It's obvious how much Mark Jacobs loves and respects his city. His essay should be plastered all over the country to inspire those of us who are fighting for our democracy.
He hates Chicago. It voted against him in overwhelming numbers (in my old neighborhood he got 1.8% of the vote!); Trump Tower is so toxic they haven't been able to fill the retail spaces in 19 years and its apartments are a hard sell in one of the hottest real estate areas in the city (also it's a popular site for selfies giving it the finger); and it's the home of Barack Obama, whom he hates.
Also the hometown of Mary Harris "Mother" Jones, one of the most famous women of the early 20th Century, labor's patron saint, the mother of workers everywhere. With her forte organizing workers across all racial and ethnic lines to build solidarity in direct confrontation with the bosses' attempts to divide groups, Mother Jones would have relished this fight on immigration: "The first thing is to raise hell."
Damn straight. I wish this fourth generation Chicago native could rec this a thousand times. In my opinion, Trump's real issue with Chicago is that it is the home of Barack Obama and he sees the city as a stand-in for him. (Want to take bets on whether he'll be at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center next year, an event traditional attended by all living presidents? My money is on "no.")
You left two major Chicago troublemakers off your list: curmudgeon columnist Mike Royko, who was copied by so many wannabes on newspapers across the country, and alderman Leon Despres, famous for being the single non-machine member of city council back in the day, and having his mic repeatedly cut by Mayor Daley Pere. Despres also famously fought against Chicago's bid for the Olympics, saying he would boycott it even though he would've been something like 112 in the year they were going for.
Chicago rabble-rousers live long: Despres was 101 (my sister went to his funeral at KAM Isaiah Israel and said it was really something else!), Studs was 96, legendary community organizer Timuel Black, who helped Obama find his feet in Chicago (and whose daughter Ermetra I went to Sunday school with), was 102. Folksinger/children's music educator Ella Jenkins JUST died last year at 100. Resistance must be healthy! Royko was the one exception, dying young at 64.
I’m ready to support Chicago anyway I can from the East Coast. I’m sure that the Obama’s hometown is why he speaks of it with such venom. The Presidency has become personal. How is that not obvious? Americans don’t want a personal Presidency, they want the country they were promised, that we fight for…Demand Decency !!
I love Chicago and its history and I love this column/newsletter. I'm almost looking forward to seeing Chicago's reaction to the viral one's invaders. And maybe we'll buy some Malört, if we can find it in Little Rock.
Our governor and mayor gave excellent speeches today pointing out what a con this is. The only thing they missed was asking Trump why he built his building in a hell hole? Why is he so proud to blast his name in a hell hole?
I wonder how many people Trump paid to shoot someone this weekend. Duh, they don’t need to pay. They probably just left guns around. You know there’s a con aspect with everything he does.
Sure and thanks. Dem leaders have not said they will stand by the undocumented. They hem and haw, and allow themselves to be sidetracked into arguments about "criminals". Who has stated, we will NOT deport immigrants, regardless of their status?
Which "leaders" have said they won't stand by the undocumented?
This one?
"Chuck Schumer believes comprehensive immigration reform should be one of the Senate’s top priorities, as well as extending DACA provisions. He cosponsored the U.S. Citizenship Act, a comprehensive reform bill that will create a pathway to citizenship for both documented and undocumented individuals, reunify families, boost our economy, address the causes of migration from other countries to the U.S., and create a smarter and more secure border-management system. He also supports creating a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, or young immigrants who came here as children and have always considered the U.S. home."
This one? (Hakeem Jeffries)
"We must reform our broken immigration system and create a pathway toward citizenship for the millions of undocumented hardworking individuals who dream of becoming Americans. I remain focused on serving the needs of Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers, essential workers, asylum seekers and undocumented individuals in Congress. We must pass comprehensive immigration reform." (a "Know your rights" pop-up opens when you hit his immigration page).
Or this from the most progressive member of the U.S. Senate?
"Immigrants have always been a vital source of American strength. They grow our economy and make our communities richer and more diverse. Immigrants are our neighbors, our colleagues, and our friends — and every bit as much a part of America as those who were born in the United States. That’s why Elizabeth has a plan to create a fair immigration system that keeps families together, preserves our security, grows our economy, and reflects our values.
It's easy to cherrypick a mealy-mouthed statement by some backbencher but I'm not seeing this as a widespread problem among Democratic "leaders." I did find some comments by Texas congressman Henry Cuellar that could be so interpreted but he is also ranked the most conservative member of the Democratic caucus and not a "leader" by any stretch of the imagination.
Anastasia, imo the problem is that talk is cheap. Schumer and Jeffries especially spew platitudes like a broken faucet, but when push comes to shove, they fold. And Republicans KNOW they will. They're not fighters, and I don't see them as very good strategists. We need war time consiglieri, not kumbaya.
Warren fights, but she seems to be missing some essential quality that would put her out in front.
If Dem leaders fought effectively, we wouldn't be in Trump's hellscape.
How did they "fold"? In fact, given their lack of power in the minority, Think they've told up pretty strong. I think some people mistake lack of power do things with "folding" because they dream of some incredible power move that will somehow overcome being in the minority. We dream of perfect people who can wave a wand and make our dreams come true and dis our real leaders. This is our weakness: we don't support our own if they lack perfection. GOP voters don't care: just give them the right to look down on everyone who isn't them and they're happy enough.
Chuck Schumer, Jeffries, Warren are all equivocal. They all talk around the issue. And around. They all have "plans". None simply says NO to deportations, now do they? They disgust me.
they have all repeatedly spoken out against deportations. I feel like you want them to throw their bodies in front of ICE or it's not enough for you. This is our problem. We don't stand behind our leaders because they don't do the most extreme things we want; they do, no matter how wrong they are.
Richard, imo it's better now to be quiet and not tip the hand. Trump doesn't back down from a fight, so don't poke a stick in the hornet's nest until you're wearing protective gear.
I saw recently that a judge decided in favor of CA's lawsuit that challenged sending the Guard to LA. Let Whatshisname whine about that for awhile.
Maybe County/City officials should look at the financials of his hotel.
His hotel already lost one case by IL EPA and had to pay $5MIL fine for polluting the Chicago river. I'm sure its finances are bad because it has never been able to attract retail tenants to the large commercial space in the building.
I shouldn't have said "Be quiet." Be noisy -- but not about what's really going on. You know, do what Trump always does -- obfuscate, deflect, etc. Dems are flat out lousy at politics.
Mark, it's wonderful to have "strongly worded statements" (if I may put it that way). But with this guy in the White House, it really doesn't matter what you say, what I say, what Barack Obama or Michael Jordan or even JB Pritzker SAYS. It only matters what Pritzker DOES. And I believe Trump will do what he wants, and get away with it, unless Pritzker engages in physical confrontation with any federal troops attempting to enter Illinois. If by truck, at the border; if by plane, at the airport. At a minimum, it puts a more compelling spotlight on the authoritarianism, and forces the courts into a stark choice (even if SCOTUS ultimately does what it always does).
and, of course, trump plans on using last weekend's bad time for Chicago re guns as reason to send in federal troops to somehow stop this using....guns.
It's obvious how much Mark Jacobs loves and respects his city. His essay should be plastered all over the country to inspire those of us who are fighting for our democracy.
Thanks, Elke.
Nor do we submit in Maryland.
Mike Royko is applauding somewhere!
Well done, Mark. Thank you for all you are doing to stand up for Democracy!
Chicago must not submit! Trump must not be permitted to move forward in this horrible “quest”. We must be supporting to Chicago!!!
He hates Chicago. It voted against him in overwhelming numbers (in my old neighborhood he got 1.8% of the vote!); Trump Tower is so toxic they haven't been able to fill the retail spaces in 19 years and its apartments are a hard sell in one of the hottest real estate areas in the city (also it's a popular site for selfies giving it the finger); and it's the home of Barack Obama, whom he hates.
Exactly! His hate of Chicago goes back to early Obama days. Now he has even more hatred!
Also the hometown of Mary Harris "Mother" Jones, one of the most famous women of the early 20th Century, labor's patron saint, the mother of workers everywhere. With her forte organizing workers across all racial and ethnic lines to build solidarity in direct confrontation with the bosses' attempts to divide groups, Mother Jones would have relished this fight on immigration: "The first thing is to raise hell."
Great column, Mark!
The City of Big Shoulders doesn't back down.
Damn straight. I wish this fourth generation Chicago native could rec this a thousand times. In my opinion, Trump's real issue with Chicago is that it is the home of Barack Obama and he sees the city as a stand-in for him. (Want to take bets on whether he'll be at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center next year, an event traditional attended by all living presidents? My money is on "no.")
You left two major Chicago troublemakers off your list: curmudgeon columnist Mike Royko, who was copied by so many wannabes on newspapers across the country, and alderman Leon Despres, famous for being the single non-machine member of city council back in the day, and having his mic repeatedly cut by Mayor Daley Pere. Despres also famously fought against Chicago's bid for the Olympics, saying he would boycott it even though he would've been something like 112 in the year they were going for.
Chicago rabble-rousers live long: Despres was 101 (my sister went to his funeral at KAM Isaiah Israel and said it was really something else!), Studs was 96, legendary community organizer Timuel Black, who helped Obama find his feet in Chicago (and whose daughter Ermetra I went to Sunday school with), was 102. Folksinger/children's music educator Ella Jenkins JUST died last year at 100. Resistance must be healthy! Royko was the one exception, dying young at 64.
Royko and Despres are good suggestions.
Mike Royko died too young, Anastasia.
WAY too young. Very sad. He was a unique voice which is why so many of his imitators sounded so pretentious and phony.
I’m ready to support Chicago anyway I can from the East Coast. I’m sure that the Obama’s hometown is why he speaks of it with such venom. The Presidency has become personal. How is that not obvious? Americans don’t want a personal Presidency, they want the country they were promised, that we fight for…Demand Decency !!
I love Chicago and its history and I love this column/newsletter. I'm almost looking forward to seeing Chicago's reaction to the viral one's invaders. And maybe we'll buy some Malört, if we can find it in Little Rock.
Very fine!
Our governor and mayor gave excellent speeches today pointing out what a con this is. The only thing they missed was asking Trump why he built his building in a hell hole? Why is he so proud to blast his name in a hell hole?
I wonder how many people Trump paid to shoot someone this weekend. Duh, they don’t need to pay. They probably just left guns around. You know there’s a con aspect with everything he does.
The major issue is the intimidation and arrest of the undocumented. The Left must be clear and unequivocal, and so far, they aren't.
In what way do you think they haven't? Can you be specific?
Sure and thanks. Dem leaders have not said they will stand by the undocumented. They hem and haw, and allow themselves to be sidetracked into arguments about "criminals". Who has stated, we will NOT deport immigrants, regardless of their status?
Which "leaders" have said they won't stand by the undocumented?
This one?
"Chuck Schumer believes comprehensive immigration reform should be one of the Senate’s top priorities, as well as extending DACA provisions. He cosponsored the U.S. Citizenship Act, a comprehensive reform bill that will create a pathway to citizenship for both documented and undocumented individuals, reunify families, boost our economy, address the causes of migration from other countries to the U.S., and create a smarter and more secure border-management system. He also supports creating a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, or young immigrants who came here as children and have always considered the U.S. home."
This one? (Hakeem Jeffries)
"We must reform our broken immigration system and create a pathway toward citizenship for the millions of undocumented hardworking individuals who dream of becoming Americans. I remain focused on serving the needs of Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers, essential workers, asylum seekers and undocumented individuals in Congress. We must pass comprehensive immigration reform." (a "Know your rights" pop-up opens when you hit his immigration page).
Or this from the most progressive member of the U.S. Senate?
"Immigrants have always been a vital source of American strength. They grow our economy and make our communities richer and more diverse. Immigrants are our neighbors, our colleagues, and our friends — and every bit as much a part of America as those who were born in the United States. That’s why Elizabeth has a plan to create a fair immigration system that keeps families together, preserves our security, grows our economy, and reflects our values.
https://2020.elizabethwarren.com/toolkit/fair-and-welcoming-immigration
It's easy to cherrypick a mealy-mouthed statement by some backbencher but I'm not seeing this as a widespread problem among Democratic "leaders." I did find some comments by Texas congressman Henry Cuellar that could be so interpreted but he is also ranked the most conservative member of the Democratic caucus and not a "leader" by any stretch of the imagination.
Anastasia, imo the problem is that talk is cheap. Schumer and Jeffries especially spew platitudes like a broken faucet, but when push comes to shove, they fold. And Republicans KNOW they will. They're not fighters, and I don't see them as very good strategists. We need war time consiglieri, not kumbaya.
Warren fights, but she seems to be missing some essential quality that would put her out in front.
If Dem leaders fought effectively, we wouldn't be in Trump's hellscape.
How did they "fold"? In fact, given their lack of power in the minority, Think they've told up pretty strong. I think some people mistake lack of power do things with "folding" because they dream of some incredible power move that will somehow overcome being in the minority. We dream of perfect people who can wave a wand and make our dreams come true and dis our real leaders. This is our weakness: we don't support our own if they lack perfection. GOP voters don't care: just give them the right to look down on everyone who isn't them and they're happy enough.
Chuck Schumer, Jeffries, Warren are all equivocal. They all talk around the issue. And around. They all have "plans". None simply says NO to deportations, now do they? They disgust me.
they have all repeatedly spoken out against deportations. I feel like you want them to throw their bodies in front of ICE or it's not enough for you. This is our problem. We don't stand behind our leaders because they don't do the most extreme things we want; they do, no matter how wrong they are.
Quote. Cuz I'm not seeing it in what you have provided, or what I see in the media. Standing behind empty rhetoric is no stance at all.
Richard, imo it's better now to be quiet and not tip the hand. Trump doesn't back down from a fight, so don't poke a stick in the hornet's nest until you're wearing protective gear.
I saw recently that a judge decided in favor of CA's lawsuit that challenged sending the Guard to LA. Let Whatshisname whine about that for awhile.
Maybe County/City officials should look at the financials of his hotel.
His hotel already lost one case by IL EPA and had to pay $5MIL fine for polluting the Chicago river. I'm sure its finances are bad because it has never been able to attract retail tenants to the large commercial space in the building.
Never good to be quiet. The only hand they're playing is the reelect me, I'll take both sides of the issue hand.
I shouldn't have said "Be quiet." Be noisy -- but not about what's really going on. You know, do what Trump always does -- obfuscate, deflect, etc. Dems are flat out lousy at politics.
Why in the world would I want Dems to obfuscate and deflect on human rights issues? Because the GOP does it? Not following.
You keep fighting Trump, Gov!!!
Mark, it's wonderful to have "strongly worded statements" (if I may put it that way). But with this guy in the White House, it really doesn't matter what you say, what I say, what Barack Obama or Michael Jordan or even JB Pritzker SAYS. It only matters what Pritzker DOES. And I believe Trump will do what he wants, and get away with it, unless Pritzker engages in physical confrontation with any federal troops attempting to enter Illinois. If by truck, at the border; if by plane, at the airport. At a minimum, it puts a more compelling spotlight on the authoritarianism, and forces the courts into a stark choice (even if SCOTUS ultimately does what it always does).
and, of course, trump plans on using last weekend's bad time for Chicago re guns as reason to send in federal troops to somehow stop this using....guns.