Free Republic

To solve a problem, one must first diagnose its cause. This rings true in all walks of life. Yet this fundamental principle seems to be ignored when the problems of inner-city crime and poverty are considered. For decades, urban areas have been rife with pain and suffering due to violence. Chicago, Illinois is a prime example of this modern American tragedy. The city’s murder rate is among the highest in the nation. Shootings, drug-dealing, car-jacking, gang activity, and other categories of crime are at epidemic levels. Almost the entire conversation about criminal activity and violence in the city, as well...

An unflattering portrait depicting Illinois First Lady Patricia Blagojevich as a modern-day Lady Macbeth who plotted against her husband's perceived enemies and backed his corrupt schemes emerged in court documents connected to the governor's arrest Tuesday. Her alleged ambitions and brashness are outlined in a 76-page federal criminal complaint: She helped her husband hatch a plan to sell President-elect Barack Obama's old U.S. Senate seat. She angled to trade her husband's power for lucrative spots on corporate boards. And she unleashed an obscenity-filled tirade suggesting Tribune Co. ownership should "just fire" Chicago Tribune editorial writers if the company wanted the...

Congressman's $121,000 Payoff to Alleged Mistress Tim Mahoney Elected to Remove 'Ethical Cloud' of His Disgraced Predecessor, Mark Foley By EMMA SCHWARTZ, RHONDA SCHWARTZ, and VIC WALTER Oct. 13, 2008— West Palm Beach Congressman Tim Mahoney (D-FL), whose predecessor resigned in the wake of a sex scandal, agreed to a $121,000 payment to a former mistress who worked on his staff and was threatening to sue him, according to current and former members of his staff who have been briefed on the settlement, which involved Mahoney and his campaign committee. Mahoney, who is married, also promised the woman, Patricia Allen,...

Encourage Alan Keyes to Run for Illinois Senate SeatAlan Keyes not only is the senator Illinois needs, he is the leader America must have in the U.S. Senate to help preserve our Constitution and American principles. Asked to shoulder the formidable task of running against Illinois State Sen. Barack Obama, Keyes promised his answer by Sunday. Let's encourage the former ambassador not only to say "Yes!" but to boldly stand up for what's right and fight to a resounding victory this November! Encourage Keyes, a two-time presidential hopeful, by signing this petition urging him to answer Illinois' call and run...

The all black, all male students of Hales Franciscan High School on the South Side lined the walls of their gymnasium chanting and stomping their feet. Joining in on this special occasion was a group of outsiders--well dressed men and women who waved flags and politely clapped. The warm reception Wednesday was for Jack Ryan, who had come to the school to officially announce that he would be a candidate for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate. And Ryan was right at home in the inner city school at 4930 S. Cottage Grove Ave. He has taught English and...

CHICAGO -- Today, the Illinois Leader announced that six different U.S. Senate candidates will be joining them at their first anniversary celebration this Sunday, June 8th from 2 to 5 PM, at downtown Chicago's Galleria Marchetti, located on the west side of I-94, on Halsted and Erie. The U.S. Senate candidates who have confirmed their appearance thus far are State Senator Steve Rauschenberger (R-Elgin), businessman Jack Ryan, former State Senator, now RTA Chairman Tom McCracken, businessman Andy McKenna, Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, and businessman John Cox. Each candidate will be allowed three minutes to address the attendees, starting at 2:30 PM....