Illinois Review

Time for a Federal Marriage Amendment

It has long been my unpopular opinion that all efforts to preserve the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman should be focused on passing a federal amendment, rather than a state constitutional amendment.

An Iowa judge's decision Thursday increased the urgency of the federal marriage amendment George W. Bush proposed a few years ago.

Ashamed of south suburban abortion-free zone

Anita Jirka of Homewood is disturbed that there's no abortion clinics in Chicago's south suburbs. . . yet.  She didn't like that it was pointed out last Sunday.

In her letter to the Star's editor rant, she shows the root of her anger . . .

And if the Right wants to save fetuses so they can be born, grow up to be soldiers, and fight and die young in wars created for imagined threats to the U.S., then perhaps they would be more comfortable living in a culture where the church is the state, as in Muslim countries.

Thompson's Big Day

Looks like Fred Thompson's official announcement will be next Thursday, September 6, kicking off a bus tour through early primary states.

Word has been for weeks that he was waiting until September 1 for his Law and Order commitment to be over and avoid potential FEC problems.

From the Friends of Fred campaign . . .

Illinois: Don't get too excited about recall

Attorney Joshua Spivak thought Illinois Review readers might be interested in reading his thoughts about Illinois instituting recall, whether it's possible or whether it's a good thing. . .

Tax Hike Alert: SB 572

From ILGOP Chairman Andy McKenna, who's become quite the Tax Fighter:

A tale of two scandals

by George Dienhart

Two big scandals broke this week, one involving a single Republican, and one involving multiple high-ranking Democrats. Guess which on is getting all the press?

Larry Craig is getting all the press. Don't get me wrong; the actions he has been alleged of are disgusting and morally reprehensible.   If these allegations are true, he also showed in an inordinate amount of stupidity and bad judgment in soliciting a male police officer for sex, when he knew that the local paper was investing him for allegations of that very nature.

So, the voters of Idaho will judge Larry Craig. They will most likely choose not to re-elect him. He had his day in court. This does not affect people outside of the state of Idaho (as long as they stay out of Washington DC mens rooms).

Heckler's Veto Prevails Again - Another Holiday Inn Disses Another Conservative Group

by Cal Skinner

First the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn decided that the Illinois Minuteman Project couldn’t hold a private meeting on immigration.

Protesters, you know.

Now the Naperville Holiday Inn has canceled an Americans for Truth banquet out of fear of protest from homosexual activists.

Planned Parenthood opening could be delayed, pending Aurora mayor's investigation

AURORA -- Aurora's new Planned Parenthood facility may not open as scheduled September 18, pending the outcome of an investigation initiated by the city's mayor and demanded by angry residents.

Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner told residents late Tuesday night that Planned Parenthood's new facility would not open until an investigation had been completed as to whether city protocol had been properly followed to obtain city permits and whether or not Planned Parenthood used fraud or deception in the process.

"If I had known Planned Parenthood was moving into that location, I would have voted no," Alderman Richard Laurence said. "If I find out someone was involved in hiding this, well . . ."

Introducing....Myself

Hello all. I am Jason Bonham and have now come on board the Illinois Review Team. I am excited to participate on this blog, having read it daily for a while and even contributing some posts along the way. So at Fran and Dennis' request, I am making a brief introduction for myself.

Oberweis hit with NIU CRs

Northern Illinois University College Republicans kicked off their 2007-2008 season with a visit from 14th CD GOP candidate Jim Oberweis Wednesday night.

"We had a great turnout for our first meeting this year with over 30," Meagan Szydlowski, NIU chapter president, said.  "Everyone there was excited about Jim Oberweis' visit and he did a great job connecting with the students."

NIU's College Republicans will be hosting a welcome back BBQ tonight at their DeKalb County campus at 7 PM and according to their calendar here, they've got 12 CR events lined up over the next three months.

For more information about the NIU CRs next event, contact Meagan at meagan.szydlowski@gmail.com.

(Oberweis in black shirt left center, NIU President Meagan Szydlowski immediately right of Oberweis)

Aurora Planned Parenthood investigation

To clarify exactly how the City of Aurora's investigation into Planned Parenthood's deception is going to proceed, because it has become a little confusing, I asked pro-life attorney Vince Tessitore of Aurora to explain. Tessitore is in the thick of it. He responded:

Crystal Lake-the Town Where You Can Have Free Speech, If You Have Enough Money

by Cal Skinner

Our family was in Central Illinois while the lake was cresting and Crystal Lake Police were separating the McHenry County Peace Group from a minuteman group who was not sponsoring the private Holiday Inn meeting ordered canceled by a McHenry County Judge.

The Holiday Inn Illinois Minuteman Project meeting cancellation was a contract dispute, local newspapers reported. It wasn’t anything about Freedom of Speech.  That may be the law, but it’s not the perception.

Last year a more unpopular political cause—the advancement of acceptability of homosexuality—was given red carpet treatment by the Crystal Lake Park Board and City Council.

Pro-Surge National Caravan to Travel 4,384 Miles Across Nation

From MoveAmericaForward.org:

“Fight for Victory Tour” Pro-Troop Caravan Launches Monday, September 3, 2007

Supporters of Operation Iraqi Freedom will conduct a nationwide caravan that will include 27 pro-troop rallies across America calling for continued support of U.S. troops based in Iraq.  The “Fight for Victory Tour” will take place at a critical time, in the days leading up to General David Petraeus’ September 15th report to Congress on the progress of “the surge” of U.S. troops in Iraq.

Make Your Stand, Mr. President…Please

by Charlie Johnston

          I am one of the few people I know who stands firmly with President George Bush. I believe posterity will credit him with having bought us critical time to prepare for one of the greatest crises in world history. Yet I am frustrated that this man who, at extraordinary moments, has inspired the nation with his steely resolve has allowed it to drift by his lack of leadership in ordinary things.

            In 1947 Harry Truman had an approval rating of 32%, the lowest a president had ever recorded until President Bush hit 29% earlier this year. Astonishingly, a year later Truman soared to win election in his own right. But Truman had an agenda and a direction for the country that he fought hard for during that year. There is a lesson here if President Bush will only hearken to it.

            When first elected, Bush promised to change the climate of poisonous partisan rancor that has gripped Washington for decades. With a few notable exceptions (the war, Supreme Court appointments) he has tried to do this by spitting the difference in disagreements with his opponents. It hasn’t worked. It has left his opponents treating him with contempt and his allies ducking for cover.

What Senator Craig Should Do

By Rev. Rob Schenck
President, Faith and Action
Washington, DC

The spectacle of a Washington figure caught in a sex scandal is always painful. Of course, before saying any more about Senator Larry Craig's crisis, it goes without saying that in America, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The problem here is the Senator's admission of guilt that remained in place for six weeks. After all, he is a lawmaker--a legislator of the highest order, a U.S. Senator. One would think a professional like Senator Craig would understand the ramifications of pleading guilty in such a case. To reverse his admission now reminds me more of King Saul who was not sorry for what he did, but rather that he got caught doing it.

The saddest part of this story is that it's public at all. My pastor's heart wants this to be a quiet matter between the Senator, his wife and family, the reporting officer and, most importantly, the Lord. But once you choose public a life as a U.S. Senator, you are vulnerable to virtually everything going public. It's a risk you accept when you declare your candidacy, let alone win the office.

Who's Paying For the Filth? It Ain't Free

by Jason Bonham

Let’s look at the term advertising:

1. to announce or praise (a product, service, etc.) in some public medium of communication in order to induce people to buy or use it.

It’s an interesting quote. When you think of corporate advertising on TV, the average viewer will easily tell when the program has switched to an advertisement selling a product. Most change the channel. But few change the channel when the advertising is not for a product in the form of a commercial, but rather it’s the show peddling a lifestyle.

Many would argue that behavior is not influenced by the media we inhale. Yet for some reason, we still have advertising agencies raking in millions and billions for using media to influence our purchasing behavior. Don’t be fooled, if we can be sold a product with a bad actor on the floor who can’t get up, surely we can be sold more by handsome actors with an hour long story line.

"Planned Parenthood driven underground"

by Jill Stanek

NOTE: WorldNetDaily.com is running a companion news article to my column today, entitled, "Deception built super-secret abortion clinic."

I'm not involved in municipal politics, but it would seem to me bad form for a business to sneak its way into a community by falsifying documents and submitting false testimony in planning meetings.

Yet that's exactly how Planned Parenthood came to build its largest abortion mill in the country in Aurora, IL, soon to be known as the "Auschwitz of America."

Aurora City Council hears citizen outrage

Tuesday's city council meeting followed a massive protest last Saturday in front of Aurora's controversial Planned Parenthood facility.  Photos by Jill Stanek and Fran Eaton.  See more from Illinois Review here and here. 

Why Homosexuals Resort to Name-Calling

by George Kocan

I present an e-mail interchange that I had with a prominent homosexual writer who argued that, if religiosity is like homosexuality, having a biological basis, it should be “cured” with some kind of medical intervention before birth.   

Re: Slippery Slope
G.K.:  Let us not forget that religiosity is normal for the human race while homosexuality is not.  Also, religiosity is adaptive in the Darwinian sense while homosexuality is also not adaptive.

Mr. B.:  Homosexuality is quite normal for the human race. From the beginning of time there have been gay people. So, I am not quite sure what on earth you are talking about.

G.K.:  Just because they exist, that does not make them normal.  Yes, you do know what I am talking about.

Mr. B.:  Actually, it does make it normal. Please see the definition of normal. Just because you don't like a group does not mean that they are not normal. Your prejudice does not define what is normal.

Personally, I think those opposed to gay rights are abnormal and have mental issues.

It's Official: Blago Signs Stem Cell Bill

Associated Press reports:

Illinois is now officially endorsing embryonic stem cell research.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday signed into law a measure supporting the research, which offers hope of medical breakthroughs but is saddled with ethical questions.

Oberweis vows to defund Planned Parenthood

AURORA -- GOP candidate Jim Oberweis made one of his first campaign commitments immediately after announcing his bid to represent the 14th CD, even as supporters were departing from Oberweis Dairy's main plant in Aurora.

"I'm prolife, and I absolutely will work to defund Planned Parenthood if I'm elected to Congress," Oberweis said. 

Illinois College Republicans enlist new ED

There's no doubt. A farm team of candidates is crucial to the future of a political party.  But where do you go to look for raw, young talent that makes up a good, solid farm team?

Serious professional sport scouts have already found their gold mines for talent in colleges, universities and sometimes even high schools. That's exactly where the United Republican Fund has set its sights as they ally with the Illinois College Republican Federation (ICRF) to help rebuild the IL GOP.

"The URF is proud to partner with the ICRF, and to share one of our most valuable team members with the them," Exec Director Dennis LaComb said Monday. "We've seconded our program manager Jeremy Rose to assist Illinois' CRs as their executive director." (picture of Rose upper right)

Did Planned Parenthood commit fraud against Aurora, or are officials in on it?

Backdrop....

From the Chicago Tribune, July 27, 2007:

Neighbors who drive by the bustling construction site in Aurora think they are seeing the completion of the "Gemini Health Center," just as the sign says....

But in a few weeks the sign will be changed to reflect the true owners of the building: Planned Parenthood....

And these guys call themselves leaders?

From the IL GOP:

Democrat’s cat fight latest in series of Illinois embarrassments
While they fight for their own fiefdom, Illinois taxpayers get the shaft

CHICAGO – As the soap opera of Illinois Government continues with the Governor suing the Speaker of the House, the Illinois Republican Party today called on all Illinoisans to take note and remember that there is a credible, responsible alternative to running Illinois government. 

Evangelical world changes guards

Evangelicals are facing a changing of the guard among its leaders. 

After the sudden death of Rev. Jerry Falwell earlier this year and the quickly deteriorating health of internationally-renowned Billy Graham,  evangelicals learned Monday that Presbyterian icon Dr. D. James Kennedy announced his retirement after 48 years at Coral Ridge Ministries in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 

Both Falwell and Graham will be succeeded by sons who are ministers prepared to continue their fathers' work.  Dr. Kennedy, who suffered a serious heart attack earlier this year,  will look to those he's mentored over the years to carry on at Coral Ridge, the church said in a press release.

Another charismatic church leader Pat Robertson continues his 700 Club television ministry with the help of his son.

Governor Blagojevich Sues Madigan

Last Friday, after sending to the General Assembly his 79-page budget veto earlier in the week, Governor Blagojevich slapped House Speaker Mike Madigan a second time -- this time with a lawsuit.

Blagojevich was highly insulted when, after 70 frustrating days of overtime budget session the House and Senate passed a 1395-page state budget and the Speaker told House members to go home for the weekend. 

"My recommendation is don't come back to Springfield," Madigan said, "until my office notifies you." 

Madigan's instructions defied the Governor's call for another special session on the following day, August 13.  The next day, only six of 118 House members showed up.

Madigan's office said Monday they will ask the court to throw out Blagojevich's suit claiming the Speaker can't defy the Governor's call for a special legislation session.  Steve Brown, Madigan's spokesman, called the lawsuit "a farce."

More here, here and here. 

The inept leading the inept

So, our inept governor sues the Speaker of the House - both are members of the same party.

This follows months of a record overtime session, wrangling over the budget, and Democrat infighting.

Fodder for the Illinois Republicans?

Will this help the Republican Party stage a comeback in the 2008 elections?

Have the Democrats provided the motivation Illinois Republicans need to stage a reversal at the polls?

Think again ... this is Illinois.

The Republicans have proven that the only organization more inept than the Illinois Democratic Party is the Illinois Republican Party.

Pathetic. 

Ronald Reagan Speaks Out Against Socialized Healthcare

by David Smith, Executive Director, Illinois Family Institute

Socialized healthcare is an issue that has dominated Governor Rod Blagojevich's agenda and speeches this year. And he is not alone, as it has become a hot topic and top debate issue for presidential candidates.

In late June, liberal filmmaker Michael Moore launched his latest documentary, titled Sicko, which supposedly compares the non-universal and for-profit U.S. health care system with the universal and non-profit health care systems of Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Cuba. Moore lobbied lawmakers on Capitol Hill and in various states in conjunction with the release of the film.

While Moore champions the idea of socialized medicine, most Americans want to know if a government-run health care system will harm or help families and society as a whole. Surprisingly, that question was addressed by one of America's greatest leaders more than 45 years ago.

Long before he ran for office, Ronald Reagan developed a comprehensive and solid worldview that he shared through radio broadcasts and speeches. One such 1961 speech featured an amazing presentation on the dangers of socialized medicine. Please take just a few moments to listen to this remarkable broadcast below.

Listening to Reagan's voice may get you reminiscing about the 80s, but listening to his sound logic will edify you and reaffirm the belief that socialized medicine is antithetical to freedom.

Two federal lawsuits filed against City of Aurora

by Jill Stanek

The pro-life protest against Planned Parenthood Aurora was scheduled for Saturday, August 25, at 9:00a. But to ensure that constitutional freedom, Pro-Life Action League had to file a federal lawsuit against the City of Aurora and only got an emergency hearing Friday at 4:00p.

I spoke with PLAL's attorney, Tom Brejcha of Chicago's Thomas More Law Center, this morning. Tom said they filed the lawsuit against Aurora ordinances that are clearly unconstitutional and subjectively enforced. There are two contentions.

The first contention is for "sign suppression." Police officers have been telling pro-lifers who were picketing and praying at the mill their signs had to remain mobile, not staked in the ground, not leaning against a tree, but constantly moving. Officers were removing the little staked crosses and even told a pro-lifer in a wheelchair he had to hoist his huge graphic sign and move it along.

Well, I like the ice cream...

by George Dienhart

Back when I was a committeeman, county GOP Chairman Bill LeFew said something to me about running for office. Paraphrasing, he said something akin to "If you run for office and lose the first time, people will give you a break. If you lose twice in a row, people start to look at you differently." Now Bill wasn't talking about Jim Oberweis, he was giving me advice about my future. I only wish that he had given the same advice to Jim Oberweis.

Last cycle, we found out that third time is definitively not the charm. While his conservative credentials are, for the most part, in order; one wonders how far off the campaigns first crisis is. Will he advocate herding illegal aliens into Soldier Field, or perhaps suggest that we just forget the primary and have the candidates draw straws? What ever it is, it is not something the GOP can afford locally, or nationally.

Poor, "poor" Americans

The Census Bureau will report tomorrow that 38 million Americans are poor.  "Poor" like this doesn't sound so bad: 

Calling all IL bloggers

If you're one of the growing number of Illinois-based conservative bloggers, you might be interested in participating in Illinois Review's conference calls. 

They're a great way to match up with exciting interviewees who may not have time to talk individually with bloggers, but who know the impact of blogging and respect the power of the web.

Drop IR Editor Fran Eaton a line with "Blogger Call" in the subject line, and we'll get details to you.  Be sure to include a link to your blog site and a phone number, too.

Thanks!

What you may have missed on IR over the weekend . . .

Illinois Review stepped up coverage of national stories developing right here in Illinois.  In case you missed it over the weekend, IR featured

• several posts about the huge abortion clinic protest in Aurora (On the spot: Joe Scheidler of ProLife Action League, Prolifers "won't back down" in Aurora, Aurora abortion protestors call for investigation ) with more coming on Monday;
• an audio of Jim Oberweis' congressional bid announcement with more coming on Monday -- "Oberweis makes it official"

Caution: Road Kill Ahead

What's that about middle-of-the road kill?

Former Carter security advisor endorses Obama

Good or bad news for Obama?  Carter's national security advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski endorsed Illinois' junior senator over the weekend, preferring Obama over Hillary Clinton.

The same adviser that helped direct the Iranian hostage situation during the Carter Administration said in a Bloomberg interview over the weekend, "Obama is clearly more effective and has the upper hand. He has a sense of what is historically relevant and what is needed from the United States in relationship to the world."

Feeling any more nationally secure than you were yesterday?

Community colleges welcome home schoolers

South surburban Prairie State College is adapting their curriculum to reflect the community, and one of those changes is welcoming home-taught students. 

Ten years ago, there were over 500 families affiliated with Christian Home Educators of the South Suburbs.  Grassroots Homeschoolers is a non-religious home school association in the same region.  Over the past decade, lots of home schoolers got their feet wet in a traditional classroom setting by attending Prairie State, who back then needed encouragement to accept non-traditional students.

Estimates are there are over 50,000 homeschooling families in Illinois alone, making it a smart and logical move for community colleges to welcome home schooled students.

Oberweis makes it official

Republican Jim Oberweis announced his bid Sunday to fill House Speaker Denny Hastert's soon-to-be open congressional seat in 2008. 

The dairyman/investor expects to face at least two GOP primary opponents:  Geneva's Mayor Kevin Burns, who announced last week and State Senator Chris Lauzen, who is expected to officially announce his intentions within the next couple weeks.

One of Oberweis' children, Julie, introduced her father to campaign supporters outside Oberweis' Aurora dairy plant. 

Oberweis' intro and announcement speech is online available here, courtesy Illinois Review:

Download 2007Oberweis0826.wav

More to come Monday on Illinois Review  . . .

South Suburbs: an abortion-free zone

With Aurora's Planned Parenthood such a front and center issue this week, it seemed time to hit the abortion issue hard in this Sunday's Always Right column in The Star.

I appreciate the kind words of support I've received already from good people who, like me, are proud there are no abortion mills in Chicago's south suburbs. 

At least, not yet . . .

Illinois was the logical location for Planned Parenthood to build such an expansive facility. Abortions can be committed here anytime, until the actual birth of a baby, for any reason, at any age, with no notification to the girls' parents, the baby's father or anyone else. There are no regulations on Illinois abortion facilities and their parking lots are full of cars bearing license plates from neighboring Missouri, Kentucky, Iowa and Wisconsin.

We live in a state that has long held the shameful title of the "Midwest's abortion dumping ground." We ban smoking in public places but foster snuffing out innocent babies.

Christian Maxism and the American Economy

by John Ruskin

Be sure to read the great column by Carl Horowitz about the marriage of leftist Christianity and Marxism and their long-term and successful efforts to undermine our market economy from within.

The column can be found here.

Aurora abortion protestors call for investigation

When construction began several months ago on the southeast corner of a busy Aurora, Illinois intersection, few had any inkling that the new 22,000 square foot brick building would become the center of bitter controversy, bringing in over a thousand protestors from all over the state Saturday.

Under the name of Gemini Development, Planned Parenthood of Chicago obtained building permits for a new women's medical clinic at 3051 E. New York Street.  The center, scheduled now to open September 18, plans to offer an array of health care services to area women, including cervical and breast cancer screening, contraceptives and abortion.

Learning that a clinic offering abortion is about to open in their neighborhood brought Catholics and Protestants together, demonstrating their outrage to Aurora's officials who have yet to issue an occupancy permit. 

Prolifers "won't back down" in Aurora

On the spot: Joe Scheidler of ProLife Action League

At the Planned Parenthood protest in Aurora Saturday, I had a chance to ask Pro-Life Action League's founder Joe Scheidler if what the President of Illinois NOW told me was true -- had he indeed been arrested 40 times, some for assault and battery?   

Bad Day At Hallmark

by John Ruskin

Ever wondered what happens when Hallmark writers are having a bad day...

Berwyn Celebrates 81st Anniversary of Route 66 With Historic Car Show

If you ever plan to motor west . . . take the Highway that is best. . .Get your kicks on Route 66.

And that historic "Mother Road" runs from Chicago down through the heart of Illinois.  Towns along old Rt 66 are preparing for their annual celebrations.  Like Berwyn . . .

Chicago area activists work weekends --

There are a couple of important public outcries being demonstrated in the Chicago area today -- one at the Planned Parenthood clinic about to open in Aurora, another one in Cong. Melissa Bean's Schaumburg office against the atrocities of Border Patrol agents Campeon and Ramos and yet another immigration related protest in Crystal Lake, where the local Holiday Inn withdrew the group's permission to meet due to counter-protest threats.

It will be a busy day, and if you have any photos or info from the demonstrations you attend, please send in your photos, thoughts or comments to featon@illinoisreview.com.

Illinois Review will be covering the Aurora protest firsthand . . . your reports from the others will be helpful to the rest of us.

Thanks!

Giuliani to Unveil Tax Plan Tomorrow

by John Ruskin

Word today is that Rudy is going to unveil his tax plan tomorrow at an event with Steve Forbes and former Massachusetts Governor Paul Cellucci. He's calling his plan: "Your Money. Your Choice". A preview of-sorts is below.

Say it ain't so, Joe

Yesterday, DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett, a supposed Republican, appeared at a political rally with Democrat Cook County State's Attorney First Assistant Bob Milan, who is expected to announce his candidacy to succeed his boss, Dick Devine.

Birkett stopped short of endorsing Democrat Milan, but his approval of Milan's candidacy was clear.

While Birkett praised Milan's "experience" he also took shots at other announced candidates, which include Republican reformer Tony Peraica, who has vowed to bring accountability to the office and prosecute county corruption.

In that same rally, Milan proclaimed his wish that the State's Attorney's office should be the "largest political organization in the state."

Watson's fury riled over budget cuts

Wow, wish I would have written this about the Governor's budget veto items...but kudos for the latest show of testicular verility coming from Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson's office today...

Politics over Policy

In what is being described as possibly the most political veto ever, Governor Blagojevich on Thursday handed the General Assembly $463 million in state budget cuts.

Orland Fire Protection District Needs a Spokesperson? No Comment.

by Curt Mercadante

Today's Daily Southtown reports that the Orland Fire Protection District board of trustees has hired a new spokesperson:

"Bill Figel, a well-known Chicago publicist who has served as a spokesman for Cook County Board President Todd Stroger."

"Good Luck With That"

by Susan Ryan

That was a comment made by a 14 year old female to our 2 homeschooled boys yesterday at the pool.  And those were her last words of ignorance after quizzing the boys about their school intentions.  She already knew they were homeschooled even though there had been no conversation about such with her previously.  Small town, people DO talk.  Actually, they had no conversations of any length with this girl previously as she has some socialization issues of the worst variety.

"What grade are you going to be in?"   8th grade, if they were in school.

"Are you going to the high school next year?"  K responded that no, they would not be going to The High School.

Her response: <insert sarcastic mode and curled lip> "Good luck with that."