I stumbled upon a show on WCBU this afternoon called Intelligence Squared. It’s an Oxford-style debate of controversial issues. That is, they put forth a proposition, then have two or three people argue for it and two or three people argue against it. The debate today was on legalizing the market for human organs. Other recent topics include, “Should the U.S. be the world’s policeman?” “Should we accept steroid use in sports?” and “Is it time to end affirmative action?”
No shouting, no interrupting, no ridiculously short time to answer complex questions. The debate is an hour and a half in front of a live audience (the radio show is an abridged version lasting 50 minutes). They poll the audience before and after the debate to see which side was more persuasive.
I realize I’m unbelievably boring, but I absolutely love this show. It’s so interesting to hear these serious issues debated competently and persuasively by both sides in a civil manner.
From a press release:
Peoria Police Overwhelmingly Endorse LaHood
Candidate for State’s Attorney gets another boost from the largest law enforcement agency in Peoria County
Peoria, IL – Darin LaHood, candidate for Peoria County State’s Attorney, has earned yet another powerful endorsement from a local law enforcement group. On May 30th, the Peoria Police Benevolent Association Unit #27 (PPBA), which represents the Peoria Police Department and is the largest law enforcement agency in Peoria County, overwhelmingly voted to support LaHood over incumbent Kevin Lyons.
“Seventy-seven (77) of our members voted to endorse Darin and only four (4) voted to endorse Lyons” said Troy Skaggs, President of the Peoria Police Union #27; “The results speak for themselves and demonstrate our members’ strong desire for change in the State’s Attorney’s Office and a greater commitment to fight crime.” Skaggs further added “Darin’s energy and experience is exactly the change we need in the State’s Attorney’s Office; we are honored to endorse him and look forward to working with him.”
The PPBA endorsement follows last month’s announcement from the Peoria County Sheriff’s Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 157 that they are supporting LaHood in the November election as well. LaHood believes his commitment to collaboration and open communication with local law enforcement resonates with the departmental leadership and the rank and file officers at both the city and county levels.
“I am running for State’s Attorney because I believe we need a drastically different approach to how the current office deals with prosecuting crime, working with law enforcement, and working in a collaborative effort to solve our crime problems,” said LaHood. “For the last five years Peoria County has had the highest crime rate in Illinois. This is simply not acceptable. It’s apparent something is broken and badly needs repair in the State’s Attorney’s Office. We need a change!”
Darin LaHood, 39, was born and raised in Peoria. He is a former Chief Terrorism and Federal Prosecutor who served four years with the U.S. Department of Justice in Las Vegas, Nevada. LaHood was also an Assistant State’s Attorney in both Tazewell and Cook counties. LaHood and his wife, Kristen, returned home to Peoria in 2005 to raise their three children: McKay, Luke, and Teddy. LaHood currently practices with the Peoria law firm of Miller, Hall, & Triggs. Darin and Kristen are active in numerous Peoria charitable and civic organizations and are members of St. Vincent de Paul Church. Visit www.DarinLaHood.com to learn more about Darin, volunteer opportunities, or to contribute to the campaign.
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