Future Candidate School – One week of training to prepare for your 2012 or 2014 campaign

Dear Friend,

Are you planning to run for office in 2012 or beyond?  Well, to succeed in your run for office, you must learn the right steps to take early on.

I invite you to attend the upcoming Future Candidate School at the Leadership Institute in Arlington, VA from August 8-12, 2011.

Political and campaign veterans from the communications, fundraising, and new media fields will teach you how to:

• Prepare yourself politically and financially
• Acquire attributes of effective candidates
• Build a winning coalition
• Avoid deadly mistakes

With the knowledge you’ll gain from LI’s Future Candidate School, you’ll be prepared for a successful candidacy and be able to win at any level!

Register before July 31st, and receive $50 off the $250 registration fee. You will also receive free lodging and meals while you stay with the Leadership Institute.

Also, as a participant of this school, you will have FREE admission to a special Online Fundraising Workshop on Tuesday, August 9th from 6:00-9:30pm.  You will learn how to development a successful online fundraising strategy that fits your campaigns needs.

I hope you can take advantage of LI’s first-rate training!  I encourage you to also pass this information along to your contacts who may be interested.

To register, please click here.  If you have any questions, please call me at 703-647-3578.

Sincerely,
Tyler Foote
Director of Political & New Media Training

Source:  Email from Leadership Institute dated July 14, 2011

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Posted on July 19, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Future Candidate School – One week of training to prepare for your 2012 or 2014 campaign“

Future Candiate School – One week of training to prepare for your 2012 or 2014 campaign is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Ayn Rand Distance Learning Program – The Objectivist Academic Center

Dear Admirer of Ayn Rand:

Are you a serious student of Ayn Rand’s ideas?  Are you interested in learning Rand’s philosophy in depth and applying it in the intellectual arena?  Then consider applying to ARI’s Objectivist Academic Center (OAC). The OAC is a distance-learning program designed to provide expert guidance in the study of Ayn Rand’s philosophy to those who are serious about advocating pro-reason, pro-individual rights, pro-capitalism views.

In case you’ve considered applying in the past, we wanted to make sure you knew that the OAC will be updating and refining its program offerings, starting this fall. The most significant change is that new students will be admitted into a one-year Core Course that’s better-tailored to their needs than the four-year program previously offered. For details, please see our revised Web site.

The application deadline for Fall admission is July 29, 2011.

Tuition waiver and phone scholarships available for most full-time college students. If you or anyone you know might be interested in the OAC, please visit our Web site. Contact oac@aynrand.org with any questions.

Sincerely,

Stewart Margolis
OAC Administrator

Source:  Email from Ayn Rand Institute <oac@aynrand.org> dated July 14, 2011

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Posted on July 19, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Ayn Rand Distance Learning Program – The Objectivist Academic Center”

Ayn Rand Distance Learning Program – The Objectivist Academic Center is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Screening of Iranium the movie in Chicago

Iran’s nuclear program presents a threat to international stability.  Yet successive American administrations – Republican and Democratic – alike have misread the intentions and actions of the Iranian regime.

How dangerous is a nuclear Iran, even if it never detonates a weapon?  What are the guiding principles of the Iranian leadership?  To what lengths would the regime go to carry out its agenda?  How far have Iran’s leaders already gone to fund the world’s most powerful terrorist organizations?  And why have American leaders failed to gain the upper hand in relations with Iran during the past 30 years?

In approximately 60 minutes, Iranium powerfully reports on the many aspects of the threat America and world now face using rarely-before seen footage of Iranian leaders, and interviews with 25 leading politicians, Iranian dissidents and experts on:  Middle East policy, terrorism, and nuclear proliferation.

You’re invited!:  Chicago Townhall Meeting, Tuesday, July 19, 2011 (3^rd Tuesday)

Iranium the movie – includes link to trailer – www.iraniumthemovie.com

——————————————————————————————–

Time:  6:30 pm cocktails and/or dinner & networking

             7:15 pm  announcements

 7:30 pm  film begins – (about 1 hour long)

 9:00 pm  adjourn

COST:  The Lincoln Restaurant requires a minimum order from each person of $5.00 to secure our private room.  A suggested donation of $4.00 would also be greatly appreciated.  All donations cover the costs of holding each meeting such as handouts, door prizes, nametags, etc.  This month donations will be appreciated to help cover the cost of the license fee for showing the movie. 

RSVP PLEASE (with head count / names) – this is very helpful for everyone!!! by replying to this email (rich.johns@iglide.net ) or call 312.420.3115

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!! – Help spread the word

****** DOOR PRIZES !!! – FOR EARLY ARRIVALS ******

 You’re invited!:  Chicago Townhall Meeting, Tuesday, July 19, 2011 (3^rd Tuesday)

Please arrive by 7:15 PM, so we can start and respect those who are on time.

WHERE:  Lincoln Restaurant

                  4008 N. Lincoln Ave & Irving Park Rd & Damen Ave. (4000 N, 2000 W)

                 Chicago, IL  60618   Tel:  773.248.1820

Directions to Lincoln Restaurant – type in your location at this link and click “Get Directions”

FREE PARKING:  behind restaurant – entrance off of Irving Park Road going west from Damen.  There is a rear entrance to the restaurant from the parking lot.

Source:  email from Chicago Town Hall

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Posted on July 19 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Screening of Iranium the movie in Chicago – Tuesday – July 19 2011”

Screening of Iranium the movie in Chicago – Tuesday – July 19 2011 is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

 Show your pro-Conceal Carry Stance at Anti-Conceal Carry Town Hall – Elk Grove IL

Show your pro-Conceal Carry Stance at Anti-Conceal Carry Town Hall – Elk Grove IL is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

List of Conservative Books to read this summer – the FreedomWorks Summer Reading List

List of Conservative Books to read this summer – the FreedomWorks summer reading list is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Schools and How they effect Property Taxes

Source: Email from  Homer/Lockport Tea Party dated July 16, 2011

Homer/Lockport Tea Party Meetings-July 25, Aug 29 and Sept 26

Next Three Meetings Schedule

Monday – July 25 2011 – Showing of “The Cartel” Movie

Movie Description: In his first feature film, director Bob Bowdon takes aim at America’s public school system, revealing a self-serving network of wasteful cartels that squander funding and fail to deliver when it comes to academic testing and basic skills. Both parents and teachers want change, but reform is an uphill battle in the face of heel-digging bureaucrats and so-called “dropout factories.” It’s a bona fide crisis that’s burgeoning out of control.

Monday – August 29 2011 - Schools and Levis

Our guest speaker will be talking about school levis and how they effect our property taxes.

Monday – Sept 26 2011 – A review of the Homer Township & Lockport Township Levis

Meeting time is 7:30 pm at the

American Legion

15052 Archer Ave.

Lockport, IL 6o441

View American Legion in Lockport, IL in a larger map

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Posted on July 16, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Trifecta of Tea Party Meetings about Schools and How they effect Property Taxes“

Trifecta of Tea Party Meetings about Schools and How they effect Property Taxes is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Voter Registrar Training for Illinois Residents

The Cook County Board of Elections is holding a training class for Illinois 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 Palos Tea Party and the Cook County GOP are sponsoring a deputy registrar class. The class will be held at the GOP office in Palos Hills. The date is July 30th.

The class will be from 9:30 to 10:30 or 11:00. Anyone can come. It is not required to be a resident of Cook County to attend.

Palos Township Republican Organization
10548 S. Roberts Road
Palos Hills, IL 60465

Participants who complete the class you can registrar anyone in the state of Illinois.

You must meet the requirement to be able to register to vote (citizen, Illinois resident 18 or older).

If you are not registered to vote, you can register at the training.

If you have moved to a new address, you can update your address at this training.

We need 20 people to have the class.  So, please register today.

jangusrn@att.net

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Posted on July 16, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Voter Registrar Training for Illinois Residents – July 30 2011 – Palos Hills IL“

Voter Registrar Training for Illinois Residents – July 30 2011 – Palos Hills IL is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

John Bambenek to Announce Plans to Run for State Senate in 52nd District

John Bambenek, Republican Precinct Committeeman from Champaign, will announce his 2012 campaign for the Republican Nomination for State Senate in the 52nd District at a series of events on Wednesday, June 15th.

John will hold press conferences at the following locations on Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

2:00 p.m. – Douglas Park Pavilion, Danville, IL

3:30 p.m. – Illinois Terminal, 4th Floor, 45 E University Ave, Champaign, IL

Mr. Bambenek invites all citizens and media to both events. More information will be available at http://www.johnbambenek.com.

John Bambenek
Republican Candidate for the 52nd State Senate District
http://www.johnbambenek.com

Write a comment below to wish John good luck with his campaign.

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Posted on June 10, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “John Bambenek to Announce Plans to Run for State Senate in 52nd District“

John Bambenek to Announce Plans to Run for State Senate in 52nd District is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

A Religious Madison’s Libertarian Revolution – Our Form of Government and Founding Documents

A few Questions and Possible Answers 4 of 4

Guest Commentary by Larry Tidrick

June 10 2011

Question #1:   When and how did we get away from the Constitution?

The destruction of our Constitution actually began before the New Deal Legislation.  This destruction began with the “so called” Progressive Era (late 1800s),  and the belief that “government could do good”.  The enactment of the Income Tax (16th Amendment), and the direct election of the Senate (17th Amendment), also , speeded up the destruction, by providing the Government with more revenues, and diminishing the concept of States Rights and Separation of Powers.  These Amendments were followed some years later by the Great Depression, President Hoover’s attempts to end the Depression, and FDR and  the New Deal, all leading up the Helvering Case.

In the Helvering  v Davis Case (1937), the Supreme Court ruled that the Welfare Clause meant Congress can legislate for the General Welfare of the People – never mind the stated, enumerated, limited, powers in Article 1, Section 8.  With the Helvering Case  ”the flood gates (to the unlimited exercise of power by the Government) were opened”.  (Pilon, Cato, Bibliography).  Following thereafter in other Court Cases came the broadening of the Commerce Clause, the Administrative State, and the refusal of the Courts to find and uphold all Unenumerated Rights.

Question #2:  How does going back to the Original Constitution solve these problems?

It should be apparent from the above discussion that Constitutional Government would be without any of our present moral, legal, political, and fiscal problems – once the mistakes of the past were replaced or declared unconstitutional.

First, we need to read the Constitution, learn it, follow it, and demand your public officials govern according to the Original Constitution.

Eventually, a wholesale insistence by the People that we move back to the Original Constitution would cause Congress and the Executive to enact only constitutional legislation, and replace unconstitutional legislation, and give the Supreme Court “the freedom” to declare cases such as Helvering v Davis unconstitutional.

A recent example of what would not work:  a Balanced Budget Amendment.  This is not a good idea because a balanced budget would only provide that any spending would be balanced by similar revenues.  This would not assure only constitutional spending.

Without going back to the  concept of the Federal Government held by a majority of the People before the Great Depression – the concept of running the Government according to our Constitution – we can’t hope to return to the concept of morality set forth in our Original Constitution, assure limited government, and maximum liberty and individual responsibility.

To point out the undertaking we have before us, let me mention two Presidents.  The most recent excellent President was Grover Cleveland (1985  – 1989 and 1893 – 1897).  The last very good President was Harding (1921 – 1923) (Eland, Book, Bibliography).  Harding spent $3.289 Billion, and had a Surplus of $736 Million; in 2010, the Federal Government spent $3.552 Trillion and had a Deficit of $1.171 Trillion.  Our Federal Government today is more than 10 1/2 times the size of our Federal Government in 1922, and performing many unconstitutional functions.

Clearly, individual morality and responsibility and fiscally limited government was far less expensive than this massive Federal Government we have today.

Question #3:   So, who in this field of candidates for President in 2012 follow the Constitution?

Ron Paul and Gary Johnson. Both do so 100%.  The rest of the candidates are politicians.

I truly wish we were choosing only from Candidates and a President who would govern constitutionally.

Actually, The First Lady has a good idea:  people should take care of their health and eating habits:  the problem is her solution:  more federal regulation and fewer rights.  Yes, you do have the right to take good care of yourself.

Question #4.  What would life be like,  in Washington, DC  and for the rest of us if We the People had the Federal Government governing according to our Original Constitution?

Dull  and boring for those in office and working in Washington, DC.  (O’Rourke, Book, Bibliography)  Congress and the Executive would only debate and sign legislation involving eighteen (18) enumerated powers, and those powers are limited.  It’s likely that no one would want to be in office more than a few terms.  Politicians would be in office for “civic duty” – not for power, money, or a future, lucrative position.  Probably there would be few lobbyists in Washington, as the Federal Government would cease to be the place where any group, Labor or Business, could hope to receive a handout.

For all of us, Government would be extremely inexpensive (that’s the “cost” of ” limited government”.)    Income taxes  could be reduced considerably, or, replaced by a consumption tax, to encourage savings and investment.  For the Republic, this, new, truly limited government would bring rich rewards to the private sector, (remember, the essence of rights is first, Property and Contract Rights).

In the private sphere, the market place would actually be deciding “the winners and the losers”, because, limited government means less government in everything, and the markets policing themselves to stay profitable.  Limited Government also means if the business takes a risk and goes bankrupt there’s no government bailing it out.  Since only oil, natural gas, and coal are proven fuels economically, (Taylor & Van Doren, Cato, Bibliography), there wouldn’t be a nuclear, wind, or bio fuel industry.  Despite the “downsizing’ of the federal government and no handouts,  unemployment should actually be reduced, as there would be many people available for productive, innovative new products.  GDP should increase.  There should be new manufacturing as well.  We would be challenging China in economic growth as a “newly developing” Industrial Nation – not as an old Industrial Power becoming a Welfare State, as we are today.  Hopefully, we would move back to sound money – a Gold Standard – again.  Taxes should be dramatically lower, challenging the entire World to compete with America.

The Declaration of Independence and Original Constitution are “still there”.

All we have to do is read, understand, teach, and promote these Founding Documents to each other and our leaders.

Good luck to all of us in our journey.

Guest commentary by Larry Tidrick CPA, MBA

What do you think about Larry’s commentary?  Share your comments below and let him know if you agree with him.

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Copyright (c) 2011 by Larry Tidrick - Posted on June 10, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Guest Commentary – Part 4 of 4 – A Religious Madison’s Libertarian Revolution – Our Form of Government and Founding Documents“

Guest Commentary – Part 4 of 4 – A Religious Madison’s Libertarian Revolution – Our Form of Government and Founding Documents is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

God Bless America – Patriot Musical Review – June 2011 – Only Five Performances

Discount for Tea Party members!

Mestas Musicals will be performing a multi-media musical tribute to our country titled “God Bless America.”   The show will open at the White Fence Farm Restaurant in Romeoville on June 14^th .  With subsequent shows on the 15^th, 22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th.   In essence it is a dinner theatre event.

Mestas Musicals - God Bless American - Patriotic Musical Review

A fellow Tea Party member saw this production last year and thought it was a perfect for the Tea Parties.

The show takes us through the history of our country and what our country was founded on as Historical figures are portrayed who tell and sing the story.  Some of these figures are:  Betsy Ross, Columbus, John Adams, the Pilgrims, etc.  It also has a segment where Veterans are honored as military theme songs are sung while Veterans in the audience stand at their branch of service.  It is very touching.  This is accompanied by video footage from all the branches highlighting the wars that have been fought.

This show is a great tool to ignite people to become more active for the cause.  It is also a great tool to bring people who are not Tea Party members yet giving them a chance to see why it is so important to stand up for what is right.

My husband is a tea party member himself and because of his strong belief and convictions to support the Party, we decided to give a special invitation to all Tea Party members by reducing the rate for all who would like to come.   The usual price for lunch/dinner and show is $38 per person.  However we decided to offer it to the Tea Party members for only $30 per person.   This price includes:  dinner, show, tax and gratuity.  Children ten and under are only $20.   All dates are lunch and shows which begin at 12:00 pm with the exception of the Friday night dinner show on June 24^th at 6:30 pm.   Attached is a flyer reflecting this info.

Feel free to contact me to obtain more information.  You may also want to check out our website as on the home page there is a short video clip of our appearance on WGN where we performed 3 excerpts from this show.

I look forward to  hearing from you soon.

God bless,

Lori Mestas

Mestas Musicals

815.723.8093

www.mestasmusicals.com

Mestas Musicals – God Bless American – Tea Party Discount Flyer

Do you plan to attend this patriotic event?  Share your plans below in the comment section.

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Posted on June 10, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “God Bless America Musical Review – June 2011 – Only Five Performances“

God Bless America – Patriot Musical Review – June 2011 – Only Five Performances – Discount for Tea Party Members is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Tea Party Meeting – Understanding Local Taxing Powers

Meeting about Understanding local taxing powers will be hosted by the Lemont Tea Party and DuPage Tea Party.

Home owners in Suburban Cook County and DuPage county pay many local taxes.  The taxes include:

Local Public Library Taxes
Local Park District Taxes
Local Police Taxes
Local General Assistance Taxes
Local Fire District Taxes
Local Village Taxes
Local Road and Bridge Taxes
Local Township Taxes

The topics discussed at the meeting will include:

Disclose local historical tax % increases on your County Tax Bill.
Explain how local boards increase taxes.
Explain how local taxing bodies affect utility and telephones bills.
Provide time and locations of local public board meetings.
Explain how to understand local property tax bills.
Provide contact information for tax increase decisions by local taxing bodies.
Provide insight on how to effectively dialogue with board members
Provide insight on how to decrease current taxes and eliminate tax increases.
Explain local government salaries, benefit, pensions, and government unions.
Explain difference between government pensions, 401K’s and IRAs.
Explain different taxing methods of local, state, and federal taxing bodies.

(Bring Your Property Tax Bill)
Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 6:30pm
Carriage Green Golf Course
8700 Carriage Green Drive, Darien, IL.

What do you think about all of the taxes that you pay in your area?

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Posted on June 10, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Tea Party Meeting – Understanding Local Taxing Powers – June 23 2011“

Tea Party Meeting – Understanding Local Taxing Powers – June 23 2011 is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Lemont School Districts Consolidation – Exploratory Committee Forming – Lemont Tea Party

Source:  June 8, 2011 email from Lemont Tea Party

The Lemont Tea Party is looking for people to join a committee that will be exploring the issues that pertain to the consolidation of the Lemont school districts.  The proposed consolidation idea involves the Lemont-Bromberek 113A (K-8) and Lemont High School 210.

Mr. James Jandora has been working toward this goal since 2005. With all the financial difficulties at 113A and with the high school superintendent retiring next year, this may be a good time to pursue this issue.

If consolidation of the two districts is found to be feasible then it’s worth putting our efforts toward getting it done. Please let us know if you would like to be a part of this committee by contacting us at lemontteaparty@gmail.com.

The Lemont Tea Party
Email: lemontteaparty@gmail.com
Website: www.lemontteaparty.com

What do you think about consolidating the Lemont grammar school and high school districts?  Share your thoughts below.

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Posted on June 10, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Lemont School Districts Consolidation – Exploratory Committee Forming – Lemont Tea Party“

Lemont School Districts Consolidation – Exploratory Committee Forming – Lemont Tea Party is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

IL Congressional Districts – New Map Boundaries Proposed by Illinois Democrats – May 2011

In May 2011, the Illinois Democrats proposed new boundaries for the IL Congressional districts. If these IL Congressional districts are approved, they will be in effect for the 2012 elections through the 2020 elections.

The map below is a google map of the proposed IL Congressional districts, it is possible to zoom in and out to view the proposed boundaries. It is also possible to drag the map up and down and side to side, to view any part of the map.

Click twice on the white plus button (+) in the upper left corner of the map and the Illinois map will fill the screen.

View Larger Map

Map source: Illinois House Democrats

If this this map takes a long time to load,then it will be best to go to the source of the map. The source map has an option to uncheck some of the districts. The map will load much faster when only one or two districts are viewed at a time.

Click her to view the source map of the  Illinois Proposed Congressional Map Boundaries as of May 2011. (BAD LINK!!)

NOTE: It appears that the link was changed. Here is the link that worked on 5/31/2011 at 9:25pm.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=http:%2F%2Filhousedems.com%2Fredistricting%2F2011-maps%2FSenate_Bill_1178_House_Amendment_2%2Fab9Plan0549.kmz&aq=&sll=39.739318,-89.504139&sspn=9.440222,19.753418&ie=UTF8&ll=40.036027,-89.318848&spn=1.791644,7.503662&t=h&z=8

Click here to view the current IL Congressional district boundaries (2002 to 2011) http://www.govtrack.us/congress/findyourreps.xpd?state=IL

Click her to view the proposed Illinois House and Illinois Senate district boundaries.

What do you think about the proposed Congressional districts? Share your thoughts below.

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Posted on May 28, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “IL Congressional Districts – New Map Boundaries Proposed by Illinois Democrats – May 2011”

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IL Congressional Districts – New Map Boundaries Proposed by Illinois Democrats – May 2011 is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

A Religious Madison’s Libertarian Revolution – Our Form of Government and Founding Documents

Our Original Constitution Part 3 of 4

Guest Commentary by Larry Tidrick

June 10 2011

3 A.  Art. 1, Sect. 8 – United States Constitution

Specifies the 18 enumerated powers of  the Legislature. Three (3) of these enumerated powers are the Welfare Clause, the Commerce Clause, and the Necessary and Proper Clause.

1.  The Welfare Clause  - specifies that the government serves all of the People, not a single faction or region of the Country.  This does not mean the Government can do anything it wants “for the People” to “take care of their General Welfare”.

2.  The Commerce Clause – specifies that the federal government shall legislate commerce between the several states. This does not mean the Government can regulate anything and everything, either within a state and among the states, but only that it can regulate trade among the states.

3.  The Necessary and Proper Clause – specifies that only laws which are necessary and proper to carry out the enumerated powers herein shall be become law.  This does not mean that the Government can legislate whatever it wants that it thinks is “Necessary and Proper” to take care of the General Welfare or any other enumerated power.

Some of the other enumerated powers  - but not all – specified in Article 1, Section 8 include the power to lay and collect taxes  (there was no income tax prior to the 16th Amendment, ratified in 1913), the power to impose Duties,  Imposts, and Excises; the power to pay Debts, the power to provide for the common defense, the power to borrow money, and the power to coin money.  Also included as an enumerated powers is the authorization for a patent office, the building of postal roads, the formation of armed services, and the right to declare war.

Discussion of Point #3 A.:

Again to emphasize, particularly the meaning of the Welfare Clause:  We the People created the Federal Government to protect us and our rights, so we could go about our business of living without having to have a gun in one hand all of the time to protect our property.  We have given the Government the power to “hold a shot gun”, figuratively and literally,  and  to keep people and trouble away from us.  We have not constitutionally given the Government the power to give us “things” .  The Redistribution of Income is illegal and unconstitutional, as our property is one of our most sacred rights, and can’t be taken from us by the Government and given to another constitutionally.  For the Government to take from Person A and give to Person B, would be no different morally than for Person B to take Person  A’s property “in broad daylight”.  It doesn’t matter if Person B is worth $110 Billion and Person A is worth $1 – or vice versa.  Property Rights are one of the major reasons people from all over the World wish to come to America.  They are looking to our Constitution to continue to protect their property, Contract, and other Rights.

If Person B wants to give all of his $110 Billion to Person A he can do that anytime he wishes.  But, he’s under no obligation to do so.  If Person B wants to give his $1 to Person B and say “I am going to live in a gutter” or – ‘I am going to make my own $110 Billion” – he can do so.  But no one can steal from another or have the government steal for you, constitutionally, in the name of “fairness”.

The Constitution, is not a means of passing out charity to any person or group, whether their cause be good or bad, whether their needs be large or small.

Obviously, the Original Constitution promotes equal, rather than progressive taxation, as well, for the same moral reasons as above:  the Government can’t take from one to give to another, but can tax for general and constitutional purposes, so when the Government does tax for general purposes it must take proportionately equally from each individual.

3 B.  9th Amendment

All of the rights enumerated (1st – 10th Amendments – the Bill of Rights) are retained by the People, plus any rights not enumerated (called Unenumerated Rights).    Yes, you have the right to do about anything you could do before our Constitution – within limitations – just as long as you do not violate the rights of another.

Discussion of Point #3 B.:

If the 9th Amendment sounds radical to you, think about the true meaning of Liberty.  The Founders believed in individual liberty and limited government.    We fought a Revolution to protect our Individual Rights.  We still have all of our rights and that does include the right to be anything we wish to be, provided we don’t harm others.  But, remember:  with rights come responsibility.  If we only have the Right to make our way as best we can, and the Government doesn’t have the right to give us free medical care, how many Big Macs, exactly, do you want to eat?  Also, how much marijuana do want to smoke, and heroin do you want to inject?  My point is:  “you’re paying the bill – responsible – in all aspects” for your actions, financially and in regards to your reputation.  Obviously, under those terms of the Constitution you might not exercise every right that you could constitutionally exercise.  Having a right doesn’t mean you exercise the right (Pilon, Cato, Bibliography).

As you can see, with the Declaration of Independence, and with Article 1, Section 8, and the 9th Amendment of the Original Constitution, we definitely created a Constitution which was “a sea of liberty with islands of democracy”.  (Pilon, Cato, Bibliography), but, according to our Constitution, it is up to us – not the Government – as to how we manage our liberties, and the consequences to ourselves.   If we were governing according to the Original Constitution, one would surely say:  manage wisely.

3 C.  10th Amendment

Specifies that those powers not granted to the Federal Government are retained by either the States or the People.

Discussion of Point #3 C:

Since we only gave the Federal Government a few powers, any other powers reside with the People or with the individual States.  This is the concept of Dual Sovereignty.  The citizens of some states have given their government more powers than have other states.  As Governor Mitt Romney has said over and over, the State of Massachusetts, for example, has been given the power to create RomneyCare by the people of Massachusetts.  However, under the Original Constitution (as opposed to today’s Living Constitution), there is no possibility that ObamaCare would be constitutional:  there isn’t an enumerated power in Article 1, Section 8 giving the Federal Government the power to establish any entitlement or healthcare programs.  All of these entitlements were begun during the New Deal or later, unconstitutionally, and continued and added on to by later Congresses and Administrations of both Major Parties.

3 D.  14th Amendment

Specifies that the rights specified in this Constitution as retained by the People in regards to the Federal Government are also retained by the People in regards to their relationships with individual States.

Discussion of Point #3 D:

Just as we retained out rights and still set up a Federal Government, we retain all of those same rights in our actions as a citizen of a particular state.

3 E.  Foreign Affairs and the Constitution:

Since the Government was formed to protect our rights, this could include the obligation to protect our rights beyond our National Borders – if our rights (security) are in jeopardy. That is, National Security could be construed to be a natural extension of the Government’s obligation to provide security and protect our Individual Rights at home.    (Barnett, Supreme Court Review, Bibliography)

3 F.  (Article 5) Amendment Process

Either 2/3 of both Houses or 2/3 of all of the States may propose amendments to the Constitution.  These Amendments are ratified upon passage by 3/4 of all of the States Legislatures or Conventions.

Discussion of Point #3 F:

We may make constitutional changes to the Constitution but any changes will require super majorities of Congress and the States.  Changes will not be made in haste.  However, make only those additions which do not change our Constitution’s moral fabric.  (Pilon, Cato, Bibliography).

This entire Article 5 Process was circumvented by the New Deal in the 1930s.  Those in the New Deal “didn’t want to wait” for the Amendment Process to approve their plans for the Country – or they feared their new plans would never be approved through the process outlined in Article 5 – so. with a willing public, a willing Congress, and a willing Judicial Branch they began  the near complete destruction of our Constitution with the enactment of New Deal Legislation.

To conclude this discussion:  the Founders put in all sorts of checks and balances and processes within our Constitution to avoid the destruction of our Constitution, but, if the public is as willing today as it has been since the New Deal to destroy any semblance of our Constitution, “Democracy” will reign, and our Country will be bankrupt, morally, legally, politically, and fiscally.

Note also:  each time the Federal Government – or any government, for that matter – has more power, you, in turn, have fewer rights.

This guest commentary was written by Larry Tidrick

What do you think about Larry’s commentary?  Share your comments below and let him know if you agree with him.

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Copyright (c) 2011 by Larry Tidrick - Posted on June 10, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Guest Commentary – Part 3 of 4 – A Religious Madison’s Libertarian Revolution – Our Form of Government and Founding Documents“

Guest Commentary – Part 3 of 4 – A Religious Madison’s Libertarian Revolution – Our Form of Government and Founding Documents is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

A Religious Madison’s Libertarian Revolution – Our Form of Government and Founding Documents

Our Declaration of Independence Part 2 of 4

Guest Commentary by Larry Tidrick

June 10 2011

We are all created equal.  Our rights come from the Creator (or Nature), and we have formed a government solely to protect our rights.  Among those rights are the right to life (property), liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  All of our rights are unalienable rights.

(United States Constitution – 2nd paragraph, first 6 lines).

Discussion of Point #2:

Our rights come straight from the Creator (or Nature), not from the Federal Government.  We give the Federal Government, in our Constitution, just enough power to protect those rights.  We retained the rest of our rights. The Government absolutely, positively, cannot constitutionally give us a right; not an Entitlement, not a farm subsidy, not welfare, not an education, not a student loan, or anything else.  These are not rights, they are commodities, bought with someone else’s taxes or with debt.  The rights which come from the Creator are called “Negative Rights” and require the Government and everyone else to simply “get out of our way” so we can exercise these rights.  They are not commodities, rather, they are the rights to do for ourselves – to be free and capable men and women.

This guest commentary was written by Larry Tidrick

What do you think about Larry’s commentary?  Share your comments below and let him know if you agree with him.

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Copyright (c) 2011 by Larry Tidrick - Posted on June 10, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Guest Commentary – Part 2 of 4 – A Religious Madison’s Libertarian Revolution – Our Form of Government and Founding Documents”

Guest Commentary – Part 2 of 4 – A Religious Madison’s Libertarian Revolution – Our Form of Government and Founding Documents is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

A Religious Madison’s Libertarian Revolution: Our Form of Government & Founding Documents

Our Form of Government Part 1 of 4

Guest Commentary by Larry Tidrick
June 6 2011

In 1789, coming out of Constitution Hall, Benjamin Franklin was asked:  “Sir, what have you given us?”

Mr. Franklin replied:  “A Republic, Ma’am, if you can keep it.”

In a Republic there is the rule of law (the Rule of Law being the Constitution); in a Democracy, there is the rule of the majority.  The essence of freedom is the proper limitation of government, and only a Constitutional Republic can accomplishment that outcome.  A constitution will set forth the powers of the executive, the legislature, and the judicial branch.  In a Republic, the elected officials govern according to their constitution, and are solely elected to carry out the rule of law set forth in that constitution.  The rule of law can only be constitutionally changed through the amendment process set forth within that constitution.  In a Democracy, the elected officials “do the biding”  of the majority, whatever that is, at that moment, uncontrolled by the rule of law within a constitution.  (Video:  A Primer:  Are We a Democracy or a Republic?  Bibliography)

The word “Democracy” is nowhere to be found in our US Constitution, nor in the Constitution of any of the 50 States of the Union.

A country will last forever if it’s a Republic – and stays a Republic – because it has rules ( a constitution) setting out the limits of the government and the rights of the people.  A Democracy, on the other hand, is “a mad house”, if you will, because it can only last if:  1)  you print your own money; 2)  you’re willing to give away your rights for a handout from the Government; and 3) other countries and your kids are willing to lend you money forever for the things you “give yourself” which cost more than your tax revenues.

Real Debt today in this Country is $119 Trillion (intergovernmental, unfunded, and explicit)(“Are we Broke?”, Tanner, Cato, Bibliography).

Abandoning our Original Constitution, however, as we have done, has done more than simply enslave us and future generations with debt: we have also abandoned the moral, legal, and political concepts of our Constitution, which are the very basis of our once proud Republic.  (Pilon, Cato, Bibliography).  It is these concepts which separated us from all other Nations.

This guest commentary was written by Larry Tidrick

What do you think about Larry’s commentary?  Share your comments below and let him know if you agree with him.

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Copyright (c) 2011 by Larry Tidrick - Posted on June 6, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Guest Commentary – Part 1 of 4 – A Religious Madison’s Libertarian Revolution: Our Form of Government & Founding Documents“

Guest Commentary – Part 1 of 4 – A Religious Madison’s Libertarian Revolution: Our Form of Government & Founding Documents is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Right to Carry Bill – Illinois HB 148 – No Vote Recorded – Current Status is Postponed Consideration

ISRA Alert - A Message From ISRA Executive Director Richard Pearson

Source – May 27 2011 email from Illinois State Rifle Association

There has been a great deal of conjecture out there about what we are going to do after placing HB148 on postponed consideration. First let me explain what postponed consideration means.

It simply means the sponsor with drew the bill before the vote could be recorded. The bill is still alive and will be until the second Wednesday in January 2013. This means we can bring the bill back during veto session, next session, or next veto session.

You will not see HB148 brought up again before May 31st ,which is the end of the Spring 2011 session. There is no way to do it and have any better results. Long before the vote it was decided that if the bill did not pass we would sue the State of Illinois over the inability of Illinois citizens to defend themselves outside of their home. Illinois is the only state that does not allow either open carry or concealed carry. We have now begun the legal challenges to the Illinois laws with the NRA. The is another challenge from the Second Amendment Foundation on a similar basis. Illinois is now facing two law suits over the inability of Illinois citizens being able to defend themselves outside their homes. Brandon Phelps the CCW sponsor warned the House of Representatives that they would be in court if the bill was not passed.

Within seven days we delivered on that promise. If we get CCW by court order I am happy with that. If it comes by court order the legislature will have to still enact some legislation but they will find their hands are tied. We offered a good bill and they turned it down.

These lawsuits will take time to make their way through the court system. There is a great deal of work that goes into these suits every day before they are heard in court. It is not a simple thing to file a law suit. There is always on going work behind the scenes. Be patient.

We promised that in 2011 we would get a up and down vote on CCW and we did. We had to probe and find out the other side’s strengths, weakness, and reactions. We have done that.

There were a few surprises but not many. We have a lot of work to do in the next few months.

This effort has taken a toll on our resources and our energy. We have to develop new strategies and reinforce old ones that work. We are not quitting. Remember we fiercely believe in the Second Amendment and the right to self defense. We will win this battle. As I reminded one of our opponents – “You don’t defeat us- we just fall back reload and attack again.”

Note by Don Moran, ISRA President: This summer will see a lot of activity in relation to
HB-148 and all the pending litigation ISRA is involved in, Ezel v Chicago
(Chicago range suit), Wilson v Cook County (Cook County Assault Weapon Ban),
ISRA v ISP (FOID Privacy), and ISRA v Madigan (Carry suit).

It is very important that we are able to contact as many of you and your friends as possible quickly when action is needed. I know you get tired of hearing it, but funding all this requires constant vigilance as well. We’ve put on even more lobbyists this year and we are now involved in an incredible amount of litigation on behalf of Illinois firearm owners.

When people ask you, who is the ISRA, or what has ISRA done for me lately, let them know all of the above, and then ask them what have they are doing for the fight RIGHT NOW?

We need their help as well.

UPDATE: Wilson v Cook County, the ISRA’s suit seeking to overturn the
Cook County Assault Weapon ban, was granted leave to appeal by the Illinois
Supreme Court yesterday, meaning the Court will hear the case.

Source – May 27 2011 email from Illinois State Rifle Association

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Posted on June 6, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog,  ”Right to Carry Bill – Illinois HB 148 – No Vote Recorded – Current Status is Postponed Consideration“

Right to Carry Bill – Illinois HB 148 – No Vote Recorded – Current Status is Postponed Consideration is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Meet Congressman Robert Dold in Downtown Chicago

Wednesday June 8 2011

Source:  June 3, 2011 email from Illinois Policy Institute

Last November, voters sent more free market candidates to Capitol Hill. Now, months later—as the national debate over the debt ceiling, spending, and entitlement reform continues—is this new class of legislators delivering on their campaign promises?

You are invited to join Congressman Robert Dold on Wednesday, June 8, for a cocktail hour discussion and important update from Capitol Hill.

Congressman Dold will provid an update on the latest legislative action in the U.S. Congress and the importance of restoring a focus on fiscal responsibility to Washington, D.C.

Rep. Robert Dold
10th District, Illinois

Seats are filling up, so RSVP today! Here are the details:

Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: 190 South LaSalle, 40th Floor Library, Chicago, IL 60603
Cost: $30 pre-event; $35 at the door

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. I hope to see you there!

For more information, contact:

Katie Truesdell
Illinois Policy Institute

Source:  June 3, 2011 email from Illinois Policy Institute

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Posted on June 6, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog,” Meet Congressman Robert Dold in Downtown Chicago – Wednesday June 8 2011 2011”

Meet Congressman Robert Dold in Downtown Chicago – Wednesday June 8 2011 2011 is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Right Online in Minneapolis

If you are planning to attend RightOnline and can use the free tickets, contact CookCountyTeaParty@gmail.com to claim the tickets.

Information about RightOnline.

This summer, the Americans for Prosperity Foundation will host the fourth annual RightOnline conference in Minneapolis, MN on June 17 to 18.

Conservative leaders like Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Fox News Contributor and best-selling author Michelle Malkin, conservative commentator and author Andrew Breitbart, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, Fox News Contributor S.E. Cupp, RedState.com’s Erick Erickson, HotAir.com’s Ed Morrissey, TownHall.com’s Guy Benson, the Wall Street Journal’s John Fund, and many more will all be at RightOnline.

RightOnline will also feature new media training presented by the Leadership Institute for individual activists and organizations. Activists can learn about blogging 101, Twitter, and using social media to build a political writing career. Political organizations can learn about blogger outreach, online advertising, online fundraising, managing data, and evaluating web vendors.

Register online now with the discount code “leadership” to receive 20% off.

For the fourth straight year, RightOnline will be at the same time and place as NetRoots Nation, the largest annual gathering of liberal bloggers and activists. The national media will converge on Minneapolis to report on the latest news from both events and use it as a barometer for measuring the momentum on each side. In previous years, RightOnline was covered in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, C-SPAN, National Public Radio, and many other outlets.

This will be a great opportunity to network and meet with grassroots activists, influential bloggers, and other representatives of conservative organizations. I hope you will join us in Minneapolis for this important event.

Join the Cook County Tea Party Mailing List

Posted on June 5, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “RightOlnine 2011 in Minneapolis”

Join the Cook County Tea Party Mailing List

Right Online in Minneapolis – Two free tickets available is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

What is Shariah Law and Shariah Finance?

Homer/Lockport Tea Party Meeting

Monday, June 27 at 7:30 pm

The following video giving you a short synopsis on Sharia Law and Sharia Finance. This is a vitally important topic and we encourage you to bring your friends.

June 27 – 7:30 pm
American Legion in Lockport

15052 Archer Avenue, Lockport, IL 60441-2258

What do you think about Shariah Law?  Share your thoughts below.

Click here to sign up for the Cook County Tea Party Mailing List

Posted on June 6, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Meeting – What is Shariah Law & Shariah Finance?“

Meeting – What is Shariah Law and Shariah Finance? is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Summary of Illinois Legislative Activity Spring Session 2011

GOP holds going out of business sale in Springfield

That title probably isn’t as accurate as it could be. It wasn’t really a “sale.” In actuality Republican state lawmakers simply gave away the store to the Democrats.

Summary of Illinois Legislative Activity Spring Session 2011 is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial, in New Lenox Illinois

The Moving Wall visits New Lenox Illinois

May 26-30, 2011

“The Moving Wall” is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for more than twenty years. When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of “The Wall.” He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington.

John, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver, and other Vietnam veteran volunteers built The Moving Wall. It went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas in October of 1984. Two structures of The Moving Wall now travel the USA from April through November, spending about a week at each site.

Click here to view the Moving Wall Flyer  New Lenox Illinois

The American Legion Post 1977 will be hosting the wall on May 26-May 30, 2011

American Legion Post 1977

14414 W. Ford Drive,New Lenox, IL 60451

(815) 485-4651

www.Post1977.com

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Open for viewing, 12:00 p.m.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Opening Ceremony, 4:00 p.m

Monday, May 30, 2011

Closing Ceremony, 7:00 p.m.

Click here to view the Moving Wall Flyer  New Lenox Illinois

The Moving Wall visits Chicago Illinois

June 16-20, 2011

The Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be displayed in Chicago from June 16 through June 20, 2011.  The location has not yet been posted on The Moving Wall website.

Posted May 29, 2011 on Cook County Tea Party Blog, “Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial visits New Lenox Illinois May 2011 and Chicago June 2011”

Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial visits New Lenox Illinois May 2011 and Chicago June 2011 is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Action Alert – Call Today – Illinois Pension Reform Bill – May 2011

Please call today ask law makers to support SB 512

Great NEWS! Your efforts have helped spur movement on substantive pension reforms despite efforts from the opposition!

Senate Bill 512 was passed by the House Personnel and Pensions Committee on May 26, 2001, by a 6-2-1 margin.

In short, this means that an actual floor vote on substantive pension reforms that will save Illinois and taxpayers billions of dollars may occur prior to the end of the legislative session on May 31, 2011.

For more information about Illinois pension reform, visit Fix Illinois Pensions Now.

Source:  May 27, 2011 email from Americans for Prosperity – Illinois

Please call your elected lawmakers in the Illinois senate and Illinois general assembly and ask them to support Senate Bill 512.

Call today.  May 31, 2011 is supposed to be the last day of the legislative session.

To find the legislative phone numbers, visit
http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/DistrictOfficialSearchByAddress.aspx

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For more information about the Illinois Pension situation, visit Illinois is Broke and watch the informative video.

What do you think about pension reform in Illinois?  Do you think the bill will pass?  Do you think it will be watered-down before it is passed?

Posted on May 29, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Action Alert – Call Today – Support SB 512- Illinois Pension Reform Bill – May 2011”

Action Alert – Call Today – Support SB 512- Illinois Pension Reform Bill – May 2011 is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Illinois Redistricting – Proposed Illinois House and Illinois Senate Map Boundaries – May 2011

In May 2011, the Illinois Democrats proposed new boundaries for the Illinois house and Illinois senate general assembly districts. If these district boundaries are approved, they will be in effect for the 2012 elections through the 2020 elections.

Each Illinois senate district is made up of two Illinois house districts. For example, house districts 1 and 2 make up Illinois Senate district 1, house districts 35 and 36 make up Illinois senate district 18, etc. (Note, if the house district number is even, divide the district number by two to determine the Illinois senate district. If the Illinois house district number is odd, then add one and divide the sum by two to determine the Illinois senate district.)

This map below is a google map of the proposed Illinois house and senate districts, it is possible to zoom in and out to view the proposed boundaries. It is also possible to drag the map up and down and side to side, to view any part of the map.

Click twice on the white plus button (+) in the upper left corner of the map and the Illinois map will fill the screen.

View Larger Map

Map source: Illinois House Democrats

If this this map takes a long time to load,then it will be best to go to the source of the map. The source map has an option to uncheck some of the districts. The map will load much faster when only one or two districts are viewed at a time.

Click here to view the source map of the Illinois House and Illinois Senate Proposed Map Boundaries as of May 2011. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=http:%2F%2Filhousedems.com%2Fredistricting%2F2011-maps%2FSenate_Bill_1177_Amendment_2%2Fab9Plan0520.kmz&aq=&sll=39.797399,-89.664939&sspn=0.014294,0.018132&ie=UTF8&z=7%22

Click here to view the proposed Illinois Congressional districts.

What do you think about the proposed Illinois house and Illinois senate districts? Share your thoughts below.

Join the Cook County Tea Party Mailing List

Posted on May 28, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, ““Illinois Redistricting – Proposed Illinois House and Illinois Senate District Map Boundaries – May 2011

Join the Cook County Tea Party Mailing List

Illinois Redistricting – Proposed Illinois House and Illinois Senate District Map Boundaries – May 2011 is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Illinois Redistricting – Proposed Congressional Map Boundaries – May 2011

In May 2011, the Illinois Democrats proposed new boundaries for the Illinois Congressional districts. If these district boundaries are approved, they will be in effect for the 2012 elections through the 2020 elections.

This map below is a google map of the proposed Illinois Congressional districts, it is possible to zoom in and out to view the proposed boundaries. It is also possible to drag the map up and down and side to side, to view any part of the map.

Click twice on the white plus button (+) in the upper left corner of the map and the Illinois map will fill the screen.

View Larger Map

Map source: Illinois House Democrats

If this this map takes a long time to load,then it will be best to go to the source of the map. The source map has an option to uncheck some of the districts. The map will load much faster when only one or two districts are viewed at a time.

Click her to view the source map of the  Illinois Proposed Congressional Map Boundaries as of May 2011. (BAD LINK!!)

NOTE: It appears that the link was changed. Here is the link that worked on 5/31/2011 at 9:25pm.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=http:%2F%2Filhousedems.com%2Fredistricting%2F2011-maps%2FSenate_Bill_1178_House_Amendment_2%2Fab9Plan0549.kmz&aq=&sll=39.739318,-89.504139&sspn=9.440222,19.753418&ie=UTF8&ll=40.036027,-89.318848&spn=1.791644,7.503662&t=h&z=8

Click here to view the current Illinois Congressional district boundaries (2002 to 2011) http://www.govtrack.us/congress/findyourreps.xpd?state=IL

Click her to view the proposed Illinois House and Illinois Senate district boundaries.

What do you think about the proposed Congressional districts? Share your thoughts below.

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Posted on May 28, 2011 on the Cook County Tea Party blog, “Illinois Redistricting – Proposed Congressional Map Boundaries – May 2011”

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Illinois Redistricting – Proposed Congressional District Map Boundaries – May 2011 is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

2011 RightOnline Conference in Minneapolis

AFP Foundation is happy to announce that former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and Senator Mike Lee will be joining us at RightOnline this year! On June 17-18, AFP Foundation’s RightOnline Conference will bring together influential new media experts, leading conservative voices, and hundreds of citizen activists to provide important grassroots training, offering the tools and inspiration to more effectively impact public policy in favor of limited government and free enterprise.

AFP Foundation will also host such conservative voices as best-selling author and syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin, conservative commentator and author Andrew Breitbart, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, the Wall Street Journal’s John Fund, RedState.com’s Erick Erickson, Fox News Contributor Mary Katharine Ham, Townhall.com’s Guy Benson, HotAir.com’s Ed Morrissey, Daily Caller contributor S.E. Cupp, and more!

We just wanted to remind you that since you have been such a wonderful activist, AFP Foundation, our related organization, would like to extend a special offer to you for this year’s RightOnline. Register now, and you can bring a friend for free (50% off the price of each ticket). Simply click here, and enter the discount code “TopActivist” on the registration page.

For more information on RightOnline 2011, click here.

To book a room at the Hilton Minneapolis, click here, and you will receive the special discounted rate of $139 per night.

See you at RightOnline!

Sincerely,

Erik Telford

Source – email from Americans for Prosperity, dated May 20, 2011

Join the Cook County Tea Party Mailing List

Posted on the Cook County Tea Party blog on May 22 2011, “RightOnline Conference to be held on June 17-18 in Minneapolis”
 

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2011 RightOnline Conference to be held on June 17 and 18 in Minneapolis is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Importance of being an Informed Juror

The primary function of the independent juror is not, as many think, to dispense punishment to fellow citizens accused of breaking various laws, but rather to protect fellow citizens from tyrannical abuses of power by government.

The Constitution guarantees you the right to trial by jury. This means that government must bring its case before a jury of The People if government wants to deprive any person of life, liberty, or property. Jurors can say no to government tyranny by refusing to convict.

This meeting will focus on the Juror system and how we as informed jurors can be the power of one that turns our country back to the constitution.

May 23 – 7:30 pm

Homer/Lockport Tea Party Meeting

May 23, 2011 at 7:30 pm

American Legion in Lockport

15052 Archer Avenue, Lockport, IL 60441-2258

<iframe width=”425″ height=”350″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no” marginheight=”0″ marginwidth=”0″ src=”http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=15052+Archer+Avenue+Lockport,+IL+60441-2258+&amp;aq=&amp;sll=41.681072,-87.846878&amp;sspn=0.436928,1.352692&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=15052+Archer+Ave,+Lockport,+Will,+Illinois+60441&amp;t=h&amp;z=14&amp;ll=41.612448,-88.040349&amp;output=embed”></iframe><br /><small><a href=”http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=15052+Archer+Avenue+Lockport,+IL+60441-2258+&amp;aq=&amp;sll=41.681072,-87.846878&amp;sspn=0.436928,1.352692&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=15052+Archer+Ave,+Lockport,+Will,+Illinois+60441&amp;t=h&amp;z=14&amp;ll=41.612448,-88.040349″ style=”color:#0000FF;text-align:left”>View Larger Map</a></small>

Posted on the Cook County Tea Party blog on May 22 2011, “Tea party meeting will discuss the importance of being an Informed Juror – Monday – May 23 2011“

Tea party meeting will discuss the importance of being an Informed Juror – Monday – May 23 2011 is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Honest Election Illinois Meeting

Free and fair elections are an American birthright.  If our elections are not truly fair…we are not truly free. Election fraud attacks the heart of our political system and threatens our rights as citizens.

Your Vote Counts

What will you do about it?

Find out what you can do to make a difference:

HONEST ELECTIONS ILLINOIS will be hosting a video conference presented by “True the Vote”, King Street Patriots from Houston Texas to show us how we can bring back voter integrity to our elections here in Illinois.

This meeting is for everyone who want to get involved and restore fair elections here in Illinois.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

4:30 – 6:30

PAPA PASSERO

6326 S CASS AVE, WESTMONT IL

PIZZA, SOFT DRINKS $15 per person cash bar

For Further Information Contact:

honestelectionsillinois@gmail.com

Website – www.HonestElectionsIllinois.com

HONEST ELECTIONS ILLINOIS: an initiative developed by citizens for citizens, to inspire and equip volunteers for involvement at every stage of our electoral process and to actively protect the rights of legitimate voters, regardless of their political party affiliation.

Posted on the Cook County Tea Party blog on May 22 2011, “Honest Election Group forming in Illinois“

Honest Election Group forming in Illinois is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

Illinois General Assembly Squanders Opportunity to Improve Gun Buyer Background Check System

Posted May 16, 2011
Source: ISRA Alert
Illinois State Rifle Association

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., May 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA):

Illinois gun control advocates and their allies in the General Assembly delivered a “triple-whammy” against public safety recently when they sabotaged passage of HB148.

Under the provisions of HB148, well-trained, well-qualified Illinois citizens would be permitted to carry defensive firearms to protect themselves and their families from violent criminals. At the same time, HB148 would have provided upwards of $40 million in permit fees to the Illinois State Police to pay for upgrades to the state’s antiquated gun buyer background check system.

But, thanks to the short-sighted efforts of the gun control movement and its friends in the Illinois House, tens of thousands of law-abiding Illinois citizens will continue to suffer at the hands of murderers, robbers and rapists because they cannot lawfully defend themselves. Likewise, the gun control movement can take credit for saddling the state police with a background check system based on software developed in 1959.

Rounding out the triple whammy-against the citizens of Illinois is the fact that the actions of gun control advocates are to blame for a pair of lawsuits filed this week in federal court against the State of Illinois. Both lawsuits – one filed by the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), the other filed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the ISRA – contend that the state is damaging law-abiding citizens by prohibiting the carrying of defensive firearms.

In a nut shell, the gun control movement’s efforts the kill HB148 have ensured that Illinois remains one of the most dangerous places to live in the United States. In addition to causing the loss of $40 million for better background checks, the gun control movement is now responsible for Illinois having to shell out millions in taxpayer dollars to pay legal bills related to the SAF and NRA/ISRA lawsuits. Once again, the extremist views of the gun control movement are costing the good people of Illinois dearly.

“The ISRA is very excited about being a plaintiff in the NRA/ISRA lawsuit,” commented ISRA Executive Director, Richard Pearson. “This lawsuit defines the cutting edge of one of the most important questions of the day. That is, does the state have the right to decide who is worth defending and who is not?”

“The fact that two lawsuits have been filed against the State of Illinois this week is proof-positive that this issue is not going to go away,” continued Pearson. “The behind the scenes political gamesmanship that resulted in the scuttling of HB148 has not diminished the resolve of the good people of Illinois. Whether it is in the courts, in the legislature, or at the ballot box, we will relentlessly push forward until the citizen’s right to self defense is restored in Illinois.”

The ISRA is the state’s leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership. For more than a century, the ISRA has represented the interests of millions of law-abiding Illinois firearm owners.

How long do you think it will take for Illinois citizens to have the right to carry?  Share your thoughts below.

Posted on May 9, 2011 on the Cook County Illinois Tea Party blog “ISRA Alert – Illinois General Assembly Squanders Opportunity to Improve Gun Buyer Background Check System”

ISRA Alert – Illinois General Assembly Squanders Opportunity to Improve Gun Buyer Background Check System is a post from: Cook County Tea Party

ObamaCare: Where Are We?

Posted:  May 16, 2011

A Chicago Townhall Meeting

You’re invited!: Chicago Townhall Meeting, Tuesday, May 17, 2011 (3rd Tuesday)

Speaker:  Mark Neerhof, DO – is a member of Docs for Patient Care, the nation’s largest group of doctors committed to the preservation of the doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Neerhof is also an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Chicago and is a part of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of North Shore University Healthsystem. – http://docs4patientcare.org

——————————————————————————————–

Time: 6:30 pm cocktails and/or dinner & networking

7:15 pm announcements

7:30 pm presentation begins

9:00 pm adjourn

COST: The Lincoln Restaurant requires a minimum order from each person of $5.00 to secure our private room. A suggested donation of $3.00 would also be greatly appreciated. All donations cover the costs of holding each meeting such as handouts, door prizes, nametags, etc.

RSVP PLEASE (with head count / names) – this is very helpful for everyone!!! by replying to this email or call 312.420.3115

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!! – Help spread the word

****** DOOR PRIZES !!! – FOR EARLY ARRIVALS ******

Please arrive by 7:15 PM, so we can start and respect those who are on time.

WHERE: Lincoln Restaurant

4008 N. Lincoln Ave & Irving Park Rd & Damen Ave. (4000 N, 2000 W)

Chicago, IL 60618 Tel: 773.248.1820

Directions to Lincoln Restaurant – type in your location at this link and click “Get Directions”

FREE PARKING: behind restaurant – entrance off of Irving Park Road going west from Damen; get ticket as you drive into lot and exchange for token at cashier inside the Lincoln Restaurant. There is a rear entrance to the restaurant from the parking lot.

GENERAL SUGGESTION FOR OUR TOWNHALL MEETING:

Keep all communications as constructive / positive as possible (for face to face as well as electronic communication). For example, if you want to highlight a problem, challenge, obstacle to freedom and liberty, please suggest possible solutions and, better yet, actions you are personally willing to take to address the challenge. Thank you for your cooperation.

For more information about Chicago Townhall, contact:
Rich Johns
Chicago Townhall
rich.johns@iglide.net

What do you think about ObamaCare?

Posted on May 16, 2011 on the Cook County Illinois Tea Party blog “Meeting – Speaker to give update about ObamaCare – Chicago – Tuesday May 17 2011”

Meeting – Speaker to give update about ObamaCare – Chicago – Tuesday May 17 2011 is a post from: Cook County Tea Party