In the spring of 1983 there was an excitement in the air. Congressman Harold Washington was running for mayor of Chicago. Every time I remember that time of great expectations I wish it could be duplicated in another winning campaign. Times have changed. Maybe so many progressive people have become so comfortable and prosperous that a grassroots campaign based on reform needs a truck scandal at city hall to bring progressive activism in Chicago back to life. Opportunity knocks in 2004's political season, but on a statewide level.
Illinois State Senator and candidate for U. S. Senate, Democrat Barack Obama deserves your vote in the primary election.
Obama has a strong record of fighting successfully for more jobs by working with community colleges to design and fund innovative job-training programs. He was a driving force behind Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit, which has provided over $100 million in tax relief to working people. Obama has sponsored legislation to provide targeted tax breaks for investment in depressed areas, and to hold corporations accountable for creating jobs using the tax breaks they receive.
He was the chief sponsor of a bill that extends KidCare and FamilyCare. He was the chief sponsor of legislation that created a Hospital Report Card, to guide consumers on issues from infection rates to nurse-patient ratios. And he was the chief sponsor of the Truth in Hospital Billing and Finances act. As Chairman of the Illinois Senate Committee on Public Health, Senator Obama has consistently fought to improve funding for community-based, culturally sensitive AIDS prevention, outreach and testing services.
He wrote and helped get passed landmark legislation requiring videotaping of confessions in murder cases. That legislation helps minimize the chances of sending the innocent to prison. An experienced Civil Rights Lawyer, Obama is the only U. S. Senate candidate to have written and passed legislation ending racial profiling. He is a Constitutional law professor at University of Chicago, and among the candidates is uniquely qualified to oppose the Patriot Act's excesses, to advocate affirmative action, and to oppose on the Senate floor the proposed constitutional amendment banning the recognition of same-sex marriage.
Barak Obama is a chief sponsor of IL Senate Bill 101, the landmark legislation that would protect LGBT persons from discrimination in employment and housing. At the national level, Obama urges Congress to pass the Employment non-discrimination act, that similarly ensures lesbians and same gender loving men are not fired or passed over for jobs and promotions because of our sexual orientation.
Over the years I've closely followed the effective fight Barak Obama has waged against the right wing Republicans in Springfield. I know he has the backbone to stand up for the LGBT community in Congress on the full spectrum of issues of critical importance to us. For much more information or to volunteer to help please call (312) 427-6300 or visit obamaforIllinois.com . Voting is your right and your responsibility. Please vote for Barak Obama for U. S. Senate in the Illinois primary election.
[See the March 10 Windy city Times for a complete Election Guide to the March 16 primary. Also see interviews wiuth top senate candidates at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com]
For more details on 'Pass The Mic' contact me at MmaxsonnCS@aol.com .
