Illinois Review

Op-Ed: Conservatism Defined

By Carl Jackson - 

Everybody and their mama is calling themselves a Conservative nowadays, including RINO’s (Republicans In Name Only). The term has become so watered down I nearly caved to the temptation to stop using it to describe my own political philosophy. Instead, I realized it was time for someone to define it; it was time to draw the proverbial Red Line where wannabe’s dare not cross. As a result, I came up with my 5C’s of Conservatism. Here they are:

1.) Christ: This is the most important “C.” Why? Without God all truth, values, and morality are mere opinions. Moral relativism is king and it doesn’t mean a thing! Conservatism is built on facts and Natural law. When Jesus says “if a man doesn’t work he shall not eat,” and Obama implies you don’t have to work to eat; or when a woman says what’s growing in her stomach is just tissue and God says “before you were born I knew you,” there has to be a measuring stick to determine who’s right. That measuring stick is God.

2.) Constitution: The Constitution is our referee in the game of freedom. It will never grow outdated regardless of technological advances because it deals with human nature. Tyranny by despots is forbidden unless “We The People” allow it. People like Martin Luther King Jr. fought for equal rights under our Constitution, not extra rights mind you, like some of the civil rights scam artist of our day. He like so many of our Founding Father’s understood the divine intervention of framing our Constitution. He believed in the American Exceptionalism that our founding documents provided and he fought and died to ensure that those same inalienable rights were realized for all.

Youth vote trend shows why Durbin and Dems are focusing on millennial issues

Low turnout among a key cog in the Democratic coalition - young voters - will likely hurt Democrats in November, which is why Democrats like Illinois Senator Dick Durbin are beating the drum on the issues of student loans, tuition costs, textbook fees, and minimum wage.

According to the left-leaning Rasmussen polling, since the first national exit poll was taken for a midterm election in 1978, only once (in that first survey) has the 18-to-29 age group made up a larger portion of a midterm electorate than voters who were 60 or older. And not only have young people almost always been the smallest part of midterm electorates in this period, their participation has usually been much smaller compared to presidential years. (see below)

As a result, Durbin, Quinn and other Dems have been selling feel-good ideas like free textbooks, student loan forgiveness, and increased minimum wage.

Age composition of electorate in presidential and midterm elections, 1972-2010 exit polls

Kinzinger supports sanction on Russian officials

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Thursday, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) voted in support of legislation to sanction Russian officials involved in the aggression against Ukraine and provide support to the Ukrainian government. The legislation, the Ukraine Support Act (H.R. 4278), originated and was debated in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, where Rep. Kinzinger serves as a member.

“It’s long past time that Congress took a stance against Russia’s unacceptable actions, and I’m pleased to see the House take unified action today to condemn Russia and support our ally Ukraine,” said Kinzinger. “Russia needs to know that the United States is committed in its resolve to punish Russian leaders for their invasion of a sovereign country and are willing to do everything it takes to isolate them on the international stage. This legislation is a good first step, but more needs to be done to convey that America will not tolerate Russia’s reckless actions, and I stand ready to continue working with my colleagues to make that message clear.”

Cook County GOP Chairman race heats up over black wards

CHICAGO - The Cook County GOP chairman's race started to heat up this week when Chicago GOP vice-chairman Chris Cleveland announced his bid for Cook County Chairman, followed by incumbent Aaron Del Mar's announcement he was seeking re-election.

Support from black ward committeemen is being sought by both Del Mar and Cleveland. While Cleveland tells IR he's got the votes needed to knock off DelMar, it is being reported that Del Mar is calling in favors from Bruce Rauner, whom he endorsed, and who Del Mar says has endorsed him for re-election.

According to Cleveland, black ward GOP committeemen are upset that they're not getting financial support from Del Mar's coffers to get out the vote like they say they'll need in November. They're looking to Chicago GOP's Chris Cleveland to bring in a new day of outreach to minority communities, and many are lining up against Del Mar.

Del Mar told Michael Sneed the black ward committeemen are supporting him, and a summit between the West and Southside GOP ward committeemen and Cleveland has been cancelled.

"The meeting on Monday between Chicago's black committeemen and Vice Chairman Cleveland is still on," Bill Delay, Committeeman of Chicago's 18th Ward and Deputy Chairman of the Chicago Republican Party, told Illinois Review. "Anyone who says otherwise doesn't know what they're talking about."

Rauner's campaign declined to comment on where exactly the GOP gubernatorial candidate stands in the Del Mar vs. Cleveland race, but Cleveland says he's looking forward to working with Rauner to bring in Cook County GOP votes next November, and believes he'll be able to gain the votes needed to win the chairmanship.

"A substantial majority of the Cook County Republican Committeemen are supporting my campaign. They're committed to reform and to creating an active Republican organization. While I appreciate the time and effort that Aaron [Del Mar] has put into the party, I do not see that changing in the coming weeks.

"The 43rd Ward provided the highest percentage of votes for Bruce Rauner of any city ward, 68.74%, and highest vote total for him of any city ward, 1,489. We look forward to working with the Rauner campaign to bring similar success to Cook County."

Quinnocchio to challenge governor's truth telling

CHICAGO - Thursday, Governor Pat Quinn visited a Chicago elementary school to laud keeping the 2011 tax hike and spiking education spending for birth through 6 and elementary school programs.

While he was inside with the kids, outside, a new campaign follower named "Quinnocchio" appeared to challenge Quinn's truth-telling abilities, compliments of the governor's 2014 GOP challenger Bruce Rauner.

 
Photos via WBEZ radio and the Rauner campaign

Ives: "What state is Quinn living in?" [video]

SPRINGFIELD - While Governor Pat Quinn was boasting that Illinois is in its best financial shape in the past five years, State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) asked "What state is the governor living in?"

As mayoral election draws closer, Emanuel distances himself from Obamacare

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel told CNBC on Thursday he gave President Obama a "contrary opinion" on the early stages of the Affordable Care Act, which debuted with a glitch-ridden website and troubled exchanges.

"He asked for my opinion," Emanuel said during an interview on "Squawk Box." "I gave it to him and why I thought we should do something slightly different."

Pressed on whether he thought the White House should have listened to his more incremental approach for health-care reform, Emanuel praised the president for seeking out opposing views as they hammered out what would later become known as Obamacare.

See video HERE

Update x1: One Progressive tax plan defeated in House committee

UPDATE x1: A plan slightly different from Rep. Jakobsson's appears to be moving  ahead in the Illinois House. More to come.

SPRINGFIELD - Despite the protest of hundreds of purple-shirted SEIU union members bussed in to the Capitol, the effort to place the progressive tax on the November ballot was defeated in committee Thursday. 

In a  3-6-1 vote, the House Revenue and Finance Committee shut down HJRCA 33 with nearly 40 Democrats signed on as co-sponsors. Only three Democrat House members - Evans, Currie and Turner voted "Yes."

In order to be on the November ballot for voter consideration, the measure needs to pass both chambers with a super-majority vote. Other versions of the plan are under consideration.

Effort to Delay Common Core hits subcommittee snag

SPRINGFIELD - Veteran lawmakers and Capitol insiders know well that when a committee chair sends a proposal to subcommittee, it's a polite way of deep-sixing the legislation. A bill goes to subcommittee, and that's the end of it, not to see the light of day.

And that's exactly where State Rep. Dwight Kay's (R-Glen Carbon) House Resolution 543 to delay the implementation of Common Core curriculum stands Thursday - in a "Special Issues" subcommittee - with a promise that the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee will take up the measure with a full hearing in the "near future."

However, Rep. Kay continues to listen to constituents and talk to House colleagues about the concern among parents, teachers and administrators as to the expense associated with setting Common Core standards into affect in Illinois. A study by the Pioneer Institute, a non-partisan, privately funded research organization, estimates that Common Core will cost Illinois schools $773 million over the next seven years, something which concerns a growing number of Republican and two Democrat House members.

Downstate Democrat House members Brandon Phelps and Jerry Costello II signed onto Kay's effort this week, making the  call for Common Core delay bi-partisan - a crucial step in the Democrat-controlled Illinois House.

Stantis: Quinn's Budget Message [cartoon]

Boulton: Open Letter to Cook County GOP Committeeman

By Stephen F. Boulton - 

I write in protest over the current state of the Cook County Republican Party, requesting change that can only come through you. In short, the current leadership, including Chairman Del Mar, must be replaced in the coming County Convention. Leaders who intend to do what is necessary for Republican victory are required, not ones concerned with buttressing their own political position.

The Cook County GOP is crucial. Forty percent of the Illinois state vote is cast in Cook County. The impact of the Cook GOP on state elections, and the state legislature is therefore obvious. But there are even larger concerns. Without greater strength in the upper Midwest, the GOP will continue to struggle in Presidential elections. Given the corporate and financial power concentrated in Chicago, however, the GOP will not regain the upper Midwest without breaking the Democratic lock on Illinois. But victory in Illinois will not occur without greater strength in Cook County. It is that simple.

Bill to double truck stop video gambling pauses

SPRINGFIELD - More video gambling is what state lawmakers are considering with SB 3144, which would double the number of video gambling machines at truck stops. The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Dave Syverson and Sam McCann, as well as Democrats Steve Stadelman and Bill Haine, is waiting to be heard in the Senate Executive Committee.

People are losing more money on video gambling machines at truck stops than at other locations offering gambling, the Illinois Churches in Action says.  

"In less than one year Springfield area gamblers lost over $1.45 Million at two Chronister Oil truck stops. Losses at two Road Rangers near Springfield were over $2.27 Million in 16 months. Doubling the number of machines will make gambling more accessible and will increase gambling problems."

Rhoads: The Limits of Magistra

By Mark Rhoads - 

I was raised as a Roman Catholic and graduated from Loyola University of Chicago which is a Jesuit school of higher learning. Pope Francis is the first Jesuit (a member of the Society of Jesus, a teaching order) ever to be elected Pope.

In 1961, Pope John XX111 wrote an encylclical called Mater et Magistra which translates as Mother and Teacher to refer to the traditional role of the Church in the lives of Catholics. An encyclical is an opinion and a teaching tool that carries great weight but it is NOT a statement of official dogma that all Catholics must believe.

Sadly from my perspective as an American political conservative, Mater et Magistra set the stage for a variety of vague "calls" by several popes for actions by governments to promote something called "social justice" which seems to imply there is a different standard of justice for society at large than for individuals. The concept itself has no strict definition but other vague references to helping the poor.  While I admire the Christian teaching of the popes, here is my problem with calls from the Vatican for government intervention to bring about "social justice."

"Dirty Jobs" Mike Rowe supports Ottawa High School's building trades program

OTTAWA - Last week, students at Ottawa Township High School protested their school board's decision to cut the building trades program and fire the instructor. The school responded by suspending 130 students for disrupting class. Others were banned from the senior prom.  

That's when Mike Rowe of the "Dirty Jobs" tv series heard about the Ottawa students. While he rarely gets involved in supporting any type of protests, this one was different.

“I can’t speak to their motives. I have no idea if they care more about the teacher, or more about the demise of vocational education. Maybe they’re just bored high-schoolers looking to snap the monotony of a long winter,” he wrote on his website.

“But either way, if I could be there with them, I would. Because I like what’s happening. I like that these kids are willing to suffer the consequences of speaking their minds. I like that the local trade unions are supporting them. I like that the press is covering it. But mostly, I like that somebody is standing up for the skilled trades. Finally. In a place where it really matters.”

Then Rowe put together this video: 

Religious Freedom versus Contraceptive Rights [video]

CHICAGO - Two legal experts discussed the U.S. Supreme Court arguments in Sebelius vs. Hobby Lobby, featuring Thomas More Society's Peter Breen and ACLU of Illinois' Colleen Connell on WTTW's Chicago Tonight.

Illinois Policy Institute responds to Quinn with the facts about Illinois' comeback

CHICAGO - Illinois Policy Institute refutes the governor's claim of Illinois finances being better than ever:

JOB CREATION: Since 2010, Illinois has recovered only 215,800 jobs, which is 42,000 fewer than Gov. Pat Quinn’s claim of 257,400. More importantly, Illinois is the only state in the Midwest that had fewer payroll jobs in January 2014 than it did when Quinn took office in January 2009.

UNEMPLOYMENT: Illinois has the second-highest unemployment rate nationally, and the highest in the Midwest. More than 1 million people are unemployed or underemployed. Since Quinn took office five years ago,unemployment has jumped to 8.7 percent from 8 percent.

Illinois unemployment is not at its lowest level in five years.

Counseling bill puts state between a patient and therapist

SPRINGFIELD - For decades, liberals have been arguing that the government should never come between a woman and her doctor. But a bill before the Illinois House sponsored by Democrats Rep. Kelly Cassidy, Naomi Jakobsson, Greg Harris, Ann Williams and Sara Feigenholtz would put the state right in middle of the relationship between a patient and his or her counselor.

HB 5569 , which provides that no mental health provider be legally allowed to engage in certain types of counseling with minors dealing with sexual identification issues, passed the Human Services Committee Wednesday morning and was placed on second order for discussion on the House floor.

"This bill is a government intrusion into the counseling room by those who have no business there. Where, with whom, and why a person seeks counseling is a private and personal matter," wrote Illinois Family Institute executive director David E. Smith on his Facebook page after the bill passed committee.

"The manner of counseling is a decision between the client and provider. No government official has any business whatsoever telling someone what type of counseling to seek," he said.

Northwestern Players can unionize, NLRB regional director rules

CHICAGO - As union member numbers decline, unions are breaking ground in new open fields to boost membership. Northwestern University football players may be the next productive spot to find union members, because they're are entitled to be unionized, a regional director for the National Labor Relations Board ruled Wednesday. 

NLRB Director Peter Sung Ohr ruled that football players are employees of the university, qualifying them to join a union.

Northwestern University is expected to appeal the decision to the NLRB, and the case could eventually find its way before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Alan Cubbage, Vice President for University Relations at Northwestern, said in a statement they were disappointed in the decision.

"While we respect the NLRB process and the regional director's opinion, we disagree with it," the university said. "Northwestern believes strongly that our student-athletes are not employees, but students. Unionization and collective bargaining are not the appropriate methods to address the concerns raised by student-athletes."

Legalized pot bills move forward under cover of med-marijuana for epileptic kids

SPRINGFIELD - Legislation to expand the use of marijuana have advanced this week as three different measures got out of Democratic-controlled House and Senate committees with only token opposition.

State Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago) moved legislation that would permit minors with seizure disorders to take a derivative of medical cannabis. Meanwhile, the House Restorative Justice Committee passed two separate pieces of legislation that would ease the punishment on those caught with marijuana.

State Rep. Christian Mitchell (D-Chicago) pushed legislation (HB4299), which would make possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana a misdemeanor punishable with a fine of no more than $100 - about the same as a traffic ticket.

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) passed another pot-ticketing bill 5-2 in committee that would decriminalize marijuana. Under her legislation (HB 5708), possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana would be a “regulatory offense” that would still include a fine of $100 but not exist on someone’s record.

Anita Bedell, with Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems, opposed Cassidy’s and Mitchell’s bills. She’s worried about the message lowering marijuana penalties sends to young people.

Jimmy Carter Coming to Chicago

CHICAGO - Former President Jimmy Carter will be in Andersonville Thursday to sign copies of his new book, "A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power."

In the book, Carter covers discrimination and violence against women across the world, addresses the impact of "distorted religious texts on women" and urges change. He also reports his observations of women activists.

Del Mar announces bid for second term as Cook County GOP chair

PALATINE – Cook County Republican Party Chairman Aaron Del Mar announced his intention to run for a second term as Chairman, after being re-elected as Palatine Township Republican Committeeman last Tuesday. Del Mar is being challenged by Chris Cleveland, who has thrown his hat in the ring for the job as well (HERE).

“It has been my honor to serve my fellow Republicans in this capacity. We have made significant progress in the past two years, but our biggest test is on the horizon. We must defeat Pat Quinn and the Democrats in the fall and finally elect a competent Governor to lead our great state. This is what we have been building towards for the past two years, and I intend to see this effort through to its successful completion,” Del Mar said in a press release.

Del Mar noted: “In the past two years, we have been building towards this critical election. If we swing just 5 votes per precinct this year compared to 2010, we will receive 30% of the vote in Cook County and our statewide candidates will be victorious. That has been our plan since I was elected to this role, and over the next eight months we will see the fruits of these efforts.”

Rauner responds to Quinn's budget address

SPRINGFIELD - Bruce Rauner, the Republican candidate for governor, issued the following statement regarding Governor Quinn’s budget address:

“Pat Quinn first promised the working people of Illinois he wouldn’t raise taxes by 67%.  He broke that promise, taking away nearly a week's worth of pay for Illinois families. Then he promised his tax hike would be temporary. Today he broke that promise too and is doubling down on his failed policies. After five years of Pat Quinn’s failed leadership, we have record tax hikes, outrageously high unemployment, massive cuts in education, and there’s still a giant budget mess in Springfield. It’s now or never to save Illinois. We can balance the budget without more tax increases, if we create a growth economy, and restructure and reform our broken government. That’s what I’ll do as governor.”

Lawmakers respond to Governor Quinn's 2014 budget proposal

Several state lawmakers responded to Governor Quinn's 2014 Budget address:

Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-Aurora): “The Governor claims lower government costs than we had in 2008 and we know the tax revenues are much higher than in 2008, so what happened to the money? Despite all the promises three years ago, why does the Governor want to make the 2011 ‘temporary’ income tax hike permanent? Most of us would be a little more willing to put up with higher taxes if we believed that those dollars were spent efficiently. Unfortunately, government waste, fraud and abuse have clearly shown the opposite. Where is that money?”

Sen. Darin LaHood (R-Peoria): “Governor Pat Quinn and his legislative majority friends seem to be unclear on the concept of ‘temporary,’ as that was the word used to describe the massive 2011 tax increase, which cost the average family one-week’s income. Temporary should mean temporary, but it is apparent that Governor Quinn is guilty of ‘political malpractice.’”

"A Better Illinois" gets spiritual with faith leaders to promote graduated tax

CHICAGO - In late February, "A Better Illinois" - a group promoting a progressive tax system - rolled out its faith leader coalition "Faith Leaders for a Fair Tax." In a video of the event (HERE), the leaders quoted from the Bible and prayed that lawmakers would not serve the idols of money and greed.

The coalition makes it clear that the separation of church and state does not apply to liberal "social justice" issues.

"From those to whom much is given, much more is expected," said Bishop Wayne Miller of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod. Speakers included Trinity United Church of Christ's new pastor Rev. Otis Moss III, who assumed the pulpit when Rev. Jeremiah Wright stepped down. 

"Something's wrong when someone can run for public office and say they're so rich, they are beyond corruption," said Rev. Phil Blackwell, Chicago Temple. "Flat tax has become flat earth."

Another speaker, Pastor C.J. Hawkings, is a United Methodist pastor and directs ARISE in Chicago. She's famous among conservatives as the clergy-woman confronted by Andrew Breitbart outside Right Nation 2010 (see video below).

Quinn: Illinois in stronger financial condition than five years ago

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois is in stronger financial condition than it was five years ago, Governor Quinn said as he opened his 2014 budget address Wednesday in Springfield.

"For too many years, our state was spending more than it was taking in, but since then we cut state spending by $5.7 billion," Quinn said to a joint meeting of the Illinois House and Senate. Since then, Quinn said, Illinois has saved money by renegotiating contracts, cutting the use of paper, pagers and land lines saving the state millions.

"We closed and consolidated more than 50 state facilities, and overhauled our Medicaid budget," Quinn said. "We reformed our workmen's compensation system, and we made Illinois government more sustainable."

"We took on the pension crisis, unlike the past, I made the pension payment every single year since I became governor," Quinn said. "Together, we got the job done."

Illinois is in much stronger position after paying down $5 billion in late bills, he said.

Pro-life women's group endorses Schilling for Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Wednesday the Susan B. Anthony List Candidate Fund, a national pro-life political action committee, announced its endorsement of former U.S. Representative Bobby Schilling for Illinois’ 17th congressional district.

“During his previous time in Washington, Congressman Schilling was a champion for unborn children, women, and pro-life taxpayers in Illinois and across the country. We are proud to endorse his campaign and send him back to Congress to replace Cheri Bustos,” said SBA List Candidate Fund President Marjorie Dannenfelser.  

“Rep. Bustos’ extreme pro-abortion views have earned her the endorsement of EMILY’s List and the support of America’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood. While in office, Rep. Bustos refused to support a compassionate, common ground limit on abortion after 20 weeks – more than halfway through pregnancy. Last month, Bustos refused to state her position on common sense parental notification laws. Her loyalty lies with the abortion lobby, not Illinois voters.”

Hultgren presses White House on Common Core coercion

Congressman Hultgren hosting a Common Core standards summit last year in McHenry County

WASHINGTON DC - The Common Core curriculum standards debate raised its head at the U.S. Capitol this week when during a hearing on the President's budget priorities Illinois Congressman Randy Hultgren asked a question of a White House official.

Hultgren pressed the Director of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Dr. John Holdren, about possible coercion by the Administration to force states into adopting the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in education.

“There is raging debate in my home state and across the country about the adoption of the Common Core State Standards and whether or not it they are wise and sufficient to bring us up to the level of competitiveness our country has pursued,” said Rep. Hultgren. “I would like to know what role OSTP has had in consultation with stakeholder communities, federal agencies and the states in advancing math curriculum for Common Core.

Lawmakers: $31 billion in temporary taxes won’t cut it

By Benjamin Yount - 

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois lawmakers in January 2011 assured taxpayers  a temporary increase to income taxes was all that was needed to pay off billions in overdue bills.

Now, almost four years later, lawmakers say Illinois cannot possibly survive if it loses any of the $31 billion raised through that “temporary” tax.

“The choices we have are to extend (the temporary tax increase) or to cut 13,400 teachers from the classroom, to take 95,000 children out of early childhood education, to say no to 30,000 college students wishing to get a MAP grant, to close 11 prisons and release 15,000 prisoners,” state Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Brook, said Tuesday.

Harmon said the only other choice is a graduated income tax that would start at 2.9 percent and end with a top rate of 6.9 percent.

Stantis: Asleep at the Wheel [cartoon]

Shared-parenting bill moves to Illinois House, its future uncertain

According to the State Journal-Register, a bill aimed at increasing the minimum amount of parenting time judges must award to non-custodial parents is headed to the House floor, but its ultimate fate is uncertain.

The bill, HB5425, passed the House Judiciary Committee Monday afternoon by a 9-3 vote, but its sponsor, Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park), said he would be willing to hold off on calling the legislation for a vote to see what happens with a family law omnibus bill sponsored by Rep. Kelly Burke (D-Oak Lawn).

Cabello’s bill would give parents going through a divorce 90 days to agree to their own parenting plan before the court gets involved, at which point the judge must award at least 35 percent of parenting time a week to the non-custodial parent if that parent is declared fit.

Proponents say the bill will cut down on long, contentious child custody battles in a court system that’s built around conflict.

Below is a video discussing support of the bill:

Four Illinois Congressional candidates elevated in NRCC's "Young Gun" program

Left to Right: Bob Dold, Darlene Senger, Mike Bost, Bobby Schilling

WASHINGTON - Four Republican congressional candidates were promoted to "contender" level in the National Republican Congressional Committee's (NRCC) "Young Guns" program Wednesday:

• Bob Dold (IL-10)
• Darlene Senger (IL-11)
• Mike Bost (IL-13)
• Bobby Schilling (IL-17)

"Contender" is the second level of the Young Guns program. According to the NRCC, "Contender" candidates have "completed stringent program metrics and are on the path to developing a mature and competitive campaign operation." All four Illinois candidates are considered to be in congressional seats that appear favorable to the GOP.

Thorner/O'Neil: UN Agenda 21 schemes to grab property rights

By Nancy Thorner and Bonnie O'Neil - 

You may be one of the unlucky Americans that have already experienced the heavy hand of government intruding on your personal property rights. However, today most Americans remain unaware of the planned and unprecedented power grab, inflicted on Americans by a relatively “quiet" agreement our government made with the United Nations, known as U.N. Agenda 21.

It is thought by many to be more of a scheme, with the claim it is being initiated in order to save the world by creating a sustainable environment. If allowed to continue, the plan will change America in many ways. Many of our treasured freedoms and rights will be systematically removed. Many see Agenda 21 as the ultimate goal to gain world-wide control and create a one-world-governing body. 

What would it involve and how would it impact American citizens? Forget your dream of a two story home on your own piece of land. Instead the plan is to force us to settle for a nightmare. Conjure up an image of China … specifically a city like Beijing with few private homes and massive apartment buildings. A place where people will likely live in zones connected by congested freeways, and all controlled by an untouchable government.

Chicago Public Schools wants $5 million for new furniture

In the wake of massive school closings and budget woes, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is seeking to double its furniture budget to $9.5 million, chalking up $5 million of that to an upcoming move of its central headquarters.

CPS spokesman Joel Hood said the $5 million added to an existing $4.5 million contract with Staples was part of the moving plan. He said the money would cover costs for the new central headquarters at 1 N. Dearborn and eight satellite district offices. Hood said the district’s old furniture won’t fit in the new streamlined office space and called the cost of disassembling, moving and reassembling it “expensive.”

CPS also is seeking up to $400,000 for “logistics, planning and management services” for the move of more than 1,200 central office staffers by the relocation services firm 300 Decisions, according to the meeting’s agenda.

via Sun-Times

Obamacare March 31 Signup Deadline moved again

By Amy Payne - 

No, it cannot happen. It will not happen. The Obama administration absolutely, positively will NOT extend the deadline to sign up for Obamacare.

This isn’t even a laugh line anymore. It’s just an eye roller. And how silly these guys look now:

"We have no plans to extend the open enrollment period. In fact, we don't actually have the statutory authority to extend the open enrollment period in 2014." — Health and Human Services (HHS) official Julie Bataille, March 11

“Once that 2014 open enrollment period has been set, they are set permanently.” – HHS official Michael Hash, March 11

"March 31st is the deadline for enrollment. You’ve heard us make that clear." – Press Secretary Jay Carney, March 21

“There is no delay beyond March 31.” – HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, March 12

There was no delay…until there was. The Washington Post reported last night that March 31 is not, in fact, the final word. To get more time, you tell the government that you haven’t been able to sign up yet:

Mark Kirk attempts to clarify his anti-Oberweis comments

CHICAGO - Senator Mark Kirk's response when asked if he would campaign for Jim Oberweis, the Illinois Republican Party's U.S. Senate candidate, stirred reaction from within and without the party Tuesday.

"I'm gonna be protecting my relationship with Dick and not launching into a partisan jihad that hurts our partnership to both pull together for Illinois," Kirk told reporters. For most observers, that was a clear, "Thanks, but no thanks."

The Chicago Tribune's John Kass followed up with Kirk's staff, who tried to clarify saying:

"He'll support the Republican nominees. And he's used the phrase 'political jihad' before. He wasn't applying that directly to Oberweis. The senator has had differences with Durbin on many fronts. You're cherry-picking this story."

Oberweis responsed to Kirk's brushoff:

"I respect Sen. Kirk's goal of maintaining a respectful relationship with his Democratic colleagues in Washington, just as I do in Springfield. I would never ask Sen. Kirk to do anything to endanger his personal or professional relationship with Sen. Durbin. I look forward to serving with Mark in the United States Senate come January 2015."

A source in Oberweis' camp told Kass that Kirk had phoned Oberweis several times that day. Perhaps to "clarify" his recent remarks.

Rhoads: I've heard this one before

By Mark Rhoads - 

Random people on the Left who always say they want to "help" the Republican Party stay "relevant" to more voters have come up with a new twist on their tiresome old theme of urging Republicans to reject conservative principles in order to win over new blocs of voters. We have seen the Left peddle this same snake oll many times before.

This time the twist goes like this. A vice president of Pew Research tells liberal Republican members of the Ripon Society that the GOP can never win "non-white" voters unless it "tones down" anti-government rhetoric because new voters embrace the socialism (my word) of the Democratic Party. The implicit premise of the Pew VP is that principles of individual liberty and limited constitutional government can have no appeal to "non-white" voters who will emerge as a majority of the country in the future. The idiotic racist premise of this conclusion is that "non-white" voters will always choose dependence on government over individual freedom if given the choice.

Oberweis says he "understands" Senator Kirk's reticence to endorse him

SPRINGFIELD - State Sen. Jim Oberweis, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, says he's not disappointed about the lack of support from GOP U.S. Senator Mark Kirk.

Oberweis told reporters that he understands why Kirk is backing Democrat Senator Dick Durbin, and why he wants to protect his working relationship with him.

Oberweis thinks the media has played up the issue more than it should. He still expects Kirk to support the entire GOP ticket this fall.

Red light camera fines slow down, cut into expected Chicago revenue

CHICAGO - Either Chicago drivers are learning it pays to obey the law, or they're re-routing their local trips to avoid red light cameras - whichever the case, Chicago's expected revenue stream from red light camera fines is slowing down.

In 2013, the number of red light citations dropped by five percent, depriving the city's already struggling budget of an expected $3 million. 

Since the cameras began being installed in 2009, the number of tickets has slowed down 20 percent from the 2009 original peak, costing over $14 million theexpiredmeter.com found:

So, does the city want more people to run stoplights and get more tickets, thus more revenue, or is the city happy with the city drivers' safer driving habits?

The question is akin to asking whether the state wants cigarette smokers to quit smoking for their health's benefit, or continue smoking to pay more taxes and finance government programs.

Starkehaus: Unspeakable acts against humanity confront the court of conscience

By Irene F. Starkehaus - 

There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

The highly evolved and blissfully incredulous have been known to indict the regressive tendencies of lingering monotheism by asking modern day Neanderthals, "At Auschwitz, where was this supposed God of yours?" As a rejoinder to the smacking sting of such an insolent question, one may well righteously respond, "Where was God, you ask? At Auschwitz, where was the whole of humanity?"

I will answer that question for myself. At Auschwitz, men and women of authority were justifying their wicked choices as they always have, as they always will because men and women of conscience would not act in great enough numbers to quash the mutiny against justice. So it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be for as long as mankind insists on proclaiming itself a god.

Quoting a UK Telegraph post dated March 24, 2014:

"The remains of more than 15,000 babies were incinerated as 'clinical waste' by hospitals in Britain with some used in waste to energy plants."

Watch as CTA train derails at O'Hare Airport

CHICAGO - A video of the CTA train that rammed through the Blue Line stop at O'Hare International Airport and up the airport's escalator surfaced Tuesday night through anonymous sources, obviously ones with access to the airport's monitoring cameras.

Thirty-two people were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries Tuesday after the accident occurred. The line and stop is shut down from the Rosemont stop to O'Hare indefinitely. Lawsuits have already begun to be filed. 

Anti-tax groups refute Harmon's tax cut claims about proposed graduated system

Illinois State Sen. Don Harmon

SPRINGFIELD - If adopted by Illinois voters, the Democrats' progressive tax proposal would be "a major across-the-board tax relief for 94 percent of Illinois' taxpayers," State Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) said Tuesday.

However, two anti-tax groups disagree, arguing that Harmon failed to mention that the "tax relief" he espouses is based on the current flat tax rate of 5 percent, a rate raised 67% in 2011 and one that is suppose to return to 3 percent in 2014.

Harmon, who is chief sponsor of an effort to move Illinois from a flat income tax to a graduated income tax system, specified the tax rates he is proposing Illinois adopt:

• 2.9% for those under $12,000 annually
• 4.9% for those making between $12,000 and $180,000 annually
• 6.9% for those making between $180,00 and $204,000 annually

Harmon said the option he's proposing is an alternative to two other choices taxpayers are facing, 1) continuing what he calls an "unfair, regressive" flat tax that is temporarily at a 5% rate, or 2) cutting services such as education and health care by 20% across the board.

"This 'fair tax' proposal is the third way to generate revenue," Harmon said, "which will provide tax relief to 94% of Illinois' taxpayers."

Brian Costin of Illinois Policy Institute disagrees with Harmon's assessment. According to Costin, Harmon's numbers show a tax hike on anyone making over $12,000 a year.

"The actual tax rate on a minimum wage worker would be 3.42%, still higher than in 2011," Costin said, "Everyone who makes more than $21,739.13 will pay more under Senator Harmon's "fair tax" than the current 3.75% law."

Rauner launches video ahead of Quinn budget address [video]

Ahead of Gov. Quinn’s budget address on Wednesday, GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner released a new web ad, which highlights what the campaign calls "Quinn’s broken promises from the past."

Indiana first state to opt out of Common Core curriculum

INDIANAPOLIS - Monday, neighboring Indiana became the first state to opt out of the Obama Administration's Common Core curriculum standards. 

“I believe our students are best served when decisions about education are made at the state and local level,” Indiana Governor Mike Pence said in a statement.

“By signing this legislation, Indiana has taken an important step forward in developing academic standards that are written by Hoosiers, for Hoosiers, and are uncommonly high, and I commend members of the General Assembly for their support,” the Republican governor added, according to the Star.

Wednesday, Illinois State Rep. Dwight Kay (R-Glen Carbon) will be asking the Illinois House Elementary & Secondary Education Committee to delay implementing the Common Core curriculum standards in Illinois, citing the program's cost to be estimated at $773 million - when the state's budget is already in the red, even after numerous budget cuts in the past two years.

Unes Opposes bill to Assess ISBE Takeover of IHSA

SPRINGFIELD - Speaking after conclusion of the House Elementary & Secondary Education Committee Hearing Monday , State Representative Mike Unes (R-East Peoria) explained his strong opposition to State Rep. Linda Chapa-Lavia's (D-Aurora) House resolution to evaluate a takeover of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

The IHSA is charged with governing the, “equitable participation in interscholastic athletics and activities” on behalf of the State of Illinois. House Resolution 895 proposed a series of hearings to examine ISBE taking over the duties of IHSA and administering it through the State Agency.

State Sen. Rose calls for task force to study first responder dangers

SPRINGFIELD – Too many Illinois first responders are being lost in the line-of-duty and State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) is seeking a legislative remedy to decrease the number of service fatalities.

“Illinois continues to lose an alarming number of first responders in the line-of-duty as they respond to calls on our interstates, highways and county roads. Being a first responder, transportation or highway worker presents certain dangers and we must examine ways to reduce the number of fatalities,” Rose said.

Chicago-based pro-life group hosts Hobby Lobby Rally outside Supreme Court

CHICAGO - The Chicago-based Pro Life Action League joined with Stand Up for Religious Freedom to host a rally supporting Hobby Lobby and religious freedoms outside the U.S. Supreme Court building Tuesday morning.

The group's director Eric Scheidler spoke at the rally shortly after U.S. Senator Ted Cruz addressed the crowd.

Brin to challenge Cook for Lake County GOP Chairman

HIGHLAND PARK– Monday, Lake County Circuit Court Clerk and Republican Committeeman for Precinct 205 Keith Brin announced he's vying to oust Bob Cook as chairman of the Lake County Republican Party in next month's election.

“The Republican Party needs new leadership in our county,” said Brin. “Lake County used to be Republican red, yet the county has been growing bluer every year as Democrats have won elections in areas that used to be reliably Republican. We need new energy and fresh ideas at the top to support the hard-working Republican precinct committeemen and township chairmen throughout the County who currently receive little to no support from their county chairman and organization.”

Brin says he believes it is the County Chairman's job to support the platform, in its entirety, as enacted by all Republicans at the State Convention.

Rutherford reduces Treasurer's office budget by another 5%

CHICAGO - It's rare that a state official would ever ask the legislature to cut his or her budget, but that's exactly what Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford did last week before the Senate Appropriations II Committee.

The state treasurer's 2015 office budget from the General Revenue Fund was reduced by 5%, marking the third time since becoming treasurer that Rutherford has slashed his office's operations budget.

State Rep. Conroy moves to increase gun penalties as way of funding state agencies

SPRINGFIELD - State Rep. Deborah Conroy (D-Villa Park), is introducing legislation that would make carrying guns into Illinois schools a felony. That includes pre-schools up to colleges and universities. Currently, first and second-time offenders are charged with a misdemeanor.

Another measure introduced by Conroy increases fines for carrying guns into prohibited places from $150 to $500. Fines currently go to a state mental health fund, and Conroy says this proposal is about providing more money to cover mental health services. She says the current amount is too low.

The bill is in a House committee with other proposals changing the concealed carry law passed last year.

Illinois considers law allowing GPS monitoring of "accused" domestic abusers

SPRINGFIELD - So much for innocent until proven guilty. On Monday, the Illinois House Judiciary Committee passed HB3744, which would require anyone "accused" of felony domestic abuse to wear an electronic surveillance device as a condition of bail. 

The bill was filed in response to the murder of an Antioch woman whose ex-boyfriend ignored an order of protection that had been issued against him, said State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) who sponsored the bill.

“Diane Kephart went through the proper process and had an order of protection put in place against her ex-boyfriend after he was charged with aggravated domestic battery with a deadly weapon,” said Wheeler. “Through House Bill 3744, a judge could mandate that a GPS device be placed on an accused violent offender as a condition of bail.”