Illinois Review

Thorner/Ingold: Is the COVID 19 Cure Worse Than the Problem?

NOTE: Illinois Review offers a platform for conservatives to share ideas, information and opinions. Opinion pieces are not to be considered Illinois Review's position or opinion on topics our gracious contributors submit to share with our readership. We encourage responses and comments in support or opposition.

By Nancy Thorner & Ed Ingold -

Unfortunately, in this wheel of politics, there are two sides diametrically opposed. Conservatives have reached the conclusion that no good will come of destroying the nation, while Progressives are determined to continue the present course of action.

Barely a month ago, the same factions were diametrically opposed on the same issues. The president, they said, was overreacting, being racist, xenophobic, and dismissive of experts who said the virus was no big no big deal. President Trump acted swiftly and boldly, despite the mudslinging, to stem the explosive growth of the disease, as opposed to those countries which chose to ignore history and the medical statisticians. His actions bought time to evaluate the situation more clearly.

Chicago area manufacturers refocus to help with COVID-19 medical supply needs

CHICAGO - A new appreciation for manufacturing, transportation, medical and utility personnel is emerging during the national COVID-19 crisis.

Chicago area manufacturers are pausing normal production to focus on providing badly-needed medical supply needs, as shown in this Chicago 7 news segment:

What does the Families First Coronavirus Act mean for businesses and employees?

SCHAUMBURG – Technology & Manufacturing Association’s President Steve Rauschenberger (a former Illinois state senator) scoured the Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed by Congress last week and distributed the following to the association’s members Wednesday am (3/25/2020):

32% Say Coronavirus Has Thrown Them or A Family Member Out of Work

Rasmussen is reporting that when asked, one-third of Americans say they or someone in their close family is now unemployed thanks to the coronavirus.

A whopping 9-out-of-10 are worried about the virus hitting them in the pocketbook.

How would you answer if you received a call from Rasmussen asking those same questions? 

Is someone now unemployed in your household because of coronavirus? Are you concerned about the financial effects of this industry shutdown? 

What Was Revolutionary About the American Revolution?

Everyone knows the basics of the American Revolution: thirteen North American colonies revolted against British rule and won their independence. But there’s much more to the story: the American Revolution, of all revolutions, was a game-changer for the entire world. How so? And most importantly, why? Renowned historian Allen Guelzo explains.

IL Congressman Davis works with bipartisan group to push through critical Defense Production Act

WASHINGTON -- In a press release Tuesday morning, U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) identified himself as one seven Republicans and seven Democrats to introduce a resolution calling for the use of the Defense Production Act to ensure there are enough health care supplies going to providers to test and treat COVID-19.

"As I continue to talk to health care providers throughout my district, they're worried about having the medical supplies necessary to treat COVID-19," said Davis. "These are unprecedented times and we need all hands on deck. Utilizing the Defense Production Act would provide more direction and incentives for businesses to prioritize the equipment our health care providers are asking for. The sooner we contain this virus, the sooner Americans and businesses can return to normal life."

JULIE Remains Open to Receive and Process Underground Locate Requests 24/7

JOLIET IL -- Utilities and telecom services are more important now than ever before. With more Illinoisans at home during the COVID-19 crisis, they are more reliant than ever on having the electricity, gas, telecom and water services on and working.

As everyone works together to face the difficult challenge of responding to the coronavirus, JULIE remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For professional excavators, JULIE encourages them to consider if their project actually is covered as an essential function under Governor Pritzker’s “shelter in place” order and/or if it can wait, as JULIE anticipates that some of their members’ staffs across the state will be impacted by COVID-19.

Pritzker goes to CNN to demand Trump, feds provide more sources during "national emergency"

CHICAGO - Illinois' Governor JB Pritzker was on CNN Sunday morning complaining about how difficult it has been for him to acquire personal protective equipment for Illinois medical staff from the Trump Administration.

"It's the Wild West out there," Pritzker said, upset that Illinois was being forced to compete on the world market for the needed equipment. He went on to call on the president to demand private manufacturers join an effort to make those in-demand items.

Illinois manufacturing and biotech groups partner with state to produce needed protective equipment

CHICAGO — As the state continues to build on its robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for increased demand across the state’s health care system, Monday, Governor JB Pritzker announced a variety of steps his administration has taken to rapidly increase the state’s supply of personal protective equipment. The Governor announced a new partnership with the manufacturing and biotech industries to produce life-saving products in Illinois and an expansive state procurement effort that has already netted millions of masks and other PPE.
 
“In the face of the unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19, the people of Illinois have stepped up once again: our innovative biotech companies and state-of-the art manufacturers are teaming up with the State of Illinois to ramp up production of Personal Protective Equipment,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’re not just waiting for in-state production. My administration continues to work day and night to scour the global supply chain. Illinois is acquiring PPE to compensate for what we haven’t received in our federal requests. But we are doing so while running up against obstacles that should not exist.”

236 new COVID-19 cases in Illinois, 3 added deaths

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 236 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including three deaths in Cook County; two men in their 80s and a man in his 90s.

First Midwest Bank offers relief programs due to COVID-19

CHICAGO -- First Midwest Bank Monday announced it is offering several programs and services designed to alleviate some of the financial stress and burden its clients may be facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During this time of uncertainty, our mission of helping clients achieve financial success is more important than ever,” said Mark Sander, President and Chief Operating Officer of First Midwest Bank. “Many of our clients may need support in ways they have not needed in the past. We want them to know we are all in this together, and we are committed to supporting them during a time when they need us the most.”

Commissioner Morrison Calls On Dems Gov Pritzker, Mayor Lightfoot to stop political sniping

ORLAND PARK – Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison is calling on Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot to stop politicizing the current COVID-19 crisis the state is facing.

"It started last week with the controversial decision to move forward with the March 17 primary election directly in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic which led to a nasty exchange between Governor Pritzker and the Chicago Board of Elections (CBOE)," Morrison said in a press release Monday.

Telemedicine: How to keep your distance and see your counselor, too

According to Scott Hendrickson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (L.C.P.C.) and President of Heritage Counseling Center in Plainfield, IL, the coronavirus outbreak and its subsequent requirement to limit personal interactions flies in the face of optimal mental health practice.

But, as Hendrickson notes, good mental health is learning to accept and deal with difficult situations as they arise.

The Intolerance of Tolerance

What does it mean to be tolerant? The dictionary defines tolerance as respect for opinions, beliefs, and practices that differ from your own. But in our polarized cultural climate, it has come to mean something else entirely. Greg Koukl, president of Stand to Reason and author of Tactics, sorts it all out.

University of Chicago doc answers questions about COVID-19

CHICAGO - Dr. Emily Landon of the University of Chicago answers pertinent questions about COVID-19:

To be short: 

-BE informed
-DO NOT panic
-Practice social distancing
-Do wash your hands frequently
-Avoid going out unless absolutely necessary
-Do try to get out for some fresh air daily

Weyermuller: Chicago's cannabis shops open; "Keep Calm and Carry On"

By Mark Weyermuller -

The City of Chicago goes on a mandatory lockdown with a “stay at home” order issued by Governor Pritzker starting Saturday afternoon at 5:00 PM. The order allows only “essential” jobs and travel. It looks like more of a voluntary order as hundreds of jobs are exempt.  

Grocery stores, liquor stores, hardware stores, hospitals, and restaurants with carry out will remain open. Public transportation, cabs, and Uber will continue to operate, with no road closures.  Media is exempt from the shelter in place order.

And just announced, Binny’s Beverage Depot will remain open. So will all Illinois cannabis stores.

168 new cases of COVID-19 in Illinois; 70 year old Cook Co resident dies

SPRINGFIELD – Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), announced Saturday 168 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including another death; a Cook County man in his 70s. 

DeKalb County is now also reporting a case.

Illinois' crucial chemical industry to remain open during "Stay at Home" order

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is the nation’s epicenter in the production of disinfectants, cleaning products, sanitizers, sterilizers, soaps and personal protective gear used in the medical community and food production as well as by the general population.

Beckman: The New Dem Bosses Screw Bernie

Bernie Sanders | AP Photo

NOTE: Illinois Review offers a platform for conservatives to share ideas, information and opinions. Opinion pieces are not to be considered Illinois Review's position or opinion on topics our gracious contributors submit to share with our readership. We encourage responses and comments in support or opposition.

By Hank Beckman -

During the 1960 presidential election, John Kennedy told journalist Teddy White, “If they turn me down, the primary system is finished for good.”

“They” were the old school Democratic bosses who were decidedly skittish about nominating a Catholic as the party’s standard-bearer. Only one Catholic had been nominated for president before, Al Smith in 1928, and religious prejudice was a significant factor in his landslide defeat at the hands of Herbert Hoover.

Thorner/Ingold: What’s Happening With the COVID-19 Epidemic?

NOTE: Illinois Review offers a platform for conservatives to share ideas, information and opinions. Opinion pieces are not to be considered Illinois Review's position or opinion on topics our gracious contributors submit to share with our readership. We encourage responses and comments in support or opposition.

By Nancy Thorner & Ed Ingold - 

Knowledge of the situation is evolving quickly. While there is a lot of good information (even from Dr. Oz), there is a lot of misinformation too, out of ignorance and for political gain. The Democrats are saying “Testing, Testing, Testing”, not because it is effective but because there is a shortfall of test kits, and more important, labs and technicians to perform those tests. In other words, something they can blame the administration for. As I have noted before, politicians don’t solve problems, they exploit them. Politicians tend to be good talkers, and extraordinarily poor listeners in these circumstances.

Dr. Jane Orient: Don'ts and Dos on Coronavirus

By Jane M. Orient, M.D. -

Some of the views expressed here are controversial. So, do ask your doctor. I hope you have one—not just the HMO or retail clinic “provider.”

• Don’t panic. That is always good advice. If you, like the world’s economy, operate on just-in-time inventories, and did not take advice to stock up 3 weeks ago, do not join a mob at a big-box store. Somebody there is no doubt infected. Plus, there’s the risk of getting trampled or injured in a fist fight over the last roll of toilet paper. Most of the world survives without that luxury good. If you have no rice or beans or pasta in the pantry, that is more serious, but you should still avoid mobs if at all possible. Take-out and drive-through places are booming.

What is considered "essential" during Pritzker's "shelter-in-place" order?

CHICAGO - Illinoisans are asking "What is considered essential?" and "What should I do with my business and my employees?" in light of Governor Pritzker's Executive Order issued Friday calling on the state's residents to "shelter-in-place"? 

The governor's 9-page long executive order details what the governor considers "essential activities" that permits a person to leave his home:

Illinois Public Health Officials Announce 163 New Cases of Coronavirus Disease

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 163 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including the death of a Cook County woman in her 70s.  Three additional counties are now reporting cases; Adams, Christian, and McLean counties.     

Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 585 cases in 25 counties in Illinois.  Cases have occurred in ages 3 to 99.  Cases by county can be found on the IDPH website, as well as a list of local health departments who will have the most up-to-date information.

BREAKING: Pritzker to announce "shelter in place" for Illinois

CHICAGO - During a press conference at 3:00 PM Friday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will be ordering Illinoisans to "shelter in place" starting Saturday, March 20,2020 through April 7th, 2020.

Pritzker follows California Governor Gavin Newsom and New York Governor Mario Cuomo in setting this statewide policy into effect.

See "What is considered 'essential' in Pritzker's Executive Order?" 

More to come ... 

 

Between Complacency and Panic

Truth is the first casualty of epidemics. Theodore Dalrymple writes:

Much is still unknown about the virus and its mode of spread. Even its fatality rate is unknown because many infections may have been without symptoms and therefore not come to the attention of the public health authorities. If this is indeed the case, the fatality rate would be considerably lower than the 2% at present estimated, though it would also indicate that the spread is more difficult to control. All that can be said for certain is that the old are more at risk than the young, as are those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. If a vaccine were developed but was initially in short supply, it is they who should be immunised first; but in any case, it is unlikely that one will be developed quickly enough to affect the course of the epidemic. (Even the need to immunize the old first might be disputed, for more years of human life might be saved by preventing the death of one thirty year-old than by preventing the deaths of five eighty year-olds.)

Amid pandemic, Italy finds that EU stands for 'Europeans Useless'

In a crisis, the European Union failed Italy. David Freddoso writes:

Maurizio Massari, Italy’s permanent representative to the European Union, wrote an opinion piece for Politico Europe Tuesday evening publicly shaming fellow EU states for their failure to help, and once again asking them to come together. Instead, European countries are banning the exportation of face masks and other medical equipment needed to deal with the crisis. Germany's health minister, quoted by Politico, argued that this was necessary: “The market is such at present that masks are not going where [they're most] urgently needed, it’s where people pay most money for them.”

This is absurd. First of all, if Germany's government is really so worried about masks not getting where they're needed (as opposed to covering its own backside), they can donate masks to the Italians, can't they? This complaint about profiteering is really just cover for their own fearful selfishness. Maybe Germany is worried about becoming the next Italy, but that isn't the excuse they're giving. They're hiding behind the immorality of profiteering as if that were the real motive.

New Medicaid Rule Stresses Providers

Governors, health care providers, and several lawmakers want the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to retract a rule designed to increase transparency in Medicaid spending.

More than 3,900 comments from the public were accepted by the CMS regarding the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Rule (MFAR), a rule published in the Federal Register in November 2019. 

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D), U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), The American Hospital Association, the American Health Care Association, nursing homes and lawmakers in other states have submitted comments to CMS calling for the retraction of the proposal. The comment period ended on February 1, 2020. 

If enacted, MFAR would establish new reporting requirements for supplemental payments to healthcare providers and change how state governments may to finance Medicaid programs. 

More HERE

Gov launches new COVID-19 information website

MURPHYSBORO — Following an earlier stop at the St. Clair County Health Department in Belleville this morning, Governor JB Pritzker held his administration's daily COVID-19 press briefing in Jackson County today and announced the launch of a new website detailing the state's evolving response to COVID-19 and resources available to Illinois residents during this challenging time.

Illinois allows medical cannabis sales at dispensary street curbs, parking lots

Illinois will allow distribution of cannabis on street corners during COVID-19 crisis

SPRINGFIELD - While restaurants are not allowed to seat customers inside due to the coronavirus situation, Illinois cannabis dispensaries will start taking orders from medical patients on the curbs on in the dispensary parking lots to reduce human contact. 

The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois sent out the following media statement Wednesday:

Former Republican Congressman pulls Democrat ballot for Biden

Former GOP Congressman Joe Walsh (IL-08) announced Tuesday night that he pulled a Democrat ballot in Illinois' primary to vote for Joe Biden.

Walsh, who hosted a talk show on Chicago's 560 AM for several years posing as a conservative, also attempted to challenge Donald Trump as a Republican candidate. He has not appeared on any state primary ballot despite his intentions - and his campaign never gained a foothold.

80% of Americans agree with Trump's travel ban

From Rasmussen Reports:

Americans strongly support the government’s travel bans and school closings in response to the coronavirus threat, but one-in-four think panic, not reason, is driving some decisions.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 80% of American Adults agree with the federal government’s decision to temporarily ban travelers from China and nearly all European countries to prevent the possible spread of coronavirus. Only 12% disagree. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Di Leo: Are we retreating from the US Constitution at breakneck speed?

Chicago's streets were empty Tuesday when they would normally be jammed - The National Desk

By John F. Di Leo -  

Cities, colleges, and school districts are ordering students to study online from home; dioceses are cancelling their public mass schedules; states are ordering restaurants to close and demanding that theaters and conventions cancel or reschedule.

We are seeing commerce shut down over fears of the Wuhan virus. 

While there’s nothing to say, politically, about the choices of private organizations like churches and businesses to go on hiatus, there is indeed a constitutional crisis erupting as governments engage in actual mandates of this nature. Our Constitution clearly requires that all takings require just compensation, and we haven’t heard these states offering to compensate restaurants for lost diners or theatergoers (most of our states are bankrupt themselves; how could they?).

There is a reason why our Founding Fathers designed a government that was extremely limited in scope.  If they didn’t limit the powers of elected officials, eventually, some would surely take it upon themselves engage in tyranny of one kind or another, whether it be the closing of a newspaper because they didn’t like its politics, or the setting aside of land because some well-connected special interest desired it, or the closure of businesses out of some fear, perhaps even a legitimate fear, choosing on their own, as the government, to trade one ill (bankruptcy, unemployment, and poverty) for another ill (a random chance of catching a contagious sickness with a random chance of death).

Republican Jeanne Ives to face Democrat incumbent Sean Casten in 6th CD

WHEATON - Early Wednesday morning, Democrat freshman Congressman Sean Casten announced to his supporters in Illinois' 6th CD that he would be facing Republican former State Rep. Jeanne Ives in November. He urged donations in order to "keep IL-06 blue." 

Casten beat former Congressman Peter Roskam in the Democrats 2018 "Blue Wave" - turning a once-red congressional district blue. 

Ives, who challenged incumbent Republican Governor Bruce Rauner in the 2018 GOP gubernatorial primary, won nearly 2 to 1 over her 2020 primary opponent Jay Kinzler, an emergency room physician.

Illinois Retail Merchants say "ZERO need for hoarding"

Photos of grocery store shelves throughout the nation are prominent on social media, and that in itself could be creating a problem. 

The Illinois Retail Merchants Association is working with Illinois lawmakers to push out the urgent message that there is "Zero need for hoarding" groceries in Illinois. Hoarding is exacerbating the panic and anxiety levels throughout the state. 

"There is plenty of food if everyone practices common-sense and returns to normal shopping patterns," a statement from the IRMA said Monday.

12 New Cases of Coronavirus Disease in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health today announced 12 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across Illinois. Two additional counties are now reporting cases, Peoria and Will counties.

Other locations with cases include Chicago and Champaign, Clinton, Cook, Cumberland, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Sangamon, St. Clair, Whiteside, Winnebago, and  Woodford counties.   

“We know there is a lot of concern as the number of cases and locations increase,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “However, not everyone who has respiratory symptoms like cough and shortness of breath needs to be tested. Similarly, not everyone who is infected with novel coronavirus needs medical treatment.

Thorner/Ingold: Fact Checking on COVID-19 and Leftist Schadenfreude

By Nancy Thorner & Ed Ingold -

The spread of the Coronavirus to the United States is thought to be from an open-air meat market in Wahan, China, although recently China spread the tale that the U.S. Army started the Coronavirus outbreak.

The coronavirus most likely jumped from animals that are not eaten here, such as cats, bats, and snakes.  Without globalism, the virus could have been easily contained and eradicated by China.  This is not, however the first time that an outbreak of a disease far away from our shores has caused pandemic infections in the US . Examples include SARS (related to the current COVID-19) in 2003 and Swine Flue in 2009. SARS was much deadlier (11%), especially to children. Neither resulted in fatalities in the US.

Trump calms fears about fake national quarantine text

DC - The rumors about a national lockdown as the result of the coronavirus situation are fake. For the truth, go to coronavirus.gov, President Trump advises:

Rossi: Britain’s Brilliant Adult Strategy to Beat Coronavirus

By Randy Rossi - 

It shouldn’t be surprising that Britain, which bravely survived being bombed every day by the Germans for months in WWII has come up with the adult and rational strategy to not only survive Coronavirus, but to defeat it and make it go away without causing massive damage to their economy. As the Germans bombed London every day causing massive damage, the Brits adopted the brave strategy of “Keep calm and carry on” and in the end they did just that and helped defeat Germany. And that is exactly what they are doing with the Coronavirus. While the rest of the world is collapsing under fear and hysteria and destroying their economies in defense of the Coronavirus by isolating everybody, Britain is using science, logic, bravery, and common sense to protect their people by just isolating vulnerable people, not strong and healthy people.

Woman with COVID-19 says her symptoms were no worse than a 'sore throat and a headache' - so we should 'calm down'

An Australian woman with coronavirus has urged the public to stay calm as the crisis deepens, saying her symptoms are no worse than a sore throat and headache. 

Bridget Wilkins was diagnosed with COVID-19 last week after flying from London to her Brisbane, via Singapore, for a wedding. The 29-year-old said she has 'no idea' how she caught the virus...

Ms Wilkins said she may be discharged from hospital this week and commended Queensland Health officials for her treatment while in quarantine. 'The message I'd like to put out to the world is that maybe someone has it already, and it's very common symptoms, like a headache, or a sore throat or just being tired,' she said. '(I thought) I had those symptoms because I'd just travelled 30-plus hours. I've still got those symptoms, but nothing more than that... I thought I had jetlag.'

Ms Wilkins said having the coronavirus is not as severe as some media headlines are making it out to be. 'There's a lot of hype and hysteria on the news around coronavirus,' she said. 'There should be. It's very serious, particularly for the elderly and people with existing conditions. 'But I think we have to calm down, because for most people, like myself, it is just a long cold that we can shake off. 'There's many more serious conditions that I think deserve the headlines and attention.' 

More HERE

Dr. Drew says press should be 'held accountable' for coronavirus panic: 'They are hurting people'

Celebrity physician Dr. Drew Pinsky isn’t changing his tune about the novel coronavirus, declaring Monday that the news media should be “held accountable” for the damage they’re doing to people’s lives and the economy by over-hyping the virus.

“A bad flu season is 80,000 dead. We’ve got about 18,000 dead from influenza this year; we have 100 from corona,” Dr. Pinsky told CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith in an interview.

“Which should you be worried about, influenza or corona, 100 versus 18,000? It’s not a trick question,” he continued. “Look, everything that’s going on, with New York cleaning the subways and everyone using Clorox wipes, and get your flu shot, which should be the other message, that’s good, that’s a good thing. So I have no problems with the behaviors.

“What I have a problem with is the panic and the fact that businesses are getting destroyed and people’s lives are being upended. Not by the virus, but by the panic,” he explained. “The panic must stop, and the press, they really, somehow, need to be held accountable, because they are hurting people.”

More HERE

Rossi: Coronavirus- We Are Becoming a Nation of Wimps

By Randy Rossi - 

Those of us who have lived in this great country for sixty five or more years are absolutely stunned to see how far we have fallen in just a few decades. We remember hiding under our desks at school in 1962 to practice nuclear bomb survival techniques during the Cuban Missile Crisis and then going out for recess to play and have fun. We faced the very real chance that millions of Americans could be wiped out by the Russians in a nuclear war, yet we lived our lives as normal and enjoyed life and had fun. Today we have a nation hiding in their homes because there is a 1% chance that you could die from the Coronavirus if you are unlucky enough to catch it. And if you are under the age of 50, the odds of catching and dying from the Coronavirus are less than 0.00025 which is a little higher than the odds of being hit by lightning. You are almost as likely to die in a car accident then you are to catch and die from the Coronavirus. Yet we are shutting down our schools, sports, theaters, air travel, cruises, and millions of jobs because of a 0.00025 chance of catching and dying from this Coronavirus. What has happened to us?

The Truth About Canadian Healthcare

Why can’t America’s healthcare system be more like Canada’s? Here’s a better question: why would you want it to be? French-Canadian entrepreneur Alain Lambert has first-hand experience with both Canada's and America's healthcare systems, and he offers some cautionary tales. Canadian-style healthcare might not be as good for your health as you think.

NYT’s 1619 Project is dishonest attack on nation’s founding principles

The 1619 Project is a journalistic declaration of war on America. Ryan P. Williams and Matthew J. Peterson write:

It isn’t an overstatement to describe The New York Times’ 1619 Project as a journalistic declaration of war against America. Many of the project’s historical claims are downright fabrications — but in the most decisive respect, that’s beside the point.

The project’s leader, Nikole Hannah-Jones, has tried to brush off the criticism of many distinguished historians by claiming that such disagreement is how historiography always proceeds — as we learn progressively more, a new “narrative” challenges old ones.

VA Rifle Ban Makes Legal Owners Felons

In January 20, 2020, the nation turned towards Virginia as a massive Second Amendment rally took place in Richmond. Why did this “Right to Bear Arms” rally occur? Because Virginians were afraid of an aggressive legislative agenda aimed at gun ownership in a historically pro–Second Amendment state.

The gun grab legislation that fueled the pushback was proposed on January 10, when House Bill 961 passed with a 51-48 vote. This dubious legislation, in short, would have prohibited the sale, transportation, and transferring of newly defined “assault firearms.” The ill-fated bill also would have banned magazines with a capacity of 12 or more rounds, suppressors, and other elements — restrictions that are anathema to many residents of Virginia.

Fortunately, on February 17, HB 961 died in the Virginia State Senate. Unfortunately, the bill will most assuredly be resurrected in the 2021 session. The fight is far from over. Yet there is much to be learned from this close call in the Old Dominion.

More HERE

Why the Russians Are Who They Are

It is often said to be misplaced and inappropriate to use stereotypes when talking about people or entire nations. To do so is unfair to the wide diversity that exists among the individual citizens of any country over time or during any particular period of time. And this is no doubt true, but, nonetheless, there are such things as customs and traditions in society, and they do influence the character and qualities found among many of those who live under them.

In his valuable study of Tradition (1981), the University of Chicago sociologist, Edward Shils (1910-1995), explained that for any set of traditions to persevere in a society, it generally requires three overlapping generations:

“Tradition – that which is handed down – includes material objects, beliefs about all sorts of things, images of persons and events, practices and institutions . . . Traditions are not independently self-reproductive or self-elaborating. Only living, knowing, desiring human beings can enact them and reenact them and modify them . . . At a minimum, two transmissions over three generations are required for a pattern of belief or action to be considered a tradition.” (pp. 12, 14-15)

What the parent has taught the child, for instance, is then passed on by them to their own children in later years, as well as what may be shared directly by that young person’s grandparent as well. It links the past to the present, and then into the future through the children and grandchildren, who in turn will do the same when they become adults one day and pass on what they had learned and taken from their parents and grandparents.

More HERE

Catholic mass in Chicago, Cook and DuPage counties suspended, Catholic schools closed indefinitely

CHICAGO — Due to the coronavirus threat, Friday the Archdiocese of Chicago suspended all public celebrations of mass, in addition to closing all local Catholic schools starting Saturday evening, March 14. 

Based on current guidelines from local public health departments, which recommend the cancellation of public gatherings involving 250 or more people, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, mandated the suspension until further notice of all liturgical services effective Saturday evening with the  regularly scheduled weekend services. In addition, he has mandated the closing of schools operated by the archdiocese, and to close the Pastoral Center and related agency offices until further notice.

UPDATE x1: Champaign mayor attempts to use coronavirus to ban sales of firearms, alcohol and gasoline

UPDATE: The Champaign City Council issued a statement Friday evening denying claims that the city is pushing an effort to ban sales of firearms, alcohol and gasoline, despite those policies being explicitly made an option in the publicly posted ordinance they supported. See the Council's full statement below.

CHAMPAIGN - The Champaign Illinois city council will be voting Friday morning on granting its Democrat Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen 30 exceptional powers related to the "Emergency Created by the Impact of the COVID-19 Virus," including the ability to ban sales of firearms, alcohol and gasoline.

Thorner & O'Neil: Are Republicans ready to confront Democrat Ballot Fraud?

By Nancy Thorner & Bonnie O'Neil - 

The election of 2020 will be a brass knuckle fight for the future of our nation. It is a given that many members of the press and social media sources will try to suppress conservative voices. This is why it is essential we share not only our opinions but facts with those within our spheres of influence. It is also a given that Democrats will once again use new laws such as ballot harvesting and other questionable election practice to win elections.

It was in 2016 that California Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law a change to Section 3017 of the Election Code that allows any person to collect a mail-in ballot from voters and turn in the mail ballot to a polling place or the registrar’s office.  Prior law restricted the practice to just relatives of or those living in the same household as the voter.

As reported by Fred Whitaker, chairman of the Republican Party in Orange County on December 4, 2018 in the San Diego Tribune, GOP losses in the county were the "direct result of ballot harvesting allowed under California law for the first time." 

Bias Response Teams Silence Civic Debate

"Bias response teams" crack down on speech on college campuses. George La Noue writes:

Carol Swain, a Professor of political science and Law at Vanderbilt, wrote an op-ed in Nashville’s major newspaper titled “Charlie Hebdo attacks prove critics were right about Islam.” Though she made no reference to anything on her campus, more than 1,500 Vanderbilt students and alumni signed an online petition originally asking that she be disciplined. When Vanderbilt’s Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos commented on the controversy, he did not suggest that the role of Islam in the world be debated, speakers be invited, or that any other educational programs be initiated. He did not describe or discuss any of Swain’s specific ideas. Instead he wrote:

Sanders Most Dangerous Candidate

Sen. Bernie Sanders, the improbable contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, is lying to the American people when he tell us that “democratic socialism” simply means he wants to give the vast majority of Americans new opportunities to succeed and wants millionaires and billionaires to pay their fair share of taxes.

In fact, extensive research on comments Sanders has made going back decades shows he has warmly embraced not just socialism but communism, and praised tyrannical dictatorships that have trashed the freedoms Americans enjoy under the Bill of Rights that are part of our Constitution.