February 16, 2023

HEALTHLINE
— Mental Status Tests (COMMENT: Nikki Haley calls for “mental competency tests” for politicians over 75. I should write a book about age discrimination. Politics is nasty/vicious. How old are you? I am 74. If your critics/opponents succeeded in forcing you to take a mini–mental state examination (see below) and/or a mental status examination (see below), would you pass them? How good are your “appearance, orientation, attention span, memory, language skills, and judgment skills?” What do you stress that shows that you would pass the tests? For me, it is my putting together and sending out GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters every morning. But my critics/opponents would demonize, denigrate, and condemn my “judgment skills.” According to them, my judgment is deplorable a) because they cannot manipulate me or dominate me, b) because I refuse to glorify and praise them, c) because I refuse to pander to them, d) because I refuse to serve as one of their operatives or dupes, e) because I refuse to cover up their wrong doing, and/or f) because I refuse to give them money. They would stress the brain bleed ( https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14480-brain-bleed-hemorrhage-intracranial-hemorrhage ) that I suffered January 10 last year. But I would stress that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has declared that I did not suffer a “traumatic brain injury.” I should write a book about my critics/opponents. I would focus on those who have taken the most/biggest adverse actions against me.)
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-status-tests
(FROM THE ARTICLE: What Are Mental Status Tests? Mental status tests are done to test an individual’s cognitive function. The tests can be given by a number of different healthcare providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses. A psychologist is required to conduct more complex testing when there are questions about specific neurocognitive disorders. Mental status tests will examine your appearance, orientation, attention span, memory, language skills, and judgment skills. Mental status testing may also be referred to as mental status examination or neurocognitive testing. Reasons for Testing Mental status testing can be done to help diagnose mental illnesses or conditions affecting the brain. Mental status testing can help diagnose: Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, dementia, head trauma, personality disorders, intellectual disability, neurocognitive impairment, schizophrenia, stroke, transient ischemia attack: sometimes referred to as a “mini-stroke” which lasts less than 24 hours. What Happens During the Test? The main type of mental status test used is the mini-mental state examination, also known as the Folstein Mini Mental State Exam. In this test, the examiner will observe your appearance, orientation, attention span, memory, language skills, and judgment skills.)

WIKIPEDIA
— Mini–mental state examination
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini%E2%80%93mental_state_examination
(FROM THE POSTING: The Mini–mental state examination (MMSE) or Folstein test is a 30-point questionnaire that is used extensively in clinical and research settings to measure cognitive impairment. It is commonly used in medicine and allied health to screen for dementia. It is also used to estimate the severity and progression of cognitive impairment and to follow the course of cognitive changes in an individual over time; thus making it an effective way to document an individual’s response to treatment. The MMSE’s purpose has been not, on its own, to provide a diagnosis for any particular nosological entity. Administration of the test takes between 5 and 10 minutes and examines functions including registration (repeating named prompts), attention and calculation, recall, language, ability to follow simple commands and orientation. It was originally introduced by Folstein et al. in 1975, in order to differentiate organic from functional psychiatric patients but is very similar to, or even directly incorporates, tests which were in use previous to its publication. This test is not a mental status examination. The standard MMSE form which is currently published by Psychological Assessment Resources is based on its original 1975 conceptualization, with minor subsequent modifications by the authors.)
— Mental status examination
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_status_examination
(FROM THE POSTING: The mental status examination (MSE) is an important part of the clinical assessment process in neurological and psychiatric practice. It is a structured way of observing and describing a patient’s psychological functioning at a given point in time, under the domains of appearance, attitude, behavior, mood and affect, speech, thought process, thought content, perception, cognition, insight, and judgment. There are some minor variations in the subdivision of the MSE and the sequence and names of MSE domains. The purpose of the MSE is to obtain a comprehensive cross-sectional description of the patient’s mental state, which, when combined with the biographical and historical information of the psychiatric history, allows the clinician to make an accurate diagnosis and formulation, which are required for coherent treatment planning. The data are collected through a combination of direct and indirect means: unstructured observation while obtaining the biographical and social information, focused questions about current symptoms, and formalized psychological tests. The MSE is not to be confused with the Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE), which is a brief neuropsychological screening test for dementia.)

TRADE SCHOOL
— Nikki Haley’s Educational Background (COMMENT: What was/were your major/majors in college? I forever regret not majoring in accounting at UIC 1966-1968 and at NIU 1969-1970. I erroneously thought that I could not pass the CPA examination. I started taking graduate accounting courses at DePaul in 1976. I took the Becker CPA Review ( https://www.becker.com/cpa-review/ ). I passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979. But by then, because of my bad demographics (White male), it was far too late for me to have a successful career in accounting.)
https://blog.tradeschool.com/nikki-haleys-educational-background
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Nikki Haley graduated from the local Orangeburg Preparatory Schools in 1989. After that, Nikki enrolled at Clemson University to complete a B.S.in accounting. In 2015, the University of South Carolina granted Nikki Haley an honorary doctorate in public service.)

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— COMMENT: A hate-filled Trump-hating Trump-hater promotes Nikki Haley.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2023/2/15/23601027/nikki-haley-presidential-election-2024-donald-trump-challenger-gop-nominee-column-se-cupp

JOURNAL COURIER
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Things to know about Nikki Haley, GOP presidential hopeful.” What was/were your major/majors in college? I forever regret not majoring in accounting at UIC 1966-1968 and at NIU 1969-1970. I erroneously thought that I could not pass the CPA examination. I started taking graduate accounting courses at DePaul in 1976. I took the Becker CPA Review ( https://www.becker.com/cpa-review/ ). I passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979. But by then, because of my bad demographics (White male), it was far too late for me to have a successful career in accounting.)
https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/politics/article/things-to-know-about-nikki-haley-gop-17786352.php
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Before becoming South Carolina governor, Haley was an accountant and served in the state House of Representatives. In her first campaign in 2004, she defeated the state’s longest-serving House member. Three terms later, she made a longshot bid for governor and defeated a field of more veteran politicians to become the first woman and first Indian American to lead South Carolina. At 38, she also was the nation’s youngest governor. Haley is the first woman to be a major candidate for president in 2024, and just the fifth Republican woman this century.)

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Haley calls for ‘mental competency tests’ for politicians over 75.” I should write a book about age discrimination.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/hill-politics/haley-calls-for-mental-competency-tests-for-politicians-over-75/
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Haley calls for US to move on from faded names of the past.” I should write a book about age discrimination.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/hill-politics/haley-calls-for-us-to-move-on-from-faded-names-of-the-past/
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Haley criticizes US ‘self-loathing’: America is not a racist country.”
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/hill-politics/haley-criticizes-us-self-loathing-america-is-not-a-racist-country/
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Christie on potential DeSantis White House bid: ‘None of us really know who he is’ on national stage.”
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/hill-politics/christie-on-potential-desantis-white-house-bid-none-of-us-really-know-who-he-is-on-national-stage/

NPR ILLINOIS
— COMMENT: Democrats say “How the politics of race will play a key role in Nikki Haley’s 2024 campaign.”
https://www.nprillinois.org/2023-02-15/how-the-politics-of-race-will-play-a-key-role-in-nikki-haleys-2024-campaign
– COMMENT: Democrats say “After Pritzker’s budget address, lawmakers jockey for their own spending priorities.”
https://www.nprillinois.org/illinois/2023-02-16/after-pritzkers-budget-address-lawmakers-jockey-for-their-own-spending-priorities

THE HILL
–COMMENT: Democrats say “Nikki Haley: We need term limits and competency tests for lawmakers over 75 years of age.” I should write a book about age discrimination.
https://hotair.com/karen-townsend/2023/02/15/nikki-haley-we-need-term-limits-and-competency-tests-for-lawmakers-over-75-years-of-age-n531019

ABC NEWS
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Nikki Haley’s South Asian heritage is historic part of her presidential campaign. The Indian community — just 1% of America — helped shape two political stars.”
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/nikki-haleys-south-asian-heritage-historic-part-presidential/story?id=97013821

YAHOO
— COMMENT: Democrats say “In jab at Trump and Biden, Nikki Haley calls for ‘mental competency tests’ for politicians over 75.” I should write a book about age discrimination.
https://news.yahoo.com/in-jab-at-trump-and-biden-nikki-haley-calls-for-mental-competency-tests-for-politicians-over-75-192009082.html
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Nikki Haley, Who Backed Trump in 2020, Says the President Shouldn’t Be Old.” I should write a book about age discrimination.
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nikki-haley-backed-trump-2020-213334240.html
— COMMENT: Democrats say “New Right-Wing Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Responds to Recent Claims That She Fabricated Portions of Her Past.”
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/wing-rep-anna-paulina-luna-003755222.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— COMMENT: Democrats say “President Biden will undergo a routine checkup on Thursday.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/15/us/politics/biden-trump-obama-physicals-doctors-health.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: There is no legal requirement to follow when it comes to the president’s checkups, and the amount of information released has always been up to the man himself. But President Biden’s exam on Thursday will get extra scrutiny because, at 80, he is America’s oldest president. “There probably is more pressure in this situation,” said Dr. Dan Blazer, professor emeritus at the Duke University School of Medicine. “That’s just our society.” Mr. Biden’s exam has been delayed for weeks because of what officials said were scheduling issues. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, said the administration would follow the same routine as with Mr. Biden’s previous physical. “We want to be transparent,” Ms. Jean-Pierre said on Tuesday. “We want to make sure you have the information, and it will be coming from the physician. In 2021, after a checkup and a colonoscopy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the White House released a six-page letter from the president’s physician, Kevin O’Connor, declaring Mr. Biden “healthy, vigorous” and fit to carry out his duties. He noted at the time that the president had developed a “more pronounced” tendency to cough during speaking engagements and a stiffer gait caused by age-related changes in his spine. He also ruled out the possibility that the stiffness could be caused by a stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or other neurological disorders. Dr. O’Connor did not say in his report whether Mr. Biden underwent cognitive testing. While many doctors recommend the testing for older adults, presidents have not regularly made public such examinations, said Matthew Dallek, a political historian. But because of Mr. Biden’s age, “the more positive information, the more Biden can give the public a clean bill of health, the probably more reassuring it is for people,” Mr. Dallek said. Mr. Biden has said he intends to run for a second term, but his age has become an uncomfortable issue for him and his party. It also has left him vulnerable to attacks by Republicans. Nikki Haley, who announced her presidential bid on Tuesday, called for “mandatory mental competency tests for politicians over 75 years old,” a threshold that would include both Mr. Biden and Donald J. Trump. And in her rebuttal against Mr. Biden’s State of the Union address last week, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas called Mr. Biden “unfit.” Mr. Biden has dismissed those concerns, telling voters simply: “Watch me.” . . . In 2018, the Trump administration sent Dr. Ronny Jackson, the former White House physician, to declare to reporters that Mr. Trump enjoyed “excellent health” without initially releasing any basic information, such as weight, blood pressure or cholesterol levels. A memorandum on his health released in 2019 did not detail the physical examinations that Mr. Trump underwent, or their results, as the White House physician did for Mr. Obama. Some presidential candidates have gone to great lengths to answer questions about their age or health. In 2008, after Senator John McCain secured the Republican presidential nomination, his doctors invited about 20 reporters to a room in Arizona to examine Mr. McCain’s medical records.)
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Biden’s I.R.S. Nominee Is Grilled About $80 Billion Overhaul.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/15/business/irs-daniel-werfel-hearing.html

BUSINESS INSIDER
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Nikki Haley digs at Trump’s age and calls for mental competency tests on pols over 75 in campaign kickoff.” I should write a book about age discrimination.” I should write a book about age discrimination.
https://www.businessinsider.com/nikki-haley-age-trump-biden-white-house-bid-2023-2

TIME
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Nikki Haley Enters 2024 Race With Speech Implying Trump and Biden Are Too Old to Run.” I should write a book about age discrimination.
https://time.com/6255878/nikki-haley-2024-announcement/

THE HILL
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Haley calls for US to move on from faded names of the past.” I should write a book about age discrimination.
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/3859633-haley-calls-for-us-to-move-on-from-faded-names-of-the-past/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, called on Wednesday for the United States to move on from a rapidly aging generation of politicians, pitching her newly minted campaign for the White House as a chance for voters to install a younger and more diverse leader. “We’re ready — ready to move past the stale ideas and faded names of the past,” Haley said, speaking to a crowd of supporters in Charleston, S.C. “And we are more than ready for a new generation to lead us into the future.” . . . At another point, she demanded mandatory “mental competency tests” for office-holders over the age of 75, playing into a frequent conservative claim that President Biden isn’t mentally fit to serve in the White House. But that remark was also a tacit swipe at Trump, who would be 78 by the time of his second swearing-in.)

NEW YORK POST
— Trump campaign rips Nikki Haley for prior Hillary Clinton praise, 2024 flip-flopping – Caitlin Doornbos (COMMENT: If you sought a government office or a political office, what would your critics/opponents use against you? Mine would stress that GAO forced me to retire in 1997 when I was 49 years old. They would stress the adverse actions that GAO took against me before that. GAO a) forced me to take a $21,863/year (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980, b) gave me bad job assignments, unfair performance appraisals, unfair performance appraisals, c) turned my superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates against me, d) assigned me to supervise their most problematic employees, e) kept me off audits of IRS except 1986-1988, f) delayed my promotions to GS-11, GS12, and GS-13 and never promoted me beyond GS-13, and g) always ranked me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance purposes.)
https://nypost.com/2023/02/15/trump-campaign-rips-nikki-haley-for-prior-hillary-clinton-praise/
— Buffalo shooting hearing descends into chaos as man rushes gunman Payton Gendron before he’s slapped with life sentences – Olivia Land
https://nypost.com/2023/02/15/relative-of-buffalo-shooting-victim-lunges-at-gunman-peyton-gendron-in-court/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— Don Tracy and the IL GOP Turn the Ari Fleischer Luncheon into a Richard Irvin Campaign Reunion, With Irvin Eying a US Senate Run (COMMENT: In my role as the GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000, I used to attend as many Republican events as I could, and especially those in northeast Illinois, and report on who spoke at those events and who the high-profile attendees included, but not anymore. In my roles as the TAPROOT Republican of Illinois chairman 2005-2012, Milton Township Republican Organization (MTRO) webmaster 2008-2010 and 2000-2004, and Illinois Center Right Coalition (ICRC) Steering Committee member, I reported on who spoke at TAPROOT, MTRO, and ICRC events, but not anymore. Those who ended my TAPROOT, MTRO, and ICRC roles immediately deleted my reports from the TAPROOT, MTRO, and ICRC websites.)
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2023/02/don-tracy-and-the-il-gop-turn-the-ari-fleischer-luncheon-into-a-richard-irvin-campaign-reunion-with-irvin-eying-a-us-senate-run.html

CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Pritzker calls out ‘carnival barkers’ as critics say his budget is ‘woke wishlist’ – Greg Bishop
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/pritzker-calls-out-carnival-barkers-as-critics-say-his-budget-is-woke-wishlist/article_f3a5967e-ad78-11ed-b704-afdd14c0af95.html
— At $49.6 billion, Gov. Pritzker proposes largest spending plan in Illinois history – Kevin Bessler
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/at-49-6-billion-gov-pritzker-proposes-largest-spending-plan-in-illinois-history/article_80ebc356-ad69-11ed-8d2c-c786983ede87.html
— With federal lawsuits pending, gun stores frustrated with Illinois’ gun ban – Greg Bishop
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/with-federal-lawsuits-pending-gun-stores-frustrated-with-illinois-gun-ban/article_01cd8250-ad7b-11ed-b413-27273401ee16.html

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Dems Mobilize for County Board Meetings
https://mchenrycountyblog.com/2023/02/15/dems-mobilize-for-county-board-meetings/
— Woman Whose Investigator Algonquin Township Supervisor Randy Funk Interviewed First in His Probe of Former Algonquin Township Road Commissioner Andrew Gasser Admits Falsehoods
https://mchenrycountyblog.com/2023/02/15/woman-whose-investigator-alqonquin-township-supervisor-randy-funk-interviewed-first-in-his-probe-of-former-algonquin-township-road-commissioner-andrew-gasser-admits-falsehoods/
— New PAC Focusing First on Huntley School Board Races Has Professional Help Used by Catalina Lauf
https://mchenrycountyblog.com/2023/02/15/new-pac-focusing-first-on-huntley-school-board-races-has-professional-help/
— Crooked Republican Township Highway Commissioner Gets 3 1/2 Year Sentence
https://mchenrycountyblog.com/2023/02/14/crooked-township-highway-commissioner-gets-3-1-2-year-sentence/

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Mendrick to enforce ‘all state and local laws’ after controversial comments about weapons ban
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/639253204-mendrick-to-enforce-all-state-and-local-laws-after-controversial-comments-about-weapons-ban

WIREPOINTS
— Chicagoans are shooting back – and it’s not going to stop until leaders lead – Matt Rosenberg
https://wirepoints.org/chicagoans-are-shooting-back-and-its-not-going-to-stop-until-leaders-lead-wirepoints/

CHICAGO TRIUNE
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Naperville LWV holding candidate forums.” If I was still the chairman of TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois and a member of the Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee, those organizations would still be holding candidate forums.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-naperville-digest-st-0217-20230215-4p52z2c6knaxnmxijbyhwui4my-story.html
— COMMENT: Democrats push pot in Waukegan.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-cannabis-dispensary-update-st-0220-20230215-3tc7bomfsnesvasfpoutksktpq-story.html
— COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Pritzker promotes hatred against Republicans.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-pritzker-budget-illinois-20230215-dkpy3md2tvfznb6a2dv3r7r6ru-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “There is a virulent strain of nationalism plaguing our nation, led by demagogues who are pushing censorship, with a particular attack right now on school board members and library trustees,” Pritzker said. . .As Pritzker embarks on a second term, he’s stirred speculation about potential White House ambitions by entering the fray on national issues and presenting himself as a progressive foil to other possible presidential aspirants such as Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who’s courted conservative voters with his restrictive education policies. “It’s an ideological battle by the right wing, hiding behind a claim that they would protect our children, but whose real intention is to marginalize people and ideas they don’t like,” Pritzker said. “This has been done in the past, and it doesn’t stop with just snuffing out ideas.” . . . “In the age-old fight between happy warriors and misery’s carnival barkers, we’ve shown that if we resolve to do it, happy warriors win every time. And we are winning,” Pritzker said, employing a label he frequently slaps on Republicans. . .Members of the most conservative contingent of the GOP caucus bristled at Pritzker’s partisan jabs. “We’re still ‘carnival barkers,’” Republican Rep. Adam Niemerg of Dieterich said. “Well, he’s the governor, and he is running the so-called carnival, and he’s running it right off the leftist cliff.”)

DAILY HERALD
— COMMENT: Democrats, run the news media in America, but nevertheless they acknowledge that “Half of Americans in a recent survey indicated they believe national news organizations intend to mislead, misinform or persuade the public to adopt a particular point of view through their reporting.” Unlike my critics/opponents on the left, I do not falsely claim to be nonpartisan. I am conservative. I am Republican.
https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20230215/study-shows-striking-number-who-believe-news-misinforms
— COMMENT: Democrats promote hatred against Republicans
https://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20230210/syndicated-columnist-jamie-stiehm-bidens-speech-lincolns-civil-war-echoes

ABC7
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Pritzker calls for expanding pre-K access in State of the State address.” My outstanding mother never attended high school. She stayed home and raised me and my brother in Crete. When her husband/my father died suddenly in 1969 when he was 47 and I was 21, the best job that I could find for her was driving children to/from the Montessori School in Park Forest.
https://abc7chicago.com/jb-pritzker-budget-address-illinois-governor-news-gov/12818406/

NBC5
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Highland Park Parade Shooting Suspect’s Father Indicted By Grand Jury. Prosecutors filed seven counts, one for each person killed at the Highland Park parade last year. A reckless conduct charge carries a maximum sentence of three years.”
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/highland-park-parade-shooting-suspects-father-indicted-by-grand-jury/3073854/
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Buffalo Mass Shooter Sentenced to Life in Prison After Dramatic Hearing.”
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/buffalo-mass-shooter-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-after-dramatic-hearing/3073398/

FOX32
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Pritzker’s budget to provide preschool for 5,000 children to cover all of those early childhood deserts.” My outstanding mother never attended high school. She stayed home and raised me and my brother in Crete. When her husband/my father died suddenly in 1969 when he was 47 and I was 21, the best job that I could find for her was driving children to/from the Montessori School in Park Forest.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/pritzkers-budget-to-provide-preschool-for-5000-children-to-cover-all-of-those-early-childhood-deserts

WBEZ
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Study on Arab Americans in Chicago calls on not using ‘white’ as racial category. ” Ever-increasingly, under the Democrats, Whites are demonized, denigrated, and condemned. If I had been a minority, the federal government would have promoted me into its Senior Executive Service long before I was 40 years old.
https://www.wbez.org/stories/chicago-area-arab-americans-face-stereotypes-invisibility/4deaeadb-257b-429b-8d2b-4a6e6114ed9f

SAUK VALLEY
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Candidates for Sterling council, school board invited to March 21 forum.” If I was still the chairman of TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois and a member of the Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee, those organizations would still be holding candidate forums.
https://www.shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/news/2023/02/15/candidates-for-sterling-council-school-board-invited-to-march-21-forum/

MACOUPIN COUNTY ENQUIRER DEMOCRAT
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Gun Ban Ordinance previously passed by County Board draws opinions, big crowd.”
https://www.enquirerdemocrat.com/2023/02/15/gun-ban-ordinance-previously-passed-by-county-board-draws-opinions-big-crowd/

WCIA
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Republicans criticize proposed spending in Pritzker’s 2023 budget address.”
https://www.wcia.com/news/capitol-news/republicans-criticize-proposed-spending-in-pritzkers-2023-budget-address/

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— TRAGIC: Illinois sports gambling up 51% in 2022.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/illinois-sports-gambling-up-51-in-2022/

BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO
— COMMENT: Chicago Democrats push Chicago Blacks to be pot pushers.
https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/02/15/chicagos-first-black-owned-family-weed-dispensary-opens-in-former-logan-square-bank-building/

DAILY ILLINI
— COMMENT: Democrats use Michigan State University shooting to diminish Second Amendment rights.
https://dailyillini.com/opinions-stories/2023/02/15/michigan-state-university-shooting/

DUPAGE COUNTY
— COMMENT: April 4, 2023 sample ballots are now available. Also, in her February 14, 2023 memorandum to DuPage County Board Members, DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy announced her “Precinct Re-Map Timeline.” Like my critics/opponents did in 2015, I fully expect that they will again draw me into the same precinct with Jeanne Ives.
https://dupagecounty.gov/elected_officials/election_and_voter_information/voting_information/voter_lookup_tool.php

CAPITOL FAX
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Morning briefing.”
https://capitolfax.com/2023/02/16/isabel%e2%80%99s-morning-briefing-17/
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Afternoon roundup.”
https://capitolfax.com/2023/02/15/isabels-afternoon-roundup-2/
— COMMENT: Democrats say “State of the State/Budget address react.”
https://capitolfax.com/2023/02/15/state-of-the-statebudget-address-react/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Pro-life groups zero in on drugstore chains that plan to fill abortion-pill prescriptions – Valerie Richardson
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/feb/15/pro-life-groups-zero-drugstore-chains-plan-fill-ab/
— Texas asks court to halt Joe Biden’s border ‘parole’ plan – Stephen Dinan
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/feb/15/texas-asks-court-halt-joe-bidens-border-parole-pla/
— Mitt Romney’s only criticisms are of Republicans – Cal Thomas
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/feb/15/mitt-romneys-only-criticisms-are-of-republicans/
— McConnell: Dems prioritizing ‘identity politics, demographic box-checking’ with judicial nominees – Haris Alic
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/feb/15/mcconnell-dems-prioritizing-identity-politics-demo/
— Confusion reigns over who leads two major parties – Jennifer Harper
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/feb/15/inside-beltway-confusion-reigns-over-who-leads-two/

AMERICAN THINKER
— New data reveal the extent of Biden’s betrayal at the border – William Davis
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2023/02/new_data_reveal_the_extent_of_bidens_betrayal_at_the_border.html

BREIHTBART
— Ron DeSantis Signs Bill Authorizing Flights of Illegal Aliens to Sanctuary Cities – HANNAH BLEAU
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/02/15/ron-desantis-signs-bill-authorizing-flights-of-illegal-aliens-to-sanctuary-cities/

CENTER FOR IMMIGRATION STUDIES
— The Employment Situation of Immigrants and the U.S.-Born in the Fourth Quarter of 2022. Immigrant workers up two million since 2019; U.S.-born workers down 1.9 million. – Steven A. Camarota and Karen Zeigler
https://cis.org/Report/Employment-Situation-Immigrants-and-USBorn-Fourth-Quarter-2022

DAILY CALLER
— Rep. Mary Miller’s New Bill Will Target Sexually Explicit Surveys Pushed On Students – MICHAEL GINSBERG
https://dailycaller.com/2023/02/15/rep-mary-miller-schools-sexual-survey-legislation-cdc/
— Americans Still Agree Race Should Not Be Factored Into College Admission – ALEXA SCHWERHA (COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, under the Democrats and under the RINOs, giving more and more and more preference to those who are the following is everyone’s top priority: minority, female, LGBTQ, younger, liberal, moderate, non-Christian, non-Protestant, non-Italian American, non-German American, those whose ancestors have not been in America for a long time, citizens of foreign countries, those who have less money than others, etc.)
https://dailycaller.com/2023/02/15/americans-still-agree-race-college-admission-poll/

DAILY SIGNAL
— Shocking Cost of the Illegal Immigration Crisis on Americans – Erin Dwinell
https://www.dailysignal.com/2023/02/15/shocking-cost-of-the-illegal-immigration-crisis-on-americans/

EPOCH TIMES
— O’Hare ‘Out of Control’: Chicago Airport Gets Flooded by Homeless People, Staff Feel Unsafe – Naveen Athrappully
https://www.theepochtimes.com/ohare-out-of-control-chicago-airport-gets-flooded-by-homeless-people-staff-feel-unsafe_5062001.html
— 20 States Rally in Suit Against Biden’s Immigrant ‘Parole’ Program – Savannah Pointer
https://www.theepochtimes.com/20-states-rally-in-suit-against-bidens-immigrant-parole-program_5060059.html

GINGRICH 360
— Do We Need Seven National Anthems?
https://www.gingrich360.com/2023/02/13/do-we-need-seven-national-anthems/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Since the Black National Anthem already exists, it can be No. 1. No. 2 could be a Latino National Anthem (there are of course many different nationalities and ethnicities covered by Latino but the Mexican, Cuban, El Salvadoran, and other nationalities would have to come together to pick one anthem). Three could be a Native American National Anthem (there are of course 574 legally recognized tribes included in the term Native American – but we can’t have 574 separate anthems, so they would have to be satisfied with one anthem which tribal councils would have to hammer out and endorse). The fourth could be an Asian American National Anthem (the numerous, dramatically different groups encompassed within Asian American include Afghans, Chinese, Filipinos, Indians, Indonesians – itself including a remarkable number of subgroups – Iranians, Japanese, Koreans, Pakistani, Tibetans, Thai, Vietnamese, some Russians, etc.). But, again, they would need to come together to agree on one anthem. No. 5 could be a White National Anthem for the various Caucasian European groups who came to America (recognizing that English, Germans, Greeks, Irish, Italians, Poles, some other Russians, Scots, Scandinavians, Welsh, and more represent a wide range of white European backgrounds). But why stop with ethnicity? Six could be an LGBTQ National Anthem for those Americans who believe their sexuality and gender are the most important aspects of their humanity. Finally, the Star-Spangled Banner could remain as the seventh. After all, if we are dividing America, we need a song for those who want to honor of the amazing cultural melting pot from which the Founding Fathers forged a new unified nation from a multitude of backgrounds. Before the recent emergence of the new woke racism, the Star-Spangled Banner had been the unifying song which historically brought Americans with shared pride of patriotism together. Besides, wokeism’s narrative requires an enemy to kick around. But enough nonsense. Efforts to subdivide Americans into ethnic blocs are impossible to sustain and ultimately will collapse of their own inherent contradictions.)

GOPUSA
— Biden Administration Announces $231 Million For Red-Flag Regulations, Other Gun Violence Prevention Projects
https://www.gopusa.com/biden-administration-announces-231-million-for-red-flag-regulations-other-gun-violence-prevention-projects/

NATIONAL REVIEW
— Georgia Democrats: Clarence Thomas Is an ‘Uncle Tom’ Not Deserving of the Same Honors as Jimmy Carter – DAN MCLAUGHLIN
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/georgia-democrats-clarence-thomas-is-an-uncle-tom-not-deserving-of-the-same-honors-as-jimmy-carter/
— GOP Primary Voters Want Presidential Candidates to Embrace Culture War Issues, Poll Finds – ARI BLAFF
https://www.nationalreview.com/news/gop-primary-voters-want-presidential-candidates-to-embrace-culture-war-issues-poll-finds/

PATRIOT POST
— Army Denies Wokeness Hurts Recruiting – DOUGLAS ANDREWS
https://patriotpost.us/articles/94975-army-denies-wokeness-hurts-recruiting-2023-02-15

REAL CLEAR POLITICS
— Chicago Alderman: People With White Guilt Are Defending Lightfoot’s Handling of O’Hare Airport’s Homeless Encampment – Ian Schwartz
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2023/02/15/chicago_alderman_people_with_white_guilt_are_defending_lightfoots_handling_of_ohare_airports_homeless_encampment.html

ASSOCIATED PRESS
— COMMENT: Democrats say “IRS nominee Werfel faces questioning on “thankless’ job.”
https://abc17news.com/news/ap-national-news/2023/02/15/irs-nominee-werfel-faces-questioning-on-thankless-job/

USA TODAY
— COMMENT: Democrats use the Michigan State shooting to diminish Second Amendment rights.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/02/15/guns-supreme-court-second-amendment/11254419002/

FORBES
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Why Younger Employees Will Switch Jobs For An Employer Who Invests In Them.” Did your employers invest in you? My Democrat IRS and GAO superiors did not invest in me, but I invested in myself. While I worked for IRS 1971-1980, I took graduate business and accounting courses at Loyola and DePaul. I earned an MBA from Loyola in 1976 and I passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979. While I worked for GAO 1980-1997, I completed the requirements for a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980. I passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt and became a licensed CPA in 1981. I became a Certified Fraud Examiner in 1990, Government Financial Manager in 1994, Financial Services Auditor in 1996, and Forensic Accountant in 1997. I completed the requirements for a master’s degree in financial markets and trading from IIT in 1997.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2023/02/14/why-younger-employees-will-switch-jobs-for-an-employer-who-invests-in-them/

RASMUSSEN REPORTS
— 2024: Biden Narrowly Leads Trump
https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/biden_administration/2024_biden_narrowly_leads_trump

POLITICO
— COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Pritzker promotes hatred against Republicans.
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/02/15/pritzker-demagogues-attack-schools-libraries-00083071

DAILY MAIL
— Americans want LESS immigration than ever before with just 28% saying they’re satisfied with the influx of new residents – with most concerns about the number of record crossings at the US-Mexico border, new survey finds.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11755191/More-Americans-say-dissatisfied-level-immigration-US.html

Author: David Diersen

The opinions that I express in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails are based on experience that I have gained doing many things since 1948. I base my opinions on what I learned a) working for the federal government for almost 30 years -- Post Office 1966-1969, IRS 1971-1980, and GAO 1980-1997, serving on the Executive Committee of the Association of Government Accountants Chicago Chapter 1983-1996, and being a union member while I worked for the Post Office and IRS; b) earning an MBA from Loyola in 1976, a masters degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980, and a masters degree in financial markets and trading from IIT in 1997; c) passing the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979 and passing the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981; c) serving as a Republican Precinct Committeeman since 1999, the GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000, the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois Chairman 2005-2012, a member of the 2008 Illinois Republican Party (IRP) Platform and Resolutions Committee, a Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member 2003-2011, the Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster 2008-2010 and 2000-2004, an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member 2003-2007, and an American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member 2001-2004; d) attending the 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 IRP State Conventions as a delegate; e) being the subject of a nasty 4-page article in the February 1978 issue of Money Magazine; f) pursing litigation including Diersen v. GAO and Diersen v. Chicago Car Exchange; g) being married since 1978; h) living in Crete 1948-1972, in University Park 1972-1976, in Chicago 1976-1978, and in DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton since 1978; and i) being baptized, raised, and confirmed as a Missouri Synod Lutheran.