needs to be tougher. He needs to impose sanctions at every level. File war crimes charges against Putin and Russia. Expel Russia from the U.N.
Suspend and end all cooperation with Russia–including space exploration–as long as Putin is president. Pursue regime change in Russia and more strongly support the insurgents in Russia.
Sanction Russia’s new Communist network including Lebanon, Serbia and Venezuela, as well as Pakistan, Iran, Syria, Crimea, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Belarus, with support from Iran, North Korea and even China.
We did nothing when Putin invaded Georgia in 2008 and Crimea in 2014. When he attacked Kazakhstan two months ago, a prelude to the invasion of Ukraine. Putin revived the term “Domino Theory.”
If we don’t take Putin out today, we will be dealing with far worse events in the near future. Are we the leader of the free world or are we just enjoying the title?
Ukraine is important, the second largest country in Europe next to Russia itself. What happens in Ukraine directly affects our future. We don’t want to go to war. But we can never let anyone believe we won’t go to war to defend the free world from tyranny.
THE POLITICAL GRAPEVINE: Troubles for Congresswoman Marie Newman mount. Newman is a centrist, one of the strongest advocates for Israel’s security and Palestinian justice, in a district with the largest Palestinian population.
Ironically, her troubles come right from Palestinian activists who have caused her so much damage with selfish choices: Iyman Chehade, a candidate in the new 3rd District who sued her, and Rush Darwish, who ran against her and divided the Arab vote.
If Newman loses to Congressman Sean Casten, who has received more than $30,000 from the extremist AIPAC lobby, it will be on their shoulders … Chicago Alderman Gilbert Villegas is leading in fundraising and support in the fight for the Democratic nomination in the new 3rd District … Secretary of State Jesse White, who has raised so many fees and made life difficult for motorists, has created a massive battle to succeed him when he endorsed Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia as his successor over Alexi Giannoulis. Giannoulis has the backing of the Cook County Democratic Party and Toni Preckwinkle, while Valencia also has Pritzker. No election will have a greater impact on Illinois voters …
Richard Irvin became mayor of Aurora in 2017 and has enforced one of the toughest crackdowns on street gang crimes. He’s running for the Republican nomination for governor against JB Pritzker. Every time I hear TV commercials by Irvin, a military veteran, his words resonate with me and I am sure with every citizen who believes that not enough is being done to stop crime. With officials like Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx making life easy for the criminals, we need someone who is taking crime serious. Irvin is backed by Republican Ken Griffin, who has 10 times more funds that Pritzker. So excessive wealth is not an issue. The biggest complaint is from the news media, arguing he hasn’t taken their questions or held press conferences. The same news media that is silent on President Joe Biden, who has held fewer press conferences than any previous president. But this is a midterm election and the party out of the White House, the Republicans, will see a voter surge … if you are looking for a real depth on Illinois politics, check out Shia Kapos‘ daily “Illinois Playbook” at Politico.
Check out Ray Hanania’s columns and political podcasts at hanania.com.
Local News
![BobbyRush U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/BobbyRush-819x1024.jpg)
Rush rips USDA over plight of black farmers
Spread the love‘House is on fire,’ congressman says From staff reports U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-1st) recently questioned U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack about what Rush called “the dire prognosis of black farmers in the U.S. and the steps USDA is taking to help minority farmers.” “As you well know, our nation’s…
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Charge man with Archer Heights carjacking
Spread the loveBy Tim Hadac Police say they’ve solved a carjacking that occurred in Archer Heights earlier this month. An 18-year-old Southeast Side man was charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking in connection with the crime. Monte Handley, of the 9000 block of South Muskegon, was apprehended by police in the 7500 block of South Ellis…
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Charge man in shooting of 2
Spread the loveBy Tim Hadac A 22-year-old West Lawn man was charged with two counts of aggravated battery, as well as aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, after he was arrested in the 3700 block of West Marquette Road at 4:06 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17. Isaiah Barco allegedly shot two men in a crime that…
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Many crimes down in Orland, but weapons arrests concerning
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Orland Park Police Chief Joseph Mitchell had mostly good news when revealing the village’s 2021 crime statistics. But one glaring area that has him bothered is the number of unlawful use of a weapon arrests that have been shooting up. Mitchell and Mayor Keith Pekau attribute it to felons from…
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Former GOP allies to battle for county board race
Spread the loveGorman wants to reclaim seat from Morrison By Bob Bong A battle royale is brewing in the race for the Republican nomination for Cook County Board’s 17th District. The 17th District is one of only two county board seats held by Republicans and it has only ever had a Republican commissioner dating back…
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Palos Park inches closer to gaming solution
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Signs are pointing to the fact there probably will be limited video gaming in Palos Park. Mayor John Mahoney and the village council rejiggered a few things with an ordinance and some of the village codes and the end result is that Monday they asked village attorneys to look into…
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Police reports
Spread the loveShot in the head, killed on Archer A 33-year-old man was shot in the head and killed as he drove a vehicle in the 4200 block of South Archer at 5:13 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22. The victim was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:47 a.m. Police said…
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Tabares backs West Lawn Branch Library
Spread the love Twenty-third Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares (left) recently toured the renovated West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd St.,, with new branch manager Mina Duarte. Details about the renovation’s may be found in the West Lawn column in the January 28 Greater Southwest News-Herald. –Supplied photo
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Chuy backs Starbucks unionization
Spread the love U.S. Rep Jesús “Chuy” García (D-4th), white mask, recently stood with those who support unionization of Starbucks workers, outside a shop in the city. Workers are attempting to organize under the banner of Chicago and Midwest Joint Board, Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union. –Supplied photo
Neighbors
![CRRNH_NiegoStory_062624 Thanks to Niego Real Estate, block after block in Clearing and Garfield Ridge are decked out each year in red, white and blue. Residents are asked to volunteer to pick up flags and decorate their whole block—or even additional blocks. --Supplied photo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CRRNH_NiegoStory_062624-768x1024.jpg)
Niego Real Estate salutes America again
Spread the love. Popular flag program underway . By Tim Hadac Clearing and Garfield Ridge residents who want to decorate their blocks in red, white and blue this Independence Day are encouraged to contact Niego Real Estate and reserve a supply of U.S. flags at no charge. The popular program to promote patriotism and community…
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Lyons Mental Health Commission pulls LeaderShop funding
Spread the loveExecutive director accused of harassment From staff reports The local nonprofit service community was jolted when nearly $300,000 in mental health funds was withdrawn by a Lyons Township agency from the Western Springs LeaderShop, a social service agency that has provided youth programs for nearly 40 years. The Lyons Township Mental Health Commission…
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Mount Carmel, Marist and Oak Lawn among 84 teams at Riverside-Brookfield shootout
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent High school boys basketball does not stop in March and pick back up in late autumn. For many players, playing hoops is a year-round commitment. AAU ball is a big reason for, that there are summer camps, shootouts or other events at most schools during the summer. The…
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Dog lovers to celebrate ‘Fur of July’
Spread the love. By Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . I’m starting out with some fun news. The West Lawn Dog Park Advisory Council will be hosting a Fur of July Pet Parade on Saturday, June 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at West Lawn…
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Fourth of July not happy for everyone
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Happy Fourth of July. Cannot believe I am already saying that, time sure goes. Hope it is safe and quiet for everyone and especially all of our house pets. For us its shutting…
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St. Rita’s transformation is worth a look
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . St. Rita of Cascia Church, 63rd and Fairfield, continues to undergo its transformation from the sunflowery/harvest golds and browns of the 1960s and 1970s to the calming pastels of the 2000s. Since the basilica-style church…
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Loss to Courage brings Red Stars’ winless streak to five games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Chicago Red Stars historic start to the season is all but forgotten. In the last five matches, the Red Stars have failed to win, with the latest setback being a 3-1 loss on the road to North Carolina on June 23 in an NWSL battle. The Red Stars…
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Summer League Basketball | Illinois powers compete at Riverside-Brookfield Shootout
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent School’s out for the summer, but high school athletes across Illinois are remaining active during the summer sports season. This includes basketball players, who can be found at camps, open gyms, camps and even weekend tournaments. Among the more high profile hoops action in the area was the Riverside-Brookfield…
![Dana RETTKE Dana Rettke, a graduate of Riverside-Brookfield High School, will play on the U.S. women's volleyball team at the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris.](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/RETTKE.jpg)
Dana Rettke and Ryan Murphy heading to Paris Summer Games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Area fans of the Summer Olympics will have extra reasons to cheer athletes from the United States in the upcoming Paris Games. Dana Rettke of Riverside is a member of the U.S. women’s volleyball team and Palos Heights native Ryan Murphy will represent the country in swimming. Rettke, a…
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Hope Church feeds the hungry at Marquette Park
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Last week on the way to our CAPS meeting at the Marquette Park Fieldhouse, I stopped in at the Tuesday Community Dinner hosted by Hope Church every week in the auditorium. Pastors Ben and Jordyn…