Illinois Review

Tribune ad calls upon Obama to produce natural citizenship evidence

On Monday and Wednesday next week, the Chicago Tribune will feature a full page ad calling on President-Elect Barack Obama to produce evidence he is a US natural born citizen. Click HERE to view. The "We the People" Foundation released the following comments over the weekend: 

The Open Letter to Mr. Obama is a formal Petition for a Redress (Remedy) for the alleged violation of the “natural born citizen” clause of the Constitution of the United States of America.

Mr. Obama is respectfully requested to direct the Hawaiian officials to provide access to his original birth certificate on December 5-7 by our team of forensic scientists, and to provide additional documentary evidence establishing his citizenship status prior to our Washington, D.C. press conference on December 8.

Young Republicans revive Chicago's SW burbs

Congrats to the Chicago area Young Republicans for getting a positive piece in the Sun-Times' Southtown-Star today... and to the CYRs Dennis Cook, who's pushing a new group in the southwest suburbs...

Four stars for "Australia"

Those who love visually escaping the urban setting and are fascinated with a cowboy's cattle drive challenges will love this weekend's release "Australia."  There's also an interesting subplot as to Australia's mixed race child trafficking in the early 1940s, and the expected Wild West vigilante struggle against corruption.

Roosevelt: Not the best Republican model?

A video clip recently featured on Illinois Review extolling Teddy Roosevelt as a "progressive conservative" has stirred some offline discussion about whether Republicans should be so proud of TR and his political ideology after all.  Indeed, Roosevelt is criticized in Jonah Goldberg's new book "Liberal Fascism" as a fascist.  Goldberg's conclusions were highlighted on the American Vision blog, where Gary DeMar writes:

Jonah Goldberg’s Liberal Fascism is an eye-opener. We’ve been taught that fascism is a foreign-born ideology that spawned the political aspirations of Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler. In reality, fascism has had a long history in America. The political philosophies of Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson are textbook examples of fascism. Do you find this hard to take? Here’s what Goldberg says on the subject:

How Good (Or Bad) Is Your Assessor?

by Cal Skinner

I  remember when I was following the quality of real estate assessments more closely that a margin of error of 10% for an assessor in Illinois was excellent.

Algonquin Township Assessor Bob Kunz, first elected in 1977, consistently did that well. Even with a margin of error of 10%, however, people's assessments could vary enough that would result in loud disagreements at the checkout counter if sales taxes were administered the same way.

Think of a sales tax rate of 5%. (I know that's history, but the number for the example work better than with Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley's 75% city sales tax hike included.) If there were a margin of error of 10% that means three people standing in line buying $100 worth of stuff could pay sales taxes of

Bailouts, everyone?

by Gary Markstein

The coming Demographic Winter

What would you do if you knew your family line would cease to exist… not at some distant point in time, but in the foreseeable future? What would you do if a human genocide was taking place RIGHT NOW, right under your nose, in countries around the world and RIGHT HERE in the United States?

Find out more HERE.

Toyota vs. Ford

H/T Elgin's Chuck Emmert

A Japanese company (Toyota) and an American company (Ford Motors) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.

On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.

The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action...

Proud to be Republican

America's 26th President was a progressive conservative and a member of the Grand Old Party.  Theodore Roosevelt believed in "the rule of the people..."

Send your reason via video to the United Republican Fund.

Extreme Makeover: IL Conservatives 2009 Edition - Part 1

Anyone hooked on the abundance of makeover reality shows anticipates the shows' delightful endings when "Move that bus!" is shouted or the "biggest loser" is announced or the less-than-spectacular teacher is unveiled to her awestruck class with a new hairdo, makeup and stylish clothes. 

One of the most painful but necessary parts of reality intervention shows is that crucial moment when the helpless person living in a dilapidated house, squalor or addiction realizes he or she has a problem. Everyone around them already knows -- that's why they've asked for help. It's a harsh jolt when the person in need realizes everyone about them sees their value and wants them to be rescued.

Time to Follow Reagan's Example

by Phyllis Schlafly

Conservatives face a major political challenge, but they can tackle and overcome it as they have done three times before. Three prior examples demonstrate the right way and the wrong ways to put America back on track and bounce back from a disappointing election.

In 1964, Lyndon Johnson won in a landslide over Barry Goldwater; in 1976, Jimmy Carter defeated Gerald Ford in a close election; and in 1992, Bill Clinton crushed the first George Bush. Those defeats and subsequent Republican recoveries contain lessons to be learned.

All I Want for Christmas is ... an abortion?

Indiana's Planned Parenthood is getting lots of media attention for their innovative Christmas gift idea that can be used for various Planned Parenthood services, including abortion.

H/T Bruce Tincknell

Victory Automobiles?

by Sam Pierce

The full extent of federal government meddling remains to be seen. Given the recent demonstrations of our irresponsible government’s lust for control of the private sector coupled with the poor decisions made by 52% of the nation’s voters, it is hard to imagine that there will be any upper (or is it lower?) limit to the metastasis of the tumor otherwise known as the federal government. Perhaps there will one day be no Charmin to squeeze pursuant to federal regulations that limit toilet paper thickness and quality to please the environmentalist left. It won’t matter if fingers get soiled due to sub-par TP as long as the luxurious decadence of soft and absorbent TP is not enjoyed by tree-hating citizens… and as long as the unfortunate wiper doesn’t use too much water or any polluting soap in cleaning those fingers.

Thompson re-affirms plea for Ryan commutation

Imprisoned former Governor George Ryan's defense attorney, former Governor James Thompson, released the following statement concerning Ryan's possible commutation:

I want to reiterate our appreciation for Senator Durbin's thoughtful comments this week. In my opinion, Senator Durbin's comments clearly reflect the purpose of a request to the President to extend mercy through his constitutional power of clemency -- a power held by every President and every Governor to be exercised without regard to guilt. As has been observed through centuries, mercy seasons or tempers justice.

Two Americans killed in Mumbai

MUMBAI, INDIA -- News sources have just confirmed that a 58 year old American man and his 13 year old daughter from Charlottesville, Virginia were two victims of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.  Being Thanksgiving and most of us taking a mental break from political issues, this morning's news makes the attack so far away closer to home. 

Proud to be Republican

Need a reminder why you can be proud to be Republican?  Here's one...

Don't think it's too late to enter the United Republican Fund's "Proud to be a Republican" video contest. Check it out at www.unitedrepublican.com .

Time to get to work

We'll lay back for a couple more days here on Illinois Review to enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend, but don't get the impression we're taking a break.  Things are in the works and we're moving forward on rebuilding the Republican conservative movement in Illinois despite all the naysayers who say we should board up and move away.  We ain't going nowhere. 

Politics: Something to be Thankful For

by Matt Gauntt

The 2008 elections were bad for Republicans. OK, they were really bad. OK, it was listening to Rosanne Barr singing the national anthem bad. However, there were a few bright spots, that we can be thankful for. Please feel free to add some of your own.

Jason Chaffetz: Jason made news recently when he said that he was bringing a cot to Washington DC to sleep on in his Congressional office. Chaffetz ran a frugal campaign and is vowing to bring the same frugalness to Congress. Chaffetz is strong on national defense, border security and fiscal discipline. I can't wait for him to meet Maxine Waters.

Duncan D. Hunter: If that name sounds familiar, he is the son of long term California Congressman Duncan Lee Hunter. The younger Hunter was a successful businessman. The day after 9/11, he enlisted in Marines and served in Fallujah. Like his father, Hunter is a solid conservative.

Chump Change for Education

by George Kocan

An analysis of the election results should show Republicans what social factors determined the results of the past election. I took a special interest in the influence of education on voting behavior. I found it most remarkable that those persons with the poorest education tended to vote for Barak Hussein Obama. 

Those who had no education beyond high school voted for Obama at a percentage of 63%. 

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart!

Thanksgiving: Overcoming Socialism

Hosting Dinner? Maybe guests should sign on dotted line

This Thanksgiving, the Center for Consumer Freedom wishes the nation a guilt-free turkey day filled with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, and all the trimmings. But with a cornucopia of trial lawyers seeking to make obesity lawsuits their next cash cow, those hosting a holiday feast should consider having their guests sign a legal waiver – our Thanksgiving Liability and Indemnification Agreement.

SEN. JOHN CULLERTON: SET A NEW EXAMPLE!

by Adam Andrzejewski

Honorable Sen. John J. Cullerton | Senator 6th District | 111 Capitol Building | Springfield, IL   62706 -- 1051 West Belmont | Chicago, IL  60657

Dear Senator John J. Cullerton:

Congratulations on your November 19th election as Illinois Senate President.

As grassroots public policy leaders, we call on you to set a new, good government example of Illinois Senate leadership.  Please institute full transparency of future and previous monies given to the Senate Democratic caucus in regard to “member initiative” spending. 

In fiscal year 2008, the only caucus in the Illinois House or Senate that failed to disclose member initiatives was the Illinois Senate Democrats.  The Democrats in the Illinois House released their member initiatives as did the Senate and House Republicans.  Senate Democrats even failed to release this public spending when requested by American’s For Prosperity and Judicial Watch under the Freedom of Information Act.  As you are probably aware, Judicial Watch has filed suit to uncover the information.

Library Pornography

by David Smith, Illinois Family Institute

Last night, Julie Unruh, investigative reporter for Chicago's local WGN Channel 9, exposed how free Internet access is being widely abused in Chicago's Harold Washington Library, and how the library is unwilling to do anything about it. In this interview, Chicago Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey falsely claims that Internet filtering (to block out pornographic websites) does not work. She is either woefully uninformed or deliberately untruthful. Today's filtering technology works very well as many suburban library systems (e.g. Schaumburg, Lansing, Naperville) that are successfully blocking Internet smut have found.

Despite the fact that family and children are being visually assaulted with unwanted exposure to degrading and sexually hostile images, and despite the fact that hundreds of complaint have been brought to the attention of library officials from concerned taxpayers and patrons, Commissioner Dempsey and Chicago Public Library officials absurdly maintain that the constitutionally protected "freedom of speech" protects the right of citizens to view pornography in our public libraries.

Excuse me, Commissioner, this First Amendment right was not intended to protect obscenity and profanity. Nor is it an absolute right. Don't taxpayers have a right to determine what speech they are to provide and pay for?

Timothy Geithner: Obama's Teflon Treasury Secretary

by James Pethokoukis, USA News & World Report 

Who is Timothy Geithner that upon news of his impending nomination by Barack Obama, Matt Drudge would wonder -- in huge headline type --  if he was the man would "save the economy?"

Timothy Franz Geithner. New York Federal Reserve President. Technocrat. Bureaucrat. Career civil servant. Didn't like Paulson's financial regulation overhaul. Engineered the Bear Stearns "rescue." Heartily agreed that Lehman shouldn't be saved. Kinda thought Lehman should be saved. Worked at Henry Kissinger's consulting firm. A moderate Republican turned registered independent turned Obamacrat. Has a master's degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins. Put together the AIG rescue plan. Just 14 days younger than Obama. Dartmouth guy. Has lived in Japan, India and Thailand. Had a "general understanding" of the complex issues involved when Long-Term Capital imploded (via Alan Greenspan.). Worked at the Treasury department under Robert Rubin and Lawrence Summers. Faced a "steep learning curve" when he came to the Fed (via Gerald Corrigan.). Good softball player. Self-deprecating sense of humor. Thinks income inequality and entitlements and too little saving are big problems. Not an economist. Never run a company. Married with a couple of kids. Surfs.

Enough answers for you? I dunno, I still have a few questions I would love to ask him.

Illinois bank losses rise

The Trib's Becky Yerak writes today about the troubles larger Illinois banks are facing, while smaller banks seem to be faring a little better....

The percentage of unprofitable commercial banks in Illinois rose to 14.7 percent in the third quarter, up from 8.2 percent in the year-ago period.

The U.S. regulator also said Illinois commercial banks year to date have earned $989 million, down from $2.79 billion in the same period of 2007.

More HERE.

Yesterday Bob Schmitz challenged us in his IR post "The economy's glass half full" to look for the good side to developments like these. Okay, help us do just that...

FBI honors Springfield mayor for community leadership

Springfield's Mayor Tim Davlin was presented with the FBI Director’s 2008 Community Leadership Award this week.  The FBI explains why Davlin, who's been mayor for five years and is shown in YouTube just after this summer's Obama/Biden announcement, was bestowed the national award:

Depression survivors knew what to be thankful for, do we?

From today's Southtown-Star "Always Right" column...

There are few Americans left today to share firsthand Great Depression experiences. Watching films such as "Cinderella Man" or "Sea Biscuit" is the closest most of us will come to grasping the sheer desperation that blanketed our country a short 80 years ago.

My own southern Missouri-raised mother would tell stories of how her prized pump organ was eventually splintered and burned in their farmhouse's wooden stove. My Des Moines-bred father-in-law told of how, as a young boy, he would pull the light chain in their family's basement garage for haulers to back in and load up illegal bathtub gin. Memories would be sparked and stories would roll when younger family members would complain about their financial struggles.

Hearing those tales, we would always be in awe of what Americans endured in the 1930s, and we'd always understand why our parents and grandparents were frugal and warned us youngsters about getting too far in debt.

"You never know when things could get bad again," they would say. "Be thankful for what you've got and take good care of it."

The rest is HERE.

Back to Basics Again: Forget the toy, buy a book

by Mark Rhoads

If you are shopping for Christmas gifts and are planning to buy a toy for child over the age of nine, please think twice and ask yourself if that toy that will break in a month is a better gift that shows your love than a book or CD that could fire the imagination of a young mind. For a variety of reasons, transient political successes that conservatives enjoyed in the 1980s and again from 1994 to 2005 might have served to distract us from core long-term missions that are so important for America's future.  There is no mssion more important than radically rebuilding static primary and secondary education systems that have failed our kids so miserably in recent decades.  It also is a mission that could attract some liberals or progressives who share our concerns to a common cause.

Beware of the Christmas gift doghouse

And while it's not likely there's any male early bird shoppers out there, here's some free Christmas gift shopping advice...

H/T Facebook pal Jo Johnson
Beware of the Doghouse- Hilarious! - video powered by Metacafe

Should Bush commute G.Ryan's prison time?

At the end of a press conference today on the future of Mattoon's FutureGen, U.S. Senate Dick Durbin told reporters he was considering asking President Bush to commute the rest of former Governor George Ryan's 6 year prison sentence.  He's lost his pension and is unable to care for his frail wife, Durbin said.

What do you think, has 72 year old Ryan paid enough for his crime? 

Brady responds to Roeser's "outfoxing" accusations

Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) wasn't aware of how last week's Senate leader vote was being reported, but when he learned what was being reported, he was eager to clarify this afternoon. 

According to Brady, columnist Tom Roeser's story that the six- year senator conveyed support for both State Senators Christine Radogno (Lemont) and Kirk Dillard (Westmont), and then moved to unanimous support for the winner after abstaining from the vote, was not an accurate account of what happened last Wednesday night in Springfield.

"We were defining organizational rules, and before the vote was taken, I asked that we would rally as a caucus around whomever would get the needed votes," Brady said via cell phone. "I wasn't for sure anyone would get enough votes at the time."

Has Brady really "outfoxed" himself?

Illinois Review put a call into State Senator Bill Brady today to ask him about what exactly happened during the vote last week for Senate GOP leader.  Conservative blogger Tom Roeser delivered some stinging criticism of Senator Brady on his www.TomRoeser.com blog today, reporting a story that's been circulating since last week's vote.

Mr. Roeser reported in a post entitled "Bill Brady, the Expedient?":

Dillard people say he voted “present” in the caucus via supposedly secret ballot (which they say wasn’t very), then hustled up to the desk to make the motion that the caucus solidify itself by voting unanimously for Radogno. “He’s very, very slick,” said one Republican operative who has watched him closely. “But of course, being slick only takes you so far. He views himself as his own best expert on shaping his public image.” If the Radogno deal is true, Brady had outfoxed himself with some social conservatives.

We've just spoken with Senator Brady, and will have his response to this report posted on Illinois Review within the hour...

What role should the church play in politics?

This month's Freedom's Journal Magazine looks beyond the recent presidential election to explore what role the Church plays in shaping public life and public policy. In this issue, “What Role should the Church play in Politics” highlights include:

“The Imaginary Wall between Church and State”, Bishop Council Nedd, II: The Truth behind the Legend of Separation (Click here for an excerpt)

“Taking the Land”, Harry R. Jackson, Jr.

“Economic and Community Development”, Andre E. Townsel: How Churches are Leading the Way in Revitalizing our Communities (Click here for an excerpt)

“America’s Voiceless Christian Church”, Ceaser LeFlore, III: Examining the price “For Every Idle Silence”

“Fighting Poverty: Who’s on First”, Julia Nelson

“America’s Talented Myth”, John Arrington: Surviving the Nation’s Education Crisis

The economy's glass half full

by Bob Schmidt

"Does Apple know we're in a recession?"   is asked by CIO Magazine because Apple is acting optimistically, with confidence in its products and customers. 

IBM continues to roll along, racking up growth in number of customers, number of products and services purchased by customers, and in profit.   

A large financial services firm (not seeking a bailout) says it  "is working hard to improve our service by hiring additional employees, utilizing employees from other areas, hiring temporary employees and extensive use of overtime."

New GOP leader Radogno plans loyal opposition

LEMONT -- State Senator Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) is not interested in using her new power position as Senate Minority Leader to pressure social conservatives in the caucus to moderate their votes, she told Illinois Review late last week.

"On social issues, all members should vote their consciences and their districts," Radogno said, responding to grassroots conservatives criticizing the Republican caucus selecting her last Wednesday. 

Social conservatives pushed for State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Westmont) to succeed Republican Senate Leader Frank Watson in January. They were especially leery of Radogno's past pro-choice votes and the campaign dollars she's received from pro-abortion Personal PAC over the years, amounting to $14,000. 

Would Radogno consider returning that money to Personal PAC to assure pro-lifers she's not beholden?

Nativity Display a first at Illinois Capitol

submitted by Arlene Sawicki

History is about to be made at the Illinois Capitol Building in Springfield as The Springfield Nativity Scene Committee has been granted a permit to display a Nativity Scene in the East Corridor, adjacent to the Rotunda, from the day of dedication on December 2 to December 28, 2008.  A Christmas tree [now politically correct called a “Holiday” tree] has stood in the Rotunda for many years – never a Nativity Scene.

The hope of the Committee is to give honor to Our Lord and Savior with this beautiful public display during the national legal holiday of Christmas and to encourage other Christian citizens throughout Illinois that the fundamental right to display religious symbols or icons in the public square is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Chicago-based Thomas More Society is honored to provide legal counsel in support of this project. 

A legal precedent was set 10 years ago when the Chicago Nativity Scene Committee won their case in court to set up a Nativity Scene in the Daley Plaza in Chicago.

What the Second Amendment is really for

circa October 1993

H/T Dan Proft

What's the difference?

Illinois Review reader Emi submits the following question maybe we can help answer:

Am trying to understand the following differences:

1.  Senator Stevens' sin of not reporting $250,000 in remodeling and other gifts from "friends" as opposed to Christopher Dodds receiving favorable mortgage interest rates from CitiGroup, as opposed to Obama receiving favorable interest rates and discount on his Hyde Park house from "friend" Tony Rezko.

2.  Hillary and Bill Clinton's reluctance to reveal the names and sources of contributors to their interests as opposed to Obama's refusal to disclose the names and countries of origin of donors to his campaign.

3.  Obama's publicized policy of keeping lobby influence off his transition team as opposed to the fact that he was high up on the list of Senator's receiving lobbyist's contributions.

Emi writes, "If you can help me understand, would appreciate it very much..."

Well?

Conservatives Are From Mars, Voters Are From Earth

by Andy Haaf

I was disappointed to learn I was not the first person to think of the title Conservatives Are From Mars, Liberals Are From Venus. Google the phrase and you will see lots of hits. But then it struck me. The reason we lost is not because liberals are from Venus. Of course liberals think and behave differently than us and cast their votes accordingly. The reason we lost are the millions of "earthlings" who for some reason or another were drawn to Venus as well.

In case you have been stuck in the sand for 16 years, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus (published in May 1992) is a book by John Gray offering many suggestions for improving husband-wife relationships by understanding the communication style and emotional needs of the opposite gender.

Cullerton new leader for Senate Dems

In a second ballot unanimous vote last week, Senate Democrats voted 60 year old northside Chicago Senator John Cullerton as their choice for Senate President to succeed retiring Senator Emil Jones. 

Cullerton and his key rival State Senator James Clayborne of Belleville joined State Senator James Meeks at Meeks' mega-church Sunday with a show of unity. Cullerton told the congregation the state would no longer be "embarrassed," the Tribune's Rick Pearson reports this am. Clayborne agreed that fairer education funding would be a priority in the new session.

Rahm Lets His Chicago Politics Show

Below is an unaired Saturday Night Live sketch. Guess making fun of anyone in the Obama Administration is now off limits.

The Spirit of Reagan

submitted for publication by IR reader

Republicans have always been a house divided.  In 1854, as the Whig party breathed its last, anti-slavery forces cobbled together a new coalition made up of widely-differing groups who nonetheless shared one priority: ridding the country of slavery.  All other differences, including economic and moral ones, shrank next to the enormity of the slavery question.

Oh, that the 2008 Republican Party had the same moral clarity that it did 154 years ago.  Today we are faced with a multitude of truly significant moral issues, of which abortion is king.  And yet, despite the evil of abortion, Republicans have gathered around another single principle of apparent tremendous moral significance, thereby unifying so-called RINOs with the Religious Right: tax cuts.

Would Michael Steele Use The RLC As A Model For The RNC?

by Sam Pierce

The hits just keep coming. The degradation of our society and the politically correct war on common sense have indeed taken their toll. Have we fallen so far that any person that would have a chance to lead, would be required to pander to “special” groups, play identity politics, and bow at the altar of Al Gore’s anthropogenic global warming? Will all future leaders of the Republican Party choose to coddle pro-abortion groups? A visit to The Republican Leadership Council (RLC) web-site provides potentially depressing insight into the future of the party.

Former libiot Republican governor Christie Todd Whitman is one of the three creators of the RLC (along with Lt. Gov. Michael Steele and Sen. John Danforth)… so maybe her influence gives the RLC a “move away from the right” flavor that Steele would not carry to the RNC if he were to become its chairman. However, if the RLC is indeed an indication of the future of the Republican Party, I have to wonder if it will be worthy of support. If Whitman’s apparent goal of moving further to the middle is shared by the party leadership, will it retain its members?

Pro-lifers plan to March for Life

Despite Barack Obama's inside circle telling national television audiences the 44th U.S. President plans to sign several executive orders the first day in office to wipe out years of pro-life efforts, persistent pro-life advocates are planning to "March for Life" in Washington DC two days later.

The 36th annual gathering will focus on the theme "Remember -- the Life Principles means "Equal Care" without exceptions!" Activities begin the day after the Inauguration and continue through Saturday.

Several area groups are planning bus trips to the DC March for Life:  The Chicago Archdiocese Respect Life office (312-751-5355), Illiana Right to Life (219) 365-7064, as well as Joliet Diocese's Bishop Sartain bus trip (www.dioceseofjoliet.org/life).

Ford's most advanced auto plant

Congress had better ask the top 3 Detroit automakers how they plan to adapt Camaceri assembly plant concepts into their US plants...if "the UAW would allow it..."  First produced by Detnews.com

Constitution Party plans special 2009 convention

State Senator Chris Lauzen (R-Aurora) will be addressing Illinois' Constitution Party's special convention to be held on January 17, 2009 at the Peoria Public Library.

The Constitution Party's state chairman Randy Stufflebeam says the party plans to organize in all 102 Illinois counties over the next two years.  Stufflebeam reports he's received an unprecedented number of calls about the Constitution Party since the November 4 elections.

Although the party's website hasn't been updated since the November 4 elections, you can find out more at www.constitutionpartyil.com.

The Lure of Township Office

by Cal Skinner

As I mentioned before, township officials get paid really well. Especially in comparison to municipal officials. Not to mention school board, park board and miscellaneous special districts, where there is no compensation except

When Cary School Board member Chris Jenner made his pitch for people to run for local office, however, he didn't list townships as a government whose officials are up for election next spring. So, why do people run for public office?

Inexcusable hate crimes

The Tribune Swamp's Frank James focused today on a horrendous new surge in racist-motivated hate crimes, specifically in Louisiana, where the Ku Klux Klan is beginning to raise its ugly head once again. 

Nowhere in the piece is mentioned, however, the equally evil hate crimes and religious intimidation tactics radical gay activists are perpetrating on supporters of California's Prop 8, specifically on Mormon church affiliates.  See Mormonsdidnotstealyourrights.com.

Crime is crime, and whether it's motivated by racism, sexism or ideology, it's inexcusable.

CCI calls for Boycott

by Catholic Citizens of Illinois

When the Catholic Bishops of the United States established the Campaign for Human Development in 1970, they mandated the Campaign to fund "such projects as voter registration, community organizations, community-run schools, minority-owned cooperatives and credit unions, capital for industrial development and job training programs, and setting up rural cooperatives." It was subsequently renamed the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, with prohibitions on funding of projects that were not in conformity with Catholic moral teaching.