The [Thursday] Papers

Getting caught unknowingly packing heat at the airport seems like a relatively common occurrence - isn't it just about every week that one celebrity or another "forgets" they have a gun in their carry-on?

(Wayne Coyne's grenade story is only a slightly different version of this by-now well-worn tale.)

So it would be easy to suggest that Donne Trotter made a stupid mistake and should be sent on his way. As Rich Miller points out on his Capitol Fax Blog, the law requires intent to be prosecutable.

But here's the tricky part.

As Miller also points out, a flight attendant in a similar situation recently was charged recently despite claiming she had no idea her husband had left a loaded gun in carry-on luggage that they shared, though there doesn't seem to be anyone reporting on her November 30 court date or whether the case is still being prosecuted.

I wonder how many folks caught by the TSA with guns or other weaponry have been let go because intent could not be proved - or if the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, in this case, has at least tried to throw the book at those reckless souls who somehow don't know what's in their luggage.

Trotter must be treated the same as every other schmo, but the problem is if every other schmo is getting screwed. I'm agnostic on the matter because I'm not sure how these cases are usually handled.

The dilemma now faced by Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez is similar to the one she faces on whether to prosecute members of the Emanuel administration for recording phone calls with reporters without their consent in the sense that the law itself is ridiculous, yet Rahm's crew ought to be treated just like everyone else (and recording reporters without consent seems particularly devious).

Anyway, I'm not sure this will really impact Trotter's bid to replace Jesse Jackson Jr. in Congress, despite what some pundits are saying; I'm not certain his actions will be construed as so lacking in judgement as to disqualify him. I mean, c'mon, compared to what?

Plus, he might have the NRA vote locked up!

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Trotter had to spend the night in a police lock-up; he's expected to appear in court today and make bail.

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"The South Side lawmaker told authorities that he worked late Tuesday night as a security guard for Allpoints Security and Detective Inc. and had packed his bag early Wednesday morning," the Tribune reports.

Donne Trotter moonlights as a security guard?

Now that might be held against him.

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Has he voted on any security guard legislation?

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From Allpoints Security:

"If you are unemployed or unhappy with your current job or career than Allpoints Security and Detective, Inc., may be the place for you, provided you are a person of high morals honest, truthful, and capable of meeting the standards of performance set forth by the security industry."

The Rahmfather
"As questions mounted about alleged mob ties at a company that won a new custodial services deal at O'Hare International Airport, Mayor Rahm Emanuel sought to change the subject by suspending three companies unrelated to the janitor pact," the Tribune reports.

"In recent days, officials at Service Employees International Union Local 1 have called for investigations into alleged mob ties at United Maintenance Inc., which got a $99 million airport contract.

"Paul Fosco, a vice president at United Maintenance's parent company, went to prison following 1987 charges of racketeering conspiracy related to a scheme to swindle the Laborers Union through manipulation of lucrative benefit plans. Alleged former Chicago outfit boss Anthony 'Big Tuna' Accardo was charged in the same case as Fosco, but acquitted.

"Asked Wednesday whether it's appropriate for the company to have the five-year deal in light of Fosco's conviction, Emanuel pointed out the contract was competitively bid, and said his administration will 'have a vigorous enforcement and make sure everybody lives by and appropriately stands by the law.'"

So it would be okay with Rahm if these guys landed a contract or two at the casino the city is on the verge of landing?

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It's previously been reported that United Maintenance president Richard Simon is a former business associate of reputed mobster William "Potatoes" Daddano.

The [Vanecko] Papers II
Basically a good kid?

Days In The Life Of WGN
Bozos and Belushi.

Honoring A Jazz Legend
Chicago Takes Five With Dave Brubeck.

Toasty Texts
Empty Bottle Hosts A Pop-Up Book Fair.

Barrel-Aged Brew
In The Beer Thinker.

Kool-Aid Report
Bears Nation Turns Its Eyes To A Great Dane.

Programming Note
I'm scheduled to appear on WBEZ's Morning Shift on Friday to discuss the week's biggest stories, so tune in. Or not.

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The Beachwood Tip Line: Guns, roses.

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