N’s conference costs $800, and it’s just membership and registration. Food and lodging and airfare are on top of that. Plus, he’s losing pay on the days that he’s there because his company is not covering it. And they are not covering it because they don’t want to lose him. He’s already over qualified for them, and this kind of conference widens the gap.

But he has to be paying these costs not only because he enjoys this kind of conference a lot but because that’s how one keeps oneself fluid. 

Regarding what I say about Rauner as a person – and I’m not sure if I mentioned this before – I know people who hang out with him. I wouldn’t say they are friends but, rather, friendly acquaintances. Republicans, totally in love with him and his policies (while working for a public institution and suffering for lack of healthcare, by the way, so go figure.) And even they recognize that the fellow is beyond lazy. 

On a practical note, if customs agents are checking immigration papers on domestic flights, will a driver’s license be enough?

I’m now worried because N always – and very aggravatingly – leaves his green card at home when he travels. He’s afraid of losing it. I, on the other hand, always lug around both the green card and the passport. What’s the point of having them if I’m not using them? 

As for customs agents, I’ve had a lot of contact with them over the years, and they tend to be a very aggrieved, nervous bunch with very little interest in what’s legal and what’s not. 

Just watched a news report on the town hall meeting with Tom Cotton. Seeing the people chant “Do your job!” was amazing. We really need to do something like this to Rauner. I understand that he’s a Republican and the people voted for him to do his Republican thing. It’s the will of the people, and I accept that. It’s his complete refusal to do a lick of work because he prefers to throw parties and go from one “charity” dinner to another that bugs me. He’s not promoting any Republican goals. He’s not promoting any goals. He parties and parties and parties some more.