This past week's announcement by Sen. Dick Durbin that he intends to seek reappointment for U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald thankfully puts an end to all the speculation that Illinois' latter-day Eliot Ness will be sent packing or get kicked upstairs where he can't stop the damage business as usual does in this state.

The number of prominent politicians who think former Gov. George Ryan should be shown leniency has grown.

The term “Black Friday,” in its traditional American usage, is somewhat of a misnomer. The term carries a sense of foreboding that is at odds with what many people regard as the start of the commercial portion of a season of joy.

We would love if all of our readers remembered the true meaning of Christmas — not a consumer orgy but a quiet reflection on what is most valuable in our lives.

Sen. Dick Durbin suggested earlier this week that he's thinking about asking a departing President Bush to commute the prison sentence of former Gov. George Ryan. Should that happen, it would send a terrible message to unscrupulous politicians everywhere, but especially in an Illinois that has far too many of them.

U.S. Sen.. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., told reporters on Tuesday that he was thinking about asking President Bush to commute the sentence of Illinois’ former governor, George Ryan, who is imprisoned after being convicted of corruption charges.

Today, I give thanks for the most American gift of all, the bailout. No other country is so generous in rewarding failure. Taxpayers should be grateful to have earned that distinction.

Chris Britt's editorial cartoon for Friday, Nov. 28.

As if you haven’t had enough leftovers this week, here are a few items I wasn’t able to squeeze into recent columns.

Holiday wishes apparently do come true — if you wait long enough.

Dear Santa,
This is my annual letter in which I gently remind you that I’ve been very good this year. Through this column, I’ve mentioned as many Noteworthy Neighbors as possible. I’ve hopefully inspired others to become good neighbors, too. Since I’ve kept my end of the bargain, I’m hoping you’ll keep your end of the bargain.
Signed, Sue

While you are out doing your holiday shopping, be sure to stop in a great new business in Villa Park: Krazi Dazie Resale, 9 E. Park Blvd. Owners Kris Olson and Teri Conway have done a great job turning this space into a neat resale shop. I know a lot of people think of resale shops as dingy places crammed with stuff. This is definitely not the case here. Krazi Dazie is clean, bright and a fun place to explore.

Well, it is the day after Thanksgiving and I hope everyone is enjoying the infamous day-after turkey sandwich with lots of mayo and a little salt. I must admit the day after is always my favorite. It seems when you are the cook the food just tastes better the next day.

Last week I wrote about all the get-togethers that occur this time of year and even mentioned a few. I’m not finished. I bumped into Barb Phelps recently, and she asked me to write something about the 50th anniversary on Monday, Dec. 1, of Snuggles, the stuffed pink elephants that members of the Elmhurst Hospital Guild make and give to the kids being treated at Elmhurst Hospital, Center for Health or one of its branches.

Chris Britt's editorial cartoon for Thursday, Nov. 27.