Jac Charlier
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Comments
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On the article Illinois, Cook County, Chicago and Local Police Assemble for Memorial in Park Ridge
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On the article Law Enforcement, Community Gathers at Police Memorial
Jac Charlier
11:26 am on Wednesday, May 15, 2013
ReplyThank you to our police officers who serve our communities across this nation both day and night, through thick and thin and come whatever may. Today especially, we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and hold their families in our prayers.
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On the article DiMaria, 3 Trustees Take Office in Morton Grove
Jac Charlier
6:13 am on Wednesday, May 15, 2013
ReplyCongratulations to each of these newly installed elected officials!
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On the Blog Post We Live In A Culture Of Corruption.
Jac Charlier
7:19 am on Friday, May 3, 2013
ReplyPat - Thank you for your service then to our community! My posts are true and straightforward for I believe the highest office in the land is that of citizen. I am honored to know more about your background, which without knowing anything of it previously, came through clearly in your various posts on these blogs. I knew you were paying attention to things sir.
As for leaving the field, I hope we are able to have a few more conversations via this medium.
Finally, while our political foundations may be different, what we see going on and the remedies/outcomes we seek are very closely aligned. On that note, and thank you for both your quote and vignette, I leave you with this quote from H.L. Mencken "The cure for the evils of democracy is more democracy." Again, thank you for your service to spreading the values of our Great Republic!
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On the Blog Post We Live In A Culture Of Corruption.
Jac Charlier
10:44 pm on Wednesday, May 1, 2013
ReplyPat - What are your thoughts on solutions? For 20 years I have done a lot of community bulding work, connecting people together to find solutions to our shared challenges. I believe this is the work of citizens and is a big missing piece as we disconnect from each other, intentionally or otherwise. When we know one another, we can do good things together. Electoral politics should stem from community, not the party, as the community is the people. Little community, little democracy, a lot of detached politics.
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On the Blog Post We Live In A Culture Of Corruption.
Jac Charlier
10:19 pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2013
ReplyPat - Thanks for your reply. I see where you are coming from. We are in agreement on the dismal, ongoing voter turnout. I am, however, not bothered with why somebody votes for a candidate as it is their choice. That they vote at all, or more likely do not vote, is where they cede power to other voters. As to the families, in systemic corruption like we have here, they do indeed matter. This is distinguished from the "bad apple" where we see a few, sporadic, disconnected ethical lapses pop up. This is human nature. But here, it is not that and so cannot be dismissed as such. We have multi-generational, family public jobs -including elected office- being part of a birth right or family inheritance. We note it is not like this everywhere, not at all. The family system drives this by putting power in the hands of a very few and awarding it to even fewer. It is akin to political parties having similar power, but there it may be spread over many people. While still not right, and we see that here too by the insular nature of the candidate selection process, there is at least a chance that a few changes in people and it could be dismantled. With the family, that is not the case. I have read your responses before Pat and I know you pay attention. I ask you then to stop right now and write down all the political families you can think of. You should hit 12 or so without any problem. This then, is systemic, multi-generational, public employment and is a corrupt practice
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On the Blog Post We Live In A Culture Of Corruption.
Jac Charlier
8:09 am on Tuesday, April 30, 2013
ReplyRay - I saw the title of your post and thought you were referring to our local political culture of corruption in Cook County. What are your thoughts on this? I'll take your lead and offer up what is the most insiduous political corruption and yet, like the bottom of the iceberg, least seen as it is, well, hidden: multi-generational, family-centric government jobs, sometimes with a person holding down more than one such job at the same time. This means multiple pay checks pensions, health benefits, perks, etc... Some of these families are all from the current generation, others go back one, two or more generations. Can you think of any? Maybe you see some families now building their multi-generational empire as we speak.
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On the Blog Post World War II Veterans - Honor Flight Chicago Wants You! (to travel to the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.)
Jac Charlier
10:23 pm on Monday, April 29, 2013
ReplyAbsolutely Pam. What Honor Flight does is not only important for the vets but also for us as a nation to say thank you. Their is also a sense of urgency due to the age of many of the veterans. Spreading the word through great sites like Patch.com helps us to locate as many vets as possible. Thank you for making this possible.
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On the article PHOTOS: Niles Chamber Presents 'Night of Roses' Awards
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On the article Niles Honors Police Volunteers
Jac Charlier
4:06 pm on Saturday, April 27, 2013
ReplyThank you VIPS. Everyday people working together is key to a great community like Niles!
Jac Charlier
11:28 am on Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Thank you to our police officers who serve our communities across this nation both day and night, through thick and thin and come whatever may. Today especially, we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and hold their families in our prayers.