Durbin: Russian President Vladimir Putin can expect some real punishment

Posted on February 25, 2022

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) was on his way out of Eastern Europe as Russia invaded Ukraine. And, in a Zoom call with reporters from O’Hare International Airport, he said Russian President Vladimir Putin would be on the receiving end of some economic hurt.

“We’re just beginning a massive sanctions package against Russia,” said Durbin. “I support this completely. The President’s made it clear we are not sending American troops into Ukraine, but we are going to put pressure in every way imaginable on Vladimir Putin, I hope that includes getting down to the oligarchs, his frat brothers, that he runs around Europe and Russia with, the Middle East.”

Durbin also mentioned he lunched with three Illinois soldiers in Lithuania.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…