Media need to hold pols' feet to fire

The problem with politics in Illinois is that we are stuck between two political machines, neither one of which is interested in the vast majority of the middle-class.

The clash of these machines today puts this absurdity on stark display and highlights the failure of the media to hold either side to their promises of government that works for ordinary citizens.

Mike Madigan and the Democrats would have us believe that they are fighting for working people and that the Republicans are only concerned about those who are already rich and powerful. Bruce Rauner and the Republicans would have us believe that they are trying to create more jobs in Illinois and that years of Democratic graft, patronage, and horrible union contracts are holding the state back. Of course they are both partly right - much more about what the other side wants than what they are working toward themselves.

And here is where the media comes in, specifically the major newspapers and the broadcast media. Don't settle for what either side is offering, and then justify it by saying that we've only got two choices and Rauner is a little better, or a little worse, than Madigan. Try to help citizens to understand that there are better ways to help middle class workers than just more road contracts, more prison jobs and more redundant jobs at pretty much every city, county and state agency you can name.

There is middle ground here that can make this state a better place for business and a better place for workers. But I guarantee that neither side in this highly polarized debate is going to start talking about cutting loose their sacred cows in pursuit of the best outcome for everyone until the print and broadcast media start insisting that both sides do it.

Guy Rosenthal

Wheaton