Illinois Review

Independent Maps ask Supreme Court to reconsider decision

CHICAGO – The Independent Maps coalition on Wednesday filed a petition asking the Illinois Supreme Court to reconsider its recent ruling denying voters the ability to vote this November on the proposed constitutional amendment to require a transparent, impartial and fair process of drawing legislative maps.

By a 4 to 3 party line division, the Supreme Court ruled that the Independent Map Amendment is not in line with the Illinois Constitution’s requirement for amendments proposed by voters. Under the Supreme Court’s rules, Independent Maps has the right to point out argument the majority of the Court overlooked or misapprehended and to ask it to reconsider its ruling and its reasoning. Four votes are required to grant rehearing.

Military Intel confirms 30,000+ Muslim terrorists entered U.S. Via Mexico in 2015

 
Tribune photo of wall on Mexico-U.S. border

Corroborating what Judicial Watch uncovered years ago, a U.S. military intelligence report discloses that Muslim terrorists are being smuggled into the country through Mexico. The government calls them Special Interest Aliens (SIA) and Latin American smuggling networks are helping them cross the border, according to information obtained from a U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Intelligence dispatch.

Located in Miami, Florida SOUTHCOM is one of nine unified combat commands in the Department of Defense (DOD). It is responsible for providing contingency planning operations and security cooperation in Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. The internal assessment on SIA smuggling has not been made public, but a conservative Washington D.C. online newspaper obtained key points from the command’s J-2 intelligence directorate. A SOUTHCOM Army colonel told the paper that in 2015 more than 30,000 migrants who entered the U.S. through the southwestern border were from countries of “terrorist concern.”

Woman sets fire to herself in Danny Davis' congressional office

CHICAGO - A woman set herself on fire in a suicide attempt Tuesday afternoon at U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis’ West Side office, authorities told NBC 5.

About 3 p.m., the 43-year-old woman entered the office at 2746 W. Madison St. She drank hand sanitizer, poured it on herself and set herself on fire in an attempt to kill herself, according to Chicago Police. She suffered burns and was taken to Stroger Hospital in serious condition.

Should Illinois ban service sales tax like Missouri?

SPRINGFIELD - In case you haven't noticed, Illinoisans don't pay sales tax when they get their hair cut, learn to play a musical instrument, get their lawns mowed - you know, all those services in which cash transactions can occur.  Service cottage businesses often include favor exchanges, too - another frustrating challenge for taxation addicts. 

But that small tax-less window in Illinois may be soon close after the November election, we've been warned. Governor Rauner is open to the idea of taxing services - 32 of them - in Illinois.

It's a totally different story just west of Illinois, though. The state of Missouri is seriously considering amending their state constitution to ban service taxes. 

Sosnowki: The Voices of 570,000 Voters Matter

By State Representative Joe Sosnowski - 

August 25, 2016, will be remembered as the day when 570,000 Illinois’ registered voters’ voices were suppressed by a court system’s partisan vote of 4-3. Justice Robert Thomas wrote in his dissenting opinion, “The Illinois constitution is meant to prevent tyranny, not to enshrine it.”

Here in, Illinois tyranny has been extended as Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President Cullerton continue their collective 82 years in political office.

The map making process is rigged. The political games are so entrenched in Illinois’ history that it is difficult to pinpoint exactly when it became about advancing a party’s initiative rather than the people’s, but the rise of Speaker Madigan’s influence in the mapmaking process after the 1980 census provides us a starting point.

Del Mar could vote himself into Murphy's open Senate seat

Palatine Township GOP Committeeman Aaron Del Mar with Cook Co GOP Chairman Sean Morrison

PALATINE - Even though GOP township committeemen have 30 days after September 15th to pick who will succeed State Senator Matt Murphy (R-Palatine), their choice has already been a hot topic among political circles in the northwest Chicago district. 

As soon as Senator Murphy announced he would be resigning the Illinois General Assembly in order to assume a legislative counsel position with Mac Strategies, the five GOP committeemen in the Cook County townships of Palatine, Wheeling, Elk Grove, Maine and Barrington became the focus of attention.

Who would they choose to succeed Murphy, and would the choice also involve a possible shift in the GOP House Caucus?

Sources familiar with the situation tell Illinois Review that one of those committeemen is emerging as a top contender - Palatine Township GOP Committeeman Aaron Del Mar. Del Mar's own 41.67% of the weighted vote for the district places either himself or his choice at the top of the heap. 

Reeder: Justice Kilbride "wrong-headed" on remapping decision

By Scott Reeder - 

SPRINGFIELD – “Commonsense justice” took a blow last week when the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the Illinois voters can’t have a voice in amending the state constitution when it comes to how legislative districts are drawn.

The decision was written by Justice Tom Kilbride who was first elected to the high court in 2000 with a platform of “commonsense justice” -- and the support of House Speaker Mike Madigan.

I’ve known Kilbride for more than 20 years, have read many of his decisions and have found them almost universally well-reasoned -- even the ones I disagreed with. And he is a genuinely nice person. I remember when my brother was dying, he told me he was praying for him. That meant a lot to me.

But, man, I believe he was wrong-headed in his decision on legislative redistricting.

Heartland hosts tribute to Illinois conservative patriot Elizabeth A. Clarke

1979 photo of Elizabeth standing (L to R) with Phyllis Schlafly, Naila Lataif, and Pat Trowbridge

By Nancy Thorner - 

How is it possible to do justice in remembering a remarkable woman who lived such an outstanding life as a patriot, an educator, and as a student of history and current affairs, and who further touched so many individuals in positive ways during her lifespan of 98 years through her determination, courage, and steadfastness? This individual was Elizabeth Allin Clarke, a resident of Lake Forest, IL, who passed away at her home on July 2, 2016.  Born in 1918 in Omaha, Nebraska, Elizabeth was the daughter of General and Mrs. George R. Allin.  General Allin served during World War I.  In her youth Elizabeth qualified as an Army ambulance driver.

Elizabeth and her late husband, Edwin Richards Clark II of 62 years, whom she called Ted, were proud members of a multi-generation military.  Throughout their 62 years of marriage, both Elizabeth and Ed were widely known in the conservative movement through their participation in many organizations, among them The Heartland Institute and Eagle Forum. 

Illinois online voter registration hack becomes national news

SPRINGFIELD - Voting information on up to 200,000 Illinois voters was stolen online by hackers during a two-week break-in that Illinois Board of Elections' technicians discovered in July.

The hacking, reported as a backpage story in Illinois back in July, became front-page news nationally this week when the FBI sent out a warning to all state election boards with information with which to check their systems. 

“This is a big deal,” said Rich Barger, chief intelligence officer for ThreatConnect, a cybersecurity firm, who reviewed the FBI alert at the request of Yahoo News. “Two state election boards have been popped, and data has been taken. This certainly should be concerning to the common American voter.”

Cook County Clerk celebrates almost 10k same sex marriages

University of Chicago Pushes Back on Trigger Warnings, Safe Spaces

There is at least one institution of higher education that still believes ideas should be debated not mandated.

It’s the University of Chicago, whose Dean of Students sent a letter to incoming freshman informing them: “Our commitment to academic freedom means that we do not support so-called ‘trigger warnings,’ we do not cancel invited speakers because their topics might prove controversial, and we do not condone the creation of intellectual ‘safe spaces’ where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds with their own. Fostering the free exchange of ideas reinforces a related University priority—building a campus that welcomes people of all backgrounds. Diversity of opinion and background is a fundamental strength of our community. The members of our community must have the freedom to espouse a wide range of ideas.”

More at Intellectual Takeout

Did Welfare Reform Increase Extreme Poverty in the United States?

Are 3.5 million children in America really living on less than $2 per day?

That’s the claim of some reports based on a new book, $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America, by Kathryn Edin and Luke Shaefer. The welfare reform of the 1990s is to blame, according to this argument. But, as Robert Rector and Jamie Bryan Hall write, the claim “is a statistical fiction based on severe undercounting of earnings and benefits among lower-income Americans.” The problem, the explain, is that Edin and Shaefer rely on faulty data (from the government’s Survey of Income and Program Participation) that results in excluding the benefits low-income families receive from poverty programs. The data on actual living conditions tell a different story: “Only 1 percent of families supposedly in extreme poverty report that they ‘often’ did not have ‘enough food to eat’ over the previous four months; another 8 percent said that they ‘sometimes’ did not have ‘enough to eat.’ The remaining 91 percent report that they ‘always’ had enough food to eat."

More at The Heritage Foundation

Illinois Review favs for 4th week of August 2016

While some Illinois Review readers were enjoying the last few days of summer vacation, others were focused on getting their kids off to college and the neighborhood schools this week.

The waning days of August 2016 brought sobering news about skyrocketing health care insurance costs for Illinois residents, that the Illinois Supreme Court Democrat-funded majority backed Speaker Madigan's effort to block the fair map referendum and that school funding is increasing for one particular reason few realized. 

Here's this week's most-liked Illinois Review posts: 

ILLINOIS' SURGE IN SCHOOL STAFFING IS PART OF STATE'S EDUCATION COST EXPLOSION

DEMOCRAT-ELECTED SUPREME COURT JUSTICES DENY REFERENDUM ON FAIR MAPS

ILLINOIS CHURCH GROUPS RUSH TO HELP LOUISIANA FLOOD VICTIMS

RHOADS: BLASPHEMY IS NOT FUNNY, ANN

and please support Illinois Review's gracious advertiser Heartland Institute by clicking on the ad in the right hand column and visiting their newly-redone website. They're proud of it, and it's important to support our friends -  we appreciate their support to keep IR's light on.

Responses come in to Supreme Court's decision to block voters' opinion on remapping

SPRINGFIELD - Friday, Illinois lawmakers from all over the state expressed their dismay with the Illinois Supreme Court Democrat majority's decision to block voters from expressing their opinion on a proposed November referendum.

Democrat-elected Supreme Court justices deny referendum on Fair Maps

IL Justices Burke, Kilbride, Freeman, Garman, Thomas, Karmeier & Theis

SPRINGFIELD - In a 4 to 3 vote between Democrat- and Republican-funded justices, Thursday the Illinois Supreme Court denied Illinois voters a voice in how the state draws its legislative districts.

“Today's ruling is a harsh reminder that the political system in Illinois is in need of major reforms," Governor Bruce Rauner said in a statement. "I hope the decision to deny voters the chance to consider the Independent Map redistricting referendum is appealed and reversed."

The Court's ruling may be disappointing to the Governor, but the majority's ruling is no surprise because the four justices that ruled in Speaker Mike Madigan's favor were heavily funded by the Illinois Democrat Party faitful - of which Speaker Madigan is the longtime state chairman. 

Illinois' surge in school staffing is part of state's education cost explosion

By Fran Eaton - 

CHICAGO - "On Monday, August 29^th, CTU members—teachers, paraprofessionals and clinicians—will report to their schools and classrooms. They will be returning to work without a labor agreement amidst severe budget cuts and threats to their profession, income and benefits," Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis told reporters at an August 9th press conference. 

President Lewis' key, but easily overlooked, phrase? "CTU members - teachers, paraprofessionals and clinicians ..." 

Karen Lewis is the president of the Chicago Teachers Union. It's her job to look out for her union members - not the taxpayers, not the students - the union members. Keep that in mind. The more members, the more powerful a union is. 

Hultgren: 14th CD residents face 37 to 71 percent health care premium hikes

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) is very concerned about the rate hikes the Illinois Department of Insurance announced Wednesday. 

"Families living in Illinois and getting insurance through the federal exchange will be shocked by what they will pay out of pocket next year after already enduring the liquidation of the Land of Lincoln co-op and Aetna’s announcement that it was leaving the state market," a release from the Congressman's office said. 

Hultgren is calling for Congress to take immediate action on a bill he has proposed that would provide relief to families and individuals in the federal health care exchange.

More tax hikes loom for Chicago residents

CHICAGO - The mayor-appointed Chicago School Board voted Wednesday to accept a $5.4 billion budget, tentatively balanced with yet another property tax hike for next year. 

The Tribune details: 

As it has done for more than two decades, CPS will boost its regular property tax levy to the maximum amount allowed by law. The district also will collect again on a capital improvement property tax enacted last year to finance borrowing for school infrastructure projects.

But the biggest jump will come from a new tax expected to generate $250 million to help cover the district's massive teacher pension obligations. CPS officials say the district's total tax increases would cost the owner of a $250,000 home an extra $245.

The CPS tax hikes represent the latest financial pain city government has inflicted. Homeowners this month started feeling the effect of last year's record city property tax hike to shore up police and fire pensions, a $554 annual increase for the owner of a $250,000 home that's being phased in over four years.

The Conservative Student's Survival Guide

Conservative students are vastly outnumbered on campus, and their beliefs and values are often ridiculed by other students, professors and administrators. So, how can conservatives survive and thrive in college, while also making a difference? Matthew Woessner, a political science professor at Penn State Harrisburg, offers some tips.

ACA Medicaid Expansion Enrollees 49% More Expensive than Projected

Mercatus researcher Brian Blase found a stunning update in the federal government's annual report on Medicaid’s finances: Medicaid expansion enrollees are turning out to be a lot more expensive than the government predicted.

Biga: Key Senate races emerge in Pennsylvania, Nevada and Wisconsin

By Frank J Biga III - 

We looked at the Kirk-Duckworth race earlier this summer. Let’s take a look at three additional critical Senate races this week - in Pennsylvania, Nevada and Wisconsin.

IL Dept of Insurance warns of double digit health care increase in 2017

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Insurance said Wednesday that Illinois families' can expect a double digit increase in health insurance premiums next year.

Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) said the news confirms what Illinois families already know.

“Obamacare is a failure. Illinois families are paying more money for fewer and fewer benefits. Now, they can expect a double digit increase in their health insurance premiums for 2017.  The Administration continues to tout the success of the President’s signature healthcare law, but the facts are the facts," Roskam said in a statement.

"Average premiums in job-based coverage increased by $3,775. Co-ops are failing. Just last month, the Land of Lincoln became the 16th co-op to collapse, leaving 49,000 Illinoisans without healthcare coverage.” 

Chicagoans want higher taxes, poll reports

LA GRANGE - Illinois has some of the nation's highest property taxes that is causing a growing number of homeowners to consider abandoning the debt-ridden state. However, Chicago voters think even higher taxes is okay, a poll released by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute says.

"Two out of three voters support additional taxes to pay for more police officers and a majority are willing to pay more to maintain roads, expand educational programs, build schools, and provide other neighborhood services," a press release from IEPI said Wednesday morning. 

Additionally, 61 percent support the municipal pension agreement reached between Mayor Emanuel and city workers. 

Tonia Khouri bypasses mainstream media to push for better 11th CD bridges, highways

JOLIET - Republican Tonia Khouri isn't waiting for mainstream media to tell 11th CD voters that she's up to the task to get federal help for bridges and highways in her district. 

"Infrastructure plays a critical role in our local economies, especially here in the 11th District," she says in a new video posted online earlier this week.

Khouri says Interstate 80, particularly over Houboult Road in Joliet, has been an issue for some time for Will County's local economy. The Democrat incumbent Bill Foster has not fought for reliable infrastructure during his time in Washington, she says.

Chicago 1st year teacher writes song to welcome students

CHICAGO - "Wel-come to the fourth grade, so happy to meet you," sings first year teacher Dwayne Reed - and says he'll be making up songs to help his students learn. 

"We'll study science, mathematics, English - keep it positive, that's the key," he sings.

The YouTube description says that Mr. Reed's song has a melody very similar to Michael Jackson's "I Will Be There."

"The artist did not intend to steal, rip, riff, or mimic Mr. Jackson's song, but apparently, powerful songs and their sounds can remain lodged in people's memory even decades after they've been released or heard," the video's director wrote on the YouTube page.

"As to avoid any controversy or issues, Mr. Reed has chosen not to sell his 'Welcome to the 4th Grade' song, opting only to use it as a fun way to connect with his students and start the school year with some excitement!"

We say, "Love the creativity and thinking outside the box, Mr. Reed. Your students will have a year they will always remember, for sure." 

Illinois property taxes leave few options for financially-sound future

LAKE VILLA - Illinois' property taxes are some of the worst in the nation. Homeowners are being forced to look elsewhere to keep financially afloat. 

Still, Illinois lawmakers - both Republican and Democrat - are toying with the idea of hiking income taxes after the November election, saying the problem is that the state needs more revenue.  How much will finally be enough? 

From Illinois Policy's Facebook page: 

Kirk wins gun control activist Gabby Gifford's support for re-election

CHICAGO - Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was seriously wounded by a deranged gunman in 2011. Since that time, she and her astronaut husband became active in promoting gun control, setting up an organization that announced endorsements of several running for U.S. Senate this fall. 

One of those "Americans for Responsible Solutions" announced this week is backing is Illinois U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, who is in an intense battle to retain his seat in November.

In a piece written for CNN, Giffords writes why she's crossing party lines to support Kirk's re-election: 

Rhoads: Is the "Undecided Voter" a Myth?

By Mark Rhoads - 

Before 1994, election contests were usually seen as an effort to persuade voters who has not yet made up their minds about which candidate or party to support.  

But starting with a congressional win for Republicans in 1994, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) advanced his theory that a more efficient use of campaign resources would be to concentrate on the heavy turnout of GOP base voters and Democrats were soon accepting the same idea.  

Republicans in the U.S. House started to benefit from the turnout strategy and from catch up benefits that flowed from new winnable seats for the GOP created by re-apportionment and population shifts to blue states.

Schakowsky challenger gains Speaker Paul Ryan's endorsement

WINNETKA — Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) endorsed Illinois' Ninth District Congressional GOP candidate Joan McCarthy Lasonde - who is challenging longtime radical Leftist Democrat Jan Schakowsky. 

Ryan noted Lasonde's concern for the nation's vulnerable.

“Joan believes in finding solutions to our nation's problems, because she is results-oriented," Ryan said. "She has worked within her community to help those who are struggling – to positively impact people’s lives. Her willingness to bridge differences and bring people together has made her effective in her community. I am happy to endorse Joan McCarthy Lasonde for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District.”

Prolife Action League files lawsuit against Chicago's "bubble zone"

CHICAGO - Eric Scheidler, Prolife Action League's executive director, reported from the group's protest Tuesday that coordinated with filing a lawsuit opposing Chicago's "bubble zone."

The "bubble zone" ordinance prevents prolife activists from speaking with those entering or exiting abortion clinics - a First Amendment violation, the group contends.

Thorner/Ingold: Time for a real builder at America's helm

By Nancy Thorner and Ed Ingold - 

Although the 1989 film, "Field of Dreams" (see film clip), as reviewed by Roger Ebert in the “Chicago Tribune” on April 29, 1989, had to do with a farmer standing in the middle of a cornfield hearing voices that tells him, "If you build it, he will come" (the voice seems to promise Joe Jackson will come and play on it), the same catch phrase from the movie reflects the Democrats' "economic" recovery plan.  It you build roads and bridges, industry will respond by expanding and adding jobs.  What baloney!   

What about the stimulus packed signed into law by President in 2009?  In the stimulus package was $30 billion designated for infrastructure spending that was handed over to the states for shovel ready jobs.  It was thought that injecting money into transportation projects would not only put construction workers and contractors to work quickly, but it would also lay the groundwork for future economic growth and development.  Obama predicted the transportation money alone would put hundreds of thousands of workers on the job.

This report  found that states spent more than a third of the money on building new roads—rather than working on public transportation and fixing up existing roads and bridges.  As a result, states missed out on potentially thousands of new jobs, and bridges, roads, and overpasses around the country are still crumbing.

Foundation donors made up over half of Secretary Clinton's non-agency visitors

"More than half the people outside the government who met with Hillary Clinton while she was secretary of state gave money - either personally or through companies or groups - to the Clinton Foundation. It's an extraordinary proportion indicating her possible ethics challenges if elected president " - thus opens a new AP report Tuesday. 

Vice Presidential candidate Mike Pence responded saying, The fact Hillary Clinton’s official schedule was full of meetings with Clinton Foundation donors is further evidence of the pay-to-play politics at her State Department. No one is above the law. The Clinton Foundation must be immediately shut down and an independent special prosecutor be appointed to determine if access to Hillary Clinton was for sale. It would be a dereliction of duty by President Obama and his Justice Department if they fail to act on these startling new facts right now."

The AP report goes on with details - 

Rauner Signs Sportsmen Bills Aimed at Conservation and Investing in Young Hunters

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Bruce Rauner signed four bills as part of Conservation Day at the Illinois State Fair last week. Each bill makes adjustments to the law to allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to more efficiently do their job of protecting Illinois’ lands and wildlife.

In addition, SB 2410 extends the youth licenses program to further invest in our young people who are passionate about the great outdoors.

“Investing in young hunters and fishers helps implant a great love for the outdoors that will continue through a lifetime,” said Governor Rauner. “As an avid hunter and fisherman, I believe in utilizing Illinois’ vast natural resources to enhance our quality of life while also protecting them for future generations to enjoy. Giving more opportunities to appreciate our resources to these young Illinoisans will ensure conservation of our lands for generations to come.”

Vargas: Why is Trump silent when America is winning?

By Mark Vargas - 

Donald Trump became the Republican nominee for president of the United States by declaring that "America doesn't win anymore," and that he'll "Make America Great Again." But after watching the United States' performance at the Olympics in Rio, my message to Mr. Trump is simple: America is already great.

After two weeks of nonstop competition amongst eleven thousand athletes from around the world, the United States took home the gold in the Olympic medal count. One hundred and twenty-one total medals for Team USA. China, a country Mr. Trump claims is always beating the U.S., had a total of 70 Olympic medals. Team USA also beat China on the gold medal count, 46-26.

So with all this campaign rhetoric about how Mr. Trump will make America start winning again, where were those stubby little Twitter fingers during Team USA's two-week domination at the Olympics? Where were the late night tweets about beating China, or the congratulatory messages for Team USA?

Rhoads: Blasphemy is NOT Funny, Ann

By Mark Rhoads

I have written many times on IR that a grounded sense of humor can help to keep passions in perspective. But this book cover is NOT funny and only shows why Ann Coulter is a moron.

I hope Donald Trump would not approve of this cover. It is hard enough when the Left mocks our national motto let alone when some book hustler on the right does it.

Most of us were offended in 2008 when operatives of the Obama Cult of Personality implied that he was the Messiah. We should be just as offended by this cover in 2016.

Sixty years ago, in 1956, President Eisenhower signed a new law to make "In God We Trust" our official national motto and no one who claims to love and respect America should mock that motto.

Franchising Helps Women Break the Glass Ceiling

By Shelly Sun - 

As the 2016 election nears, women across the United States are sharing our unique visions for the nation’s future. Our political leanings and policy preferences are as diverse as American women themselves. But one thing unites us—women want greater opportunity.

The U.S. economy is currently struggling to create jobs for young people and entry-level workers, for women returning to work after starting a family, men who lost out in the Great Recession, and for disadvantaged communities both urban and rural. One sector, however, is achieving remarkable success—and that’s franchising.

The franchise business model is the source of 9 million jobs nationwide, with over 400,000 of them here in Illinois. And franchises are growing at twice the rate of the rest of the private sector, while opening their doors to anyone willing to put in the work necessary to succeed.

Horwitz: Make Babies, and Don’t Let the Greens Guilt Trip You about It

By Steven Horwitz - 

Several years back, the economist Bryan Caplan wrote a wonderful book called Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids. Caplan argued that most parents underestimated the benefits of larger families and were engaging in costly parenting strategies that yielded few real benefits. Thus, he said, if you love kids, you should have lots of them.

From NPR this week comes a story that might well be called “anti-Caplan” in every dimension. It is a profile of bioethicist Travis Rieder and others like him who argue that it is immoral to have many children, if any at all, because of the burden that additional children place on the Earth’s ecosystem. Given that we are already, Rieder claims, on the road to climate disaster, adding more children will both make matters worse and condemn those children to a horrible life on a worsening planet. His argument might well be called “Altruistic Reasons to Have Fewer Kids.”

New law allows juvenile records expunged for non-violent offenses

SPRINGFIELD - Legislation signed by Governor Rauner last week allows Illinois juveniles to have court records for non-violent offenses expunged.

Through HB 5017, sponsored by State Rep. Barbara Wheeler of Crystal Lake, juveniles may petition the court at any time for expungement of law enforcement records and juvenile court records for non-violent offenses at any point after the termination of all court proceedings relating to the incident.

Gary Johnson needs to visit Heartland Institute's new website

If you're planning to head to the Libertarian Party in November, here's some news that may be disappointing. Maybe Gary Johnson needs to spend some time on Heartland Institute's new website ... 

The Heartland Institute has participated in the global debate over climate policy since 1993, when it published an influential book titled Eco-Sanity: A Common-Sense Guide to Environmentalism. Their position has always been that if human emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases pose a threat to the natural world and human health, then actions to avoid the threat would be necessary. But if the best-available research shows there is little danger or that there is nothing we can do to prevent climate change, then we should oppose legislation adopted in the name of “stopping” global warming.

From the Daily Caller -

Libertarian Party presidential nominee and former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson said he’s no skeptic of man-made global warming and endorsed a “fee” on carbon dioxide emissions.

It’s all part of his “free market” approach to global warming, Johnson told the Juneau Empire in an article published Sunday.

Colorado to vote on assisted suicide. Could Illinois follow?

SPRINGFIELD - At this time assisted suicide is illegal in 36 states, including Illinois.  In the last legislative session, Illinois lawmakers were presented with an array of bills that called for suicide prevention specifically among teens and veterans.

However, 1000 miles to the west of Illinois, Colorado voters will soon decide whether or not to legalize assisted suicide. If it's happening in Colorado, it could come to Illinois - the most anti-life state in the Midwest.

Illinois church groups rush to help Louisiana flood victims

SPRINGFIELD - Christian groups nationwide are stepping forward to help relieve Louisiana flood victims - including groups based in Illinois. 

An estimated 60 Southern Baptist churches have been destroyed or damaged along with the homes of 20 or more pastors -- many without flood insurance.

The IBSA is holding a training session this Saturday for volunteers willing to help in Louisiana.

IBSA is hosting a one-day mini training Saturday, August 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Living Faith Baptist Church in Sherman. The training includes Introduction to Disaster Relief (for new volunteers) and Food Prep. They are asking donations of $30 for new volunteers and $10 to renew expired badges.

National faith-based groups, including Catholic Charities, Samaritan’s Purse, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and Operation Blessing, are deploying equipment and resources, as well as assembling teams of volunteers from across the country, Religion News Service reports.

The outpouring of help is an encouragement to many local residents who feel their plight has been given short shrift in national media coverage.

Carol Parker, finance secretary at Star Hill Church in Baton Rouge, said her congregation is persevering despite the hardships.

Parker’s home of 30 years was flooded by waist-deep water. She is waiting for assessments from her insurance company and FEMA about the extent of the damage and how much help she may receive.

She told PBS while her material possessions may be gone, her faith survived. “Just like my pastor said … we didn’t lose everything,” she said. “We’ve got family and we’ve got God, so do not say we lost everything.”

More volunteer information available at http://www.ibsa.org/dr or contact Ministry Assistant AlexisDumire@IBSA.org / or (217) 391-3142.

Are The Police Racist?

Are the police racist? Do they disproportionately shoot African-Americans? Are incidents in places like Ferguson and Baltimore evidence of systemic discrimination? Heather Mac Donald, a scholar at the Manhattan Institute, explains.

Heartland Institute's new website features research on current hot topics

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS - The Heartland Institute is settled into their new location in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where they continue to nurture "ideas that empower people." 

The free market organization is promoting its brand new website that shows off Heartland Institute's diligent work in presenting alternatives for education, energy, health care and climate change public policy. 

Joe Bast, the group's president for 32 years, remains enthusiastic about their ongoing efforts.

"I hope you'll find the newly-relaunched website at Heartland.org beautiful and easy to navigate," Bast said Saturday. "I think you'll find it a great place to find research and commentary on the topics of the day." 

Heartland Institute will also be holding its annual fundraising dinner on September 15th in the northwest suburbs. The evening will feature conservative comedian and author P.J. O'Rourke. 

Rhoads: Is Some Early Voting Too Early?

By Mark Rhoads - 

North Carolina will start mailing out early ballots on Sept. 9--almost two months before the general election date of Nov. 8, 2016. Is that large a window necessary?  

The whole state process in many states takes a lot of time to distribute ballot applications, collect them, mail out ballots, vote, and count.  In particular, ballots mailed to military members and other qualified voters on travel overseas take a lot of time.  

Hillary on the Clinton Foundation: The ends justify the means

Staver: Pastors, don't hide behind the IRS

Liberty Counsel attorney Mat Staver challenges pastors to "replace the muzzle with a megaphone" and use their pulpits to teach their congregation about current issues, candidates' positions on those issues and encourage their members to go to the polls.

"No church has ever lost its tax exemption for involvement in these activities," he says in a new video released today.

He also exhorts pastors to not hide from controversies behind the IRS' intimidation.

"So if after you hear this, you decide not to address biblical topics, and a candidate's position on these topics, if you decide not to engage in this incredibly important discussion, don't blame it on the IRS, because that is your own personal decision for which you will be held accountable," Staver concludes.

"Replace the muzzle with a megaphone. Preach biblical topics. Encourage your people to vote and make a difference in your community and in our country."

How Elites Destroy Themselves

By Jonathan F. Keiler - 

An 18th Century European lord puzzling over the accelerating decline of the aristocracy only had to look in the mirror to find his answer. Chronic inbreeding ensured the degeneration of the gentry, and yet even though the nobility well knew this, they were powerless. The entire European system of class and governance rested upon the idea of hereditary rule, even as it sowed the seeds of its own demise.

Elites always need more than just raw power. They need a justification for rule to establish legitimacy, at a very minimum in their own eyes, if not those of the lower classes. Today’s elites are no different, and their claims to legitimacy no better than that of modern Europe’s doomed nobility. They must inevitably fall, though the questions as always are -- how long and at what cost?

Today’s elites define themselves very differently from those gentry of old, but their justifications to take and keep power are even more obviously self-destructive. In general terms, these elites define themselves as graduates of exclusive schools of higher education, globally oriented, contemptuous of traditional Western values, and indoctrinated in the ideas such as multiculturalism and catastrophic global warming, though they would likely never put it that way. Rather, they would define their class as virtuous, that virtue residing in essentially in their resumes and worldviews. Since wealth and power alone are not sufficient to gain class entry, you get a lot of so-called virtue signaling, by which members can recognize and honor one another.

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