What's in a name?

What do these three things have in common?
Take your time to think, I’ll wait…
Give up? They have all been victims of identity theft. Growing exponentially every year, identity theft is a crime that affects more than 15 million Americans a year. Surprisingly, since ’03 Illinois has seen its state rank of ID Theft drop from 9th (2003) to 10th (2004 and 2005) to 12th (2006). This lower stat does not mean that Illinois is safer from these crooks, it just means that victims of ID theft have turned into willing participates.
Case and point:
January 31, 2003. 

The culprit, US Cellular and the “victim” Comiskey Park: In an attempt to keep up with the Joneses, the Chicago White Sox joined the 50% of ballparks who are corporately owned. It has its perks. The money the corporation paid for the park will be reinvested into the park making it more enjoyable for the fans. The downside is, the ballpark loses its heritage and identity.
September 21, 2005. 

The culprit, Federated Department Stores Inc. (owners of Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s) and the “victim”: May Department Stores (owners of Marshall Field). In a monopoly type move, Federated put down $11 billion to acquire May. The clock and the nameplate on the corner of Randolph and State are the last bits of recognizable property of Marshall Field’s.
March 12, 2009. 

The culprit, Willis Group Holdings of London and the “victim” The Sears Tower: The power of the Pound was clearly demonstrated as Willis leased 140,000 square feet that gave them naming rights and a nice 500 space employee relocation site.
No one is safe when criminals looking for a quick profit compromise the foundations of Chicago’s culture. Just another reminder of the dangerous economic times we are in.
Even a Super Bowl type trademark – fine and all – will not stop me from saying Comiskey, Marshall Field or Sears Tower. I will never give in and recognize three identity thieves.