"All You Need Is Leb"

I misquoted Lennon. But so what. John or Vladimir, they both had the same message.

What I'm talking about in this post, however, is the dominance of Peoria's Lebanese community -- some 10,000 strong. And hats off to them, by the way.

Think about the movers and shakers in this town: the Maloofs, LaHoods, Alwans, Kouris (and Couris), Shadids, Demanes, etc. This is a big part of our town. They have lots of sway and lots of say. But they're also a pretty insider-only community.

Have you seen signs or references to the ITOO Society? Here's a nice article about them. But the point is, these folks are more exclusive in their relationships than the Augusta Country Club. Take this quote from longtime member, Maureen Couri :

"We'’re still a tightly knit group because of family ties, but we now have a diversity of members," Couri said. "“Spouses of members are warmly welcomed."”

Wow. Even their wives can come? Welcome to the 1960s, guys.

So, basically some of our city's most powerful leaders and business people are members of a quasi-secret society into which outsiders are not welcome. Do they have grand plans? Are they the masonic order of our day, Peoria's own ethnic Illuminati? Will we all be eating spiced lamb in 10-20 years? (Actually, I'd be okay with that last part. Haddad's rocks.).

Inquiring minds and all that.