Illinois Watchdogs Put Government on Notice

real clear politics ^ | April 16, 2021 | John Hirschauer

[cann]

In “Rules for Radicals,” Saul Alinsky urged community activists to hold the enemy accountable to its own rules. “No organization,” Alinsky wrote, “can live up to the letter of its own book.” Though not fans of Alinsky, two men from rural Illinois are taking a page from his playbook, making local government “live up to the letter of its own book” and exposing corruption and malfeasance in turn.

Kirk Allen and John Kraft started Edgar County Watchdogs, a government-accountability nonprofit, in 2011. By appearance, it is a humble operation – Allen and Kraft are the group’s only employees. Edgar County is smaller than most Illinois townships.

In terms of impact, however, the Watchdogs punch well above their weight. Allen and Kraft’s investigative work has resulted in 186 indictments, 28 convictions, and the removal of 425 officials and bureaucrats from public office. They’ve successfully lobbied for a dozen new state transparency laws. They terrify the state’s most corrupt officials. For all their success, their approach is straightforward.

“We’re using their laws,” Allen said.

[cann]

https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/

[billyboy15]

“In terms of impact, however, the Watchdogs punch well above their weight. Allen and Kraft’s investigative work has resulted in 186 indictments, 28 convictions, and the removal of 425 officials and bureaucrats from public office. They’ve successfully lobbied for a dozen new state transparency laws. They terrify the state’s most corrupt officials. For all their success, their approach is straightforward.

“We’re using their laws,” Allen said.”

I am very impressed by these fine folks and think they deserve a Medal of Freedom soonest.

[Impala64ssa]

"“Rules for Radicals,” Saul Alinsky urged community activists to hold the enemy accountable to its own rules."
Alinsky was no visionary or deep thinker. All it means is to compel people to practice what they preach. He was just trying to sound impressive, just like the rest of his "rules".

[skimbell]

It's Illinois.
Target rich environment.

[Enterprise]

DESPERATELY needed in California. Start with the High Speed Rail.

[usconservative]

It's Illinois. Target rich environment.

BINGO! They're all corrupt here in Hellinois!

[griswold3]

“I am very impressed by these fine folks and think they deserve a Medal of Freedom soonest.”

I share your sentiments. Someone had an article about forming ‘Freedom Pods’, townships are a great place to start.

[NetAddicted]

Rd later.

[Basket_of_Deplorables]

Good idea. much harder to have imbedded corruption locally. Therefore, much easier to find and fix.