Chicago-style politics has long been a term that describes a system that rewards one’s pals and punishes one’s foes. It’s brutal, yet no one in Chicago makes any bones about it. If they do, they’re punished — brutally. Careers damaged, lives destroyed and a clear message sent to anyone else who might dare challenge the system.
As Barack Obama enters his final year as president of the United States, the discussion turns to what his legacy will be. Will it be Obamacare and its transformation of health care delivery? Will it be gay marriage? Will it be the divide between races, classes and political parties? None of the above.
Barack Obama’s legacy will be bringing the no-holds-barred Chicago-style politics to the national stage with virtually no objection from the mainstream media.
The United States was founded on and has thrived for more than 200 years on law and order. By holding everyone accountable and by making no exceptions for people of means or power our society has remained civilized and successful. Work hard and play by the rules is a phrase woven into the very fabric of America.
Our society counts on a justice system that while not perfect by any means, is generally consistent and fair. The famous statue depicts a blindfolded Lady Justice holding scales. It is intended to convey the message that justice is blind and the law is impartial to anyone.
That’s not always the case in Chicago. Under President Barack Obama it is no longer the case across the nation.
The birth of the Black Lives Matter movement has introduced anarchy and disorder as acceptable. Closing public roadways, crowds chanting a desire for dead cops and senseless interruptions at political rallies were all part of the equation. Anyone who objected, or worse yet, insisted that ALL lives matter, was painted as a racist.
After petty criminal Freddie Gray died in Baltimore police custody riots, broke out. The mayor “gave those who wished to destroy, space to do that …” Law and order is apparently a thing of the past.
A more damning example however, occurred this week. Throughout 2015, pieces of undercover video showing Planned Parenthood violating federal law and selling baby parts to the highest bidder were distributed by a pro-life organization. The comments and actions in the videos by some of Planned Parenthood’s top people were not only careless and callous, they were undeniably illegal.
But Planned Parenthood is a powerful organization. So powerful, in fact, it wrangles half a billion dollars annually out of the government to run its clinics. It also serves as a great talking point for Democrats to turn out the feminist vote. The result? Rather than investigate or prosecute Planned Parenthood, Texas prosecutors have secured a grand jury indictment against the man who caught Planned Parenthood on film.
If you’re not sure it’s a politically motivated prosecution ponder this. David Daleiden, who heads the Center for Medical Progress and captured the disturbing footage, led the clandestine negotiations with Planned Parenthood in order to prove it was selling baby parts for profit. For his effort he has been charged with illegally buying fetal tissue. Oddly, Planned Parenthood, however, has not been charged with selling it. Why not? Selective prosecution.
Chicago-style political hardball. Mess with the political machine and you will be punished. You will be crushed.
Barack Obama is in power for one more year. Let us hope that when he exits the White House, this era of abuse of power will go with him. It is a shameful legacy.
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