MLK Breakfast features Chicago Dems

I just attended the breakfast at the Hilton. It was awesome. Senator Dick Durbin, Attorney General Lisa Madigan were there, senatorial rep and candidate Barack Obama and representatives Luis Guitierrez and Emil Jones attended along with many of Chicago's aldermen, judges, the police chief, school CEO, state treasurer, etc.

Mayor Daley spoke and intro'd keynote speaker Father Michael Phlager--a great activist who has fought against drugs and guns in Chicago's black communities for twenty years--he's white. His message was inspiring. He called everyone to action to overcome the educational deficits created by on war. He thanked the mayor for his continuing efforts to take guns off the street (the mayor has an annual amnesty gun roundup at MLK Day) and blasted the NRA and their lobbyists. He asked why, in a time when we can shoot men to the moon and guide "smart" bombs and missiles anywhere we want and with the likes of car satellite systems, we can't stop drugs from coming into the country. He blasted the press too, talking about reality shows and asking why we are bombarded with news about violent acts on the nightly news when we are told that crime is decreasing. He ended to a rousing and prolonged, standing ovation.

It was a great way to commemorate MLK and it was also great to be among the people that I've voted for and see their support for our cause.