Rogers Park Painting at the Library Speaks 1000 Words

If the Adelphi Theater was an insignificant eye sore that needed to be torn down, which was what Joe Moore had succeeded in doing. Then why did this artist include the Adelphi in this wonderful painting which signifies the beauty and uniqueness of Rogers Park?

The Adelphi as portrayed by an artist.

The Adelphi as portrayed by an Alderman.

Clark Street Unique

Very unique indeed.

Reelect Joe Moore???

Guardian of Sheridan and Morse Avenues

Friendly Reminder From The Concerned Citizens Of The 49th Ward To The Alder-Joker!

Ya talk the talk, but don’t forget ta shovel dat walk!

GO EAT PASTE!

Many of you received the Ald. Joe Moore e-mail POOF this morning. Maybe your glasses were fogged, because mine read like this:

The Alder-Joker Report

Me and those other 49 jokers and da Mare had a meeting on December 4th AND December 17th. And I’m just getting around to telling you about it NOW! HaHaHaHaHaHaHa!

Actually, I don’t have to report nothin’ to you rubes. But, like you didn’t already know (unless you’re stupid, which most of you are), da Mare made a mint for Chicago by privatizing the parking meters! Genius! That guarantees we “50″ get our 6.2% NEXT January 1st, if he doesn’t spend it all before then.

Actually, I don’t like da Mare. He criticizes me…a lot. And calls me names…names I don’t like.

So when I had to drive through that snowstorm last Saturday for the Grand Opening of the Clark Street Fire Station, I showed him, and showed him GOOD! I acted like I wasn’t even there! After all, I’m taller than he is, so that makes me better than he is! Huh, what a sap he was, talkin’ on and on. He’s even crazier than me! But then, I’m the Alder-Joker! I have proved I can do what I want to the 49th Ward!

So, the upfront payout for parking meters came to $1.2 Billion. Good.

$100 mil went to establish the “human infrastructure fund”. DON’T ask me.

$400 mil went to establish a long term reserve/replacement fund. Again, DON’T ask me.

Another $325 million goes to balance the city budget through 2012. Riiiiight. We should all live so long!

And finally, about $324 million went into the budget stabilization fund. Just DON’T, OK? Ain’t none of your business!

And you’re sitting there saying, “But that adds up to only $1,149,000,000. What happened to the rest, the $51,000,000?” Whatsamattah? A guy’s gotta eat, right?

Anyways, count on it, all, and I mean ALL, parking’s goin’ to be jacked as, as high as it can go. If you don’t like it, go eat PASTE!

The other meeting was about the 2016 Olympics. We gotta put them folks somewhere, cuz da Mare says we’re gonna get it. Me, I give a Batman’s mask! Olympics are dumb, and there’s no way for me to make money offa them! I’d rather re-zone! That’s some GOOD bucks!

So, I gotta go down again tomorrow. Who knows what da Mare wants to talk about. Ain’t been NOTHIN’ MUCH happening lately. I just stay at my place and count a lot of money. Boring, yeah, but better than nothin’!

Always spendin’ yours,

The Alder-Joker

Mayor Daley and Joe Moore

On Saturday, January 10th 2009, Mayor Daley visited Rogers Park to speak for the ribbon cutting ceremony for our new Chicago Fire Department firehouse on Clark Street.

Alderman Joe Moore also attended the event but sure didn’t look like he wanted to be there.

Mayor Daley speaking with our community

Alderman Joe Moore looking for the nearest exit

IT TAKES A BISHOP

Has YOUR alderman advised you of the following? Mine, Ald. Joe Moore, 49th, HAS NOT! It takes a concerned member of the clergy to keep us informed.

Bishop James Alan Wilkowski Photo Courtesy: William R. Morton

Courtesy of Bishop James Alan Wilkowski of the Church of the Holy Family

http://evangelicalcatholicchurch.org/chfnewsletter.htm

City of Chicago

PARKING TICKET AMNESTY PROGRAM

EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2008 TO FEBRUARY 14, 2009

Do you owe outstanding parking or red light tickets issued prior to January 1, 2007?

– If so, take advantage of this program now! If you pay your tickets in full, the City will waive 50% of the penalties for those tickets.

Do you owe boot, tow, and storage fees for a vehicle no longer in the City’s possession?

– If so, pay your tickets in full or get on a payment plan, and the City will waive them in full.

Have you previously defaulted on a payment plan?

– During the amnesty, you can get a new payment plan. The City will waive the $100 penalty.

* For more information, visit www.cityofchicago.org/revenue or call (312) 744-PARK.

* Motorist who fail to take advantage may incur collection costs and become boot eligible for two tickets at least a year old once the program ends.

The most commonly used browsers, Internet Explorer, Netscape and Firefox are supported browsers for this interface.

You can search for parking, compliance, and tickets issued by automated cameras by using one of the search options below, and entering the required information. The Department received a timely hearing request if a ticket status displays hearing requested or hearing scheduled. Hearing date options are displayed for scheduled in-person hearings. If you know your ten-digit ticket number(s) and do not need to search, click here to pay.

Please note, information regarding recently issued tickets may not be available using these search options. However, if you know your ticket number(s), you can pay by clicking here and entering the required information.

Enter The Required Information To Search For Tickets: You only need to enter required information for one of the search option boxes displayed below. However, you may need to perform multiple searches if you have multiple plates, or if your driver’s license number does not accurately appear on all of your license plate registrations. Tickets issued to vehicles without license plates at the time of ticket issuance may require a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) search.

You May Search By: License Plate Notice Number Driver’s License Number Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)Searching by License Plate

License Plate: Enter your license plate without spaces or dashes. Only those tickets issued to the license plate entered will be retrieved. This search option may not retrieve tickets if your plate is issued by a state other than Illinois.

License Plate State: If your license plate was not issued by the State of Illinois, please choose the applicable state from the drop down menu.

Plate Type: IMPORTANT – Some examples of plate types include passenger, disabled, environmental, and prevent violence. An environmental plate, for example, is not a passenger plate. If you choose the incorrect plate type, you will not receive information.Owner’s

Last Name or Name of Company: If your vehicle is registered to more than one person, enter the last name of the first person as it appears on your vehicle’s license plate registration. If your vehicle is registered in the name of a company, enter the company name as it appears on the vehicle’s license plate registration.

Mayor Daley and Joe Moore

On Saturday, January 10th 2009, Mayor Daley visited Rogers Park to speak for the ribbon cutting ceremony for our new Chicago Fire Department firehouse on Clark Street.

Alderman Joe Moore also attended the event but sure didn’t look like he wanted to be there.

Mayor Daley

Alderman Joe Moore

AS THE WORLD TURNS…

David Fagus, 49th Ward Committeeman, and NO LONGER a friend of the Governor!

From the 49th Ward Blog: http://49thward.blogs.com

October 13, 2006

Blagojevich Getting It Done!

Rod Blagojevich has been making the kind of changes we had been anticipating for 30 years of Republican governors. With his 2002 victory we realized what life could be like with a Democrat leading the state government. We as Democrats had very high hopes for the Blagojevich administration and he has delivered. He has taken up the cause of many of the concerns we all had including health care, minimum wage, stem cell research, passing GLBT legislation to protect against discrimination, expanding pre-school programs, and funding for the vast array of social services and human rights programs that make the quality of life in Illinois better.

Topinka, our current state treasurer, on the other hand has not demonstrated anything in her tenure that would make for a reason to vote for her. She has worked hard to try to take advantage of Blagojevich missteps and potential problems but that is a campaign to not vote for Blagojevich. She has failed to give anyone a reason to vote for her.

When the polls close on Tuesday, Nov. 7 I believe we will se a huge Blagojevich victory and the government of Illinois will continue to be lead by Democrats. The question then becomes what to do with that power.

I have at least three issues that I would like to see addressed. We all need to be very concerned about the general finances of the state. When Blagojevich came in he faced a five billion dollar deficit. He has managed to move things forward, but at what cost? It seems to me that rather than address the issues today, we have decided to delay those decisions into the future. The governor needs to develop a plan to address the long-term financial situation. No new taxes makes that even more difficult, but whatever the options are we need a plan that will protect the programs we have long waited for and keeps the state in sound financial shape.

While he is addressing the financial future a second problem that must be addressed is the funding of education. Without the 7% tax cap and with property values significantly up the burden of property taxes is growing heavy on most citizens of Illinois. A plan to change the way schools are funded that decreases the reliance on property tax is necessary.

Finally, a third item that needs to be on the Governors agenda is tax increment financing reforms. TIF’s can and have played a valuable role in development of some areas that may not have seen development otherwise. That does not mean that TIF’s are appropriate for every area that wants development. Some should have the assistance, but most should be able to develop without it. The revenues also need to be better understood and utilized so that their is appropriate and transparent use of the funds.

I believe that there are other things that need to be addressed and new issues will arise. I know that there will be some issue we just will not all agree upon, but I also have no doubt that we will all be better off with Blagojevich as our governor.

Go Democrats!

*********

So much GUSHING PRAISE, as if the party makes the man!

*********

December 09, 2008

Blagojevich Must Resign Immediately

Many people across the state today are enormously unhappy, disappointed and angry as a result of today’s events. The charges that Governor Blagojevich is now facing are very serious and without question impact his ability to govern. It is in the best interest of the people of the State of Illinois if Governor Blagojevich resigns immediately. Should Mr. Blagojevich not take such an action then it is incumbent on the legislature to act quickly and decisively to remedy this situation through the impeachment process provided by the state constitution. Any and all support that Mr. Blagojevich may have once enjoyed from me or this organization had already eroded to the point of being non-existent over the past 18 months and given these most recent events no longer exists in any way, shape or form. It is unfortunate for all of the people of Illinois that we have now seen the last two Governors charged with felony crimes that were a direct result of misconduct in the Governor’s office. These things are often impossible to predict, but criminal activity requires a swift and direct action. One can only hope that Mr. Blagojevich has it within himself to take such a selfless action and resign.

*********

Whatsamattah? Because Joe hasn’t gotten anything from Barack, now you ditch your Guv-buddy, too? Tsk, tsk, D. You CHANGE like the winds!

NO, JOE, THIS REMINDER’S FOR YOU!

Another e-mail POOF from Joe Moore today….

But, speaking of neighbors, and “dear” ones at that, Joe…One of YOUR close (ONE BLOCK EAST) neighbors was picked up by the FBI last night on MY block!

Andrew Johnson, 19, was dubbed the “45 Second Bandit” since he allegedly gave bank employees 45 seconds to meet his cash demands, the release said. This is according to CBS2:

Read the story at:

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/Johnson.Arrested.2.904369.html

Did you by any chance “poof” him an e-mail, Joe? I can guarantee he never saw it, as Johnson was charged today with a November 24th bank robbery, which could get him 20 years, Joe!

You see: CRIME DOES NOT PAY! Are you learning that now, Joe?

So long Amphora

As of December 31st 2008, restaurant, and (Dev Corp North member), Amphora closed it’s doors for the final time.

Kinda reminds us of the closing of Cafe Suron, restaurant, and (Dev Corp North member).

Replacing Amphora will be a bar and grill (future Dev Corp North member).

Do you see a pattern here?

From our friends at Flatts and Sharpe Music Co.

Hi everybody! Here’s hoping all had a wonderful New Year’s and are rolling into 2009 rested and ready. Here at the store we have awesome consignment deals on some unique instruments. We’re selling a Montana acoustic-electric guitar, perfect for advancing beginners, for only $160. We have a Washburn archtop guitar that we’re selling for only $400, about $100 cheaper than usual.

We’re also selling a super-cool 6-string violin guitar—think of the viola bass Paul McCartney played but imagine it as a guitar—for less than $300. We’re selling an amazingly versatile little 30 watt Crate amplifier packed with built-in effects for less than $250.

And, finally, we’re selling a beautiful 25th Anniversary edition Ovation guitar with wonderful electronics and a full, punchy sound, for only $675, nearly half off its original $1200 price-tag. It comes complete with its own hardshell case. You really ought to see it, and all the rest of our groovy deals, live and in person.

As always, we carry a great selection of beginner guitars and offer beginner-friendly lessons. If you’re one of the noble souls who made a New Year’s resolution to learn to play an instrument, let us help you make that dream come true. You can do it. We’d love to help. Have a merry January, and a happy…uh… February. Keep practicing! See you on the beach in June!

Much love,

Flatts and Sharpe Music
6749 N Sheridan
773 465 5233
http://www.flattsandsharpe.com/

Fightin’ Joe! Fighting For The 49th Ward!

Click On Pic For A Better View!
This would make a great business card!

NO COMMENT

IS THERE NO SUPPORT?

I wrote that short poem Saturday, the 3rd. No one except me has commented.

Are you all idiots?

You want to keep Ald. Joe Moore here, in the 49th Ward of Chicago?

Or, you can’t figure out how to “find a new alderman” on your computer?

Toni, http://howardwatchers.blogspot.com/

Craig, http://morsehellhole.blogspot.com/

Mike Luckenbach? http://nhna.blogspot.com/

Mannis? http://rogersparkbench.blogspot.com/

Harrington? http://rpvoter.blogspot.com/

No support for a new alderman? I have called for Joe Moore’s RESIGNATION, THREE times, and none of you even noticed it?

POETRY 101

I feel like I’m hangin’
Hangin’ on my last nerve
Tired of the gangs ‘n’
Tired of the pervs

Y’all can’t be serious
Just spinnin’ a rhyme
Ain’t no victims
Ain’t no crime

Well, Joe, ya know
I just can’t believe
You been hidin’ somethin’, Joe
What you got up your sleeve?

You just don’t care, Mister
You don’t care about me. Joe
Right now your credibility
Is just about ZEE-RO!

A REAL "BLAST"

Bishop James Alan Wilkowski has published, in his current Newsletter, the latest happenings in Illinois governement. It would be very wise for you to save this link, as you most likely will not be getting this in an E-MAIL BLAST from your current alderman!

http://evangelicalcatholicchurch.org/chfnewsletter.htm

New Public Safety Laws Effective January 1, 2009

The State of Illinois has announced six new public safety laws designed to protect Illinoisans from danger and crime. The laws will take effect January 1, 2009. They allow for the use of GPS tracking devices in certain domestic violence cases, provide a stronger plan for colleges and universities in the event of an emergency, equip firefighters with more authority, strengthen penalties for unlawful use of certain weapons, and outlaw the use of a bumpkey.

In response to the death of Cindy Bischof, an Arlington Heights woman killed by her ex-boyfriend, Senate Bill 2719, sponsored by State Senator Susan Garrett (D – Highwood) and State Representative Suzanne Bassi (R – Palatine), increases protection for domestic violence victims. The bill establishes the Domestic Violence Surveillance Program where offenders who violate an order of protection could be ordered to wear a GPS tracking device while on bail, as a condition of their probation, or upon release from custody.

“We have to do everything in our power to protect our communities from domestic violence; it needlessly takes the lives of too many people every year,” said Governor Blagojevich. “This new law will help combat some of the dangers these individuals face and help them feel more secure. In general, these new laws all have the same goal – to ensure the safety of the public.”
Those who attempt to illegally obtain a firearm will now face steeper punishment.

House Bill 5524, sponsored by State Representative Dennis Reboletti (R – Addison) and State Senator John Millner (R – St. Charles), increases the penalty for those who illegally obtain or attempt to obtain firearms to a possible Class X felony which carries a sentence of up to 40 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. This law also revokes the possibility of probation, periodic imprisonment, or conditional discharge. In an effort to make campuses safer statewide,

State Senator John Sullivan (D – Quincy) and State Representative Robert Pritchard (R – Sycamore) sponsored Senate Bill 2691, requiring all public and private colleges and universities to have an annual emergency response plan and campus violence prevention plan exercises. Local emergency managers and Illinois Emergency Management Agency regional coordinators are required to provide schools with appropriate standards and guidelines to assist in the development and maintenance of the plans.

Senate Bill 2488, sponsored by State Senator Gary Forby (D – Benton) and State Representative John Bradley (D – Marion), permits firefighters to close off lanes of traffic while responding to an emergency situation if no law enforcement or highway officials are present. This bill also increases the penalty for reckless homicide cases to a Class 2 felony if the individual fails to follow procedure required when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, or if the defendant caused the death of two or more persons as part of a single course of conduct.

House Bill 2757 includes stricter guidelines to protect Illinois residents from the use of knuckle weapons. Previously the law only applied to metal knuckle weapons. Now the new amendment of the bill includes all knuckle weapons regardless of composition. House Bill 2757 was sponsored by State Representative Fred Crespo (D – Streamwood) and State Senator Iris Martinez (D – Chicago).

House Bill 2859 creates new protections for communities by outlawing common burglary tools. Possession of a bumpkey may show the intent to commit a crime of theft or other felony unless the person is authorized to possess such a tool. A bumpkey is a regular key that has been filed down to fit into and open any lock. This bill was sponsored by State Representative Michael P. McAuliffe (R – Chicago) and State Senator James DeLeo (D – Chicago).

*********
Grammar Gal says:

Our own ALDER-JOKER, Joe Moore, did NOT send out this “e-mail BLAST”. It came to me in the Church of the Holy Family NEWSLETTER, dated January 4, 2009!

I keep telling you people, Ald. Joe Moore DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOU!

Ald. Joe Moore, as of January 1, 2009, is being paid $110,556 per year TO DO NOTHING!

I am formally asking him, ON THE RECORD TODAY, to STEP DOWN!

Mr. Moore:

You have shunned your responsibilities in SERVING the residents of the 49th Ward of Chicago LONG ENOUGH. Please have the DECENCY to step down. Please RESIGN NOW!

Time Out Chicago Critic Picks Chopal As a North Side Favorite While The Chicago Board of Health gives Chopal just a "Time Out"

Who’s brave enough to dine on Devon?

Before and After: Jarvis Station murder

Jarvis Station: May 17th 2008

Both of these videos are at the same exact location, the first video displayed a “Latin Kings” crown with “LKK” (which means Latin Kings Killer).

Jarvis Station: December 27th 2008

This second video shows the shrine of Isiah “Freaky Nu Nu” Stroud, a member of the Insane Cutthroat Gangstas who was murdered recently at the exact same location.

I have sent many letters to 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore about this dangerous location to no response at all. I have also called Alderman Joe Moore’s office on several occasions to alert him about this MAJOR ISSUE, to no response at all.

1. If we had been paying attention to these issues …

2. If we were PRO-ACTIVE, instead of RE-ACTIVE about eliminating this gang infestation of our community …

3. If we had “seen the signs” …

Could we have predicted this outcome before the murder occurred?

Yes.

It is possible that YOU, one day end up at the wrong-place, at the wrong-time in Rogers Park.

It is then that this issue becomes the most important to YOU.

Rogers Park gang territory

Rogers Park gang murder shrine

This crime scene is located at the Jarvis Redline station on Jarvis Avenue in Rogers Park.

Adelphi Theater Update

Adelphi Theater – Rogers Park

Deadly Hazard Exposed in Rogers Park

What you see here are exposed electrical wires that I came across today while I was walking my dog in Warren Park which is in West Rogers Park. My dog actually tried to go over there to chew on these wires, but luckily I was able to stop her. Children play in this park, and if they happened to play with these wires there is no telling what could happen. Also, what if these wires were hidden by the snow? Do I need I say more. Tsk,Tsk! I also, hear that there are exposed wires in light poles around Rogers Park that can pose a electrical hazard to children and animals. So in addition, to

shoveling your walkways

and warning your children to stay away from abandoned construction sites, here is one more thing amongst many to be aware of in Rogers Park.
This high voltage box below is near to the wires in the picture above.

The Importance of Protecting Labor

This is a message from our friend James Alan Wilkowski, Evangelical Catholic Bishop for the Diocese of the Northwest:

Blessed Are The Workers:

The Importance of Protecting Labor

A Pastoral Letter

by

Bishop James Alan Wilkowski

Evangelical Catholic Bishop
for the
Diocese of the Northwest

◊

Introduction

In the beginning God Created…

In those first introductory words of Genesis, we learn that the creation of life came about through an unconditional act of loving labor. Genesis also teaches us that the weight of the labor involved was so tremendous that even God had to rest at the end of shift.

The fruits of God’s act of labor has been the focus of joy, celebration and praise by peoples of faith. The oral traditions and sacred books of faith have never ceased to remind each and every generation of its obligations of stewardship for the welfare and enrichment of the fruits of God’s labors.

Once upon a time in the ongoing story of the human experience, the act of labor was something commonly held in high esteem and reinforced with praise and gratitude. All forms of human labor were once considered as bonding acts which collectively served as the driving engine empowering the growth, happiness and welfare of a community. Working men and women were considered being an
equal partner in the welfare of the community.

Since the earliest days of the human experience there has also existed some form of economic system. Before the invention of the coin, there was the bartering system.

The Bartering System was simply an equal exchange of goods and services between parties. While no doubt that sometimes one of the parties might have gotten a slightly better bargain in the trade – exploitation was rather kept in check and societies flourished.

Since the period of post Civil War Reconstruction in the United States, the dignity, economic rights and social welfare of American Labor has suffered from generations of unchecked corporate greed and exploitation, political profiling, psychological rape and economic genocide.

Corporate Greed and
Exploitation

We do not know the exact moment in time in which the Merchant Class began to look upon the craftsmen and artisans with greed. Any student of economics knows that the fervent prayers of any merchant is for opportunities to buy goods cheap and to in turn sell for as much of a profit as possible. While nobody wishes to deny merchants their opportunities to earn a profit and to care for themselves and their families, their is a fine line between ethical and moral business practices and greed.

Greed is an addictive illness with grave moral consequences.

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

As their addictions to greed consumed their ethics and morality, the merchant class and later corporations lost their abilities to see the humanity of the working class. Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. (Proverbs 27:20) Working men and women were looked upon as dairy cows to be milked and milked until they were dried out and then discarded.

Since Reconstruction, American Labor is suffered greatly from abusive corporate greed, racism, gender and ethnic bias – all of which have become part of the historical record of the United States.

◊

Political Profiling

Maintaining our focus on the historical political record of the United States, the political interest of the hourly working person has been the one of the hallmarks of the Democratic Party and the political interest of corporate business is the fiefdoms of the Republican Party. In matters political and legislative, these two parties have represented their respect constituents with energy and dedication.

The needs and interest of hourly working people have traditionally been better served when the democratic party has an effective base elected to the local, state and federal government. It is when hourly working men and women fail to have enough of a representative base in governments, that they become vulnerable to political profiling.

For the purpose of this Pastoral, I am defining political profiling as:

the use of specific characteristics, as members of a social class or distinction, to make generalizations about a person, as whether he or she may be engaged in legal activities or actions to protect their political and economic welfare.

Those who represent the political agenda of the corporate business coterie have historically pursued an agenda punctuated with the mantra that hourly workers are over compensated in salary and in benefits. When we watch companies suffer from financial corporate mismanagement and teeter on the brink of economic collapse, we see them turn to their hourly workers and beg for “concessions” to bail them out of their self-created mess.

We have also seen in the past decade a recurrence in the campaign for “union-busting.” Union busting is a practice that is undertaken by an employer or their agents to prevent employees from joining a labor union or to disempower, subvert, or destroy unions that already exist.

We have some individual states which have enacted laws crippling organized labor from offering their services to hourly working men and women. We have witnessed some states bringing foreign owned companies into their states to operate with a hourly work force unprotected by Unions. The ultimate goal of “union busting” would provide a blank check to corporation to strip hourly workers of their rights.

◊

Psychological Rape and
Economic Genocide

All who labor desire to take pride in all that they accomplish. Regardless if one mops a floor or building a skyscraper – when any worker can look at what they have accomplished with pride and gratification they become self-empowered to continue to work well and to complete their tasks at the very highest of standards.

When unprotected hourly workers are subjected to verbal harassment, indifference or denied the opportunity for advancement – these are the characteristics of psychological rape within the work place. Sadly, the titans of corporate American are blind to the fact that workers who are subjected to repression and all other forms of psychological rape are less able to perform their jobs at the highest possible levels.

Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates: At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto thee. (Deuteronomy 24:14-15)

For those corporations saddled with the illness of greed, it is not surprising to find their agendas, policies and practices causing economic genocide for the hourly working class in America. People are now working longer hours for less and many have been forced to take on second low sub-paying jobs to keep their homes, put food on their tables and clothes on their backs. All one has to do is to compare the salaries of management vs. the hourly workers to see where greed exists.

Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. (Matthew 23:2-4)

We also see how the corporate practice of “outsourcing of American jobs” has contributed to the economic genocide for the hourly working class in America.

The illness of greed has manifested itself within corporations to completely bypass the American workforce to outsource American job to countries where labor costs are not better than pocket change. These acts of economic genocide against working class Americans will destroy families and have a wide ranging devastating effect on local communities.

◊◊◊◊◊◊

The Pastoral Call to Action

Unions modeling the example

of

Jesus the Good Shepherd

This Pastoral is to generate support for those who have been blessed with the vocation to help, support and protect all hourly working men and women – namely all Labor Unions and Professional Guilds. This Pastoral is being offered at a time in which all hourly working men and women are besieged with unprecedented threats to their welfare.

Hourly working men and woman, once considered being equal partners in the growth and welfare of the community, are again being used as the scapegoats for the plight of America’s current episode of economic recession and they need to be protected by their adversaries. This is the vocational role of Labor Unions and Guilds.

As the scope and role of Labor Unions and Guilds evolved and developed in the United States since World War II to today, their primary orthodoxy remains the same on three historical issues:

1. fare and just compensation for one’s work.

2. job security and protection from subjective and arbitrary managerial actions.

3. the role of worker’s offering suggestions or ideas to improve and/or enhance the quality of job goals.

These three issues do not, in our opinion, represent any acts of greed on the part of labor. Rather it is testament to Labor’s commitment and stewardship of their collective works.

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10)

Since we have returned to a period in time in which the pendulum has returned to a period of anti-Unionism, the necessity for Labor Unions and Guild to protect hourly working men and women are paramount, for Unions are Guilds must lift the burdens of fear and corporate intimidation from their minds.

I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favor in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knows to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone. (Numbers 11 13:17)

For once again, the hourly working men and women has become vulnerable as lambs to corporate and political predators.

Every working person must be afforded the opportunity to become members of Labor Unions or Professional Guilds.

Employees shall have the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in other mutual aid or protection. {National Labor Relations Act 1935}

To deny or to impede this right of workers is morally wrong and must be unconditionally challenged at all levels.

The historical record shows that that most employers take full advantage of the opportunity to tread on workers’ rights to a “free choice” before a union representation vote. They do this by aggressively intimidating, harassing, and coercing workers in an effort to undermine union support. In a study published by the American Rights at Work Committee, among employers faced with organizing
campaigns:

• 30% of employers fire pro-union workers.
  
• 49% of employers threaten to close a
  worksite when workers try to form a union, but only 2% actually do.
  
• 51% of employers coerce workers into
  opposing unions with bribery or favoritism.
• 82% of employers hire high-priced
  union-busting consultants to fight union organizing drives.
• 91% of employers force employees to attend
  one-on-one anti-union meetings with their supervisors.

This study also confirms that union membership in the United States is not declining because workers no longer want, need, or attempt to form unions. Instead, the falling membership rate is related to employers’ systematic use of legal and illegal tactics to stymie union organizing.

• Aided by a weak labor law system that fails to protect workers’ rights, employers manipulate the government-supervised union recognition process in a way that allows them to abuse their power and significantly influence the outcome of union representation elections.
  
• In 91% of the union recognition petitions filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in the survey, a majority of workers indicated they wanted a union before the process began. In several cases, workers demonstrated more than 80% support.
• However, unions were victorious in only 31% of the campaigns in which they filed a petition.

Given this period of sophisticated corporate and political predation being waged against hourly working men and women, it is essential for all Labor Unions and Professional Guilds to renew and reclaim their vocational orthodoxy to become the protective Shepherd of the Lambs of Labor.

We of this age and time have forgotten the many examples of gains earned by Labor Unions on behalf of the hourly workers. According to many historian, the most recent period of labor growth and advancement peaked and came to an abrupt stall in 1981 when Ronald Regan busted the Air Traffic Controllers Union. Since that defining moment, many labor unions and their members began to see the gains they had earned fade away and many hourly workers had their faith and confidence in their Unions severely diminished.

One of the reasons attributed to the gains labor unions and guilds were able to provide for their members prior to the 1980s was found in the unbreakable fidelity and confidence that members had with their unions and guilds. For when those times came in which unions and guilds had to call upon their members to man the picket lines – union members were on the streets in full force and with pride and determination in their cause. Corporate predators could seldom prevail when faced with a work force prepared to stand up for their rights.

We have chosen the model and example of Jesus the Good Shepherd for two simply reasons. The first is the model of unconditional commitment to the flock and the second is the willingness of Jesus to lay down his life for his flock.

Jesus the good shepherd is referenced in the book of John, chapter 10. In His own words, Jesus tells us in verse 11: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” And in verses 14-15: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep, and they know me just as my Father knows me and I know my Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.”

Jesus is the good shepherd to His believers just as the shepherds were of their livestock. A shepherd tended his flock day and night. He would gather the sheep into a sheepfold at night for their protection. The sheepfold was a pen, a cave, or an area backed by stone walls. Since there were no doors, the shepherd would often sleep or sit in the opening, ready to guard his sheep from harm. Given this moment in time, it is incumbent for all labor unions and guilds to be “ready to guard their sheep from all harm.” – day and night. This role of leadership will also require those in position of labor leadership to be ready to take any and all steps necessary in protecting their members from any and all form of predation.

The single most important qualification for protective shepherds is unconditional and single-minded fidelity to the flock in their care. A distracted shepherd risks the welfare of their flock. Unions and Guilds that permit themselves to become distracted from either external or internal influences cannot effectively shepherd those in their care through difficult times. One of the most severest forms of
distraction that can undermine a union or guild is the perception that a union or guild is in “the pocket” of corporate management. Unions and guilds must avoid any perception of a conflict of interest or diminished independence.

Hourly workers once again have powerful forces working against them and they do not need any of their predators working against them in the guise of a unionist.

This Pastoral calls for a renaissance within the Labor movement – a renaissance that refuses to surrender the rights and needs of hourly workers through unjust “givebacks” and re-negotiations which refuses to permit the hourly workers to be made the scapegoats for corporate corruption and greed.

This Pastoral calls also for a renewal of commitment in the relationship between Unions and Guilds and their members. This Pastoral calls upon those who hold positions of leadership within Unions and Guilds to strive to make labor a just and equal partner in the all workplaces.

And finally, this Pastoral calls upon all corporations and businesses to respect the rights and dignity of the hourly worker, for it is their labor that fuels the success of all corporations and businesses are dependent upon. The exploitation of any worker for any reason is immoral and unjust.

Let us Pray,

Loving Father, creator of
all that is just and good,

we give you thanks for Your loving act of creation.

Your labor of love is the model which we strive to follow

as stewards and caretakers of Your creation.

We place in your care the needs of all who labor.

We ask You to protect them from all forms of exploitation.

We ask You to convert the hearts of all those who engage in labor exploitation.

We ask You to send Your Holy Spirit into our hearts to renew our commitment to justice.

and

We ask You to guide, strengthen and give wisdom to those whom

You have called to serve and protect the needs of all who labor.

for

Blessed are those who labor

for their works maintains Your gift of creation.

Respectfully Yours in Christ,

Evangelical Catholic Bishop for
the Diocese of the Northwest

Chicago, Illinois

and

Member of SEIU Local #73

◊◊◊◊◊◊

January 1st, 2009

The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God

Dedicated to all who labor.

◊◊◊◊◊◊

HOW! MUCH! LONGER!

From today’s Chicago Tribune comes this newsworthy article:

House of cards emerges in zoning-change game

TRIBUNE ANALYSIS: Market collapse is aggravated by system where aldermen benefit from campaign donations from developers

Ald. Joe Moore’s alter-ego, whom I have christened ALDER-JOKER, continues to build his HOUSE OF CARDS in Chicago’s 49th Ward.

Read the full article by Dan Mihalopoulos et al at:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-zoning-wrapdec31,0,5876530.story

If you thought that was interesting, you can also click here:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-zoning-database,0,5177370.htmlpage

You’ll find that Ald. Joe Moore, the ALDER-JOKER, performed 73 re-zonings since 2003! That averages to almost 15 per year, each one carrying with it a “campaign donation”–also known as PAY-FOR-PLAY! Also known as CORRUPTION!

A note to the ALDER-JOKER: Keep trying to build your HOUSE OF CARDS…GO AHEAD! But, as you know, Chicago is a WINDY city, and soon, very soon, a STRONGER WIND will come along, and the cards will COLLAPSE around you and all your thugs.

Grammar Gal

My Final Thought for 2008 (feel free to re-post on your blogs)

(former location of) the Adelphi Theater
7070 – 78 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL. 60626

File under: 49th Ward, 60626, Danger to our Community, Demolition Tragedy, Eyesore, Joe Moore’s Folly, Poor Judgement by an Alderman, Un-Secured Demolition Site, Ward Wreckage

original location of video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFGhUQ548Qk

Thank you, and let’s not re-elect an Alderman that would do this to our neighborhood in years to come.

- Bill Morton

To the honorable citizens of Rogers Park, thanks for living here. It is people like you who give this neighborhood its unique charm and flavor, which is under attack by a small minority of anti-culture sub-human criminals, and yes I am also including the Alderman in the mix. These people who know who they are should move to Berwyn, where cultural landmarks such as the car spindle which has brought fame to to this suburb “Chicago neighborhood” want to be as a result of the movie “Wayne’s World” has been destroyed on May 2, 2008 to make way for a Walgreens. Aren’t there enough of those already. My in laws from Pennsylvania actually think that Walgreens owns Chicago because it seems to be one on every corner. Joesph Moore, yes man, I’m talking to you sir! Well, you would seem like the kind of guy to destroy such an amazing artistic work, but the only difference with Berwyn and the way you run your Rogers Park is at least where that car spindle was there is no hole in the ground that has been around for three years, and is a safety hazard, eyesore and haven for criminal behaviour like the one where the Adelphi used to be. Do we need to remember this tragedy “The Adelphi” as one Where the passion of one individual to preserve the honor and heritage of Rogers Park and to maybe make it look less like a ghetto, was replaced by politics and greed? May God have mercy on your soul! I pray to him that your ghetto where Freaky Nu Nu has died near your door step will cease to bring more death. Philip Rogers never intended his neighborhood to become a ghetto, nor did he intend for this oasis by the lake to be contaminated by such ignorant individuals seeking to exploit under your lax rule! Just remember, we will vote and we will register to give the squeaky wheel of Rogers Park its grease! God bless America, Rogers Park, Chicago, and even you! If you could sit down and talk to the citizens of Rogers Park instead of the greedy land developers whose greed will transform Rogers Park’s diversity to Un-diversity! Then you would be really fighting for the 49th ward! I know that you want to, you just need a conscience, and I am now giving one to you! Peace, and love to all! And, wake up people! Yes and have a Happy 2009 too! Like Barack, we the citizens of Rogers Park who are dedicated to its peace and preservation will bring change too! Amen!

Terrorist Suspect Found at Devon and Ridge Avenues

I was stopped today by one of Chicago’s finest for taking pictures of our surrounding neighborhood. I was also playing around with my camera to adjust the lighting as the pictures were coming in too bright, so I went underneath a bridge taking pictures of a dead pigeon when a cop stopped me. He treated me like I was a terrorist that was trying to blow up a bridge on Devon and Ridge. He took down my information, for further reference, but did not give me his. But I know who he is because I went into the station a few months back to file a complaint and he was very indifferent and wasn’t at all helpful and at times argumentative. He actually treated me as though I was the complaint and not the person filing one. He is medium in height, black hair and eyes, and Hispanic looking. Even though I told him that I am an artist/photographer, he told me that taking pictures is weird! Then all of us artist and bloggers must be weird. Maybe the way our boys in blue treat our the law abiding citizens of East and West Rogers Park should be brought up at the next CAPS meeting. There are some good cops out there, it is just a shame that there are a few of them who let the job go to their head. Here are the pictures that I took. Not at all threatening. Please enjoy.

THERE HASN’T BEEN ANY RECENT ACTIVITY…

Joe Moore’s photo at http://www.cityofchicago.org/, dating from back when he was elected (1991). The current photo shows Joe Moore older, chunkier, more compalcent, but not wiser.

…or is Annie Sullivan Ald. Joe Moore’s GHOST WRITER?

And WHERE has Joe been of late?

Certainly not speaking out to calm the fears of residents of the 49th Ward. Certainly not establishing a “meaningful dialogue” with members of the INSANE CUTTHROAT GANGSTAS, B-BLOCK BOOTY BOYZ, nor with the GANGSTER DISCIPLES, nor with the LATINS KINGS, SPANISH COBRAS OR ANY OTHER “money makin’” group of thugs here in the 49th Ward! Hmmm…

Bill Morton’s post re: NO RECENT ACTIVITY on the Ald.’s YouTube for the last FIVE MONTHS makes the Ald. seem soooo COMPLACENT in his part-time job, for which he is paid a salary of $110,556 per year, with an awful lot of perks, to SERVE as the alderman of TWO SQUARE MILES (give or take a half square mile here or there–boundaries will change again in 2011) of the City of Chicago.

In the meantime, WHAT can be preoccupying the Ald.? Family troubles? Personal problems? If he cannot SERVE, he should STEP DOWN! NOW!

Obviously, he is still “brown-nosing” Obama and the Transition Team, by sending out an e-mail “POOF” re: Health Care Reform.

Health Care Community Discussion for Obama Transition Team

Dear Neighbor,

Health care reform is one of the top priorities of our president-elect, Barack Obama. His transition team is seeking input from communities across the nation on how affordable universal health care should be implemented.

Northside POWER, a grassroots community organization that addresses systemic hunger and poverty issues in Rogers Park, is stepping up to the plate and sponsoring simultaneous FOCUS GROUPS ON HEALTH CARE REFORM tomorrow, Tuesday, December 30th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at three locations–the Gale Park Community Center (1610 W. Howard) and the Good News Community Church and Good News Community Kitchen (both located at 7649 N. Paulina).

The Obama Transition Team will use the input gained from these and other focus groups to fashion the health care proposal that will be presented to Congress next year.

If you care about health care reform, you don’t want to miss this important opportunity to have your voice heard.

To reserve your space in one of the focus groups, please contact Keith Scott at keith@gnck.org or call 773-262-2297 ext. 22.

Sincerely,

Joe Moore

*********

Please note that, again, Joe Moore is NOT sponsoring this get-together. Northside POWER “stepped up to the plate”, in his words. Why isn’t HE sponsoring this?

HE IS ONLY TRYING TO REMAIN CONNECTED TO OBAMA, who has apparently chosen to ignore Ald. Joe Moore along the way. ON PURPOSE!

It has been said President-elect Obama is “distancing” himself from corrupt Chicago politicians. Ald. “Pay-for-Play” Moore falls into this category. I have that on the BEST OF AUTHORITIES!

Moore’s reticence on matters of great concern to the residents of the 49th Ward proves one thing: he is CARE-less, lacking the caring so necessary in an elected official of so small an area of one of the largest cities in the WORLD!

It seems to also support the rumor that HE DOES NOT LIVE AT 1431 W. FARGO AVENUE, but somewhere else, outside of the ward, where he maintains this official residence.

The real question remains, folks: Shall WE continue to support the Ald.? I think NOT!

(And, in case you’re wondering, I DO have someone in mind, but as we all know, THERE IS A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING!).

Oblivious Alderman Joe Moore

Joe Moore thinks that Development, is “The single major issue” in Rogers Park.

How about gang violence and murders in Rogers Park? (pictured below)

Moore49 – There hasn’t been any recent activity.

Moore49
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TREE LOT FINAL CLEAN-UP

I was just about to break for lunch when I heard noises outside early this afternoon. George’s crew of “elves” had arrived to clean up George’s Pumpkin Patch/Christmas Tree Lot! I ran for the camera, of course!

Four guys pulled fence poles, loaded everything on a stake truck and proceeded to sweep and rake the entire area!

George is a very good guy from Shiocton, Wisconsin, who has been running the Patch/Tree Lot at 7313-15 N. Sheridan Road in Rogers Park for a number of years.

He was unsure if he would return in 2009. His business was very slow this year, although the pumpkins and trees were some of the finest!

George has been a good neighbor these past several months. His was a good, local (though temporary) business, which should have been better-supported by the community. IF he returns, I hope Rogers Park and the surrounding areas will welcome him back–with open POCKETBOOKS!

WELL DONE, GEORGE and ELVES!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Brooks Atkinson (1894-1984) American Theatre Critic

“The perfect bureaucrat everywhere is the man who manages to make no decisions and escape all responsibility.”

(From: Once Around the Sun (1951)

*********

Does this sound like any local politician you might know of? Perhaps, this guy?

And, would you know of any other bureaucrats to whom this quote would apply?

Last night at Freaky Nu Nu’s shrine

Sheridan and Fargo – December 26th 2008

Rogers Park spider

I found this guy spinning a web in my window.

Check out the photographs on Another 1,000 Words: CREATING A WEBSITE!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations all around to Eva McCann and the Gale Park Advisory Council!

This is a very positive way to celebrate the New Year in Rogers Park! There ARE ways to turn our community around. They take HARD WORK! Nothing will change unless we all WORK TOGETHER and SUPPORT EACH OTHER!

Chicago Streets – Sherwin Avenue on Christmas

Reader shares his photos of the North Shore School demolition

Merry Christmas Rogers Park

Sherwin on the Lake

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