A Broken System

"Your call is important to us and we regret that you must hold," said the monotone voice on the other end of my phone. Yet the waiting continued for another 20 minutes without any human contact. I would hang up and try again but the fact that I even got through was miraculous. This is what my life is like twice a month waiting for unemployment. 

The economy seems to be in a state of constant flux. Some days are better than others but the unemployment levels continues to rise at an alarming rate. To be fair, this isn't entirely the fault of President Obama. He has spent most of his term in office cleaning up the mess left by president Bush. The concept of unemployment is fantastic, actually making sure it is given to those in need is the problem. 

As with so many things in the government, it is all about bureaucracy. Millions of Chicagoans are now intimately familiar with the IDES, the gatekeepers of the system. Despite being well put together the Web site is full of glitches and loopholes that stop the average patron from receiving their payment on time. Everyone is given the option of applying for benefits online but when you click on the link you are met with the disclaimer: 

Caution:  Most people will not be able to access the Internet Claim application or Direct Deposit registration service using Firefox, Safari, or other unsupported web browsers.

What is the point of giving people the option of applying online if most won't be able to use it in the first place? Why not simply update the system to allow for easier access?  This wouldn't be so much of a problem is registering by phone wasn't just as complicated. 

The role of government should be to help those that they govern. In an age of high technology shouldn't the government have the means to streamline the process by now? Obama harnessed the power of social networking to win the election, you would think he'd be able to work out the kinks in the unemployment system. 

The Tragedy of American Politics

It was announced earlier this morning that President Barack Obama was the recipient  of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. This of course is a major win for Democrats and has incurred the wrath of Republicans nationwide. Whether or not Obama deserves the honor is not the issue of this blog. Shortly after winning the award Obama stated publicly that he wishes to donate the $1.4 million dollars in prize money to charity. That is when things got ugly. 

Within minutes political pundits all over the country became enraged at the idea of President Obama using his money to help a cause. Talk of ACORN and Reverend Wright became common place and were thrown into the mix without a thought of the outcome. This is why I am not a fan of politics. Like a snake eating its tail even helping a good cause seems to cause harm. 

In all the ruckus people seem to have forgotten that Obama's goal is to give to a CHARITY. He is giving back to the people when he did not have to. He made the choice to be a role model for others and contribute to the greater good. Does it matter what charity he contributes to? No it doesn't. Because it is the principle of the action. 

Have people become so caught up in their own agenda that they cannot appreciate when someone is actually trying to help. The world is in a bad place right now and can use all the help it can get. Would the pundits rather he keep the money for himself? politicians needs to start thinking a little bit before they pounce into action. 

By the end of the day it is my hope that this issue will settle down. Regardless of what charity the president chooses we should all look upon his decision as a means of contributing to the American people in a way that looks good across all party lines. That kind of kindness has become rare. Maybe, just maybe, we can follow Obama's lead and help our fellow man for a day. It will be far more productive than tearing each other apart. 

The Mysterious Attraction of the Cape to the Pen

I'm a geek, plain and simple. Those that know me best know that fact very well. I put that out there because what follows is an opinion that is not totally unbiased. Many people know that I am a reporter but few know the real reasons I got into the business. 

For some it is about the smell of the newsprint or the thrill of being published. To be honest, I love all those things, but that is not it. For me, it's all about the cape. That's right, you heard me, a cape. I got into journalism because I wanted to be Superman. Deep down I think all reporters are nudged into the profession, at least partially, because they want to be superheroes. 

Is it all that crazy? not really.  Regardless of your industry all journalist are driven by their undying need bring truth to the people. Some of us get closer than others. Adventure and the thrill of getting a getting to the heart of a story give us the the strength to do some pretty amazing things. 

No matter how mundane the average article may seem to you it is impossible not to get involved in a story. Every day it is the hard working reporters and journalists of the world that get their hands dirty digging up issues and bringing the truth to the people. We may not be able to fly or deflect bullets but believe me, we would if we could.  

I remember being about 8 or 9 and seeing Christopher Reeve play Superman for the first time. The moment he peeled away his work clothes and donned the suit I knew, just knew, that's what I wanted to be when I grew up. I know I am not alone, although I may be one of the first with the courage to put it in print. I took the lead, it is time for others to follow. 

From the Vaults: Cage the Elephant

This is an article about a band on the verge of making it big. I first saw Cage the Elephant at Lollapalooza this past summer and gave them nothing but praise. Unfortunately, due to time constraints this article never got published. So here it is, my first encounter with a true force of nature. 

Nothing Can Cage the Elephant

By: Jordan Brandes

Lollapalooza 2009-Citi Stage 

Sunday Aug.9, 2009

My soul has just been moved. In a day full of outstanding acts Cage the Elephant’s stands out as the best of the festival. There are many who will disagree with me. I have no doubt about that. After all the sound was not the best and lead singer Matt Schultz moved around so much he was barely on stage. But that is all part of the thrill of the band.

Lead singer Matt Schultz can give Kurt Cobain a run for his money. Schultz came on stage looking as if he was about to pass out from the heat. I honestly thought they were going to have to carry him out in a stretcher by the end of the show. Even in that condition he still managed to play every single song as if his life depended on it.

I have not had a concert experience like that since Iggy Pop played the festival in 2007.  The entire stage was Schultz’s playground and he used every inch of it, above and below.

With each song Cage the Elephant amped the energy of the crowd. Many were expecting a set along the lines of their hit single “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” and what they got was an hour of intense, exhilarating punk rock.

If I sound like a giddy schoolgirl it is because after their concert on Sunday I became a huge fan. I admit, I liked their studio work before, but watching them tear into song after song with unadulterated passion was breathtaking.