Roller Derby in Peoria!

I went my first roller derby this past weekend, with the McLean County Missfits battling the Peoria Push Hardknocks. I had a great time, and learned the rules of the sport, as we cheered on some friends on the team. My partner, Rachel, took some great pictures. The one I include here is our friend Becca. (If you know me, see if you can find me in the picture). Visit her Rachel's Flickr site, De Bokeh En Bokeh, to see the rest of the derby photos!

Even more good news in Illinois

That Rahm Emmanuel got kicked off the ballot for Chicago mayor is more good news in what has been a month of favorable news in Illinois. We can only hope that the Illinois Supreme Court keeps him off. Rahm is on the wrong side of almost every important political question, and has received recently a lot of money from billionaires and other wealthy contributors who want to take away teacher rights in Illinois and eventually privatize the public school system.

Mother Jones Books

I've started Mother Jones Books in Bloomington-Normal. I'm selling progressive literature at political events, and selling online, with the hope of one day being able to open a collective in town. Check out the website for Mother Jones books!

Some Illinois victories

In a sea of what is usually dismal news, here in Illinois we've had a spate of what are clearly political victories for progressives. It began late last year with the passage of the Civil Union law, which allows gay and lesbian couples many of the rights afforded to married, heterosexual partners. Then, in the first few weeks of February the Illinois Senate passed the abolition of the death penalty (yet to be signed by the governor) and an income tax increase of 2%. While I don't have a good analysis of the tax increase, of how it could've been more progressive, I still count it as a victory when the state isn't funding basic operations like schools.

UPDATE: Turns out the Governor Quinn still hasn't signed the bill to end the death penalty in Illinois. This is definitely the time to give Quinn a call and demand that he sign this important bill!

Peorians hold vigil for peace

Fellow activists in the Peoria Area Peace Network hold a vigil for the people hurt and killed in Arizona and for peaceful politics.