Illinois Review

VIDEO: Manzullo - Patent Reform "will hurt the little guy"

Illinois Congressman Don Manzullo (IL-16) made excellent points about the problems with a proposed patent reform bill soon to be voted on.

Time for new Obama speech writers

by Teri O'Brien

Last night the narcissistic, affirmative-action assisted empty suit elected by the American Idol and Oprah audiences in 2008 read another one of his vapid, platitude-ridden speeches, and somehow managed to appear even more disconnected and tone deaf than usual. He mentioned himself about a dozen times, but never mentioned General David Petraeus once. There was no explanation of how his plan to beat a hasty retreat from Afghanistan would improve America’s national security, ensure that the tremendous sacrifices made by our troops and their families were not in vain, or otherwise accomplish any important objective.

Forget conceal, reveal

Chicago Tribune's John Kass suggests Thursday that embarrassed Illinois gun owners should forget about becoming the last state in the union to legalize conceal and carry.  Let's just put them out there for all to see, he says, like in the Wild West. 

Gotta agree, John.  We are upstanding American chumbolones after all, dang it!

Kirk introduces bill to expand pension revocation law

WASHINGTON - United States Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today introduced legislation aimed at eliminating the Congressional pensions of Members of Congress convicted of committing a felony while serving as elected officials. The Congressional Integrity and Pension Forfeiture Act of 2011, S. 1261, expands upon existing law that allows former Members to keep their pensions if they commit public corruption crimes in another elected office.

"American taxpayers should not be on the hook for the pension benefits of convicted felons," said Senator Kirk. "Expanding current law to include additional public corruption felonies will block pension benefits for Members who fail to honor their pledge to defend the Constitution and uphold the laws of the United States."

Quinn to UAW: "We must fight hard for collective bargaining"

DETROIT - Despite the heavy burden unpaid union pensions place on Illinois' budget and its economic future, the state's Governor Pat Quinn addressed the United Auto Workers' special collective bargaining conference March 22-24, 2011 in Detroit Michigan.  Like us, you may have missed hearing your governor ramp up the crowd with one of his favorite sayings, "Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and organize."

Illinois governor: ‘Union jobs are the only way to go’ from International Union, UAW on Vimeo.

During the three day conference the UAW clearly spelled out their commitment to collective bargaining:

Obama honors LaGender founder as "Champion of Change"

On May 31, Barack Obama proclaimed June 2011 as "Lesbian, Gay, Bixsexual and Transgender Pride Month":

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2011 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.

And in honor of LGBT Pride Month, the White House is spotlighting transgender movement leader Dee Dee Ngozi Chamblee, the founder of LaGender, as June's "Champion of Change."

Unions face slow and angry demise in "Rich States, Poor States"

American Legislative Exchange Council and economist Art Laffer just released their new 2011 "Rich States, Poor States," assessment, and Illinois was placed 44th out of the 50 states, as one of the nation's ten poorest.

 

The reasons are extensive as to why Illinois is suffering economically, but one contributing factor is that Illinois' Democrat-controlled government is owned and indebted to angry, starving unions.

Atlas isn't shrugging, he's migrating

If you're wondering why Illinois simply can't flip the switch and return to the days when it was the effective center of the nation, American Thinker's Monty Pelerin gives a sobering and powerful assessment of what the problem is.

Those valuable producers - Ayn Rand's "Atlas" that went on strike in her book "Atlas Shrugged" - are taking a different approach than Rand predicted.  Instead of shutting down and hurting themselves in the process, the modern day American producers are migrating to more producer-favorable states and countries. 

Randy Hultgren on Obama's Failed Economic Policies

by Ghost of John Brown

Kendall Republicans Annual Family Picnic to Host ‘America’s Toughest Sheriff'

Yorkville, Illinois -- The Kendall County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC) is pleased to announce that our keynote speaker at our Annual Family Picnic will be ‘America’s Toughest Sheriff” Joe Arpaio. The Annual Family Picnic will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2011 from 3pm-6:30pm, at the Kendall County Fairgrounds in Yorkville, Illinois. Persons interested in attending should contact the KCRCC at familypicnic@kendallgop.com or go to www.kendallgop.com to purchase tickets.

Women in Red launches in Ottawa

OTTAWA, IL --  The first Women in Red event was held Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Jeremiah Joe’s in Ottawa, Illinois.  LaSalle County Republican Women (LCRW) deemed it a success.  Women in attendance learned about the LCRW, met Senator Sue Rezin, were asked to consider running for a political office, and were introduced to the Illinois Lincoln Excellence in Public Service series.

Senator Sue Rezin, the guest of honor, met with attendees and listened to their issues.  Speaking to the group, she reviewed her experience in the Lincoln series and her campaign.  After reviewing the current legislative activities of the Senate, she opened the floor for questions.

Health care reform expert to visit Northern IL Tea Party Thursday night

ROCKTON - The 6:30 June 23rd meeting of Northern IL Tea Party will feature Dr. Arie Friedman, who practices general pediatrics in Lake County, Illinois, and holds a faculty appointment in the Department of Pediatrics at Northwestern Medical School. Highly dedicated to responsible health care reform, Dr. Friedman has become a widely recognized expert and frequently requested speaker on the subjects of health care finance and reform.

Dold, Kinzinger urge Clinton to focus on Al Qaeda threat in Yemen

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Robert Dold (IL-10), along with Congressmen Mike Pompeo, Trent Franks, Adam Kinzinger, and Steve Southerland,  recently sent the following letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.  The letter urges the U.S. Department of State to focus on confronting the threat of Al Qaeda’s expansion in Yemen, and calls for the State Department to provide Congress with their strategic plan for Yemen.  Yemen, a hotbed of terrorist activity and also a nation of strategic interest for the United States, has been hovering on the brink of civil war in recent weeks and is in danger of becoming a failed state.  With this letter, Congressman Dold and his colleagues seek greater clarity on the U.S. strategy to maintain security in Yemen.

FULL TEXT OF LETTER, BELOW:

KInzinger responds to President's comments on war in Afghanistan

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11), a pilot in the Air National Guard, issued the following statement on the President's announced plans in Afghanistan:

"Last month during my trip to Afghanistan, I spoke with generals on the ground who believe we are winning and have turned the corner. The wrong thing to do at this stage would be to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, which will happen if the number of troops withdrawn exceeds the recommendations of our generals. Decisions regarding troop withdrawals must be determined by conditions on the ground, not political timelines.

"Stability in Afghanistan remains a top priority in the interest of our national security. History will judge us by the decisions we made to ensure the safety of our men and women overseas and of our country during this critical time. Our mission must be about the long-term safety of our nation, not the next election – this is something we cannot lose sight of.”

Walsh listed among Heritage Action's Magnificent 11

Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh is the only member of the Illinois delegation that's listed among Heritage Action for America Fund's "Magnificent 11."

 
Announcing the Magnificent 11.

Video: Medicare Trustees admit Democrat plan would cuts Medicare 17%

McCarter reveals "real pig" at State Capitol

SPRINGFIELD - Called back to the Capitol to discuss capital bill changes, a frustrated State Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Highland) revealed the "real budget pig" to the General Assembly and offered the roasted pig for lunch on the Capitol's first floor Wednesday. @NicolejWilson reports McCarter told press "Government is on a feeding frenzy consuming taxpayer dollars." Photo circulating Twitter with GOP Senators McCarter, McCann and Pankau:

Chicago Police instructed on dealing with transgenders

CHICAGO - With Illinois' Human Rights Act including "sexual orientation" as a protected classification, there's some clarifications law enforcement is being updated on, particularly about transgender individuals. 

The Chicago Police Department produced the following information video in 2008 with specific instructions on how to arrest women dressed like men and vice-versa; females changing their identification to be male and vice-versa, and other potentially confusing situations. 

T-shirt sales indicate Palin vs Obama in 2012

If T-shirt and presidential product sales predict the future in American politics, 2012 will be a Palin vs. Obama race. CafePress writes:

The people have spoken and they want to see a Sarah Palin vs. Barack Obama showdown in the 2012 election. Although Palin’s Republican peers Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann, and now Jon Huntsman have officially declared their candidacy, the American public is throwing their support behind “Mama Grizzly” for the 2012 Election – on T-shirts that is.

Chicago to host NATO summit

According to the Chicago Tribune, President Obama will announce this evening that world leaders will gather in Chicago next spring to discuss the future of the war in Afghanistan.

The summit, to be held between May 15 and 22 of next year, will coincide with a meeting of the Group of Eight industrialized nations as they convene to focus on global economic issues.

via www.chicagobreakingnews.com

Chicago Teachers protest postponed pay hike

CHICAGO - Unhappy about Mayor Rahm Emanuel's plan to cut Chicago Teachers' across the board 4 percent pay raise, there's a protest outside the Chicago Board of Education this morning.

 

A jaded Illinois conservative reviews "The Undefeated"

by Fran Eaton

Last weekend, Stephen K. Bannon's film about former Governor Sarah Palin was screened at the Right Online Conference in Minneapolis. 

Here's what a jaded Illinois conservatives thinks about "The Undefeated" Palin documentary to be released July 15th ... but not yet in Illinois in today's Southtown Star.

Questions remain about Palin's entry into presidential race

Scott Conroy of Politico writes that Sarah Palin's bus tour has been paused while she and her family return to Alaska.  Speculation continues as to whether the former governor will enter the 2012 presidential race.  Some continue to say yes, she'll get in, others say no, it won't happen.

2012 Budget hikes spending; deepens Illinois debt

SPRINGFIELD - Tuesday, Illinois Policy Institute's Collin Hitt explained to Capitol reporters that the Democrats' 2012 accepted budget gets Illinois further into financial chaos as debt mounts, spending increases and the state's unemployment figures indicate an uncertain financial future. 

Urgent questions arise about the effects of abortion

CHICAGO - After last week's shocking revelation in the Chicago Tribune as to 4000 unreported complications women suffered following abortions in 2009, we learn that the shoddy statistics gathering on post-abortive health hazards is not only a problem in Illinois, but a national disgrace. 

Illinois Review family celebrates and mourns

So symbolic of the extremes life offers, this morning we celebrate with one member of the Illinois Review family and mourn with another.

Huntsman joins 2012 GOP presidential bid

Watch live streaming video from jon2012 at livestream.com

American Majority trains activists in Oak Lawn Saturday

OAK LAWN - American Majority along with the Chicago Tea Party will conduct a Grassroots / Activist training that will provide citizens with the tools necessary to win elections and implement limited government and free market principles. The training will take place on Saturday, June 25 at the Johnson – Phelps VFW Post 5220 (9514 S 52^nd Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453) from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Registration begins at 9:30 am.

The GOP 2008 "Do Over"

by Teri O'Brien

When we were kids playing softball, sometimes we’d allow a friend a “do over,” a second chance to try to hit the ball in fair territory, or otherwise undo the results of a bad concept or bad execution.

ILGOP Chair comments on Biden fundraising trip to Chicago

CHICAGO, IL - Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady issued the following statement regarding Vice President Joe Biden’s political fundraiser in Chicago today:

RNHA Leaders Express Support for RNHA IL

from RNHA-Illinois

To the Chair of the RNHA:

We the undersigned are writing to express our support for the Illinois chapter of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly. Having read the decision to dismiss the appeal of the RNHA IL state convention, and the endorsement of the Chairmanship of Rafael Rivadeneira, we believe that the decision to decertify the Illinois RNHA will not be in the best interest of our organization as we move forward into 2012.

We must not provide our political opponents, or those in the mainstream liberal media, material to use against the RNHA or the Republican Party in an attempt to unduly influence the Hispanic community and the electorate at large. Now is the time to come together with nothing but open hearts and a firm commitment for the task that lies before us, replacing President Obama and winning elections in 2012. For the good of our organization, for the good of the Republican Party, and for the mission we have next year, let us not be divided, but move forward – together.

Truly,

(list of signers below)

VIDEO: Health Care Compact offers free market alternative to Obamacare

Publius Forum's Warner Todd Huston does a first-hand interview at Right Online 2011 with Sam Adams Alliance's  Eric O'Keefe, who's working on the Health Care Compact, a free market alternative to Obamacare ...

Tribune exposes Illinois' bloated bureaucracy

According to the Tribune, "Illinois has the most units of government in the nation, and the Tribune acquired and combed through a list of each one — nearly 8,500 by the state comptroller's count, from well-known townships to obscure drainage districts."

For example, "Orland Hills has a library board, but no library. Norwood Park has a paid three-member board with the sole job of overseeing 40 streetlights. And a southern Illinois tuberculosis board has amassed more than $200,000 yet it treats only one patient every two to three years, the Massac County Board chairman said."

No one knows how much all this redundant Illinois government costs, but experts who have studied Illinois bloated bureaucracy say the price tag is astronomical.

More HERE

Weis paid $76,000 for unused vacation days

It pays to "not" take a vacation in Chicago, especially if there's an administration change in the future.  Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis walked away with a $76,000 lump sum for unused vacation days after three years on the job. But Weis' sweet deal wasn't the only one.

Through a Freedom of Information Act request, the Sun-Times determined those payouts are among $7.4 million for 1,026 city employees who were paid for their unused vacation days during the transition from the administration of Mayor Richard M. Daley to that of Emanuel.

Besides Weis, the highest of those payments went to Chicago Fire Department brass who left the department between September of last year, when Mayor Daley announced his retirement, and the present month.

More HERE.

"None of your business" where Christie's kids attend school

Is where a governor's children attend school voters' business?  New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says it's not.  Check out Christie's blunt reply to a question about where he sends his kids to school ...

Biden at Chicago's Navy Pier Tuesday

Vice President Joe Biden will be at Chicago's Navy Pier Tuesday, fundraising, and getting the White House gang back together with Obama campaign chief David Axelrod, perhaps even former White House chief of staff, now Mayor Rahm Emanuel:

He'll host a Navy Pier fundraiser before attending an event on behalf of an epilepsy foundation headed by the wife of former White House political guru David Axelrod.

Biden is hosting a closed-press reception costing donors $5,000 to $10,000 for the Obama Victory Fund, with top donors attending a VIP pre-reception and getting a photo with the vice president. The event is at Riva Crab House on Navy Pier.

Obama wants big 2012 campaign map, GOP wants small

by Charles Babington

Republicans hope voters' fears about jobs and the economy will help them reclaim a handful of Mountain West and Southern states that were crucial to Barack Obama's 2008 presidential win.

Obama's campaign appears just as determined to hold those states next year and force Republicans to spend precious resources defending places they'd like to consider safe.

Every four years, political operatives fixate on the dozen or so states that always decide close presidential elections.

Stop the ObamaCare Approach to Patent Reform

from Eagle Forum

Congress is scheduled to consider H.R. 1249, the so-called "America Invents Act" as early as this Wednesday. This is an unconstitutional bill that will kill jobs and innovation and poses a threat to American security.

This is the first time since the new, largely conservative Congress was sworn in, that Members of Congress have expressed concerns about the Constitutionality of a proposed piece of legislation. More than 50 Members of Congress sent this letter to the House Rules Committee asking for a hearing on the bill's Constitutionality.

This bill is not getting much attention, because certain Congressmen want to reward big corporate interests in their districts by slipping the bill through quickly before other Representatives and the American people have a chance to discover how bad it is. Just like ObamaCare was, this bill is being fast-tracked, pieced together through back room deals and compromises behind closed doors.
All this is being done in an effort to “harmonize” with the rest of the world. Why on earth would we want to harmonize with Asian and European countries that don’t protect intellectual property rights? Other countries should be harmonizing with us to improve their systems!

IL Democrats and Republicans serve on Gutierrez' amnesty-focused PAC board

Immigration PAC is a national bi-partisan effort with a mission statement as follows:

To promote national immigration reform that is both ethical and rational by electing candidates for federal office that support comprehensive reform.

ImmigrationPAC believes the United States is a sovereign nation and we must secure our borders. However, “enforcement only” legislation is impractical in solving our countries broken immigration system. Real reform must be comprehensive and include an “earned pathway” to citizenship for the millions of undocumented that wish to become citizens, but have broken no other laws.

In other words, Immigration PAC supports a way for those who've entered the United States without proper documentation to be forgiven and allowed to become citizens.  Congressman Luis Gutierrez (IL-4) is wrapping up a nationwide tour in which he demanded President Obama use his executive powers to overrule current immigration law enforcement.

Million dollar movie dresses

HOLLYWOOD - Don't despair if you need extra cash.  The Great Gatsby types in Hollywood's elitist environment are willing to pay fortunes for just the right piece of clothing with just the right history in the making -- all as an investment.

So what's hanging in your closet that may be worth $4.6 million?  Actress Debbie Reynolds' closet raked in millions this past Saturday when she sold Audrey Hepburn's "My Fair Lady" ensemble and Marilyn Monroe's subway dress that sold for $4.6 million:

Illinois Republican National Hispanic Committee appeals

The Illinois Chapter of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly filed an appeal to keep the RNHA's status as an accepted state chapter:

Dear Ms. Maldonado & Mr. DeV. Bunn:

Please be advised that I represent the Illinois Chapter of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly (RNHAIL). At approximately 4:00p.m. on Friday, June 10, 2011, Rafael Rivadeneira, received your certified letter dated June 3, 2011, informing him of your Mandate/decision (“Mandate”) regarding the appeal filed by Steven Orlando (“Orlando”), et.al. to which he subsequently responded. On behalf of the RNHAIL I am filing a limited appeal of the Mandate.

RNHAIL responds to each of the rulings in your Mandate as follows:

NBC apologizes for omitting "under God" from U.S. Open pledge

NBC issued an apology after twice skipping two words in the Pledge of Allegiance -- "under God" -- in the intro to last weekend's coverage of the U.S. Open held in DC's Congressional Country Club:

Texas Tells Feds: Shove Your Light Bulb Ban

State lawmakers have passed a bill that allows Texans to skirt federal efforts to promote more efficient light bulbs, which ultimately pushes the swirled, compact fluorescent bulbs over the 100-watt incandescent bulbs many grew up with.

The measure, sent to Gov. Rick Perry for consideration, lets any incandescent light bulb manufactured in Texas - and sold in that state - avoid the authority of the federal government or the repeal of the 2007 energy independence act that starts phasing out some incandescent light bulbs next year.

Friedmans host U.S. Rep. Tom Price

by Nancy J. Thorner

Physicians, Conservatives and Pro-Israel activists gathered this past Thursday evening at the Highland Park home of Dr. and Mrs. Arie Friedman to meet Congressman Tom Price (R-GA). The more than sixty guests in attendance began the evening waiting for the doctor from the Peach state whose flight from Washington D.C. was delayed over two hours due to computer malfunctions with United Airlines.

The delay provided time for me to speak with Paul Miller, President of the political and media consulting firm Pauliegroup LLC.  Miller, who served as Friedman’s campaign manager during his 2010 bid for congress from the 10th District, organized the evening’s event. He spoke of a new political action committee recently formed by Dr. Friedman:  Doctors-Patients Alliance of Illinois (www.docsandpatients.org).  Its purpose is to “give doctors and patients a voice in Springfield by developing a grassroots network of doctors and patients to help educate lawmakers, candidates and voters of the impact of government-controlled medicine.” 

Study: Wrongful convictions cost taxpayers $214M

A new investigation has found that the wrongful convictions of 85 people have cost Illinois taxpayers $214 million.

The seven-month investigation by the Chicago-based Better Government Association and the Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern University's law school found the bulk of the cost -- $156 million -- was settlements and judgments paid to those exonerated.

"While the BGA/CWC study revealed that almost all of the wrongful convictions were caused by multiple factors, the cause most commonly alleged was government error and misconduct by police, prosecutors, and forensic officials," the groups said in a report published on the BGA website.

via www.chicagotribune.com

VIDEO: Jones blasts Fox News; challenges Glenn Beck to debate

The Lefties' Netroots Nation met in Minneapolis at the Hilton Minneapolis Convention Center, just across the street from Americans for Prosperity's Right Online 2011.  One of Netroots' featured speakers was the Obama Administration's former Green Jobs czar Van Jones.  Saying he's "had all he can take," and challenged Fox News commentator Glenn Beck to a debate over movement values before Beck closes out his daily cable tv program this week.

Google favors Obama in new ad platform

from Heartland Institute

The connections between the Obama administration and Google are both far-ranging and well documented by a number of media sources. (Here’s an example. And here. And here. And here.) The latest example of the cozy relationship between the two is sure to raise more than a few eyebrows.

When a National Republican Senatorial Committee staffer noticed that Real Clear Politics was running Obama campaign ads on a new Google advertising platform, she got in touch with Google to see if they could also use the platform.

The new platform would be a boon to campaigns, which allows advertisers to be charged every time Google collects an email address based on that ad — a highly valuable piece of information in the digital campaign age.

Only problem is, it appears the Obama Administration may be getting privileged access, the Heartland Institute reports.  A pre-beta version has been made available to a few select clients, like, maybe, the Obama campaign. 

In-kind contribution?  What's the value?  Is this "fair"? 

VIDEO: Michelle Malkin hit at Right Online 2011

Moreno: Mayoral aide made threats before Choi hearing

Chicago Ald. “Proco” Joe Moreno (1st) disclosed Friday that a top mayoral aide threatened to permanently cut off his access to Mayor Rahm Emanuel if he dared to question the appointment of the mayor’s new hiring chief.

Moreno said the threat was made by Matt Hynes, director of the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, minutes before a June 7 confirmation hearing for Deputy Inspector General Soo Choi.

That’s where Moreno demanded that Choi’s nomination be withdrawn for contributing $4,800 to former Inspector General David Hoffman’s failed 2010 campaign for the U.S. Senate, making loans to Hoffman’s campaign and by hosting a campaign event for Hoffman at her home in violation of the ordinance authorizing the inspector general’s office.

Hynes is a former Emanuel campaign operative who is the brother of former state Comptroller Dan Hynes and the son of former Cook County Assessor Tom Hynes.

via southtownstar.suntimes.com

Don't Let Mike Madigan Divide Us

by Ghost of John Brown

Julius Caesar Madigan has given Republicans fits this year. Most of the popular wisdom and the chronicling of the redistricting process has been to pick up more seats in both Congress and the General Assembly for the Madiganites. While this is true, I for one think that Julius Caesar Madigan isn't that simple of a man. A friend of mine is fond of saying that while most people play political chess, Madigan plays it in three-dimensions. I think he is right.

Personally, I think the real damage that Emperor Madigan is aiming for is to pit Republicans against each other.