Illinois Review

Comprehensive Immigration Reform: From Euphemisms and Buzzwords to Genuine Progress

By John F. Di Leo - 

There aren’t many things that this nation of immigrants agrees on, but there is one: that our immigration system is broken.  Not just mildly in need of correction, but terribly, destructively and counterproductively errant.

Americans are horrified that there are tens of millions of noncitizens in the United States, without permission, while others are horrified that those millions aren’t granted the same full legal status that citizens enjoy.

The severity of the problem is such that an effort is afoot for what its supporters call “comprehensive immigration reform,” and its supporters have the mainstream media so deep in their pocket that even the naive conservative firebrand Marco Rubio has been convinced to risk his political career in support of the current proposal. 

The Minimum Wage: A Maximum Distortion of the American Way

By John F. Di Leo - 

Hundreds of hourly employees of fast food restaurants and clothing shops, radicalized by the Workers Organizing Committee of Chicago, walked off the job last week, to protest the fact that the minimum wage isn’t a “living wage,” to encourage further unionization, and especially, to do their day’s service to the Democratic Party that keeps them in bondage.

This periodic saber-rattling of the American Left – about the alleged “need” to force other people to pay employees more than they think a job is worth – masquerades as a show of solidarity with the underpaid denizens of America’s lower class.  But it’s malicious and destructive, as it warps the public understanding of the market, and it undermines a desperately-needed understanding of the right paths needed to reach the American Dream.

Our Brothers' Keeper File: Rev. Wright's Daughter Indicted for Money Laundering

By Teri O'Brien - 

How perfect is this one? From the Chicago Tribune:

The daughter of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright — the controversial former pastor to President Barack Obama — was indicted today in an expanding federal probe of a state grant tied to a former suburban police chief.

Jeri Wright of Hazel Crest is accused of helping former Country Club Hills Police Chief Regina Evans convert fake paychecks from Evans’ nonprofit to Evans’ personal use, allegedly hiding money that was supposed to be used to train minority and female workers in the building trades.

More Liberal Lies, Hypocrisy and Outright Stupidity from the Left

By Teri O'Brien -

Be it the budget, immigration, so-called “same sex marriage” or our 2nd amendment rights, we are surrounded by lies, hypocrisy and stupidity. We watch so you don’t have to, and we’ll unpack it all on today’s edition of The Teri O’Brien Show.

Today, the country waits breathlessly for an event that has been anticipated for months, and whose time has finally arrived. No, not the sixth season of “Mad Men,” which will premiere tonight on AMC. I refer, instead to the planned release of Barack Obama’s aka “Mr. Financial Responsibility” budget this coming Wednesday, two months late, no doubt repeating a pattern that the One learned as a coddled, affirmative-action assisted, mediocre student. If we were able to see any of Barry’s college writing, which we aren’t because that stuff is locked down tighter than the plot of tonight’s “Mad Men” episode, we’d no doubt see that these papers presented a vapid regurgitation of his Marxist professors clichè-ridden lectures, devoid of original ideas and designed so that he could just turn something in. This budget charade is similar. It’s not going anywhere, and he knows it. I hope you’re sitting down as I reveal a stunning truth. This budget is just more politics as usual from the Obama perpetual campaign.

Obama "Recovery?" Lowest Labor Participation Since Jimmy Carter

By Teri O'Brien - 

If you didn't understand this critical fact before, understand it now because Barack Obama and his PR flacks do understand it very very well. Their low-information supporters are so completely ignorant about serious public policy matters that they are incapable of understanding the destruction he is inflicting on this country.

How else to explain the ridiculous spectacle of a man who once derided his predecessor as "unpatriotic" for adding $4 trillion to the national debt over 8 years, and who then preceded to add $5 trillion in less than 39 months, a man who pledged to "cut the deficit in half by the end of [his] first term in office," issuing proclamations about financial responsibility? Anyone with the slightest grasp of the facts could have only one of three reactions to that charade; specifically, either open-mouthed shock, uncontrollable laughter, or both.

Today's job report makes painfully clear that Mr. Financial Responsibility's constant repetition of the fairy tale that our economy is "recovering" is another cruel joke, sort of like those "shovel ready jobs that weren't so shovel ready.

Former Congressman Joe Walsh today on the Teri O'Brien Show

By Teri O'Brien -

Say what you want about former Congressman Joe Walsh, but you can’t say that he pulls his punches. He will join us, and I’m sure that he won’t mince words as we talk about his new Freedom Movement, and his comments at Sunday’s townhall meeting. Once again, he’s in a center of a controversy of his own making, due to remarks he made at that event, in which he stated that Americans “have grown stupid,” and are “lazy,” and “easily manipulated.” Is he right? If so, what does he suggest that we do about it?

Barack Obama and the Zone of Misguided Promises

By John F. Di Leo - 

On a winter day in 2013, Barack Obama flew home to Chicago and tried to channel Jack Kemp.

As the Democratic Party and the Main Stream Media do his bidding, focusing their coverage on the “gun violence” of America’s cities, Obama attempts to ride this manufactured PR wave with a new political issue as his snowboard, the establishment of Promise Zones.

The idea is to take the worst neighborhoods – the cities most in need of help – and revive them with a public-private partnership of new businesses and more – much more – government assistance. The plan is to use government largesse to drive mini-recoveries in the cities, providing tax credits for new businesses to move in, and more federally funded pre-K schooling, mandated increases in the minimum wage, and focused job training for the jobs he dreams might someday appear in their midst. Surely such a program will save these troubled neighborhoods, right?

Surely these gang recruiters wouldn’t have been successful in attracting children to their gang lifestyle of drugs and luxury cars, gold jewelry and cool clothes, if only the kids had been introduced to “See Spot Run” and “Meet Dick and Jane” at four instead of at five. That year of pre-school simply must make all the difference…

Larry Pratt of Gun Owners of America Reacts to Obama's Skeet Shooting Scam

By Teri O'Brien - 

With the Middle East in flames, al Qaeda on the march, and many unanswered questions about the murder of 4 Americans in Benghazi, liberal icon/practiced liar Hillary Rodham Clinton not only managed to avoid the inevitable vicious attacks from the vast right-wing conspiracy as she left office as Secretary of State. Her exit path was strewn with flowers, as even Republican senators slobbered all over her and praised her to the skies for the terrific job she has done. Apparently frequent flyer miles count for a lot, since many of us are having a hard time identifying any other achievement for the former New York senator and serial adultery victim.

Meanwhile, the Obama administration continues to entertain and disturb us with unintentional comedy, not only the pathetic performance of Sec. Of Defense nominee Chuck Hagel in his Senate hearing last week. They are also attempting to do anything to distract us from our limping economy. Sayeth the Dear Reader: Pay no attention to those anemic job numbers, Subjects. Behold what I am doing for the children with gun control and amnesty for illegals! 

Phoning it In: Obama Issues Identical Jobs Reports Statement 5 Months in a Row

By Teri O'Brien -

Seriously? You guys can't even write something original about the monthly jobs numbers? Even we bloggers manage to scribble something different when commenting on different stories. But wait, this isn't a different story, is it? It's the same story of economic stagnation, month after month after miserable month in Obama's economy where this is--to use another annoying threadbare LSM clichè--the "new normal." From today's Washington Post, the Regime's comment on the anemic jobs report issued today: 

“While more work remains to be done, today’s employment report provides further evidence that the U.S. economy is continuing to heal from the wounds inflicted by the worst downturn since the Great Depression,” said Alan Krueger, the chief White House economist, in a statement Friday morning.

Gee, that sounds familiar …Oh wait, I know why. From the White House, after the release of November, 2012 job numbers:

Mr. Hoffa's Very Short Memory

By Mark Rhoads -

On Tuesday, Dec. 11, Teamster's president James Hoffa, Jr. blasted the state legislature of Michigan for passing a right-to-work law. Amazingly, Hoffa then told CNN reporter Brooke Baldwin. "If there's any question here, let's put it on the ballot and let the people of Michigan decide what's good for Michigan."

Say what?  Only six weeks ago Hoffa just lost a vote of the people of Michigan on Nov. 8 when they rejected his state constitutional amendment to prevent the right-to-work law. The people rejected Proposal Two by a vote of 42 percent in favor to 58 percent against!

Are Unions Really Anti-Worker?

By Mark Rhoads - 

Over the last century, there are many good things to say about the individual men and women who dedicated their lives to helping improve wages, benefits, and conditions for workers through the American trade union movement.  But the culture of Union coercion and anti-worker freedom is not one of them.  The real problem in recent years has never been about workers or unfair labor practices by greedy employers.  The central problem is that too many older union leaders are trapped in supersitions from the year 1935 and the year now is almost 2013.

Who Wants a Tax Increase?

By Teri O'Brien -

Ever the demagogue, Barack Obama crisscrosses the country, continuing to campaign, despite winning last month’s presidential election. Polls show that 60% of Americans support raising taxes on “the rich,” and he’s determined to keep stoking the fires of class envy to maintain the political advantage that he sees awaiting him after we “plunge” off the “fiscal cliff.” By doing so, he’s hoping to start off his second term making it clear that that’s “not going to play that game that I will play,” the “game” being abiding by the Constitution and allowing Congress to control the debt ceiling. Predictably, here we have the breathtaking arrogance and lawlessness that he demonstrated in his first term, now on steroids. Yet, one prominent, even legendary, member of the Jurassic media says that if there is a recession, Barack Obama will own it. Who is he, and is he right?

Thanksgiving in Action with Congressman Schock

From Congressman Aaron Schock's Facebook Page on Thanksgiving Day - 

Delivered meals to 17 households today working with South Side Mission in Peoria, IL. 2,500 total meals delivered because of the community support and volunteers. An awesome organization and proud to play a small effort in their impact today. Photos below are from friends I met today. I was glad they still wanted to see their Congressman...after a brutal election season! Wishing everyone a blessed Thanksgiving. Giving to others is the best way to be thankful for what we've got. Regardless of your views on the election - we still live in the best country on earth!

Hostess to file for Chapter 11 Wednesday

CHICAGO - While there are hopes the Hostess brand products will make their way back to stores shelves in the future, after the company goes to court Wednesday to file Chapter 11, it's clear another company will need to step in and buy up the recipes for Twinkies and Ding-Dongs to ever reappear.

The company's second union refused to take all the company would offer Tuesday, causing 1380 Illinoisans to lose their jobs of over 13,000 jobs lost nationwide.  What caused the collapse of baby boomers' childhood favs?  Associated Press writes:

Church group warns: Gov Quinn ready to fold at gaming table

SPRINGFIELD - For years, a Methodist-based group of Illinois churches has been fighting a courageous uphill battle against the expansion of gambling. Their last hope of this biggest expansion brining more casinos was Governor Pat Quinn.  Now it seems the Governor is ready to give in to high dollar gaming interests and the strong Democratic leadership pushing for their campaign dollar interests in a state already wrought with corruption and deceit. 

ILCAAAP released an alert Tuesday about the upcoming veto and lame duck sessions and yet another social issue upon which Illinois will be choosing the dark side:

Gambling interests and Legislative sponsors have been pressuring the governor to “flip flop” and cut a “backroom deal” on gambling during the upcoming legislative Veto Session.  Rep. Lou Lang, House sponsor of the massive gambling expansion bill SB 1849, is hoping for an agreement with the governor.  If not, he might attempt an override of the veto when legislators are in session on November 27-29 and December 4-6.

Standing for religious freedom in the field of medicine (video)

Twelve New Jersey nurses declared they would not participate in ending the lives of innocent babies, and faced job termination because of it. They won their case and stand for religious freedom in their university hospital today.

This video produced by the Alliance Defending Freedom shows a dramatic irony in our confused culture: How can it be so terrible to insist on protecting innocent human life and be so exemplary to resist the capital punishment of convicted criminals?

Civic Committee deems Illinois' pension mess "unfixable"

CHICAGO - Earlier this week, the Civic Committee wrote a letter to Commercial Club members about how disappointed they are that Illinois' voters chose to keep the same people in office that led to the state's $200 billion pension deficit. After sounding the alarm consistently about the coming financial disaster and being outright ignored by the voting public, the committee has determined the situation to be "unfixable."

Taking contributions from younger teachers amounts to "fraud," they told their members in the letter,  because those contributors will never have their money returned to them in promised pension benefits. 

The group offered three steps that needed to be taken when current lawmakers return to the post-election veto session: 

Civic Committee memo to members of the Commercial Club

Mitt Romney: Half-Right, But Still Clueless

By Teri O'Brien -

The denizens of the 24/7 nuthouse, which I watch so you don't have to, MS-NBC, and other fellow travelers in the Lame Stream Media, are feigning outrage over Mitt Romney's recent post-election statements, in which he blamed his campaign's failure to rescue our country from the clutches of the Chicago Mafia on the "gifts" the One has bestowed on his supporters.

As I told you here, there certainly were answers to Obama's argument "Vote for me! I'm giving you free stuff!" Mitt failed to make them because he is not a conservative. Unlike Ronald Reagan, who spent decades reading, writing, analyzing and honing his conservative message, a message he understood in his bones, Mitt tried to speak conservatism as a second language, which is why the obvious answers weren't there, and why he is left throwing up his hands saying "What am I supposed to do? I can't compete with free stuff!"

Wrong, but you need to articulate a clear message about free people, free markets, and prosperity, and why government dependency starts out as a cozy, comfy little hideaway from cold, cruel reality, and ends up being an inescapable prison.

Enviros win Carbondale resolution to stop natural gas fracking

Environmentalist groups are organizing against Illinois initiating horizontal fracking to extract the state's plentiful natural gas resources. City by city, town by town, the radical Leftist groups that have also been successful in shutting down Illinois coal mines and other natural resource mining are now targeting to stop yet another economic boon in Illinois. A press release from Environment Illinois indicates the Carbondale City Council joined onto their anti-fracking efforts this week:

Carbondale, IL - In a unanimous decision, the Carbondale City Council passed a resolution calling on the Illinois General Assembly to “enact a moratorium on high volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing until such time as the health and environmental concerns of the people of Illinois are addressed.: In this decision, Carbondale joins the Illinois towns of Carlyle, Anna and Alto Pass and Union and Jackson Counties in taking action supporting a moratorium, becoming the largest city yet to do so.

Jones directs Illinois lottery, and sees the world

By John Ruberry -

A short while ago, we showed you how Illinois Lottery Director Mike Jones stuck his nose in Indiana’s private lottery procurement process, unsuccessfully criticizing Illinois’ successes in that regard, potentially because he lost a bid for Illinois' lottery contract himself. During his anti-Illinois lottery campaign, Jones made two trips to Indianapolis - one in October 2011 and another in March 2012. We question the value of such trips for Illinois taxpayers. Indeed, upon close examination of roughly a year’s worth of Jones’ travel vouchers, we have even more questions.

It’s no secret that Illinois is broke. As lawmakers in Springfield do what they please, Illinois taxpayers are shouldering the burden. In just a few short years, our property taxes and income taxes have skyrocketed, and businesses (and people) have left the state in droves as doing business in Illinois becomes more expensive by the day. Although Illinois families struggle to put food on the table, Springfield bureaucrats and politicians wine and dine themselves. And Mike Jones appears to be no exception.