Illinois Review

Term Limits for Legislative Leaders

by Cal Skinner

One of the proposals which has the greatest potential to break the logjam in Springfield is the one I campaigned on for governor in 2002, when I was the Libertarian Party candidate for governor against Rod Blagojevich and Jim Ryan: Term Limits for Legislative Leaders.

Al Qaeda agent admits aiding Sept. 11 attacks

Breaking news from Chicago Tribune:

Accused Al Qaeda sleeper agent Ali Al-Marri made a stunning reversal in federal court in Peoria on Thursday, pleading guilty to conspiring and providing support for two of the chief architects of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Ali Al-Marri entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Michael Mihm in Peoria. He admitted to one count of conspiring to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization. The Bush administration declared Al-Marri, a legal U.S. resident, an "enemy combatant" in late 2001 and held him without charges for more than five years at a Navy brig in South Carolina.

The designation was dropped when a federal grand jury in Illinois indicted him on charges of conspiracy and providing material support to terror. Sentencing is set for July 30.

Proft Steps Down as Cicero Town Spokesman

Adding to the speculation that Dan Proft is preparing to toss his hat into the ring for the 2010 Republican gubernatorial race, Illinois Review received this a few minutes ago ....

Cicero, Illinois... Dan Proft released the following statement today about his decision to step down as Cicero Town Spokesman effective May 1, 2009:

It is after much deliberation that I have come to the decision to leave the town. My decision is based entirely on an opportunity that has presented itself to pursue other professional endeavors. To highlight this point, I am not only leaving the town but I am also taking a leave from my firm, Urquhart Media, to take up the opportunity I referenced.

I want to begin by thanking Larry Dominick, the members of the Town Board, Cicero's town employees and Cicero's residents for making my time in Cicero over the past five years so enjoyable.

You made an "immigrant" from Wheaton feel very much at home and I greatly appreciate the hospitality I was shown. In particular, Larry's kindness has been clearly boundless as evidenced by his tolerance of this die-hard White Sox fan for the past five years.

New Hate Crimes Bill Unconstitutional and Threat to Religious Freedom?

by Jim Kouri

Wednesday night, while President Barack Obama held his televised press conference marking his first 100 days in office, the federal hate crimes bill passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of  249 to 175.

But not everyone believes this piece of legislation is a great idea. They are cautioning many supporters that such a law is a two-edged sword and may have unintended consequences that includes misuse by overzealous and politically motivated prosecutors.

During a discussion of HR 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009, opponents of the proposed law offered compelling arguments for scrapping the bill.

For example, Federal Bureau of Investigation statistics contained in the Bureau's annual Uniform Crime Report showed that the number of so-called hate crimes has actually declined over the last 10 years.  Also, the last UCR released by the FBI revealed that of the approximately 17,000 homicides that occurred in the U.S., only 9 of the murders were determined to be motivated by bias. 

Obama's bitter view of tea party goers

Here's what Obama told supporters in Missouri yesterday about the national "tea party" movement:

The 'tea parties' had a serious message -- were you listening?

by Phil Kerpen

Judging by his April 24 Times Op-Ed article, "The GOP: divorced from reality," alleged comedian Bill Maher is confused about the message of the April 15 "tea party" protests. In saying demonstrators were merely sore losers reacting to an election that didn't go in their favor, Maher ignores the clear statements made by the overwhelming majority of the hundreds of thousands of ordinary Americans who took to the streets earlier this month: Enough bailouts. Enough debt. Enough taxes.

When President Obama took office in January, the predicted deficit for the 2009 budget year (assuming current projections for tax receipts and economic activity) amounted to 9.7% of the U.S. gross domestic product. Obama grew that to 11.9% with the stimulus and the omnibus spending bill he signed last month. And under Obama's proposed budget, it will grow even more this year, to an astonishing 12.9% of GDP.

The amount of money for which the government put taxpayers on the hook through bailouts -- undeserved rewards for people who took risks that didn't work out -- went from a shocking $7.7 trillion under George W. Bush to an utterly incomprehensible $12.8 trillion during Obama's brief time in office so far. The anti-bailout majority of Americans are justifiably angry. They were angry when Bush got this mess started and are really angry now that Obama has made it worse. People who played by the rules, took care of their families and paid their taxes are going to pick up the tab for special interests on Wall Street and in Washington.

Sen. Specter 2001 Rule to Prevent Party Switching

by Eric Wallace

Is Sen. Specter a man of Principle or just another opportunist?

Barack Obama: 100 Days of No Accountability

Obama's 100 days of death

by Jill Stanek

On Jan. 20, 2009, Barack Obama began his death march as the most anti-life president in U.S. history.

Today marks Obama's 100th day in office. This list substantiates Obama's personnel and policies to that end. He actually started way before Day 1:

Day -75: Names pro-abortion Rahm Emmanuel as chief of staff, who earned a 100 percent approval rating from NARAL while congressman.

Day -59: Appoints executive director of EMILY's List, Ellen Moran, as White House communications director.

Day -56: Names Melody Barnes, who previously served on the boards of EMILY's List and Planned Parenthood Action Fund, as his director of the Domestic Policy Council.

Day -51: Nominates pro-abortion Sen. Hillary Clinton as secretary of state.

New ad: Birkett vs. Quinn

You Can't Multiply Wealth by Dividing It

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it." ~~~~ Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931

h/t: IR reader

HRO Press Conference on Economic Reform Agenda

Picture (below) from the HRO press conference and floor debate on the economic reform agenda. Each Republican Representative had a tea bag hanging from their microphone. House Dems refused to allow a hearing or debate on the reform agenda.

Mark Kirk's Defense of Thought Crimes Legislation

by Laurie Higgins, Illinois Family Institute

Transcript of Mark Kirk's defense of his sponsorship of "hate crimes" legislation. (April 25, 2009)

On Saturday, April 25, Congressman Mark Kirk attempted to justify "hate crimes" legislation (H.R. 1913) by summoning up the specter of the genocide in Bosnia, and in so doing perpetuated the erroneous claim that homosexuality is analogous to race or ethnicity. In addition, he failed to address the ethical problem of requiring that certain groups be treated unequally before the law; he failed miserably to justify government intrusion into the thought lives of Americans; and he failed to address the likely possibility of hate crimes legislation being used to undermine speech and religious rights.

CDC Warning: ***DO NOT DO THIS!!!***

Madigan called to vote on ethics legislation

from the Illinois General Assembly:

SPRINGFIELD - House Republicans and the Illinois Policy Institute are urging Speaker Mike Madigan to schedule a vote on a comprehensive economic agenda that would rein in spending and inject transparency and accountability into the state budget.

“While the rhetoric on reform has been strong, little progress has been made in enacting substantive measures,” said John Tillman, CEO, Illinois Policy Institute. “In the midst of a record budget deficit, Governor Quinn’s proposed budget would increase spending by 6.6% and this spending would be fueled by a 50% increase in the state’s income tax.”

“Recently, thousands of frustrated taxpayers participated in tax day tea parties across the state demanding transparency, accountability and curtailing runway spending in our state,” said House Republican Leader Tom Cross.  “A vote on the economic reform agenda would send a message to those taxpayers that Springfield is listening.”

Use Of Torture Is A Matter Of Context

by Andy Haaf

It is easy to climb up on your moral soap box firmly parked on the sidelines when you have little or no skin in the game. Threatening to destroy the careers and lives of people in the Bush administration over harsh interrogation techniques is a great example of just that. Techniques mind you which have kept this Country safe for over seven years and nobody can prove otherwise.

Or to draw a parallel to today...when the economy turns around President Obama and the Democrat Party will no doubt proudly trumpet our return to prosperity as a direct result of their policies. To question anything else will be rejected and ridiculed, would it not? So, isn't it reasonable to conclude the same for the Bush national security policies implemented these past seven plus years?

Don't spew sour grapes today

by Fran Eaton

Today, I write in the Southtown Star why conservatives in Illinois shouldn't "spew sour grapes on the president's 100th day celebration"

Instead, we'll focus on the new blood and new energy that these 100 days have invigorated among those who believe America made a tragic wrong turn in November.

Being one of those that early on voiced deep concern about what an Obama administration could mean for our country, it's taken almost 100 days to process what message America was trying to send when she suddenly veered left last November.

Was life really that bad in America, or were we just beaten down by constant leftist messages bombarding us about change? And was that message totally political or was it really more social and ideological?

Or was it that naturally kind-hearted Americans saw the problems facing us, tired of the liberal media's Chinese water torture drip-drip-dripping, and finally relented to let someone different have a chance?

Actually, some great things have happened that may not have otherwise if Obama hadn't won ...

New COD board members should recuse themselves on union matters

Dear Friends,

On May 4th, the new Board of Trustees will be sworn in for the College of DuPage. The majority of the board was elected by accepting most of their campaign funds from the largest vendor of the school, the Teachers Union through the organization Friends for Education. While legal, it is a major conflict of interest as this board will negotiate the teachers contract that expires in August 2011.

Please join me at the board meeting on May 4th to not only greet and congratulate the new board, but also to demand that board members, Wessel, Kim, Svboda, and Savage, publicly recuse themselves from all decisions and negotiations with the Teachers Unions. 

Since YOU the taxpayer of DuPage pay a large portion of the college bill and the teachers' salary makes up the majority of that bill, YOU have a right to be represented by neutral and independent people, not those financially supported by the Union.

The board meeting begins at 6pm at the College of DuPage in Student Resource Center room 2052 (425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn). You will need to arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign up to speak during the meeting. Please join me and make your voice heard!

Sincerely,

Michael Ledonne
Taxpayer of DuPage County

Harry, you're no longer needed

Whitley drops; Proft files for 2010 gubernatorial bid

On leave CEO of Illinois Chamber of Commerce Doug Whitley announced on his website tonight that he is dropping his 2010 bid to be the IL GOP's gubernatorial nominee.

According to ISBE filings, Cicero spokesman and Republican pundit Dan Proft formed a "Proft for Governor" committee on April 9, 2009 with "Zero" funds, thus adding credibility to the rumor that Proft is seriously contemplating a bid. 

And we're hearing from Lincoln Day gatherings that Adam Andrzejewksi is grabbing up volunteers and enthusiasts throughout the state, while State Senator Bill Brady's campaign, from all outside observations, appears to have stalled out.

33 years ago: Beware of the swine flu

RNC Chairman "Outraged" by Specter split

Just received from RNC Chairman Michael Steele:

I hope Arlen Specter's party change outrages you. It should for two reasons:

First--Specter claimed it was philosophical--and pointed his finger of blame at Republicans all over America for his defection to the Democrats. He told us all to go jump in the lake today.

I'm sorry, but I don't believe a word he said.

Arlen Specter committed a purely political and self-serving act today. He simply believes he has a better chance of saving his political hide and his job as a Democrat. He loves the title of Senator more than he loves the party--and the principles--that elected him and nurtured him.

Obama Budget Cuts Visualization

Pot legalization passes Senate Public Health

Looks like George Soros has to be pleased with the progress of SB 1381 -- legalizing pot for medical use in Illinois. SB 1381 passed the Senate Public Health Committee today with Amendment #5 on a 6 to 2 vote. 

• Delgado (D)- yes
• Noland (D) - yes
• Schoenburg (D) - yes
• Sterns (D) - yes
• Syverson (R) - yes
• Lauzen (R) - yes
• Pankau (R)- No
• Hunter (D) - No

Coming near you if SB 1381 becomes law

With the support of four Democrats and two Republicans, the Illinois Senate moved along Tuesday SB 1381, which would legalize pot in Illinois. Sponsor Senator Bill Haine said today he plans to call the bill for a Senate floor vote next week, meaning he thinks he's got a good chance of it passing.  If it passes the House, too, you could soon have this coming near you ...

Swine Flu Crisis: Napolitano Lacks Credibility

by Jim Kouri

While the World Health Organization raised its global alert level regarding swine flu, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano held a press conference to address the crisis within the United States.

Secretary Napolitano told reporters that the Obama Administration is reacting as if the swine flu outbreak is a full pandemic and that the President said the threat of spreading infections is cause for concern but "not a cause for alarm.

But not everyone is comfortable with having Secretary Napolitano designated as the leader in the current health crisis. Her past statements and actions give pause when she takes charge of any crisis, real or imagined.

"With great sadness, I cannot accept," Glendon tells Notre Dame

Mary Ann Glendon (pictured to right, accepting the 2005 National Humanities Medal) turns down Notre Dame's offer of an honorary degree with this note to Rev. John Jenkins, President, University of Notre Dame

Dear Father Jenkins,

When you informed me in December 2008 that I had been selected to receive Notre Dame's Laetare Medal, I was profoundly moved. I treasure the memory of receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame in 1996, and I have always felt honored that the commencement speech I gave that year was included in the anthology of Notre Dame's most memorable commencement speeches. So I immediately began working on an acceptance speech that I hoped would be worthy of the occasion, of the honor of the medal, and of your students and faculty.

America is partially socialist, 26 percent say

Rasmussen reports that in a recent poll, 26 percent said America is already partially socialist. But that's not all. An overwhelming majority say they prefer free market-based over state-dictated economy. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of all voters say they prefer a free market economy over a government-managed one. That’s up seven points since December.

But only 53% of American adults believe capitalism is better than socialism. This clearly suggest that many Americans draw a sharp distinction between capitalism and a free market economy.

Belief that the United States has a free market economy generally rises with income level. Those who earn the most are most confident that the market is at least partially free. Republicans are the most skeptical. Thirty-five percent (35%) of GOP voters say the economy is already at least partially socialist, compared to 11% of Democrats and 22% of voters not affiliated with either party.

Obama's Narcissism | New Yorkers' Fear

As if his multi-trillion dollar spending spree, war on free speech, and the swine flu aren't enough, the narcissistic Obama decided to spend more taxpayer money and burn gallons of carbon-based fuel to have pictures taken of his new jet. With not a care about the obvious fear of the people in NYC.

Way Above Barack's Pay Grade

by Teri O'Brien

Watching the news stories on the swine flu, I realized that it was only a matter of time before wearing masks became all the rage. After all, the coolest hippest guy in the history of man, the former Barry Sotero, has been wearing one for at least the last 2 1/2 years. I hope this doesn’t mean that we’ll have to abandon productive careers and life pursuits to become unaccomplished, tacky, media-created empty suits embracing anti-Americanism and socialism. Please warn me when I have to start to practice bowing in anticipation of meeting with some guy with a tablecloth on his head.

Anyone with more than a single digit IQ who has been paying the slightest attention knows that much of what we see and read in the 5th column media reports is inaccurate. We debate whether the fact that what passes for journalism in the Age of Barack Hussein Obama is the laughable unison parroting of administration talking points is due to laziness or ideology. I suspect mostly the latter, with a healthy dose of the former. Whatever the reason, I do wish they wouldn’t insist on writing stories that are obviously untrue. Do they really expect us to believe that a Mexican guy who shook the man-god’s hand dropped dead the next day? I’m sorry, but everybody knows that Barack’s touch can heal any malady, including the pig flu.

Farewell to a Liberal

Goodbye Arlen! This is change we can believe in.

Obama Regulatory Czar Says Web is Anti-Democratic

WorldNetDaily is reporting that Barack Obama's nominee for "regulatory czar" - Cass Sunstein - has advocated a "Fairness Doctrine" for the Internet that would require opposing opinions be linked and also has suggested angry e-mails should be prevented from being sent by technology that would require a 24-hour cooling off period.

According to WorldNet, "Sunstein also has argued in his prolific literary works that the Internet is anti-democratic because of the way users can filter out information of their own choosing."

Wrote Sunstein: "A system of limitless individual choices, with respect to communications, is not necessarily in the interest of citizenship and self-government. Democratic efforts to reduce the resulting problems ought not be rejected in freedom's name."

Cross, Burris, Biden: Strange Sayings

Republican Minority Leader Tom Cross on Pat Quinn: he's..."a decent man" Nice one for the team - the Democrat team.

U.S. Senator Roland Burris about Dick Durbin: "And now, it is my pleasure to introduce the senior citizen from the great state of Illinois." Burris is 71 years old!

Vice President Joe Biden at the University of Illinois at Chicago yesterday: "All 32 of Chicago's aldermen are in attendance." There are 50 Chicago aldermen.

Will Swine Flu Drive Out Coverage of Political Reform?

by Cal Skinner

Up to 40 diagnosed cases as of 1 PM Monday afternoon. 20 diagnosed on Sunday. If it doubles every day, how long before everyone is infected, math experts?

Here's the CDC map, which you will note does not match the states the CDC lists above.

Reform Commission recommends term limits

Clout Street is reporting that the Reform Commission has recommended the rather un-creative and constitutionally questionable reform of term limits. Like morality, you can't legislate ethics. It's all a matter of values. Something that is sorely lacking in our one-party system here in Illinois.

Chris Kennedy for Illinois?

The Sun-Times' Michael Sneed has learned that Chris Kennedy, son of the late U.S. Sen. Robert Kennedy, may be close to entering the U.S. Senate race in Illinois. (article here)

According to Sneed it's an 85 percent chance he's going to do it. "Kennedy has commissioned Obama pollster John Anzalone -- and has talked to media consultants Larry Grisolano and John Kupper, who now run the firm once headed by David Axelrod, President Obama's senior adviser."

The rationale notes Sneed is that "a Kennedy candidacy would bring instantaneous name recognition...and the Kennedy magic".

Poof...the East Coast Kennedy clan will make all our Midwest problems go away. That's some magic.

Fox News Debate on Same Sex Unions

This past Sunday on Chicago's Fox News, Thomas More Society's Peter Breen debates openly gay State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) over HB 2234, which, the sponsor says, is ready to be called for a vote on the Illinois House floor.

Swine flu check

Townhall's Ed Gamble

Where Does Your GOP Legislator Stand on Pat Quinn's Tax Hikes?

by Cal Skinner

When I was on the way back from the Woodstock court hearing on whether the Grafton Township Board shall be allowed to construct a new township hall, I saw the signs of the three legislators representing the area.

First, there was State Rep. Jack Franks. He had a message he was unwilling to share with me when I emailed him asking for his position on fellow Democrat Pat Quinn's 50% income tax hike. You can read the message to constituents below:

Good enough for me.

On Route 14 there is a sign with State Senator Pam Althoff's and State Rep. Mike Tryon's names on it.

Obama Press Conference Irony

by Matt Gauntt

Instead of airing the President's third prime time press conference in 100 days, Fox is going to just stay with it's regularly scheduled program, which is......."Lie to Me".

Hmmmmm. Wonder if anyone will notice the difference - discuss amongst yourselves.

By the way - terrific show if you haven't watched it before.

Hey, let's scare the beejeebees out of NYC

by Matt Gauntt

h/t Ace of Spades HQ

All I can say is WOW!!!  Check out the full story here.  A companion story in the New York Times is here.  Click on the picture for full-size.  Yeah, that's the backup Air Force One, essentially a 747. The President was not on board, but it's his plane. Didn't the left always accuse Bush of being really dumb?

 

Update:Apparently, the "photo-op" was approved by Louis Caldera.  Mr. Caldera is a Harvard educated lawyer, who was a California Assemblyman who later worked in the Clinton Administration.  After heading the Corporation for National and Community Service in the White House, Clinton made him Secretary of the Army.  Most recently, he was on the Board of Directors for IndyMac Bank, which spectacularly imploded last year.  Nice pick Mr. President.

Update 2 below the fold:

Glendon decline UND honor... developing

by Chris Robling

This from the highly regarded "Whispers in the Loggia" this morning:

 http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2009/04/laetare-declined.html

...however, just hitting the wires comes news that former US ambassador Mary Ann Glendon, the intended recipient of the university's highest honor, the Laetare Medal, has declined the award, citing "the very serious problems" raised by the university's invite -- one taken, she said, "in disregard of the settled position of the US bishops."

Long ago dubbed "God's Lawyer" and the "First Lady" of the Stateside church, the Harvard law prof -- a highly-respected figure at the Holy See -- made the announcement in an open letter to University President Fr John Jenkins CSC published this morning by First Things, whose site is currently down, ostensibly crashed from the demand.

What's the answer for our state budget dilemma?

Senator Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) made some great points in arguing for budget cuts rather than Quinn's proposed tax increase on a recent Fox News interview. The SEIU is running an ad saying we've already cut to the bone. What's your answer for this year's state budget dilemma?

Why Does the Left Embrace Sacrilege?

by Mark Rhoads

Dictionaries define sacrilege as the profanation or violation of matters that are  held to be sacred by large numbers of people. For Christians in America, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ is the central sacred event in the Christian faith.

This week a painting called "Truth" has been unveiled in Union Square in New York that portrays President Barack Obama as a Christ figure wearing a crown of thorns. An artist by the name of Michael D'Antuono created the painting to honor the president on his 100th Day in office.  Apparently this political milestone is now to be regarded by D'Antuono as a Holy Day. CLICK HERE to read the statement of the artist.

Obama's eerie gift

Barack Obama's typical aloofness and his unquestionable audacity is something that's almost eerie.  It was so noticeable, two news media commentators described how Obama enjoyed watching his mesmerized fans admire him as he stood alone center stage in Grant Park on Election Night 2008. 

His all-knowing smirk during presidential debates, his condescending head shake and shoulder shrug during opponents' challenges and his appearance of confidence despite overwhelming pressure emboldens those who need someone to follow.  Since he lost in his primary challenge of Congressman Bobby Rush, he has not experienced sustainable campaign loss, and he's surrounded himself with the shrewdest political advisers.

He's able to ward off attacks and foes, and is able to change the nation's mood with ten minutes of public tele-prompter reading.  Indeed, as Senator Harry Reid's new book tells us, Barack Obama says he has "a gift."

Bloggers conference ten days away

If you're interested in learning how to impact online news gathering, Illinois Review and Sam Adams Alliance is joining together for its first Illinois Bloggers Conference, to be held May 8 in Lombard.

We've only a few seats left, and we're certain you'll find the time spent asking questions of Samsphere experts and local panelists how to expand your audience, increase your sources and grow your audience will be time well spent.  Just sign up today by clicking on the ad to the right of the screen and get your space reserved.

See you there!

The mysterious teen sound

Can you hear it?  Tell us how old you are and whether or not you can hear the mysterious teen sound ... hint:  IR Editor can hear it, and none of your business how old I am.

Got any ideas how this can be best used and does its use violent violate teens' rights?  (Sorry about miswording, am still suffering post-antihistimine delusions.)

Olson foresees never-ending torture probes

Bush's Inspector General Theodore Olson explained to a Washington Examiner reporter what we can expect since the Obama Administration is bent on opening the "torture" probe:

Olson ticked off what might lie ahead. If there is a 9/11-style commission, prospective members will have to be found, appointed, vetted, cleared of conflicts of interest, given security clearances -- and that's just for the eminences on the panel. Full-time staff will have to be recruited, and they will go through the same sort of scouring. Then commission will have to find office space and a SCIF. (For those unfamiliar with Washington security culture, that's a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility -- a totally sealed room for the handling of the most highly classified information.) There will be hearings, and subpoenas, and witnesses, and draft reports and final reports.

"And then," Olson added, "if they do that, many people are going to say you can't stop with John Yoo or Alberto Gonzales. You're going to have to investigate every member of Congress who was briefed on this, what their notes were, what records they kept, who they talked to. You're going to have to investigate leaks that implicate the press, who told what to whom. There's no foreseeable limit to how far they're going to have to go."

How could she really RIP?

An 86 year old Bea Arthur passed from this life into the next one yesterday, and left behind her marks on contemporary American society.  Playing Maude, Arthur was one of the first to introduce abortion in a positive light on prime time TV ... how could she really RIP?

From TV Acres:

Producer Norman Lear introduced the American viewing audience to "Maude's Dilemma," a two-part episode (11/14-21/72) on the sitcom MAUDE/CBS/1972-78 that depicted a 45-year-old woman named Maude Findlay (Beatrice Arthur) who discovers she is pregnant and opts for an abortion. Two CBS affiliates canceled the episodes and 32 CBS affiliates were pressured not to rerun the segments in the summer of 1973 by anti-abortion factions. The second airing of the program gave the show a 41 percent share with 65 million people tuning in. The first time the show aired CBS received 7,000 letters; the second time around 17,000 letters of protest poured in. This program appeared at a time when the Supreme Court had not yet protected legalized abortion (The Roe vs. Wade decision was still one year away)

Is there no fat left?

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) writes on its website why it is running the ad below: "The ad campaign by SEIU Healthcare Illinois--representing more than 35,000 child care providers and 35,000 workers who provide home care to seniors and people with disabilities--includes television, radio, print, online and billboards ads that have begun in Springfield, Ill. and will spread across the state in the coming weeks."

Has the state of Illinois cut all the fat?  Is there no where else to cut so we don't have to raise the state income tax by 50%?