illinoisreview

Happy Birthday Illinois

By Mark Rhoads

Today is Statehood Day. Illinois officially joined the Union on this day 189 years ago in 1818. Why is that a big deal? Because even in our worst days when economic troubles and political corruption have made us all discouraged about what Illinois is compared to what we would like it to be, we still take for granted so many freedoms and opportunities that we should be grateful for and that have been so rare in other parts of the world.

If you take freedom for granted, just think about what almost happened in Venezuela last night and how freedom still hangs by a thread there.  Only a year after he won reelectiion with 63 percent of the vote, the socialist president Hugo Chavez asked for virtual dictatorial powers and the voters courageously said no in such a convincing way that even he has to say he will abide by the outcome.  Whether he does or not, we will see.  Illinoisans can fret all day about misguided policies on schools, taxes, the RTA, health care, roads, you name it.  But we have managed to stay free.  No one ever even tried to overstay an elected term as governor by placing tanks in the streets of Springfield or any other state capital.  Statehood Day is a chance to be grateful for the freedom our country and state continue to enjoy 232 years after militia from towns in Massachusetts first resisted the King's troops at Lexington Green. That fact alone is a reason to offer prayers of thanksgiving.

IR Editor: Thanks so much!

Thanks to each of our participants tonight -- you guys really made the debate lively and interesting.  Thanks to Eric Wallace, Bob Schlereth, Jon Zahm, Charlie Johnston, Brady Alder for your excellent participation and input. 

Can't wait to hear more from each of you in the days ahead. . .

Thanks so much!

Who won the debate?  Romney, Huckabee, McCain, Tancredo, Paul, Giuliani, Hunter?

CNN/YouTube Debate Review

If you missed tonight's GOP CNN Debate, don't fret -- you get another chance to see the YouTube questions asked of the candidates here.

Here's the opening YouTube submission:

We had representatives from several candidates' campaigns participate in online comments and questions . . . check them out here.

Mike Huckabee Wins

Very strong performance for Huckabee. Engaging, confident, sincere. No trip-ups. I'm not as big an advocate for the Space program, but he gave it a good defense. Clear winner.

Mitt Romney

Overview:

The Romney/Giuliani immigration debate was fairly big.  I think Rudy loses big on this issue, because people are smart enough to see through the personal insults and look at the facts.

I'm with Fred

It was a good debate. I liked the back and forth amongst the candidates. It was interesting.

Giuliani

My sum-up...not on who won, but on how each impressed me:

Winners:

Rudy Giuliani: He reminded me of why I support him. He is authentic and will take the heat on what you don't agree with him on rather than trying to trim his sails. I disagree with him on some important things and agree on some other important things. I admire his record of accomplishment in New York both before and after 9-11. That I can trust what he says when I don't like it suggests to me I will be able to trust what he says when I do like it. He's authentic, warts and all.

Ron Paul

Ron Paul is polling ahead of Fred Thompson and Huckabee in New Hampshire. It is curious to me why he has gotten less than four mintues of airtime.

Bob Schlereth

Vote Huckabee

Good strong answer on gays in the military by Huckabee and Hunter.

McCain just put the issue to rest. He is having a good night.

CNN's bias came out with this whole episode.

Jon Zahm

Giuliani

Ooooo...I hate Duncan Hunter's response to the gay question. Huckabee got close to it. Romney is closest of all so far in figuring out the key issue - our military is there to win wars. Enough social experimentation, already.