The [Friday] Papers

By Steve Rhodes

"Reform met reality Thursday when self-styled outsider Gov. Pat Quinn cut a deal on the high-profile issue of campaign contribution limits that critics blasted as weak, ineffective and partly designed to benefit the governor himself," the Tribune says on its front page today.

Jjust what does it mean when the paper declares that "reform met reality?" Is the Tribune acknowledging - despite its own high-profile campaign - that reform is not a realistic goal?

Is the Trib telling us that the reality is that we have to live without reform?

Then why have you been wasting my time with your articles and editorials?

And just how is Pat Quinn a "self-styled" outsider? I never see the paper calling Richard M. Daley a "self-styled" insider.

"Reality" and what's "realistic" is always determined by cynics protecting the status quo.

Mankind never would have invented the wheel if we only listened to those who told us what was "realistic."

The only thing that is "realistic" in this case is that we cannot depend upon the likes of Michael Madigan, John Cullerton and their band of weasels to reform a system that produced and protects them.

Let's see the Trib go to work advocating for their removal.

The Illinois Way
"At a time when it's more competitive than ever to get into the University of Illinois, some students with subpar academic records are being admitted after interference from state lawmakers and university trustees," the Tribune reports.

"In one case, a relative of Antonin 'Tony' Rezko, the now-convicted influence peddler for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, got admitted after U. of I. President B. Joseph White wrote an e-mail stating that the governor 'expressed his support, and would like to see admitted' Rezko's relative and another applicant."

B. Joseph White, you are Today's Worst Person in Illinois.

And undeserving of your job.

Alderman Ike
Found deep in the Sun-Times's story about the indictment of Ike Carothers:

"Carothers' role in running a West Side army of city workers who delivered the vote for the mayor's hand-picked candidates endeared Carothers to Daley."

Daley's Glitch
Daley's quote in the papers on the latest parking meter snafu:

"It's a computer glitch. How many computer glitches do you have in your company? It happens."

What Daley said after that in video shown on Chicago Tonight:

"But the headline's important because you need a headline. Hmmph."

What I wish a reporter would have said next:

"Wait, back up. Are you saying we shouldn't report on this? What headline would you suggest? Really. You always say that but I'm having trouble understanding how you see the role of the press in society. Enlighten us."

Today's Heroes
"A teenage caper at New Trier Township High School has provoked a grown-up response from the administration," the Tribune reports.

[From Runnin' Scared:

[Billy Crystal's ex wife: You have to grow up sometime.

[Crystal: Why? I don't like grown-ups.]

"Someone slipped an unauthorized photo of a girl holding a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer into the school yearbook after an adviser already had cleared the page for publication," the Trib continues.

"It's clearly defiant and subversive and intentional," said school spokeswoman Laura Blair.

Clearly!

But just one photo? You're slipping, kids.

COMMENT 2:30 P.M.: From Beachwood reader Mark:

"I'm guessing the New Trier administration is mostly upset that the student appears to be enjoying a PBR - couldn't she have at least shown the good judgment to uphold the school's reputation by opting for something imported?"

Bloodshot Briefing
Chicago in June.

Chicago Blog Review
The CTA Tattler - now a Tribune site.

The Five Dumbest Ideas of the Week
And the people who had them.

Stanley Cup Credo
Funny reasons why you should care even though the Blackhawks aren't in it.

Reform Loopholes
Playing you for fools - again.

Politics of Pot
Provides the best debate in Springfield this week.

Indicting Ike
It was his turn.

The Other Indictment
Crooked cops, gambling, jewel heists . . .

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The Beachwood Tip Line: Like medical marijuana.

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