In less than 10 months from now the final countdown to the next national elections in the United States will be begin. The future of America and to a large extent the future of the world will be at stake. During the next year there will be millions of new young voting age persons that will have to be registered to vote and mobilized to go out to the voting polls across the nation.

Mayoral candidate Gery Chico has an admirable idea with building new centers to watch popular high school basketball games. A more profitable – and productive – idea for high schoolers may be to expand the current model instead.

I have no idea why citizens waste thousands of signatures, volunteer hours and tax payer money to put anti-gay marriage legislation on the ballot in a state.

The City of Chicago, like many other political jurisdictions and sub-divisions is facing difficult economic and social times. There are budget deficits, revenue shortfalls, high unemployment, crumbling infrastructures, high crime rates, drug use, underperforming schools, violence, problems with pensions, healthcare needs, growing senior populations, immigration issues, job creation needs and other great challenges.

Sometimes it's just a number. Sometimes, it's a symbol. Sometimes, it's a time that it's time.

Don’t assume. Don’t place blame too quickly. Don’t lose sight of the end goals for our nation. And, mostly, don’t overreact to the Tragedy in Tucson.

One of the most interesting phenomena to watch as a political observer in this country is the vacillating narratives that occur when any tragic and unforeseen event happens.

In a time when everything seems to slowly be getting slightly better for everyone except Black folks in Chicago, now is not the time to underestimate why a consensus candidate may make sense for Black Chicagoans.

“I will do all I can to break down the wall of political correctness and drive the public debate on Islamic radicalization,” Congressman Peter King , R-N.Y, said December 20.

A snowstorm has blanketed the east coast, causing flight cancellations and disrupted holiday plans. The President is vacationing in Hawaii after a grueling lame duck session in Washington. During this the last week of the year, there will be no economic indicator issues. These are quiet times.