Category Archives: Uncategorized

Vet takes on the myths of the Iraq war

Vet takes on the myths of the Iraq war

Posted on November 8, 2015

Major Daniel Sjursen is proud of his service and the service of the soldiers he fought with in Iraq. What he doesn’t see is an understanding of the reality of the Iraq war for either Iraqis, Americans or U.S. veterans. “In our small ways we did the best to mitigate the effects of what was,…… MORE

The Rise and Fall of Michael Jackson

The Rise and Fall of Michael Jackson

Posted on November 1, 2015

The tabloid narrative of one of the most popular music stars of the 20th century is one of a man who slept in a hyperbaric chamber, bleached his face and lured young children into his bedroom. As the lead voice of the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson grew up with fame and had exotic animals as…… MORE

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…