This year was chock full of news, from the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama, to the deaths of two Michaels, to continued carnage involving our young people.
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Wow, did this year go fast? Seems like only yesterday Gov. Rod Blagojevich was auctioning off a U.S. Senate seat and the city of Chicago was pegging all of its economic development future to the Summer Olympiad of 2016!
This year was chock full of news, from the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama, to the deaths of two Michaels, to continued carnage involving our young people.
During that time, the venerable Chicago Defender moved from its perch on the 17th floor of the Borg-Warner building to the posh and stately environs of Bronzeville.
With so much happening, one might think that there is no time to make New Year’s resolutions. To the contrary! In fact, when life starts moving too fast, it is all the more reason to stop and resolve, to plan, to take a look back and a look forward, like the Roman god Janus (for whom January is named).
It is thought that New Year’s resolutions date back to Babylonian times. They resolved to return something that they borrowed as part of their 11-day celebration.
Though not everyone makes resolutions, some people should.
For President Barack Hussein Obama: You must be doing something right, because the Congressional Black Caucus is criticizing you. That proves that you are a president for ALL the people. Resolve to keep rocking Barack.
For Mayor Richard Daley: After 20 years in office, you’ve put together a coalition that could make you Mayor for Life. But, you love Chicago, and don’t you think that what is best for the city is no more YOU? Resolve to make this your last term.
For Sen. Roland Burris: I ain’t mad at you. Resolve to continue to be Roland Burris, whether in the hallowed halls of the U.S. Senate, or just hanging around the city. You’re the U.S. Senator for a few more months. Have a ball!
For Cong. Danny Davis: What was that? You flirt with giving up a powerful House seat so you can be president of the Cook County board? Who thought that up? Did the people tell you that’s what they wanted? (hint – YOUR people don’t participate in a Chicago Tribune poll). Resolve to look forward, not backward, in 2010.
For Oprah Winfrey: You took over television, you took over magazine publishing, you took over national politics and you took over Michigan Avenue. Resolve to continue your winning formula. Can there ever be TOO MUCH Oprah?
For Ron Huberman: Your school achievement sucks. Your students do not feel safe going to school or in school. Your school board is a rubber stamp. You are the Peter Principle personified. You should resolve to get a clue.
For Todd Stroger: I don’t know where your campaign staff ends, and your office staff begins. I don’t think they do either, and some of them get their salaries from my tax dollars. Resolve to clear up the discrepancy, before you end up answering a subpoena for campaign violations.
For Lovie Smith: Beating the Vikings may have saved your job. But you know you are still on the watch list, and a betting man would not like your chances of remaining coach. Resolve to look worried every now and then. Folks love cheery optimism, but hey man, this is Chicago!
For Jody Weis: My streets don’t seem safer and the cops (the bad ones) don’t seem cowed by your big muscles. Too many Black people are being shot by other Black people, and too many Black people are still being shot by police. That big salary you’re getting looks more and more like a boondoggle with every passing day, and every child’s funeral.
For Vinnie Del Negro: Didn’t you know that anyone named “The Negro” would be the first to go? Resolve to go quietly.
For Johnson Publishing Company: I have a soft spot for the company, so I want it to do well. I will resolve to get a Jet and Ebony subscription to do my part.
For Facebook: Resolve to find a way to stop people from sending out viruses in my name, purporting to have racy videos of me. I don’t even have racy videos of me.
For Black Chicago voters: Resolve to support a Black mayoral candidate who can win.
Last year I resolved to produce the best Chicago Defender we knew how, and all we did was go out and win the John B. Russwurm Trophy as the Best Black Newspaper in America. I resolve to continue that, and to be less pessimistic in 2010.
Lou Ransom is executive editor of the Chicago Defender.
