Chicago Daily Observer

In the waning days of his unsuccessful presidential campaign, former Bob Dole asked a rhetorical question: “Where’s the outrage?” This was a challenge to the media and the public concerning serious allegations, many of which were subsequently proven, that the Clinton/Gore campaign has engaged in illegal fund raising practices which had included accepting contributions from foreign nationals. Dole correctly pointed out that the press had been ignoring the story. Although the issue failed to produce dividends for Dole, the press belatedly took up the issue. Vice President Gore’s visit to a Buddhist temple fund raising event, where some illegal contributions were collected, tarnished his reputation and may have cost him a few precious votes in 2000.

The perpetual adolescent columnist, Richard Roeper, of the incredible shrinking Chicago Sun-Times raised a question today concerning criticisms of Barack Obama. Roeper cannot fathom why his opponents have ratcheted up their criticism of the ... Read More...

A few weeks ago, friends of the late Mike Royko gathered at Wrigley Field to observe the ten year anniversary of his death. Royko was a lifelong fan of the Cubs, a team that he often lampooned and ridiculed. After seeing the Cubs manage to make a final World Series appearance during his adolescence, Royko watched the team as it bottomed out completely. Royko bemoaned the clumsy players that masqueraded as professional athletes on the Chicago roster, frequently venting his anger and disgust in print. He took solace by playing sixteen inch softball and was inducted into the Chicago Softball Hall of Fame. It was altogether fitting and proper that his family and friends assembled at the Friendly Confines to toast his memory.

Thinking of Royko, put me in mind of his final years writing columns for the Tribune. It was not an entirely happy employer/employee relationship. Royko had taken ... Read More...