If I had a job, which I don’t, I would have compromised my work efficiency rating by calling in “sick” this week so I could witness with my ears, the incredible history that played out over the airwaves (some on WGN but most on WUIS) as the people of the state of Illinois bade a unanimous “up yours” to the former governor of Illinois. I have listened to every word spoken by Rod B., the Illinois Senate and all who talked to a microphone as the music eminated from UIS and GN. As I write these words, GOVERNOR Patrick Quinn (Hallelujah! There are no unbelieving deists Illinois.) is speaking to the media — all of them which is why I use the plural form — “There is a reason God put our eyes in the front of our heads.” There is joy here.
I’ve dodged obligations because I could not pull myself away from the radio while I did the AeroKnow thing and wished I were writing poems instead.
At a little past 11 a this morning, as I listened to the Kathy and Judy Show on WGN (I am a “girlfriend” and happily so) word came in that Illinois service trucks were parked by “Govorner Rod Blagojevich Welcomes You to Illinois.” signs and doing nothing; just waiting for the word to reach them from Springfield. When it appeared the station was going to take calls from callers after 1 p as the rebuttal speech came, I switched to WUIS and listened to every word; not be because I don’t like WUIS. Whenever the morning show is on that station, there at WGN I am and often beyond.
Are you as joyous? I hope you are.
I had an inch of Wild Turkey left over from Christmas. I was saving it for something special and vowed not to touch it until the final vote in the Senate, and after that I decided not to touch it until Pat Quinn was sworn it. When it was reported Quinn had been sworn in his office, but would be meeting with legislators and press soon, I held off on the Turkey. . . . . . waiting.
When Quinn appeared and the interfacing with the media began, I broke out the Wild Turkey, continued working with the aviation history, savoring, sipping along the way before returning to the old computator keyboard as the NEWS conference continued. In graduate school, my news director/boss at WMAY HATED the traditional term “press conference” because in the context of the time — mid-70s. We weren’t all writing for print. I was working for broadcast and purty darn happytebe. Dan Walker lived in the Executive Mansion, and Ritchie Daily’s father held court in Chicago’s city hall — Bill was right. He was correct, of course. I’ve not used the phrase “press conference” since.
The Turkey bottle is empty. Dang shame.
I could use a half a bottle more.
BRAVO Governor Quinn! Kudos to all who served so well in bringing this necessary action to peaceful resolution.
I for one intend to celebrate future January 29s as a holiday. Emancipation comes in many forms, you know.
Live long . . . . . . and proper.
