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* John McCormick at the Wall St. Journal interviewed the state’s wealthiest resident Ken Griffin…
Asked about running for office, Mr. Griffin said his plate is currently full. “I would like to think that at some point in my life, I will have that opportunity to be involved in public service,” he said. […]
Besides his investments in federal elections, Mr. Griffin is also expected to spend heavily this year to try to block a fellow billionaire, Democratic Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, from winning a second term. He has already contributed $20 million to the campaign of Richard Irvin, a Republican mayor of a Chicago suburb.
Mr. Griffin and Mr. Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune and the brother of former U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, have had a running feud in recent years, lately over with rising violence in Chicago.
“I’ve had multiple colleagues mugged at gunpoint. I’ve had a colleague stabbed on the way to work,” Mr. Griffin said of Chicago. “That’s a really difficult backdrop with which to draw talent to your city.”
Discuss.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:10 am
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“I’ve had multiple colleagues mugged at gunpoint. I’ve had a colleague stabbed on the way to work,”
Names, dates, police reports or it didn’t happen.
Comment by Chuck Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:16 am
==Names, dates, police reports or it didn’t happen.==
I’ll second that.
Comment by Leslie K Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:18 am
“I would like to think that at some point in my life, I will have that opportunity to be involved in public service,”
For now, I’ll stick with buying others to do the work. /S ‘
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:20 am
“A strong man came up to me, tough kind of a guy, and said: ‘I [got mugged at gunpoint].’ And he had tears coming down his eyes,” [Mr. Griffin] said. “This wasn’t just a statement, because he had tears coming down. Unless he was a real wise guy. But he had tears coming down his eyes.”
Comment by Chuck's Right Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:22 am
“I’ve had multiple colleagues mugged at gunpoint.”
Were they Griffin guns? Dude wants to fight crime but invests in guns that wind up in homicides, Irvin doesn’t begrudge him for his investments. On one hand they’re tough on crime but on the other profit or actually support the free flow of guns.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:23 am
==“That’s a really difficult backdrop with which to draw talent to your city.”==
And yet, outside of the “anecdotes are close enough to data” crowd, don’t most indicators show that Chicago is still starting new businesses,still a brain magnet for the rest of the midwest, etc.?
I get the feeling that Griffin is in the same partisan echo chamber a lot of Republicans fall into (a lot of Democrats fall into a partisan echo chamber, too, but it’s a different one). Republicans have for decades insisted that Chicago is a lawless hellscape, so I’m sure that’s what he hears from his Finance Bros outside of the state.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:23 am
Also, said it before, still true: Every time Griffin sits down for an interview he might as well take, like, $10k away from Irvin.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:24 am
Does anyone really believe that Ken Griffin has gone 180 degrees from starving state agencies given his distain for public sector unions to suddenly seeing crime as the biggest problem facing the state? Anyone?
What concerns me about any Ken Griffin backed candidate is that we won’t know their true priorities until they hold office.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:25 am
-Asked about running for office, Mr. Griffin said his plate is currently full.-
I would think a billionaire many times over could find a way to empty his plate… if he wanted to.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:27 am
Unfortunately, thanks to Citizens United, the flood of money buying politicians will only get worse to the detriment of real working Illinoisans. Thank God we’ve got a benevolent billionaire able to compete in funding with the anti-worker Griffin’s of the world.
As for his multiple colleagues mugged at gunpoint, I’d love a fact-check on that. What’d they do, grab’em when they stepped out of their limos at the curb?
Comment by PublicServant Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:27 am
== I’ve had a colleague stabbed on the way to work,==
Maybe they should do better background checks on their limo drivers.
Comment by Henry Francis Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:27 am
Guns are not only used in crime but also for defense and private security. Is the story about wealthy people being targeted on Michigan Avenue or other places in the Loop far fetched?
Not sure Democrats really want to push this too far when JB is investing in companies with Chinese military ties.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/illinois-gov-jb-pritzkers-chinese-investments-draw-attention
Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:29 am
Ken Griffin’s beef is with Lori Lightfoot.
Comment by Immigrants Welcome Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:30 am
He’s welcome to be really rich Oberweis. I’d say it’ll be humbling but not sure that is part of his programming.
Comment by Sonny Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:30 am
Henry Francis @9:27, you literally made me laugh out loud. Thank you
Comment by Leslie K Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:32 am
If Chicago leaders could reduce homicides by even 10% that’s 80 lives saved in a given year.
The City (and it’s leaders) has to look at itself critically, when both property crime and violent crime are nearly double that of NYC.
What’s the reason? More importantly, what’s the solution?
If Chicago could get to NYC levels, we’d be saving almost 400 lives per year. That seems like a significant number.
Comment by Downstate Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:32 am
-Names, dates, police reports or it didn’t happen.-
This is a fair thing to say. It would be nice to see the actual names. However, a lot of the public will believe it because of what’s been happening downtown.
Comment by Steve Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:33 am
“Mr. Griffin called on Republicans to move past questioning the results of the 2020 presidential election, urged both political parties to find younger 2024 presidential nominees & discussed his own potential interest in elected office or a national role like Treasury Secretary”
It’s fun that Griffin would like to partake, but I’m sure the scrutiny isn’t what he’d enjoy.
Of course he’d like to be Treasury Secretary, after seeing Steve Mnuchin and the “fun” he had…
To the article and the post, more to an overall…
This thing Griffin is doing with Irvin, I appreciate it, no snark, and I still can’t believe that I type that, but it’s critical for *Illinois* to ha d a real two-party system working outside racist thinkers, conspiracy theorists and their sympathizers, and very directly the insurrectionists that Griffin makes clear he’s not aligned.
I appreciate that.
It’s not like the Ricketts whom embrace Trump, Trumpkin thinking, all things “far Right”… and all things that won’t work in Illinois.
What I do find fascinating is this “above it all, but in the thick of it” duality that Griffin appears to want to float in where his words and money matter, his wants and own ambitions are spoken, but here’s Griffin, again, with proxy fighting and passive engagement with himself.
Griffin wants the controlled attention and the desired narrative to himself without a deeper look at his story, wants, or goals in the broader context of his wealth and status.
It’s not that I’ve softened, I’m practicing “permanent interests” which align right now with Illinois on the cusp of losing a party to some of the worst elements of America… and Griffin is staving of the implosion of Lincoln’s Party, even if those worst elements of Lincoln’s Party wave confederate flags… my alignment in this makes sense, and the goals in an overall align.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:33 am
===However, a lot of the public will believe it because of what’s been happening downtown.===
Being a phony to the honesty of a narrative is the feature, not the bug.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:35 am
I’m glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t think his claims pass the smell test.
Comment by The Velvet Frog Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:40 am
=I’m practicing “permanent interests” which align right now with Illinois on the cusp of losing a party to some of the worst elements of America=
The electorate in Illinois has done a very good job in rejecting racist thinking and candidates on a state wide basis. Racists don’t make Ken Griffin’s vision of governing any more palatable. We shouldn’t feel a need to accept Griffin’s ideas simply and solely because the alternative is worse.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:41 am
== Ken Griffin’s beef is with Lori Lightfoot.==.
This is correct. Surely Griffin has enough money to know the mayor and Cook County State’s Attorney has much more to do with crime im Chicago than the governor. Or maybe he doesnt?
Comment by low level Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:44 am
==Guns are not only used in crime==
But they are used in crime. And Griffin, in trying to blame Pritzker for the rise in crime, is endorsing the idea that public safety is the responsibility of the state, not private citizens, so defending his investment on the grounds of “private security” won’t fly.
==Not sure Democrats really want==
Nah, we do, thanks, and we’re not going to take much advice from an account that doesn’t actually want to help us.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:45 am
But…but…everything was so much better when Bruce Rauner was Governor!
Call him a Whambulance, please.
Comment by Blue Bayou Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:45 am
=== The electorate in Illinois has done a very good job in rejecting racist thinking and candidates on a state wide basis. Racists don’t make Ken Griffin’s vision of governing any more palatable.===
The goal of the exercise is to force the worst elements in the GOP here in Illinois to have no vessel to think they can make the party, top to bottom, “theirs” and Illinois is a “one party” state, not because the losses and not being able to connect, the thought of the other party is unacceptable to the American experience and experiment.
Once those like the Mary and Chris Millers are seen as the leaders, not the accepted/ignored, Illinois will be less.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:47 am
well, he will be even crankier now that he had to fold his Chelsea bid.
Comment by Amalia Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:48 am
== Ken Griffin’s beef is with Lori Lightfoot.==
No, it’s literally with Pritzker. But the trick is, it’s not over crime, it’s over taxes. Griffin thinks Pritzker is a traitor to their class. Crime is just the cudgel he’s using bc he knows he can’t win an election on “billionaires should pay less taxes”.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:48 am
===Ken Griffin’s beef is with Lori Lightfoot.===
If he’s looking for the root cause of his beef, it is with Harry Anslinger and Sgt. Joe Friday, LAPD.
Comment by Anyone Remember Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:48 am
“I’ve had multiple colleagues mugged at gunpoint.”
I’ve been mugged at gunpoint too. It was right next to Lincoln Park Zoo, in the 90s.
Never stopped me, or even gave me a second thought, from going to the city for work or fun.
It probably just depends on your life experiences. I suppose for some people getting mugged is the worst thing that has ever happened to them in their whole life, and shatters some of their illusions which in all fairness can be pretty jarring.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:50 am
He’s so full of it.
Chicago isn’t even as dangerous as Rockford, East St Louis, Champaign or Springfield.
If Griffin cared about gun violence he would be a traditional GOP supporter as they are more liberal with guns.
Comment by 33rd Ward Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:52 am
==That’s a really difficult backdrop with which to draw talent to your city==
I’m sure your keeping Citadel here and trying to recruit comes solely out of your unflinching devotion to us chicagoans.
Comment by Jocko Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:57 am
==Guns are not only used in crime but also for defense and private security.==
OK…if they are so effective at preventing crime, why aren’t Griffin’s friends protecting themselves? You would think he would highlight those cases as well.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:58 am
=== he can’t win an election on “billionaires should pay less taxes” ===
I like what his puppet, Irvin, sneaks in at the end of his latest Ad: “Handouts keep people down.” See Grif not only thinks Billionaires pay too much tax, but that government spending holds us regular people back. Really toxic guy, there.
Comment by PublicServant Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 9:59 am
Really appreciate OW’s reflection on the KG support of a more moderate candidate for Governor in the Republican Party.
Some of us might remember KG’s support of Senator Obama mainly because our fellow Illinois resident and candidate for President was saying he was going to be the “Education President”.
Hopefully this primary session will get to be more about issues like the problems in our educational system and less about personal attacks.
Comment by Back to the Future Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:01 am
“One spokesperson for Ken Griffin, chief executive of hedge fund company Citadel, whose federal tax rate was 29.2%, said that the IRS data “significantly understate[s]” what Griffin pays because the rate was lowered by charitable contributions and does not include local and state taxes.”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/apr/13/wealthiest-americans-tax-income-propublica-investigation
Comment by very old soil Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:05 am
Why? When you can underwrite and set policies for the GOP
Comment by Rabid Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:05 am
It’s not that I think that Ken is a liar, but how come we have not met any of these victims at an Irvin press conference by now?
Ken’s beef is about the income tax rate, not crime.
If he was actually upset about crime and worried about the safety of his employees, he would be on the phone to Lightfoot and there would be extra patrols at Citadel.
Anyone FOIA Lightfoot for calls from Griffin?
Comment by Juvenal Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:05 am
===I would like to think that at some point in my life, I will have that opportunity to be involved in public service===
Pretty sure you’re already involved in “public service” there Mr. Griffin. The cognitive dissonance of the very wealthy is pretty astonishing.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:05 am
Henry Francis, I am sitting in the waiting room at Northwestern Hospital while my husband undergoes a routine heart procedure. (At least I hope it’s going to be routine.) And your comment made me laugh out loud. Thank you for that.
Comment by Soccermom Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:11 am
He’s made his bed with Irvin for 2022. I can’t imagine him challenging Lightfoot in 2023. In 2026–another gubernatorial election and Durbin’s seat will be open–presumably Durbin doesn’t run for another 6 year term at age 82.
Griffin’s a chief executive; governor or mayor suits his skill set better than senator. He’d have trouble with the IL legislature, wouldn’t get right to work through. He could cut taxes and programs. He’ll probably reconsider running for anything and stay where he is; he’s used to having complete control as an executive.
Comment by James Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:13 am
And Velvet Frog, I initially read that as “his clams don’t pass the smell test.” I thought it was some sort of idiom, and I thought it made sense in context.
Comment by Soccermom Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:13 am
So Ken Griffith paid 29% and liberal hero Bill Gates paid 18.4%?
Seems like both paid what they owed. Blame the hypocritical politicians not the billionaires.
What was JB’s effective tax rate on his off shore tax sheltered billions?
Strange how the mole in the IRS who illegally leaked private taxpayer information left out the richest elected politician in America. Coincidence?
Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:15 am
== This thing Griffin is doing with Irvin, I appreciate it, no snark, and I still can’t believe that I type that, but it’s critical for *Illinois* to ha d a real two-party system working outside racist thinkers, conspiracy theorists…==
I share this sentiment with Willy — and I’m a loyal Dem. I’m no Griffin fan, but I’ll root for his well-monied, boardroom brand of Republicanism over the unhinged, fact-free Trumpism that has infected the GOP, even if it makes it harder for my party to win elections in Illinois. The former form of Republicanism is merely wrong-headed, the latter is a threat to liberal democracy. Yeah, the sheer influence of Griffin’s money is very bothersome, but as a JB supporter, I can hardly cast stones.
Comment by Roman Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:20 am
“Chicago isn’t even as dangerous as Rockford, East St Louis, Champaign or Springfield.”
800 people were killed in Chicago last year.
Comment by Downstate Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:20 am
=I can’t imagine him challenging Lightfoot in 2023.=
Whether it was the Daley regime, Emanuel, or Lightfoot the City of Chicago has always made things fairly easy for people like Ken Griffin. In fact it’s quite accurate to say that we’ve prioritized attracting businesses like Citadel to Chicago instead of investing in our disadvantaged communities. Crime is but one of the consequences of those deliberate decisions. So I don’t think you’ll get much flack from Griffin about the mayor as long as those priorities remain unchanged.
Griffin’s beef, as Arsenal aptly put it, is that unlike the city, the state doesn’t show enough deference to the wealthy. Whether it’s by supporting public sector unions over private interests, taxes, or not showing what Ken believes is the proper level of respect and admiration to his wealth. That’s what this is all about.
Richard Irvin and those that take Griffin’s money are nothing more than paid spokespersons’ who will say and do whatever it takes to protect and advance Griffin’s interests.
Crime might be the message, but it is hardly the issue.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:26 am
===800 people===
The thing about statistics…
We are pushing a million Americans dead due to covid, one in, roughly, 334, and there will be people to say, “it’s such a small percentage”.
Looking at crime, in a percentage versus raw (and jarring) numbers, it’s the individuals most effected, actually effected, that speak to it best… prolly why Griffin felt a strong need to personalize his experience with “people he knows”
The fear mongering to numbers only works to a personal anecdotal connection that others can grasp to, like a family member living in the city, relying on an app for crime information.
It’s not an accident Griffin “makes it personal” while being specifically vague to the details of it all, it’s, again, the feature not the bug.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:27 am
=800 people were killed in Chicago last year.=
And how many per capita? Because if you’re not taking into account population differences you’re being wholly dishonest in your comparison.
BTW over 30K died from Covid in this state. And a lot of those deaths were quite preventable. So if your concern is around needless deaths that can be prevented through effective leadership I’d suggest there are other places you might want to start with than crime in Chicago.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:31 am
“The fear mongering to numbers only works to a personal anecdotal connection ”
Stores boarding up their windows, or closing altogether; Retail establishments restricting customer access to merchandise; apps to warn of criminal activity in the area….
You don’t have to lose someone to violence to have daily reminders of the biggest issue facing Chicago. Comparisons, statistically, to places like NYC make the contrast even more severe. We are certainly no “Second City” when compared to NYC on crime.
Comment by Downstate Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:34 am
“And how many per capita?”
https://www.bestplaces.net/crime/?city1=51714000&city2=53651000
Comment by Downstate Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:35 am
===And how many per capita? Because if you’re not taking into account population differences you’re being wholly dishonest in your comparison.
BTW over 30K died from Covid in this state.===
That’s the crux of a statistical argument and then compared to another look at stats versus raw numbers.
Where the GOP does a “good job” with crime is to make the effect of it personal, even if one lives 400 miles from “She-Caw-Go”, but the warped part is the racial underpinnings attached to embrace the racial biases too.
Griffin seemingly avoids the racially charged aspects in this piece, but what will Irvin do as he courts voters on crime.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:36 am
===Comparisons, statistically, to places like NYC make the contrast even more severe. We are certainly no “Second City” when compared to NYC on crime.===
Then your beef is with Lightfoot, not Pritzker… same as Griffin, but Griffin is seemingly focused to the state.
Why?
Taxes, organized labor, the way Rauner wanted it is the big picture, Griffin is trying to use the politics to win, to win an agenda Griffin isn’t publicly touting.
Otherwise all this would be about Chicago and Lightfoot… and it’s magically not.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:39 am
==“Chicago isn’t even as dangerous as Rockford, East St Louis, Champaign or Springfield.”==
Don’t forget Peoria or Decatur.
Comment by Anon Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:43 am
Interesting how New York Democrats have been able to backtrack on their failed criminal justice reforms while Illinois Democrats double down and blame Republicans for being fear mongering
racists.
https://gothamist.com/news/gov-kathy-hochuls-10-point-public-safety-plan-explained
Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:47 am
We think the per capita murder rate topped Chicago. This piece was a little fluffy, but let’Riffie flip off Uline and the other big dough guys. It does under play his handiwork in IL. Why not give the credit for sending a lawyer to ComEd in time sign the DPA or get the gag order imposed on the ConfessedCongressman in time to trash Kilbride. Very impressive stuff. Especially compared to the bungled RichieRich efforts
Comment by Annonin' Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:49 am
==“Handouts keep people down.”==
Um, is that $20 million Irvin got from Griffin a loan–or a handout?
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:49 am
“Then your beef is with Lightfoot, not Pritzker… ”
Chicago represents 20% of the Illinois population.
Cook County represents 40% of Illinois’ population.
When a tornado strikes Madison County, is the Governor not responsible for addressing the crisis, even though they have a county level of government?
The same is true for a crisis hitting Chicago. If 800 people died from municipal water poisoning in Champaign, you think Pritzker’s response should be “That’s a Champaign problem. They’ve got a County Board Chair that is responsible”.
20% of Illinois residents live in an area that is beset by crime and murder. If Pritzker is any kind of leader, he has an obligation to get involved.
Comment by Downstate Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:50 am
Maybe Ken is confusing the lyrics of “A Country Boy Van Survive” with the real world.
Comment by Moderated Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 10:50 am
Kings and Queens always style themselves as servants to the people, to the realm, or to whatever deputy’s authority they claim.
I doubt Ken will be anything other than a wanna be potentate that creates constitutional crisis and seeks to destroy our democracy.
Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:01 am
Why is Ken Griffin so afraid of
Lori Lightfoot
Mitch Armentrout
Rick Pearson
Dave McKinney
Mark Maxwell
Rich Miller
The guy wants to talk politics with everyone except Illinois political reporters, and talk Chicago crime with everyone except the person who oversees the Chicago police.
Does he have a security detail to protect him from his own shadow?
Pritzker v Griffin, that’s the debate I want to see. JB should just challenge Ken to a debate now.
Stop hiding behind Jason Irvin and his consultants, Ken.
Heroes don’t hide behind consultants.
Comment by Bruce Wayne Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:02 am
“Then your beef is with Lightfoot, not Pritzker… ”
Chicago represents 20% of the Illinois population.
Cook County represents 40% of Illinois’ population.
When a tornado strikes Madison County, is the Governor not responsible for addressing the crisis, even though they have a county level of government?
The same is true for a crisis hitting Chicago. If 800 people died from municipal water poisoning in Champaign, you think Pritzker’s response should be “That’s a Champaign problem. They’ve got a County Board Chair that is responsible”.
20% of Illinois residents live in an area that is beset by crime and murder. If Pritzker is any kind of leader, he has an obligation to get involved.
Comment by Downstate Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:05 am
Wondering if any of Griffin’s friends were the same guy Jim that no longer goes to Paris??
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:06 am
@very old soil - I don’t want to jump on Griffin’s leaky boat on local taxes, but years ago while fighting the Cook County property tax classification system (Sorry for being a bit wonky, but it taxes business at 2.5 times residential), the Cook Assessor at the time admitted privately that because so many businesses didn’t pay their fair share of state income taxes, property taxes were the only way local governments and schools could get the funding they needed. Crazy justification.
Comment by Suburbanon Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:12 am
You’d think someone as wealthy as Griffin wouldn’t be so frightened of other people. Every time I see him being quoted he always sounds frightened by someone.
Comment by Cheryl44 Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:13 am
If Mr Griffen(sic) is SO concerned about violence, why isn’t he kicking in a few hundred millions or so to reduce it ?
Comment by sal-says Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:15 am
===When a tornado strikes===
Argue like an adult please.
Natural disasters are not the same as policies that are driven at the local level.
For your ridiculousness to be even remotely comparable, then “more police or security cameras” would prevent a tornado.
===The same is true for a crisis hitting Chicago===
Crime and a natural disaster are not the same. In-law Uncle silly.
===If 800 people died from municipal water poisoning===
I think when it says “municipal”, it’s a town problem.
=== “That’s a Champaign problem. They’ve got a County Board Chair that is responsible”.===
After investigations, like in Flint, then there’s your “owning” to it. I really don’t think you grasp how things work.
If you want to compare that water disaster to boarded up stores, your own biases are seeking shelter from the lack of comparisons.
===20% of Illinois residents live in an area that is beset by crime and murder.===
Mayor Lightfoot is up for re-election in 2023.
If she were to win, what exactly will you attribute that win to, an increase in crime?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:20 am
Yes, if Griffin’s sole beef was crime he would at least be hitting Lightfoot, Foxx, and Judge Evans as hard as he’s hitting JB. But he’s not, not even close.
Also, don’t forget JB called Grif a liar. That helped make things personal.
Comment by Telly Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:21 am
Who is responsible for arresting the tornado? Who for indicting it and building a case against it? Whose policies make it more or less likely that a tornado will strike a certain area?
Comment by cermak_rd Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:24 am
===Interesting how New York Democrats have been able to backtrack on their failed criminal justice reforms===
Not really, if you consider your own biases that you are “allowing” a backtracking in NY but refuse to see any changes in IL as a step forward.
(Sigh)
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:24 am
“New York Democrats have been able to backtrack on their failed criminal justice reforms”
Seems like a dumb observation to make in the immediate aftermath of a mass shooting on the NYC subway, but you do you.
– MrJM
Comment by MisterJayEm Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:25 am
==So Ken Griffith paid 29% and liberal hero Bill Gates paid 18.4%?==
Bill Gates isn’t a “liberal hero”.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:26 am
==Interesting how New York Democrats have been able to backtrack on their failed criminal justice==
Even the people wanting to change NY’s bail reform laws admitted that there was no evidence that they lead to the spike in crime.
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/04/11/new-york-democrats-pare-back-nation-leading-bail-reform-amid-crime-spikes-and-election-fights-00024361
New York Dems caved to Republican political attacks. Sorry that IL Dems are made of sterner stuff.
==blame Republicans for being fear mongering
racists.==
The hit dog is howling.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:28 am
=If Pritzker is any kind of leader, he has an obligation to get involved.=
And in any other city in this state where crime was a problem. It goes with the job and there’s no denying that. The point being, and you continue to acknowledge this by ignoring crime throughout the state, is that making this a problem exclusive to the City of Chicago is nothing more than a racial dog whistle. If “crime” was the problem to be solved the discussion would include our cities throughout the state that are grappling with this issue. And on a broader basis we’d be looking to solve this problem in those southern states where crime per capita is much higher than it is in the Midwest and northern states.
But instead you, and Ken Griffin, wish to solely focus on Chicago as if it is an outlier. There’s an unmistakable conclusion to be drawn from that.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:29 am
==Seems like a dumb observation to make in the immediate aftermath of a mass shooting on the NYC subway, but you do you.==
The fact is that cash bail remains the law in most of the country and most of the state right now, as crime spikes. Thus, it’s not working.
But LP is addicted to the failed status quo bc someone called someone else a racist.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:32 am
“Argue like an adult please.”
Warning, we have entered the personal attack stage.
I’ll not you didn’t respond to the example of 800 people being killed by a municipal water crisis. Not Pritzker’s issue?
We simply have a different view of where a Governor can show leadership.
I’ll note that NY’s Governor is weighing in on crime in NYC. Either she’s wrong or Pritzker is.
Comment by Downstate Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:32 am
Seems like a dumb observation that New York Democrats are addressing the obvious public safety issues in their state that are not as bad as in Illinois?
The proposals from the Governor were from March 29th two weeks before the Subway incident
Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:34 am
==I’ll note that NY’s Governor is weighing in on crime in NYC. Either she’s wrong or Pritzker is. ==
Or they’re different politicians in different places with different tools and different pressures. The solution to crime in Chicago might not be the same as the solution to crime in NYC.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:36 am
===Warning===
I don’t have the time or inclination to discuss trolling things that I avoid when talking to my In-Law Uncle as my favorite aunt tries to save any of us stuck talking about tornadoes as equal to crime.
Do that on Facebook
You don’t want to be called out, do better. Get over yourself, you’re not a victim of your own words
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:37 am
According to this story, one out of every four guns recovered from a Chicago homicide since 2017 were from companies in which Citadel invests. For those who are trying to downplay this as some puny part of Citadel’s overall investments, that’s reportedly one out of every four guns. Not small at all.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/2/28/22952615/billionaire-ken-griffin-hit-jb-pritzker-crime-but-his-firms-have-millions-invested-gun-ammo-makers?_amp=true
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:40 am
==Seems like a dumb observation that New York Democrats are addressing the obvious public safety issues in their state that are not as bad as in Illinois?==
You’re right, it does. NYS started rolling back its bail reform in 2020. It is, like everywhere else, still seeing a spike in crime, as the subway attack this week brings into stark relief.
Cash bail remains the law in most of the country and most of the state. Why isn’t it working?
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:44 am
==The proposals from the Governor were from March 29th==
Were they? Because the links *you* provided say that her proposals were from March 17.
It’s not actually very surprising that you don’t even read the stuff you post, though.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:49 am
The Democrats can’t point to any data that any of the changes they have made to criminal justice in Illinois have reduced crime because the numbers are irrefutable and detail the escalation.
You are right the status quo is failing but are ignoring the reforms are making it worse not better.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:56 am
== root for his well-monied, boardroom brand of Republicanism over the unhinged, fact-free Trumpism ==
Mehbee it shouldn’t be either/or ?
Comment by sal-says Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:57 am
=== I’ll not(e) you didn’t respond===
I did respond. Maybe your reading comprehension got lost in that preventable tornado you conjured up…
Try again…
===I think when it says “municipal”, it’s a town problem.
=== “That’s a Champaign problem. They’ve got a County Board Chair that is responsible”.===
After investigations, like in Flint, then there’s your “owning” to it. I really don’t think you grasp how things work.
If you want to compare that water disaster to boarded up stores, your own biases are seeking shelter from the lack of comparisons.===
Questions?
To bring this back to Griffin…
I’d like to know what Griffin thinks Lightfoot does good or bad but in a context of how the state (or Pritzker) is part of either.
The layers and understanding governing isn’t lost on Griffin, it’s the idea to confuse where thise lines exist, and - Downstate - follows that clearly blurred line thinking.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:57 am
===reforms are making it worse ===
Almost all of them haven’t even taken effect yet, LP.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 11:57 am
Looks like Grif paid a higher percentage in taxes than the Democrat JBP or the Republican Mr. Trump.
It would be nice if our Governor Tax Avoider or Mr. Trump would release their complete tax returns so we all could share in how they pull off such low tax rates.
Comment by Back to the Future Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 12:00 pm
===ignoring the reforms are making it worse not better.===
You first acknowledge and give kudos to NY for trying to fix failings seen, you then refuse to acknowledge IL trying to do the same, but better yet, you say they failed before they even began.
Can you see how your argument makes no sense to the honesty part?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 12:01 pm
== No, it’s literally with Pritzker. But the trick is, it’s not over crime, it’s over taxes. Griffin thinks Pritzker is a traitor to their class. Crime is just the cudgel he’s using bc he knows he can’t win an election on “billionaires should pay less taxes”.==
Arsenal this is a very good point and you are right!
Comment by Immigrants Welcome Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 12:23 pm
==You are right the status quo is failing==
So why are you saying it should continue, then?
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 12:28 pm
==Can you see how your argument makes no sense to the honesty part? ==
“The honesty part” has never been relevant to him.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 12:29 pm
==Looks like Grif paid a higher percentage in taxes ==
Who. Cares. Whatever he paid probably wansn’t enough.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 12:40 pm
Do you honestly think Illinois Democrats started reforming their approach to criminal justice a few months ago?
Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 12:40 pm
===Do you honestly think===
Do you have a point… at this point?
After you celebrated NY for making changes I don’t think you can lean into this idea about changes, no matter “when”
Crime will likely loom in the primary season, how big after when abortion takes front and center remains to be seen…
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 12:49 pm
Let’s concede the obvious. Chicago has a crime problem. That problem got much much worse when police staged a blue flu in the wake of the Laquan Macdonald tape release. It’s been rough going ever since. But the run up during covid has been a national problem and not caused by the Safe-T act which, as Rich mentioned, mostly hasn’t take effect yet. So the problems are significant and include the absurdity of the FOP, the catch and release policies of Kim Foxx and the overall societal challenges. The reform measures don’t even make the top five problems.
And yes, if Griffin has a problem with the crime in Chicago, he should take it up with one of the actual problem audiences mentioned above.
Comment by New Day Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 12:57 pm
Elimination of cash bail isn’t the law until 1/1/2023. However, due to county jail overcrowding issues as a result of COVID issues, many Downstate counties have been releasing more lower level felony defendants and misdemeanor defendants without bail than pre-COVID. For example, almost all felony drug possession defendants are given a notice to appear. Same for almost all non-violent misdemeanor defendants.
Also, there Is rarely mention in this blog of the Bail Reform Act of 2017, which results in most non-violent Class 3 Felony and below and all non-violent misdemeanor Defendants being released in a few days, if a cash bail is set. as cash bail reduces at $30 per day.
A cash bail might be set for a multiple meth possession defendant in order to try to get the defendant to go to inpatient treatment.
Comment by BCOSEC Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 12:57 pm
Best wishes to Soccermom.
Hope things go well.
Comment by Back to the Future Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 1:01 pm
===Best wishes to Soccermom.===
Agree. Keeping you both in my thoughts.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 1:12 pm
Amalia
Rats. I was hoping Chelsea would continue to distract him. (Griff knows about as much about English football as about governing.)
Comment by walker Friday, Apr 15, 22 @ 1:34 pm