Members of Illinois Legislative Black Caucus want special session

Illinois Capitol
State Rep. Kam Buckner notes that the Illinois National Guard is protecting property; but who’s protecting people? (WJBC file photo)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The case of George Floyd and everything related to it is no less important than coronavirus, says State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago), and that’s why he and other members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus are calling for an emergency special session in Springfield.

Buckner says he wants to address police and community relations, police accountability, and economic inequality. As for looting, “There are some bad actors out there who are taking home electronics and whatnot,” says Buckner, “but I also know there are folks who are taking Pampers and toiletries because they live in a situation where the can’t afford the essentials in the richest country on Earth.”

Buckner also notes that the Illinois National Guard is protecting property; but who’s protecting people?

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…