Illinois Review

Juneteenth, when Republicans ended slavery

Today marks "Juneteenth," a celebration of the June 19, 1865 signing of the Emancipation Proclamation to end slavery in America.  Courtesy of the Cook County Republican Party, we learn that Abraham Lincoln signing the proclamation marked the beginning of two more long years until freedom was implemented for 19th century African-Americans.

Three reasons I do what I do . . .

by Fran Eaton

Just like most passionate traditional values activists, the reasons I get involved in the grueling warfare of conservative politics are few. 

Here's three of the most important to me:

Ryan (to be 2 in October), Tyler (to be 4 in August) and Gabrielle (almost 5 months) -- the Eaton grandkids. 

For me, it's all about them . . . and the kind of world we're leaving them.

Star Conservative of the Week: Jeff Berkowitz

This week's Illinois Review Star Conservative may not be so happy that the "Crossroads of the Conservative Community" identifies him as one of us, much less a "star," but this week's IR recognition goes to Public Affairs' host Jeff Berkowitz.

What could you be missing?

If you haven't signed up for Illinois Review's daily blog update, you're probably missing some of our contributors' best entries.

Take time to sign up today.  Tomorrow you'll get your first daily IR update, and you'll be relieved to know you've not missed any exchanges at Illinois' Crossroads of the Conservative Community. . .

Outstanding Illinoisans--Father Daniel Coughlin

By Mark Rhoads

There is one officer of the U.S. House of Representatives who is in the unique position of not having to worry too much about whether Republicans or Democrats win a majority of seats in November.  He has already been told by leaders of both parties that they will renominate him for his current job, Chaplain of the House.  He is Father Daniel P. Coughlin, a Chicago native, who formerly served as Vicar of Priests in Cook County as the special liaison for Cardinal George to the priests and visa versa. 

Live Blogging the Tom Roeser Show

I'm listening to the Tom Roeser show this evening and a couple things I heard on the show tonight have me thinking...

Christianity isn't irrelevant . . . at least not in Orland Park

by Fran Eaton

Just wanted to gloat a little about the great church our family has been attending for a little over four years . . . Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park.  This morning, our pastor rode a Harley-Davidson down the center aisle and up onto center stage, quipping, "That's something I've always wanted to do. . ."  and for Father's Day, well, he did it. 

What's Most Important?

Illinois Review readers...I ask you: "What are the most important issues facing the state of Illinois?"

Go, now, and discuss...

Illinois Hall of Fame--Charles Dawes

By Mark Rhoads

The man on the right standing next to President Calvin Coolidge is  Vice President Charles G. Dawes from Evanston who served from 1925 to 1929.  He was one of two Vice Presidents of the United States from Illinois.  The other was Vice President Adlai Ewing Stevenson from Bloomington who served with President Grover Cleveland from 1893 to 1897.  Almost no students in Illinois today have ever heard of Dawes nor have their teachers.

Powers to the People

By Thurlow Weed

Judge Michael Powers, candidate for the Illinois Third Appellate Court, has launched a blog: Powers to the People. Welcome to modern campaigning, Judge. Hopefully other judicial candidates won't be far behind.

Great job, New Faith Boy Scout Troop 120!

by Fran Eaton

Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a group of youngsters using their beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon raising money for a good cause.  Today at the corner of Rt 30 and Governor's Highway, Boy Scout Troop 120 was washing cars to raise money for six members to attend Sea Camp in Florida later this summer.

Help Randy Stufflebeam get on the ballot

by Joyce Morrison

Monday, June 26, is the State Board of Elections deadline for the 25,000 signatures needed for Randy Stufflebeam to get on the ballot.  He desperately needs your help.

You will rarely see me openly getting into the heavy political scene and this is taking great courage for me to make this appeal.

A New Direction for America... Backwards.

Today, after months of waiting, the Democrats have come up with an agenda for 2006. First, some noticeably missing items.

Iraq. For as much as the Democrats continue to criticize the President's mishandling of the war, the peace, or whatever you want to call it, their direction does not highlight any meaningful alternative. How do they believe a free and secure Iraq should be created? Well, if Murtha has his way, apparently by surrendering to Al Qaeda.

National security. Apparently terrorism is not a problem because the polar ice caps are melting. Perhaps we were mistaken, it wasn't planes that flew into the World Trade Center on 9/11, it was chunks of ice from the North Pole. So while they are ignoring national security, they're stumping for Gore's movie.

Immigration. Millions of immigrants took to the streets in protest in recent months. Millions more legal residents have also made their views known. No matter where you stand, this is one of the most charged and important issues on the minds of the people, and on this issue the Democrats are silent.

The view from the left . . .

There are property rights, and there are property rights.  .  .

Things can get a little "in your face" during a neighbor dispute, can't they?

Photo doesn't indicate the political affiliation of the parties, but the guy with the view is on the left . . .

Something bubbling in Southland?

The Meeks' strategy of threatening to run a third-party candidacy is now being used by a Jesse Jackson Jr protege' University Park Mayor Al McCowan, in the south suburban 40th Senate district. 

Political reporter Kristen McQueary writes about the development this morning in the Daily Southtown . . .here.

What's Dick Thinking

Let's play "What's Dick Thinking".

The picture to the right needs a caption.

Any ideas?

Freedom Run revs up support for vets

Thousands of hog riders are expected to rally at Joliet's Chicago Speedway Saturday morning at 8:00 am to begin the 5th Annual Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run. . . an event held each summer to benefit our military veterans.

For more information, click here or here.   

Bad News for the Hastert Camp

It's time for a little bi-partisanship.  It's time for Hastert to go, and it is in the interests of every conservative to say so.

___

Hastert's $2 million land deals questioned

[Just read it, everyone...]

___

I'm way past the point of attempting to defend this type of 'legalized corruption" on the part of a Republican while excoriating it on the part of Blagojevich, Daley, & other Democrats.

I frankly don't care whether the types of schemes in the article are "technically legal."  They simply destroy the trust that people have in their leaders.  The fact is that Hastert has outlived his usefulness if he's going to enrich himself this way.

On a broader note, we all know that even if they felt the same way, Peter Roskam and Dave McSweeney couldn't publicize their views. The damage Hastert could inflict with his clout is still much greater than the benefit a candidate could get from saying and doing the right thing.

This is how parties rot.  It will be interesting to see how many Republicans call for Hastert to step down as speaker, and how many Republicans hide behind "But Blagojevich...."

A Radical Idea For Republicans

By Ralf Seiffe

An article by Jonathon Rauch in June’s issue of The Atlantic Monthly signals that Democrats may be ready to move from emotion to logic in making the case for raising income taxes.  On the losing end of the tax debates since the Reagan Revolution began a generation ago, these governmentalists long for the time when the American people believed that Washington was to be trusted and financed with whatever resources it desired.  Citing empirical evidence developed by William Niskanen of the Cato Institute, Mr. Rauch’s article argues that a small, upward income tax hike--to 19% from last year’s 17.8% rate--would cure the federal deficit.  Republicans should take notice of this small vision and let the Democrats shift such mosquito effluence.  In the meantime, the GOP should position themselves as the agent of real change and launch the next America tax revolution.

Good news for the McSweeney camp

Good news for Republican Dave McSweeney's camp this week  . . .

Evan-Novak Political Report reports the 8th Congressional District is now leaning toward a Republican pick up because this time  the AFL-CIO will not be endorsing incumbent Melissa Bean.  They are unhappy with her vote in favor of the Central American Free Trade Agreement. 

With the absence of a strong Democratic organization in the 10th, this leaves Bean without the muscle needed to get back to D.C.

McSweeney continues to plow ahead, with an expected visit from Vice President Dick Cheney at a $250/plate luncheon next Friday.

IN FOCUS: GOP Candidate for 17th CD Andrea Zinga -- Part 1

by Fran Eaton, IR Editor

Andrea Zinga is disappointed that she’ll never know if she could have beaten Congressman Lane Evans.  On her second try, she thinks she could have. 

However, she does relish in the fact that she did beat him in one contest.  In a recent area newspaper popularity poll to determine the district’s favorite politician, Zinga says -- with a smile -- that she came in third and Evans followed with an honorable mention.   

But that’s all history now.  After weeks of speculation and consternation among Democrats in Illinois’ 17th U.S. Congressional District, Republican candidate Andrea Zinga knows that she is facing a tough campaign to replace the ailing Evans, who has chosen not to run again.

(Andrea Zinga (left) pictured at a recent gathering in Oak Brook with Republican National Commiteewoman Mary Jo Arndt (right))

Black Republican runs for South Suburban Senate seat

by Fran Eaton

Disinterested in the choices available for governor and feeling ostracized by both the Democratic and Republican candidates, social conservatives determined to make a difference in Springfield have turned their energies to General Assembly races.

One race raising hopes of Republicans statewide is that of Matteson resident Eric Wallace, the only African-American Republican running for the Illinois Senate.  Wallace, who recently founded the new IL GOP affiliate, African-American Republican Council of Illinois (AARC), says it's time blacks see the Democratic Party is taking their votes for granted.

Wallace is taking his message to the streets of his south and southwest suburban 19th Legislative district, one now represented by incumbent State Senator Maggie Crotty (D-Oak Forest).

Light's out on Hi-Lite

UPDATE:  The Aurora City Council voted 10-to-2 last night to close the Hi-Lite Drive In Theatre.    It sounded like a good idea yesterday, and after learning more, there's no doubt that they did the right thing . . . despite the disappointment of nostalgia buffs.

According to a Daily Herald story this morning, a developer had purchased the vacated drive-in and had offered to donate it to the city.  The City said it was too expensive to renovate and wasn't interested in running the Hi-Lite.   Supposedly, Bigelow Builders will be donating a similar sized lot to the local school district for their use.

While campaign donations were cited as a reason the mayor was pushing to shut down the theatre, as an admitted outsider, it looks like shutting down the historic site was the right decision. 

City government shouldn't be in the business of operating drive-ins and even if a few citizens are willing to donate $200 this year to fix it up, a tax levy would be needed to keep it operating in the years to come. 

Bid the old girl farewell, and move on.  There's got to be more pressing issues in Illinois' third largest town outside Chicago . . .

Turn the lights off at Hi-Lite

Okay, it's time for an afternoon mental break.  Sit back, close your eyes and relax . .  .

Think about those summer nights spent at the local outdoor drive-in, where Sandy and Danny were re-united . . .

Now think about what you'd do if you were a city councilman in Aurora tonight.  The fate of Aurora's 60 year old Hi-Lite Drive In would be in your hands.

Too expensive too renovate?  Too memory-precious to destroy?  What would you do?

Me?  I say tear the sucker down.  Let it go.  Life moves on and drive-ins are gang magnets.  Kids want DVDs, video games and iPods now.  Save the sign.  Set up a parking lot.

An inspired education concept

A Chip Bok cartoon from today's Akron Beacon-Journal clearly outlays a suggestion for Illinois' education plan dilemma. . . would it be sacreligious to call it "inspired"?

Which one of the gubernatorial candidates would be gutsy enough to advocate something so radical as education $$ following a student?

Are we better off with Blago than we would have been with Jim Ryan?

by Thurlow Weed

I pose this question to the readers:  in 2002, many Conservative either didn't vote or supported a Third Party candidate for governor.  Are we better off with Blagojevich than we would be with Jim Ryan?  Please try to look broader than just social issues here ... I'm talking job growth, lawsuit reform, taxes, regulation, "business fees."  Of course, factor in pro-family issues like abortion, marriage, etc.  But please look at the broad picture.

Unions wake up to the damage they've done....

...but probably too late to save GM.

When I talk about Public Education (Ed-Mart - Always the high price, Always), I often use the following metaphoric sentence. "A true parasite lives in harmony with its host." The same metaphor applies to the UAW, which acts as parasite to both its workers AND the Auto Companies. Like Ed-Mart, which has bankrupted entire states while stupefying the children, the UAW, has bankrupted GM, destroying its membership's source of work.

We may have been given a second chance

Most readers of the Illinois Review vote pro-life.  It has been frustrating to think we did not have a candidate running for governor that was pro-life and our only option has been to just not vote for that office.

It is important that a pro-life candidate be well informed on many other issues. We have been given a second chance.  Randall Stufflebeam from Belleville, IL will be running on the Constitutional Party ticket.  Before you say, "he'll never win," take a look at this guy.  I have spoken with him twice and find him to be the most informed candidate I have had the privilege of meeting.

Notes on the Continuing Infantilization...

It isn't every day you get to read an article from another country that pinpoints the problem across all of Western Civilization.

As I witness entire classes of people who slam on the brakes when a pedestrian is with in yards of a sidewalk, I'm struck by the fact that far too many Americans are now acting like frightened rabbits and/or overcautious cowards.

Whether it is the stifling soccer-mom helmeting and strapping us to their fearful worldview, onerous "Sarbanes-Oxley" regulations stifling corporate innovation, or ossified politicians unable to promote reasonable refroms, fear seems to be the overriding cause of our actions.

Simple Truths that Angry Conservatives Can't Seem to Understand

The idea that Bush is a failed President is a lie so often repeated that it has nearly become the truth. The facts, however, indicate that Bush has changed much more below the radar than most people even bother to ponder. On top of that, the Roberts Court hasn't even started to have its impact yet.

Remind people of this when they say utterly stupid things like "we'd have been better off under Kerry."

Good for South Dakota

Oh, that Illinois conservatives could work together to pull off what they've done in South Dakota.

Maybe they've learned that the "circular firing" political strategy is not the way to defeat the enemy. 

Ya think?

How Qualified Do You Like Your Judges?

By Thurlow Weed

Conservative Judge Michael Powers -- candidate for the Third Appellate Court -- is the only candidate in the race for the Third Appellate Court rated "Highly Qualified" by the Illinois State Bar Association.  He was also "Recommended" by his peers in the Bar Poll of attorneys.

How do these ratings affect your choice on Election Day?  Click here to vote in the Illinois Justice Poll.

How well do you know your neighbors?

by Fran Eaton

Chances are you'll be discussing gay marriage with your neighbors in the days to come -- that is if Illinois homosexual activists follow their Massachusetts and Florida cohorts' strategy of publicly identifying marriage petition signers.

KnowThyNeighbor.org announced today it will be publishing the names of 450,000 people who signed the marriage referendum petitions in Florida. 

Protect Marriage Illinois' advisory referendum submitted over 350,00 petition signatures to the State Board of Elections last month.  The referendum is now undergoing a verification process and within the next few weeks, the ISBE will determine whether the required 283,111 signature goal has been met and whether the advisory will be on the November ballot.

IR names first "Star Conservative"

Illinois Review is swiftly becoming Illinois conservatives' "water cooler," where political junkies can check in and see what (and who) everyone's talking about.   

This week IR is kicking off a new weekly segment featuring key conservatives who light the way by constructively promoting traditional family values, conservative fiscal policies and overall goodwill to one another and those outside political circles.

IR's first honoree starts his day at 2:30 am, up at his computer, checking Illinois-focused political news stories online, gathering links, posting them in his daily newsletter and sending them out to hundreds who look for his GOPUSA newsletter each morning.

Wheaton resident Dave Diersen holds many different titles in Republican and conservative circles, but none is as unique as editor of Illinois GOPUSA's headline newsletter.   

Dave, thanks for all you do for conservatives in Illinois.  Your faithful service to us all is deeply appreciated.

Congratulations on being designated as Illinois Review's first "Star Conservative."

(Send your nominations for next week's winner into featon@illinoisreview.com.)

US Troop Levels in Iraq Continue to Decline

By Mark Rhoads

There has been endless and contradictory speculation about when US and British troop levels in Iraq might come down.  Much has been written by reporters who do not understand normal troop redeployments by units and focus only on net numbers of troops in the country.  Both President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair have sensibly said that the schedule for withdrawl must depend on the conditions in Iraq and how fast the Iraqi army can take over the mission.  Since the Iraqi elections in 2005, US troop levels in Iraq have been reduced from 160,000 to 130,000.  Some Iraqi officials have estimated that US troop levels may come down to 100,000 by the end of 2006.  Britain currently has about 8,000 troops around Basra.

The odd thing about liberal critics of the president is that few of them were heard to ask when troops would come home from the former West Germany even forty years after the end of World War II.  In May the Heritage Foundation released a study of American troop deployments overseas between 1950 and 2005 that offers an illuminating context for this debate.  The conclusion is that on average, troop levels overseas, even with troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, are about the same percentage they have been for the last 55 years.

Drive home with Illinois' "Prince of Darkness" Monday

Conservative political commentator Dan Proft (not-so-fondly nicknamed "Prince of Darkness" by his political nemeses) tells IR he'll be filling in for Scott Thomas Monday afternoon from 3 to 5 PM on Chicago's AM 1160 WYLL. 

Proft's stepped into Thomas'  big radio talk show shoes several times in the past, and this time he's got some pretty impressive guests scheduled:

• Mike Flannery, CBS-Channel 2 Political Editor, to talk about the latest developments in the political corruption soap operas in Chicago, including the Sorich trial and the Blase arrest.
• Josh Hoyt, ED of IL Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights to talk immigration reform Robert McGinnis, Fox News Military Analyst, to talk War in Iraq and the larger GWOT (global war on terrorism) developments.
• Col. Robert McGinnis, Fox News Military Analyst to talk War on Iraq and the larger GWOT (global war on terrorism) situation.

ED NOTE:  Hey Proft, Scott Thomas does his fair share of posting here on Illinois Review.  When can we expect to hear from you?

Alec Baldwin is Nuts

We always knew it was true. Now a judge agrees with us.

See: Judge Wants Baldwin to Undergo Psychological Tests

I Link You Decide

By Greg Blankenship

First there was this:

"If Topinka wins in November - that’s the official end of any semblance of a Republican Party in Illinois, and needless to say of any conservative agenda for the foreseeable future.  Ask yourself, will the IL GOP and the conservative movement be weaker or stronger four years from now if Topinka loses?  There is no hesitation for us to say both will be stronger.   

Topinka’s loss will finally break the log jam of dysfunction we’ve had to contend with as a result of the same old team of dishonest, self-serving players.  Pruning back the old brush will finally allow our Party and our ideas to grow.  The little circle of selfish players that’s been around seemingly forever and resorted to every unethical means to cling to power will finally be finished.

Four more years of Blagojevich is a big price to pay for future victory, but at least we can build with that Democrat as a foil."

Then in response our faithful IR editor stated:

"The Tattler finally reveals that he or she is pushing for four more years of Rod Blagojevich . . ."

The retort was fast and furious:

"Our analysis was crystal clear and we proudly stand by it.  We think it was rock solid.  But evidently one blogger doesn’t seem to get it.  We’re accused of “pushing for four more years of Rod Blagojevich.”

Well, no, not quite"

First there was American Idol . . .

There's American Idol, and soon there will be another coveted award in Illinois.

Monday, Illinois Review will start a weekly posting in which we feature our favorites among Illinois conservative movers and shakers.

We'll be taking nominations for future picks, but watch tomorrow to find out IR's first nominee . . . could it be you?

Mr. Cub Still Loves the Game

By Mark Rhoads 

Crain's Chicago Business reported Saturday, June 10 on its web site that 75-year old Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks, recently told the Tribune Company he would be interested purchasing the Cubs or being a part owner. 

Here Comes the Judge ...

by Thurlow Weed

Judge Michael Powers, candidate for the Third Appellate Court, at the ISRA Gun Range Open House this weekend in Bonfield...

Go see "Cars"

by Fran Eaton

"Life's a journey . . . Enjoy the trip."

If you're looking for a chance to sit back and chuckle for a couple of hours with your kids, go see the full length cartoon "Cars" this weekend.

GOP candidate quits Peoria Senate race

In a stunning development Thursday afternoon, Republican candidate for State Senate Blair Gambill announced he was withdrawing from the race to replace retiring State Senator George Shadid (D-Peoria).

Yes, I AM a Republican

By Lee Newcom

This blog is partisan.  It is Republican.   I have never read a better explanation of what it is to be partisan or the value of partisanship until former Majority Leader, Congressman Tom DeLay's (R-Texas) farewell speech to the House of Representatives as he retired yesterday.  How we need a Tom DeLay in Illinois, who knows what it is to be REPUBLICAN, and why, and accomplish something in Springfield as he did in Washington.  Someone will reply to this telling us what a jerk DeLay is.  Rubbish!  He is a decent, honest and great Congressman, who has been so trashed by the media that many believe him to be the caricature the Democrats and their willing accomplices in the media have invented. DeLay said...

So glad you're not here . . .

Just in . . .   photos taken from our son-in-law's deluxe touring vehicle on a recent site-seeing expedition. 

Guess where he's spending his summer?  Yesterday it was over 110 degrees in sunny Baghdad.

Who says Chicagoans are prudes?

by Fran Eaton

If you're looking for unique entertainment this weekend in Chicago, you might want to go downtown. There you'll see things you've probably never seen before, from King Tut's artifacts at the Field Museum to nude bike riders.

 

The Left’s failure to understand Muslim terrorists

While the Left was gleefully celebrating allegations of U.S. atrocities in Haditha – purportedly the inevitable fruit of our imperialistic malfeasance – Canadian authorities were thwarting a terrorist plot of 9/11 proportions. Seventeen Muslim terrorists were arrested for conspiring to storm the Canadian Parliament to take hostages and behead Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Canadian authorities uncovered the plot by tracing large purchases (three tons, treble the amount used in the Oklahoma City bombing) of ammonium nitrate fertilizer – a chemical that can produce a powerful explosive when mixed with fuel oil.

Not surprisingly, in subsequent reporting, the media maintained its misguided commitment to “cultural sensitivity” by avoiding at all costs the “M” word. The New York Times informs us “17 Canadian residents” were arrested, most of them of “South Asian decent.” The AP did not use the “M” word until the fourth-to-last paragraph, when we are told “the accused were not motivated by their Muslim faith.”

(For complete dreckless article, click here.)

THE AIRSTRIKE REMIX

Michelle Malkin has it.

An article on Quad-Cities Online states that the brothers of U.S. Rep. Lane Evans of the 17th Congressional District are seeking permanent limited guardianship over Evan's personal affairs.  Evans plans to attend the hearing on Friday to oppose his brothers' petition.

In February, Evans health began to deteriorate due to advanced Parkinson's disease, keeping him from attending sessions in D.C. and in March he chose to not run in the November election.  Since it was too late for a primary election to determine who would fill Evan's vacancy,  his "right hand man," Phil Hare,  has been selected out of a field of five candidates by the Democratic Committeemen in the 17th District to run against Republican Candidate, Andrea Lane Zinga. 

Zinga, a former CNN Emmy award winner and news anchor in the quad-cities area, gave a good run for this congressional seat two years ago. 

Evans voting record speaks for itself.  Lane Evans got an F from the NRA.  He voted  with ACLU against desecration of the flag amendment, against  the Pledge of Allegiance recitation, the public display of the Ten Commandments and other values most Americans hold dear. 

He voted for ALL abortions - even partial birth. He upholds ACLU’s fight against the Federal Marriage Amendment.  He belongs to the Progressive Socialist Democrats.  Socialism promotes the belief that government should have total control  - over everything - including you.  He consistently votes against property rights.

Will Phil Hare share the same values as Cong. Lane Evans?  The chances are he will since he has been a main staff member and no doubt helps decide legislative policy.  It will be up to the good people in the 17th Congressional District to decide if these are the values they want represented in Washington.  Or will they choose Zinga who takes a totally opposite stand on these issues?

Death Tax Repeal Fails -- Stock Market Reacts

The Club For Growth has the details. 

President Bush has failed to get credit for the country's outstanding economic performance due to anxiety over a number of economic issues.  The Democrats refusal to even allow death tax repeal to come up for a vote and the subsequent reaction by the stock market now allows the Administration to begin pointing the finger at obstructionist democrats. 

It also gives Republicans more political fodder for the fall.  Republicans will argue that this is just a taste of what you'll get if you elect Democrats.

The conventional wisdom holds that democrats want to nationalize the election over the war and the Republican culture of corruption.  The culture of corruption argument didn't work in Duke Cunningham's district.  Cong. Jefferson hasn't helped either.  Today's news about Zarqawi and the stock market's reaction to Democrat obstruction on death tax reform doesn't bode well for the Democrat's strategy of nationalizing the election, either.

Of course, it's a long time until November...