Opinion
‘Democracy’ not the issue in abortion debate
By Thomas L. Knapp In the wake of a leaked draft Supreme Court opinion which, if it represents a final vote, would overturn Roe v. Wade, pro-choice advocates are marshaling their best — and worst — arguments against removing that ruling’s protections for abortion. As always, I’ll refrain from sharing my own opinions on abortion…
Read MoreCentrists are few in abortion debate
By Ray Hanania I support abortions when they occur very early in a pregnancy or when they involve situations where the mother’s life might be in jeopardy. I also believe that a woman should have the right to abortion when she becomes pregnant as a result of rape or incest. But I don’t support abortion…
Read MoreIrvin gaslighting GOP voters
By Rich Miller Almost every weekday since the beginning of February, the Richard Irvin campaign has sent at least one press release to reporters about a host of issues, from crime to taxes to corruption to former House Speaker Michael Madigan to, well, you name it. Last week, however, the Irvin campaign was conspicuously silent…
Read MoreIssues take a back seat in this race
A lot of elections are pretty much cut and dry, easy to sort out, and good and bad candidates are distinguishable. But that’s not the case in the race for Illinois Secretary of State. There’s Alexi Giannoulias, a friendly guy who served one term as Illinois treasurer from 2007-11. I know him. Nice guy, but the…
Read MoreContinue investments in independent higher education
By David W. Tretter After so much uncertainty and so many challenges, this should be a time of hope and optimism for students attending Illinois institutions of higher education – especially the independent, not-for-profit colleges and universities I represent in Springfield. For many, it is a time of looking to better days ahead. The Illinois…
Read MoreWelch wants ‘winners who work’
I’ve mentioned before that House Speaker Chris Welch has said since the day he was elected to his chamber’s top job last year that he is fully committed to protecting all of his incumbents, whether in the primary or in the general election. That wasn’t always the case with his predecessor, House Speaker Michael Madigan.…
Read MorePekau can run, but can’t hide from truth about Orland Park crime
By Ray Hanania Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau, who is using his taxpayer-funded office to promote his Republican candidacy for Congress, continues to twist, distort and exaggerate facts about crime in the southwest suburbs. Residents of Orland Park are very concerned about rising crime there. The “police blotters” have disappeared to make it seem like…
Read MoreStanding up for the startup
By George Harris Google Home speakers are “smart,” to use the language of our times. They’re also stolen. That’s according to a recent ruling from the U.S. International Trade Commission that found Google infringed on five patents from Sonos, a speaker company. The ruling prohibits Google from importing products that infringe on the patented technology —…
Read MoreGOP snit may be a blessing in disguise
By Thomas L. Knapp Earlier this month, the Republican National Committee announced its withdrawal from the Commission on Presidential Debates, which has monopolized “major party” debates since 1988. The RNC, claiming bias on the CPD’s part in selecting moderators, pledged to “find newer, better debate platforms.” While the RNC’s reasons are self-serving, this may be…
Read MoreHistory is more than Harold
By Ray Hanania There is no doubt that a bias exists in the mainstream news media when it comes to Chicago politics. For example, last week would have been Chicago Mayor Harold Washington’s 100th birthday had he not died of poor health and eating habits on Nov. 25, 1987. I covered Washington from the day…
Read More