The Dansullivan Code

Dan Sullivan, big Don Gordon supporter, is, "to many, the face of the new East Rogers Park, developing property straight from the heart." That's what the Sun-Times wrote yesterday. "I think it's important to show the neighborhood's better side," Sullivan is quoted as saying, "We don't have to believe the worst about ourselves anymore."

Is this code? What was "the worst about ourselves?" Is this a personal issue, or is he trying to say that some of the scum has been skimmed off the top of the pond?

"Where gang members once sauntered," the Sun-Times quotes Sullivan, "patrons of new businesses gather, eating outside in nice weather, and chatting about the neighborhood. "The fabric of this neighborhood is being repaired," Sullivan said.

"The fabric." Wow, I haven't heard this kind of thinly-veiled social code speak this since I was at a party at Governor Jim Thompson's home with a bunch of Republicans in May, 1978. Let's review the Sullivan code:

"...show the neighborhood's better side." Is he talking about buildings or about people?

"Where gang members once sauntered" is pretty straightforward, but do they all "saunter?"

"The fabric of this neighborhood is being repaired." Fabric is "people." Bet on it.

"It's probably the best plot of land in the world." Apparently, Dan Sullivan has never been to Venice Beach.