A BICENTENNIAL.

Illinois joined the Union on this day in 1818.

Political junkies like to hail native son Ronald Reagan and transplants Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses Grant, and Barack Obama.

I'm not sure concentrating on the politics is wise, Illinois (sometimes, "Chicago") being shorthand for "Democratic corruption."

Let us, rather, call the roll of more meaningful Illinois contributions.  High-yield, drought resistant corn.  One-stop catalog shopping, with delivery.  Entertaining clear-channel radio.  World's Largest Store.  We Broadcast Better Music.  World's Greatest Newspaper.  We're Chicago's Federation of Labor.  Crossroads of commerce, on the rails, clogging the roads, in the air, unfortunately for the ecosystem, on the waterways, in the commodities exchanges.

And, although it pains me to say so, isn't the most respected defensive position in football middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears?

Enjoy.