***We'll probably say a few words about the Sanitary District & the SJR Editorial.  The SJR, though, was one of only a handful of entities that actually received forewarning about the 400% rate increase. 

***Our "friend", Neil Steinberg, writes another "column" in the Sun-Times where he pillories our fair City.  I guess the staff at the SJR has some answering to do today:

Common wisdom says that one night in Springfield is plenty, since the city boasts nowhere to stay that is better than sleeping in your car. So I consulted an acquaintance at the State Journal Register, who didn't exactly boost the local hotels ("The Hilton is the most horrific piece of Freudian architecture you'll ever witness," he wrote). He suggested a bed and breakfast.

This does makes the Pasfield House seem a bit third-rate, though:

The aspect of the trip that entered family lore, however, was next morning's breakfast at the B&B, the Pasfield House frozen Bob Evans egg bowls we were invited to microwave in our rooms, fare so unappetizing that no Steinberg could eat it, which is like a meal being rejected by goats. When I later asked the Pasfield owner why he fell down so completely on the "breakfast" part of "bed and breakfast," he cheerily explained that, during his initial research, he discovered that the preparation of a homemade breakfast is the most time-consuming aspect of running a B&B, so therefore he dispensed with it.

***This guy is great!  If schools, school districts or unions won't get rid of bad teachers, maybe cash will.

The center is soliciting nominations for the nation's 10 worst unionized teachers, and says it will give $10,000 to each of the 10—if they agree to stop teaching forever.

***Interesting column in the NYT today about how America doesn't spend enough on public services.  The thesis is that we don't because we have so many ethnic groups and each group doesn't want to spend more money supporting another group.  The authors' argument, though, too quickly dismisses what private charities contribute and also completely ignores the American ethic of personal responsibility.  One reason, I would imagine that many immigrants come to the US is the limitless possibilities that are not available in their homeland.

The author goes on to explain that the US spends a great deal less than other countries like Sweden, Portugal and France.  Enough said.  This guys wants American to look more like Old Europe.  No thanks.

***22 Questions from National Review for The Obama about Rev. Wright.

***Bob Novak's column on The Obama & abortion:

But somehow the anti-abortion woman got into the high school gym here, and Obama by chance recognized her for the last question he would take. While he likes to stretch out his answers to embrace as many talking points as possible, he went into warp speed on abortion with the conventional pro-choice politician's mantra. ''Nobody is pro-abortion,'' he said, contending that abortion should be a woman's choice after due consultation.

***Wait, get this, a Ralph Martire column that actually says Illinois can't pay its bills and needs more tax money.  Gasp!  Really?       

No question, the budget priorities raised by the public are legitimate. Also no question, the state’s current fiscal system — which doesn’t even generate enough revenue to maintain existing services from one year to the next — cannot fund them. The pie is too small, and shrinking.

Without passing tax reform that generates more revenue while imposing the tax burden more fairly, Illinois will not make the investments needed to fund education adequately, grow our economy and meet the needs of the most vulnerable in society.

***Listen live to Kelm & Kirk at WMAY.com 9a-Noon!!