Posted on 04/12/2005 11:08:34 PM PDT by RWR8189
The opening of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield this month can become the launch for an initiative to change the name of Illinois to that of the State of Abraham Lincoln.
I'm serious.
Few in the world know what or where Illinois is. Some have heard of Chicago. Yet the world knows Abraham Lincoln--the Great Emancipator; the rock who kept our Union of diverse peoples from fragmenting; the homespun, virtuous, self-educated man of the heartland; a hero, indeed, to all in the world who yearn to be free.
In contrast, our citizens have never really resonated to "Illinois," the name of a feckless confederation of tribes of so-called superior men, who in fact fled time and again--and indeed out of our state--before smaller bands of raiding Iroquois.
Naming places in honor of our icons is standard.
George Washington is honored by one state, the District of Columbia, universities and schools. Jefferson, Franklin, Adams and Lincoln are honored as well at the local level.
Place name change is not unusual, either, even among nations.
The United States is anchored by the two coasts. On the other hand, the great Midwest--the American heart of the nation--lies suspended between those coasts, little known, underappreciated
(Excerpt) Read more at chicagotribune.com ...
Illnois is the Land of Lincoln....everyone needs to look at the county map of the 2002 and 2004 elections...it will surprise you.....we are a red state that went blue.
How 'bout Oisinill?
LOL!
Lando
Here in Indiana we call them FIPs f*cking Illinois People. They all come out to shop at our outlet malls and they are rude as he11.
I guess it's better than Wisconsin where we get called FIB's (f'n Illinois bastards) by Cheeseheads with 3 teeth
C'mon, C'mon, C'Mon...
Just because cheeseheads have a lot more teeth than you, doesn't mean you have to be afraid...
(The county where I grew up is named "Douglas")
People in the city of Lincoln used to debate some of us from Douglas County.
Sort of a later-version of the Lincoln-Douglas debates.
Not only that, but I am amazed that none of the folks who so strenuously object to certain athletic teams using the name "Redskins" or "Braves" do not also voice strenuous objection to a state using the name of an Indian tribe or nation.
Illinois has nothing BUT Chicago.
No, but she is a Cubs fan and The Smartest Woman In The World. Maybe Illinois should consider that name...
Well, not really. But at least they ought to get rid of that annoying and confusing silent "S." Illannoy, that's the ticket.
And don't even start me on "Des Moines."
That is your misfortune it's a great place.
I'd vote for "Chicagoslum" if they insist on changing the name!
I'll see your one and raise you another.
I have never lived in Illinois and have been to Chicago many times!
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