Illinois Review

Illinois considers requiring public school textbooks include LGBT effect on history

SPRINGFIELD - Was Abraham Lincoln gay or straight? How about Woodrow Wilson or Robert Taft? What type of sex did they prefer - or what were their identified sexual orientations?

The sexual orientation of various historical figures will be mandated to be included in public school's history textbooks for Illinois students if either of two measures in the Illinois General Assembly become law. The contributions of lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual persons will be the emphasis of the new curriculum requirements for elementary and high school levels.

In addition, exactly how those topics and personalities are portrayed in American history will be outlined int the state proposal, an how they are included in a school's curriculum will be the responsibility of regional superintendents.

Univ. of Illinois Student Gov. impeaches student for conservative views

The University of Illinois Student Government voted to impeach a conservative student based primarily on his political activity.

The articles of impeachment focused on the fact that Andrew Minik had helped to organize a memorial to victims of illegal immigrant criminals.

More HERE

McCann to announce independent bid Monday

SPRINGFIELD - GOP State Senator Sam McCann has threatened an independent bid for governor in the past, and the rumor is two-term Jacksonville lawmaker will be making an announcement Monday on a similar theme.

But this time McCann may be seeking a bid for his own Senate seat in 2018, but instead of a member of the GOP caucus, he would be seeking it as an independent. The Republican announced earlier this year he would not be seeking re-election in 2018.

Rumors are flying in Springfield, according to a local news reporter's Twitter feed: 

Petition Submitted asking DOJ to sue Illinois over sanctuary state status

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner smiles after signing legislation that limits how local and state police can cooperate with federal immigration authorities. AP (Ashlee Rezin /)

The following petition has been filed by Rosanna Pulido via the White House site "We the People".  

WE, The Citizens of Illinois want the Dept Of Justice to sue The State Illinois for their Sanctuary State Policies.

In Illinois we have unjust, unfair, and unconstitutional policies that have been imposed on us, by the Illinois General Assembly and the Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. They have enacted the TRUST ACT SB31 Illinois Trust Act. Provides that a law enforcement agency or official shall not detain or continue to detain any individual solely on the basis of any immigration detainer \ immigration detainer . Provides that a law enforcement agency or official shall not (1) give any immigration agent access to any individual; (2) transfer any person into an immigration agent's custody; (3) permit immigration agents use of agency facilities or equipment. Our Public Safety is at risk! We ask the Dept of Justice to give the Tax payers of Illinois Protection, and a fighting chance!!

According to the website, in order for the petition to get a response from the White House, the petition needs 99,997 signatures by May 15, 2018. The petition can be found HERE.

CBO forecast leaves no room for wishful thinking

Copies of the President Trump’s FY 2019 budget proposal are delivered to the House Budget
Committee offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, February 12, 2018. Reuters

The federal fiscal hole is getting deeper quicker. James Capretta writes:

The Congressional Budget Office’s latest forecast makes a convincing case that fiscal complacency is now dangerous for the U.S. economy. CBO projects the federal government will borrow an additional $12.4 trillion over the next 10 years. At the end of 2028, the federal government will have outstanding debt of $28.7 trillion, or 96 percent of GDP. Ten years ago, federal debt was equal to 39 percent of GDP.

The Surveillance State: When Tyranny Comes Home

Many Americans have been shocked by recent revelations of widespread surveillance on domestic citizens by the United States government. But how was this network created in the first place? Chris Coyne and Abby Hall explain how the tools and tactics used for spying on citizens are the product of the "Boomerang Effect"–the pattern by which policies and technologies developed to militarily control populations abroad are re-imported to America and used against its own citizens.

Do Borders Matter? The Supreme Court Reviews Internet Sales Taxes

Should states be able to tax outside their borders? The question of what taxing powers states have over internet commerce will arrive soon at the Supreme Court in the case South Dakota v. Wayfair. South Dakota (and many other states) want to be able to force out-of-state retailers to collect sales taxes and remit them back to the state. The state argues that internet commerce has made the Court’s physical presence rule—which says states can tax only companies that are physically present in the state—unworkable.  

But, as Adam Michel and Elizabeth Slattery explain, abandoning the physical presence rule would undermine both the democratic accountability of our federal system and create an even greater inequality in the tax treatment of retail sales:

Freedom and Prosperity: The 2018 Index of Economic Freedom

The 24th edition of the Index of Economic Freedom (www.heritage.org/index) evaluates economic conditions and government policies in 186 countries. Since its inception in 1995, the Index, an annual cross-country analysis by The Heritage Foundation, has tracked the progress of economic freedom around the globe and measured the impact of advancing economic liberty.

GOP Senators "spit on Phyllis Schlafly's memory" by voting for the ERA, family leader says

Radical ERA supporters used pig's blood in demonstration at IL State Capitol

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois state senators that depend on prolife supporters to get them re-elected aren't too eager to talk about why they switched votes on the Equal Rights Amendment this week in Springfield. Illinois has long been the site of bloody battles over the ERA - even during the years when radical feminists dumped pig's blood on the Capitol Rotunda's floor. 

During those battles, then-Illinois based Phyllis Schlafly led the battled to protect women from feminists' radical positions on abortion, traditional marriage and gender-fading culture switches. Schlafly went on to build a national pro-family movement and successfully hold off the ERA from being amended to the U.S. Constitution within the Constitution's own allotted time.

EXCLUSIVE: Six pro-life organizations to withhold GOP endorsements over Senate ERA votes

SPRINGFIELD - Six major prolife leaders signed a statement Friday morning declaring they would withhold endorsements of Republican Senate members that voted for the ERA this week in Springfield. The lack of enthusiasm among conservatives could be even more devastating for Illinois Republicans down ballot that are already preparing for a low turnout in the fall.

The state's prolife leadership points to eight Republicans - despite self-declarations that they're 'prolife' - that the groups will not encourage voters to support in the November election: Senator Pamela Althoff (R), Senator Michael Connelly (R), Senator Karen McConnaughay (R), Senator Jason A. Barickman (R), Senator John F. Curran (R), Senator Chris Nybo (R), Senator Sue Rezin (R), and Senator Tom Rooney (R).

The statement as received by Illinois Review:

Rauner and Democrats' campaigns tricked Central Illinois GOPers in final days of primary

SPRINGFIELD - Cynical Democrats and an arrogant Rauner campaign tricked ill-informed Central Illinois Republican voters in the days leading up to the March 2018 GOP primary.

Between the two campaigns, Democrats manipulated Republicans with $451,000 in ads into thinking gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives was "too conservative" for Illinois, and Governor Rauner's campaign lied to those same voters, making them believe Ives was a Madigan ally. 

Weyermuller: Covering ProLife Protest at Rauner's $500 a plate dinner with Scott Walker

By Mark Weyermuller -

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner hosted the annual GOP Governor’s $500 a plate dinner Thursday night at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago.  The  Pro-Life Action League was there to speak out on behalf of the thousands of unborn babies who will be aborted in Illinois because Rauner signed into law HB40 — the taxpayer abortion funding bill — after he promised to veto it. 

Roskam and colleagues release white paper on opioid crisis

WASHINGTON — This week, Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, Representative Peter Roskam (R-IL) and Ranking Member Sandy Levin (D-MI) joined Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) in releasing a white paper outlining solutions to combat the opioid epidemic.

Stalking law revisions move forward in Illinois House

SPRINGFIELD - In the wake of House Republicans filing over 50 “Motions to Discharge” this week on bills the majority Democrats had denied committee consideration, Republican Floor Leader Peter Breen (R-Lombard) received a hearing and unanimous vote in the Judiciary-Criminal Committee to advance his HB 4506, which proposes revisions to preserve Illinois’ Stalking Laws, which were struck down as unconstitutional in large part this past November, Breen's office said today in a statement.

 “HB 4506 keeps laws in place that provide adequate protection against crimes, while protecting the First Amendment rights of Illinoisans. The changes that passed committee provide sound, thorough protections for victims of stalking, while shoring up constitutional weaknesses in our current law,” said Breen, a constitutional attorney who has served in the Illinois House of Representatives since 2015. “The ruling has left many victims of stalking vulnerable and without legal protections. My bill, drafted in consultation with the ACLU of Illinois, would be immediately effective, to protect victims of stalking as soon as possible.”

House Democrats refuse to toughen penalties when social workers assaulted

Pamela Knight of Dixon (r) was killed in 2017 when attempting to take child into safe custody

SPRINGFIELD - House Democrats refused to toughen penalties upon those that assault social workers when the Democrat majority of the House Judicial - Criminal Committee rejected an effort proposed by State Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Savannah) after a social worker was killed during a home visit in 2017. 

IL House Dems and GOPers vote to protect harassers in complaint process

SPRINGFIELD - Apparently the sexual harassment outrage has subsided in the Illinois House, as a measure proposed by State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) was stifled in the Illinois House Executive Committee Friday morning - effectively protecting harassers that have had complaints filed against them.

Executive Committee members include: 

The following GOP House members co-sponsored the bill with Rep Ives: Barbara Wheeler, Sheri Jesiel, Margo McDermed, Rita Mayfield, Peter Breen, Mark Batinick, Reginald Phillips, Brad Halbrook, Mike Fortner, Allen Skillicorn, Randy E. Frese, John M. Cabello, Jerry Lee Long and Tim Butler. Democrat Linda Chapa LaVia made the measure bipartisan.

Trump Tweets: Comey is "untruthful slimeball"

WASHINGTON - This weekend, fired FBI Director James Comey will launch a nationwide book tour on major Leftist Sunday shows. President Trump responded Friday morning, saying Comey is an "untruthful slimeball."

Comey will be in Chicago April 20th promoting his book "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership," in which he refers to President Trump as, among other things, similar to a mob boss. The New York Times says Comey's memories as recorded in the book are "persuasive." 

The President is obviously not happy about Comey's accusations. He tweeted a two-part response Friday morning: 

 

Comey will appear April 15th with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos - who was the Clintons' communications director. Comey will also appear on Leftist propaganda page“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on April 17 and “The View” on April 18.

Thorner/Ingold: Carpenter’s Rule of “Measure twice, cut once” applies to Syria

ABC News photo of children injured with chlorine gas

By Nancy Thorner & Ed Ingold - 

Donald J. Trump had a blunt warning about Syria for President Barack Obama in June of 2013:

“We should stay the hell out of Syria,” he wrote on Twitter in June 2013, after President Barack Obama directed American forces to increase support to Syrian rebels in the wake of a deadly chemical weapons attack by that country’s government. 

A few days later Trump wrote on Twitter:  "We should stay the hell out of Syria, the "rebels" are just as bad as the current regime. WHAT WILL WE GET FOR OUR LIVES AND $ BILLIONS? ZERO?".

Rhoads: This week's ERA Senate victory is bogus

By Mark Rhoads - 

There is something about due process and the rule of law that the Left never understands.

The Illinois State Senate pretended to ratify the ERA again this week almost four decades after it was first sent by Congress to the states for ratification. Most news outlets gave out information that was not correct. They claimed the deadline was 35 years ago in 1982 but even that date was an illegal extension by Congress.

The real deadline was in 1979, according to the text of the ERA itself.

Jewish Republicans call for Cook County GOP chairman to resign over Nazi-sympathizing candidate

CHICAGO - Upset that the only choice Republicans in the 3rd CD have on the November ballot is a known Nazi sympathizer, a group of Cook County GOP members of the Jewish faith called on Cook County GOP Chairman Sean Morrison to step down in a letter sent to Cook County GOP committeemen:

The controversial 3rd CD Republican candidate for Congress in his own words

Earlier this year, Republican candidate in the 3rd CD Arthur Jones was given airtime on CNN with Alisyn Camerata.

The segment starts out with Jones at a Nazi rally condemning the two party system as "Jew and queer" loving. He goes on to deny the Holocaust. 

A group of Jewish Republicans call on the Cook County GOP Chairman to resign because he allowed this candidate on the General ballot. 

Republicans and Democrats pass ERA in Illinois Senate

SPRINGFIELD - The Equal Rights Amendment won its biggest victory in Illinois since its 1970s' beginnings when a surprising number of Republican senators abandoned the party's traditional opposition to an amendment that would dramatically change public policy in the name of Equal Rights. 

The new support for the ERA passed the Illinois Senate - where the Democrats already have a super-majority - with a 43 to 12 vote. The vote will now go to the Illinois House to be listed among those states that support ratifying the ERA.

Republicans Althoff, Barickman, Connelly, McConnaughay, Nybo, Rezin and Rooney switched sides on the ERA to join the Democrat majority:

 

IL GOP Congress members respond to Speaker Ryan's plans to retire

WASHINGTON - U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin announced Wednesday he would not be seeking re-election in November.

Several Illinois Republican Congress members responded to the announcement: 

GOP Senator McConnaughay abandons GOP's decades-long resistance to ERA

SPRINGFIELD - Since the 1970s, Republican women in Illinois have strongly resisted all radical feminists' efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution with an Equal Rights Amendment. 

Until Wednesday - when State Senator Karen McConnaughay broke ranks with the party tradition and joined Democrat feminists in a press conference to announce the ERA had "bipartisan" backing.

“The intention of the Illinois Senate Women’s Caucus is to advance legislation that supports, empowers and protects women of all aspects of life, and that’s exactly what we are doing today,” said McConnaughay, a St. Charles Republican and co-chairwoman of the caucus.

Thorner/O'Neil: The Miseducation of Our Children Should be of Great Concern

By Nancy Thorner and Bonnie O'Neil - 

Our public schools went through a significant change during the Obama years, a change that was met with an unusual amount of criticism from the public, parents, and concerned education professionals. Among the most frequently repeated complaint was that the new program, Common Core, had not been sufficiently tested before being released and implemented in classrooms throughout the United States, despite pleas from education professionals and parents that it needed further studies.

Parents, teachers, and education professionals who identified problems were ignored by the Obama administration and the NEA (National Education Association), both of which were strong advocates of the new system.  Hence, Common Core was inserted in classrooms across America.  The organization behind its implementation claimed that having a consistent national set of standards was important to US education, that these new standards would improve the educational outcome of students. That may be true, but they ignored many credible, worthwhile arguments, one of which was made by our Forefathers who wisely warned of the dangers of a federal government interfering with education issues.  They advocated instead that each state be responsible for developing its own education program.

Di Leo: The Potholes of Spring

By John Di Leo - 

Reflections on Illinois roadways and the speed bumps of the General Assembly...

When you or I walk outside in the spring, and see that the winter has left behind a few reminders on our driveways – a pothole, a chip, a crack – we check the finances, and perhaps we have the driveway completely repaved…

…But much more likely, we head to the local hardware store, pick up a bag of concrete mix or blacktop patch, and get to work on our hands and knees with our trusty trowels.

While fully repaving the driveway is certainly a “nice-to-have,” it’s hardly a necessity, compared to all the other demands on our overstretched personal finances. We prioritize. The mortgage comes first; the kids’ tuition, the spouse’s surgery, the car repairs, the property tax bill … all these rank higher in their demands on our checkbooks. 

So we just fix the driveway to make it passable, rather than spending money we don’t have to make it perfect. We just make it last another year.

Oh, if only our government felt that way.

Reeder: April is organ donor month. Consider being a donor.

By Scott Reeder - 

SPRINGFIELD – Ever found yourself hoping someone will die so someone you love can live?

Fourteen years ago, I found myself in that unenviable position.

California lawmaker urges state-approved process to suffocate internet news sites

SACRAMENTO - A California lawmaker wants anyone operating a social media website with news to run their stories through a state-approved verification process before publication. If it could happen in California, watch for Illinois liberals to "see the need" for similar legislation, as well.

It's "to mitigate the spread of false information," the bill's wording says. The definition of "false information" or how the fact checker board would function and who would serve on it is not mentioned.

Illinois U.S. senator gives birth to baby girl

US Senators recently gave Senator Duckworth a baby shower

WASHINGTON - Illinois' junior US Senator Tammy Duckworth gave birth to her second daughter Monday, becoming the first member of the US Senate to give birth while in office. 

Duckworth, 50 years old, said that she was especially grateful for the support of family and friends as she and her husband sought to "complete their family." 

Teddy Roosevelt reprisor Joe Wiegand returns to Illinois for special performances

Years ago, one of Illinois' most hardworking conservatives was Joe Wiegand, who worked hand-in-hand with the late Jack Roeser at Family Taxpayer Network. Joe's good humor and kind personality was disarming among tough politicians in Springfield. 

But Joe sought a unique career recreating an historical figure he resembled - President Teddy Roosevelt. He's been successful - having been asked to perform in the Bush White House, featured on C-SPAN and in documentaries. 

Americans for Prosperity release ad opposing proposed graduated tax for Illinois

Americans for Prosperity Illinois released an ad Monday opposing the proposed graduated tax for Illinois. It would take amending the state's constitution to change from the current flat tax system to a graduated system Democrats are seeking.

Thorner/O’Neil: Will America continue to prosper if basic principles and values are abandoned?

By Nancy Thorner & Bonnie O'Neil - 

Our nation’s founders credited God for the miraculous victory that provided them independence from England and rightfully so.  They witnessed miracles as their rag-tag army defeated English troops and German mercenaries with equipment and troops far superior to theirs.  Thus, they inherited a land rich in natural resources, with two great oceans offering protection to both their Eastern and Western borders and rich farmland that spread across the land from coast to coast.  

The leaders of both the war effort and the establishment of our new country considered their victory an amazing gift and credited God.  They also believed the establishment of our Constitution and Bill of Rights to be inspired by God.

Pierce: Heir to Duke of Weselton is Facebook's Master of the Zuck?

By Sam Pierce - 

Fans of Disney's "Frozen" know that one of the film's lesser villains is the toupee-wearing weasel, the Duke of Weselton. What if the "Duke of Weaseltown" is really the ancestor of the master of the Zuck, or possibly someone who associates with the supposedly election-rigging Russians (as the photo would seem to indicate)? A stretch? Maybe.

Lets' explore this as a possible explanation of the character flaws that allow this multi-billionaire to support rabid leftists and perversions of all types while censoring light-hearted commentary from those who may not bow to the altars of his politically correct agenda.

Liberals Finally Find Some Media Bias They Dislike

How dare a conservative outlet express a point of view! David Harsanyi on the furor over Sinclair broadcasting instructing all its stations to read a prepared script on air:

Understanding the Hidden $1.1 Trillion Welfare System and How to Reform It

The welfare state is not a miser. From Robert Rector and Vijay Menon, a breakdown of the mean-tested benefits available to a single mother of two:

Unions circumventing the Supreme Court, before it even rules

Can the playing field ever be tilted enough for the unions? From Vincent Vernuccio and Chantal Lovell, a sample of what some pro-union legislators are up to while awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME—the case that could give public employees the right to opt out of paying unions entirelyWashington state is the breeding ground for most legislation attempting to undermine the court. HB2751 passed the state’s legislature in February and would mandate that the state collect dues for government unions, something a majority of Americans think is inappropriate according to recent polling.

Will Rauner Pull the ILGOP further left? State Central Committee Elections Next Test

2016 Illinois State Convention platform committee meets | McHenry Co Blog photo

CHICAGO - Illinois Republican voters were split 51 to 49 percent between a liberal Republican incumbent governor and a conservative state representative in the March 20th primary. The results revealed a dramatic contrast between the party leaders and the GOP base.

In the wake of a party-dividing primary that is still a sore spot among those voters committed to the conservative party platform, another test of the party's future will be April 18th. That's when county precinct committeemen gather to pick who will represent them on the State Central Committee. Party activists are expressing concern. 

Bluedorn: The IL GOP's future will be determined April 18

By Laurie Bluedorn - 

The time for soft words has passed.

The Illinois Republican Party (IRP) is controlled by a cartel of men and women who ignore the Republican Platform, support (either directly or indirectly) the killing of babies, and can by no means be called "conservative."

Do you have an interest in this one, perhaps last, window of opportunity to work some good in the IRP?

State Rep. Jeanne Ives Discusses Abortion on EWTN

Illinois State Rep. Jeanne Ives opens up about the short life of her son, Mark, and why she chose life for him instead of abortion.

Governor's group meets to discuss gun violence and school safety

With the title of "Legislative Public Safety Working Group meets on gun violence, school safety measures," Governor Rauner's office sent out a press release Friday. In it, Governor Rauner emphasized that current law just isn't enough.

“Illinois already has some of the toughest gun laws in the U.S.,” Rauner said. “Yet we have ample proof that current law doesn’t do enough to prevent people from obtaining illegal guns and committing acts of gun violence. The purpose of this group is to widen the lens on the problem and deliberate on measures to make Illinoisans in schools, churches – everywhere – safer.”

Thorner: Heartland Schedules O'Keefe to speak about Truth in Era of Fake News

By Nancy Thorner - 

It was during the 2016 election that Donald Trump labeled the mainstream media "fake news."  Its strong presence continues today, resulting in more and more Americans becoming aware of the lies and distortions propagated by the mainstream media.

I heard James O'Keefe speak about his book several months ago. Hearing O'Keeffe is a must if you wish to fully understand the corruption and bias of the mainstream media.

Gun rights groups file suit against Deerfield

The Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) and Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) filed a lawsuit against the Village of Deerfield Thursday morning, April 5, 2018, executive director Richard Pearson announced. 

"This legal action is a challenge to the Defendant’s Ordinance O-18-06, passed on April 2, 2018, which bans assault weapons (used specifically as that term is defined in O-18-06) within the Defendant’s municipal limits," he wrote in the ISRA's weekly website report.

The suit was filed In the Circuit Court of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Lake County, Illinois, Chancery Division.

Governor now "Grandpa Bruce" for first time

SPRINGFIELD - Governor and Mrs. Rauner announced the birth of their first grandchild Thursday on Facebook.

Many of the responding comments were less than congratulatory, however. 

Bouc: Strict Scrutiny and the ERA – A Bad Combination for Women

By Elise Bouc of STOP ERA - 

On the surface, the Equal Rights Amendment seems quite innocent. The main text states, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be abridged or denied by the United States or any state on account of sex.”

Unfortunately for women, from a legal perspective, this simple language raises the category of “sex” to strict scrutiny which is the most restrictive standard of legal review. Under strict scrutiny, no one can be treated differently based on the characteristic that has become “suspect” (in this case – sex), and it is almost impossible to justify before the court any reason for treating them differently.

Indiana town booms while Illinois holds bonds one notch above junk

The town of Elkhart Indiana is drawing the attention of national news for one reason while the state of Illinois is catching notice for a dramatically different one.

Reeder: Rauner is no Sister Jean

By Scott Reeder - 

SPRINGFIELD – What do Bruce Rauner’s campaign and the Loyola Ramblers have in common?  

They both had surprising March performances.

The Ramblers did well and Rauner did poorly.

YouTube shooter was female, vegan, and an animal rights activist

From the shooter's website still available as of 12:00 PM CST

SAN BRUNO - The shooter that stormed San Bruno California's YouTube headquarters Tuesday was angry about the company's new distribution policy that she claimed was causing her to lose views and revenue, family members and her remaining website says. 

The shooter had several YouTube accounts in various languages - including Farsi, Turkish and English languages. The videos feature her vegan lifestyle, her Persian heritage and her concerns about animal abuse. She also featured a video warning of the dangers of anal sex. 

But featured most recently is the shooter's disdain about YouTube's policies that she said was causing her to lose revenue and viewers.

Should the 2020 US Census ask what it asked 20 years ago?

CHICAGO - Should the 2020 U.S. Census ask one particular question that it included 20 years ago?  Yes, says U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. No, says Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, plus 16 other state attorneys general, the ACLU and immigration rights groups.

One particular question is especially important to Illinois, a state already likely to lose one Congressional seat due to Illinois' declining population. Asking residents whether or not they are citizens of the U.S. could cost Illinois a second seat, as those who haven't gone through the nation's immigration system to become legal citizens are likely to not respond, opponents say. That could cut the state's reported population dramatically. 

Twenty years ago, the 2000 U.S. Census Long Form contained this question for every member of a household: 

Di Leo: The Bill of Rights and the Failure of Education

By John F. Di Leo - 

What have we learned, in the weeks since the Valentine’s Day massacre in Parkland, Florida?

We have seen the same well-intentioned but utterly misguided efforts that we always see after such horrors:  a focus on banning one weapon out of many, as if that would make a difference, while closing our eyes to the real perpetrators and the actual causes of vulnerability. But we are used to that.    

What we are unused to, however, is the removal of the façade that for so long as hidden the Left’s efforts at the banning, and even outright confiscation, of firearms from law-abiding citizens. 

Thorner: Caution: 5G Cell Towers could negatively affect public health

By Nancy Thorner -

(Information within is action-oriented and opinion-based. It is not to be cited as Illinois Review's view) 

The RAY BAUM’S Act of 2018 included the MOBILE NOW Act was passed in the Omnibus Bill and signed by President Trump on Friday, March 23, 2018. The purpose of these bills is to further the wireless industry’s goal of streamlining 5G on a federal level. In Illinois SB 1451 “Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act” (with a similar wireless industry goal) was passed by the General Assembly and sent to the Governor. It is imperative that Governor Rauner Veto SB 1451. Call the Governor’s Office: 217-782-0244