On September 27, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner told the Pantagraph that Bloomington-Normal was in serious contention for a Mazda-Toyota auto plant, but the existence of unions and Illinois laws lost the potential jobs to Alabama.… MORE
Category Archives: Voices – Forum
WJBC Voices: “Progressive” has nothing to do with progress
One of the gubernatorial candidates is advocating a progressive income tax as the solution to the state’s economic problems.… MORE
WJBC Voices: Celebrating local workers
By Mike Matejka Labor Day is perhaps the most mis-understood holiday in the nation’s calendar. Traditionally viewed as a summer’s end celebration, its real roots are in worker protest, trying to claim and celebrate their role in society. In Bloomington, local unions organize and march together, along with community groups and aspiring politicians, in Monday’s…… MORE
WJBC Voices: Staycations
As the days of summer wane, you might be looking for at least one more experience, perhaps even a “bucket list” item to do.… MORE
WJBC Voices: Pride Fest signifies improved inclusion
Saturday, July 28 saw an event in downtown Bloomington that was perhaps unimaginable 20 or 30 years ago.… MORE
WJBC Voices: Can we cancel the election for lack of interest?
Illinois’ elections are as dysfunctional as its government.… MORE
WJBC Voices: Civil discourse, please
In several groups I frequent there has been discussion of the lack of civil discourse in our world today. … MORE
WJBC Voices: A different approach to immigration
Immigration is a hot and volatile topic.… MORE
WJBC Voices: Charles Krauthammer, R.I.P.
If you’re not a news or political junkie, you may never have heard of Dr. Charles Krauthammer, who passed away recently at the age of 68, after a lengthy battle with cancer. … MORE
WJBC Voices: Aging isn’t so bad
Some folks aren’t embracing aging or retirement so much. I have made some observations, and will offer some tips.… 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…