I'm optimistic that Senator Kennedy will have a full and speedy recovery.  What better way to show our appreciation of him than by offering a virtual get well card.  He's been a devote member of our community, so let's let him know how much he's loved and respected.

The outrage about Fox News hosting a Democratic debate has made front page here a few times lately.  Well, here's a question for you.....what candidates would be willing, to make an appearance at YearlyKOS?  Hillary?  Obama?  Kucinich?  This site, in recent weeks, has become a radio active dumping ground.  More ranting below....

I'm sure many of you received the same e-mail message I did regarding the Ann Coulter debacle.  Not what I would have expected from the Edwards camp.  I haven't been drawn into the Hillary--Obama--Edwards wars and quite frankly think they're ridiculous.  If I had to pick a candidate right now, I'd go with Obama.  The reality is the election is light years away and way too many things can change between now and then.  But let me tell you why I take offense to the Edwards e-mail.

Chicago Business has just posted a story that Senator Barack Obama will announce his candidacy for President on Feb. 10th at the Old State Capital.  

George took his message on the road today and decided to see if it would play in Peoria. It's believed that phrase came about during the vaudeville era and is attributed to Groucho Marx.  Peoria, Illinois was the known litmus test among comics in the 1920's and then resurrected by another POTUS--can you guess which one?

A few minutes ago, I decided to check the e-mail account I have set up on DKOS.  Organizing a Chicago DKOS MeetUP next week and wanted to check to see if anyone else was responding.  You can imagine my reaction (laughter) when under the sender name was listed "jason leopold"  You don't want to miss this...More under the fold.

Well, YearlyKOS is winding down and it's caused this Kossack to do some review.  Below the fold I have a confession to make, it is Sunday after all.  Then I want to throw an invitation out there for Chicago area Kossacks to get together for fun and camaraderie.

Ready......read on. CHICAGOKOS (georgia10 will have to represent me if KOS sues!!) To make sure this happens BEFORE this scrolls off the list---June 22nd anytime after 6pm--the rooftop at the Rock Bottom Brewery. Let's start that and see where it goes. If you want to e-mail me off list--there's an address in my profile.

If you've been wondering what our beloved Patrick Fitzgerald has been up to, unfortunately he's been pacing outside a federal courtroom in Chicago.  It appears there's been some problems during juror deliberations in the infamous case of our former governor, one George Ryan. Judge Pallmeyer today issued a warning to jurors to "treat each other with dignity and respect" and "to confine their discussions of the case to the jury room and that deliberating in any outside caucuses was forbidden."

so where's Fitz? more below........

I've been lurking around Daily Kos for several months, posting comments here and there, but never felt the need to post a diary.  There are so many eloquent writers out there and diaries fly off the list so fast, it just seemed futile, that is until I just heard the story on CNN about a new town being proposed just outside of Naples, Florida.  Why would that raise my blood pressure to boiling you ask?  This new town, Ave Maria, Florida, is being bankrolled by the founder of Domino's Pizza, Thomas Monaghan, and he wants it governed to "strict Roman Catholic principles"   This "stepford wives" community would have no place to get an abortion, not allow pornography, or the ability to purchase birth control.  

More below..................