Let me tell a little about what happens to an ex-offender just released from prison in “A Guide for the Perplexed,” now showing at Victory Gardens Theater. While serving a four-year sentence, the protagonist, Doug, receives a body blow in the form of a letter: “Son, We are sorry you are in prison. Maybe it will help you. Although it makes us feel bad, you are not welcome here anymore. We wish you a good life, though. Mother.” Better yet, you can experience the story first-hand by attending PCG’s theater event next week. more

I have just traveled over 3,500 miles to learn something I already knew. When it comes to gauging state budget disasters, Illinois may not be as bad as California — arguably the worst in the nation — but we are getting closer all the time. more

Back in the days when progressive Republicans were still part of our political landscape, Nelson Rockefeller, as Governor of New York and the 41st Vice President, served our country well. It is ironic, therefore, that perhaps the most socially damaging legislation in the last 50 years bears his name. more

A commentary by Al Sharp from the June 2nd issue of the Daily Herald more

In Matthew 15:21–28, a Canaanite woman seeks the healing of Jesus for her daughter, only to be rebuffed at her first request. She beseeches Jesus again. He reconsiders her request, heals the daughter, and she is made well. This Biblical narrative teaches us the need for persistence in seeking what we value – and what we think God values – most. more

Until last Friday, it appeared that — even in the midst of Illinois’ financial disaster — our state legislators would adjourn early. But despite their best efforts to “get out of town” and start campaigning for re-election, the Illinois House was unable to pass even an interim budget. This may have something to do with the 300,000 emails and over 5,000 calls they received, urging them not to vote for an irresponsible budget. In any case, we now have two more weeks on the legislative calendar to insist that they act responsibly. Laura Dean Friedrich and Courtney Eccles of the PCG staff have been in Springfield almost every week for the past five months. The Common Good Network (CGN) asked them to describe the crisis, and what we must do in these next two weeks. more

It is reported that as the comedian W.C. Field lay on his death bed in a Philadelphia nursing home many years ago, a friend walked into his room and was surprised to find him reading the Bible. “Bill, what are you doing?” he asked. “Looking for loopholes,” Field exclaimed. That is exactly what the payday loan industry in Illinois did in 2005 more

Two years ago, if you had asked whether legalizing medical marijuana was high on my priority list for PCG, I would have smiled politely and said “no.” more

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair” are the first words we hear in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The moral order of things is turned on its head, and unreality is abroad in the land. How better to describe what it feels like to be in our state capitol right now. more

How bad is the financial situation in Illinois? A knowledgeable source noted last week that the three national rating agencies have put Illinois on what is called “credit watch.” This means that within 90 days, if things don’t start looking better, our debt holders will start flooding the market with the bonds they now hold, and Illinois will no longer be able to borrow. more