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Ft. Dearborn - Chicago
Chapter
November 1999 Newsletter
| Date: | Thursday, November 18, 1999 | | Speaker: | The Honorable Richard A. Posner | | | Chief Judge, 7th Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals | | | Chicago, IL | | | | | Subject: | AN AFFAIR OF STATE; The Investigation, Impeachment, | | | and Trial of President Clinton |
How would a distinguished jurist have ruled in the impeachment trial of President Clinton? We will never know because the senators, posits Judge Posner, were neither distinguished nor judicious. We do, fortunately, have a distinguished jurist's opinion in An Affair of State. Once could scarcely imagine a more fitting judge. Posner is chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit; he is the author of seemingly numberless books and articles. And he is possessed of one of the synoptic and probing intellects in the country. That he does not flinch from raining scorn on the Supreme Court and even on the chief justice suggest the sharpness of mind, independence of spirit and biting wit that make his book an intellectual feast. At last, something good has come of the Clinton-Lewinsky-Jones-Starr affair.
President Bill Clinton's year of crisis, which began when his affair with Monica Lewinsky hit the front pages in January 1998, engendered a host of important questions of criminal and constitutional law, public and private morality, and political and cultural conflict.
In a book written while the events of the year were unfolding, Richard Posner presents a balanced and scholarly understanding of the crisis that also has the freshness and immediacy of journalism. Posner clarifies the issues and eliminates misunderstandings concerning facts and the law that were relevant to the investigation by Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr and to the impeachment proceeding itself. He explains the legal definition of obstruction of justice and perjury, with which many lawyers are unfamiliar. He carefully assesses the conduct of Starr and his prosecutors, including their contacts with the lawyers for Paula Jones and their hardball tactics with Monica Lewinsky and her mother. He compares and contrasts the Clinton affair with Watergate, Iran-Contra, and the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, exploring the subtle relationship between public and private morality. He examines the place of impeachment in the American constitutional scheme, the pros and cons of impeaching President Clinton, and the major procedural issues raised by both the impeachment in the House and the trial in the Senate. Finally, he seeks to mine the crisis for the many important lessons that it offers concerning the need for greater pragmatism in the Supreme Court (which Posner holds responsible in part for the crisis), for a more careful delineation of the character traits desirable in modern American political leaders, for greater sobriety among intellectuals who comment on public affairs, and for a better understanding of the dynamics of political conflict. This book, reflecting the breadth of Judge Posner's experience and expertise, will be the essential foundation for anyone who wants to understand President Clinton's impeachment ordeal. Regardless of your political stripe, you will be treated to a rare blend of intellect and eloquence.
| Location: | The Union League Club of Chicago - Room 700 | | | 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL (near Dearborn) | | Time: | 11:30 a.m. Fellowship | | | Noon Luncheon - Program will end by 1:30 p.m. | | Cost: | $20 | |
Please respond by returning the reservations form with your remittance to the chapter president.
MORE ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
A copy of Judge Posner's brief biographical sketch is attached. Additional copies are available upon request from the president and will be available at the meeting on November 18.
AVE ATQUE VALE
It is with sincere regret that we report the loss of our compatriot. William Asa Hoffman, Jr. died at Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights on October 17. He was 74. Bill was admitted to the Illinois Society-SAR on October 27, 1944. A Chicago native and long time resident of Arlington Heights, Bill was senior vice president of the bakery products division at J.R. Short Milling Co., with whom he was associated since 1953. He is survived by his wife Marilyn; three daughters, Barbara Feehan, Anne Mache, and Susan; two step-daughters, Linda Eckles and Karen Summers; a sister Catherine Hayes; and nine grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted on October 22 at the Congregational United Church of Christ, Arlington Heights; interment at Graceland Cemetery, Chicago.
NEW COMPATRIOTS
CONGRATULATIONS to our newest compatriots whose applications have received approval for admission to the NSSAR/ILSSAR:
| Admitted | Name | NSSAR# | ILSSAR# | Revolutionary Ancestor | | 10/12/99 | Gregory James Bozarth | 152629 | 7419 | PVT Jonathan Bozarth (PA) | | 10/12/99 | Edward Allen Cooke | 152631 | 7421 | William Humphrey (VA) |
FORT DEARBORN CHAPTER MEETING SCHEDULE
Regular Ft. Dearborn chapter meetings are held at the Union League Club at noon on the 3rd Thursday of every other month beginning in January.
- Thursday, November 18, 1999 - Room 700
- Saturday, December 4, 1999 - SR Dinner --Tower Club
- Thursday, January 20, 2000 - Room 700
- Saturday, February 5, 2000 - DAR/SAR Luncheon-Glenview Pk Dist Golf Club
NSSAR & ILLINOIS SOCIETY EVENTS 1999-2000
- November 5-6, 1999- Great Lakes Dist Meeting, Brookfiled, WI (Sheraton-Brookfield)
- February 12, 2000- Illinois Board of Managers Meeting, Danville (Days Inn-Danville)
- June 24-27, 2000- 110th NSSAR Annual Congress, Boston, MA (Westin Copley Place)
NEW CHAPTER AFFILIATES
We are pleased to welcome our newest chapter affiliates:
| Admitted | Name | NSSAR# | State# | Revolutionary Ancestor | | 03/15/96 | Randall Spencer Ellis | 146145 | 2077 KS | PVT Griffith Owen (PA) | | 07/26/99 | LTC John Royal Spotts, USAR | 152202 | 7406 | PVT Nicholas Ickes (PA) |
Randy Ellis was admitted to the Kansas Society. He is director of acquisitions for FMC Corporation. He and his wife, Ce, live on the near north side. A native of Wilmette, LTC Spotts is completing work on his doctorate in Political Science at UIC. An active army reservist, he resides in Evanston.
NEW CHAPTER MEMBERS
Official greetings to our most recent associate members
| Alfred Moore Henry | LT Hugh Henry (VA) | | John Milton Martin | PVT Christian Stauffer (PA) |
MILLENNIUM EDITION OF CHAPTER DIRECTORY-WHEN?
Publication of the long overdue directory has been deferred once again. It will be ready for distribution at the January 20, 2000 luncheon meeting. A deluge of changes, additions and corrections has slowed preparation. More importantly--and to the point--a new computer system has come close to bringing its newby editor to his knees! In any event, we apologize for the delay. Once again, you are reminded that all compatriots and associates in good standing will be include in the 2000-2001 edition. The deadline for changes and additions is December 15. Kindly submit any changes at the earliest. The directory will contain listings for in excess of 200 compatriots and associate members. Please carefully check your listing on the rough proofs that will be available at the November luncheon. For information or questions regarding standing or a copy of an invoice, please call (312) 337-0832.
MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES
We are pleased to acknowledge the inquiries of:
| Robert P. Austin | Donald Duane Evans, Jr. | James T. Scott | | John Milton Martin, Jr. | James Manness Martin | Robert Guy Martin | | | Gregory Rowe Martin | |
JOINT DAR/SAR MEETING VIII--GLENVIEW
Come in from the cold! On Saturday morning, February 6, we will join forces with host Ft. Dearborn Chapter--DAR, American Bicentennial and Lake Defiance SAR Chapters for the eighth annual luncheon and presentation at the Glenview Park Golf Club, 800 Shermer Rd., Glenview. Brooks Davis, noted Civil War historian will be the speaker. Guests are cordially invited. Invitations/announcements will be mailed in January. The reservation deadline is February 1.
SONS OF THE REVOLUTION OF ILLINOIS-AN INVITATION
Burton L. Showers, president of the Sons of the Revolution of Illinois (SR) has graciously extended an invitation to Ft. Dearborn Chapter members, their wives and guests to attend the SR annual dinner on Saturday, December 4, 1999, at the Tower Club. The Tower Club is located on the 39th floor of the Civic Opera Building at 20 N. Wacker Dr. The social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. with dinner at 7. The cost is $45 per person and includes the choice of filet mignon or broiled salmon filet. Black tie is preferred, but optional. The deadline for reservations is November 30. For reservations and further information contact President Showers at (847) 358-0572 or Bshowers@execpc.com
The program will feature Harry K. Windland of downstate Glen Carbon. He will discuss the Lewis & Clark Expedition, now approaching its 200th anniversary. Windland played a prominent role in the recent reenactment of the expedition. Involved in all stages of the undertaking, including planning, preparation, execution and filming, the 20th Century trials and tribulations they experienced provided him with rare insights into what confronted Merriweather Lewis and William Clark and their small band when they set off from Illinois in 1804. No mean historian, Compatriot Windland is active in the SAR. He is a former president of Madison County's outstanding Genl Geo. Rogers Clark Chapter and is currently a vice president of the Illinois Society-SAR and chairman of its finance committee.
Please direct your response/remittance and/or inquiries to:
A. Bingham Seibold, President, Ft. Dearborn Chapter--SAR
1360 N. Lake Shore Dr.-808
Chicago, IL 60610-2151
(312) 337-0832 - bseibold@dellnet.com
ILSSAR/NSSAR 2000 DUES DEADLINE
In February, ILSSAR Secretary/Treasurer Duane R. Neet will mail state and national dues notices to all compatriots in good standing. If you do not receive an invoice by the end of February, we'd suggest that you contact the affable Mr. Neet in Effingham at (217) 342-4442 or drneet@effingham.net Prompt remittance no later than 3/31/2000 will help you to avoid the nettlesome $5 late payment charge! Your participation will ensure continued delivery of the The SAR Magazine and the Illinois Patriot.
COMMEMORATION OF THE DEATH OF GEORGE WASHINGTON-DECEMBER 14, 1999
At 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 14, 1999, we will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the death of General George Washington. A wreath will be laid at the Washington-Morris-Salomon statue on Wacker Dr. at Wabash. Following the wreath-laying ceremonies, we will reconvene at approximately noon in the east lobby of the Daley Center for the continuation of the program of remembrance.
General George Washington died at his home in Mount Vernon on Saturday night, December 14, 1799. It was the result of a throat condition brought on by a chill he contracted while he was superintending his estate on horseback during a snowfall. His death was hastened by the well-meaning physicians attending him, whose procedures included substantial "bleeding". Washington was 67 and had retired as President only three years previously.
For better than a half century, the impressive statue of Washington, flanked by Revolutionary War Patriots, Robert Morris and Haym Salomon, has stood proudly on Wacker Drive. Morris and Salomon, of course, are the two men to whom Washington turned to raise capital to prosecute the war. Both did so at great personal cost. It was dedicated on December 15, 1941 "This Great Triumvirate of Patriots." Originally, famed Illinois sculptor Lorado Taft was commissioned to design the statue, but it was completed by Leonard Crunelle after Taft's death in 1936. Barnet Hodes and Albert A. Sprague co-chaired an ad hoc committee of prominent Chicagoans formed to see this memorial become a reality.
Ft. Dearborn compatriots, associate members, prospective members and friends of the chapter are urged to take the time to participate in this dignified public display of respect for and remembrance of the Father of Our Country. A significant number have already indicated their interest. This event has been a collaborative undertaking that has benefited from the active leadership, support and participation of the Masonic Order, DAR, Sons of Union Veterans, and B'nai B'rith, to name just a few.
For further information, contact event co-chairmen Robert E. Allen at (312) 322-6460; e-mail at
allenre@concentric.net or Bing Seibold at (312) 337-0832 or bseibold@dellnet.com Your suggestions are important to us. For event planning purposes, we need to know if you are able to participate.
YOUR OWN COPY OF AN AFFAIR OF STATE
For your convenience, Vice President and Program chairman, J. Taylor Hurst, has made arrangements with the Sears Tower branch of Barbaras Bestsellers to have copies of An Affair of State available for purchase at luncheon. We hope to prevail on our speaker to autograph copies.
To confirm your reservation, please respond by returning the following reservation with your remittance. Click here for printable version of reservation.
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