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Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Typical — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:46:58 -0000

On a field trip to Springfield, we were waiting in George Ryan's office for him to show up, and I had to use the bathroom. He had a small restroom tucked behind a door in the corner, I sneaked in to use it. Inside it there was a huge Epton for Mayor poster.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

the ole precinct captain — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 22:11:53 -0000

My memory of Harold was driving in the Funeral procession and hearing the people singing we shall overcome and holding his photo. It was a very moving experience that I will never forget.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Lefty — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:11:55 -0000

I was only in high school when he was elected, but being from Mt. Greasewood, Harold Washington still means to this day that our Depression-era streets were finally rebuilt. Growing up we had no curbs, gravel parking spots, and potholes that could swallow my sister's baby blue Ford Mustang (the version that was a laughingstock).

Think about it: an army of patronage workers living in the 19th Ward who elected Da Mare for 30 years, and we couldn't get streets until a black guy got elected.

An incredible man.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Thereishope — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:57:49 -0000

I remember the block-long lines to file past the mayor's casket during his lying in state. I had known how important this man was to many Chicagoans, but seeing these men and women prepared to wait for hours for the chance to say goodbye to their hero was an eye-opening experience.

That and how he championed the green parakeets of Hyde Park!

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Boone Logan Square — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:48:53 -0000

I remember most being so proud, thrilled, and relieved when he won the general election. And even moreso when he was sworn in.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Victor Crown — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:43:56 -0000

The best Harold Washington memory I have is the last council meeting before the 1987 election when he rammed thru the Ethics Ordinance creating the City Board of ethics.. the ordinance passed 49-0 with yes votes by many aldermen who surely had misgivings about backing aggressive ethics enforcement..

Harold didn't stop with creating a Board of Ethics and passing a toothless ordinance.. He [and unlike Daley] kept his hands of BOE and let them do their jobs -- and allowed them to build a great record of 3 enforcement actions a month -- targeting influence peddling, improper gifts, unregistered lobbying -- all the symptoms of corruption, cronyism and graft.

For the record the present Mayor has succeeded in undoing and reversing all of the work that the Board of Ethics did in the short time it was run during the Washington administration..There have been barely 3 enforcement actions in 16 years -- and obviously never with a project known as MORTON HOTEL JOINT VENTURE -- the thing that gives Miriam Santos her status and standing as a state whistleblower on pension reform.

How fitting then that the present Board of Ethics is now fighting to be allowed the shred and coverup all of the Year 2000 false ethics statements and its systemic failures [which include millions in uncollected lobbying penalties - owed by bankers/brokers and the folks that have dinner with the mayor and never register and report on their lobbying..

Harold Washington's legacy was/is the City's Board of Ethics -- something that the present Mayor has systematically dismantled.

sincerely,

victor crown

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Way South of the Border — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:38:50 -0000

When he was first elected, the news traveled far. I was in a tiny village in Costa Rica, near the Panama border. I can still see the headline, "Washington GanÃ³", and his smiling face rolling toward me as a storekeeper wrapped my cabbage (paper products were scarce, and day-old newspaper was practically a commodity). I yelped with happiness and then explained my reaction to the shopkeeper, who shared that he had never seen a black person before. That juxtaposition of a historic breakthrough and everyday, on-going barriers has always stayed with me.

Back in the states, I saw him in person about a week before he died, when he delivered remarks to a fundraising luncheon at a downtown hotel. I was in my first grownup suit, seated off in nobody land, by the rear doors, when he burst in energetically and stopped at the sight of me alone at a table. "Well hello there," he boomed, making me feel instantly connected to him. Then he went up to the podium and did the same for an audience of hundreds.

What an amazing politician, to make both personal and mass connections so readily. These two encounters are more like film than memory, something I can see in vivid detail all these years later. Thanks, Rich, for giving us an opportunity to share our memories of this remarkable man and the times that he made.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

irishpirate — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:35:15 -0000

I was on the SW side at the time. I remember some of my neighbors who attempted to act "open minded" regarding the 3 way primary. After Washington won that went out the window. The look of shock on their faces the day after he won was amazing.

I supported Daley in the primary and Washington after that. To me it seemed only fair. The image of many of my fellow white "ethnic" Chicagoans rushing to support Epton, a liberal Jewish guy from Hyde Park, amused me. Many of those Epton supporters would have been later using ethnic slurs against him if he had won.

I remember the campaign commercials from Washington showing the vicious white crowds and kids reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in contrast. That memory will never leave me.

I remember my older brother coming home with two buttons. One all white. The other with a watermelon and a slash through it. He tossed them on the table with a "can you believe this stupidity" rant. They were given to him at a construction site he was working at.

Chicagoist has a link with 45 campaign commercials from that time period.

Chicagoist.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Squideshi — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:17:38 -0000

Establishment of the Harold Washington Party (HWP) in limited political subdivisions within the state.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

pickles!! — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:10:30 -0000

Two things, One the infamous ladies underwear painting. I stil laugh at that image today.

The second thing is his "should we give them (Boston) the finger?" quote during the Bears Superbowl Party after beating the Patriots in Super Bowl XX. Instead of giving them the middle finger, he held up his index finger and said 'We're Number 1"

For a minute, i thought he was going to actually going to give them the univesral middle finger sigh, but, alas, he didn't. classic stuff.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Garp — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:09:01 -0000

Anybody remember him calling Vrodo and Hynes and, I think, Byrne-Winkin, Blinken and Nod. Priceless.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

downhereforyears — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:50:53 -0000

Wordslinger: I'd forgotten Willie Lump Lump, another classic. Also it occurs to me that what started as a fear that gripped the city ended with a pride that defined the city. Good Job Harold!

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

wordslinger — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:44:10 -0000

Political:

His alliance with and resurrection of George Dunne after he had been cast out by Byrne.

To benefit Mondale, running as a favorite son in the 1984 Illinois Presidential Primary to keep Jesse from winning.

The final defeat of the Vrodlyak 29 with the special election of Luis Guiterrez. First order of business: Firing Ed Kelly and the Park District Board.

Quote: Asked if his fight with the Two Eddies was racial: "It's not racial. They'd support a purple ape if they could control him."

And in addition to "Hocus Pocus Dominocus," I'll add "Willie Lump Lump," a handy description of any self-important non-entity.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Captain America — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:44:07 -0000

I think Harold Washington's greatest legacy to Chicago is that the general fear and loathing of a minority mayor that manifested itself in 1983 no longer exists in Chicago.

I think we will have another minority Mayor fairly soon. Although certain insiders may rue their loss of access and power, most white Chicagoans will view the changing of the guard as a ho-hum affair. I am worried about potential short-term instabilty, while various factions struggle for power, similar to what happened during the transtion that occurred after the elder Mayor Daley's death. I believe this instablity would have ended in 1987, absent Mayor Washington's untimely death.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Levois — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:40:05 -0000

I can appreciate his tenure as mayor more than I could have back then. I knew there was this big news event that happened but I was too young to understand the impact. I remember some of the TV coverage and I got some of the funeral on tape at home. I hope it's still good but every now and again I might pull that tape out and have a viewing.

My mom says that I went with her and my dad to see his body in state. My dad even spoke to Rev. Jesse Jackson. Unfortunately I don't remember that.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Some Guy — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:26:18 -0000

I remember the day he died. I was in junior high school in NW Cook County & we had a half-day becuause of Thanksgiving. (Normally we didn't have a half-day but for some reason why did that year). The announcement came as school was leaving.

I remember kids on the bus openly celebrating, joking, and just tickled to death that Harold Washington had died. Not many, but a few - and very vocally. I couldn't figure out why they were so happy. That was one of the most pathetic things I've ever witnessed.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Captain America — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:14:13 -0000

ON the lighter side, I really enjoyed the Star Wars spoof of Council Wars created by comedican Aaron Freeman: Darth Vrdloyak and the dark side of the force; Jesse JackSolo; ObiBwan Oberman, etc...

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Prairie Sage — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:11:44 -0000

Growing up downstate, I was ecstatic that a black man could win the office despite Reagan's silliness about "there are no homeless" and faux welfare queens. I also thought there was hope for fixing a corrupt political machine in Chicago.

BTW, Larry has the full Royko column archived:
http://archpundit.com/blog/...

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Rich Miller — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:43:13 -0000

A couple more memories...

Washington was once asked by a TV interviewer, "In your wildest dreams, did you ever think you'd be mayor of the City of Chicago?"

Washington's response (followed by a big belly laugh): "In my wildest dreams I thought I'd be president."

Also, if I remember correctly, so many people bet the license plate numbers on the hearse which carried Washington's body that the Lottery had to shut down the action on those digits.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Walter Sobchak — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:34:51 -0000

I met him once on official business in his City Hall office. There was an issue between state and city that involved my responsibilities. I walked in with a list of talking points and good government issues, and back up details totally prepared to convince him of my point. I was very curious about the man behind the news coverage and walked in with a open mind. He was an extraordinary personality, a very kind manner, a man comfortable in his skin, knew what he wanted to do, and had seen all that life could hand one and retained both a sense of humor and humanity. He was nothing like what the press reported. Perhaps he hid himself in public to project and image but in person was friendly avuncular, and highly intelligent. He, in a Southernism, kept calling me son, but not in a negative way but as an older wiser man to a young one. Behind his symbolism and totemic coverage as an African American was one of the great American personalities.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

VanillaMan — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:25:20 -0000

The Day Harold Washington Died

At that time, I worked at a very prestigious business, filled with very prestigious co-workers. We would arrive in imported cars and between deals we would make small talk about luxuries we planned to own, and women we planned to have. We had nice new offices in a new loop skyscraper. We were a preened group of Young Turks and played the role. I had only arrived from Colorado six months before and still attempting to shed my cowboy culture. So I was not prepared for the racism and emotions that surfaced during his administration. But that ended, oddly, on the day he died.

On that day I witnessed these perfect professionals who measured each word for effect removed their perfect masks. Hearing the news that Chicagoâ€™s first black mayor had died, made many of them gleefully honest for the first time. They formed Aramis scented klans in the hallways and shared disgusting jokes. It became a moment to share other racist jokes. About Oprah. About Jesse Jackson. Jokes about Michael Jordan. I couldnâ€™t believe it! These people I attempted to emulate were saying things I would never think, let alone say. I never saw racism wear expensive suits before. I discovered it can live in minds alongside MBA and law degrees. I was feeling like a Mormon among drunken frat boys. When my office door opened and one of them was smirking with the sad news, I let them know I wasnâ€™t a part of their party. I never saw Chicago the same way again.

After Harold died, it rained and the weather was miserable for endless days, even using Chicago standards of weather misery. The sky was ceaselessly dark and pelted us with sleet, rain and cold. During that time, our company boarded first class for a week's stay in Florida. We would spend the time on a Naples beach for a week-long "meeting", which we all knew was more fun than work. Our gym-toned bodies looked forward to baking, sunning and play in the perfect weather. Even before boarding, the liquor was flowing and gestures were loud and loose. I, on the other hand, was still pretty depressed.

As our jet pushed through the stagnant navy cloud ceiling that entombed Chicagoland below, sunshine filled the cabin. It re-energized me. I was nice to once again realized that even above the darkest skies, the sun shone. The jetâ€™s landing gear thumped under me, and our cabin banked to the left to allow us to head for Florida. As it did this, I sensed a wave of relief that my mourning was passing. It was time to move on. I surprised everyone six months later by quitting their company. I could no longer trust them. So, when I remember Harold Washington, I remember all these things. How ugly successful people can really be, and how sad the weather can become.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Garp — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:25:02 -0000

I remember my neighbor who was racist pounding on my door to tell me he was dead. This was well before it was announced. My neighbor was a fireman and the word got out through back channels. I remember being sad and my neighbor celebrating which disturbed me. It is a shame that he died when he did because he had just crafted the dream ticket and he was about to take over politically. It would have been nice to work for him. He was a force to be reckoned with.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

babs — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:23:13 -0000

So many memories. Harold when the White Sox got into the play-offs (Harold Baines vs. Harold Washington). The Mayor was sure the cheers were for him. Him signing a petition for Adlai. Then the aftermath - I was at UIC for a rally for
Tim Evans - was one of just a handful of white faces in the hall. It was not a good place to be following the City Hall eruptions. But, the good memories definitely outweigh the bad - many times over. Thanks for asking Rich, I'm smiling through all of these reminders.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

Bill — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:02:18 -0000

Captain,
Dick Mell is proud of his "behavior" that night, as well he should, be as the presider refused to recognize the elected voice of the north side.

Re: Question of the day – Harold Washington memories

the Other Anonymous — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:49:11 -0000

I voted in my first election in 1984. Our (Democratic) precinct captain was there, right by the judges' table. He introduced himself, gave me a palm card, and said, "These people are going to keep this neighborhood just the way it is."

At the time, in the middle of "Council Wars," that was quite a loaded message on the northwest side. It may sound like code today, but back then it wasn't even code. The candidates on the palm card were the ones that would make sure no blacks moved into our neighborhood.

What I remember most about Washington is that he took on people like the precinct captain directly. I remember him visiting my (all-white, ethnic) parish, knowing full well that very few of my fellow parishioners voted for him. He could have justifiably copped an attitude on that visit, but instead he was all smiles as he pressed the flesh. Ultimately, I think that won people over.