Illinois Review

Thorner: Conservative groups debate whether or not to Feed the Chicago Bears

By Nancy Thorner - 

On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, The Heartland Institute, a free market think tank founded in 1984, with headquarters at 3939 North Wilke Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois, held a discussion/debate titled Please Don't Feed the Bears?, co-sponsored by Americans for Prosperity Illinois, at The Heartland Institute's Andrew Breitbart Freedom Center. Brian Costin is the state Deputy Director of Americans for Prosperity.  The debate centered around whether taxpayers should help build a stadium to bring the NFL to Arlington Heights.

Di Leo: Who Are Today's Political Parties? What Do They Want?

By John F. Di Leo - 

In the 1996 film, "Independence Day," the President of the United States attempts to communicate with a representative of the alien horde attacking the Earth. Assuming that some compromise can be reached, he asserts that surely we have much to learn from each other, and he asks the question, "What do you want of us? What do you want us to do?"

The alien responds, matter-of-factly.

“Die. We want you to die.”

Only then does the audience fully appreciate that the enemy we face is pure evil; not merely people with a different culture, different looks, different technology. It is a thoroughly malevolent organization, one that values and desires only death.

It is a painful shock, but it is a lesson that must be learned, one that must be absorbed and accepted, before we can move on, before we can hope to save our country and our planet.

Independence Day, of course, was just a movie. Fiction. Almost 30 years ago now. But even in fiction, there can be grains of truth, and lessons worth learning.

Today, Americans face each other across the ballot box.  A consequential midterm election is upon us.

Budzinski advocates expansion of Illinois' SAFE-T Act nationally

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois' SAFE-T Act has been proclaimed a disaster for law enforcement, but Democrat candidate for Congress in downstate 13th CD Nikki Budzinski is pushing for the precedent to spread nationally - at least that's what her website says. 

“Illinois’s recently passed landmark criminal justice reform legislation is a definitive step in the right direction, with important provisions on bail reform, sentencing guidelines, and policing, including a ban on chokeholds and body camera mandate for officers. However, we need more action at the federal level,” Budzinski states on her website: 

Opposed by nearly every law enforcement organization in the state, the SAFE-T Act was pushed through the Illinois General Assembly in the middle of the night of a Lame Duck session without a single Republican vote.

Among other radical provisions, the law eliminates cash bail, providing that criminal suspects will be detained before trial only in the case of forcible felonies that are non-probationary or they are considered a flight risk or a specific danger to someone in the community. Many violent crimes will not qualify under this law.

The Illinois States Attorneys Association echoed opposition from law enforcement saying that the SAFE-T Act will, “put the victims of crime and their families at great risk.” More recently, States Attorneys throughout the 13th Congressional District, including in Sangamon, Madison, and  Macon counties have all expressed serious concerns about how the law will impact public safety.

14th CD GOP candidate Scott Gryder awarded Young Guns status by NRCC

OSWEGO -  Scott Gryder, Republican nominee for congressional district IL-14, is drawing attention nationally, as he reached full "Young Guns" status from the National Republican Congressional Committee last week.

The Young Guns program, spearheaded by US House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy, helps equip Republican candidates running in competitive races with the tools they need to win. Candidates who achieve full "Young Guns" status have successfully collaborated with the NRCC and completed the requirements that establish a path to victory on Election Day.

Gryder, who is currently the Kendall County Board Chairman, is the Republican challenger to Democrat incumbent Congresswoman Lauren Underwood.

“I am honored that I have been selected to be in the program. The support from the NRCC and Leader McCarthy proves that our race is alive and competitive,” said Gryder. “I am excited to bring my pro-job, pro-growth, and pro-freedom agenda to Washington and properly represent the people of the 14th district.”

The 14th district spans across 7 counties: Joliet, Aurora, Kendall County, and agricultural areas including La Salle and Peru.

Curran endorsed by Medal of Honor winner

LIBERTYVILLE - GOP candidate for Illinois Supreme Court Mark Curran says he is honored to get the endorsement of Medal of Honor recipient Allen J. Lynch. 

As the Congressional Medal of Honor Society states, “The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest award for military valor in action. Etched within are the very values that each Recipient displayed in the moments that mattered—bravery, courage, sacrifice, integrity. A deep love of country and a desire to always do what is right.”

“Getting endorsed by a nationally recognized and honored veteran means so much to me,” said Curran. “He knows something of courage and character and I’m honored to have earned his endorsement.”

Lynch said in his letter of endorsement, Curran would judge with “wisdom, principle, knowledge and understanding. Mark’s faithfulness to his oath will never be in doubt.” He commended Curran for his “proven character, courage, commitment and servant leadership.” Additional comments pointed to his confidence in Curran ensuring justice with compassion and his strong commitment to the Constitution. Lynch called him a “fighter for faith, family and freedom” and an ”ardent supporter of military veterans.”

While serving as the longest-serving Sheriff in Lake County history, Sheriff Curran started the Veteran Ambassador program for vets in need.

Allen Lynch authored the autobiographical book, "Zero to Hero" and has a bridge over the Tri-State Tollway named after him in his honor. The Curran Campaign is grateful for his support and the support of thousands of veterans who appreciate Mark’s own record of service to the community and the values that America stands for like justice, law, order and freedom.

Robert Stevens: Don’t Let Springfield Make Fentanyl Dealing and Overdosing Worse

Robert Stevens

Op-Ed by Robert Stevens, GOP candidate for IL 46th House District -

Opioid abuse has become a national crisis. It is a plague that is devastating our nation. It has touched every town and every family in America.  Even prescription opioids are highly addictive and potentially dangerous.

The financial pressures our families and communities are struggling with add to this mental health crisis. Suicides and overdoses now outpace COVID deaths 10 to 1 in our county. The DEA reports that the top cause of death in 18 to 45-year-old Americans is opioid overdoses.

The biggest opioid killer is fentanyl, a cheap synthetic drug that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. A mere 2 milligrams are a lethal dose. Now dealers and drug traffickers are putting fentanyl in products that look like candy or spraying it on existing prescription drugs like Adderal^®. There is only one reason for this - to better target kids who don’t know any better.

The last representative in this legislative district voted to reduce the penalty for distributing the fentanyl equivalent of hundreds of lethal doses to just a misdemeanor (HB 3447). That isn’t a common-sense solution; it actually creates more overdoses, and more problems.

Secretary Pompeo Endorses Rep. Darin LaHood for Congress

Secretary Mike Pompeo

Cong. Darin LaHood

PEORIA - Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood (IL -18) received the endorsement of former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in his bid for re-election. Pompeo, a former member of Congress, is known for his commitment to conservative values. 

Secretary Pompeo said, “Congressman Darin LaHood is a proven champion of freedom, economic prosperity, and our Midwest values, and I am proud to endorse his re-election. Having served with Darin, I saw firsthand his commitment to our farmers, law enforcement, and protecting our national security on the House Intelligence Committee. Darin understands our country's challenges and the need for sound, conservative leadership. We need Darin in Congress to take back the House in November.”

Congressman LaHood responded with, “Secretary Pompeo has dedicated his life to service of our country, and I am grateful to have his endorsement. In service, Mike has been a constant champion of our conservative values, fighting for Midwest agriculture and protecting our national security. As a former cavalry officer, Member of Congress, CIA Director, and Secretary of State, he is on the frontlines fighting against the Democrats’ radical agenda.

"Secretary Pompeo knows we are in the fight of our generation, and I look forward to working with him to take back the House and fire Speaker Pelosi for good.”

6th CD: Casten forced to pull down non-complliant ad

Sean Casten - Keith Pekau

DUPAGE COUNTY - Democrat Congressman Sean Casten was forced to pull down an ad that left off the disclaimer and, Republican Keith Pekau says, it "misrepresented" Republican candidate Keith Pekau's view on abortion.

“No one is shocked that lobbyist-turned-Congressman Sean Casten is producing unethical ads,” said Pekau. The 6th CD race has become one of the most-watched in Illinois and could be one that determines who wins the US House majority in November. 

And then Pekaus used the opportunity to criticize Casten's behavior. 

“The ad itself is full of misinformation. Disclaimers are one of the most basic aspects of producing a campaign ad, and his campaign left it off. But then again, we are talking about a guy who uses his seat of power to enrich himself and his family, and took an illegal property tax break on his luxury DC Condo. Ethical behavior is not his strong suit.” 

Casten is seeking re-election and Pekau is currently mayor of Orland Park, Illinois. The new 6th CD includes 

IL Freedom Caucus launching weekly virtual town halls on Tuesdays

SPRINGFIELD IL – The Illinois Freedom Caucus recently held a virtual town hall on the SAFE-T Act and is today announcing they will be hosting similar virtual town halls each week on Tuesdays to help Illinois residents better understand the issues facing the state and nation.

In addition to the members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus, the recent virtual town hall featured State’s Attorneys in Illinois to weigh in on the SAFE-T Act. The intent with subsequent virtual town halls is to bring in experts to talk about the important issues facing the state.

“These virtual town halls are a great way for Illinois residents to hear from experts and gain a deeper understanding of the important issues and concerns we all face as Illinois residents,” said State Representative Chris Miller, chairman of the Illinois Freedom Caucus. “We hope to provide an informative discussion and a blueprint for how citizens can get involved to change Illinois for the better.”

On Tuesday, October 4^th, Adams County Sheriff Elect Tony Grootens will be a special guest to talk about the SAFE-T Act and other issues. Tony is a former Jacksonville Chief of Police, former DEA Special Agent and former Adams County Deputy Sheriff.

To access the townhalls simply to go to the Illinois Freedom Caucus Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/illinoisfreedomcaucus.

The Illinois Freedom Caucus is comprised of State Representatives Chris Miller (R-Oakland);  Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich); Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville); Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) and Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur). The members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus are members of the Illinois General Assembly who are advocating for limited government, lower taxes and accountability and integrity in government.

Retired police chief explains why Pritzker's SAFE-T Act is so bad

In an op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times (a very leftist Chicago media source), retired Riverside police chief Tom Weitzel lines out the real issues in the SAFE-T Act that Governor JB Pritzker signed into law, and explains how the law will make dramatic changes in how violent suspects will be given a "free pass": 

One major reform is that all defendants shall be presumed eligible for pre-trial release. This puts the burden on the state to prove, by “clear and convincing” evidence, that the defendant has committed an offense and poses a real and present threat to public safety.

A second provision requires that suspects must show evidence of willful flight – which means planning or attempting to evade prosecution by concealing oneself — to be considered a flight risk.

In the past, failure to show up for a court appearance was evidence of evasion. But now, judges will not be allowed to take into consideration whether a suspect jumped bail, how many times the suspect failed to show in court, and if there is an active warrant for their arrest.

Third, defendants who are out on electronic monitoring are not considered as having “escaped” until they have been missing for more than 48 hours! This rule is just nothing short of ludicrous and in no way, shape or form enhances public safety.

Robert Knight: In the End, Honesty Wins

By Robert Knight - 

Right behind the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, is Doubleday Field, a small, magical baseball stadium (capacity 9,791).

There’s no cornfield, but it has a “Field of Dreams” vibe.

It’s named after the sport’s ostensible founder. There’s also the Doubleday Café on the main street of this quaint, all-American town at the southern end of Lake Otsego.

Inside the Hall, Abner Doubleday, a Union Major General and a hero of Gettysburg, is afforded less attention. A discreet exhibit includes the letter to the editor penned in 1905 by a mining engineer who claimed that Doubleday invented baseball in 1939 in Cooperstown. Historians since have debunked this.

A curator at the Hall told me that the only certainty at this point is that Doubleday played the game himself enthusiastically. He also provided bats and balls for his men to keep up morale between Civil War battles.

From Center for Security Policy: Were Nord Stream explosions really a military accident?

From the Center for Security Policy - 

On September 27, two explosions severely damaged Russia’s Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm, setting off wild speculation about possible sabotage.

Another two breaks in the pipeline, a tad to the north in Sweden’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), were later identified but no explosions were reported.  According to news sources citing Danish officials, each explosion was equivalent to 500 kilograms of TNT, the size of very large anti-shipping mines.

Not only the US Navy (together with its NATO allies) but also the Russian Navy conduct naval exercises in the Baltic Sea and many believe either the Russians or Americans are clandestinely responsible for the two blasts. Predictably enough, the two sides have blamed each other in loud and emphatic terms – without corroborating or credible evidence.

Unmentioned amid the incendiary speculation is the explosive condition of the Baltic seabed, which is loaded with dumped artillery shells, chemical weapons including Tabun nerve gas and mines. Under an agreement reached at the Potsdam Conference in 1945, Britain and the Soviet Union dumped approximately 69,000 tons of Germany’s chemical weapons stockpile into the Baltic Sea in 1947-48.

MORE HERE

Thorner: World Speculates About Recent Nord Stream Pipelines Explosions

By Nancy Thorner - 

 

(Personal Note: Thanks to my good friend Annette at www.Jesus-Our-Blessed-Hope.com for her excerpting much of this important information.)

 

Although the country or individuals who were responsible for the sabotage of Nord Stream 1 and 2 has not yet been ascertained, what follows is an interesting and plausible account.

 

Nord Stream is a pair of offshore natural gas pipelines in Europe that runs under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. It comprises the Nord Stream 1 pipeline running from Vyborg in northwestern Russia, near Finland, and the Nord Stream 2 pipeline running from Ust-Luga in northwestern Russia near Estonia.

 

As for the explosions, Seismic activity detected at the site of the Nord Stream pipelines gas leaks in the Baltic Sea was caused by explosions – not earthquakes or landslides, according to a a Swedish seismologist.

 

Bjorn Lund, director of the Swedish National Seismic Network, said he and his colleagues gathered seismic data showing that explosions took place in the water and not in the rock under the seabed.

Bailey Within Striking Distance of Pritzker: New Poll

From People Who Play By the Rules PAC September 28, 2022:

Fabrizio, Lee & Associates recently completed a survey of 800 likely voters in the 2022 Illinois gubernatorial general election, and it is clear that the Pritzker vs. Bailey race is tightening significantly.

Some key takeaways:

- Pritzker previously was leading Bailey by 10 points in August, but Bailey has chopped that lead in half to 5 in September.

- Among “definite” voters, Pritzker is only up by 3 points, which is within margin of error.

- If you have an option of both candidates, Pritzker’s lead is 3; if you’ve heard of both, Pritzker is up by only 1.

- Bailey is crushing it with independents, leading Pritzker by 12 points.

Where’s Weyermuller: Reporting on Crime, Events, Marches, & Politics in Chicago

By Mark Weyermuller - 

Yesenia Vargas, 22 years old,  was murdered just over two years ago on Sunday, September 20, 2020.  She was beaten and stabbed, then her body was dumped in the Chicago River at Addison Street on the edge of Clark Park. To our knowledge, no arrests have been made in this case. 

Richard Clark Park, just west of Lane Tech High School on the site of the former Riverview Amusement Park is named after a Chicago Officer killed in the line of duty responding to a disgruntled tenant being evicted nearby on Lill Street at Southport on 1986.  That offender also killed the landlord and two dogs.  He was later shot and killed by police in an all-day standoff. 

Yesenia Vargas's murder remains unsolved. There were 774 homicides in 2020 with 845 homicides in 2021.  This year as of today in 2022 there have been 545 homicides with 2284 shot so far in Chicago. Last year of the 845 homicides, 80 were students at Chicago Public Schools killed after school hours.

Europe’s long winter is almost here

As global oil prices somewhat ease as Europe’s economy overheats into recession, falling prices will eventually bring along another unfortunate aspect of the business cycle: the impact on labor markets. Inflation and unemployment are said to have an inverse relationship. When prices are generally rising, unemployment is usually falling, and when they start to fall, as in deflation, unemployment usually rises, the worst example being the 1930s and the Great Depression.

Right on schedule, the U.S. unemployment rate ticked up 0.2 percent to 3.7 percent in August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as oil eased off of more than $120 a barrel in March down to about $87 now. OPEC+ is scaling back production in preparation for lower demand that usually occurs in recessions. That is yet another recession signal.

The question of course, and seems impossible to predict, is just how bad the current recession will be. In Europe, unemployment is still generally dropping from its Covid highs. For example, in Italy, unemployment peaked in the third quarter of 2020 at 11.1 percent. Now, it’s down to 7.9 percent. As far as the business cycle goes, this indicates Europe is just hitting peak employment, even as financial news outlets are reporting recession amid Gross Domestic Product stagnation.

That means the misery to labor markets remains ahead of the world, mostly, likely dragging into 2023 and beyond before eventually, a bottom will be felt in the recession.

More HERE

How Red States Can Save The American Republic From Self-Destruction

The United States of America as it was founded and as many of us still imagine it is gone. It has been taken over by an ideology that has created a government with characteristics in direct opposition to the founding principles of the republic.

Many common folks now fear they cannot change the course of our nation through the ballot box, because all Democrat and most Republican politicians accept this anti-constitutional government. Indeed, many in our country now embrace a system of government that denies American citizens their original constitutional rights.

Primary features of our current federal government that are contrary to the American founders’ principles include: 1) Immense federal powers of taxation, 2) immense regulatory power outside the legislative process, 3) the collection, then mass redistribution, of tax dollars to individuals and companies, 4) judicial processes that clearly make, rather than interpret, law, and 5) unrelenting participation in foreign adventures.

In general, the ideology that has instituted all the above unconstitutional federal activities is the progressive movement, an elitist approach to governance. It is not exclusively Republican or Democrat, although the Democratic Party has contributed substantially more to the process than the Republican Party has.

More HERE

Biden Admin Now Directly Handing China Our Intellectual Property

It’s bad enough that Biden has been making it extraordinarily easy for China to steal our IP. Now Biden is just directly handing them our IP.

This is, of course, the obvious corrupt evolution of the corrupt Joe Biden Administration.  Well, to those of us who have been paying actual attention to what has actually been happening.

Before Biden was even inaugurated, we wrote….

China Expects Billion-Dollar-Bought-Off Biden Will Restore Pre-Trump US Capitulation:

“Illegally President-elect Joe Biden is unquestionably the most preemptively compromised chief executive in US history….

“Communist China is unquestionably our nation’s chief global enemy. Don’t believe me? Ask them….

“But Biden couldn’t care less about any of this. Because he’s been bought and paid for. He is the Chi-Comms’ ‘Big Guy.’…

More HERE

Semi-Fascism Versus Full-Fascism

Republicans may go half-way, but Biden, Democrats, Deep State go all-out to control our lives.

President Biden claims millions of Republican voters have embraced “semi-fascism.” They “threaten not just our personal rights and economic security, but our very democracy, the very foundation of our republic,” in a “battle for the soul of our nation.”

This is hardly the “moderate” way to “unite” America. But Mr. Biden isn’t alone. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison says the Republican Party has “become a party of fascism and fear.” Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) rants that Republican “fascists” are trying “to overthrow the government.” Their media allies echo and amplify the accusations. 

Do they know what “fascism” means? Have they looked in a mirror, or at their own history and agenda?

More HERE

Bailey points out Pritzker policy devastation on Fox Business

Yesterday, Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey was featured on Fox Business - talking about the crime situation in Illinois.