Chicago Daily Observer

At Conclusion of Term He May Follow Corzine and Rubin in the Public Sector.

It’s never too early to speculate who will run for governor of Illinois in 2010 as Rod Blagojevich’s rocky road through controversy has stirred many to consider joining the lists.

The latest rumor—coming out of Washington, D. C. but with some impressive authority—is that the secretary of the treasury, Henry (Hank) Paulson, Jr. may be interested after the Bush administration leaves office.

Paulson, 61, was formerly chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, one of the world’s largest investment banks. His net worth has been speculated at close to $700 million. If Paulson decided to run, he will be following in the footsteps of his predecessor at Goldman Sachs, Jon Corzine (an Illinois native) who of comparable wealth is now governor of New Jersey, having served as U. S. senator.

Paulson maintains a home in Barrington. ... Read More...

Top officials of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops met privately with Pope Benedict XVI Oct. 18 for a wide-ranging discussion about the church in the United States, including the pope’s planned visit to the U.S. in the spring.

As a kid growing up, I recall the periodic food drives to which our family regularly contributed making a small difference in people’s lives.

Later, as a young man I had opportunities to travel widely throughout the Middle East, Asia, and South America where I saw first hand many desperately poor people. It was convenient for me to return from those trips concluding that some problems are just too big to be solved and grateful that I lived in country of prosperity.

I’ve always been bothered by the Matthew Gospel passage in which Jesus says “The poor you will always have with you.” I understand the comment was made by Christ admonishing his apostles that he would not be with them much longer, and not to justify poverty. Nevertheless, I have used the passage to justify my own complacency.

That’s why this week my ears perked up when I heard ... Read More...

I’m thinking windmills in the backyard, bees behind the garage, goats in front. Hey, I’m making an “investment in the future”, so why should laws apply to me? I’m an authority of One.

Ah, yes, a majority of the Wilmette village board voted to approve a
homeowner’s solar panels. He had built an addition to their home and added a solar superstructure on the roof that exceeded the limits set down in the village ordinance.The board approved this after the fact.

I’m thinking goats on a sod roof, very eco-friendly insulation and circle of life-style. (You know, like that cute restaurant in Door County.). I’m thinking maybe a solar-powered neon sign up there: “Give Peace a Chance”, or “Kyoto Now”. Or maybe “Fait Accompli”. Flashing.

.So the village board is now working on an ordinance to presumably expand the size of solar panels allowed. And I would hope ... Read More...