Illinois Review

Illinois lawmakers consider ban on sanctuary resolutions upholding 2nd Amendment rights

SPRINGFIELD - The Democrats are upset that a growing number of Illinois counties are challenging their ideas to control guns throughout the state. So much so, they're working on an effort to stop counties from balking state laws they believe limit Second Amendment rights.

Within days of his inauguration, Gov. JB Pritzker pleased his gun control supporters by placing additional restrictions on Illinois gun shops. As a result, several gun shops are reporting to be closing their doors - exactly what the gun control advocates hoped would happen. 

So one by one, elected officials within over 60 Illinois counties have agreed to stand up against state lawmakers restrictions by resolving not to enforce any laws that would infringe on American citizens' constitutional right to keep and bear arms.

Where's Weyermuller? Chicago's annual St. Patrick's Day Political Parade

By Mark Weyermuller - 

Saint Patrick’s Day in Chicago might be the greatest or at least the craziest holiday of the year. It includes wearing your green, going to Irish taverns, dyeing the river green, and marching in a huge parade.  Of course being Chicago, everything is political. I headed downtown sporting my green derby, some green beads, and a “Kiss Me I’m Irish” button.

Republicans buzzing about who could retake IL's 14th and 6th CDs

Freshmen Democrats Sean Casten (IL-6) and Lauren Underwood (IL -14)

DuPAGE COUNTY- It's been just a few short months since the once-Republican dominated DuPage County was stunned when a deep, dark blue wave swept the region - taking with it two Republican Congress members - the 6th CD's Peter Roskam and the 14th CD's Randy Hultgren along with several GOP state lawmakers.

Many pointed to the failed top of the ticket - the ousted Governor Bruce Rauner - while others pointed to the U.S. House members themselves - just a little too comfortable and unthreatened by the dark blue wave that others were fearing.

Illinois lawmakers introduce plan denying unborn "independent rights"

SPRINGFIELD - Abortion advocates are testing just how far the Illinois public will tolerate them going to expand abortions in Illinois with two measures now in the Illinois General Assembly. HB 2495 and SB 1942 are energized with a pro-abortion majority in both Illinois chambers and a new governor that Planned Parenthood and Personal PAC were eager to put into office. Illinois could become the most radical abortion state in the nation.

College of DuPage: April 2 ballot's top two should be top two picks

By Frank Napolitano and Deanne Mazzochi -

The past 4 years witnessed dramatic change and great progress for the College of Du Page. At times the struggle to reverse a culture that had gone astray were difficult, but ultimately good government, real reform, and transparency won out. That's mostly because our residents and tax payers paid careful attention, and cast their votes in hopes we would right the ship and get us on course. We're pleased to say, with their great help and inspiration, we succeeded.

As the College enters a new phase of accountability and oversight (particularly for faculty contracts), the April 2nd consolidated election is an opportunity to reinforce a good governance legacy for COD to ensure the institution serves our students and the community as a whole.

Nevins: Pretend You're Not Home, ILGOP. Pat Brady's back

By Jennifer Nevins - 

The Illinois GOP has a rocky path back to higher electoral ground in 2020. And so, it might help if the Party’s leadership hobbled over to the side of the road and ejected the most annoying rock in its shoe.

Consider a portion of a recent tweet issued by disgraced former IL GOP Chairman Pat Brady:

Stupid is as stupid does. Looking for someone to support for President in 2020 as it won’t be this goof.

The “goof,” of course, is the President - for whom over two million of us fellow goofs voted in 2016.

Former Lake County sheriff promises to defy Springfield smoking ban

LAKE COUNTY - Friday, former Lake County sheriff Mark Curran expressed on Facebook his disgust with yet another personal right-limiting bill passing through the Illinois General Assembly this spring. A measure that former Gov Bruce Rauner vetoed is headed for Gov JB Pritzker's desk and he's going to sign it. The bill makes it illegal for anyone in Illinois under age 21 to smoke or vape. 

"You can have genital mutilation at age 16 but not smoke a cigar until you're 21? Way to go, Illinois," Curran posted above a photo of him and one of his sons. "Anything they can do to lengthen you life and corrupt your soul because that is all there is for our Pagan Government. 

"This law will not be adhered to in my house," he declared.

Pro-Life victories amid Springfield's abortion obsession

File Photo by Mary Compton/H-F Chronicle

CHICAGO - The news just grows more and more gruesome from Springfield concerning the Illinois General Assembly and Governor JB Pritzker's eagerness to expand abortion, camouflaging the momentum as "health care" and "women's rights."

But at non-government levels, small victories are being won every day.

Beckman: Pedophiles - the new normal?

By Hank Beckman - 

With all the cultural changes we’ve been through in recent years, from same-sex marriage to male transsexuals demanding access to female restrooms to people deciding that they are “gender fluid,” the general outrage about Michael Jackson’s perversions and R. Kelly’s preying on underage girls is, in a twisted way, almost welcome.

Welcome in the sense that as confusing as the modern world can be—especially to people who were raised in an era where gender distinctions were clear—at least the outrage over their predatory behavior shows that we haven’t completely bottomed out morally.

No matter how many strange changes we’ve been put through, at least progressives aren’t trying to make pedophiles acceptable.

Or are they?

Thorner: Restricting Fossil Fuels leads to Fool's Paradise

By Nancy Thorner - 

On March 5, 2019 The Heartland Institute, one of the world’s leading free-market think tanks, published an important and very timely Policy Brief by senior fellow for environment and energy policy, James Taylor, titled Global Warming Energy Restrictions Threaten U.S. National Security, with guidance from Admiral Thomas B. Hayward, U.S. Navy (retired), former chief of Naval Operations and commander-in-chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. 

Key findings of the policy brief follow:

• Economic strength is vital to supporting a strong military,
• Carbon dioxide restrictions raise energy prices, which weakens the economy,
• America can leverage its dominant conventional energy sources for geopolitical advantages,
• Nations such as China and Russia dominate the market for rare earth minerals necessary for renewable power generation,
• Global warming is a threat reducer, as asserted threat multipliers like crop output, drought, and extreme weather events are becoming more benign as Earth warms.

Di Leo: George Washington and the Ides of March

By John F. Di Leo - 

Reflections on the Anniversary of the Defeat of the Newburgh Conspiracy

We have known of the tale for over 2000 years, but especially for the past 420, since William Shakespeare’s play immortalized the moment.

It was on March 15 – the Ides of March – in the year 44 BC, when Julius Caesar was assassinated by a cadre of Roman Senators. 

They claimed to have committed this murder to save the Roman Republic, even though the nation had suffered a procession of other dictators for a century already, and it was actually “a Republic in name only” long before Caesar ever arrived on the scene.

Oliver: Brother X believes Smollett set up by Russia, Trump & Chicago Police

"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett pled "not guilty" Thursday before a Cook County judge. He's scheduled to appear again in April. Robert Oliver, who submits articles periodically to Illinois Review, spoke with Brother X about the Smollett case. Brother X repeats a conspiracy theory circulating among the black community in which he says Smollett was "set up" by Russia, President Trump and the Chicago Police. (Ed Note: The following are Mr. Oliver's report on Brother X's thoughts. They are not in any way endorsed by Illinois Review) 

By Robert Oliver - 

Recently I interviewed The Honorable Brother X, CEO of the “New Black Order, ” Senior Executive Member of the “Black Enough Committee,” and the “Keeper of the Blackness,” regarding the news story of Empire TV actor Jussie Smollett.

RO: Brother X, thank you for taking the time to talk with me.

X: Brother Robert, you are welcome, and we will straighten this whole Brother Jussie Smollett mess out.

Latest video from Prager U: Sex Matters

Are the differences between men and women biological or socially constructed? What do women want from a relationship? What do men want? Are they the same? Or are they much different? Sean McDowell, Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Biola University sorts it all out in this eye-opening video.

‘If the heartbeat is detected, the baby is protected’

Texas has several laws that women seeking abortions have to navigate, including a 24-hour waiting period between a mandatory ultrasound and the procedure.

One lawmaker has filed a bill to add another restriction — banning abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can be as early as six weeks, before a woman may realize she’s pregnant.

Republican Rep. Briscoe Cain’s “Texas heartbeat bill,” HB 1500, would ban abortion after heartbeat detection except in the case of medical emergencies. Current law allows abortion up to 20 weeks.

More HERE

New Cases of Armed Citizens Stopping Criminals

Last month, we documented some extraordinary examples from January of armed citizens relying on their Second Amendment rights to protect themselves and others.

We pointed out that these were average, everyday Americans who were just going about their lives. They did not go looking for evil but were nonetheless prepared to deal with the evil that found them.

February has produced even more evidence that the fundamental right to keep and bear arms is not an anachronism that no longer deserves constitutional protection, but a vital tool safeguarding individual liberty.

Studies routinely indicate that every year, Americans use their firearms in defense of themselves or others between 500,000 and 2 million times. Very few of these defensive gun uses receive national publicity—if they receive publicity at all.

More HERE

Is the drive to legalize marijuana ignoring major risks?

In less than 25 years, marijuana has gone from illegal everywhere in the United States to legal for at least some uses in all but four states.

Advocates say the drug can help patients who are suffering from chronic pain, multiple sclerosis-triggered muscle spasms and the grueling side effects of chemotherapy. Some states are exploring whether cannabis could help wean people from addiction to opioids.

Beyond the medical claims, 10 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational use, and more are considering it. The advocates' long-repeated argument: It's safer than alcohol or tobacco.

More HERE

IL House votes to require LGBTQ History for public school students

SPRINGFIELD - Should persons your child reads about in history class be included in their studies simply because of how those historical figures chose to express his/her sexual identities?  

Sixty of the 74 Illinois House Democrats believe Illinois public school students  should be required to learn how lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders and persons of other sexual orientations contributed to the history of the United States. Sixty was the number needed to pass HB 246 - and allow other Democrats to step off the floor to register an "NV," protecting them from fury of conservative-leaning districts or vote "No."

US House Democrats reject voting on Born Alive Protection bill for 17th time

WASHINGTON – This week, the US House Democrat rejected the 17th call for a vote to protect babies born alive after a botched abortion.

Wednesday, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) and several House Republican colleagues called on the Democratic leadership once again to allow a vote on Born Alive protections. The proposal would protect babies that survive abortion and provide them with the same medical care that any other premature baby would receive. 

Joining the Congressman and House Republican leaders at the press conference this morning was Jill Stanek, an Illinois nurse and pro-life advocate who has witnessed the devastating realities of these pro-abortion laws. At the same time, the Illinois legislature is debating two abortion bills, similar to the extreme pro-abortion agendas in New York and Virginia.

The Congressman’s remarks as written from today’s press conference can be found on his website and transcribed here below:

Tax Foundation: Pritzker's Tax Proposal really not so fair

CHICAGO - The Tax Foundation has come up with twelve things Illinoisans should know about Gov Pritzker's proposed new tax rate system. Besides the need to change the state's constitution, the Tax Foundation outlines how what taxpayers pay would be different:

Under Gov. Pritzker’s proposal, ... the current 4.95 percent flat individual income tax would be transformed into a six-rate tax, with rates ranging from 4.75 to 7.95 percent. A recapture provision means that filers with income in the top bracket will have their entire income, not just their marginal income, subject to the top rate of 7.95 percent. Meanwhile, the base corporate rate would increase from 7 to 7.95 percent (10.45 percent counting the personal property replacement tax), in a misguided—and miscalculated—effort to match the new top rate on individual income.

The plan also includes an increase in the value of the property tax credit, from 5 to 6 percent of the taxes paid on one’s primary residence, and a new $100 per child tax credit, which phases out beginning at $40,000 in income ($60,000 for two-income families). The following table shows the proposed rates and brackets.

The Tax Foundation lists 12 points about the proposal:

Pritzker's Fair Tax Calculator

CHICAGO — A flat tax is regressive and not fair to middle income taxpayers, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says. He is encouraging Illinois to move towards a tax system that increases to reflect a taxpayer's income. The more he or she makes, the higher the percentage of that income they would relinquish to the state. 

Pritzker said at a press conference Tuesday his plan will provide tax relief for 97 percent of Illinois' taxpayers. To inform taxpayers , Pritzker launched a Fair Tax Calculator to let Illinoisans see how he believes the fair tax will affect their families.
 
The Fair Tax Calculator is available at www.illinois.gov/FairTaxCalculator.