I know that it is the giving season because each day my mail box is full of requests to give to the ever growing number of charities.… MORE
Category Archives: Opinion
WJBC Forum: Foreign aid
Inefficient and ineffective use of public dollars is nothing new – it’s disheartening and the cause of much anger and frustration, and hung in the balance are many basic unmet needs.… MORE
WJBC Forum: WJBC Brotherhood Tree
“Is there really a Santa Claus?” … MORE
WJBC Forum: Changing back
After eight years of “change” I am hoping we can get away from it and change back to the way we were.… MORE
WJBC Forum: Traditions
What are some of your traditions?… MORE
WJBC Forum: Abolish the Electoral College?
With the recent Presidential election, Americans have rediscovered that quirky little Constitutional item called the Electoral College.… MORE
WJBC Forum: School boards
Perhaps you are sick of hearing about elections, but please lend me your ears and consider YOUR service for just a moment.… MORE
WJBC Forum: Attitude
Many people live by the mantra “attitude” is everything, and I happen to be one of those people.… MORE
WJBC Forum: News, news, news
A few days ago, I received an excited email from a neighbor.… MORE
WJBC Forum: Buy nothing day
On Thanksgiving Day, many Americans will gather around the dinner table, and while eating that delicious homemade meal, will catch up on each other’s lives, relive family memories, and share the many reasons they are thankful for their blessings this year.… 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…