Notebook

By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

*Weddings and birthday celebrations usher St. Valentine’s Day!

*US Sen. Dick Durbin discussed ‘crime and social justice’ at City Club of Chicago’s monthly luncheon; VT editor Elsie’s question to Durbin, ‘a stomper’

*March 15 is our Primary Election; 17-yearolds can vote. Read the in-depth analysis of Notebook’s guest political commentator Don Azarias in choosing our next USA President!

*Philippine Consulate in Chicago holds ‘Media Night’ for press folks

*IL Comptroller Munger sends warning on the ‘$6.2 Illinois spending without a budget’

* Mayor Emanuel reminds everyone, particularly seniors, to stay safe by using city services during these harsh winter months

HAPPY ST. VALENTINE’S DAY to Everyone! February is the day We Celebrate Love! However, to those who love “for better or for worse” – EVERYDAY IS VALENTINE’s DAY. Not measured by expensive material gifts. Just expressing our Love and Gratitude to the People We Love Unconditionally. Most Importantly, EVERYDAY IS VALENTINE’S DAY with GOD from Whom all Love and Blessings flow. Priceless… ***

NOT buttering up my ego, I kind of “shook up the house” with my question to Sen. Dick Durbin at the CITY CLUB OF CHICAGO monthly luncheon last Feb. 5, at Maggiano’s. He was the guest speaker. The good senator spoke about American Social Justice like “police brutality,” treatment of drug addiction; poor education, etc. — now becoming huge social problems in America, During the short Q & A session, I was one of the five who stood up. My question: “Mr. Senator, the stalemate between Rep. Gov. Rauner and Dem. Mike Madigan is driving Illinois into a sinking ship, putting the fate of the people at doom. As our US Senator, isn’t it about time you drop the gun?”

My “drop the gun” figure of speech kind of rattled Mr. Jay Doherty, CCC Club President and Moderator. In a jocular tone, he said: “ This is a stomper! Elsie, I read your question, but I want you to explain it.” I did. I told the 400 guests that “dropping the gun” means breaking up the stalemate between Rauner and Madigan, by Sen. Durbin.

Well, Sen. Durbin gave a very good response. Summing it up, he said: “Of course. In good faith, both sides will come together. I hope the governor will drop his so-called ‘turn-around’ agenda which includes some elements which I don’t agree and also by majority of the legislators. But your points are right. What is happening now to the State I love and honored to represent is: DEVASTATING. DEVASTATING! Not befitting to our great state.” Sen Durbin ended his response assuring the audience that the state of Illinois will “turn-around” in a positive way.

The City Club of Chicago was founded in 1903. It has been a stage for historic debates and enlightened analysis of the most important news. To-date it has 1,900 members – luminaries like Pres Barack Obama before he was president; politicians; businesspersons; professionals and “Ordinary People” who want to listen and be heard — like this columnist. (Looks like I am the only Filipino?) If interested to join, let me know. *****

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) remind residents about City-offered services and tips to stay safe during the winter months. Residents seeking access to warming centers and/or experiencing insufficient heat are advised to call 3-1-1 for immediate assistance.

“Chicago is no stranger to historically cold winters, but no matter what the conditions are, each year we prove that we can weather the storm,” the Mayor said. “As we face extreme conditions, City departments are prepared to assist residents with services ranging from snow removal to well-being checks. We encourage all residents to check on their neighbors and call for assistance when necessary.”

Checking on seniors, picking up homeless who are sleeping under the bridge and moving them to shelters? Been there. Done that when I was working at the Chicago Dept. of Human Services. I love that job. As a Senior today, I can use some of those services I used to do. ****

COMPTROLLER LESLIE GEISSLER MUNGER: IL SPENDS $6.2 BILLION MORE:

Comptroller Munger announced that the State of Illinois spends $6.2 billion more than it receives in revenue without a budget. Munger said the deficit projection is higher than originally projected because court orders and consent decrees are requiring spending at FY 15 levels or whatever is required to maintain existing service levels, regardless of the cost. Specifically, the state Department of Human Services and the Department of Healthcare and Family services are on pace to exceed last year’s appropriations by $1.2 billion. Illinois is bringing in about $5 billion less in revenue annually due to the temporary income tax increase.

“When you put it together, it’s $6.2 million more in debt for a state that already had a multi-billion bill backlog,” Munger said. “The situation without a budget is a little like a credit card limit. You can spend until you hit that limit – but in this case, the courts have essentially removed the limit and the state has blown through the caps to the tune of $1.2 billion. Without a budget, the spending is open-ended and our fiscal path is catastrophic.” ****

FORTHCOMING USA NATIONAL ELECTION is keeping pace with no less than the elections in our beloved Philippines. Go figure: the REPUBLICANS have eight presidential candidates: JED BUSH; BEN CARSON; CHRIS CHRISTIE; TED CRUZ; JOHN KASICH; MARCO RUBIO and DONALD TRUMP. Tough luck or Good Luck? To the remaining two DEMOCRATS, former US Secretary of State and First Lady HILLARY CLINTON and BERNIE SANDERS. In the interest of the Fate of our country, I hope some of you have watched their debates or even just the news. One Kababayan (Countryman) whose wisdom I respect is Don Azarias, a former radio host in the Philippines and a retired bank executive in Illinois. The following is Don’s perspective in our choice for our next President of the United States of America:

“The 2016 U.S. presidential election, I believe, will go down in history as the most contemptuous and divisive that American voters have seen in years. I’m talking about the candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties, as they launch their campaigns that will help catapult the lucky candidate to the White House.

First, for the Democrats, I have these questions: Does Hillary Clinton really think she has some sort of entitlement to the presidency just because she was a former First Lady and Secretary of State? How about the question regarding American voters’ perception that she is dishonest and untrustworthy?

How could she first deny that her private e-mail server didn’t contain top-secret information when the State Department just announced that there were, indeed, 22 e-mails classified as top-secret on Clinton’s private e-mail server? Sources said that the FBI is hot on Clinton’s trail and is ready to file charges against her. A New York newspaper is reporting that the no-nonsense FBI Director, James Comey, is ready to resign and go public if the Obama administration decides to whitewash the Clinton’s indictment. Is it any wonder that the Democrats are talking about a possible Joe Biden’s candidacy?

Also, how could Clinton explain her $600,000 speaking fees that she received from Wall Street? Records show that, since 2001, Hillary and Bill Clinton have made $125 million in speaking fees alone. Regarding her Democratic rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders from Vermont, who had always identified himself as an independent for political expediency, I’m saying this straight from the shoulder: “I’m not yet ready to vote for a socialist to be the president of the United States.”

On the Republican side, would you want a brash and abrasive man, in the person of frontrunner Donald Trump, to be the country’s president? This man is nothing but an opportunistic showman who can dance to the music and march to a different drum by capitalizing on a great number of American voters’ dissatisfaction on and fear of the current leadership in Washington, DC. I also have every reason to believe that he is a racist and a sexist. Sen. Marco Rubio is a very likeable fellow but he has flaws and he is inexperienced. Sen. Ted Cruz is brilliant, but his conservative stance will cause voters to reject him.

There is also a question about his citizenship, as to whether or not he is natural born.

Personally, I would have preferred Jeb Bush. He was a twoterm governor of Florida. Bush is married to his wife, Columba, who is of Mexican descent and is held in the highest esteem in the Latino community. With majority of Latino voters voting Democrat, Bush has a good chance of defeating the Democrat’s official candidate whoever he or she may be. Bush is well-qualified to be president; he is no slouch. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Texas. He should have been the frontrunner but it was not meant to be. So, my fellow voters, you can make your choice as to who you feel will be the next leader of the free world. But, please, exercise your best judgment. (Don Azarias) ****

Cook County Clerk David Orr reminds voters that: “March 15 is Presidential Primary. We remind 17-year-olds that they can register, and vote, in the primary if they will be 18 years old by the date of the General Election, Nov. 8, 2016. Young voters are a vital part of our democratic process. We encourage you to vote so your voice will be heard. It is gratifying to work with Chicago Votes in bringing the message of the importance of civic engagement to our youth.” ***

Philippine Consul General Meet Up with the Local Media Personalities in Chicago: The Consulate General of the Philippines in Chicago hosted a reception entitled, “Media Night at the Consulate General” on 21 January 2016, 5:30 PM, at the Kalayaan Hall of the Consulate General on its “14th Pagkikita sa Konsulado” for the month of January.

In his opening remarks, Consul General Generoso DG Calonge acknowledged the vital role of the media in influencing public opinion that ultimately drives policymaking. He thanked Filipino- American media professionals for delivering right and timely information and contributing to the further education of the Filipino community. The Consul General also took the opportunity to make important announcements and updates on Overseas Voting, which will take place from 09 April to 09 May 2016; the pending Congressional Gold Medal Act for Filipino Veterans of WWII, which still requires 39 sponsors/co-sponsors from the US Senate and 179 from the House of Representatives to pass.

I admire ConGen Calonge’s humility when he publicly apologized his “omission” on an issue brought out by Bart & Yoly Tubalinal, relevant to what happened many years ago at the Consulate when the Consul General hosted a press reception. Indeed, ConGen Calonge is reaching out to everyone and the mainstream along with the assistance of his hard-working staff, like Liezel Alcantara, Cultural and Visa Officer. ***

ENJOY the Winter. Summer is never far behind. Give Thanks to God.#

(1) Mr. Jay Doherty, President of City Club of Chicago, reading Elsie’s question as U.S. Senator Richard Durbin listens; (2) Elsie, thanking Sen Durbin for his message on social justice.

 

 

 

Illinois Comptroller of Illinois Leslie Geissler Munger

 

(1) Love is Lovelier for Cherrylyn Miranda and Nathan Opina after they exchanged “I Do’s” last October 17, 2015, at St. Aloysius Church in Chicago, officiated by the Rev. Fr. Sami Reyes.; (2) The Bride Cherry Lyn Miranda Opina with her loving Mama, Mrs. Irma Miranda. Cherrylyn’s loving Dad, Mr. Manuel Miranda passed away in 2014.; (3) Above are the NINANGS & NINANGS (Godmother & Godfather or Sponsors) of the newlyweds Cherrylyn and Nathan Opina. From left at back are: Fernando Rosendo, Oscar Cronk, Mario Miranda, Allan Miranda and Jim Cappello. Front from left are: Aida Ledene, Joenil Jumbas, Joy Ocenar Capello, Cherry Lyn Opina(Bride), Nathaniel Opina (Groom), Roselyn Dionela Miranda, Theresa Cronk, Thessie Aquino and Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

Bridal entourage of Nathan Opina and Cherrylyn Miranda Opina’s wedding, shown from left ARE: Aiza Ocenar, Mary Joyce Ocenar-Dy, Jennifer Rius, Bianca Monzon, Bride and Groom Cherry Lyn Opina and Nathaniel Opina, Simeon Miranda III, John Alvic Santos, Manuel Miranda Jr., and Paul Dy. The children from left are: Gianna Capelo, Nychelle Opina (daughter of the Bride and the Groom), Matthew Miranda and Rylee Ethan Carlos.

 

Consul General Generoso DG Calonge (center) and Deputy Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr. (far right) with members of the media in the Midwest (from left): Ron Lim and Rogie Mallari of TFC, Joseph Lariosa of Journal Globalinks, Elsie Sy-Niebar, Veronica Leighton, Jovie Calma and Joe Mauricio of the VIA Times, Yoly and Bart Tubalinal of FilAm Mega Scene and Donna Reyes of Fil-Am Now!.