Tag: politics

Illinois Tollway unveils unprecedented reform agenda

December 2, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois Tollway unveils unprecedented reform agenda The Illinois Tollway Authority, a $1.4 billion government state agency, unveiled an unprecedented reform program to even the playing field and to brighten sunshine on the authority’s business actions. But instead of focusing on the news, the Arlington Heights Daily Herald and even Crains Chicago Business (are they even…

Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Editors Pick, General Topics, Government, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Transportation

Madigan was never the real issue in the last election

November 28, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Madigan was never the real issue in the last election Republican leaders in Illinois were easily swept aside and out of office by Democrats in the November 6 General Elections mainly because too much effort was put into personal attacks including against Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. Voters are far more intelligent than some…

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Jim Dodge announces for Orland Park Mayor

November 25, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Jim Dodge announces for Orland Park Mayor Can a perennial Republican candidate for public office like Jim Dodge win the office of Orland Park Mayor? His past elections outside of Orland Park suggest not, but his Republican base in Orland Park tells a different story. But that depends on what Republican Mayor Keith Pekau does. Pekau defeated…

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Arab American voters to rally for Democratic candidates Oct. 21

October 11, 2018October 11, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Arab American voters to rally for Democratic candidates Oct. 21 Dozens of Democratic candidates running in the November 6, 2018 General election will be showcased at the annual Candidate’s Breakfast & Brunch on Sunday, October 21 hosted by The Arab American Democratic Club. The keynote speakers at the event are Illinois House Speaker Michael J….

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In need of a “voter carwash” after governors’ debate

September 27, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 2 Comments

In need of a “voter carwash” after governors’ debate The personal attacks in the first debate between Gov. Bruce Rauner and three challengers including J.B. Pritzker is disheartening for the future for the state of Illinois. Isn’t there anyone out there who has a great idea to save this state? Wake up people! When it…

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Roger Stone releases new book, “Stone’s Rules”

July 26, 2018July 26, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Roger Stone releases new book, “Stone’s Rules” At long last, America’s most notorious political operative has released his operating manual! A freedom fighter to his admirers, a dirty trickster to his detractors, the flamboyant, outrageous, articulate, and extraordinarily well-dressed Roger Stone lays out Stone’s Rules―the maxims that have governed his legendary career as a campaign operative…

Books & Films, elections, Features, Government, National, Politics

Media hypocrisy over Roseanne Barr

June 10, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Media hypocrisy over Roseanne Barr Roseanne Barr’s racist reference to Valerie Jarrett is irresistible and Barr rightly apologized. But was ABC TV’s decision to punish Roseanne by cancelling her hit TV series revival warranted? Or, is it the result of a double standard fueled by news media bias against Barr because of her open support…

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A good movie should be about entertainment

April 21, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

A good movie should be about entertainment These days, movie reviewers judge films not by what the audience wants but rather by what they want. Oftentimes, those judgments are driven by issues that pander to social minorities and left-wing liberal preferences. Why can’t we judge films based solely on their entertainment value, rather than on…

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Roseanne revival brings back memories of great TV

April 6, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Roseanne revival brings back memories of great TV Television has always reflected the worst of our society, but in recent years it has gotten even worse especially int he area of politics. But the revival of a former TV sitcom, Roseanne, has returned us to the glory days of TV when comedy and humor in…

Blogger, Commentary, Features, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Television

Arab American empowerment continues to grow

February 23, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Arab American empowerment continues to grow Arab Americans have been fighting for a place at the American table from the day they set foot in America. But in recent years, their empowerment has increased despite the increased discrimination in the wake of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. In recently years, Arab Americans have…

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Pritzker, Brannigan and the “politics” of apologies

February 8, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Pritzker, Brannigan and the “politics” of apologies Some Arab American and Muslim activists have launched a vicious campaign against Palos Township Trustee Sharon Brannigan who expressed opinions critical of the “Middle Eastern” community that they claimed were racist. Brannigan apologized three times but they refused to accept her apology. However, J.B. Pritzker slammed Muslims as…

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Who are the Arabs of the Southwest Suburbs?

December 9, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Who are the Arabs of the Southwest Suburbs? The recent personal attacks against a trustee in Palos Township has sparked a discussion about who are the Arabs of Chicagoland. I have spent most of my life studying and writing about the American Arab community, authoring dissertations and studies on them at Northern Illinois and the…

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The bullying of Sharon Brannigan

December 7, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 6 Comments

The bullying of Sharon Brannigan Sharon Brannigan, a suburban Township politician who made some improper comparisons while arguing about immigration policy has suddenly become the target of the protesters against anti-Muslim, anti-Arab racism. But in their protests, they have turned into bullies who yell, scream, and disrespect the image of what Arabs are all about. And…

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Carrigan attack against Jubeh is pure bullying

October 18, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Carrigan attack against Jubeh is pure bullying The vicious attack by Mike Carrigan, the president of the Illinois AFL-CIO, is a disgraceful example of bullying that demands that the union take some swift action. Carrigan should apologize. The political cheap shot is uncalled for, and it disgraces all of the proud union members who have…

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Brannigan reaches out to Arabs and Muslims

September 20, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Brannigan reaches out to Arabs and Muslims Palos Township Trustee Sharon Brannigan offended Arabs and Muslims with broad stroke comments about immigration that pointed a finger at their race and religion. But Brannigan apologized this week, reiterating apologies she issued twice before saying that she is not anti-Arab, anti-Muslim or anti-immigrant. I understand her concerns…

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A letter from a reader on the Brannigan controversy

August 13, 2017September 28, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

A letter from a reader on the Brannigan controversy A reader writes asking about the protests by Muslims in suburban Chicagoland against Republican Palos Township trustee Sharon Brannigan and comments she has made in the past criticizing Muslims. By Ray Hanania Sharon Brannigan has published views and opinions that have angered many Muslims in the…

Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland

Marie Newman announces candidacy for 3rd Congressional District

June 28, 2017January 9, 2019 Press ReleaseChicago No Comments

Marie Newman announces candidacy for 3rd Congressional District Move Forward With A Strong, Collaborative Voice Representing the 3rd District In today’s highly charged political climate, there is a critical need to push forward. This means creating a world that is accepting, efficient, and works for everyone. Sadly, overgrown bureaucracy has dominated politics, preventing us from…

News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Kennedy accuses Illinois Dems of blocking candidacy

May 15, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Kennedy accuses Illinois Dems of blocking candidacy The race for governor seems to be focused on ousting incompetent Republican incumbent Bruce Rauner, but the real battle is between the two Democrats, Chris Kennedy and J.B. Pritzker to win party backing for the March 20, 2018 Democratic Primary By Ray Hanania It’s a war between a…

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