May 16, 2011 | 
Author Double Lawsuits Challenge Illinois Total Ban on Right to Carry!!
Source: Email from IllinoisCarry.org
Posted May 16, 2011
Just one week after the IL House failed to pass legislation to restore the right to keep and bear arms to law-abiding citizens, two of the nation’s largest gun-rights groups hit the IL Attorney General’s office with both barrels!
The NRA is backing a lawsuit on behalf of lead plaintiff Mary Shepard, a church treasurer who was attacked by a 6ft. 245 lb. violent parolee. Mary Shepard is trained and licensed to carry a concealed firearm for personal protection in over 30 states – but not in Illinois, the only state left to completely ban her right to carry. The Illinois State Rifle Association joins Ms. Shepard as a plaintiff. The lawsuit names IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan as one of the key defendants. The NRA is represented by attorneys William Howard and Jeffery Cross of Freeborn & Peters LLP. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District, Benton Division. To read the text of the lawsuit click here.
The Second Amendment Foundation filed suit on behalf of Michael Moore, a retired correctional officer of Champaign and Charles Hooks of Percy. Named as defendants are Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and State Police Superintendent Patrick Keen. SAF is represented by attorneys David Jensen and David Sigale. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, Springfield Division. To read the text of the lawsuit click here.
IllinoisCarry knows in the battle to regain our rights we must fight not just on the legislative and electoral fronts but also on the judicial front. We thank the NRA, ISRA, and SAF for their efforts on behalf of the law-abiding citizens of Illinois!!!
Source: Email from IllinoisCarry.org
For more information about this issue, contact:
Valinda Rowe
(618) 963-2788
vrowe@illinoiscarry.com
What do you think about the fact that law-abiding Illinois citizens do not have the right to carry? Share your comments below.
Posted on May 16, 2011 on the Cook County Illinois Tea Party blog “Double Lawsuits Challenge Illinois Total Ban on Right to Carry!!”
Posted in Second Amendment | 
Tags: Cook County Tea Party Blog, IllinoisCarry.org, Right to Carry, Second Ame | 
No Comments »
May 2011 is Illinois Pension Reform Month
May 2011 is Illinois Pension Reform Month
Call to Action – A quick and easy way to ask Illinois Lawmakers to Take Meaningful Action on Illinois Pension Reform
Click below to send an quick email now!
If you have sent a letter before, please send another letter.
Click here to watch the video and learn more about pension reform in Illinois.
The main issue with pension reform is addressing benefits for current Illinois state employees. Last year, the new hires were addressed, but nothing was done about the current employees.
This is a time sensitive issue
May 2011 is Illinois Pension Reform month. Action may be taken in the Illinois house this week, and when it passes the house it will go to the Illinois senate.
What do you think about the pension reform in Illinois? Do you think that the retirement age should be changed from 55 to 65? Post your comment below.
Join the Cook County Tea Party Mailing List
Posted May 9, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Call to Action – A quick and easy way to ask Illinois Lawmakers to Take Meaningful Action on Illinois Pension Reform”
Right to Carry Bill – Illinois HB148 – Falls Only 3 Short of 71 Required Votes
May 9, 2011
Guest Commentary
Originally posted May 6, 2011 on IllinoisCarry.com
For the first time in nearly two decades a Right to Carry bill made it to the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives for debate and a vote. Unfortunately lawmakers from the Chicago area failed to recognize the constitutional right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. HB148 fell only three votes shy of the 71 needed. Just before the final tally was taken the sponsor of the bill called for postponed consideration and the bill was pulled from consideration.
This maneuver is common when a bill does not reach the required number of votes to pass. This will keep the bill active and the sponsors can try to gather the needed votes and bring the bill back for another vote later in the session.
It is more critical than ever that you contact your legislator and urge them to support HB148. Call them, write them, go to their offices and meet with them in person. Firmly but politely let them know your fight for the right to protect yourself and your family is not over. Firmly but politely tell them you expect them to stand up for your constitutional right.
Did your lawmaker vote for this bill? Did you call to thank your lawmaker if they voted for the bill? Share your thoughts below.
Posted on May 9, 2011 on the Cook County Illinois Tea Party blog “Right to Carry Bill – Illinois HB148 – Falls Only 3 Short of 71 Required Votes”
Posted in Second Amendment | Tags: Illinois Conceled Carry, Illinois HB 148, Second Amendment | 2 Comments »
How Did Your Representative Vote on HB-148 – Family and Personal Protection Act?
May 9, 2011
Guest Commentary – Illinois State Rifle Association
Originally emailed on May 6, 2011
Last night ISRA issued news on the vote that took place on the House floor yesterday on HB148. The vote was 65-52 with consideration postponed. What that means is that no record is kept of the vote by the Illinois General Assembly, and keeps the bill alive for further consideration.
Many, if not most of you, following the progress of Right-To-Carry in Illinois have strong personal feelings about the success of this effort. This has been a long road, and the mission is not complete. ISRA members answered the call of several alerts issued in this past week to reach out and communicate with your Representative, and this resulted in a great showing when the vote was taken, but that vote was short of the supermajority that was needed.
Without an official recording of the vote, some of you are left wondering how your Representative voted on the bill, perhaps depending on who your Representative is or where your district is located.
Thanks to coverage of the Illinois General Assembly by Illinois Statehouse News, you can see how the votes were cast yesterday before being pulled from consideration, in the image below. Green is “Yes”, Red is “No” in the votes cast. This picture is taken from a screenshot of a very short video that you can watch at Illinois Statehouse News’ YouTube Channel.
Now that you’ve seen how your Representative voted, what to do? If your Representative voted for HB-148, please take the time to thank them. If you are disappointed with their vote, of course you will want to share your disappointment, but please use this information in a constructive manner, try to use it to build a rapport with your Representative to bring them over to your viewpoint. Please don’t burn any bridges with your elected officials. Remember, not everyone can be brought over to our way of seeing this issue, even though it revolves around a civil right.
ISRA needs your continued support. McDonald v Chicago was not the end of the fight but the beginning. The ISRA is the front line in the battles for your firearm rights here in Illinois, such as the new lawsuit to prevent Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan from forcing the Illinois State Police to release your FOID information to the Associated Press.
What do you think about the fact that the bill is short three votes? Are you going to get your representative to vote in favor of concealed carry?
Posted on May 9, 2011 on the Cook County Illinois Tea Party blog “How Did Your Representative Vote on HB148 – Family and Personal Protection Act – Illinois Concealed Carry“
New tea party group is forming in Oak Lawn Illinois
Write a comment below and wish the Oak Lawn Tea Party luck with their first meeting and with their future endeavors!
Posted on May 9, 2011 on the Cook County Illinois Tea Party blog “ New tea party forming in Oak Lawn Illinois – First meeting May 12 2011”
Posted in Tea Party Meeting | Tags: Cook County Tea Party Blog, Illinois tea party meeting | No Comments »
Voter Registrar Training for Chicago Residents
The Chicago Board of Elections is holding training classes for Chicago residents who are interested in becoming Volunteer Deputy Registrars.
Volunteers who complete this class will be able to register voters who live anywhere in the state of Illinois.
The two hour training class will be conducted at the Chicago Board of Elections office, which is located at 69 W. Washington, Chicago. The training will take place in the 8th Floor Conference Room.
- Wednesday, May 11, 3 PM
- Saturday, May 21, 9:30 AM
- Wednesday, May 25, 6 PM
- Wednesday, June 8, 11 AM
- Thursday, June 16, 3 PM
- Saturday, June 25, 9:30 AM
- Thursday, July 7, 3 PM
- Saturday, July 16, 9:30 AM
- Wednesday, July 27, 6 PM
- Wednesday, August 3, 11 AM
- Saturday, August 13, 9:30 AM
- Thursday, August 25, 6 PM
There are two requirements to take this class.
1) Participants must registered to vote at their current address, and those who are not registered to vote must be able and willing to sign up to vote during the class.
2) The Chicago classes are only available to those who live in the City of Chicago.
Note, those living in Suburban Cook County will have to take Deputy Registrar classes at the Cook County Board of Elections.
If you want to get involved and become a registrar, please contact Laurie Hellmer at CookCountyTeaParty@gmail.com. Please include your name and address and indicate at least two time slots you are available to take the three hour class.
Read the rest of this entry »
Illinois Republicans have a big decision to make, and soon
By Doug Ibendahl
Originally posted at Republican Newswatch.com on May 1, 2011
If you read Republican News Watch with any frequency, you know I’m a firm believer that Republicans deserve straight talk. So here’s some more.
Without some big changes soon, 2012 is going to be a very, very bad year for Illinois Republicans.
No doubt you’ve heard the mantra that “Republicans must do better in Cook County.”
I think some people just like stating the obvious – even if they have no intention of actually doing anything about the problem.
In reality of course the GOP needs to do a lot better in all 102 counties. But here are some quick facts about Cook County and its dominate city.
George W. Bush lost all 50 Chicago Wards – twice – in 2000 and 2004. In most of those wards the loss was by huge margins. John McCain of course also lost all 50 to Chicago resident Barack Obama – in most cases by even bigger margins.
And as of this year, there’s not a single Republican on the Chicago City Council. There had been one surviving Republican Alderman for years – Brian Doherty. But he gave that up to run for State Senate as a Republican – and lost this past November. (Alderman and Mayor are technically non-partisan races in Chicago – but party identification still plays a big role.)
There were two Republicans running for Chicago Alderman in February. Both lost.
And the State, Cook, and Chicago Republican Party organizations were M.I.A. when it came to even trying to field a serious Republican candidate for Chicago Mayor.
Republicans now lack even the slightest toehold in Chicago government. GOP influence has officially been squelched completely in the City of Chicago.
But it wasn’t always this way. Republican Jack O’Malley was elected countywide in Cook in 1992 as State’s Attorney. He was the last countywide GOP public official. Democrat Dick Devine ousted him in 1996.
And you might be surprised to learn that George H.W. Bush won 8 Chicago Wards in 1988. Ronald Reagan won 14 in 1984.
Our party really started dying in the 1990’s. In fact no GOP presidential nominee has won Illinois since George H.W. Bush in 1988. It hasn’t even been close since then.
And if any of my downstate friends are saying, “it’s all Chicago’s fault” – I say not so fast.
Note for example that Barack Obama won Illinois by an incredibly shameful 25 points in 2008. Obama garnered 1,388,169 more votes than McCain statewide in Illinois. Obama received a total of 3,419,348 votes. (To put that in better perspective, Bill Brady received 1,713,385 votes statewide in November.)
And before anyone tries to pin all the blame on Chicago – note that Obama won 46 of Illinois’ 102 counties in 2008. In other words, there’s a lot of blame to go around.
Obama’s popularity has certainly fallen since 2008. But anyone who says Obama’s home state is truly “in play” going in to 2012 is either living in a fantasy world – or is just not an honest person.
On top of all this, 2012 will the first election under the new district maps – maps Mike Madigan and the Illinois Democrats are drawing all by themselves, thanks to GOP failure.
Bottom line, 2012 is not going to be 2010, a year when many Republican wins came easily nationwide. Even Illinois showed some progress for Republicans last year – but the big story in November was that the gains were considerably less than they should have been in our state. Big opportunities were squandered.
Now we’re moving into a completely different environment for 2012.
And if you think the Illinois Republican Party is going to be some aggressive machine going after Obama – forget it. It’s never been that, and that won’t change by next November.
The undisputed, absolute head of the Illinois Republican Party is now Mark Kirk (Pat Brady is just a figurehead, recruited and put into party leadership by Mark Kirk’s people.)
You haven’t and you never will see Mark Kirk seriously taking on Obama. Kirk is about Kirk and he sees many of Obama’s voters as his voters. He’ll do nothing to turn them off. In fact outside of preaching to the choir at some GOP event – when was the last time you heard any Republican official from Illinois taking on Obama? Despite what some of them may say to a fellow Republican in private – the reality is they’ve all surrendered the state to Obama and they don’t want to risk any of their own precious political capital to change the paradigm.
That’s why you just see Pat Brady going through the motions with the State Party. That’s why you see nothing but the silly online petition drives for this or that (that’s mostly to harvest emails for fundraising purposes), and things like the hawking of cheap apparel mocking Blagojevich or Madigan in a juvenile way. There’s no serious building effort. Last year was about Mark Kirk and now that he’s safely in for six years, Pat Brady’s marching orders are to depress conservative energy.
All Republicans are expected to suffer because a very self-centered man – Mark Kirk – doesn’t want to make any waves. He has nothing to worry about until 2016 and he doesn’t want any pesky Republicans, and certainly not any conservatives, getting crazy ideas about building something resembling a Pro-Platform GOP in Illinois.
That’s why Pat Brady’s not overseeing a Republican Party – he’s running the Mark Kirk Party.
But all is not lost. Instead of Republicans just sitting around whining about Chicago or Mike Madigan or whatever like Pat Brady is resigned to do – we can actually act like Republicans and do something to help ourselves. We can stand up and decide our own destiny like true Republicans are supposed to do.
We can start by giving the Illinois Republican Party back to Republicans. We can pass Senate Bill 35. (The Illinois Senate passed the bill by unanimous vote on April 8th. House passage now needed.)
That reform simply reverses a bad law jammed on Republicans by the bosses back in the late 1980’s. And guess what – that’s exactly when the Illinois Republican Party nosedived. Illinois has been a Blue State ever since the party was taken away from Republican voters and given to the Jim Thompsons, the Dallas Ingemunsons, the Bill Cellinis, the Bob Kjellanders, the George Ryans – and now the Mark Kirks.
Ever since direct elections were taken away by a bad law, the entire system’s been corrupted by destructive incentives.
Take Chicago for example. All 50 Republican Ward Committeemen are up for election in next year’s March Primary. The circulation period for gathering petition signatures will begin late this summer. It’s the same for all offices up next year in all parts of the state.
If SB35 hasn’t passed by then – here’s what’s going to happen. It’s the same thing that’s been happening every cycle since real elections for the State Central Committee were stolen away.
The incumbent State Central Committeemen are going to recruit and assist candidates for GOP Ward Committeemen solely for the purposes of harvesting votes for State Central Committeeman down the road. Under the system our party currently follows – once that vote is harvested at the county convention – the Ward Committeeman does nothing for another four years. Too many of those lower level party officials aren’t recruited for the right reasons.
Now I’m not saying this happens in all 50 cases. There are some good GOP Ward Committeemen out there doing the right job for the right reasons. But the examples are too rare.
Plus this problem of bad incentives is not confined to Chicago. Many of the same destructive games are played in downstate counties over the recruitment of Precinct Committeemen. Many good Republicans run for the right reasons. But other times that’s not the case. And some officials discourage good Republicans from even running for Precinct Committeemen in the first place – specifically because they want to keep the power to pick the State Central Committeeman locked-up in the hands of a few.
Our current system for picking the State Central Committee has destroyed the Illinois Republican Party statewide. Yes, that’s how bad it is. When an artificial system was substituted for common sense democracy and real elections in the late 1980’s, it turned the Illinois GOP into a jury-rigged mess.
When Republican voters were taken out of the equation and accountability was removed – the door was opened for the selfish players to game the system. And that’s exactly what happened.
Think about all the time and destructive energy that’s currently expended to rig the State Central Committeeman selection process. Think about all the rigged party conventions – both county and state. Think about all the rigging that’s done to get the “right” people into the lower level party spots, just to lock up “votes.” Think about all the times Republican voters have been lied to. Think about a State Party that just recently passed a phony bylaw change behind closed doors that not only fails to do what our officials claim it does – it actually makes the situation worse.
When SB35 passes, most of the bad incentives for these destructive, selfish games go away overnight.
Just the knowledge that they will have to face Republican voters in a real election on a date certain will make even the current committee of 19 marginally better stewards right away. Now they’ll have to listen to Republicans instead of just a few failed bosses.
Some of them may even start doing their jobs.
It’s time to get it done folks. For crying out loud, the Republican Party in Illinois is home to thousands upon thousands of accomplished business people and professionals who deal with corporate governance issues every single day at their places of employment.
Given the incredible pool of business talent represented in our Republican Party, it’s remarkable that over two decades have passed where a tiny handful of greedy bosses have been allowed to keep our Republican Party crippled – via one of the worst systems of corporate governance imaginable.
Illinois Republicans have a big decision to make – and it has to be made by the end of this legislative session in Springfield. That’s scheduled for the end of this month.
If SB35 hasn’t passed by then and the petition period starts this summer for next year’s elections – Republicans will have no one to blame but themselves for next year’s disaster at the polls. If our Illinois GOP is going to keep playing dishonest games – then continued failure is guaranteed.
If you’re not on the side of Republican voters – then you’re on the side of Barack Obama and the Democrats. It really is that simple.
Originally posted at Republican Newswatch.com on May 1, 2011
Doug Ibendahl is a Chicago Attorney and a former General Counsel of the Illinois Republican Party.
http://republicannewswatch.com/wp/
Senate is poised to pass the Trans Fat Restriction Act
From Illinois Campaign for Liberty
May 2, 2011
Politicians in Springfield are about to unleash the food police on individuals and small businesses throughout the state.
The state Senate is poised to pass the Trans Fat Restriction Act, and unless you take action now, you’ll need to reserve a seat at your table for Big Brother whenever you go out to eat.
Please call your State Senator Tuesday, May 3, and demand that they oppose The Trans Fat Restriction Act. You can find their contact information by clicking here.
Shortly before the General Assembly adjourned for their Easter Break, the Illinois House passed HB 1600, The Trans Fat Restriction Act.
This bill bans the use of trans fats in all restaurants, movie theaters, businesses, and schools.
Our politicians in Springfield think you are not smart enough to plan your own diet.
Let’s not forget that these politicians belong to the very same government that advanced the notorious “food pyramid” which promoted the use of trans fats!
There is no doubt that the government got it wrong when they claimed that margarine was healthier than good old-fashioned butter — but do we really need the government dictating whether or not we are legally “allowed” to indulge ourselves with a tasty treat from time to time?
As is typical in our bureaucracy, their “expert opinions” and resulting guidelines and regulations change depending on which lobbyist is forking over the most cash.
Have you had enough of schizophrenic bureaucrats interfering with your most basic freedoms?
This is yet another power grab from an authoritarian government, and while the assault on your right to determine your own diet is bad enough, we must not discount the damage it will do to Illinois businesses.
Imagine the devastation to Illinois bakeries, restaurants, and movie theaters that are in close proximity to other states. Many of those businesses are now threatening to close up shop, move out of state, and take their jobs and decadent treats with them.
Just how far is our legislature willing to go to destroy Illinois businesses? They’ve already raised business taxes and implemented new internet sales taxes in the midst of the Great Recession, and now, they want to add insult to injury by unleashing the food police on them.
Don’t forget to call your State Senator Tuesday, May 3, and demand that they oppose The Trans Fat Restriction Act. You can find their contact information by clicking here.
Illinois Campaign For Liberty members thwarted Senator Maloney’s attempts to end Home School Freedom by keeping senator’s phones ringing off the hook, and you can kill this assault on freedom the same way!
Don’t let Illinois lawmakers dictate your food choices while chasing more of our businesses to other states!
For Liberty,
Heather Danielowski
Interim Illinois State Coordinator
Campaign for Liberty
P.S. Don’t forget to call your State Senator demand that they oppose The Trans Fat Restriction Act. If you do not know who your state representative is, please follow this link to the website of the Illinois State Board Of Elections search function: http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/DistrictOfficialSearchByAddress.aspx
Illinois Worker’s Compensation policies impact the job and business climate in the state of Illinois
By John Bambenek, Champaign, IL
May 3, 2011
Friends-
I wanted to send a quick note about one of the major issues being debated now in Springfield and that’s the job and business climate here in Illinois. Much print has been devoted to the budget debate and that is a very important issue and highly related to our job climate. Our legislators must not spend more than we have or we will simply continue to delay payments to our vendors and Medicaid providers (doctors) which has a very real economic impact to our state.
However, the job and business climate is broader than just the question of taxes and spending (though important). Many factors come into play with businesses decided to locate or expand in Illinois and it comes down to the cost of doing business here in Illinois relative to other states, particularly our neighbors. Bear with me, this may be somewhat dry and technical, but it has a real impact to your everyday life.
One of the biggest contributor to the cost of doing business is workers compensation. We all agree that someone hurt on the job is due the care and compensation to “make them whole”. That said, our system is designed to enrich at the expense of everyone else. The Belleville News-Democrat has done yeoman’s work highlighting some abuses and you can read some of their stories on the issue here: http://www.bnd.com/650/index.html
But it is more than fraud and abuse. Another problem is that you don’t actually have to prove your injury was caused by the job to collect workers comp (in policy terms this is caused “causation”). Doctor’s reimbursement rates are fixed by the state and are the second highest in the country. If those rates were cut in half, we’d still be the third highest in the country. Lawyers like those high rates because their fees are a percentage of the ultimate settlement. Unions like the system for their own reasons.
Why should this matter to you? I’ll give you an example. I recently started my own business, cleverly named Bambenek Consulting (http://www.facebook.com/JohnBambenek
http://twitter.com/#!/bambenek
Action Alert – Call Now – Concealed Carry Goes to the Illinois House Floor
May 3, 2011
From: Illinois State Rifle Association
Urgent Alert – Your Immediate Action Required:< HB148 – Concealed Carry Goes to House Floor
We are very pleased to announce that HB148, Concealed Carry, passed out of the House Agriculture Committee by a vote of 12-1.
However, there is trouble ahead for HB148. Governor Quinn has promised to veto the bill if it is passed and anti-gun forces have been engaged in heavy arm-twisting in the House, trying to get representatives to drop support for the bill. The gun control movement is employing all sorts of underhanded tricks and lies to leave you and your family defenseless against attacks by violent criminals.
Your immediate action is required to help ensure that HB148 passes the Illinois House. Here is what you need to do:
1. Call your state representative at both his/her District and Springfield offices. Politely tell the person on the phone that you are a law-abiding Illinois citizen who wants the opportunity to defend yourself and family from dangerous criminals. Tell the person on the phone that you would like the representative to vote “YES” on HB148. If you do not know who your state representative is, please follow this link to the website of the Illinois State Board Of Elections search function:
http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/DistrictOfficialSearchByAddress.aspx
In the rare event that the search tool does not work for your address, you can call the Illinois State Board Of Elections at 217-782-4141 .
2. Pass this alert on to all your friends and ask them to make calls as well.
3. Please post this alert to any and all blogs and Internet bulletin boards to which you belong.
Source: Illinois State Rifle Association
Posted to Cook County Tea Party blog on May 4, 2011 – “Action Alert – Call Now – Concealed Carry Goes to the Illinois House Floor”
Illinois Pension Reform Video
Americans for Prosperity – Illinois has created an informative video about the Illinois Pension reform issue.
http://fixillinoispensionsnow.com/
Hint - the situation is very, very bad.
We are #1 in a very bad way.
The Illinois General Assembly and Senate will be voting on this issue within the next week or two.
Click the link here to view the video and get up to speed on this important issue.
http://fixillinoispensionsnow.com/
Posted on Cook County Tea Party Blog on May 2, 2010 “Illinois Pension Reform Video”
Trump For President
I believe that Donald Trump would not only be a GREAT PRESIDENT -
“He Would Make Our Country The Greatest Country in The World!”
AGAIN!
by Bill Montgomery, Lemont, IL
WHO AM I?
70 years young and going strong. A Conservative Republican since I could vote. A Tea Party fan since it started. In fact, last summer before I had even gone to a Tea Party rally or meeting I put up a 25ʼ lighted flag pole in my front yard. It flies a 4ʼ x 6ʼ American Flag and with pride a 4ʼ x 6ʼ Tea Party Flag as well.
To win those elections we need a proven leader who is not afraid to confront the PROGRESSIVES!
That leader needs to show the World we can and will be -
1. A Nation that has fiscal responsibility.
2. A Nation that will no longer be taken advantage of by others.
3. A Nation that believes in and upholds The Constitution of the United States.
There are many potential Republican candidates that could seek the nomination for President and I can say that I like each of them. The BIG questions for me are who can win and who can get the country out of this huge mess we are in?
In my opinion, Donald Trump, is the only one who can beat Obama.
In my opinion, Donald Trump, is the only one who can and knows how to fix the economy.
In my opinion, Donald Trump, is the only one who effectively stands up to the Liberal Press.
A Country that tries to lead the World MUST lead by strength, not by weakness, and I canʼt see any other candidate, better to LEAD us, than Donald Trump.
A NEW POLL by BILL MONTGOMERY
I donʼt always trust polls. So, I did one of my own. Granted it was not one that was done with scientific methods, but it gave me a lot of insight about the 2012 Presidential Election.
I found many of the young people who had voted for Obama were very disappointed and said they
did not know who they would vote for. When I asked about some of the potential Republican candidates, the ONLY ONE whom they positively responded to was DONALD TRUMP.
Many people did not want to tell me whom they favored.
Some of whom I expected were Democrats told me with a “donʼt tell anybody” – “I like Trump”. It almost
reminded me of The Silent Majority.
The people I queried were complete strangers of all ages and backgrounds. Their answers convinced me that we need a STRONG candidate that will get the Independent Vote, the Young Vote, the Unhappy Democrat Vote, the Independent Vote, the Senior Vote and all of the now Undecided Vote
WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE IN 2012! DONAD TRUMP CAN & WILL WIN!
UNIFY TO DEFEAT OBAMA and THE PROGRESSIVES!
4-27-11
P.S. Congrats Mr. Trump!
Why did it take two years for Obama to produce his
Birth Certificate?????????????????
Thank you Donald Trump!
Action Alert – Please call and ask Sen McConnell to appoint Sen. DeMint to the Senate Finance Committee
Suggested Talking Points
 –Ask Sen. McConnell to appoint Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) to the Senate Finance Committee where a Republican opening has been created by the resignation of Sen. John Ensign (R-NV). Sen. DeMint, who is by seniority the top contender, is “very interested” in serving on the Finance Committee and we’re very interested in him doing so.
–This is a great opportunity for Sen. McConnell to build on his comment that “the tea party has had an overwhelmingly positive impact” by appointing one of the Senators who best represents tea party ethos. –The Senate Finance Committee has jurisdiction over the issues that bring the tea party together—free markets, fiscal responsibility, and constitutionally limited government. Sen. DeMint has a strong legislative record on this fiscal policy set, fighting for fundamental tax reform, consumer-driven healthcare, free trade, and proposing bold solutions for Social Security. –DeMint was one of the first lawmakers to embrace the tea party movement and was one of the very few politicians invited to speak at our historic 9/12 Taxpayer March on Washington, D.C in 2009. –Sen. DeMint’s appointment would be a clear signal to our broad and active movement that Republicans in Washington are still listening. Sen. DeMint has requested a seat on the committee every time one has been available. Given his seniority this time, and his importance to the powerful tea party movement, now is the perfect time to offer him a seat. –Sen. McConnell has stood strong with the tea party movement against much of the harmful Obama agenda, including opposing the “stimulus”, ObamaCare, and Cap and Trade. Now Sen. McConnell has an opportunity to advance Republican commitment to limited government and burnish his own credentials as someone who listens to and understands our movement by appointing one of our strongest allies in the Senate, Sen. DeMint, to Finance. Click here to see FreedomWorks letter in support of appointing Sen. DeMint to the Senate Finance Committee. |
 |
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R KY) |
202-224-3135 |
Click here to report that you called Senator McConnell’s office, so Freedomworks can count the number calls and use the call count for their lobbying efforts.
Posted to Cook County Tea Party blog on May 2, 2011 – “Action Alert – Please call and ask Sen McConnell to appoint Sen. DeMint to the Senate Finance Committee”
Call Illinois Lawmakers – Say Yes to Concealed Carry
May 2, 2011
Action alert from Illinois State Rifle Association
ISRA Action Alert: YOUR ACTION NEEDED
HB148 – CONCEALED CARRY – IS ON THE MOVE – VOTE PROBABLE THIS WEEK
We have good news and bad news regarding HB148, the 2011 Concealed Carry Bill.
The good news is that this year’s concealed carry bill enjoys broad bi-partisan support from around the state. The reason for this success is that the bill has been carefully crafted to address some legislators’ concerns about public safety while, at the same time, ensuring that the provisions of the bill will allow for citizens to protect themselves and their families from dangerous criminals. This bill has been so fine-tuned that there is absolutely no practical reason for anyone to oppose HB148.
The bad news is that the Chicago Gun Grabbing Machine has switched into overdrive in its efforts to kill off H148 so that you and your family remain defenseless against muggers, murderers, robbers and rapists. The gun control movement is using threats, intimidation and outright lies in its attempt to coerce members of the House of Representatives to vote against HB148.
You are HB148’s last line of defense – it is time for you to take action to ensure that HB148 has a fighting chance of passage.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO GET CONCEALED CARRY PASSED IN ILLINOIS:
1. Contact your state representative beginning MONDAY MAY 2nd and politely tell him or her that you are a law-abiding Illinois citizen and that you want to have the opportunity to lawfully defend yourself and your family from violent criminals. Politely request that your state representative vote for HB148 when it comes to a vote in the Illinois House. Continue to call your state representative’s district and Springfield offices until you get through to someone. If you do not know who your state representative is, please refer to the instructions below.
2. Forward this Alert to all of your friends and relatives.
3. Post this Alert to any and all Internet bulletin boards and blogs to which you belong.
Find out who your Legislator is here: http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/DistrictOfficialSearchByAddress.aspx
REMEMBER, CONCEALED CARRY IS COMING UP FOR A VOTE THIS WEEK – MAKE YOUR PHONE CALLS BEGINNING MONDAY TO REMIND REPRESENTATIVES HOW YOU WANT THEM TO VOTE!
Source: Email from Illinois State Rifle Association | PO Box 637 | Chatsworth | IL | 60921
Published Mary 2, 2011 by Cook County Tea Party blog “Action Alert – Call Illinois Lawmakers – Say Yes to Concealed Carry in Illinois”
Next Two Weeks of tea party, 912 and patriot events in Illinois
4/11/2011
Posted in Illinois Tea Party Events | Tags: Cook County Tea Party Blog, Illinois tea party events | Comments Closed
Cook County Tea Party
Cook County Illinois – Chicago and Chicago Suburbs
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laurie Hellmer
Phone: (312) 342-6988
Location of the campaign and fundraising training
JANUARY 8, 2o11 – Campaign training seminars will be held to prepare candidates, activists and volunteers for the 2011 and 2012 election cycles. Participants will learn how to get involved and make a difference in local elections and governance.
The trainings will be held in Downers Grove, Illinois on Saturday, January 22nd and Sunday, January 23rd, 2011. The seminars will be taught by staff from The Leadership Institute, a Virginia based group that has trained conservative leaders for over 30 years.
The cost is $35 per class or $65 for both classes. For more information and to register for the classes, email: TrainingForConservatives@gmail.com or visit the web page at http://ChicagolandConservativeCampaignSchool.eventbrite.com.
Ideal participants for this training are people who are interested in running for office, helping others get elected or organizing a grassroots activist group. The training will teach how to recruit, organize, and motivate people to get involved in the political process.
No political experience is necessary to benefit from the classes. Similar trainings were held in the Chicago area in 2010, and the participants ranged in age from 18 to over 65.
The two days of training are co-hosted by: Chicago Young Republicans, Cook County Tea Party, DuPage Tea Party, Fair Tax Nation, Homer Lockport Tea Party, Illinois Patriot Connection, Kane County 9/12 Tea Party Patriots, Menard County 9-12 Patriots, NorthWest Indiana Patriots, Suburban Cook Young Republicans and Tri-Count-Teas.
On Saturday, January 22, 2011, an eight hour “Campaign and Activist Strategies” class will be held. The following topics will be discussed: ways to getting involved, basics of online activism, networking for success, building coalitions, keys to precinct organization, hosting a house party, holding a public event, petition drives, educating legislators and voter registration drives.
On Sunday, January 23, 2011, a four hour “Fundraising Strategies” class will be held. The following topics be discussed: finance plan and budget, building finance committees, person to person fundraising, fundraising events, organizing house parties, online fundraising, direct mail fundraising.
The campaign training classes teach the knowledge and tools needed to play an important role in any organized political effort. Incorporating state-of-the-art methods and technologies, these classes provide the most up-to-date ways to organize, mobilize, and deliver supporters to the polls.
# # #
Laurie Hellmer
Cook County Tea Party
PO Box 6554
Chicago, IL 60680-6554
P: (312) 342-6988
F: (312) 284-4555
CookCountyTeaParty@gmail.com
www.CookCountyTeaParty.com
Libertarian Plan Balances the Federal Budget by 2020 Without Raising Taxes
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
By Matt Cover
Source: CNSNews.com
(CNSNews.com) -A budget-balancing proposal from the libertarian CATO Institute achieves fiscal equilibrium in only ten years. The plan drastically cuts federal spending, reforms entitlements and makes permanent the Bush-era tax rates.
Written by Director of Tax Policy Studies Chris Edwards, the plan spares no area of federal spending in its quest to control the federal budget.
“Federal spending is soaring, and government debt is piling up at more than a trillion dollars a year. Official projections show rivers of red ink for years to come unless policymakers enact major budget reforms. Unless spending is cut, the United States is headed down the road to economic ruin,” the plan says.
The plan proposes to cut spending by $1 trillion annually by 2020, which would reduce spending to its late-1990s level of 18 percent of GDP. The plan also extends the Bush-era tax rates indefinitely, which Edwards estimates will bring revenues back to their traditional average of 18 percent of GDP, once the recession ends.
The plan focuses on spending cuts, arguing that the federal government has moved into areas it has no business being in and ought to be removed from.
“In recent decades, the federal government has expanded into hundreds of areas that should be left to state and local governments, businesses, charities, and individuals. That expansion is sucking the life out of the private economy and creating a top-down bureaucratic society that is alien to American traditions. Cutting federal spending would enhance civil liberties by dispersing power from Washington.”
The plan argues that spending cuts should not be seen as a necessary evil just in a time of financial crisis: “Policymakers shouldn’t think of spending cuts as a necessary evil needed to reduce debt. Rather, the government’s fiscal mess is an opportunity to make reforms that would spur growth and expand individual freedom.”
Edwards told CNSNews.com that he wrote his plan to demonstrate to lawmakers that the budget could be balanced without raising taxes, something that many Democrats say is impossible.
“A lot of the Washington experts think we need large tax hikes to solve our budget problem, and I wanted to show in this plan how you can cut the debt and even balance the budget over ten years without increasing taxes,” he said.
“It’s going to be tough work,” Edwards admitted, adding that “a lot of subsidy programs that people have used for years I think should be eliminated.”
Edwards said liberal critiques of his proposals – that such large spending cuts would actually hurt the economy – are based on a flawed economic theory. Reducing spending to late-1990s levels would not doom the economy: “That Keynesian idea that somehow spending cuts are bad for the economy I think is completely, exactly wrong,” he said.
Edwards also noted that his proposed level of federal spending is not exactly radical, given that 18 percent of GDP is exactly the level Democrats and Republicans agreed on in the late 1990s.
“That was a bipartisan thing between [former President] Clinton and the Republicans,” he said. “Liberals like to forget when they’re arguing for higher tax rates on rich people right now, they forget that the bipartisan 1986 tax reform act cut the top income tax rate to just 28 percent, and today it’s already 35 and liberals want it up to 40 next year.
Liberals seem to forget that in the Clinton era, “Democrats were more moderate and were willing to accept lower tax rates and they were for more restraint in the budget.”
A key proponent of Edwards’ plan addresses defense spending, an area where conservatives are generally criticized when discussing budget cuts. Edwards’ plan incorporates not just the usual reforms on how the Pentagon buys weapons and equipment, but also calls for a complete re-evaluation of the size of the U.S. military and the missions it undertakes.
“Over the last decade, the size of our ground forces and Marine Corps has grown substantially, and yet 9/11 was about terrorism and the response to terrorism, so there’s no clear reason why the overall size of our military structure has grown,” he said.
Edwards said that when it comes to the politics of spending cuts, there is no reason for Republicans to be “chicken” in telling the public exactly what they plan to cut. Edwards noted that former President Ronald Reagan and the Republican Congresses of the 1990’s laid out specific spending cuts and did not suffer politically for them.
“I do not understand why even after the election, Republican leaders are being too chicken to tell us exactly where they would cut spending. We just had a landslide election. It’s clear the American public wants cuts,” he argued.
“I do not buy that spending cuts are bad for political popularity.”
Source: CNSNews.com
Posted in Budget - United States | Tags: Budget - United States, Cook County Tea Party Blog | No Comments »
The Federal Reserve – Quantitative Easing Explained
Here is another great video that explains the Federal Reserve plan to print money, which is called quantitative easing.
A few weeks ago, another quantitative easing video was posted on the Cook County Tea Party blog. The Quantitative Easing Explained video can be viewed here.
Christmas Party for the Homefront – Benefit for Operation Homefront Illinois – Chicago River North
Help Support Military Families
You are invited to celebrate Christmas and make a difference here on the Home Front on December 21, 2010.
Chicago Christmas Tree in Daley Plaza December 2010
Over the Veteran’s Day Holiday, many of us have shown our respect and gratitude for our brave soldiers, but this Christmas season we have an opportunity to assist the families of our soldiers here at home.
This year, our Christmas Party will benefit OPERATION HOMEFRONT. –Operation Homefront-Illinois provides emergency assistance to active duty Illinois military families and wounded warriors who have returned home from service.
Tuesday, December 21 · 6:00pm – 10:00pm
The Joynt
650 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL
EVENT DETAILS INCLUDE:
1 free sponsored drink before cash bar
Food by Pizza Guy Ramon De Leon from Domino’s Pizza
LIVE music
Photography by Steve Starr
Raffle items and door prizes
Pictures w/ Santa
Contests- (Guys: Ugly sweater) (Contest Girls: Sexy Red Dress)
Discounted admission available for early-bird registration and/or providing a donation item. This year we are requesting Winter Clothing-(coats, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens…)
Find more details & REGISTER HERE–> http://christmaspartycharity.eventbrite.com/
Learn more about Operation HomeFront Illinois at http://www.operationhomefront.net/illinois
Sponsored by:
Cutting Edge Events
The Joynt
JenChicago
Brian Tomkins
Generous Deals
Dwayne Hirsch’s Business Spotlight Networking
Ramon Deleone
& more
REGISTER HERE– http://christmaspartycharity.eventbrite.com/
Posted in Chicagoland Event | Tags: Cook County Tea Party Blog, Operation Homefront - Illinois | No Comments »
Legislator Outreach Capitol Day in Springfield
Sponsored by Illinois Policy Institute
Be sure to mark Wednesday, January 5th on your calendar, the Illinois Policy Institute is planning a legislator outreach Capitol Day in Springfield.
A number of highly important issues including the proposal to hike income taxes, a landmark voucher bill, and pension reform are anticipated to be voted on early in the new legislative session. Talking to your legislators in person and making your voice heard is one of the most effective ways to help turn around the State of Illinois between elections.
We plan on meeting in the Capitol Building at 11AM (tentative), and facilitating meetings with legislators for the rest of the day. We plan on chartering at least 1 bus from Chicago-area and making a couple of stops along the way to Springfield to pick up citizens. Last year our stops were in Downers Grove and the Bloomington-Normal area.
RSVP online here and the Illinois Policy Institute will:
* Help set up meetings with your legislator.
* Provide you with policy educational material to bring to your legislator meetings on Capitol Day.
* Inform you about free bus transportation options.
* Keep you informed about becoming a volunteer District Liaison and our “Adopt-A-Legislator” program.
Please contact me at bcostin@illinoispolicy.org if you have any questions about Capitol Day.
The Tea Parties
by Loren Heal
Attenddes at the Illinois Tea Party 912 and Patriot Group Rountable Meeting in Peoria IL on November 21 2010
I didn’t say all of this, and I probably said other stuff, but working off my notes and memory, here it is:
If there is one thing I could say to the Tea Parties it is that “Tea Parties” is and must remain plural. There is not one single Tea Party.
This may seem trite, but the doltish hosts on CNN and the networks often ask what “the Tea Party” will think of some new policy question. The Tea Parties are individual, autonomous local groups led by highly capable and hard-working people. If they, or rather we, have the same opinion on an issue, it’s because that is how most Americans feel about it.
I see on the agenda is a time for stating our goals. My goal is simple. I want the total destruction of Marxism as an ideology. I want anyone who even breathes something about redistributing wealth to be laughed out of the public square.
A leader earlier spoke of defeating the RINOs (Republicans In Name Only) inside the Republican Party. That’s a worthy goal, but what is a RINO, really? No two of us are united in all of our views. A RINO, then, must be someone who is outside the mainstream of Republican ideology. The question, obviously, is where to draw the line.
But I say that’s the wrong way to look at it. Ask yourself why you got into this movement. It wasn’t power or to count heads. It was ideas, principles. It was ideology. There are those on the inside of the Republican Party and Democratic Party as well who don’t pursue ideology, but power.
Our fight is against those in the Republican Party who are interested primarily in power.
John Cornyn of the NRSC (National Republican Senatorial Committee) is a perfect example. John Cornyn is a conservative. He’s pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, and pro-defense, and is otherwise for smaller government and lower taxes, generally. But Cornyn’s primary driver is power, especially the headcount in the Senate. He is the one who gave us Mark Kirk and Carly Fiorina and tried to clear the way for them in the primaries.
Consider some of the national Tea Party groups. They ask you for money and try to get you to fold your organization into theirs. They want your allegiance and to be able to speak for you.
Resist that. Beware anyone who would divide by amassing power.
So what are we to do? Someone said earlier that people were considering leaving the Republican Party if things got any worse. I say don’t abandon the Republican Party, take it over. And then take over the other parties, as well.
As Brian Milleville noted earlier, 51% of Ilinois precincts do not have a Precinct Committeeman. I see some puzzled looks.
The place where you go to vote is called your precinct. In both parties there is one person called the Precinct Committeeman who takes care of Get Out The Vote in that precinct. He recruits election judges and poll watchers. And only the elected Precinct Committeemen in a county get to vote for County Chairman.
We lost the governor’s race by about 20,000 votes on November 2nd. That is less than the number of registered Republicans who stayed home in any of several Illinois counties — St Clair, Madison, DuPage, Will, and of course Cook.
If we had had a functioning Republican Party in this past election would have won the Governorship. We now have to wait four more years of misery before we can try again, and sit helplessly by while the Democrats carry out redistricting.
Missouri Ahead of the Game in Dealing with Illegal Immigrants
Thanks again for allowing me to represent you in the state capitol. Feel free to contact me with your concerns, suggestions and ideas. My office phone is 573-751-2492. Email address: nitajane.ayres@house.mo.gov Or write to: State Representative Nita Jane Ayres, House Post Office, State Capitol, Room 233-A, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Source: The Ozarks Sentinel, May 13, 2010 – Written by Missouri State Representative Nita Jane Ayres.
\
Posted in Illegal Immigration | Tags: Cook County Tea Party Blog, Illegal Immigration | No Comments »
Tell Congress to Stop the FCC Internet Takeover
In its efforts to impose crippling net neutrality regulations on the Internet-an idea with very little support from the American public or Congress-the Obama administration turned to the FCC to simply pretend Congress has given it authority to regulate. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals emphatically smacked down that attempt in Comcast v. FCC.
But President Obama and his close friend, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski, refuse to back down. Chairman Genachowski used the threat of esclating to the regulatory equivalent of a nuclear attack (reclassifying broadband Internet as an old-fashioned telephone system) to coerce industry into accepting net neutrality regulations.
We must get Congress to step in and STOP the FCC now!
Please click here and fill out the form to urge Congress to step in and stop the FCC.
Source: American For Prosperity
Chicago Mayoral Forum on Education
The future of school reform in Chicago might well be decided at the ballot box this February when voters select the next mayor of Chicago. That’s why the Illinois Policy Institute is proud to co-sponsor an upcoming candidate’s forum on December 15th that will focus solely on the topic of education and Chicago Public Schools.
The following mayoral candidates have agreed to attend: Gery Chico, City Clerk Miguel Del Valle, Sen. Carol Moseley Braun, and State Sen. Rev. James Meeks. Former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel will not be in attendance, and Congressman Danny Davis has been invited and is considering participating.
The forum will be moderated by Andy Shaw, a longtime Chicago journalist who now heads the well-respected Better Government Association. Co-sponsoring the event are the Illinois Raise Your Hand Coalition and Northside Democracy for America.
The Chicago Mayoral Forum on Education will take place at Walter Payton High School (1034 N. Wells) on December 15th. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for this event are free, but space will be limited. For those unable to attend, a live webcast will be available.
To sign up for this event, please log on to www.ilraiseyourhand.org.
Source: Email from Illinois Policy Institute
Collin Hitt
Director of Education Policy
Illinois Policy Institute
SB600: Litmus Test for Party Reform
By CEDRA CRENSHAW • December 1, 2010
Source: Republican News Watch
In speaking to small groups of conservatives across Illinois after the election, many people are disappointed in the results of November 2nd. Michael Madigan won the election, consolidated his clout, and now is at the zenith of his power. Now, Madigan controls both political money under “campaign finance reform” and the legislative rewrite of the map. Plus he now has a grudge since his reputation was tarnished. How did Democratic Governor Quinn, Speaker Madigan and Leader Cullerton all survive the national Republican tsunami? How are Illinois Republicans still in the minority – in every branch of state government?
Cedra Crenshaw Supports SB 600 To Reform the Illinois Republican Party | Photo by Laurie Hellmer
Now is the time to reform the way our Republican Party chooses our top leadership (SB600). Senate Bill 600 returns Republican Party leadership to a ballot box election during our party primaries. In other words, our leadership would once again be chosen by the people. It’s not a panacea, but reform is critical. If November 2nd did not convince you of that, the outline of events below should.
Under the current system, precinct committeemen in each US congressional district vote for their state central committeemen at the county conventions. Last spring, as a newly elected precinct committeeman, I exercised my vote for party leadership. I decided to vote for party reform (SB600) and the Illinois Republican Party platform which means I had to vote against Bolingbrook mayor and incumbent state central committeeman Roger Claar. This wasn’t an especially difficult decision – Claar is pro-choice, pro-gambling and still believes that George Ryan is innocent.
That night, Roger Claar let me know in no uncertain terms that I had just joined the “naughty” list.
For far too long, certain Republican leaders have put their personal interests above party principles. Roger Claar is a glaring example. He has a public alliance with Democratic state senator AJ Wilhelmi because Wilhelmi brings home the pork for Claar’s Bolingbrook. In fact, Claar was entirely willing once again to let Wilhelmi run unopposed in this election cycle. Since no Republican ran in the primary, I decided to run and was slated in March, just days before the deadline. By competing and not letting an insider safely deal a senate seat to the Democrats, my campaign cost Illinois Democrats and AJ Wilhelmi $1 MILLION defending the seat!
Potential candidates need to know that Claar’s endorsement does not even guarantee a win in his supposed stronghold of DuPage Township (Will County). With Claar’s support, both Bill Brady and State Rep. Candidate Maripat Oliver lost DuPage Township. Without Claar’s endorsement, I received more votes than both.
These examples are why Roger Claar’s “leadership” is so devastating to the Illinois Republican Party and the on-going concern of our state. Political deals are bankrupting our state financially and crippling our party’s ability to provide answers.
But, that’s only half the story:
During the same “elections” for party leadership and the state central committee last spring, from his perch of party power, Roger Claar is known to have bullied a future congressman’s fundraising campaign.
In March, newly nominated congressional candidate Adam Kinzinger supported Cory Singer to represent his own congressional district as state central committeeman. Claar however wanted to retain incumbent Barbara Peterson. I watched as the votes, hard work, and voices of my fellow precinct committeemen in the 11th congressional district were diluted when my county chairman voted all of the “vacant precincts” for Barbara Peterson. I was a witness as favors and insider relationships were traded – alongside intimidation and fear.
Claar let Kinzinger know in no uncertain terms that fundraising was in jeopardy. Roger Claar was willing to endanger a congressional seat, and possibly the national balance of power, for his own power play. We all know how this race turned out - congressman-elect Kinzinger won handily and is now on the national GOP transition team as a fast rising Top Gun.
Leaving party leadership decisions to party insiders willing to intimidate and corrupt the process needs to stop. Senate Bill 600 would put this power in the hands of the Republican primary voters.
Given a choice, I trust the Republican voters more than the insiders. Let’s run some real elections. The competition will be good for all of us.
Party leaders must be challenged if they are actively working against our own candidates. Party leaders should work to strengthen the voices of the people, not seek to silence them. It’s bad enough that Illinois Republican candidates have the Democrats working against them. It’s downright shameful and deplorable that Republicans in leadership positions work against Republican candidates as well. It’s got to stop. The line in the sand is drawn. Which side are you on?
Take action to reform the Illinois Republican Party by contacting your state representative and let them know that you want SB600 passed.
Run for precinct committeeman or recruit people who will.
Get actively involved in a liberty focused action group.
And last but not least, consider running for public office yourself.
Cedra Crenshaw is a wife, mother, education reformer and professional accountant. She was the Republican candidate for the Illinois State Senate in the 43rd District in 2010. She can be reached at Cedra@CedraCrenshaw.com.
Source: Republican News Watch, December 1, 2010.
U.S. Constitution Class to be taught in Chicago on Saturday December 11 2010
Constitutional Scholar Michael Badnarik is returning to Chicago for the 7th straight year to deliver his “Introduction to the Constitution” class. This is a great opportunity to spend the better part of a day completely focused on one of our great founding documents. After taking this class in 2004, I felt much more comfortable discussing the Constitution, I’ve been able to cite the key articles and sections, and learned what’s in it and what isn’t.
The value is incredible. If you want to become literate in the US Constitution in less than a day (and understand how badly it’s been abused and violated over the past several decades), don’t miss this opportunity.
Click here to watch Michael Badnarik give a five minute talk about the Unconstitutional Government.
December 11th, 2010 – CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Lincoln Restaurant
4008 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
Intersection of Lincoln & Irving Park & Damen
8:30am – 5:30pm (Note time change to 8:30am. Previously posted as 9am)
Please register as soon as possible
Cost is $100
Click her to register for the December 11, 2010 Constitution Class in Chicago
If you have taken the class in the past, please write your comments below about your experiences with the class.
Judy Biggert and Other Politicians Who Own Stakes in Airport Scanner Companies
Politicians Who Own Stakes in Airport Scanner Companies
By Elizabeth MacDonald
Published November 24, 2010
FOXBusiness
So which elected officials own stakes in full-body scanning machines now in more than 60 U.S. airports? And what are those individual investments worth?
We still can’t connect the dots to say that, because these Congressmen invested in these tech companies, than, ipso facto, those scanners were then put in place at airports across the country, now the subject of controversy.
But the Center for Responsive Politics says it’s done the legwork and after reviewing the most recent personal financial disclosure filings, found eight members of Congress — three Democrats and five Republicans – who owned at least $2,000 worth of stock in L-3 Communications, which is a government contractor purportedly involved in the full-body scanning machines.
The watchdog group says Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) owns the most stock in L-3 Communications — with a minimum investment of at least $500,000 and a maximum value of $1 million. Congressional financial disclosure forms allow Congressmen to report their assets in broad ranges.
However, that L-3 Communications stock is owned by his wife, Teresa Heinz, the Center says.
It also says that Republican Reps. Michael Castle (R-Del.) and Michael McCaul (R-Texas) “both disclosed possessing between $16,002 and $65,000 worth of L-3 Communications stock in 2009.”
And the Center says Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.) is listed as having the next most valuable holdings in L-3 Communications, worth between $15,001 and $50,000.
Full-body scanners have been slowly adopted in airports across the country over the last several years, but that pace picked up after the “underwear bomber” was caught last Christmas.
Earlier this year, L-3 Communications received a $165 million contract for the machines. RapiScan, was also awarded a $173 million contract, the center says.
Both companies have experienced increases in their federal lobbying expenses versus a few years ago, the Center says.
OpenSecrets says RapiScan has hired Michael Chertoff, former secretary of Homeland Security under Republican President George W. Bush. It also says former Republican Sen. Alfonse D’Amato (R-N.Y.) and Linda Daschle, the wife of former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), also lobby for L-3.http://www.cookcountyteaparty.com/wp-admin/post-new.php
Source: Fox Business
Chicago Tax Dollars Used to Create a Chicago Climate Action Plan — Three Neighborhood Meetings Will Explain the Plan
The goal of the Chicago Climate Action Plan is to “to reduce our emissions and prepare for change.”
Yikes! Not “change” again.
****
Email from the Chicago Department of the Environment
Dated Mon, Nov 29, 2010 at 5:03 PM
Register for the Chicago Climate Action Plan‘s Green Hall Meeting
Thursday, December 9, 6:30 – 8 pm
Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway
Chicago Climate Action Plan logo
The Chicago Climate Action Plan team will host a Green Hall Meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at the Broadway Armory.This meeting will be the first in a three-part series to introduce the Chicago Climate Action Plan to residents.
The remaining Green Hall Meetings will be at the Garfield Park Conservatory on Thursday, January 13, and the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation will be hosting the third Green Hall on Thursday, February 10. Stay tuned for final details on the remaining Green Halls.
The meetings will provide an opportunity for the community to learn about on-going climate action projects, the accomplishments made thus far and our plans for the future and how residents can help. There will be food, fun and prizes for all.
Space is limited, registration is required. Register by email at chicagoclimateaction@cityofchicago.org or by phone at 312.744.9137.
Posted in Budget - City of Chicago | Tags: Chicago Climate Action Plan, Cook County Tea Party Blog, Global Warming | No Comments »
List of the Congressional Lame Duck Agenda prepared by the South Florida Tea Party
Dear Patritos,
We must defeat or minimize the damage from the following:
- The DREAM Act - Amnesty for illegal immigrants beyond current military process of becoming a US Citizen – Send a Free Fax to Sen. LeMieux http://southfloridateaparty.net/content/stop-amnesty-send-free-fax-sen-lemieux
-Allow to expire all the Stimulus in all its forms including the Build America Bonds program. Be aware of the impact on profligate local and State governments and make adjustments where appropriate http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704648604575620610837699250.html?KEYWORDS=muni+federal+program
- TANF (expires December 4th)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temporary_Assistance_for_Needy_FamiliesThis is what was added http://economic-legislation.blogspot.com/2010/10/tanf-emergency-contingency-fund.html by the Stimulus and must end.
- FAA (Expires December 31st) Reduce TSA funding – Ask your Senator/Congressman to revert TSA back to contractor status, metal detectors, profiling and dogs. It’s less stressful;. costs less and more effective. Body scanners are a law enforcement tool for terrorists and smugglers. I am unconvinced the reduction of terrorism off sets the health and legal concerns.
-FDA Food Modernization Act – Will add more government control over food supply. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-510&tab=summary
- FCC Net Neutrality – a threat to free speech through regulation not legislation http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/05/06/how-the-fcc-plans-to-regulate-internet-lines/
- The Paycheck “Fairness” Act – A threat to Free Markets and extends government’s role into hiring and pay. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-1338
- Quantitative Easing – Defend your purchasing power by asking your Representatives to stop Quantitative Easing. I can’t stress the importance of telling DC to stop messing around with the values of our currency. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-11-08/china-says-fed-easing-may-flood-world-economy-with-hot-money-.html
This monetary easing is preventing recovery by devaluing the growth in savings and preventing self-reliance, investment at real market values and job creation. This Fed tactic makes all things in America more affordable to the rest of the world while pricing us out of the market because of supply and demand and a weak dollar for imports like coffee. We need to become more competitive rather then devalue everything we make and own, including our energy and food resources. Withdrawing taxpayer money from the market, paying down debt and contracting the monetary base will help to insulate the market from hyperinflation when real market demand growth occurs. We need market equilibrium and better market regulation, tax and oversight to increase adaptation, innovation and market efficiencies. We need the correction in Housing that the Fed is trying to prevent from the government manufactured bubble. The Fed says this is a liquidity crisis when consumer demand is weak. The only form of real market recovery is through the de-leveraging and savings being built by the American people. Watch a simple video on it here: http://www.southfloridateaparty.net/content/weekly-newsletter-lame-duck
In Liberty,
Everett Wilkinson & Team
http://www.SouthFloridaTeaParty.org
Source: email from South Florida Tea Party dated November 22, 2010
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The Patent Bill Pending in the US Congress is Unconstitutional
The Patent Bill is Unconstitutional
Originally posted April 29, 2011 on Eagle Forum
By Phyllis Schlafly
The biggest issue for many new Members of Congress and TEA Partiers is trying to hold the federal government within its constitutional limits. Unfortunately, the House now seems poised to pass a law in direct violation of the Constitution.
One of the most valuable individual rights guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution is the right of “inventors” to own “the exclusive right” to their “discoveries” for “limited times.” This right was set forth in Article I, Section 8, years before the rights to freedom of speech and religion were added.
This right is recognized and reinforced by our system of granting patents to inventors so they will be able to protect their exclusive ownership for a limited number of years, after which the invention goes into the public domain. U.S. patents are awarded to the “first-to-invent” a new and useful product.
Our system perfectly implements the stated purpose of the constitutional provision “to promote the progress of science” because, as James Madison explained in Federalist #43, it serves both individual property rights and the public good. The U.S. patent system was unique when the Constitution was written and still is unique in the world today.
Many important inventors have attested that they would not have had the incentive to labor for years creating their invention were it not that our system offers hope that its profits would enable them to achieve the American dream. Our patent system, which protects the property right of the inventor, is why the United States has produced most of the world’s great inventions and dominates the world in innovation.
All other countries award patents under an alien system called “first-to-file,” i.e., the first person to file a paper with a government office. Foreign and powerful financial interests are now haranguing us to make us believe that the new dogma of globalism demands that we “harmonize” our patent system with the rest of the world by changing from first-to-invent to first-to-file.
A bill to do this (S.23) already passed the Senate after a quickie hearing that did not include a single inventor, small business person, venture capital person, or constitutional authority. It’s now being pushed without any publicity in the House as H.R.1249.
But harmonization makes no sense. Why would we abandon the proven best system that has worked successfully for more than two centuries and replace it with a proven inferior system?
More important, this patent bill must be rejected because it is flat-out unconstitutional. The Constitution plainly states that the property right belongs to “inventors,” not to someone handing a piece of paper to a government bureaucrat.
Seven scholarly law review articles have examined this issue and concluded that first-to-file is unconstitutional. No scholarly review proves otherwise.
Grassrooters and TEA Partiers must not let Congress flout the Constitution by redefining the word “inventors” to be mean paper filers. The Constitution’s framers, and the early Congresses (which included many men who had been members of the Constitutional Convention), were very clear that first-to-invent is the meaning of the word “inventors.”
First-to-invent is in conformity with tradition and history, as well as consistent with originalist, strict constructionist, and textualist views of the Constitution. More than two hundred years of statutes and jurisprudence confirm the first-to-invent standard.
The Patent Acts of 1790 and 1793 legislated that the patent must be awarded to “the first and true inventor.” The Patent Act of 1836 used the language “original and true inventor” and “original and first inventor.”
In Evans v. Jordan (1813), Chief Justice John Marshall wrote that the Constitution guarantees the “exclusive” right “to the inventor from the moment of invention.” In Shaw v. Cooper (1833), the Supreme Court upheld the law that vested “the exclusive right in the inventor only.”
Now, the liberals are circulating the un-American notion that we should utilize treaties and foreign laws to re-interpret our Constitution and statutes. They want Congress to use its Treaty power or its Commerce Clause power to override the inventors clause, overturn over 200 years of settled and successful law, and put us on the road to a borderless patent system.
First-to-file would elevate paperwork over true inventions, dilute the quality of patents because applications would be rushed to be filed, and cede sovereignty on the direction of our own patent system. First-to-file favors foreign inventors and big corporations that have the lawyers and resources to file quickly and redundantly, while taking rights away from independent inventors and small businesses.
No matter what arguments of policy or efficiency are made by first-to-file supporters, we cannot let them violate or ignore the Constitution. Tell your Congressman to vote No on the patent bill.
Originally posted April 29, 2011 on Eagle Forum
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Posted on May 9, 2011 on the Cook County Illinois Tea Party blog “The Patent Bill Pending in the US Congress is Unconstitutional“