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My how the tables have turned. I have gone from having my books reviewed by Dennis Moore to now reviewing Moore’s courageous book, The City That Works: Power, Politics and Corruption in Chicago, Part One, "Pay to Play."
At present, this volume by Moore, a book reviewer for East County Magazine, is an e-book published by Pubit! of Barnes & Noble, soon to be a hard cover book.
I have visited Chicago three times in my life, always as a tourist. I’ve seen the Field Museum, the Chicago Zoo, FAO Schwartz, and the Museum of Science and Industry. I’ve eaten the most delicious deep dish pizza on earth, just off Michigan Avenue. However, there is another side to Chicago that tourists don’t see, the dirty, squirming underbelly of the city. The dark side ruled by the Mayer Daley dynasty that smacks of favoritism, corruption, and cronyism.
In his book, Moore recounts how he lived in Chicago and worked his way up from a clerk in the Purchasing Department at City Hall to an impressive position of Specification Engineer for the City of Chicago, Department of Aviation at O’Hare International Airport. This job came with all the perks one would expect for someone who was in the position to decide how large amounts of money were to be spent. His Chicago ride took him from perks and privileges to fear for his very life.
As Moore says in his book, “I am not proud of a lot of things that I did during the course of working for the City and at O’Hare, that bordered on illegality or corruption, that has contributed to Chicago’s image. I guess one could say that I “went along--to get along.”
Not afraid to name names, Moore’s book is a Who’s Who of crime and corruption, from Airport Manager Dominic Longo who was alleged to have been involved in the fire bombing of another employee’s City vehicle, to former Governor Rod Blagojevich who was recently convicted of trying to sell Barack Obama’s vacated Senate seat, and many, many people in between.
Moore admits that if he’d stayed in Chicago, he could very well have ended up in prison too, for naively accepting money from companies from which the City purchased equipment. Thankfully, he had the good sense to get out of that situation and start a new life in San Diego.
After reading Moore’s book, one comes away with the thought that Al Capone was just a naughty little boy who still had a lot to learn about true crime and corruption.
The City That Works: Power, Politics and Corruption in Chicago, "Pay to Play" rambles a bit with no discernible plot, but if you’re interested in the dynasty that is interwoven with the lives of the Kennedy’s, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Barack Obama, then this book is definitely for you. I, for one, have learned more about Chicago politics than I ever thought I wanted to know!
Linda Loegel is the author of Bumps Along the Way and If You Don’t Like Worms, Keep Your Mouth Shut.
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46th Annual Authors Exhibition in San Diego
I, along with the writer of subject review, Linda Loegel, will participate in the San Diego County Library 46th Annual Authors Exhibition, where my book will be among many showcased.
A San Diego Union-Tribune Newspaper editorial of December 23, 2011, titled "Chicago-Style Politics in California," stated:"It's been a topsy-turvy year for California's redistricting process - reformed by voters via ballot measures to try to stop parties from divvying up seats after the decennial census in ways that protected incumbents and ensured mostly die-hard partisans got elected." At least, no one has gone to jail for their efforts, as in Chicago!
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was today sentenced to 14 years in prison by Judge James Zagel for attempting to sell President Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat, among other things.
President Trump commutes Blagojevich's prison sentence.
Submitted by Dennis on Sat, 02/22/2020 - 14:53
Just this week President Trump commuted former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's 14 year prison sentence and he is now back home in Chicago. Of the many charges against Blagojevich that he was sent to prison for, in addition to trying to sell former President Obama's senate seat, was attempting to hold back funding for Children Memorial Hospital, as indicated in the audio here.
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Blagojevich Sentenced to 14 Years
Submitted by Dennis on Sun, 12/11/2011 - 16:42
"The jury didn't believe you and neither did I," U.S. District Court Judge James Zagel said.
Prosecutors argued that he has failed the people of Illinois and instead "further eroded the public's confidence in government and government officials."
"I'm here convicted of crimes. The jury decided I was guilty. I am accepting of it. I acknowledge it..." Blagojevich told Zagel. "I want to apologize to the people of Illinois, to the court, for the mistakes I have made. ... I never set out to break the law. "I never set out to cross lines. I have nobody to blame but myself for my stupidity and actions and the things I did and I thought I could do. I'm not blaming anybody," Blagojevich said.
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Judge: Daley can be sued over alleged torture by police
Submitted by Dennis on Sun, 11/20/2011 - 16:37
As Cook County state's attorney from 1980 to 1989, Daley is granted prosecutorial immunity. But as mayor, Pallmeyer ruled, Daley have the same privilege. The lawsuit charges that Daley was part of a conspiracy to cover up the torture allegations. In her original ruling, Pallmeyer wrote that Tillman had "presented more than 'naked assertions' and his conspiracy claim survives." In her ruling denying the motion to reconsider, Pallmeyer concluded "that Plaintiff sufficiently alleged that Daley, as Mayor, participated in a conspiracy that included the concealment of exculpatory evidence."
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The City That Works: Power, Politics, and Corruption in Chicago
Submitted by Dennis on Sun, 11/20/2011 - 21:21
"We have patiently awaited this decision before proceeding to question Daley under oath at a deposition," said plaintiff's attorney G. Flint Taylor. "Now, the path is clear, Daley has no legitimate grounds to object, so we will [Thursday] subpoena Daley for questioning in early December." This, according to a story by Carol Marin and Don Mosely in the November 3, 2011 Chicago Sun-Times Newspaper.
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Judge: Daley can be sued over alleged torture by police
Submitted by Dennis on Fri, 11/04/2011 - 14:31
For the second time in four months a federal court judge ruled former Mayor Richard M. Daley can be sued in an ongoing legal battle over allegations of police torture, according to a story by reporters Carol Marin and Don Moseley in yesterday's Chicago Sun-Times Newspaper. U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer on Wednesday denied a motion to reconsider her prior rulling, setting the stage for Daley to be deposed by attorneys representing men who claim they were tortured by a small band of Chicago Police officers in the 1970s and 1980s. G. Flint Taylor represents Michael Tillman, who spent 23 years in prison for a murder in which he was later exonerated. In her July ruling, Judge Pallmeyer wrote that Daley could be listed as a defendant in the Tillman civil lawsuit. Among those named in the suit are Jon Burge, 63, a former police commander now in prison, as well as former officers under his command. The former mayor is also named.
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KING OF CLOUT DETHRONED
Submitted by Dennis on Wed, 11/02/2011 - 16:14
Jury convicts behind-the-scenes power broker William Cellini in failed shakedown of Award-winning producer for Blagojevich campaign.
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BLAGO BROTHER TO CONGRESS: Let me testify about Jackson
Submitted by Dennis on Fri, 10/28/2011 - 17:55
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's brother has personally written to 10 members of Congress with an offer to testify before an ethics committee that last week re=launched its investigation of U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-ILL.). Robert Blagojevich said Thursday that he sent letters to all the members of the U.S. House Committee on Ethics because: "I believe I have information I think will help them find the truth" on Jackson. He offered his testimony or to be interviewed about Jackson's effort to secure an appointment by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich in late 2008 to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant with the election of President Barack Obama. "Based on what I know, I believe Jesse jackson Jr. has a lot of unanswered questions that he needs to answer," Robert Blagojevich said.
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The City That Works: Power, Politics and Corruption in Chicago
Submitted by Dennis on Sat, 10/29/2011 - 18:12
Robert Blagojevich said Rajinder Bedi, a state official, met with him in late October 2008, offering more than $1 million for the seat on Jackson's behalf. Bedi testified as a prosecution witness that he had met with Jackson earlier on the same day that he had met with Robert Blagojevich and that both fund-raising and the Senate seat were discussed in Jackson's presence.
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Cellini trial tape reveals millionaire rattled in alleged extort
Submitted by Dennis on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 20:53
Federal jurors on Friday heard a usually in-control power broker sounding like a "nervous wreck" in a recorded phone call in which he relays an alleged pay-to-play conversation he had with a Hollywood film producer. Springfield millionaire William Cellini, who is on trial, sounded rattled on tape describing an angered Tom Rosenberg, who produced "Million Dollar Baby" and "Lincoln Lawyer" in what prosecutors contend was an attempted extortion by Cellini.
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Alleged victim: 'I told Bill I would not be shaken down'
Submitted by Dennis on Mon, 10/24/2011 - 16:46
A self-assured, plain-spoken Hollywood producer testified in federal court Thursday that he "screamed and cursed" at Springfield power broker William Cellini once he learned his business with the state was on hold because he hadn't contributed to then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign fund. Still, Tom Rosenberg, who is the center of an alleged extortion scheme, said Cellini wasn't the one who asked him to make a political contribution.
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'Pope' of Illinois politics faces trial
Submitted by Dennis on Tue, 10/04/2011 - 10:13
The former high school teacher-turned-mega millionaire cozied up to successive Illinois governors from both parties, while staying in the shadows and rarely speaking publicly. But so powerful was he behind the scenes that he was referred to in awe as "The King of Clout" and the "pope" of Illinois politics, according to an Associated Press story by Michael Tarm in the Kane County Daily Herald. The enigmatic William Cellini, 76, will step into the limelight today (Monday) when his corruption trial starts. He's accused of trying to shake down the Oscar-winning producer of "Million Dollar Baby" for a campaign contribution to Rod Blagojevich, and his trial is the last in a series stemming from a decade-long investigation of the former Democratic governor.
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"Million Dollar Baby" movie co-produced by Clint Eastwood
Submitted by Dennis on Fri, 09/30/2011 - 15:06
The judge in the last trial arising from investigations of former Gov. Rod. Blagojevich didn't immediately decide if he'll let the defense tell jurors about the admitted drug abuse of a star prosecution witness. Judge James Jagel held a status hearing Thursday but withdrew to private chambers to speak with attorneys in the upcoming trial of William Cellini. The government wants Zagel to bar the defense from broaching Stuart Levine's past drug problems, saying the issue is irrelevant. But the defense wants to use it to undermine Levine's credibility. Prosecutors say Levine will describe an attempted shakedown of the Oscar-winning producer of "Million Dollar Baby" for a campaign contribution to Blagojevich. Cellini was once dubbed "The Pope" for his influence in Illinois politics. he's denied wrongdoing. His trial begins Monday. Tom Rosenberg is the co-producer of "Million Dollar Baby" with Clint Eastwood.
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Daley biography in works:
Submitted by Dennis on Fri, 09/30/2011 - 14:45
Former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley is about to follow in his father's footsteps again. Daley's father, the late Mayor Richard J. daley, was subject of the famous biography "Boss" by newspaper columnist Mike Royko. Now the younger daley is going to be the subject of a book himself. In a news release Thursday, the University of Chicago press says in 2013 it will publish "First Son: The Biography of Richard M. Daley" by Chicago writer keith Koeneman. According to the release, Koeneman will be given "unprecedented access" to key figures in Daley's administration. A University of Chicago Press spokeswoman says Daley has not agreed to be interviewed.
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Federal judge delays Blagojevich sentencing
Submitted by Dennis on Tue, 09/27/2011 - 17:41
A federal judge on Monday indefinitely delayed next week's scheduled sentencing for Rod Blagojevich on multiple corruption convictions, apparentlly because it would have conflicted with the start of a longtime Illinois power broker who raised money for the former governor, according to a story in today's Chicagoland Daily Herald Newspaper. In a three-sentence notice posted electronically, U.S. District Judge james Zagel in Chicago did not offer any reason for canceling Blagojevich's Oct. 6 sentencing, saying simply that it has been "stricken until further order by the court." Blagojevich's attorneys had accused prosecutors and Zagel of extreme bias against their client, arguing in one 158-page filing that "the playing field was so unlevel that Blagojevich never stood a chance at a fair trial."
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The City That Works: Power, Politics and Corruption in Chicago
Submitted by Dennis on Wed, 09/28/2011 - 09:50
Sheldon Sorosky, Rod Blagojevich's defense attorney, said he was "disappointed" in Zagel's denial of the post-trial motions. The defense plans to appeal Blagojevich's convictions, but Sorosky said that could be done only after a sentence is imposed.
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EX-ALDERMEN NOW LOBBYING CITY HALL
Submitted by Dennis on Mon, 09/26/2011 - 14:56
Seven former Chicago aldermen - William J.P. Banks, Charles Bernardini, Mark Fary, Terry Gabinski, Patrick Huels, Terry Peterson and Miguel Santiago - are cashing in on their clout, lobbying their former City Council colleagues and other city officials to approve projects for developers and other businessmen, according to "THE WATCHDOGS" in today's Chicago Sun-Times Newspaper.
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The City That Works: Power, Politics and Corruption in Chicago
Submitted by Dennis on Mon, 09/26/2011 - 15:02
Patrick Huels, referenced in this "THE WATCHDOGS" report, is the former Chicago alderman referenced in my book, as the one that former alderman Percy Giles went to and negotiated my keeping my job with the Department of Aviation at O'Hare International Airport.
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The City That Works: Power, Politics and Corruption in Chicago
Submitted by Dennis on Wed, 09/21/2011 - 14:37
In today's Chicago Sun-Times Newspaper, columnist Michael Sneed states: "Mayor Rahm Emanuel doesn't appear to be too upset with Dem strategist James 'The Ragin Cajun' Carville's suggestion that President Barack Obama fire a bunch of White House staff, which reportedly included Emanuel's White House successor Bill Daley."
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Submitted by Dennis on Wed, 09/21/2011 - 14:43
Michael Sneed further states in her Chicago Sun-Times column: "Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and wife Patti were not only spotted looking for a house in the Forest Glen area of Sauganash this summer - but Sneed hears they did a little alley reconnaissance."
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Emanuel to headline dinner:
Submitted by Dennis on Wed, 09/21/2011 - 11:19
Iowa Democratic Party Officials say Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel will headline a state party fundraising dinner in November. Emanuel, the former chief of staff to President Barack Obama, is scheduled to keynote the state party's Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner on Nov. 19. The speaking spot in the leadoff presidential caucus state has frequently drawn potential Democratic candidates for the White House. Four years ago, Obama and the entire Democratic presidential field attended. But with Obama running without a primary challenge, Emanuel is expected to campaign for his former boss' re-election at the dinner.
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The City That Works: Power, Politics and Corruption in Chicago
Submitted by Dennis on Sun, 09/18/2011 - 13:17
Now that I am back in my hometown of Chicago, with my recently published book about Chicago politics, I get to experience anew what I actually lived through while I worked in City government.
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"The City That Works"
Submitted by Dennis on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 11:22
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"The City That Works: Power, Politics and Corruption in Chicago"
Submitted by Dennis on Sun, 09/18/2011 - 13:08
"Everybody knows who Rahm Emanuel is. He's dirty. He's low-down. He's a street fighter. This is Rahm Emanuel trying to prove a point, trying to flex his muscles. trying to put his fingers in our faces because he ultimately wants to bust this union, bust all unions." - Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis, who accused the mayor of trying to intimidate her in a profanity-laden rant recently at City Hall over extending the school day. Rahm Emanuel is referenced in my book, in particular his federal wiretap conversation with former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich.
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The City That Works: Power, Politics and Corruption in Chicago
Submitted by Dennis on Sat, 09/03/2011 - 16:38
I will actually be going back home to Chicago next week, where all this drama for me began. I am looking forward to it, for so many reasons, as Chicago is truly a unique city that I miss.
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"The City That Works"
Submitted by Dennis on Thu, 08/18/2011 - 20:08
I am honored to have Linda Loegel, the author of "Bumps Along The Way" and "If You Don't Like Worms, Keep Your Mouth Shut," write this splendid review. She is right, when she says the tables have turned, as I had the pleasure of writing the reviews for her excellent books. I am sure that we will be hearing a lot more from Linda in the future.
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Submitted by iolandascripca on Wed, 08/17/2011 - 21:52
An excellent book review written by Linda Loegel. I am familiar with Dennis Moore's style: courageous, informative and at the point. I am very proud to have met Dennis as he wrote a review on my poetry book " Lava of My Soul". I have never been to Chicago but now I can brag I know a brave citizen who lived and worked there - a splendid writer and critique - Dennis Moore.
author of the new e-book " Rootless Soul Naked"
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"The City That Works: Power, Politics and Corruption in Chicago"
Submitted by Dennis on Sat, 08/20/2011 - 12:02
Iolanda is too kind, and I certainly appreciate her comments, as I did have the honor to review her excellent book. I also look forward to reading her new eBook, "Rootless Soul Naked."