School safety or racial quotas? Roger Clegg and Hans von Spakovsky write in support of withdrawing the Obama administration’s “Dear Colleague” letter on school discipline:
Threatening lawsuits if the administrators didn’t comply with the “guidance,” the 2014 letter coerced many school systems into adopting illegal racial quotas in their disciplinary decision-making. [...]
Free speech at the polls! This week, the Supreme Court struck down a Minnesota law barring the wearing of political badges, buttons, or other political insignia in polling places. The Pacific Legal Foundation argued for the plaintiffs in Minnesota Voters Alliance v. Mansky. PLF’s Debra La Fetra explains the court’s reasoning:
Continue reading "U.S. Supreme Court ruling protects political self-expression" »
To: Illinois Review Readers
From: Illinois Review editorial board
Since CNBC's Chris Matthews declared a couple of weeks ago that "Republicans are told [to] ‘read the Wall Street Journal, play golf, and talk about pro sports.' The men especially are all programmed a certain way. They don't have too many outliers, Republicans. They all behave basically the same, right?", we're breaking our regular format to share U.S. Open standings.
We at Illinois Review seem to owe our readers, who for the most part are conservatives, Republicans and energetic Trump supporters, an apology. We weren't as sensitive as we should have been to what you're really interested in ... the WSJ, golf and pro sports. We've mistakenly been focused all this time on serious conservative issues and Illinois' corrupt politics.
By Nancy Thorner & Ed Ingold -
It’s all coming together with the release Thursday of the Inspector's General Report on the Clinton investigation, A Review of Various Actions by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department Justice in Advance of the 2016 Election. Read it for yourself here.
Among other things, it confirms that there is a political wing in the FBI which feels it has the right to act as kingmaker in national elections. From other reports, similar functions exist in the DOJ, the CIA and NSA. If this sounds familiar, look back at the old Soviet Union, which took political action to extreme in the KGB (internal security) and GRU (foreign intelligence), and to a great extent, their current versions under Putin.
Continue reading "Thorner/Ingold: Inspector General report reveals scary times for Liberty" »
NORMAL - State Senator Sam McCann of downstate Benton told WEEK.com he's establishing Illinois' first Conservative Party with his bid to run for governor. McCann says he expects to gather the needed number of petition signatures to be on the November 2018 ballot alongside the Republican Party's candidate Governor Bruce Rauner and Democrat challenger J.B. Pritzker.
McCann, who was elected to the Illinois legislature as a Republican, says Governor Rauner bought up the IL GOP in a "fire sale." He went on to say while he doesn't approve of President Trump's tweeting or some of his comments, he approves of the direction Trump is taking the nation.
Will conservatives in Illinois choose to support McCann over Rauner?
By John F. Di Leo -
On June 15, 1215 A.D., King John of England affixed his seal to the Magna Carta, and the world was changed.
While England was not yet the dominant power on the world scene that it was to become, England was already a typical major monarchy, and its monarchy behaved as monarchies always had. The king might not choose to be a tyrant – might not choose to exert his will upon his people in every way, all the time – but he reserved the theoretical right to do so. It was just what “being a king” meant.
There was certainly a history of freedom in the world, even by that time. Ancient Rome had been forced to publish the Twelve Tables over a millennium and a half earlier; the Ancient Athenians and some other city-states had practiced versions of republics and democracies in ancient time as well. But if a nation had a king, well, that king generally considered his powers to be unlimited.
Until this day in 1215.
Continue reading "Di Leo: The Magna Carta and the Path to Freedom" »
CRYSTAL LAKE – If you're 21 years old, live in Illinois' 66th House District and want to be trained in conceal and carry, Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) is offering cost-free classes for the first 12 to reach out to him.
"As the right to keep and bear arms is necessary to the security of a free state and shall not be infringed, Representative Allen Skillicorn a strong supporter of the Second Amendment is sponsoring FREE Conceal and Carry Training," his announcement said. "This training will be available to twelve (12) people in the 66th District on a first come, first service basis."
Continue reading "Illinois State Rep offers free conceal and carry training for 12 constituents" »
Americans are fractured over the role of journalists, confused by terms like “op-ed,” and wary of the “watchdog” part of journalism, a new report suggests. Yet they’re also increasingly trustful of their favorite news outlets.
A report out Tuesday from the Media Insight Project, surveying 2,019 adult members of the American public and 1,127 American journalists, suggests a somewhat jumbled and confusing situation. It’s most enlightening when it drills down into how specific groups are thinking about the media in general and about their own favored news sources.
More HERE
CHICAGO - A brouhaha over the conservative organization Turning Point USA's leadership becoming so entwined with the Trump Administration has led to radio talk show host former Congressman Joe Walsh resigning from the group's advisory board.
"I've been on TPUSA's board of advisors from the very beginning. I've been a speaker from the very beginning," Walsh told Illinois Review Wednesday. "I love Charlie and I love the organization. The problem is it's a non-partisan, non-political organization that is all about the issues - limited government and free markets. TPUSA should never be tied to any politician, whether that politician is Donald Trump or Ronald Reagan."
Walsh and his wife Helene discussed their views publicly on Facebook earlier this week:
SPRINGFIELD - Because enough California voters signed onto a proposal that would create three separate states with California's current borders, what they're calling "Cal 3" will be on the General Election ballot for consideration in November.
"The California state government isn't too big to fail, because it is already failing its citizens in so many crucial ways," Citizens for Cal 3 campaign spokeswoman Peggy Grande said Tuesday. "The reality is that for an overmatched, overstretched and overwrought state-government structure, it is too big to succeed. Californians deserve a better future."
By Nancy Thorner -
The Heartland Institute, a conservative and libertarian public policy think tank founded in 1984, held its Third Annual Picnic for Freedom on Saturday June 2 to share some of its accomplishment of the past year and to celebrate what is yet to come in the years ahead.
The event marked nearly the one-year anniversary since Tim Huelskamp, Ph.D., took over the reins of The Heartland Institute as president from long-time president and CEO Joseph Bast, who co-founded Heartland in 1984. Bast served as executive director then as president & CEO until January 2018 and still acts as a Director and Senior Fellow at The Heartland Institute. Bast’s research and writing focus on climate change and energy policy these days.
Dr. Huelskamp, Joe & Diane Bast, Joe Walsh
Continue reading "Thorner: Heartland Institute celebrates first year with Huelskamp at the helm" »
By Jane M. Orient, M.D. -
Congress recently passed, and President Trump signed, the “Right to Try” bill that gives dying patients limited access to drugs that have not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Our Founders would be astonished that we need such a bill. Nowhere does the U.S. Constitution give the federal government the authority to regulate the practice of medicine. And it is a very good thing that federal intervention and standards didn’t begin in 1789.
Continue reading "Orient: Why Do We Need a Right-to-Try Bill in America?" »
DEERFIELD - A circuit court judge in Lake County, Illinois granted an injunction this week against the Chicago suburb of Deerfield, blocking the village from enforcing a ban on so-called “assault weapons.”
The village previously said those with prohibited "assault weapons" would need to remove them from municipal limits before June 13.
The Second Amendment Foundation, which joined the lawsuit with the Illinois State Rifle Association and Deerfield resident Daniel Easterday, declared the decision a "victory."
Continue reading "Judge blocks Deerfield assault weapon ban hours before taking effect" »
Most U.S. voters don’t think North Korea will get rid of its nuclear weapons program as a result of this week’s summit with Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump in Singapore, according to a new Morning Consult/Politico poll.
More HERE
WASHINGTON - President Trump has indicated he is considering pardoning imprisoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, and Monday Congressman Darin LaHood - a former Assistant United States Attorney with the US Department of Justice - led a letter opposing commutation with the support of every Illinois GOP caucus member.
The letter lays out the many public corruption crimes and the illegal activity committed by Blagojevich during his administration and the need to stand strong against pay-to-play politics in Illinois and across the country. Congressman LaHood and every Illinois Republican in Congress believe that pardoning such a clearly corrupt politician would set a dangerous precedent and send the wrong message regarding elected officials who violate the public trust.
The letter states:
Continue reading "Congressman LaHood leads opposition to Blagojevich pardon" »
CHICAGO - Monday afternoon, a group of Republican lawmakers and candidates led by State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) called for Mike Madigan to step down from his role as Illinois Democrat Party chairman and House Speaker.
The GOPers tied their call for resignation to accusations of Speaker Madigan allowing a culture of corruption, abuse of power, bullying and sexual harassment as well as discrimination among his House members and staff.
Joining Ives was GOP House members Allen Skillicorn (East Dundee), Tom Morrison (Palatine) and Margo McDermed (Mokena).
Continue reading "Ives-led group of GOP lawmakers and candidates call for Madigan to resign" »
CHICAGO - Are politicians in Springfield accused of sex discrimination and harassment victims or offenders?
Last week, yet more Springfield political insiders were swept into the growing #MeToo accusations. Last week, House Speaker Mike Madigan's close staff confidante Tim Mapes was forced to resign as Madigan's chief of staff and as the Illinois Democrat Party's executive director when complaints against Mapes hit headlines.
And Democrat Leader State Rep. Lou Lang was forced to step down from his high-ranking appointments when a female lobbyist accused him of making sexually suggestive comments and saying mean things when she asked him for help on legislation.
Still other female Springfield insiders shared their tales of sexual discrimination and harassments during their public service days at the Capitol in a story collection by reporter Kerry Lester.
Are more shoes to drop?
COOK COUNTY - Ninety out of 132 Cook County municipalities have now embraced video gambling at their liquor-serving establishments, but that simply wasn't enough for the Illinois Republican Party chairman Tim Schneider, whose day job is being a commissioner on the Cook County Board.
Schneider pushed through video gambling in Cook County's unincorporated areas, where up until last week they were banned. Schneider estimates that offering video gambling machines in those areas would bring in an additional $260,000 annually from Cook County gamblers that will voluntarily place bets with their hard-earned paychecks.
Continue reading "Illinois Republican Party leaders push for more video gambling in Cook County" »
BURBANK - Discriminating against a church cost the Chicago suburb of Burbank nearly half a million dollars, the church's legal representation Mauck & Baker reports.
In 2010, Christian Assembly Rios de Agua Viva, a mainly Hispanic church located in Chicago sought to accommodate its growing congregation by contracting to purchase the former Old Barn Restaurant at 8100 South Parkside, which had been vacant since 2008.
While Rios was under contract to purchase the property which was then zoned commercial, it applied for a special use permit to use the facility for worship. At the time, the zoning code required churches to obtain a special use permit in commercial zones, but permitted similar use by civil, social, fraternal and political organizations without city approval. While the Church’s special use permit was pending, Burbank city officials rushed through a zoning code amendment which prohibited churches at that location. Rios originally filed suit on Dec. 3, 2010. A few weeks later, the Church was forced to terminate the contract to purchase the property after the zoning code changed.
Continue reading "Chicago suburban Burbank pays Hispanic church $459,000 for anti-religious bias" »
CHICAGO - Close enough to Illinois' Republican incumbent Governor Bruce Rauner to have served on Rauner's 2013 exploratory committee, retired Exelon CEO John Rowe is continuing his pro-immigration activism with a national group called "Cities for Citizenship (C4C)."
C4C is part of the "America is Home" Initiative rolled out last week to promote naturalization of immigrants living in the U.S. The organization is co-chaired by Democrat mayors of three sanctuary cities: Los Angels Mayor Garcetti, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and New York City's Mayor de Blasio.
The American Business Immigration Coalition, chaired by John Rowe, who also serves as co-Chair for Illinois Business Immigration Coalition, joined their group was joining a "bipartisan" challenge to promote naturalization of non-citizens visiting or working in America.
By Nancy Thorner and Ed Ingold -
The month of May closed with amazing news on the economy. It looks unstoppable and signals the best recovery since World War II.
Instead of celebrating the incredible economic activity, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi had this to say:
“May’s jobs report shows that strong employment numbers mean little to the families hit with soaring new costs under the Republicans’ watch."
Continue reading "Thorner/Ingold: Pelosi Scorns May's Incredible Jobs Report" »
WASHINGTON DC - Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) was the only Republican from Illinois to vote against H.R. 3 Thursday night, and his office issued the following explanation:
Representative Peter Roskam (IL-06) voted today against H.R. 3, the Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act, due to a provision which would rescind the $7 billion in funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) which was passed earlier this year. Rep. Roskam has been a strong advocate for the CHIP program and does not believe that cutting funding for this critical program is in the best interest of our country or the children that rely on the program.
Continue reading "Roskam says his support for CHIP program was reason he opposed H.R. 3 " »
DC - Congressman Darin LaHood's office wanted to make sure Illinois Review readers saw this move the US House made Thursday night to cut federal spending waste - especially since there were concerns voiced from fiscal conservatives about the budget recently passed.
Notable is GOP Congressman Peter Roskam's uncharacteristic "No" vote. We'll try to get a rationale from him on this vote - as to why he was the only GOPer from IL to oppose the measure. We heard from him, his answer is HERE.
From Congressman LaHood's office:
Continue reading "LaHood votes to cut $15 billion in unused federal funds" »
The Supreme Court overturned the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act on May 14, creating a path for states to legalize sports betting if they choose. On Tuesday, Delaware became the first state to do so. New Jersey and Pennsylvania are expected to be next. No doubt Illinois will follow suit soon.
According to a Morning Consult survey:
Of the 21% of respondents who said they would participate in sporting betting if it becomes legalized in their state, a 38% plurality are ages 18-34 and a 56% majority make less than $50,000.
Professional football would benefit the most from legalizing the practice, with nearly one-quarter (24%) saying they’ll bet on the sport; 29% said they’d bet on the Super Bowl.
More HERE
By Warner Todd Huston -
Chicago’s most famous anti-gun Catholic priest was just hit with some embarrassing news when his bodyguard was arrested for illegally carrying a gun.
Loudmouth priest Father Michael Pfleger found the unwelcome news late in May when his bodyguard, Henry Eugene Hale, 35, was arrested outside the Father’s church. Police found that Hale did not have an Illinois firearm card or a concealed carry license and was therefore carrying the gun illegally.
A spokesperson for the Chicago Police Department told Chicago City Wire that officers confronted Hale at the church at 1200 W. 78th Place when “they saw him holding a firearm.”
More HERE
According to a recent Gallup Poll, forty-nine percent of Americans say the state of moral values in the U.S. is "poor" -- the highest percentage in Gallup's trend on this measure since its inception in 2002. Meanwhile, 37% of U.S. adults say moral values are "only fair," and 14% say they are "excellent" or "good."
More HERE
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
By Nancy Thorner -
It was in 1848 that Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published their epic work, Communist Manifesto, that has impacted so much of the world since that time, but not in positive ways. The concept they introduced, referred to as “scientific socialism”, spread quickly throughout parts of Europe. From this concept arose the general concept of socialism which as defined today is a form of government that establishes only 2 classes of people – the elite and everyone else and where the government dictates every aspect of life for the people that they can possibly dictate. They control the government, businesses, land, economy, banks, media, communications and education.
It was only a matter of time until socialism spread from Europe to the United States when around 1900 a group of progressive socialists developed a conspiracy to follow the teachings of Marx and Engel by converting America from a capitalist nation to a socialist nation. Even then it was realized that converting this nation from a capitalist nation to a socialist nation would be difficult and might take 100 years, for it would require undermining the founding principles that controlled American government and life, including its strong Christian influence, family structure, and patriotic spirit.
Continue reading "Thorner: After 170 years, Socialism becomes reality in America" »
Chicago, IL – Today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Masterpiece Cakeshop in the LGBTQ civil rights case Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. Democrat gubernatorial candidate JB Pritzker issued the following statement in response:
While I’m disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision to side with Masterpiece Cakeshop, I am encouraged by their emphasis that LGBTQ people must not be discriminated against, said JB Pritzker.
In this country, in 2018, there should never be a situation where any American is turned away from a place of business because of who they love. It goes against our foundational values of equality and equal treatment under the law. And it is fundamentally wrong. We’ve made incredible progress in the fight for LGBTQ equality and we can’t go backwards. As governor, I will use every tool at my disposal to fight discrimination and will ensure that we remain a welcoming state that treats every person with the respect and dignity they deserve.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Liberty Counsel, which filed an amicus brief in the free religious exercise case in which the US Supreme Court sided with a Christian baker, says the decision could have an effect on Illinois as a state whose civil rights law mentions "sexual orientation," "gender Identity" and "public accommodation."
Continue reading "Religious freedom ruling could stifle Illinois' "public accommodation" law" »
CHICAGO - Within minutes of the U.S. Supreme Court announcing its 7 to 2 decision to protect a Christian baker's religious freedoms, Cook County Clerk David Orr sent out a tweet celebrating Cook County's LGBTQ community and the county's commitment to "stand against discrimination & inequality wherever it occurs."
Was Orr's declaration politically risky? Hardly. In the upcoming Cook County office races, the Cook County Republican Party is running only two challengers to the Democrat slate. One of the races is for Cook County Assessor and the other is for Cook County Sheriff.
No one is challenging David Orr - and that's because he's not running for re-election. Democrat candidate Karen Yarborough is unopposed. (H/T to Tweeter @BorninLXXXIII)
The petition Cook County GOP is circulating now per Cook County GOP Chairman Sean Morrison:
By Nancy Thorner & Bonnie O'Neil -
Mistakes are often the best teacher, as they force us to revisit a problem and consider how it can be improved. We examine and rethink what has caused the problem, ultimately enabling us to produce a stronger product. Whether that might be a math problem, a difficult marriage, or a troubled nation, the challenge is to identify potential problems, find the source of the problem, and begin a course to correct all mistakes before they become destructive. When the problem involves a decline of a once exceedingly prosperous nation, the challenge must become a priority and correct as soon as possible.
An example of a problem that could/should have been prevented is the controversial new national education program, Common Core, which was promoted by President Obama and a select committee who developed the program during his presidency. This new education system was launched in spite of an uncommon amount of controversy and concern from parents, teachers, and even experts in various education fields.Highly respected professors and members of the validation committee (Professor R. James Milgram, Dylan William, and Dr. Sandra Stotsky) spoke out about serious problems they saw in Common Core but were ignored by the authors of the new program and the Obama Administration. This prompted the professors to accept invitations from various groups around the country to express their concerns to those who were equally concerned and interested in their objections.
WASHINGTON DC - The Washington Times reports the Supreme Court decided a Colorado baker's First Amendment right that says
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof: or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances
was violated:
The Supreme Court held Monday a Christian baker’s religious liberty was violated when Colorado’s Civil Rights Commission penalized him for refusing to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.
The 7 to 2 ruling found the Colorado Civil Rights Commission did not view the baker’s case with “religious neutrality.”
According to Insider.com, which recently compiled the worst thing about living in all 50 states, the worst thing about living in the Prairie State is that we've got the highest tax burden in the nation.
Insider.com cites a WalletHub report noting that the average household in Illinois pays $8,162 in state and local taxes annually. According to that study, Illinois comes in at No. 51 when it comes to taxes, ranking behind the other 49 states and Washington, D.C.
More HERE
US News photo
CHICAGO - There's a growing moan about Illinois' property taxes being some of the highest in the US. But property taxes aren't determined for the most part in Springfield - most property taxes are determined by your neighbors - the people that fill school boards, park district boards and city councils. Even fire protection districts and mosquito abatement authorities.
And how do they affect property taxes? By being very generous with tax dollars to those that work for the boards such as teachers, park district employees and a myriad of others.
It's not easy or comfortable to hold your neighbors accountable for taking more and more of the funds you manage to accumulate by your hard work. But that's exactly the reality of what Open the Books' found Adam Andrzejewski found needs to be done to begin digging out of the mess the state is in.
Continue reading "Illinois taxpayers fund nearly 20,000 retired teachers' six-figure pensions " »
SAN DIEGO - Former US Senate candidate from Illinois John Cox is now the leading Republican candidate for governor in California. Cox- whose name was on Illinois' election ballots in 2000 in the 10th Congressional District, and 2002 statewide in bid for US Senate- was endorsed last week for governor of California by President Trump.
The latest polling shows Cox leading over Republican Congressman Travis Allen 51 to 32 percent. California's gubernatorial race is an open primary format next Tuesday. San Francisco Democrat Gavin Newsom is leading the polls over Republican candidates.
Cox was born and raised in the Chicago area and attended college and law school nearby before starting a law practice and real estate business in which he financially prospered. He established part-time residence in California in 2007, and full-time residency four years later.
While Cox was considering a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2004, the conservative publication IllinoisLeader.com did a three-part interview with him in November of 2003. Cox withdrew from the race before the March 2004 GOP primary that businessman Jack Ryan won. Three months before the General Election, Ryan withdrew from the race and the ultimate winner was Democrat Barack Obama.
A three-part interview with Cox in 2003 covered his background and his political views. The interviewer for the in-depth project first published at the now-defunct IllinoisLeader.com (owned by Dan Proft and Brian Timpone) on November 23, 24 and 25, 2003, was Illinois Review's co-founder and editor Fran Eaton. Permission was granted to Illinois Review for re-publication.
2003 Interview with John Cox: Part 1
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Twitter feed photo
By John F. Di Leo -
On May 31, Chicago’s Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a plan to bring free universal all-day pre-kindergarten to all the people of Chicago. The local news media focused on the structure of his announced plan – it’s designed so that it only happens if he’s re-elected, so it’s clearly designed as a re-election campaign tactic. But then, when in history have expansions of government not been tied to election campaigns? That’s hardly news.
No, what this humble reader found interesting about the announcement was the Mayor’s office’s approach to it. Rahm Emanuel believes that poor children should have the same right to pre-kindergarten that wealthy children have.
"Right?" When exactly did free all-day preschool become a civil right?
Has our society so completely lost track of what rights are, that we are no longer shocked by hearing a politician abuse the term?
Continue reading "Di Leo: Mayor Rahm and the "Right" to Pre-Kindergarten" »
SPRINGFIELD - Three downstate lawmakers want the US Congress to take up an initiative to make Chicago the 51st state. After all, the state and city have been fighting for 200 years.
In a resolution introduced May 25, GOP State Reps. Reginald Phillips - Brad Halbrook and Joe Sosnowski voiced their dismay with the city's politics, its weight to the state's finances and its disagreement with the rest of the state on major social issues.
Continue reading "Downstate lawmakers call for Chicago to be 51st state" »
In 1972, ERA supporters squirted lawmakers names in pig blood on the IL Capitol rotunda floor
SPRINGFIELD - After decades of trying and failing, Wednesday night radical feminists, gay rights activists and abortion promoters finally were successful in pushing the Illinois General Assembly to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. After passing the Illinois Senate in April, the ERA passed the Illinois House with only one vote to spare, making the national effort one short of the ratification requirement of 38 states.
The wording that passed the US Congress in 1972 to be sent to the states for three-fifths to approve adding to the U.S. Constitution says, "(1) Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex; (2) The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article; (3) This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification."
But the US Congress also put a seven year time limit on the proposal, and then added three more years, forcing a deadline of 1982.
Continue reading "Illinois becomes the 37th state to ratify Equal Rights Amendment, but so what? " »
SPRINGFIELD - Those state lawmakers that boast pro-life positions during campaigns, but voted to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment will not be endorsed by prolife and family groups in the fall election, a joint statement confirmed Friday.
In April, the groups reprimanded eight Republican senators that voted for the ERA in a statement published by representatives of the Illinois Federation for Right to Life, the Lake County Right to Life, Illinois-Stop ERA, Illinois Citizens for Life, Illinois Family Action PAC and Concerned Christian Americans.
By Nancy Thorner & Bonnie O'Neil -
This question is particularly important to consider today, as opportunities and ways to communicate have greatly expanded, allowing limitless opportunities to share information. While this is a positive in our lives, the problem is in knowing how to separate fact from fiction in this world of massive information. Media sources pour out information daily, but there is no real assurance of accuracy and verifying the material eats up hours we do not have. This is especially true during election periods when candidate material fills our inboxes and mailboxes daily, often with opposing statements. Obviously, it is wise to be cautious but who has the time to research it all?
More and more voices are raising concerns that the upcoming mid-term 2018 elections will further ignite clashes between supporters of President Trump and his increasingly agitated critics in a partisan political battle that has been brewing and continually gaining momentum. Stanley Greenberg, former President Bill Clinton’s pollster, is warning of a “civil war.” Purdue University President Mitchell E. Daniels, former President Ronald Reagan’s political director and a two-term Indiana Republican governor, sees the nation dividing into feuding “tribes” that gravitate to tyrants who “bludgeon” opponents.
Continue reading "Thorner/O'Neil: Should America's church leaders engage in politics?" »
Washington Times photo
WASHINGTON - The National Republican Congressional Committee wants Illinois conservatives to know Nancy Pelosi is in Chicago Friday:
The most unpopular political figure in America is in Illinois today. The Chicago Sun Times and Politico reported that Nancy Pelosi is headlining an afternoon fundraiser for 4 Illinois Democrats: Sean Casten, Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, Lauren Underwood……and Brendan Kelly.
This isn’t the first time Nancy Pelosi has expressed full-throated support for the 4 candidates. She held a DC fundraiser for them last month, at which all 4 candidates spoke at length about bringing Pelosi’s radical agenda back home to Illinois.
Brendan Kelly has already been caught attempting to stay under the radar with his support for Pelosi.
Continue reading "Pelosi in Chicago to raise funds for Democrat contenders" »
CHICAGO - Thursday evening on Fox News, Patti Blagojevich appealed to President Trump for her husband Rod, the former governor of Illinois, to have his 14-year sentence commuted after the president let it be known he was considering the action. The former First Lady of Illinois pointed accusations towards "these same people that twisted the facts" to put her husband in jail as the same ones that are causing headaches for President Trump: Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller, former FBI chief James Comey and former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.
Continue reading "Patti Blagojevich appeals to President Trump for commutation of Rod's sentence" »
States could cut taxes significantly if they eliminated corporate welfare.Matthew Mitchell and Tamara Winter have calculated the cost of corporate welfare in terms of tax cuts forgone for each state. Here are the highlights:
Several states, including Missouri and New York, could reduce their corporate tax rates by more than 90 percent if policymakers eliminated corporate incentives. Michigan, Nebraska, and Oklahoma could completely eliminate corporate taxation and still have room for cuts in other taxes if they eliminated all corporate incentives.
Lawmakers in Louisiana, Michigan, and Nebraska could reduce their states’ personal income tax rates by 14.2, 10.8, and 16.2 percent, respectively, if they eliminated corporate incentives. […]
Continue reading "The Opportunity Cost of Corporate Welfare" »
The University of Illinois has rejected a settlement offer from three student journalists (and Campus Reform Correspondents) who are suing the school for taking disciplinary action against them for reporting on a campus protest.
After a graduate student instructor assaulted two of the students at a campus protest, and the third student reported the story for Campus Reform, administrators imposed a no-contact order that effectively prevented them from covering future campus events.
The students made a "reasonable and generous" settlement offer, according to their attorney, asking only that the university dismiss “all disciplinary matters pending against Plaintiffs,” dissolve the “incorrectly issued” no contact orders, and provide nominal compensation for damages.
More HERE
