I've written a few diaries over the last six years. Most of them weren't that great or important. I feel like this one is different.
I live Chicago. As you probably know, there's a mayoral race here (April 7). It's a race between two Democrats: Rahm Emanuel (incumbent) and Jesus "Chuy" Garcia.
The two candidates couldn't be more different. Emanuel has tried to portray himself as "tough" mayor who can do the hard things. Garcia has been a community politician for over 25 years in a Latino neighborhood of Chicago.
The question is who does a progressive voter support?
If you're registered to voter (or just think this is interesting), jump the orange croissant.
As a progressive voter, you should know the following:
Rahm Emanuel is supported by the same people who constantly undermine progressive values and democracy itself.
For instance, meet Billionaire Ken Griffin. Mr. Griffin enjoys throwing millions of dollars to Republicans. To do things like create "war chests" to advance Republican agendas. In fact, Griffin was the largest donor to help make Illinois a Red State recently. Thanks, Ken.
Unless you already know Rahm Emanuel, it might be a little disheartening to read things like this.
[3/16/15] Billionaire Citadel hedge-fund founder Ken Griffin sank another $500,000 into supporting Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s re-election, giving the sizable contribution to the pro-Emanuel political action committee Chicago Forward.
You can read more about Rahm Emanuel's biggest donor--from a question and answer form--
here.
Ever heard the saying you can judge a person by their friends?
The picture included in this diary is of Rahm with his friend Bruce Rauner at their 1% wine resort. A resort where the initiation fees run $140,000.00. Just to get the right to drink the finest wine.
If you're not against Citizen's United then you're not a progressive or a Democrat. You're a 1%. That's who Rahm is. And that's who he's always going to represent first.
This is Chicago folks. It's a bastion of equality, unions, workers, and Democrats. If we can't beat the 1% here, where do we possibly have a chance?
At this point, if you see a lot of ads only against Candidate A, you probably should consider voting for Candidate A (unless you're in the 1%). Chuy has been out spent 20 to 1. Rahm has raised over $32 million, Garcia less than $4. Rahm's backers operate Hedge-funds and other reducers of the middle class. His push to close public schools and favor charters only increases our current wealth disparities, and hurts our overall economy.
Folks, we need your help!
Give here if you want to help elect better Democrats.
Go Chuy! For the 100%!