***Yesterday, Crazy Rod shut down State Parks, to which he has never visited, and historic sites across Illinois.  In his statement, he said he was forced to do this because of the $2B deficit that he created.  Of course, closing the 7 parks and a handful of historic sites will save the state budget less than $15M.  Realize, also, that the sites that Crazy Rod closed yesterday MAKE MONEY FOR THE STATE OF ILLINOIS!!! 

On top of the cash that these facilities generate for IL, they bring tourism dollars into the various communities that produce local jobs for people who then spend their money that generates more sales taxes for the state treasury.

Crazy Rod continues to say that he has to do this because of the $2B deficit and that he will have to make other cuts in order to get the IL budget back up on its feet.  Two problems with this false argument: [1] the GA swept money from special funds to pay for keeping these facilities open.  This was money that isn't part of the $2B deficit.  Crazy Rod just wants to spend that money on more Crazy Programs.  [2] The only other announced cuts from Crazy Rod are the closing of Pontiac prison and the moving of Traffic Safety to Harrisburg.  These, of course, are merely for political retribution.  So, where are the other cuts?  Where are the $2B in savings?

This is another scam by Crazy Rod to take vengence on those that disagree with him.  These closings have nothing to do with saving money.

***Meanwhile, nothing about the closings reported in the Sun-Times.  They're too busy reporting about Michelle Obama's time at Princeton.  Really.

***This was bound to happen.  The IL Senate seat that is open because of the Presidential election is now an African-American Senate seat:  I know Blagojevich had better be looking over his shoulder at a grave movement afoot in his most reliable base -- Chicago's African-American civic, religious and political circles. They don't want to hear any "Who knows?" This hard-headed bunch isn't leaving any chips on the table. Their demand is non-negotiable: Blacks must "keep the seat."   Laura Washington goes on to indicate that Rep Danny Davis and Rep Jesse Jackson Jr and the Concerned Clergy of Illinois all want Crazy Rod to remember that this should be a "black seat".

So, whenever Durbin quits, is that a paunchy, middle-aged White guy seat from downstate?

***Oh, and nothing at the Trib about the Parks closing.  But, another article about The Obama motorcade.  Pathetic.

***Kristol writes a great column about the attacks in India and the liberal academic response here in the US:   Patriotism is an indispensable weapon in the defense of civilization against barbarism. 

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