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Summary and audio linked here.
Chicago’s political leadership is floating a pension buyout program as evidence it is seriously addressing the city’s thirty-six-billion-dollar unfunded pension liability, but Mark Glennon, founder of the Illinois policy research organization Wirepoints, said that the proposal moves debt from one column to another rather than reducing it, and that the broader fiscal picture facing the city continues to deteriorate across every measurable dimension. Audio here.
Expect no retraction or apology. This what they do.
The state’s existing buyout program for its own pensions is the precedent for Chicago, which should be a warning: Look out for similar exaggerated claims and shoddy analysis.
Full interview and summary linked here.
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How much did Chicago pay to have this clown coached?
Mayor Raggedy went to Washington and after reading his ghost written speech phonetically like a person new to using the English language, reverted to form by referring to CHI as “ dope “ when the fawning syncopate trotted out bogus opinions from left leaning Conde- Nash. Noteworthy was when he was, basically, called a moron for trying out his “ I don’t have those figures “ schtick re the squandering of tax dollars on illegals.
I don’t believe Johnson was asked why he precluded a referendum on Chicago’s sanctuary city status.
He is derelict in his responsibilities to the residents of Chicago. If his compassion toward the plight of the immigrants mislead by thinking life in the US is easy (relative to many repressive countries, it probably is, but, in this case, easy means prosperity without commensurate effort) is sincere, he is a kind heart. His obligation is to the legal residents of this city. By ignoring their crime, though he may not agree with the law, he is aiding and abetting criminals and should be approached as so.
BJ admitted to spending $300,000,000 on illegal immigrants. His $800,000,000 bond issue, which in the end will cost Chicago taxpayers $2,000,000,000, could have been reduced 37.5% had that money not been spent.
Does anyone recall if the “Citizens” of Chicago and Illinois voted for sanctuary status? I have nothing against helping the downtrodden but citizens should come first and it should be on a voluntary basis like local churches. Those immigrants that came over many decades ago did not need or expect anything from government. They were sponsored and had a guarantee that they would have a job. How many immigrants came from Europe to get medical care/clothing/food and shelter? They came here legally mostly via Ellis Island. Do it legally and you are welcome. Plain and Simple.
Interestingly, this line from Johnson was in the Tribune’s original version of this article, but is now gone: It’s a real gem: “No matter how they bark, no matter how loud they yell, they are not going to disrupt what we call the soul of Chicago,” Johnson said after strolling into the room wearing Air Force Ones. “We’re going to make sure that the roar that comes out of the city of Chicago ignites a movement across America and across this globe. That no matter who you are and where you’re from, you get to have the beauty of liberation.”
And the Tribune states this as fact, which is bunk. There were already hundreds of thousands of illegals here before Abbott’s busing started: “That humanitarian crisis began in 2022 when GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sent his first busload of asylum seekers to Chicago, where more than 51,000 new arrivals have journeyed, and did not wane until last summer.”
No matter how much you hate the media, they prove over and over again that your enmity is insufficient.
Tap the sign!
And the Tribune’s intro to this article on Twitter says this: “Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered a strong defense of Chicago’s history as a haven for immigrants during his opening statement before a hearing on sanctuary policies.” They are as detatched from reality as Brandon.
The Trib has been in an unreality bubble for nine years.
It’s done wonders for their readership and credibility. Pretty soon, even parrots will refuse to ‘decorate’ old Trib newsprint.
Maybe I’m a glutton for punishment, but I was watching WGN last night, until they got to this story (so about two minutes, lol). Because he didn’t stumble over answers and was able “stand up to the grandstanding”, he was awesome, apparently. It’s cringey that the bar was really that low. Probably didn’t help that for weeks many set up the expectation of a deer-in-the-headlights performance.
Brandon, lie all you wish. Just do not ask for our tax dollars.
The Pravda Tribune dutifully fluffs their favorite CTU member.