Illinois Review

Illinois Hall of Fame: Scott Turow

By Mark Rhoads

Scott Turow has lived in the Chicago area most of his life.  He is currently practicing criminal law in Chicago and is also one of America's most popular novelists who specializes in intricate crime mysteries. Three of his books have been made into feature films starting with Presumed Innocent in 1990 starring Illinois-native Harrison Ford. Scott was born in Chicago on April 12, 1949 and raised in the northern suburbs. He graduated from New Trier High School in 1966.  In 1970 Scott graduated with honors with a B.A. in English from Amherst College.  He went on to study writing at Stanford University where he received an M.A. in 1974.

Scott taught at Stanford from 1972 to 1975 and attended Harvard Law School from 1975 to 1978 when he received his Juris Doctor degree. He became a trustee of Amherst in 2002.  From 1978 to 1986, Scott was an Assistant U. S. Attorney for the Northern District in Chicago. He was one of the prosecutors in the tax fraud trial of former Illinois Treasurer and Attorney General William J. Scott and was also a prosecutor of Cook County judges in the Operation Greylord cases.

Franken for U.S. Senate? Tell me it ain't so!

From Evans-Novak Political Report for 1/31 . . .

Minnesota: Liberal comedian Al Franken has announced that his radio show will end on February 14, and his announcement hints that he will follow up on his long-stated desire to run against Sen. Norm Coleman (R) next year.

Conservapedia: Wiki-pedia's alter ego

Here's a link you need on your "Favorites" list . . . a response to Wiki-pedia's liberal bias. 

Link: Conservapedia:About - Conservapedia.

Tired of the LIBERAL BIAS every time you search on Google and a Wikipedia page appears? Now it's time for the Conservatives to get our voice out on the internet!

How Obama is Like Barbaro

by Teri O'Brien   

On Monday we learned the sad news that Barbaro, the sleek, heroic champion who captivated the nation after his impressive Kentucky Derby victory lost the 8-month fight for his life. Some, probably not animal lovers, were struck by the outpouring of emotion over the loss of this beautiful animal. “It’s just a horse,” they snorted. These people are missing the point. To understand the affection the public had for Barbaro. This horse has a lot in common with our own junior senator, the preternatural democrat messiah, Barack Hussein Obama (and not just the similar sounding name).

 

Obama Valentine's Day gift ideas hit the web

Frankly, I think these ideas are pretty lame. . .

Here's are Comment Central's top 5 Barack Obama themed presents:

1. Got $50,000 to spend? Then don't believe all the propaganda about diamonds being a girl's best friend. She may coyly refuse to tell you, but what she really wants is a Barack Obama domain name.

.

People magazine: Don't stop, get a shot

by Jill Stanek

An article in the Feb. 5 issue of People magazine demonstrated the persistence of liberals to march us all down the path of free love to our deaths.

I don't understand why young people would trust the ideology of those who sought their demise before they were born, but here's one: 33-year-old abortion survivor (which anyone under the age of 34 is) turned actress turned cervical cancer survivor, Marissa Jaret Winokur.

Illinois Hall of Fame: Harold Ramis

By Mark Rhoads

"You can have a pretty wonderful artistic life and never leave Chicago."

-- Harold Ramis

Harold Ramis is a very successful TV and movie actor, director, writer, and producer who is best known for his innovative comedies.  He was born in Chicago on Nov. 21, 1944 and currently makes his primary home on the North Side even though he also stays part time in California when he is making films.  When he was growing up, his parents Nate and Ruth Ramis owned a store on the West Side called Ace Food and Liquor Mart. At age seven, Harold started working in the store on weekends. Harold attended Senn High School at 5900 N. Glenwood where he wrote in his yearbook that he wanted to be a neurosurgeon.  Harold was on the fencing team at Senn and his older brother Steve Ramis was city champion in fencing in the middle 1960s.

Obama reserves Old State Capitol for day of announcement

Obama has reserved the Old State Capitol for Feb. 10, the day he plans an announcement, Gov. Rod Blagojevich's office said. Abraham Lincoln served in the Old State Capitol when he was a state representative. It was the site of his famous "House Divided" speech warning that America could not remain half slave and half free.

Link: AP Wire | 01/30/2007 | Obama reserves Old State Capitol for day of announcement.

Obama: Bring them home

Super Sunday: A Day for Facing the Giants

The first movie to receive a PG rating because it "proselytized" -- "Facing the Giants" -- is available today on DVD, just in time to watch on Super Sunday.

Leading up to Sunday's game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears, national media has lauded the historic match between two African-American coaches as well as their longtime close personal relationship.  They both have publicly discussed their Christian beliefs.

"This Super Sunday stars two head coaches, both Christians, who've faced their own giants, personal and otherwise," said Kris Fuhr of Provident Films, which distributed 'Giants' for Sony Pictures. "The parallels are rich."

"Facing the Giants" is a football-themed movie produced by Georgia's Sherwood Baptist Church.  The new DVD features an extended interview with Georgia University Football Coach Mark Richt.

Does Nancy Pelosi care about the Constitution?

The United States House of Representatives consists of 435 members elected to represent their respective states in Congress.  This is by law and the Constitution.  Taxpayers are then required to follow the laws that Congress passes and the President signs into law.

Nancy Pelosi and the new Democrat leadership have decided that Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC all should have a vote in the U.S. House.  Washington D.C. is the only representative from this group whose residents pay income taxes.

Rep. Franks (D) Moves Against Free Speech

Check out the lefty's latest attack on our civil rights (story here). Like a modern day prohibitionist, State Rep. Jack Franks (D) now wants to take away our freedom of speech - like they have our right to use our cell phones in our cars, eat fois gras or trans fats, and smoke.

Saying he's concerned about our privacy (tell that to his fellow Democrat Daley who puts cameras on every corner) and the well-being of senior citizens, he's working on a new law (because we need more laws) that would prevent organizations from making automated calls on behalf of candidates OR legislation! And like some Pepe La Pew of the General Assembly, Franks can't smell his own hypocrisy. Fact is, he's used automated calling himself!

Of course, when it comes to protecting himself and his Party by not allowing his constituents to know what he's doing (or not doing), Franks' (D) solution is to prevent anyone from telling them.

Obama: "I see no urgency." Right.

Barack Obama's shameless attempt yesterday to embarrass the Bush Administration's ongoing efforts to correct New Orleans' longterm problems with real solutions other than band-aids embarrassed the Illinois senator. 

It's the lowest form of politicizing to feed off desperate people to promote oneself -- something Obama has done among African-Americans his whole political career.

Obama detected a sense of urgency in New Orleans alright -- one that he thought stepping in to point fingers at Bush and sympathize with the hurricane victims would work to endear needy Louisiana voters to his presidential run. 

That's shameless.

Exactly what is a political party?

By Mark Rhoads

Different people have different hopes and expectations for their work for a political party.  Parties are a hybrid of people who want to advance policies and ideas but who must share a platform with people whose primary interest is just filling public jobs.  Discussions about how to "reform" the Illinois Republican Party are complicated by the fact that not everyone agrees on the exact definition of a party and who the authentic "party members" really are. 

Since last June I have had a running debate by email with some IR readers who are elected GOP precinct committeemen outside of Cook County.  Some of them seem to think that they "are" the Illinois GOP along with the eighty ward and township committeemen in Cook County.

Just checkin' . . .got that seat belt on?

by Fran Eaton

Illinois' proactive seat belt enforcement is featured in today's USA Today, crediting Blagojevich's 2003 seat belt law making it legal to pull people over if an officer thinks a driver's seat belt is not buckled.

One fall evening last year I was entering I-355, and the toll entry was blocked to one lane with a stop sign posted.  I stopped, knowing it was unusual, and was surprised when a state highway patrolman appeared, and asked me to roll down my window.  "Have your seat belt on?" he asked.  I showed him I did, but had the strap under my left arm, rather than over the shoulder.  He let me go.

Sign the 'Illinois is Bleeding' Petition

In 2005, the Illinois legislature passed long-awaited medical liability reforms to protect our access to quality, affordable health care.

Now the trial lawyers are challenging these reforms in court, hoping to overturn them and protect their profit-seeking lawsuits.

Rampant lawsuit abuse has forced up the cost of medical liability insurance - costing Illinois doctors as much as $100,000 more per year than doctors in neighboring states.

Sex Offender Work Places Available

by Cal Skinner

Folks have long known that they can find out where released sex offenders live. But, did you know that there is a file of where some of them work? According to the State Police, “local police agencies provide the information and we print it as submitted.”

Here’s a question for you. How much restitution does a person arrested of a sex crime have to make? Should he—and the almost 120 who show up as McHenry County employees are all men—have the right to support himself and not be hassled at work?

Illinois Hall of Fame: Richard J. Oglesby

By Mark Rhoads

Maj. Gen. Richard James Oglesby served three times as governor of Illinois in the 19th Century but none of the terms were consecutive and one term lasted for only ten days. He also served one term as a U.S. Senator from Illinois.

Oglesby was born in Floydsburg, Kentucky on July 25, 1824. He was orphaned as a young child and was raised by his uncle and aunt in Decatur, Illinois. According to his congressional biography, he received a limited schooling; worked as a farmer, a rope-maker, and carpenter.  He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1845 and started a practice in Sullivan, Illinois. 

Cook GOP Chairman Skoien to Resign

CHICAGO, IL, January 29, 2007 - Due to family illness, Gary J. Skoien will resign as Chairman of the Cook County Republican Party effective upon the selection of a replacement. A special meeting of the Cook County Republican Central Committee has been called for Monday, February 12, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency to elect a new Chairman. . .

IR's response was posted Sunday here, when the news was leaked by CapitolFax's Rich Miller. . .

Conservative women say no to all GOP prez suitors

by Fran Eaton

Conservative Republican women leaders from around the nation declared over the weekend that they are not happy with any of the current "Tier 1" Republican presidential candidates, and vowed to stop progress of the likes of John McCain, Rudy Guiliani, Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney. 

Conservative icon Phyllis Schlafly (pictured right), who hosted the weekend Eagle Forum state presidents' pow-wow in St. Louis, said that conservatives need to engage now to eliminate leading unacceptable candidates to clear the field for true conservatives to emerge in the next couple of months.

On Medical Liability Reform - the People Have Spoken

by Curt Mercadante

It’s been two years since the Illinois voter uprising that forced the Illinois legislature – and governor – to enact medical liability reform legislation.

Yet the full positive impact of those reforms has yet to be felt – due to uncertainty pending the trial lawyers’ challenge of the measure’s constitutionality in court. 

Needless to say, the trial lawyer challenge was anticipated as soon as the governor’s pen signed the reforms into law. On November 20 of last year, the challenge finally came – in the form of a case filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County seeking to challenge the cap on non-economic damages ($500,000 for physicians and $1 million for hospitals.)

Obama returns to his home church

CBS Chicago followed Barack Obama and his wife Michelle worshipped at their home church yesterday, Trinity United Church of Christ. 

I'm disappointed that it appears Mike Flannery has joined the Obama bandwagon, and unwilling to look into the racist teachings of Trinity UCC's pastor.

Trinity is the home of the unique Black Value System, and Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Obama's pastor, stood alongside as Obama autographed copies of his book for two hours after church.

More on Trinity and Dr. Wright in IR's Obama Watch 2007.

Link: cbs2chicago.com - Obama Comes Home For Church.

Dem Prez Theme Buttons: "More, more . . ."

From the Palm Beach Post's Don Wright . . .

Obama's family secrets unlocked

A new post on IR's Obama Watch reviews a Times Online story which gives a little more about Obama's confusing family history . . . from Kansas to Hawaii to Indonesia back to Hawaii and forward.

Illinois Hall of Fame: George Gobel

By Mark Rhoads

"My uncle was the town drunk, and we lived in Chicago."

- George Gobel in the 1950s

Emmy Award-winning comedian and TV host George Gobel was born in Chicago on May 20, 1919.  He grew up in Albany Park and graduated from Roosevelt High School at 3436 West Wilson Avenue in 1937. George came from a show business family.  Even before high school, George was a child star on radio singing and playing guitar as the "littlest cowboy" and "Little Georgie Gobel" on The National Barn Dance. The popular national radio show was aired by NBC and produced by WLS Radio in Chicago.  

Top Ten: Myths of the Iraq War

From Strategy Page comes the top ten myths of the Iraq War:

This one has been the subject of some of my recent posts. 

10- The War in Iraq is Lost. By what measure? Saddam and his Baath party are out of power. There is a democratically elected government. Part of the Sunni Arab minority continues to support terror attacks, in an attempt to restore the Sunni Arab dictatorship. In response, extremist Shia Arabs formed vigilante death squads to expel all Sunni Arabs. Given the history of democracy in the Middle East, Iraq is working through its problems. Otherwise, one is to believe that the Arabs are incapable of democracy and only a tyrant like Saddam can make Iraqi "work." If democracy were easy, the Arab states would all have it. There are problems, and solutions have to be found and implemented. That takes time, but Americans have, since the 18th century, grown weary of wars after three years. If the war goes on longer, the politicians have to scramble to survive the bad press and opinion polls. Opposition politicians take advantage of the situation, but this has nothing to do with Iraq, and everything to do with local politics in the United States.

People are beginning to take notice that with even the threat of the surge that things are moving in a new direction.  Sadr has signalled support for the surge and told his thiry followers in the Iraqi parliment to end their boycott.  One leader of the radical shia's has fled to Iran.  The Iranians have felt the heat as has PM Maliki.  Finally, the oil law talks are moving again... That's not a bad a start.

hatip: Instapundit

Worshipping with a Congressman

by Fran Eaton

Think a river doesn't make a difference?  When it comes to perspective on government, I beg to differ.

This morning, I sat in a worship service led by a U.S. Congressman who preached a sermon he entitled, "Government is not God."  He went through the Old Testament Judges passage when the Israelites rejected God's preferred system of governing -- judges -- and demanded a king.   

U.S. Congressman Todd Akins (R-MO) told his small congregation that anytime people look to government rather than God to meet their needs, they are doomed to destruction -- sooner or later.

The Skoien transition

We have been hearing for weeks about the Skoien family's health battle, and today, CapitolFax's Rich Miller makes it public by disclosing that the Cook County GOP Chairman will be announcing on Monday his decision to step down to be at his wife's side as she fights cancer.

Our prayers are with you, Skoiens, and know that we at IR are rooting for you to beat this enemy of us all. 

Sticking up for smokers

by Fran Eaton

I hate cigarette smoke.  It gives me headaches.  But today, I defend smokers in this week's Star "Always Right" column.

Well, you say, smokers and their second-hand smoke are a public health hazard. Smokers should be shunned and forced to stay home or in their cars, where they can harm no one but themselves.

On the contrary. Cigarette smokers are my heroes, and they should be yours, as well. For one thing, cigarette smokers bear more than their fair share of taxes. In a growing number of cities, a pack-a-day smoker pays more in cigarette taxes than he pays in state income taxes.

Read more . . .

The Amorality of Google

By Mark Rhoads

The Guardian reported yesterday that Sergey Brin, one of the two co-founders of Google, said on Jan. 27 that the company's decision to censor certain search terms in order to do business in China in 2005 was a mistake.  But not because the policy was morally wrong, just wrong for business reasons because there was a moral and public relations backlash against the company.

"Asked whether he regretted the decision, Mr Brin admitted yesterday: 'On a business level, that decision to censor... was a net negative.'

"The company has only once expressed any regret and never in as strong terms as yesterday. Mr Brin said the company had suffered because of the damage to its reputation in the US and Europe."

Toll Bridges Across the Fox

by Cal Skinner

How desperate must Kane and McHenry Counties be for additional road capacity.    

McHenry County has enacted a 4-cent local Motor Fuel Tax.

Kane County levies 2-cents.

Although both counties have experienced incredible growth, state government has been unwilling to step up to plate, so to speak.    

Illinois Hall of Fame: John Gunther

By Mark Rhoads

John Gunther was the best selling author of 28 books including Inside Europe in 1936 and many "Inside" geo-political travel books.  John was born on the North Side of Chicago on Aug. 30, 1901. He attended Lake View High School at 4015 N. Ashland Avenue and wrote for the student magazine.  At age 16, he wrote an article on the Russian Revolution and would revisit the topic of Russia many times in his life culminating with his 1958 book Inside Russia Today. As an English major at the University of Chicago, he was 20 years old when he started writing book reviews for the campus newspaper, the Daily Maroon. John graduated from the University of Chicago in 1922 and was awarded a Phi Beta Kappa key.

Who's the Conservative?

From nwi.com:

"GOP House Minority Leader Tom Cross said Friday he doesn't favor raising the income tax to collect more money for the state, an idea the Senate's Democratic leader has said is up for discussion."

Contrast that with this:

Lisa Madigan Ranked One of the Worst AGs in the Nation

The Competitive Enterprise Institute has come out with its Top 10 Worst State Attorneys General in the nation. Lucky us, Lisa Madigan was ranked as the 8th worst.

Noted Human Events: "State attorneys general are among the most powerful office holders in the country. Unlike governors and legislators, each state's top elected lawyer has fewer institutional checks on his or her powers. Yet, with the possible exception of former New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, the power wielded by attorneys general receives very little scrutiny from the media, voters, and even tort reform advocates -- even though it can often be abused."

The no-lose key to winning elections

With all the mysteries surrounding Cook and DuPage Counties' voting commissions and the November 7, 2006 election, one wonders if there really is a "no-lose key" to winning elections -- one that's been around for decades but just has recently been updated . . .

Link: WorldNetDaily: Key made from website image could change your vote.

A hacker, using a photograph of keys to a Diebold touch-screen voting system available on the company's website, successfully duplicated two that were capable of opening the electronic balloting device now used in many states for elections.

Illinois Set to Lose Still Another Congressional Seat

by Cal Skinner

Projecting population trends among the 50 states redistricting consultant Clark Bensen of Polidata Incorporated predicts that Illinois will be among the state that lose representation in the United States Congress. For all but one decade I have lived in Illinois, its relative share of the country’s population has declined enough for us to lose a congressman. There were:

Illinois Hall of Fame: Joe Mantegna

By Mark Rhoads

Tony Award-winning actor Joe Mantegna is a proud Illinoisan through and through. He was born in Chicago on Nov. 13, 1947. He graduated from Morton East High School in Cicero in 1965 and from the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago in 1969.  The Goodman School has since been re-named as the Theatre School at De Paul University. Joe made his acting debut in a 1969 production of Hair.

Based on his many afternoons watching the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Joe created the concept for and was one of eight writers of the award-winning play Bleacher Bums which was first performed at Chicago's Organic Theater in 1977. Another contributor was Dennis Franz of Maywood who played Detective Andy Sipowicz on NYPD Blue. The play ran five years in L.A.  The play was put on WTTW in Chicago in 1979 and an updated version won an Emmy Award for Joe when it was broadcast on the Showtime channel in 2002.

Why the state will lose if it fights the Choose Life court decision

Eric Zorn and I have continued the conversation on Choose Life license plates on his blog, which led to an important point.

Zorn said:

Aliens Cause Global Warming

A little something on scientific consensus by Michael Crichton | Download Crichton2003.pdf

Kids think the darndest things

by Fran Eaton

A young African-American just sent me the link to this TV infomercial about how black children perceive others and themselves, based on the color of skin.

I'll admit it's fascinating and troubling.  The comment attached was, "This will bring tears to your eyes," then he proceeded to blast the Irish and Polish for the pride they demonstrate and questioned why similar cultural pride is wrong for blacks.

My response to the young friend was, "I understand cultural pride.  I don't understand cultural superiority."

Check your weapons at Cook County's border

If you live in Cook County, you should be aware that a list of common firearms and large capacity magaines became illegal November 14, 2006.  An analysis of the law is found on Illinois State Rifle Association's website now.  Those living outside Cook County should also become familiar with this ban . . . believe it or not, it's headed your way.  It's a matter of time.

You should also be aware that on March 15, 2007, smoking will be banned in most public places.  Again, be aware, it's coming your way . . . its only a matter of time.

Anyone else feeling the squeeze on politically-incorrect behavior?   You ain't seen nothing yet . . .

Blue State Blues

Thursday, Tribune columnist Eric Zorn writes that he is in favor of getting rid of all specialty plates. Zorn doesn’t come right out and say, “Regiment them all,” but that would be the result. No individuality at all.

And, why? So pro-lifers in Illinois can’t demonstrate their commitment on their license plates.

I would suggest that we have a contest. Let the pro-choicers pick any slogan they want for a license plate. How about “Choice!” Maybe they will give their money to adoption agencies, too. Let’s see who can sell the most license plates.

Your life may be in Obama's hands

Here's a scary thought:  Our lives could be in Obama's hands.

Yesterday, Barack Obama promised a United Church of Christ health conference that if elected president, he would provide health care for "everyone."

Illinoisans know Obama really means "everyone," except newborns born alive. 

Obama, the great listener

"Gee, Senator . . . thanks for listening."

Crain's Business discusses Barack Obama's dismal U.S. Senaate voting record on crucial business issues, but gives him fond kudos for being a great listener.

New Stanek WND column, "The AP's fetus frenzy"

by Jill Stanek

You would have a difficult time figuring out Barack Obama supports infanticide by the Jan. 17 Associated Press story entitled, "Obama record may be gold mine for critics."

Each of five times the AP referred to Obama's votes as state senator against legislation to stop infanticide, it softened the blow to make it unintelligible to the fetus on the street....

Choose honesty

by Jill Stanek

Ah, history, it's so fun to revise! 

As quoted by Eric Zorn today, Rep. Jack Franks would have us believe that his epiphany to single-handedly halt approval of specialty plates in Illinois came coincidentally when the Choose Life license plate bill was introduced in 2002.

More Proof That Schools Commit Educational Malpractice

The video below is more evidence that what passes for curriculum in our schools is rubbish.  If you are short on time, wait until you have time to view this.  It is something you should forward to all your soccer mom friends who have been drinking the "suburban schools are good" Kool-Aid.

Hat tip to Kevin over at www.illinoisloop.org for finding this.

Was Obama bloodied by madrassa story?

by George Dienhart

         

Just as the Obama train pulled out of the station, the junior senator learned what it was like to be in the Clinton crosshairs. In a story covered by most major press organizations, Sen. Obama was hit with the allegation that he attended a madrassa as a child. While Sen. Obama denies the story, several interesting things happened afterward.

       

Invasion of Privacy: State has no Business Mandating HPV Vaccine

by John Bambenek

No one wants the government rifling through his or her bank accounts. The FBI has no business perusing your grocery lists. The right of privacy is clear in this country. With very few exceptions, the government has no reason to mandate that you tell them about your finances, your relationships, or your personal health.

That is why Representative Naomi Jakobsson's bill, HB115, is unconstitutional. The bill requires that sixth grade girls receive the vaccination for HPV before going to public or private school. Many similar laws and proposals have cropped up in other states as well.

The Early Primary Scam Strikes Again

By Mark Rhoads

The real reason Speaker Mike Madigan wants to move the 2008 Illinois primary election from March to early February has nothing to do whatever with helping Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign or helping Illinois get more leverage in the national Democratic and Republican presidential nominating process.

Madigan is a student of Illinois history. His real motive is the same as the motive of state lawmakers 38 years ago in 1969 when Democratic and Republican leaders in both houses of the General Assembly made a cross-party deal to move the primary from early June to the middle of March. The real reason pure and simple was to protect all incumbents in both parties from primary challenges.  The strategy mostly worked in the March 1970 primary and Madigan is now looking for Republican allies to go along because he figures it can work again. To find out how, set your time machine controls to Springfield in 1969 and keep reading below.