David's Corner

It doesn't  matter what the color of your skin is, or what you believe in or not, we are all the same inside . President Trump, white supremacists  have got to go! I'm not sure what part of this racists don't get. When will we  be done with this hate. I would like to see 2017 go out in peace and love.                                                                             CHAG SAMEACH

What is the big issue with immigrants? Why all of the panic? If immigrants come to this country and learn the language and get and keep a job, pay taxes and raise families, let's respect them. On this important American holiday, we should be thankful for everyone. Have a happy and prosperous Thanksgiving!

2017  was a great season for the Cubs as they won 92 games and finished 6 games ahead of the Brewers in the NL Central division. After beating the Nationals in an exciting division championship series, our Cubs suffered a sad loss to the Dodgers for the trip to the World Series. Still, thanks Cubbies for making the playoffs 3 years in a row!

An unfair tax on sweetened  drinks has  been voted down. That doesn't mean sugary  drinks are good for you! We all should drink more water! The taxpayers have spoken with  authority and were  heard!

Immigrants helped build the USA. Immigrants are friendly and  hard working.  I'm comfortable around them. Why shouldn't they be treated with respect and compassion? I support Congress passing an Immigration bill that gives the  young adult " Dreamers" a path to citizenship. These people deserve respect and  should  not be underestimated  for their  contribution to our country.

With less than 20 regular season games to go in the 2017 season, I project the Chicago Cubs will repeat as World Series champions. They've  got the muscle, they've got the hustle. They  must stay healthy. What do you think?

We have a state budget  after more than two years-- no thanks to Gov. Bruce Rauner. But the school funding bill that the Governor held Chicago and our children hostage to his childish agenda, will get our  schools open on time. I want to wish our students, teachers and parents a safe and successful school year!

Cook County is becoming a free for all of taxing, spending  and layoffs as the County bounces in and out of court trying  to collect the county soda tax, allowing Cook County to close a multi-million dollar budget hole. Not closing this hole will result in 300 layoffs, half  of them in the giant Cook County jail. Who knew such a sweet tax could result in such a bitter aftertaste?  

Finally, we have a State budget! Our public officials did what we put them in office to do. Hopefully, our leaders can begin working on the real problems this state has. The prisons, hospitals, nursing homes and many schools  are part of the walled problem in this country today. We are hiding  our problems behind these walls  This is a tragic waste of human talent and taxpayer  money. What  should be done about this?

I think President Trump is all tied up with Russia. He is acting suspiciously. I think his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is in over his head. The president needs to spend more time doing what he was elected to do, Please, Mr. President, less tweeting and more working! Closer to home, Governor Rauner is wasting time on his personal agenda for the rich and powerful, while the poor and needy fall behind as their social services and schools are starved for money and closing. Please Governor Rauner, be a leader and think about everyone!

Another legislative year passed by without a state budget. No  agreement, no compromise. Meanwhile, good programs are going under and needy people from all walks of life are being neglected. Education, social services, mental health, housing, literacy, public safety and all of the other staff and services  that make the "Land of Lincoln" special and great are fading away. Shame on you Governor for failing your people. Call Gov Rauner and ask him to reach an agreement 312.814.2121.

I enjoy my time at Anixter Center and feel safe here. But the time I love most is our small groups like Monday Morning Mash, Song Writing ,and Digital Literacy. For  example, Hannah is the best music therapist I know and Julie is an outstanding teacher. I thank them  for their tremendous work. I love all of my groups and the staff who lead them, they  do their jobs with love and peace.  Have you thanked a staff person today?

Our 2016 World Series champion Chicago Cubs return to the field of play against the arch rival  St. Louis Cardinals on April 3. Things are going to get very interesting on April 10 when Chicago hosts the LA Dodgers at the "Friendly Confines" on Addison St. Ticket prices have gone up 19.5% but many members of the championship team are returning.for the repeat, so we will get our money's worth. Here's hoping that all Cub fans will enjoy this season safely and responsibly with their alcohol use and stay in control and be the best example for our youth. Go Cubs go in Chicago!

It is winter and it was 60 degrees out! No snow for more than two months! Joggers out by the lake! Has the Equator moved north? Just climate change giving us the warmest year on record... But no, after nearly three months without a flake of snow, holy cow, we get a half-foot dumped on us! With joyful anticipation we hope Spring will bring happiness and steady weather. We'll all be feeling better in spirit when this happens! Peace.

Dating and Sexual Assault is more commonly known as "date rape." It happens a lot, not just with  young people, but with adults. Sometimes it happens in a one on one situation or sometimes it's in a group. Frequently it involves alcohol and often a special date rape drug that paralyzes the victim and blurs her or his memory. Often this dangerous drug is secretly slipped into someone's drink. Date rape can damage relationships  and destroy lives. From college students to mature neighbors to new friends, date rape can happen anywhere, anytime. Be aware of the company you keep and your surroundings. If date rape occurs, call 911. For further information and resources call  1800-662-4357 or go www.samhsa.gov/treatment .

I would like to see people put the guns down and start talking. So many young kids are dying of senseless violence everyday. It MUST STOP! The answer doesn't lie with the police. Ending the violence begins with a job and a chance to succeed at a normal life. For those already in The System, we need more talking and training and more peace, love and compassion and less anger and violence.

A happy and prosperous new year to all of our friends and readers. I want to thank our Commander-in-chief Barack Obama for eight fine years of dedication and  service. You will be missed. Good luck to you and  your beautiful family.