Theres a song about Chicago that keeps ringing in my ears, and its not Frank Sinatras Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin town. I have a hunch the latest arrest log of folks arent about to bet [their] bottom dollar [theyll] lose the blues in Chicago.

As readers peruse through this issue, they will come across several articles related to indictments and arrests in the Windy City, including our feature story on the governor of Illinois. The article detail what appears to be strong evidence against him and his chief of staff.

Page 14 of this edition details other alleged crimes by public servants in the Chicago area with the arrest of fifteen law enforcement officers for conspiracy to possess and distribute kilogram quantities of cocaine and/or heroin.

The lust for power and greed always seems to eventually lead to downfall. It also brings to mind a frequent saying of a favorite college professor of mine, who watches the watchers?

In the case of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff, John Harris, one cant help but wonder how far the investigation will reverberate around the country? Time will tell and we will certainly stay on top of these stories and report back to readers as developments come to light.

The latest media reports are strewn with news of the gloomy economy and forecasts of when it may turn around for consumers.

Even Jay Leno was recently heard commenting on the economy - he noted that its tough times in Beverly Hills as parents are also feeling the strain with many having to fire their nannies and were now going to have to learn their kids names.

Despite the economic slowdown, its good to try and find something to keep laughter in our lives.

As we come together over this holiday season with friends and family, we have to stop and be thankful for all that is truly important in life. We have service men and women fighting overseas so that we may enjoy the very freedom many of us often take for granted each and every day. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you could not travel to visit loved ones without the permission of the government? How would you would feel if your husband or wife were chosen for you, or you were told that worship was forbidden? What if you were not allowed to read books or what you watched on TV was preselected for you? Thinking about these possibilities begins to put things in perspective.

Perspective. A simple word, yet its knowing that things can always be worse, no matter how bad the times may seem right at this moment. Its knowing that bad times will eventually end and that light at the end of the tunnel will become brighter. Its knowing that people love you and will be there to lift you up when you falter. Its knowing that tears are there to help cleanse the pain and that a rainbow is waiting for you somewhere around the corner.

Yes, times are tough, more so than probably most of us can remember. Yet, we are a resilient people and will again, as in the past, weather this storm.

Mark Twain once said Principles have no real force except when one is well-fed. Although some of this editions headlines would indicate that Samuel Clemens was right, I believe most of us have principles by which we live, in both good and bad times.

A brand new year is just a few short weeks away. Remember, hope springs eternal. As we turn the corner into 2009, we wish each and every one of you, a very happy, healthy, safe and prosperous new year. Until next year . . . take care.   back...