Sunday, January 29, 2012

An Interview With Ald. Cappleman

From Windy City Times:

For many in LGBT community, James Cappleman is not just the 46th Ward alderman. He and 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney represent the entire LGBT community as the first two openly gay aldermen in the city's history.

Cappleman, still in his first year on the job, has negotiated on recent Pride Parade changes and voted in favor of a hotly contested ward remap, a budget that slashed the Advisory Council on LGBT Issues and a protest ordinance that many activists opposed.

When Windy City Times questioned Cappleman about these and other controversies, the alderman invited the newspaper to come ask him "the really tough questions." Windy City Times sat down with Cappleman in his Uptown office and asked him some.

Read the entire interview here.

35 comments:

  1. I wish James would grant an interview with somebody that knows about these protest ordinances.

    James says "I did not want any perception that the city was discouraging protest. The biggest concern was about the increase in fines."

    If that is not what the city is trying to do here, can you please explain what this ordinance is meant to do?

    And our biggest concern IS NOT FINES. Our biggest concerns are more related to the Mayor's new power grab, including the ability to enter into no-bid security contracts with no council approval. Did you all know the city is now hiring unemployed Iraq and Afghan vets to be used as security for NATO/G8? Great idea, send men trained to KILL, not deal with civilians, to police civilians.

    You see where this is going? The city wants violence. And at this rate, it is exactly what they will get. I hope each and every protester withholds the urge to react, and stays peaceful in the face of police oppression.

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  2. I think the Alderman is doing a great job for what he has to work with. He can only do so much but what iseen so far it is very positive.
    For ChiTownPhilly about hiring vets trained to kill. Being a Vietnam vet I that also was trained to kill. The only killing and wars you seen are movies on TV. All you protesters need to join the service and until then leave us Vets alone and take some resposibility for your life as all the vets have done....

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  3. Let's keep it as a ground rule for this discussion that no one has the right to tell someone else the way they're living their life is wrong. Civility and keeping it at least peripherally about the upcoming summits is appreciated.

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  4. @ChiTownPhilly, I hope and suspect that those hired to do security for the summit are trained. Lots of people move from one job or profession to another successfully thanks to training and clear expectations. Lots of vets returning from Iraq/Afghan need jobs and there is a huge push through the OFCCP to hire them. This is one such opportunity to do so.

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  5. If Cappleman is such a champion of LGBT rights, why did he vote to slash funding for health clinics while endorsing tax breaks for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange? And why is jumping on Mayor 1%'s "sit down and shut up" anti-protest ordinance which criminalizes legitimate demonstrations against greed, corruption and austerity?

    No matter what he says, Cappleman's voting record speaks for itself. When it comes to closing public schools, closing health clinics, firing librarians, cutting library hours, and cutting CTA service... Cappleman is all for it. When it comes to draconian, paternalistic policies designed to make it expensive and illegal to express legitimate greivances... Cappleman is all for it.

    The man doesn't have one independent bone in his body. He marches in lockstep with the rest of the lapdogs on the City Council.

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  6. Damn, Phil .. get over it.

    If having a dictatorial mayor is such a heinous thing to you, where the hell were you the past 20 years?!

    Or, did it only recently become cool for you to get your panties all up in a repetitive bunch, like this?

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  7. Way to bring the baseless hyperbole there, "t".

    Now, if you have a few minutes, feel free to validate any of those claims.

    Unless, like Phil, your only interest is in throwing tantrums on the interwebs.

    Though, I will give you credit for having your revolutionary's thesaurus handy.

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  8. t, can you give any specifics about your disagreement with the ordinances dealing with protest and parades? Real facts would be appreciated.

    As far as the slashing of the 2012 budget, did you ask him about your concerns? What did he say?

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  9. I hope each and every protester withholds the urge to react, and stays peaceful in the face of police oppression.

    Me too! Cuz we all know the cops are always startin' things

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  10. Mr Random hero,

    I wish you'd go away. I'm going to close my eyes and click my heels three times.

    Shit, you're still here.

    The idea of hiring recent military vets is because many of them have experience in trying to keep their cool while patrolling such vacation spots as Iraq or Afghanistan while under great provocation.

    Now I'm not happy about the conferences being here. I think it was an expensive and stupid move on the part of our glorious "mare". It gives an outlet to a few hundred radical anarchist types to get violent and work out their rage at their own impotence and the fact that their mommies didn't hug them enough.

    I have no problem with peaceful protests. Most of the people who protest at these conferences will be in that group.

    However, there will be at least a few hundred violent types who need to be dealt with violently. Dat's da fact, Jack.

    I hope the police have the wisdom and the manpower to deal with the non violent protesters appropriately while simultaneously physically grabbing and arresting the violent types.

    Considering your writing and your obvious lack of maturity I suspect you will be drawn in with the violent types. I hope I'm wrong.

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  11. Oh by the way the city doesn't want violence. Now it may get violent, but likely that will be the fault of SOME of the protesters.

    Remember the words of the first mayor Daley "Gentlemen, the policeman is not there to create disorder, the policeman is there to preserve disorder."

    The Mayor is hoping against rational hope that this comes off non violently and peacefully so he can look good for whatever office he runs for in the future. He's a control freak who does NOT want images of Chicago Police or National Guardsman thumping protesters or storefronts burning on Michigan Avenue.

    I hope it comes off peacefully not for him, but just on general principle and for the city which I love and for which he hopes to use as a steppingstone to being the first 9.5 fingered munchkin President.

    "We are the lollipop kids...."

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  12. Well, where shall I begin?

    I'll start with Media Critic:

    You say that "Most of the idiots who are going to protest the G8 are more interesting is causing havoc and destroying property than making a political point."

    I will respond with IP's quote:

    "I have no problem with peaceful protests. Most of the people who protest at these conferences will be in that group."

    There will be thousands upon thousands of people here, don't try and say we have no legitimate gripe because some fringe element acts completely autonomously and gets violent.

    Next up is Wiseguy/MediaCritic:

    I did not say soldiers are trained to kill civilians, I said they are trained to kill, NOT DEAL WITH CIVILIANS, and will be dealing with civilians here in the city (with ten hours of training.)

    Wiseguy, I don't think I need to say this, but, when you assume....you get the point. I come from a military family (grandfather in korea/purple heart, grandfather in WWII, Dad in Vietnam/purple heart, brother in Afghanistan as we speak, Cousin in Afghanistan as we speak) and know firsthand the ills of our military.

    GC said: "@ChiTownPhilly, I hope and suspect that those hired to do security for the summit are trained. Lots of people move from one job or profession to another successfully thanks to training and clear expectations"

    I completely agree.


    On to Yo (SMH):

    "Damn, Phil .. get over it.

    If having a dictatorial mayor is such a heinous thing to you, where the hell were you the past 20 years?!"

    Good question, where was I the last 20 years. Hmm, I was growing up! By your insults I can see you spent the last 20 years doing something else with your time.

    Yo also said: "Now, if you have a few minutes, feel free to validate any of those claims. Unless, like Phil, your only interest is in throwing tantrums on the interwebs."

    Yo, can you please explain what part of "Cappleman's voting record speaks for itself." you don't understand? If any of the points T made is not backed up by a vote casted by Cappleman please feel free to bring that to our attention here.

    As for IrishPirate:

    "Considering your writing and your obvious lack of maturity I suspect you will be drawn in with the violent types. I hope I'm wrong."

    You are wrong. And based on your writing, it is pretty clear who lacks maturity. As passionate or emotional as I may be, I typically refrain from unfounded personal insults and glorifying drug-use, which seems to be your go-to writing style. Why don't you spend less time tapping away to impress people, and use your talent to create some sort of sustainable change? Maybe teach someone writing? Tutor? Write for a blog or paper?

    If you want facts people, start seeking them out. Because ridiculous links like the one Yo posted about Occupy Oakland are exactly what you get from the main stream media. If you were to catch one of the many live streams this weekend you would see the police kettling peaceful marchers, then ordering them to disperse while physically trapping them. The media says the broke into city hall? Um, the door was unlocked, it's a public building. I won't and CAN'T defend the burning of an American flag, but seriously, if you want to know what is going on, TURN OFF THE NEWS!

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  13. The new protest ordinances are simply a city stranglehold on attempts of protest organizers to address their grievances, tying them up with so many little provisions, fines and possible jail time that only a masochist would organize a protest with a message that the city doesn't want to hear. Rahm said this was for the NATO/G8 yet no sunset clauses were included, but are permanent, meaning they will directly affect anyone who may have a beef with city hall or private employers, whether it's over school closings, health clinic cutbacks, unfair working conditions, immigrant rights or what have you. The opportunities for City authorities to take political revenge on demonstration organizers, while hiding behind the technical requirements of the parade ordinance, will multiply. Already, anti-war organizers are routinely dinged for alleged minor infractions of the current ordinance, while organizers of far more disruptive NON-political parades are given a pass by the police. What this all adds up to is that with the threat of outrageous fines, insurance and marshaling personnel requirements, only the wealthiest non-government org's and businesses will organize protests without issue. This ordinance is meant to completely stifle out ability to exercise our first amendment rights. If anyone wants more specifics about this ordinance just ask! And don't go for a jog in the park before 6AM, Rahm snuck that into the ordinance as well, so, that is, well, illegal now.

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  14. What this all adds up to is that with the threat of outrageous fines, insurance and marshaling personnel requirements, only the wealthiest non-government org's and businesses will organize protests without issue. -Random Hero

    The ordinance contains no increase in fines for protesters. Insurance requirements and requirements for marshaling haven't changed at all.

    By all means, voice your concerns, but please keep to the facts and tone down the rhetoric. It would help with maintaining any sense of credibility.

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  15. Random Hero,

    where the hell do I glorify drug use?

    At least illegal drug use. I am for legalizing drugs though. It should be a public health and not a criminal justice issue.

    My drugs of choice are caffeine, alcohol and cialis. I've never used any of the illegal variety.

    Your drugs seems to be your ego and testosterone.

    As for writing for a blog I have done so. Check out the "subpoena" post on the "best of Uptown Update" link on the right side of the main page.

    There was this long ago blog called "What the Helen" that I contributed to. I am personally responsible for driving Shiller from office and curing gingivitis.

    I'm currently working on the bedbug issue. That should be solved by St. Paddy's day. I've found a mix of Guinness and a bug bomb kills them dead.

    As for your protests have at it boyo. It's your right. It's also the responsibility of the cops to try to keep the protests peaceful.

    I hope you and your cohorts have the ability to control the few hundred violent idiots who show up. Otherwise stay out of the way as the cops and Guard thump them and thump them I hope they do.

    As for your comments regarding veterans and killing I won't comment. We hold these truths to be self evident:

    You are a narcissistic idiot.

    XX0X0X0X00X0

    Oh and I do not make unfounded insults. Founded insults, sure. I plead guilty.

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  16. I won't and CAN'T defend the burning of an American flag,

    ... and yet, ridiculously enough, it still happened. Which lead to my point .. but ... whatever. Don't let cause/effect keep you off the victimization soap box, starshine.


    I was sorta hoping for some thoughtful and even stinging response from you, but alas ... more boisterous boiler plate sans practical logic, or comprehensive understanding of the argument at hand.

    IE - to say James voted for health clinic closings, while true (ala the unanimous Council vote in support of the city's budget into which those closings were wrapped) - does not support the argument that he was "all for it".

    The idea of a man who dedicate much of his professional life as a social worker being "all for" the closing of mental health clinics is not only improbable, but laughable.

    The reason I'd asked about where you've been for the last 20 years was to see if you possessed the wherewithall to realize (in this example) that 1) mental health clinics are run with money, not unicorn farts, and 2) it was Rahm's predecessor who left the city's coffers filled only with said unicorn farts, thereby forcing Council to make hard choices as to which services the city could afford to fund, and those they could not.

    I'm not saying that I'm happy with the results, but I do understand the realities of the argument.

    But, alas ... you were too busy *cough* growing up to be aware of, or get hipped to, the historical aspects of what it is you're clamoring on about - and much too excited with the idea of pointing fingers than understanding at what you're actually pointing - again ("mark my words" ring any bells?).

    *twinkles*

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  17. Oh .. and about those mental health closings

    ... credit to you and T for doing AFSCME's work for them ... at home ... for free.

    Well played.

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  18. Ahh, if only you two would speak that way in public. And not hide behind your keyboards.

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  19. Holey Moley:

    Prove this wrong please:

    •The minimum fine for violation of the City’s parade permit ordinance increased from $50 to $200. The maximum penalty stayed at $1000 and/or 10 days in jail.
    •Ahead of demonstrations, “organizers would be required to provide the City with a list of all signs, banners, sound equipment or “attention-getting devices” that require more than one person to carry them,” creating “a license for the city to ‘ding’ organizers with absurd fines.”
    •No-bid contracts for NATO/G8 remains intact
    •Provision allowing “deputizing of ‘law enforcement’” is also still in the ordinance. This does not simply include the DEA, the FBI and the Illinois State Police but also “other law enforcement agencies as determined by the superintendent of police to be necessary for the fulfillment of law enforcement functions.” Thayer points out this could mean rent-a-cops, Blackwater, etc.
    •All downtown protest marches would be required to get $1 million insurance coverage to “indemnify the city against any additional or uncovered third party claims against the city arising out of or caused by the parade.” They would have to “agree to reimburse the city for any damage to the public way or city property arising out of or caused by the parade.”


    You don't know the facts of the ordinance.

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  20. http://www.wbez.org/blog/achy-obejas/2012-01-31/what-chicago-can-learn-last-weekends-occupy-oakland-riots-95999

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  21. The link above is about Occupy Chicago and what happened in Oakland this weekend, I suggest you two read it.

    This link remarks on the ordinances we are discussing surrounding the NATOG8 summitts. I would like to know what you think these ordinances do gents?

    What is your take on this comment?

    “The mayor of Chicago has a clear choice,” said Bernadine Dorhn, former member of the Weather Underground and associate professor of law at Northwestern University, who spoke out against Chicago police actions at the 1968 DNC. “He can represent Chicago as an Open City: open the parks and public spaces, and welcome debate, dissent and arts … Or he can shut down speech and assembly, and prepare for the apocalypse: arm and prepare police for violence and confrontation, close the parks, schools and public places, and barricade the warmakers of NATO and G-8 as they meet for the new military/economic order.”

    Lastly, HOLEY MOLEY, read this link, again, why do you think insurance and fines were not changed? They were. Fact.

    http://www.salon.com/2012/01/31/rahms_chicago_crackdown_aims_at_occupy/singleton/

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  22. Philly, you're even farther to the left than Helen Shiller in her "prime." Seems like you need to start taking up with different folks. Hell, you may be too radical for Uptown, and that's saying something.

    If I were you, I might reconsider using Bernadine Dorhn as an authoritative voice of reason. Many of us who actually lived through the Days of Rage -- hey, here's a news flash, you and your generation aren't the first so-called revolutionaries in Chicago! -- remember her "declaring war" on the United States, being a part of the Weathermen when their bombmakers were blowing up buildings, banks (and themselves), and reveling in the murders of Sharon Tate and the Lobiancos. (Those were committed by the Manson Family... Google it.)

    While I am thrilled you are have found something to be excited about, a lot of us remember 1968, when there was a citywide curfew due to rioting, when the fires/riots were so bad that the mayor ordered police to shoot to kill citizens, when fires burned out of control on the West Side (something that that community is still suffering the after-effects of -- you can't drive businesses out of your community and burn down 28 blocks of it and then recover quickly), and the fear was palpable and paralyzing.

    I believe Rahm remembers those days as well, and is trying to ensure that the black eye Chicago got from 1968 -- which remained right up until 1996, when the Democratic Convention was held here -- doesn't repeat itself during G8.

    Just a little history lesson for you from someone who also felt the revolutionary fire, but has stopped short of the anarchy you seem to have embraced. Been there, done that, still have the charred t-shirt.

    I'm absolutely sure you'll reply, but I'm not interested in engaging in a debate with you. This is all I'll say on the subject. Again, glad you have become aware of a world outside of the skate park, but you're kind of a Johnny One Note here lately. Many of us sympathize with Occupy, but when you start quoting Dohrn and talking about the oncoming Apocalypse happening in Chicago in May... well, hon, you've gone too far to the left for anyone but the most devoted radicals. Take it from someone who marched in the streets decades before you were a gleam in your papa's eye.

    Of course, I'm sure you'll think I know nothing and you know everything. So be it. Peace be with you, my radical little neighbor. Try to stay safe.

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  23. Yo,

    Methinks Phil is calling us out. I love it when people start attacking me because of anonymity. It's a sign that I've won.

    Saturday, high noon, Broadway and Wilson. Be there Phil. Bring Bernadine Dohrn. She can play Grace Kelly to your Gary Cooper. Try not to get her to discuss the Manson murders. She approved of them.

    By the way when the violence happens in May, and it likely will happen, do you think anyone is going to be paying attention to your OWS arguments?

    Bernadine Dohrn..........shit.

    Do you know what a California cop is supposed to have said while watching some of her Symbionese Liberation Army comrades burn in a bomb making safehouse?

    S o L ong A ssholes!

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  24. Yes, IrishPirate, I am calling you out. So, if you and Yo do not intend on inciting things, why do you keep using my name? Why do you keep insulting me? Does it make you feel somehow superior, that you sit behind your computer mocking those that are fighting for a better future for us all? And why are you so afraid to be known in public? You display the actions of a coward, if you ask me. And no, this isn't a threat. Because I am dedicated to non-violence and peace, just as Occupy Chicago is. So you can all take things out of context and say oh no you quoted Dohrn! But the fact is, what Dohrn said was right, no matter her history.

    I am with all of you when you say you hope there is no violence this spring. And I hope that what few people show up hellbent on getting violent do, does not overshadow what thousands of people will be in the streets protesting....

    ...and that is the ever-widening gap between rich and poor. The increasing number of families that owe more on their mortgages than the value of their own home, and the millions of jobless men and women across this country.

    We want money out of politics, so that the people we elect are representing us, not the corporations bankrolling their campaigns. So when we stand up to demand a redress of grievances, our officials listen and understand, rather than turn a blind ear. We don't want violence, we want change. We don't want Obama change, we want change you can actually believe in. And until people stop tapping away at computers and filling the streets to hold their government accountable, that change will be a pipe dream.

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  25. What is your take on this comment?

    Easy: LOL.

    I've experienced Dohrn on more than one occasion, and hate to break it to you, but she's a nut. A pro-violence, self-centered nut.

    She's nuttier than her husband. No. really.

    That you'd think her words are worth anything - especialy as the foundation of any sort of convincing argument - just shows that my assumptions to your lacking of historical perspective were accurate.

    Look, champ ... enhance your understanding of things, specifically those things related to reality. Read things that you don't automatically agree with. Bone up on history. Challenge your beliefs and the beliefs of those around you. Tone down the rhetoric. Lead with your brain, not your ideological penis.

    You sometimes bring up good points, but those are usually stillborn based on the reactionary and schoolyard attitude you employ to deliver them.

    You're using the same arrogant, confrontational and annoying attitude that made the anti-war protestors so successful in the 60's and 70's (and 1940's, and 1910's, and ... so on) .. oh. Wait. Those weren't successful at all.

    In short: if you're going to be "progressive" demonstrate progress.

    You're not.

    You're warmed-over, anarchist hippie and people have been tired of that for decades.


    If you'd like me to step out from behind my keyboard (which, actually, I do all the time), I'd be happy to - once you've demonstrated that you've developed independent thought and will spare me the monotony of listening to, and picking apart, all of the stale arguments that you've peeled from the wall of the occupy echo chamber.

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  26. Yes, Phil I do feel superior to you.

    I am the Nietzscheian Uberman to your skateboarding obsessive self.

    Really, you're a skateboarder, right? I'm sure you know where to score some weed. Get some. You need to calm down or your head will explode and you won't be able to save the world come May.

    Life isn't about perfection, it's about making the best choice available. I didn't particularly like Al Gore in 2000, but I voted for him. Dreamers such as yourself supported Ralph Nader and consequently we've had a near depression, two wars and a rapid rise in economic inequality. Not to mention torture and using the constitution as toilet paper.

    Thank you.

    You make Rahmbo's move to bring in out of town cops and deputize them as the first move in him having a balcony built on City Hall and addressing the crowds as "El 9.5 Fingeree". Rahm Mussolini, so to speak.

    Then you bring up someone as vile as Dohrn as an expert. My mind is boggling as we speak.

    She's a left wing version of Pat Buchanan or Glen Beck. She should not be quoted on anything, anytime, anywhere, except to mock her and her ideas.

    Now if Chicago sees some serious violence in May that will be just be a tool in the Romneyan campaign effort. Nixon would have lost in 68 without the spectacle of the Democratic Convention.

    Never trust a man who says trust me, but trust me if you think President Obama is bad you don't want to see what a soulless hack with no moral center will do to the Presidency.

    Or perhaps you do. In old line Marxist dogma the revolution can be brought on quicker by electing right wing nuts. The German commies, prior to Uncle Adolph's rise to power, refused to support the center coalition or the socialists because Uncle Joe Stalin and the Comintern figured Hitler would speed up the commie nirvana. That worked out real well didn't it?

    I've now invoked "Godwin's Law" by mentioning Hitler so hopefully this thread will come to a "kaput".

    I'm old enough to remember Nixon. Romney reminds me of Nixon with 40 fewer IQ points and he's replaced Nixon's resentments with am overwhelming sense of entitlement and righteousness brought on my his wealthy upbringing and his experience as a religious leader.

    You ain't seen nothing yet. First Iraq, next Iran. Then Canada. They have silly French speakers and I hate romance languages.

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  27. Okay fellas, this has gotten far from Uptown and I smell a distinct hint of testosterone poisoning approaching. Let's bring it back to local if there are more comments. Okie-dokie?

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  28. Come on CN,

    this is fun. Annoying but fun.

    Just post my last comment and I promise not to riot in Uptown during the upcoming conferences.

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  29. We want money out of politics, so that the people we elect are representing us, not the corporations bankrolling their campaigns. So when we stand up to demand a redress of grievances, our officials listen and understand, rather than turn a blind ear.

    See, now ...? That was the best stuff you've posted in quite a while - and you're absolutely right on all of these points.


    But - don't continue to assume that you are (or have been) the only one stepping away from the keyboard to get things done around here. There are several reasons why Shiller is referred to as the "former alderman" ... and not one of those reasons involved "occupying" anything.

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  30. •The minimum fine for violation of the City’s parade permit ordinance increased from $50 to $200. The maximum penalty stayed at $1000 and/or 10 days in jail.
    The fine for parades (not civil protests) was raised, but one can ONLY be fined for purposely committing fraud in the parade application process. Don't commit fraud, you won't get fined.

    •Ahead of demonstrations, “organizers would be required to provide the City with a list of all signs, banners, sound equipment or “attention-getting devices” that require more than one person to carry them,” creating “a license for the city to ‘ding’ organizers with absurd fines.”
    People can still carry all the signs they want without registering as long as they aren't too large. That makes sense to me because really large signs can block traffic.

    •No-bid contracts for NATO/G8 remains intact
    All contracts still go through the same process, but a process is needed to take immediate action to address public safety issues rather than wait to go before City Council. That wait could cost lives.

    •Provision allowing “deputizing of ‘law enforcement’” is also still in the ordinance. This does not simply include the DEA, the FBI and the Illinois State Police but also “other law enforcement agencies as determined by the superintendent of police to be necessary for the fulfillment of law enforcement functions.” Thayer points out this could mean rent-a-cops, Blackwater, etc.
    The deputizing is only trained police officers; no one who is a security officer. DEA and FBI are Federal and don't need to be deputized by anyone; they never did.

    •All downtown protest marches would be required to get $1 million insurance coverage to “indemnify the city against any additional or uncovered third party claims against the city arising out of or caused by the parade.” They would have to “agree to reimburse the city for any damage to the public way or city property arising out of or caused by the parade.”
    Yes, I'm all for anyone sponsoring a parade to have $1 million coverage should they cause damage to public and private property. Tax payers should not front this bill.

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  31. In the interview he said it costs more then $25 to process a $25 fine.

    That sounds like some inefficiency in the processing department...or maybe I'm wrong.

    Just poking at the details.

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  32. @IP, when you can drop the insults let's have a real conversation.

    @Yo, thank you for changing tone and making a thoughtful comment about what I said.

    I have no interest (despite a natural pull to do so) in having a sarcastic, insult-laden exchange with anyone. I am more concerned with the state of affairs here in Uptown, Chicago, and the USA as a whole. Clearly, everyone here has unique knowledge and gifts to offer. All of our gifts, talents, and desires would be better served if we focused on the things we do agree on (which probably far outnumber the things on which we don't agree).

    I for one, can be easily distracted by real or perceived insults, and it is disheartening to me to see myself fall victim (for lack of a better word) to such pettiness. This type of divisiveness is exactly what the soulless Repubican's IP speaks of like to see. It is how this sham of a two-party system continues to keep a strangle-hold on America. I don't want to fight with anyone, I want to work with EVERYONE.

    With that said, there are alot of people and organizations worthy of our ire, and I don't think any of you fall into that category. Let's improve Uptown, Chicago, and the country if we can. And not cut eachothers throats in the process.

    As they say on the basketball court, "Same team! Same team!"

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  33. Phil,

    in the spirit of your post, please be aware that many of us worked very hard to generate an environment where we could have different representation in City Council.

    What sparked my particular ire were your curious attacks on Cappleman,and your insinuation of his motives.

    Not to say that he's above criticism, he most certainly isn't - but the man deserves credit for being willing to break the political cycle of the last two decades and at least make an effort to engage the public. And in my experience with the man, he is willing to listen to criticisms. A rarity in Chicago.

    The residents of Uptown were sorely needing a true partner in turning this area around. James has proven to many of us that he is (or could be) that partner - at the very least, he's has earned our patience.

    While you may not agree with him, and that may make you angry, that does not equate to him being a liar.

    I'm happy to open to door to a change in tenor; but, I'm equally happy to slam that door shut in the face of anyone posting accusations of lying, hidden agendas or various claims of nefariousness without a healthy amount of evidence to substantiate such claims.

    Many of us have been on the "same team" for quite some time - long before you came around.

    For the record: we want and need James to be on that team.

    If you'd like people to stop being petty and divisive (another point with which I agree), you might consider leading by example ... flies/honey and all that.

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  34. Phil,

    in a non published comment I made I told Caring Neighbor that I would not again engage on this thread if she posted my 5:07 comment. Which she originally didn't.

    So endeth the comment.

    I am a word of my man.

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