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May 21 Evening Edition

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— Today, the Illinois Republican Party filed a “Notice of Filing of Removal” with the Circuit Court in Hardin County to move the Winchester lawsuit to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. The “Notice of Filing of Removal” and the “Notice of Removal” are at https://gopillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WinchesterIRPFilingOfRemoval.pdf and https://gopillinois.com/documents/ – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com

PRAIRIE STATE WIRE
— No deal: Battle over allegedly rigged Illinois GOP vote moves forward in court
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/511424464-no-deal-battle-over-allegedly-rigged-illinois-gop-vote-moves-forward-in-court
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Sources present said Illinois GOP general counsel John Fogarty was asked about the lawsuit and evidence during an executive session on Saturday. He responded that he “wasn’t worried” about it. Flipping Winchester’s seat on the state central committee was critical if Rauner were to secure the re-election of Illinois GOP Chairman Tim Schneider of Elk Grove Village, a close ally, hand-picked by the governor in 2014. With Rose’s vote, Schneider was re-elected Saturday. If the election stands, he and Lake County GOP Chairman Mark Shaw will serve as co-chairmen for the next four years. Deals, and Democrats Sources tell Prairie State Wire that Shaw tried furiously last week to strike a deal with Winchester to get him to drop his lawsuit, offering to give his deputy a high-ranking party position and to “find a job” for a family member in state government. But Winchester refused. Overtures were also made to Winchester’s lawyers, who were asked if a deal could be made to get them to withdraw from the case. . .Conservative skepticism Winchester has been critical of Rauner and Schneider; he supported State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) in her challenge to Rauner in March. Ives defended Winchester and criticized the party’s treatment of him. “If the story is true that Rauner allies promised jobs in exchange for Bob Winchester withdrawing his lawsuit against the party, then everyone in our party leadership who knew about it should resign immediately,” said Ives. “They have been lying to the grassroots long enough. If party leadership thinks we will now turn a blind eye to corruption, then it just goes to show you how out of touch they are. “We won’t win if we can’t be honest, and we don’t deserve to win if we can’t be honest. Republicans need to lead by example, not play the same political games that the Democrats do,” she said. Shaw had originally sought to challenge Schneider for the chairmanship and had earned the support of Ives and State Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills). That was until late last week, when Shaw announced he had struck a deal to share the party chairmanship with Schneider and drop his challenge.)

CAPITOL FAX
— Ives demands resignations after GOP “unity” vote
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/21/ives-demands-resignations-after-gop-unity-vote/
— McCann lashes out after Temporary Restraining Order denied
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/21/mccann-lashes-out-after-tro-denied/
— “If someone wants to get into a school to create havoc, they can do it”
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/21/if-someone-wants-to-get-into-a-school-to-create-havoc-they-can-do-it/
— Pritzker kicks off fundraising for grassroots project (DIERSEN: Will Rauner have fundraisers for Shaw’s efforts to reach out to conservatives?)
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/21/pritzker-kicks-off-fundraising-for-grassroots-project/
— Rep. Cassidy claims retaliation for speaking out on #MeToo
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/21/rep-cassidy-claims-retaliation-for-speaking-out-on-metoo/
— OEIG report smells whiff of patronage hiring
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/21/oeig-report-smells-whiff-of-patronage-hiring/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— McDonald’s workers block headquarters and chant, ‘We can see your greedy side’ – Danielle Paquette
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-mcdonalds-workers-minimum-wage-20180521-story.html
— New grads, get off on the right foot financially – Steve Rosen (DIERSEN: I graduated from NIU debt-free in 1970 when I was 21 years old. 14 months after graduating, I took out a car loan and bought a new Corvette. 17 months after graduating, I started paying tuition for graduate business courses at Loyola. 25 months after graduating, I took out a mortgage and bought a new town home in University Park.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/success/tca-new-grads-get-off-on-the-right-foot-financially-20180517-story.html
— Recruit and retain the best people – Peter Economy (DIERSEN: What do you say to those who demonize, denigrate, and condemn government employees as being lazy, stupid, and even worse things? I was a federal employee for almost 30 years and I have been federal retiree for more than 20 years.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/success/tca-recruit-and-retain-the-best-people-20180517-story.html
— HARDCOPY Article Title: Gun lovers hope we will grow tired of fighting, but we are determined – Dahleen Glanton (DIERSEN: Members of Group A do not want members of Group B to own guns. Members of Group A including Glanton want to get rid of members of Group B. Members of Group A are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time and members of Group B are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older people, rich people, gun owners, German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time. Members of Group A will not succeed.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/glanton/ct-met-dahleen-glanton-school-shooting-20180518-story.html
— Importance of mentorship – Peter Daisyme (DIERSEN: In 1975, my Democrat IRS superiors got rid the IRS manager who had promoted me in 1972, 1973, and 1974. In 1987, my Democrat GAO superiors got rid of the GAO manager who had hired me in 1980, got me assigned to audits of IRS in 1986, and promoted me in 1986.)
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-tribune/20180521/281921658705259
— Knowing when it’s time to retire – Janet Bodnar (DIERSEN: What if I had not succumbed to my Democrat GAO superiors’ threats and not taken their early retirement “offer” in 1997 when I was 49 years old?)
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-tribune/20180521/281943133541739

HERALD & REVIEW
— Illinois lawmakers weigh compromise on guns, death penalty – AP
https://herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/gov-rauner-gets-hearing-on-reinstating-death-penalty/article_6c2bebc8-59f0-58d0-91e7-f4dd133001f3.html

PEORIA PUBLIC RADIO
— Report Cites Rauner’s Office for Improper Hiring – AP (DIERSEN: Were you a policy maker? In the federal government, you are not a policy maker until you make Senior Executive Service, currently $164,200/year.)
http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/report-cites-rauners-office-improper-hiring#stream/0
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Office of the Executive Inspector General’s report released Monday targeted seven people hired in the Department of Central Management Services as “regional client managers.” The job description indicates it’s a policymaking post which a governor can fill based on political loyalty. The review found that employees set up tables, inspected state buildings and monitored inventory. It’s the type of hiring for which candidate Rauner in 2014 lambasted his predecessor, Gov. Pat Quinn. Rauner’s office responded to the report saying it can’t be responsible for employees not doing work they were hired for but would improve oversight.)

OUR QUAD CITIES
— Illinois governor walking a fine line with gun control & death penalty plan – Jim Niedelman
http://www.ourquadcities.com/news/4-the-record/illinois-governor-walking-a-fine-line-with-gun-control-death-penalty-plan/1190659831

NORTHERN PUBLIC RADIO
— Graduate Workers Bite Back Against Ives’ Disparaging Comments – LEE V. GAINES
http://northernpublicradio.org/post/graduate-workers-bite-back-against-ives-disparaging-comments

CITY CLUB OF CHICAGO
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, City Club of Chicago promotes LGBTQ activity.
https://www.cityclub-chicago.org/event/2/2306/taking-pride-in-our-story-chicago-and-its-lgbtq-community

DEPAULIA
— DePaul misses the mark in several areas in new six-year plan – Jonathan Ballew
http://depauliaonline.com/35709/news/commentary-depaul-misses-the-mark-in-several-areas-in-new-six-year-plan/

COURTHOUUSE NEWS SERVICE
— Judge Tosses Illinois State Senator Sam McCann’s Free-Speech Suit – EMILY ZANTOW
https://www.courthousenews.com/judge-tosses-illinois-lawmakers-free-speech-suit/

CHAMBANA SUN
— Caulkins: Republicans must ‘come together and stick together’ during ‘critical election season’ – Glenn Minnis
https://chambanasun.com/stories/511424342-caulkins-republicans-must-come-together-and-stick-together-during-critical-election-season

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— GOP Schedules Second Vote to Put Shannon Teresi on Fall Ballot for Auditor
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/05/21/gop-schedules-second-vote-put-shannon-teresi-fall-ballot-auditor/

ILLINOIS NEWS NETWORK
— Illinois Senate OKs plan to allow cannabis-based medicines in school – Benjamin Yount
https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/illinois-senate-oks-plan-to-allow-cannabis-based-medicines-in/article_20f2a552-5aa6-11e8-8e51-673f2cdb310b.html

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— ROSKAM ASKS ILLINOIS MANUFACTURER TO REPORT ON HOW TAX REFORM HAS HELPED HIS EMPLOYEES
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/05/roskam-asks-illinois-manufacturer-to-report-on-how-tax-reform-has-helped-his-employees-.html
— DUCKWORTH CALLS FOR PAID FAMILY LEAVE (DIERSEN: As it became clearer to my Democrat GAO superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates that my wife and I had given up trying to have children, that we were not going to adopt, and that we were not going to become foster parents, the more that they hinted/implied/argued/shouted that we were selfish filthy rich DINKs (dual income, no kids).)
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/05/duckworth-calls-for-paid-family-leave.html

GOPUSA
— DOE investigating Yale’s toxic anti-male culture (DIERSEN: Those who are anti-male are often also anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=46271
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Millennials gaining ground in effort to push U.S. into socialism
http://www.gopusa.com/millennials-gaining-ground-in-effort-to-push-us-into-socialism/

LIFE SITE NEWS
— ‘God made you gay’: Did Pope Francis just tell the lie of the century?
https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/god-made-you-gay-did-pope-francis-just-tell-the-lie-of-the-century

THE HILL
— Supreme Court upholds agreements that prevent employee class-action suits – LYDIA WHEELER
http://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/388601-supreme-court-upholds-agreements-that-prevent-employee-class-action

POLITICO
— Supreme Court rules employers can ban class action lawsuits in arbitration – ANDREW HANNA and JOSH GERSTEIN
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/05/21/supreme-court-upholds-employers-right-to-require-arbitration-to-settle-workplace-disputes-600923

WASHINGTON POST
— Illinois lawmakers weigh compromise on guns, death penalty – AP
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/illinois-lawmakers-weigh-compromise-on-guns-death-penalty/2018/05/21/ac6366ce-5d14-11e8-b656-236c6214ef01_story.html

USA TODAY
— Older workers get flexible hours, work-at-home options to keep them from retirement – Paul Davidson
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/05/21/retirement-delayed-firms-keep-older-workers-hire-retirees/613722002/
— Boomerang kids 101: How to handle money when your adult children move back home – Aimee Picchi (DIERSEN: I graduated from NIU in August 1970. I lived with my mother and brother in Crete from August of 1970 through September of 1972. My father had died suddenly in 1969. I got a job working for the Firestone Store in Chicago Heights, I applied for a financial hardship draft deferment to help support my mother and brother, and it was approved in 1971.)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2018/05/21/boomerang-millennials-moving-back-home-finances-adult-kids/617378002/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Starbucks Says Drug Use, Sleeping Unacceptable as It Clarifies Guest Policy Coffee retailer’s statement to The Journal is second attempt to explain its new policy following complaints that it would turn cafes into homeless shelters and drug havens – Julie Jargon
https://www.wsj.com/articles/starbucks-says-drug-use-sleeping-unacceptable-as-it-clarifies-guest-policy-1526918854
— The NRA Versus the Constitution – Eric Tirschwell (DIERSEN: The Second Amendment is a national right.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-nra-versus-the-constitution-1526841395
— Advice to New Grads: Scale or Bail Want to change the world? Don’t bother volunteering—get a real, ‘boring’ job. – Andy Kessler
https://www.wsj.com/articles/advice-to-new-grads-scale-or-bail-1526841165

NEW YORK TIMES
— The Open Secret of Anti-Mom Bias at Work – Katherine Goldstein (DIERSEN: During the early 1990s, to help GAO a) hire, retain, and promote young women and b) to get rid of its employees who smoked (overwhelmingly old White men), GAO gutted the smoking room in its Chicago office and turned it into a lactation room.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/16/opinion/workplace-discrimination-mothers.html

May 20 Evening Edition

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Trump says he will call for Justice Department to probe whether FBI surveilled his campaign for ‘political purposes’- Matt Zapotosky, David Nakamura and Robert Costa
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-trump-fbi-spy-20180520-story.html
— Oliver North, incoming NRA chief, blames school shootings on ‘culture of violence’ – Frances Stead Sellers and Michael Scherer
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-texas-school-shooting-nra-20180520-story.html
— Texas shooting suspect’s choice of guns complicates debate over assault rifles – Callum Borchers
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-texas-school-shooting-gun-debate-20180520-story.html
— ‘World’s most expensive Witch Hunt’: Trump lashes out at New York Times, Democrats – David Nakamura
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-trump-witch-hunt-20180520-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Let Illinois towns pass assault weapons bans – Mayor Nancy Rotering, Highland Park (DIERSEN: Sooner or later, if not already, those who ban assault weapons will ban those who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/illinois-bills-assault-weapons-ban-highland-park-mayor-nancy-rotering/
— Illinois condemns motorcyclists to death by leaving helmets off safety tip page – Neil Steinberg
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/illinois-condemns-motorcyclists-to-death-by-leaving-helmets-off-safety-tip-page/

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Comprehensive gun bill would make our schools, cities safer – Gov. Bruce Rauner
http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20180520/gov-bruce-rauner-comprehensive-gun-bill-would-make-our-schools-cities-safer

KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE
— Kane County Board chairman: People leaving state to avoid high taxes ‘Harder and harder to live within our means’ – CHRIS WALKER (DIERSEN: Have you lived within your means? My wife and I have always done that. Since 1997, my income has been 59% less, that is, it has been only $51,864 instead of $125,325 in today’s dollars because my Democrat GAO superiors succeeded in forcing me to take their early retirement “offer.” We spend far less on immediate pleasures than others who share our demographics.)
http://www.kcchronicle.com/2018/05/18/kane-county-board-chairman-people-leaving-state-to-avoid-high-taxes/a9k42ld/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “Property tax levels [are] one of the biggest problems that we’re dealing with in Illinois,” he said. “People are moving away from Illinois. Literally 30,000 people moved out [last year].” Recalling his early years in public service, Lauzen said he’d hear from disgruntled homeowners. Now those homeowners aren’t calling him, but are leaving the state for good. “It usually was the seniors, the older folks, who used to call,” he said. “The older men would call up and they’d holler at you and the older ladies, they’d call and cried about the property tax burden. And they’re living on fixed incomes and it was a huge problem. “These days, I think many of us are finding that they don’t call anymore. It’s almost like they’ve given up and they just move so that’s a terrible thing.” Lauzen explained that change is long overdue and one of the ways to do that is to stop taxing people out of their homes. He believes he’s made a lot of progress during the past seven years. “Before I had the privilege to serve as chairman, we had a 50 percent increase in the property taxes to support the county,” he said. “In the last seven years it’s leveled out at zero increase.” That includes having to insert into the base the new construction while excluding a cost of living increase. “I’m very proud of holding the line,” he said. “But it is naturally getting harder and harder to live within our means without asking people for more.” Lauzen said that the public often complains about the spending, but that he’s doing his part to help reduce debt. “[The public] says that all you guys and ladies do is borrow and spend,” he said. “We’ve paid off approximately 65 percent of the debt in the last six to seven years.” Lauzen closed his presentation by sharing a slide of three beliefs that he referred to as “Truly Dumb Ideas.” He said that he hopes no one who attended the luncheon ever allows any of them to see the light of day. It includes combining all local pensions into one, increasing property taxes by 1 percent of the home value to pay off the state’s pensions unfunded liabilities and running the government like a business. Mark Pietrowski, DeKalb County chairman, and Scott Gryder, Kendall County chairman, also made presentations during the luncheon.)

HOT AIR
— House GOP Gearing Up To Oust Ryan As Speaker — With Trump’s Support?
https://hotair.com/archives/2018/05/20/house-gop-gearing-oust-ryan-speaker-trumps-support/

ONE NEWS NOW
— No DACA unless border wall built, amnesty slashed – Michael F. Haverluck
https://www.onenewsnow.com/national-security/2018/05/20/no-daca-unless-border-wall-built-amnesty-slashed

DAILY CALLER
— Sorry Conservatives: You Don’t Have Free Speech On Facebook Or Twitter – Carl Szabo
http://dailycaller.com/2018/05/15/sorry-conservatives-no-social-media-free-speech/
— Alan Dershowitz: FBI Full Of ‘Republicans Who Hated Trump’ – Justin Caruso (DIERSEN: I should write a book about my Democrat superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates in the federal government who hated Republicans the most. Republican haters at GAO forced me to retire in 1997 when I was 49 years old, gave me unfair performance expectations and appraisals, always ranked me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance purposes, did not promote me beyond GS-13, got rid of my mentor in 1987, kept me off audits of IRS for all but 3 of the almost 18 years that I worked for GAO, and forced me to take an $19,203 pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980. Republican haters at IRS superiors did not promote me beyond GS-12, disallowed my education deductions in 1978, got rid of my mentor in 1975, and disallowed my partial day per diem claims in 1974. Republican haters at the Post Office superiors forced me resign in 1969 and disallowed my sick leave requests in 1969 and 1968. Many of the aforesaid were also anti-draft avoiders, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://dailycaller.com/2018/05/20/alan-dershowitz-mueller-hate-trump/

THE HILL
— Activist praised by Trump once ran online publication that mocked him: report – LUIS SANCHEZ
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/387883-conservative-activist-praised-by-trump-once-ran-online-publication

NBC NEWS
— Two counties tell the tale of a growing education gap The increasing importance of education on income, lifestyle and opportunity are on display in Pennsylvania. – Dante Chinni (DIERSEN: How did education benefit you? If I had not earned a job-related bachelor’s degree in 1970 when I was 21 years old, Firestone Stores would not have hired me in 1970, Oldsmobile would not have offered me a job in 1971, and IRS would not have hired me in 1971. If I had not been taking job-related graduate courses, IRS might not have promoted me in 1972, 1973, or 1974. If I had not earned a job-related master’s degree in 1976 and if I had not earned a job-related professional certification in 1979, GAO would not have hired me in 1980. If I had not earned a job-related master’s degree in 1980; not earned job-related professional certifications in 1981, 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997; and not earned a job-related professional license in 1981 a) GAO might not have promoted me in 1986 and b) GAO might have gotten rid of me sooner than it did.)
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/first-read/two-counties-tell-tale-growing-education-gap-n875331
— Bernie Sanders: Establishment Dems ‘don’t generate excitement’
https://www.nbcnews.com/card/bernie-sanders-establishment-dems-don-t-generate-excitement-n875806

WASHINGTON POST
— We should have the freedom to gamble more but the good sense to gamble less – Norman Chad (DIERSEN: Gambling is a vice. Individuals, organizations including religions, companies, governments, and countries should discourage vice.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/we-should-have-the-freedom-to-gamble-more-but-the-good-sense-to-gamble-less/2018/05/20/5267482e-5afe-11e8-8836-a4a123c359ab_story.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Which Jobs Are Workers Most Willing to Move For? These Ones High-tech jobs in San Francisco and New York are most likely to attract out-of-town applicants, a new study finds – Eric Morath (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, no one would move for the bad jobs that I had. I did yard work and delivered newspapers in Crete 1962-1964; washed dishes in Chicago Heights 1964-1966; cleaned golf shoes in Flossmoor, chipped slag in South Chicago Heights, and pumped gasoline in South Chicago Heights in 1966; delivered mail in Park Forest 1966-1969; worked on an automobile assembly line in Belvidere and as a security guard in DeKalb 1970; sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances in Chicago Heights 1970-1971; pumped gasoline in Chicago Heights 1971-1972; collected delinquent taxes in Harvey, Joliet, and Chicago 1971-1980; and audited federal agencies in Chicago 1980-1997.)
https://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2018/05/18/which-jobs-are-workers-most-willing-to-move-for-these-ones/

NEWSWEEK
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A White-hater says WHITE SUPREMACY ON ITS ‘LAST BREATH’ AFTER ROYAL WEDDING.
http://www.newsweek.com/royal-wedding-al-sharpton-white-supremacy-935582

SUN JOURNAL
— The story behind the Kent State graduate and her rifle – Washington Post
http://www.sunjournal.com/the-story-behind-the-kent-state-graduate-and-her-rifle/

LANCASTER ONLINE
— Shaming citizens into voting by disseminating their voter histories may be effective, but it’s unseemly – Editorial
https://lancasteronline.com/opinion/editorials/shaming-citizens-into-voting-by-disseminating-their-voter-histories-may/article_fca35bba-5884-11e8-9234-cb94e07b4041.html

TWIN CITIES PIONEER PRESS
— How to retire a millionaire, and is that really enough? – BRUCE HELMER AND PEG WEBB
https://www.twincities.com/2018/05/19/your-money-how-to-retire-a-millionaire-and-is-that-really-enough/

MEDIA FILE
— The True Deplorables – Matt Gioia (DIERSEN: Of course, according to my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes, anyone who reads GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails is a deplorable.)
http://www.mediafiledc.com/the-true-deplorables/

May 20 Morning Edition

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump haters promote hatred of Trump.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-ent-trump-pinata-0520-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Many Americans have less than $5k set aside for retirement (DIERSEN: Are you on track to have “80 percent of your former earnings” when you retire? In today’s dollars, my “former earnings” was $125,325. 80% of that is $100,260, but my Civil Service Retirement System pension is only $51,864, or only 41% of my “former earnings.”)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/working/many-americans-have-less-than-5k-set-aside-for-retirement/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: We’re told of the importance of saving for retirement, especially given the way healthcare and other senior living costs continue to rise. But apparently, a large number of workers aren’t listening. In fact, one-third of Americans have less than $5,000 set aside for the future, according to new data from Northwestern Mutual. Incidentally, 21 percent of Americans have no retirement savings at all. It’s one thing to have less than $5,000 in your nest egg when you’re only in your 20s or even 30s. But if you’ve been in the workforce for quite some time, that $5,000 doesn’t paint a great picture. And if you don’t take steps to ramp up, you’ll be sorry for it later on. Social Security just won’t cut it Many workers don’t save for the future because they assume they can live on Social Security. But that’s a dangerous, misguided assumption. In a best-case scenario, Social Security will replace about 40 percent of the average earner’s pre-retirement income. Most seniors, however, need double that amount to live comfortably. Even if you’re willing to cut corners in retirement, you can only slash so many basics. You’ll still need a roof over your head, a way of getting around town, and food on the table. Therefore, a frugal lifestyle might allow you to get away with spending a bit less than 80 percent of your former earnings, but not much. That means that while your Social Security income will help cover the bills when you’re older, you still will need a nice amount of savings to avoid falling short.)

DAILY HERALD
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats crow about their success in getting students to act as their operatives and as their dupes.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20180515/news/305159802/
— Facts matter in a democracy where people rule – Editorial (DIERSEN: What are your fact checking qualifications? While I worked for GAO 1980-1997, the last 11 years of which at GS-13 Step 1-10 levels, currently $96,403-$125,325, I increasingly worked as a referencer, that is, as a fact checker. That work required assuring the accuracy and support for each and every word, number, table, graph, chart, conclusion, opinion, and recommendation in GAO reports. I worked for IRS 1971-1980, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 levels, currently $81,071-$91,880. My other fact checking qualifications include my becoming a Forensic Accountant in 1997, a Certified Fraud Examiner in 1990, a licensed CPA in 1981, a Certified Internal Auditor in 1981, and a CPA in 1979.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180519/editorial-facts-matter-in-a-democracy-where-people-rule
— World War II caused dramatic changes to way of life, economy – Andy Kravetz (DIERSEN: What did your parents and grandparents do during WWII? My father, who was 4-F, worked in the office of chemical plant in Chicago Heights. My mother helped her parents operate a farm in Grant Park. On my father’s side, my grandfather operated a hardware store in Crete and my grandmother helped her parents operate a farm in Crete. On my mother’s side, my grandfather and my grandmother helped their parents operate farms in Grant Park. My two uncles on my mother’s side fought the Germans in WWII.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180519/illinois-200th-world-war-ii-caused-dramatic-changes-to-way-of-life-economy

WGN RADIO
— Politics with Rick Pearson Full Show 5/20/18 (DIERSEN: Sue Rezin, Bob Rita, and Lori Lightfoot.)
http://wgnradio.com/2018/05/20/the-sunday-spin-politics-with-rick-pearson-full-show-5-20-18/

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— Everything’s going Pritzker’s way – Editorial (DIERSEN: According to Illinois Democrats, Illinois RINOs, and other Illinois anti-Republicans, if Rauner loses to Pritzker, it is because of conservatives, that is, because of those who support the traditional family, right to life, immigration, Second Amendment, and the rest of the planks in the Illinois Republican Party platform.)
http://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018-05-20/editorial-everythings-going-pritzkers-way.html
— Pointing fingers – Jim Dey
http://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/columns/2018-05-20/jim-dey-pointing-fingers.html

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Another disappointing lack of transparency in Illinois government – Editorial
http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20180519/our-view-another-disappointing-lack-of-transparency-in-illinois-government

KANKAKEE DAILY JOURNAL
— Staying true to watchdog role – David Giuliani
http://www.daily-journal.com/news/local/david-giuliani-staying-true-to-watchdog-role/article_77464e2e-3d03-11e8-ac70-174d69f1bfcc.html

JOURNAL TIMES
— Illinois should worry about its own problems – Editorial
http://journaltimes.com/opinion/editorial/journal-times-editorial-illinois-should-worry-about-its-own-problems/article_a3003781-8caa-534a-a8fe-9223ba588c8f.html

RIVER CITIES’ READER
— Rauner’s New Campaign Issue May Be a Whole Loaf, a Couple of Slices, or Just an Empty Plate – Rich Miller
https://www.rcreader.com/commentary/rauners-new-campaign-issue

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Stop ERA in Illinois
https://illinoisfamily.org/satire/stop-era-in-illinois/

NEW YORK TIMES
— The News Isn’t Fake. But It’s Flawed. – Frank Bruni (DIERSEN: According to my critics/opponents, all news is fake except for the news that they put out or bless.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/19/opinion/sunday/fake-news-trump.html
— FRONT PAGE: New Reality for High School Students: Calculating the Risk of Getting Shot – Audra D. S. Burch, Amy Harmon and Trip Gabriel
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/20/us/school-shootings-drills-risks.html
— Why the Wealth Gap Hits Families the Hardest – Christina Gibson-Davis and Christine Percheski (DIERSEN: What do you say to my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes who falsely hint/imply/argue/shout that my parents were undeservedly filthy rich because they sent me to Trinity Lutheran Grade School in Crete 1953-1961 and then to Hope Lutheran Grade School in Park Forest 1961-1962 to stay with the Missouri Synod?)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/18/opinion/wealth-inequality-families-children-elderly.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Texas school had a shooting plan, armed officers and practice. And still 10 people died. – Todd C. Frankel, Brittney Martin, Tim Craig and Christian Davenport
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/santa-fe-school-had-a-shooting-plan-armed-officers-and-practice-and-still-10-people-died/2018/05/19/58b1b55e-5b8d-11e8-8b92-45fdd7aaef3c_story.html

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— California’s illegal immigration fight is back, and so are the political pitfalls for Republicans – John Myers
http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-road-map-illegal-immigration-campaign-20180520-story.html

ATLANTIC
— The 9.9 Percent Is the New American Aristocracy The class divide is already toxic, and is fast becoming unbridgeable. – MATTHEW STEWART (DIERSEN: What do you say to my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes who falsely hint/imply/argue/shout that my parents were undeservedly filthy rich because they sent me to Trinity Lutheran Grade School in Crete 1953-1961 and then to Hope Lutheran Grade School in Park Forest 1961-1962 to stay with the Missouri Synod?)
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/06/the-birth-of-a-new-american-aristocracy/559130/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The meritocratic class has mastered the old trick of consolidating wealth and passing privilege along at the expense of other people’s children.)

BUSINESS WIRE
— Canadians Concerned About Maintaining Standard of Living in Retirement (DIERSEN: Are you on track to have 80 percent of your former earnings” when you retire? In today’s dollars, my former earnings was $125,325. 80% of that is $100,260, but my Civil Service Retirement System is only $51,864, or only 41% of my former earnings.)
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180515005234/en/Canadians-Concerned-Maintaining-Standard-Living-Retirement-Growing

May 16 Evening Edition

REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY OF LAKE COUNTY
— Principles
http://ralc.biz/principles
(FROM THE STATEMENT: We have joined ourselves together within the Republican Party to achieve our common goals –To give definition and strength to the Conservative movement within these United States. In these, we proudly affirm our belief in the following principles: This nation was established by men humbly seeking the guidance of Almighty God. Our hope for God to bless our country exists only if we again seek his divine guidance. We support the United States Constitution in the tradition of the Founding Fathers as the Supreme law of the land. The power of the Federal Government and State must be strongly bound by the chains of the Constitution to allow maximum individual achievement through freedom. Our country is a sovereign nation. We must never compromise our national sovereignty to other nations, the United Nations, or any other world organization. Our foreign policy must always reflect our national self-interest and founding principles. Our Founding Fathers firmly held to the conviction that religious freedom was fundamental to a free society. We also express the conviction that we are a God-fearing people, according one another the equal right of religious freedom and acknowledging with reverence the duty of obedience to the will of God. Our state has sovereign authority to govern the land and people within our border. We will not abide usurpation of state sovereignty by Federal mandate or economic extortion. We believe that each of us should be free to achieve, or fail according to our individual abilities, without the need for governmental assistance or quotas.)
— Beliefs
http://ralc.biz/beliefs
(FROM THE STATEMENT: That all political power and influence should flow from the grassroots upward. That all human rights are granted by God, not government. Government exists primarily to protect the God-given rights of its citizens. That the Constitution was written by wise men under the inspiration of God and that the original intent of the Founders is as valid and binding today as it was in their day. That the Constitution was written to govern a moral and religious people and it is being destroyed by those who are neither. That the traditional family is the foundation and cornerstone of our society – and we will oppose any attempt to undermine or redefine the family unit. The sanctity of human life is paramount in any free society. The unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed. This sacred right extends to all persons regardless of age or infirmity and also would not allow for euthanasia, assisted suicide, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning or public funding for any of these practices. That the Founders never intended to separate God from government but did intend to prevent government from establishing a single state religion or from inhibiting the citizen’s right to the free exercise of religion in any setting, public or private. That free market capitalism is the only economic system that creates the opportunities and incentives that will allow maximum productivity and prosperity for its citizens. It is the necessary partner of political freedom.)
— Membership Application
http://ralc.biz/application

CBS2 & PEORIA PUBLIC RADIO & SOUTHERN
— Illinois GOP: Conservative, Moderate To Share Leadership – AP (DIERSEN: Illinois conservatives support all the planks in the Illinois Republican Party platform. Illinois moderates reject the platform’s traditional family, right to life, immigration, and/or other planks. Political parties exist to help elect candidates who can and will defend and advance their platform. Will Rauner sign a pledge that he will defend and advance all the planks in the IRP platform?)
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/05/16/illinois-gop-conservative-moderate-share-leadership/
http://thesouthern.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/illinois-gop-says-conservative-moderate-to-share-leadership/article_ce9ff3ad-2a86-5f23-b860-6f2a7167a09c.html
http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/illinois-gop-says-conservative-moderate-share-leadership#stream/0
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Illinois Republican Party officials say they’ve reached an agreement to share leadership of the party, heading off a weekend fight between moderates and conservatives over who should be the next state GOP chairman. Conservatives were backing Lake County GOP Chairman Mark Shaw against Tim Schneider, the current state chairman hand-picked by Gov. Bruce Rauner. The election is scheduled for Saturday. In a news release late Tuesday, the party says Shaw and Schneider have agreed Schneider will continue as chairman while Shaw will be co-chairman, leading “conservative and grassroots outreach.” Shaw also will run Saturday for president of the Illinois Republican County Chairmen’s Association. Conservatives have been critical of Rauner’s actions on issues such as abortion and immigration, prompting state Rep. Jeanne Ives to challenge him in a closer-than-expected March primary. Ives said Wednesday she’s “guardedly optimistic” about the new arrangement but reserving judgement until it’s put into practice.)

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Rauner’s Republican Party spreads its wings to embrace the right – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/rauner-answers-conservative-message-by-splitting-republican-party-leadership/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Facing calls to resign over his handling of sexual harassment allegations within the party, Mike Madigan faced no opposition this year in being elected the longest-serving chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party. But after Gov. Bruce Rauner eked out a contentious and very narrow victory over state Rep. Jeanne Ives in the March primary, the Illinois Republican Party the GOP governor has bankrolled announced it would split leadership posts as a way to unify a political party that has seen its fair share of dissension.)
— Pritzker paints Rauner as MIA on ERA — as Dems scramble to ensure it’s not DOA – Mark Brown
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/pritzker-paints-rauner-as-mia-on-era-as-dems-scramble-to-ensure-its-not-doa/

ABC7
— Rauner under pressure to support Equal Rights Amendment – Craig Wall
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/rauner-under-pressure-to-support-equal-rights-amendment/3483418/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Opponents, including social conservatives, point to fact that Illinois already has its own Equal Right Amendment. And there are also concerns about abortion. “We believe the ERA amendment is all about extending abortion right across the country where taxpayers have to fund it, at will, on demand,” said State Representative Jeanne Ives, R-Wheaton. With concerns about taking any stand that might further anger his base this election year, Governor Rauner has refused to directly support the Amendment.)
— UN-AMERICAN, DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Carpentersville board votes to repeal resolution designating English as official language – Michelle Gallardo
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/carpentersville-board-votes-to-repeal-resolution-designating-english-as-official-language/3478676/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Illinois considers changing gun transfer rules following Waffle House shooting – Monique Garcia
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-illinois-senate-gun-stores-20180516-story.html
— Black people: Call 1-800-TOO-WITE, report ‘suspicious’ white meddlers – Rex Huppke (DIERSEN: What do say to White people who encourage Black people to hate White people?)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/huppke/ct-met-yale-black-student-napping-huppke-20180510-story.html
— Half of kids experience trauma, new report says. Chicago teacher and Diana Rauner offer ideas on how to help.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/sc-fam-illinois-children-trauma-schools-0522-story.html
— Bill to keep pregnant women out of jail while they await trial reaches governor’s desk – Elyssa Cherney
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-pregnant-inmates-bond-20180515-story.html
— Flower town grapples with blossoming pot industry’s stench – AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-california-marijuana-odor-20180510-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats want immigrants because immigrants vote for Democrats. RINOs want immigrants because RINOs want cheap labor. Libertarians want illegal immigrants because illegal immigrant bring them pot.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/opinion/ct-ict-abn-crosby-immigration-prof-st-0516-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Mundelein trustee apologizes for ‘lipstick on a pig’ comment – Russell Lissau
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180516/mundelein-trustee-apologizes-for-lipstick-on-a-pig-comment
— Where black votes mean more than black well-being – Walter E. Williams (DIERSEN: Those who are Democrat, Libertarian, Green, and/or RINO encourage those who are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time to get involved in politics to get rid of those who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180516/where-black-votes-mean-more-than-black-well-being

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Roskam draws sharp line on taxes in re-election fight – GREG HINZ (DIERSEN: Roskam should increase the $10,000 SALT cap to $20,000 for married filing jointly. Government should encourage marriage and homeownership.)
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180516/BLOGS02/180519898/roskam-draws-sharp-line-on-taxes-in-re-election-fight
— Trump discloses ‘over $5 million’ in income from Chicago tower – DANNY ECKER
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20180516/CRED03/180519894/trump-discloses-over-5-million-in-income-from-chicago-tower
— Illinois needs a ‘fair’ income tax – TASHA GREEN CRUZAT (DIERSEN: Knowing that the more income that you earn, the more of that income will be taxed away, discourages you from earning more income.)
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180516/OPINION/180519915/illinois-needs-a-fair-income-tax

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Gun dealer licensing compromise passes Senate – Brenden Moore
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180516/gun-dealer-licensing-compromise-passes-senate

NPR ILLINOIS
— Illinois Republican Party Makes Deal To Avoid Leadership Fight – DAISY CONTRERAS
http://nprillinois.org/post/illinois-republican-party-makes-deal-avoid-leadership-fight#stream/0

CHICAGO READER
— With his death-penalty ploy, Rauner uses an old trick he learned from his enemy: Mike Madigan – Ben Joravsky
https://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2018/05/16/with-his-death-penalty-ploy-rauner-uses-an-old-trick-he-learned-from-his-enemy-mike-madigan

PRAIRIE STATE WIRE
— With new resolution, Ives scoffs at economists’ proposal to raise property taxes – Angela Underwood
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/511418205-with-new-resolution-ives-scoffs-at-economists-proposal-to-raise-property-taxes

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Elmhurst Republican Nybo joins Democrats in move to ban Illinois gun dealers – W.J. Kennedy
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511420141-elmhurst-republican-nybo-joins-democrats-in-move-to-ban-illinois-gun-dealers
— 8 local officials publicly oppose graduated income tax; Mussman, Connor don’t agree
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511418284-8-local-officials-publicly-oppose-graduated-income-tax-mussman-connor-don-t-agree

SOUTHEAST ILLINOIS NEWS
— Bailey glad to see Ives step up to offer a solution to financial crisis – Glenn Minnis
https://seillinoisnews.com/stories/511415288-bailey-glad-to-see-ives-step-up-to-offer-a-solution-to-financial-crisis

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— IL GOP HEADS MAKE DISAPPOINTING DEAL BEFORE SATURDAY’S STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE VOTE
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/05/il-gop-heads-make-disappointing-deal-before-saturdays-state-central-committee-vote-.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Any chance the conservative wing of the Illinois Republican Party had to take over party leadership next Saturday has been dealt away, with an announcement from the party headquarters Wednesday. Governor Rauner’s pick Tim Schneider will remain the IL GOP State Chairman for another four years, and Lake County Chairman Mark Shaw will “co-chair” in a new position on the SCC. And everyone – the Rauner wing of the party and the IL GOP Platform wing will be happy and united …? . . . In other words, the IL GOP conservatives will return to their worker bee positions in the party apparatus – knocking on doors, making phone calls, canvassing voters – while the IL GOP Rauner-paid staff hive queen bees call the shots and make public policy with no regard whatsoever to the IL GOP Platform. That’s the way many are seeing their “compromise” – one the Rauner Wing was willing to initiate because the conservatives on the SCC were confident they had the votes to elect Mark Shaw as the new party chairman – taking the IL GOP in a direction that simply would not blend well with Governor Rauner’s checkbook and piper tunes. The SCC members that told Illinois Review they were confident that they had the votes for a party leadership upheaval backed off Wednesday. “Jeanne Ives made a good statement on this agreement this morning. My views are very similar to hers,” 17th CD SSC member Stan Bond said Wednesday. “This agreement will give conservatives a stronger voice within the ILGOP and additionally provides the County Chairmen a permanent seat and voice on the party’s executive committee which surprisingly they have not had up until now.” . . . It’s too bad Mr. Shaw didn’t see fit to fight for the takeover of the IL GOP – so that the state’s party would reflect the rest of the nation’s Republican stance and not continue in the failed Democrat-lite direction its leadership has been pursuing for years. Those conservatives that hold to conservative principles first and the Republican Party affiliation second have been left with no political home for this election cycle. That’s an ugly reality, and one that must be processed.)
— GUTIERREZ BLASTS TRUMP AND FOX NEWS FOR MCCAIN COMMENTS (DIERSEN: What do your critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes want you to apologize for? My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes want me to apologize for causing their problems, for causing your problems, for causing my problems, and for causing everyone’s problems. Some demonize, denigrate, and condemn my intelligence, my motives, my judgment, and my efforts to help them.)
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/05/gutierrez-blasts-trump-and-fox-news-for-mccain-comments.html

FOX NEWS
— More Millennials Would Rather Date a Convicted Felon Over a Trump Supporter
http://insider.foxnews.com/2018/05/16/millennials-would-rather-date-convicted-felon-over-trump-supporter

DAILY CALLER
— Pit Bulls Kill Elderly Woman In Mississippi – Scott Greer
http://dailycaller.com/2018/05/16/pit-bulls-maul-owner-mississippi/

HOT AIR
— Professor Notes Men Are Taller Than Women On Average, SJWs Storm Out Angrily – JOHN SEXTON
https://hotair.com/archives/2018/03/14/professor-points-men-taller-women-average-sjws-storm-angrily/

CNBC
— Here’s how much money Americans think you need to be considered ‘wealthy’ – Kathleen Elkins
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/16/heres-how-much-money-americans-think-you-need-to-be-considered-wealthy.html

AOL NEWS
— BEYOND TRAGIC: Study: More parents are smoking weed – SAM BERMAN
https://www.aol.com/article/lifestyle/2018/05/16/study-more-parents-are-smoking-weed/23436055/

WASHINGTON POST
— Illinois House schedules vote on Equal Rights Amendment – AP
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/illinois-house-schedules-vote-on-equal-rights-amendment/2018/05/16/0bbf672a-5956-11e8-9889-07bcc1327f4b_story.html

USA TODAY
— Amazon drops resistance to proposal requiring it interview women, blacks, Hispanics for board – Elizabeth Weise (DIERSEN: GAO hired me in 1980 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, younger person, or veteran who would take the job. IRS hired me in 1971 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job. The Post Office hired me in 1966 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job.)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2018/05/14/amazon-shifts-commits-interviewing-women-minorities-board/608188002/
— Cremation gaining in popularity fast as burial costs rise – Svetlana Shkolnikova (DIERSEN: Reasons why my wife and I have decided on cremation include our not having children and the success that my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois have had in painting me as being a White supremacist, Nazi, KKK member, hater, racist, sexist, bigot and even worse things.)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2018/05/14/cremation-rising-fast-alternative-burial/603661002/

SAN FRANCISCO GATE
— Trump convenes friendly Californians to rally opposition to sanctuary laws – Joe Garofoli
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Trump-convenes-friendly-Californians-to-rally-12920663.php
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The GOP desperately needs the injection of energy in California. Democrats have targeted several of the 14 congressional seats now held by Republicans as part of their effort to win back the House. The two main Republicans running for governor, Travis Allen and John Cox, have seized on the issue in hopes that at least one of them will survive the June 5 top-two primary. Failing to field a candidate in the November runoff could depress Republican turnout throughout the state. Trump said opposition to the law in California “has sparked a rebellion.” Ten counties and three dozen cities have supported the administration’s anti-sanctuary stance, nearly all of them in conservative parts of Southern California and the Central Valley.)

FEDERAL TIMES
— OPM director justifies proposed retirement cuts – Jessie Bur
https://www.federaltimes.com/management/pay-benefits/2018/05/16/opm-director-justifies-retirement-cuts/

DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION
— Rauner Forced to Cede Control of Party, Still Hasn’t Talked to Ives
https://democraticgovernors.org/news/rauner-forced-to-cede-control-of-party-still-hasnt-talked-to-ives/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The nation’s most vulnerable incumbent was forced to partially cede control over his party’s operations this morning, as news broke Rauner’s hand-picked party chairman agreed to be a “co-chairman” to avoid a divisive party vote. Politico Illinois wrote Rauner’s bowing to reality shows “weakness” and would “never could have happened under Rauner two years ago.” But Rauner still has not solved his biggest problem — winning back state Representative Jeanne Ives and the 48% of Republicans that supported her. Ives was skeptical of today’s news, warning that if this was the “typical surrender Republican Rauner play of buying people off with money and titles, that would not be good.” Her statement also showed she was not involved in the deal. She told CLTV last week they still have not spoken. “Bruce Rauner is fighting for his political life and he only has himself blame,” said DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro. “Rauner still has to find a way to win back the 48% of Republicans that voted to throw him out two months ago, and the millions of Democrats and Independents that are tired of watching Illinois fall behind under his failed leadership.”)

May 16 Morning Edition

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— What will Mark Shaw do in his roles as the Co-Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party and the President of the Illinois Republican County Chairman’s Association to organize Illinois conservatives and to “lead conservative and grassroots outreach for the” IRP? Will he:
– Identify who the conservative leaders are in each county in Illinois?
– Meet with them on a one on one basis, meet with them at regional meetings, and/or meet with them at statewide meetings?
– encourage Dave Diersen to form the “Republican Assembly of DuPage County” to represent the conservatives in DuPage County?
– encourage all Illinois conservatives and Republicans to read GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails?
– encourage all Illinois conservative and Republican leaders to keep diersen@aol.com on their press advisory and press release lists? – Dave Diersen
https://gopillinois.com

JEANNE IVES
— Ives Responds to ILGOP Leadership Compromise
https://mailchi.mp/30bcb705619a/ives-response-to-gop-leadership-compromise?e=985ad8c00b
(FROM THE ANNOUNCEMENT: Late last night, the two candidates for ILGOP Chair, Chairman Tim Schneider and Lake County GOP Chairman Mark Shaw, announced a compromise that has the candidates sharing the seat. State Representative Jeanne Ives, a former Republican candidate for Governor, released the following statement in response: “This is an encouraging about face by Rauner and his surrogates including Tim Schneider who spent the primary campaign ridiculing conservatives and telling us to leave the party. If this compromise elevates the party’s conservative base in terms of both policy views and party leadership, that would be good. If this compromise turns out to be the typical surrender Republican Rauner play of buying people off with money and titles, that would not be good. While I’m guardedly optimistic, I’ll reserve judgment to see how the deal operates in practice.)

ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN PARTY
— Leadership Announcement: ILGOP Chairman Tim Schneider and Lake Co. GOP Chairman Mark Shaw announce a reorganization plan that focuses on grassroots organizing dedicated to reelecting Gov. Rauner and Republicans statewide (DIERSEN: It certainly looks like the Democrat news media in Illinois was given advance notice of when this announcement would be sent out.)
https://illinois.gop/category/news/
(FROM THE ANNOUNCEMENT: “Chairman Mark Shaw is a great asset to the Illinois Republican Party, and I’m very pleased to announce a new joint effort with him to refocus our party’s efforts on grassroots and county-level organizing. This year’s election might be the most consequential one in our state’s history, so we must be more organized than ever before. That is why I wholeheartedly endorse Mark Shaw to lead the Illinois Republican County Chairmen’s Association as President. Mark will also serve as co-Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party and lead conservative and grassroots outreach for the party. With Mark joining me at the helm, the state party and Republican organizations across Illinois will coordinate new efforts to reelect Gov. Bruce Rauner and our Republican ticket statewide.” – Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider “Many conservatives sent Governor Rauner a message in the primary. On the night of the primary, Governor Rauner said he heard them, and I heard them – loud and clear. But Republicans must focus on the issues that unite us and the election ahead of us. Conservatives in Illinois must come together to reelect Governor Rauner, or we won’t have a voice in state government for the next decade. “That is why I’ve decided to join together with Chairman Tim Schneider in a unity effort to lead Republicans in Illinois. I’m asking the State Central Committee to reelect Tim Schneider to another term as our party chairman, and I am honored to serve as co-Chairman of the party. The joint unity effort will make our conservative voice louder and ultimately make our party stronger. I look forward to working with Tim in my new role to focus our party’s attention on the grassroots and do the important organizing work to reelect Gov. Rauner, elect more Republicans statewide, and build our party at the statewide and local level.” – Lake County Republican Party Chairman Mark Shaw Today, Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider and Lake County Republican Party Chairman Mark Shaw announced an agreed reorganization plan that restructures party leadership and refocuses party efforts on grassroots and county-level organizing dedicated to reelecting Governor Rauner and the statewide Republican ticket. With the full support of Chairman Shaw, Chairman Schneider will continue to serve as Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, and Chairman Shaw will serve as Co-Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party and lead conservative and grassroots outreach. Additionally, with the full support of Governor Bruce Rauner and Chairman Schneider, Chairman Shaw will run for President of the Illinois Republican County Chairmen’s Association. Both leadership positions will be elected this Saturday, May 19, at organizational meetings in Springfield. Chairman Schneider and Chairman Shaw look forward to working together over the next six months to unify Republicans in Illinois, reelect Gov. Rauner, and defeat Mike Madigan.)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Republican Party leadership truce (DIERSEN: It certainly looks like the Democrat news media in Illinois was given advance notice of when this announcement would be sent out.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-bruce-rauner-kwame-raoul-death-penalty-20180514-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Illinois Republican Party late Tuesday night announced a plan that would leave Gov. Rauner’s hand-picked chairman in his role, likely avoiding a potentially messy leadership challenge. While Cook County Commissioner Tim Schneider would remain chairman of the state party, Lake County GOP leader Mark Shaw would become its co-chairman to “lead conservative and grassroots outreach.” Previously, Shaw had been planning a challenge to Schneider ahead of a Saturday vote for chairman. Now, Shaw will run to lead the Illinois Republican County Chairmen’s Association. The plan comes as Rauner continues to try to unify the party after he narrowly won the March primary over state Rep. Jeanne Ives of Wheaton, who backed Shaw to be the next party chairman. Rauner had backed Schneider. A battle for the post represented a continued outgrowth of dissatisfaction among the party’s social conservatives with the governor. “With Mark joining me at the helm, the state party and Republican organizations across Illinois will coordinate new efforts to reelect Gov. Bruce Rauner and our Republican ticket statewide,” Schneider said in a statement.)

— Rauner’s hand-picked Republican Party chairman set to keep his job in truce over looming leadership battle – Rick Pearson (DIERSEN: QUESTION: Who calls those who support the traditional family, right to life, immigration, and the rest of the planks in the Illinois Republican Party platform “conservative insurgents?” ANSWER: Those who are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-bruce-rauner-republican-party-20180516-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Gov. Bruce Rauner and his supporters headed off a challenge to his leadership of the Illinois Republican Party amid his difficult re-election bid, reaching a compromise with conservative insurgents that will keep his handpicked state GOP chairman serving for another term. The state Republican Party, which has been heavily subsidized by Rauner’s wealth, announced that Cook County Commissioner Tim Schneider would keep his chairmanship when party leadership holds their organizational meeting on Saturday.)
— Democratic AG candidate Raoul calls Rauner’s death penalty plan a ‘stupid diversion’ – Monique Garcia and Bill Lukitsch
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-bruce-rauner-kwame-raoul-death-penalty-20180514-story.html
— State lawmakers trying to license Illinois gun stores again after Gov. Rauner vetoed last attempt – Monique Garcia
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-illinois-legislature-gun-shops-20180515-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— New study offers 25 ideas to take on Chicago-area segregation – Tanveer Ali
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/new-study-offers-24-ideas-to-take-on-chicago-area-segregation/

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER (DIERSEN: It certainly looks like the Democrat news media in Illinois was given advance notice of when this announcement would be sent out.)
— Illinois GOP leaders strike deal, avert party leadership fight
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180516/illinois-gop-leaders-strike-deal-avert-party-leadership-fight
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Illinois Republican Party announced late Tuesday night an agreement that would head off what many expected to be an intense fight Saturday for the group’s chairmanship. In an email released at 11:15 p.m., Illinois GOP chair Tim Schneider said he will support Mark Shaw, who had intended to challenge him for the chairmanship, to serve as co-chairman of the state party. In addition, Shaw, Lake County’s GOP chair, also will run for president of the Illinois Republican County Chairmen’s Association “with the full support of Governor Bruce Rauner and Chairman Schneider.” Shaw in turn said in the release he would offer Schneider his “full support” to remain the party chair. Both positions will be elected at a meeting Saturday in Springfield.)
— Illinois lawmakers trying again with new version of gun dealer bill – Brenden Moore
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180515/illinois-lawmakers-trying-again-with-new-version-of-gun-dealer-bill
— Christian County adopts gun sanctuary resolution – John Reynolds (DIERSEN: Who on your county board will introduce a gun sanctuary resolution? When will your county board pass a gun sanctuary resolution?)
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180515/christian-county-adopts-gun-sanctuary-resolution
— Waffle House shooter’s father, Jeff Reinking, sued in Tazewell County – Andy Kravetz
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180515/waffle-house-shooters-father-jeff-reinking-sued-in-tazewell-county
— Don’t play politics on death penalty – Editorial
http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20180515/our-view-dont-play-politics-on-death-penalty

NPR ILLINOIS
— Lawmakers’ New Gun Dealer Licensing Proposal Addresses Illegal Gun Sales – DAISY CONTRERAS
http://nprillinois.org/post/lawmakers-new-gun-dealer-licensing-proposal-addresses-illegal-gun-sales#stream/0

WAND
— Sen Harmon makes new attempt at gun dealer bill – Doug Wolfe
http://www.wandtv.com/story/38198151/sen-harmon-makes-new-attempt-at-gun-dealer-bill

CHICAGO READER
— Officials hope much-hyped drug can slow state’s opioid crisis, but is it worth the costs? – Bill Myers
https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/vivitrol-opioid-crisis-alkermes-pritzker/Content

CHICAGO ARGUS
— Rauner wants to undo Illinois’ death penalty reforms to get himself votes – Gregory Tejeda
http://chicagoargus.blogspot.com/2018/05/rauner-wants-to-undo-illinois-death.html

TRUTH IN ACCOUNTING
— Fiscal grading for 10 Chicago suburbs (DIERSEN: Wheaton only gets a “C.”)
https://www.truthinaccounting.org/library/doclib/IL-Suburbs-2016-2017-2pagers.pdf#new_tab

WIRE POINTS
— Former Governor Edgar bragged about increasing state pension benefits when he left office – Mark Glennon (DIERSEN: Starting in 1966 when I was 18 years old, my earning credits toward a Civil Service Retirement System pension helped endure tremendous efforts by my Democrat superiors to get rid of me. Further, because I have always been a Republican, were it not for federal civil service protections, a) the Post Office would NOT have hired me in 1966 or let me work there for almost 3 years, b) IRS would NOT have hired me in 1971 or let me work there for almost 9 years, c) IRS would NOT have promoted me in 1972, 1973, or 1974, d) GAO would NOT have hired me in 1980 or let me work there for almost 18 years, and e) GAO would NOT have promoted me in 1986.)
http://www.wirepoints.com/former-governor-edgar-bragged-about-increasing-state-pension-benefits-when-he-left-office-quicktake/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “The governor approved the most significant increase in pension benefits for state workers in a quarter century.,” Edgar wrote. “A concerted effort was made to improve state employee benefits and make a career in government service more attractive.” The book also noted Edgar agreed to other improvements, like adding vision and dental coverage and long-term care insurance, according to the Journal-Register. As for the “Edgar Ramp,” it was central to the finding by the Securities & Exchange Commission that Illinois misled investors in connection with bond sales after Edgar left office. The Edgar Ramp was unworkable, the SEC basically said, and Illinois should have told bond buyers. The fraudulent nondisclosure was not Edgar’s fault, but the relevance of the Edgar Ramp to the fraud finding and the state’s financial mess is clear. With his party in control of both houses of the General Assembly during much of his term, and an economy “like a rocket in flight,” as described by a counterpart governor at the time, Pete Wilson in California, Edgar had the stars aligned to sensibly fix the pension system. He did the opposite. Today, he’s often asked for his wisdom on how to fix our problems. Listen to his answers. There’s nothing of substance there. Just milquetoast platitudes like “we need strong leadership” and “we’ll just have to pay the pensions.” Edgar’s pension started at age 55. It’s $161,000 today.)

ILLINOIS NEWS NETWORK
— Accounting watchdog: Each Illinois taxpayer on hook for $50,000 in unpaid pension, other costs – Cole Lauterbach
https://www.ilnews.org/news/economy/accounting-watchdog-each-illinois-taxpayer-on-hook-for-in-unpaid/article_b7d8ffee-588e-11e8-8bd4-ff2cb66122e5.html

ILLINOIS WATCHDOG
— Illinois lawmakers: State won’t be able to gamble its way to prosperity – Benjamin Yount
https://www.watchdog.org/illinois/illinois-lawmakers-state-won-t-be-able-to-gamble-its/article_960bd48b-97d9-5e9f-95b5-cdbcb65ae7e4.html

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— DEPAUL UNIVERSITY’S LGBT CENTER HOSTS EVENT ON POLYAMORY (DIERSEN: How soon, if not already, will DePaul rescind my 1980 master’s degree in accounting because I am “too conservative?”)
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/05/depaul-universitys-lgbt-center-hosts-event-on-polyamory.html
— Tillman slams Sun-Times: “We will not be silenced”
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/16/tillman-slams-sun-times-we-will-not-be-silenced/

POLITICO ILLINOIS
— GOP avoids LEADERSHIP showdown, touts ‘joint unity effort’ (DIERSEN: It certainly looks like the Democrat news media in Illinois was given advance notice of when this announcement would be sent out.)
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2018/05/16/gop-avoids-leadership-showdown-touts-joint-unity-effort-mendoza-hits-senger-on-duckworth-in-new-ad-chicago-most-corrupt-in-us-269989
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Illinois Republicans proved they could be a big-tent party last night after announcing a leadership restructuring reminiscent of an end-of-the-season Little League ball club: everyone gets an award! Two candidates for GOP chair were bracing for an all-out brawl this weekend — current party Chairman Tim Schneider and challenger Lake County Chairman Mark Shaw. Shaw was buoyed by conservatives angry with Gov. Bruce Rauner. But a deal announced late Thursday instead has Schneider and Shaw sharing the chairmanship, avoiding a risky vote and a messy fight that’s already involved legal action. In his role, Shaw would lead “conservative and grassroots outreach” for the party and also have Schneider’s backing to lead the Illinois Republican County Chairmen’s Association. “Many conservatives sent Governor Rauner a message in the primary. On the night of the primary, Governor Rauner said he heard them, and I heard them – loud and clear,” Shaw said in a statement (emphasis was his own). “But Republicans must focus on the issues that unite us and the election ahead of us. Conservatives in Illinois must come together to reelect Governor Rauner, or we won’t have a voice in state government for the next decade.” “Joint Unity Effort” — Shaw was referencing what’s at stake if Republicans lose the governor’s mansion in November: loss of control over redistricting. “The joint unity effort will make our conservative voice louder and ultimately make our party stronger,” Shaw said. “I look forward to working with Tim in my new role to focus our party’s attention on the grassroots and do the important organizing work to reelect Gov. Rauner, elect more Republicans statewide, and build our party at the statewide and local level.” There was already chatter last night about who was capitulating here. Yes, sharing the chairmanship shows Rauner’s weakness, since he has almost single-handedly funded the party. This never could have happened under Rauner two years ago. And yes, Shaw lost his chance at potentially knocking out Goliath. And it will remain to be seen how real Shaw’s role will be. For now, what’s important is this is a much-needed move for a Republican party trying to get itself back on track. Rauner desperately needed some declaration of unity after months of high-profile post-primary sparring with his opponent Jeanne Ives and the realization Republican Sam McCann is running as a third party candidate. The governor can now move on to the next fire.)

CAPITOL FAX
— ILGOP’s Schneider and Shaw make peace, will share some power (DIERSEN: It certainly looks like the Democrat news media in Illinois was given advance notice of when this announcement would be sent out.)
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/16/ilgops-schneider-and-shaw-make-peace-will-share-some-power/
— Leader Durkin’s latest reason for supporting the death penalty
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/16/leader-durkins-latest-reason-for-supporting-the-death-penalty/

GOPUSA
— Millennials shift Democrats even farther to the left
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=45972
— Too many people of color arrested so NYC must overhaul pot policy
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=45988
— Twitter to demote tweets that get complaints (DIERSEN: It would be great if those who complain about GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails would come out of their closets. They should be required to disclose who pays them to complain, and if they are not being paid, who they are operatives or dupes for, who they glorify and praise, who they pander to, who they give money to, etc.)
http://www.gopusa.com/twitter-to-demote-tweets-that-get-complaints/
— Sheriff Israel needs money to hire more deputies to confiscate guns
http://www.gopusa.com/sheriff-israel-needs-money-to-hire-more-deputies-to-confiscate-guns/

DAILY CALLER
— Liberal Writers Say Democrats Should Give Up On White Republicans – PETER HASSON (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats make it clear that they want to get rid of individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older people, rich people, gun owners, German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://dailycaller.com/2018/05/16/liberal-writers-democrats-win-respect-white-trump-voters/

FOX NEWS
— Trump attacks leaking ‘cowards’ as anonymous sources undermine White House – Howard Kurtz
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/05/16/trump-attacks-leaking-cowards-as-anonymous-sources-undermine-white-house.html

THE HILL
— Trump renews call for immigration crackdown – JORDAN FABIAN
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/387769-trump-renews-call-for-immigration-crackdown

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
— Judge Amy St. Eve Who Scolded Trump Confirmed for US Appellate Seat US district judge who scolded Trump as he testified in 2013 civil trial confirmed for seat on the 7th US District Court of Appeals. – AP (DIERSEN: Of course, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes, and especially those who promote patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation are overjoyed about this and will use this against me. St. Eve denied me my 7th Amendment rights in Diersen v. GAO, that is, she denied me a jury trial. SEE: https://gopillinois.com/documents/)
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2018-05-16/judge-who-scolded-trump-confirmed-for-us-appellate-seat
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A U.S. district judge who scolded Donald Trump as he testified in a 2013 civil trial on the sale of condos at Chicago Trump Tower has been confirmed for a seat on the Chicago-based 7th U.S. District Court of Appeals. That scolding didn’t stop now-President Trump from nominating Amy St. Eve in February. The Senate approved her nomination 91-0 Monday. On the witness stand, Trump repeatedly clashed with a lawyer for retiree Jacqueline Goldberg. Goldberg accused Trump of enticing her to buy two luxury condos by promising profit sharing. She said he yanked the offer after she committed to the purchase. Trump and the attorney continually raised their voices and interrupted each other. St. Eve once told them to stop their verbal “boxing.” The visibly exasperated judge also told them to “get control” of themselves. Jurors later concluded Trump hadn’t cheated Goldberg.)

FED WEEK
— Congress Starts Considering Trump’s Agenda for Federal Workforce (DIERSEN: While I worked for the federal government for almost 30 years, my Democrat superiors were encouraged to take adverse actions against me to get rid of me because they knew that I was a conservative and that those who dominated the Illinois Republican Party have always been anti-conservative.)
https://www.fedweek.com/fedweek/congress-starts-considering-trumps-agenda-for-federal-workforce/

NARFE
— How Much Money Do YOU Need for a Secure Retirement? (DIERSEN: QUESTION: Who should sign up for this? ANSWER: Those who should expect to be forced to take early retirement “offers,” that is, those who are Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran who did not make GS-13 (currently $96,403) by age 25, GS-14 (currently $113,920) by age 30, GS-15 (currently $134,000) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service (currently $164,200) by age 40.)
https://www.narfe.org/webinar/reg/index.cfm?specialOfferCode=6XL

WINDY CITY TIMES
— Experts say large health disparities exist between Chicago LGBTQs – Jesse Arnholz (DIERSEN: As everyone knows, if you engage in LGBTQ activity, you dramatically increase the likelihood that you will have serious health problems.)
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Experts-say-large-health-disparities-exist-between-Chicago-LGBTQs/62897.html

DAILY MAIL
— Sarah Sanders says she’ll fire ‘total and complete coward’ West Wing aides who leak to reporters – DAVID MARTOSKO (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, those who claim to be religious, conservative, and/or Republican who leak to anti-religious, anti-conservative, and/or anti-Republican reporters should be fired.)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5735803/Sarah-Sanders-says-shes-fired-total-complete-cowards-leak-press.html

May 14 Morning Edition

CAPITOL FAX
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Illinois Democrats say that Illinois Republicans who support the traditional family, right to life, and/or immigration planks are “insurgents.” Democrats side with Greg Baise.)
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/14/baise-tells-party-insurgents-to-choose-between-rauner-and-madigan/
— Rauner talks Trump, Turnaround Agenda, Madigan and media “bias” at forum
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/14/rauner-talks-trump-turnaround-agenda-and-madigan-at-forum/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH BIG COLOR PICTURE: Rauner’s top priorities sidelined in final budget talks of his first term – Kim Geiger
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-bruce-rauner-illinois-budget-20180510-story.html
— Frerichs warns of “junk” credit downgrade without budget
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-paul-vallas-rahm-emanuel-police-20180514-story.html
— Lincoln foundation puts Marilyn Monroe dress on the block to save presidential memorabilia from same fate – Ray Long
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-illinois-lincoln-foundation-marilyn-monroe-auction-20180511-story.html
— A local government (Calumet Park) facing pension pressure. Rinse and repeat. – Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-calumet-bankruptcy-pension-debt-20180508-story.html
— Retirement stresses us out, especially those who have saved – Jill Schlesinger (DIERSEN: One could argue that if you are not on track to have a) at least $1 million saved for your retirement or b) at least $50,000/year in pension, Social Security, and other income, you are planning to “go on the dole.” According to this article, “a whopping 62 percent of workers have not actually calculated how much money they will need to have saved so that they can live comfortably in retirement.”)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/success/tca-retirement-stresses-us-out-especially-those-who-have-saved-20180510-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The 2018 Retirement Confidence Survey (“RCS,” a joint venture between the nonpartisan Employee Benefit Research Institute and research firm Greenwald & Associates) is out, and about two-thirds of Americans feel confident or at least somewhat confident in their ability to retire comfortably. Yet nearly the same share say that preparing for retirement makes them feel stressed. You may think that these feelings arise because so many have saved very little. Among respondents who are still working, 45 percent report that the total value of their household’s savings and investments, excluding the value of their primary home and any defined benefit pension plans, is less than $25,000. Nine percent report totals of $25,000 to $49,999, 11 percent have $50,000 to $99,999, 15 percent are at $100,000 to $249,999 and 21 percent have $250,000 or more. But when many of those who have saved very little call my radio show or podcast, they don’t actually seem stressed. They are clear-eyed about their priorities and seem to know what they need to do. But for those who have managed to accumulate some money, usually $100,000 or more, that’s when the worries seem to start. Perhaps the stress comes from not knowing or fearing what lies ahead. According to RCS, although so many are anxious about the future, a whopping 62 percent of workers have not actually calculated how much money they will need to have saved so that they can live comfortably in retirement.)
— The importance of true checks and balances in government – Jonah Goldberg. (DIERSEN: I worked for the legislative branch of the federal government (GAO) for almost 18 years. I worked for the executive branch of the federal government (IRS for almost 9 years and the Post Office for almost 3 years) for almost 12 years.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-goldberg-supreme-court-power-politics-0514-20180510-story.html
— Tough times for the resistance? – Heather Wilhelm
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-wilhelm-tough-times-for-the-resistance-california-solar-panels-0514-story.html
— Mexico’s presidential front-runner is at war with business elites who warn he’ll wreck the economy – Kate Linthicum (DIERSEN: Who are the business elites in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois at war with? Business elites have declared war on me since 1966 a) because I was a federal employee 1966-1969 and 1971-1997, b) because I have been a federal retiree since 1997, c) because I was a union member 1966-1969 and 1971-1980, d) because I sued businesses during the 1980s and 1990s, e) because I do not glorify and praise them, f) because I do not pander to them, g) because I refuse to serve as their operative or dupe, and h) because I refuse to give them money.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/la-fg-mexico-lopez-obrador-2018-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Members of Group A crow about how strongly they are allied with each other against members of Group B. Members of Group A are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time and Members of Group B are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older people, rich people, gun owners, German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/glanton/ct-met-dahleen-glanton-gay-marriage-20180511-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH COLOR PHOTO: Father’s rights fuel Antioch Libertarian Kash Jackson’s bid for governor – Marni Pyke
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180514/fathers-rights-fuel-antioch-libertarians-bid-for-governor
— Six Libertarians seek statewide positions in Illinois – Marni Pyke
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180514/six-libertarians-seek-statewide-positions-in-illinois
— Trump’s improved standing, energized GOP voters worry Democrats – Sean Sullivan and Seung Min Kim
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180514/trumps-improved-standing-energized-gop-voters-worry-democrats

NBC5
— Southern Illinois Mayor’s Trailer Catches Fire, Chief Suspects Arson
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/southern-illinois-mayors-trailer-catches-fire-chief-suspects-arson-482500952.html

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Madigan and Cullerton: You can’t block redistricting reform forever – DAVID GREISING
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180511/ISSUE07/180519977/redistricting-reform-is-gaining-ground-even-in-illinois
— Money talks, and Illinois students walk – LYNNE MAREK (DIERSEN: One reason why I accepted Firestone Stores’ job offer in 1970 was that I could/did work in its Chicago Heights Store, just 5 miles north of Crete, where I lived with my mother and brother. I had applied for a financial hardship draft deferment to help support them because my father had died suddenly in 1969.)
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180511/ISSUE01/180509840/can-fixing-financial-aid-keep-more-college-bound-kids-from-leaving
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: A big Chicago marijuana company is going public – JOHN PLETZ (DIERSEN: If you promote pot, you promote destruction.)
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180514/NEWS07/180519960/a-big-chicago-marijuana-company-is-going-public

ALTON DAILY NEWS
— Gun Waiting Period Bill on Governor’s Desk – Greg Bishop
http://altondailynews.com/news/details.cfm?clientid=17&id=265139#.WvmOElpy-M8

QUAD CITIES ONLINE
— Henry County weighs gun owner ordinances – LISA HAMMER
http://qconline.com/news/local/henry-county-weighs-gun-owner-ordinances/article_afcc98cf-6ef4-546a-a02c-f534a17fddf6.html
— AS THE DEMOCRAT PARTY’S STRANGLEHOLD ON ILLINOIS TIGHTENS: Who ruined Illinois? Many share blame – Jim Nolan
http://qconline.com/opinion/columnists/nowlan-column-who-ruined-illinois-many-share-blame/article_9a6385c4-e31a-5deb-bb9b-173d7550b851.amp.html

NORTHWEST HERALD
— Romeoville-based summit addresses opioid epidemic progress in Illinois
http://www.nwherald.com/2018/05/12/romeoville-based-summit-addresses-opioid-epidemic-progress-in-illinois/apkfv2/

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— ‘E pluribus unum’? Not so sure, anymore – Editorial (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are members of Group A try to get rid of members of Group B. Members of Group A are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time and members of Group B are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older people, rich people, gun owners, German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time. Members of Group A will fail.)
http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20180513/their-view-e-pluribus-unum-not-so-sure-anymore

WSIU
— AS THE DEMOCRAT PARTY’S STRANGLEHOLD ON ILLINOIS TIGHTENS: Police Data Show Gun Violence A Chronic, Growing Problem Across Illinois
http://news.wsiu.org/post/police-data-show-gun-violence-chronic-growing-problem-across-illinois#stream/0

NPR ILLINOIS
— How To Spot The Signs Of A Coming Blue Wave – DOMENICO MONTANARO
https://www.npr.org/2018/05/14/610544969/how-to-spot-the-signs-of-a-coming-blue-wave

CHICAGO READER
— All hail Maria Pappas – Maya Dukmasova (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always promoted patronage. Because I have always been a Republican, were it not for federal civil service protections, a) the Post Office would NOT have hired me in 1966 or let me work there for almost 3 years, b) IRS would NOT have hired me in 1971 or let me work there for almost 9 years, c) IRS would NOT have promoted me in 1972, 1973, or 1974, d) GAO would NOT have hired me in 1980 or let me work there for almost 18 years, and e) GAO would NOT have promoted me in 1986.)
https://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2018/05/09/all-hail-maria-pappas
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “All you have to do is go to the County Building on election day. You couldn’t find a county employee anywhere—they’re all working a precinct. You have patronage, and then you’ve got pinstripe patronage, which is all these bond counselors and contractors and construction persons who contribute heavily to campaigns. Regular patronage is: work as precinct captain equals a job in the forest preserve. Pinstripe patronage is: contribute to me, and I’ll throw you a no-bid contract. Pinstripe patronage is all the change orders in contracts, all the bond counseling—and $13 million of consultants this year. Come on. How much can a consultant tell you that you don’t already know? “We are looking at a situation where being elected means having the money to buy television time. George Dunne used to raise maybe $80,000. Now we have people raising $3 million, $4 million to win a county-wide office because they’re buying television time. Who ends up paying for that television time? The taxpayer. Because the construction projects continue, the consulting contracts continue, the building continues, the change orders continue, the patronage continues—and it just gets bigger and bigger. And the same people make the donations that pay for the candidate to be on TV.”)

ILLINOIS HOMEPAGE
— Video gambling machines heading to veteran establishments? – Ty Batemon (DIERSEN: If you want to destroy veterans, you push booze, gambling, pot, and other vices on them.)
http://www.illinoishomepage.net/news/local-news/video-gambling-machines-heading-to-veteran-establishments-/1177339043

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Socially Constructing Polymorphous Perversity – Laurie Higgins
https://illinoisfamily.org/homosexuality/socially-constructing-polymorphous-perversity/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— LEFT-WING NONPROFIT PUSHING ILLINOIS TO LOWER VOTING AGE TO 16 FOR LOCAL ELECTIONS
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/05/left-wing-nonprofit-pushing-illinois-to-lower-voting-age-to-16-for-local-elections.html

ZERO HEDGE
— An “Audible Gasp” Was Heard When The Chicago Fed Unveiled Its “Solution” To The Pension Problem – Tyler Durden
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-05-12/audible-gasp-was-heard-when-chicago-fed-unveiled-its-solution-pension-problem
(FROM THE ARTICLE: An audible gasp went out in the breakout room I was in at last month’s pension event cosponsored by The Civic Federation and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. That was when a speaker from the Chicago Fed proposed levying, across the state and in addition to current property taxes, a special property assessment they estimate would be about 1% of actual property value each year for 30 years. Evidently, that wasn’t reality-shock enough. This week the Chicago Fed published that proposal formally. It’s linked here. It surely ranks among the most blatantly inhumane and foolish ideas we’ve seen yet. Homeowners with houses worth $250,000 would pay an additional $2,500 per year in property taxes, those with homes worth $500,000 would pay an additional $5,000, and those with homes worth $1 million would pay an additional $10,000. Is the Chicago Fed blind to human consequences? Confiscatory property tax rates have already robbed hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, of Illinois families of their home equity — probably the lion’s share of whatever wealth they had. Property taxes in many Illinois communities already exceed 3%, 4% and even 5% of home values. Across Illinois, the average is a sky-high 2.67 percent, the highest in the nation.)

GOPUSA
— California Demands That Christians ‘Evolve’ (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs who dominate the Illinois Republican Party (IRP), DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Milton Township Republican Central Committee, etc. demand a) that Republicans dump the traditional family, right to life, immigration, Second Amendment, and the rest of the planks in the Republican Party platform and in the IRP platform and b) that Republicans dump those like me who support the aforesaid planks.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=45781

DAILY TORCH
— Job Security: Federal civil service employees have a 99.5 percent chance of never being fired – Natalia Castro (DIERSEN: Of course, since 1997, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have used this to hint/imply/argue/shout that I must be a White supremacist, Nazi, KKK member, hater, racist, sexist, bigot, and far worse things or a) my Democrat GAO superiors would NOT have forced me to retire in 1997 when I was 49 years old, would NOT have given me unfair performance expectations and appraisals, would NOT have always ranked me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance purposes, would have promoted me beyond GS-13, would NOT have gotten rid of my mentor in 1987, would NOT have kept me off audits of IRS for all but 3 of the almost 18 years that I worked for GAO, and would NOT have forced me to take a $19,203 pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980; b) my Democrat IRS superiors would have promoted me beyond GS-12, would NOT have disallowed my education deductions in 1978, would NOT have gotten rid of my mentor in 1975, and would NOT have disallowed my partial day per diem claims in 1974; and c) my Democrat Post Office superiors would NOT have forced me resign in 1969 and would NOT have disallowed my sick leave requests in 1969 and 1968.)
http://dailytorch.com/2018/05/job-security-federal-civil-service-employees-have-a-99-5-percent-chance-of-never-being-fired/

TOWNHALL
— Brutalized by Trump’s Winning, Liberals Nip at Conservatives’ Ankles – Kurt Schlichter
https://townhall.com/columnists/kurtschlichter/2018/05/14/brutalized-by-trumps-winning-liberals-nip-at-conservatives-ankles-n2480389

HERITAGE FOUNDATION
— Food Stamp Reform Bill Requires Work for Only 20 Percent of Work-Capable Adults – Robert Rector and Jamie Hall (DIERSEN: Should “work-capable adults” be required to only take jobs that are appropriate for someone who has their education, work experience, professional certifications, professional license, etc.?)
https://www.heritage.org/hunger-and-food-programs/report/food-stamp-reform-bill-requires-work-only-20-percent-work-capable

DAILY BEAST
— White House Aide’s Plan to Stop Leaks: Spy on His Co-Workers Ezra Cohen-Watnick ran intelligence for the National Security Council. There, he decided collecting his colleagues’ phone and email data was a good idea. – Spencer Ackerman (DIERSEN: Of course, ever since I became the GOPUSA Illinois Editor in 2000, I have been demonized, denigrated, and condemned as being a leaker by Democrats and Democrat plants, by Libertarians and Libertarian plants, by Greens and Green plants, and by RINOs. Should I sue the aforesaid? I have never been a leaker.)
https://www.thedailybeast.com/white-house-aides-plan-to-stop-leaks-spy-on-his-co-workers?via=newsletter&source=DDMorning
— Trump Staffers Impersonate Each Other When They Leak (DIERSEN: Of course, ever since I became the GOPUSA Illinois Editor in 2000, I have been demonized, denigrated, and condemned as being a leaker by Democrats and Democrat plants, by Libertarians and Libertarian plants, by Greens and Green plants, and by RINOs. Should I sue the aforesaid? I have never been a leaker.)
https://www.thedailybeast.com/report-trump-staffers-impersonate-each-other-when-they-leak

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Reince Priebus, Sean Spicer convinced Trump to swear off MSNBC, CNN: Report – Daniel Chaitin (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes work very hard to get everyone to swear off GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails.)
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/reince-priebus-sean-spicer-convinced-trump-to-swear-off-msnbc-cnn-report

REASON
— ‘Assault Weapons,’ Explained How a scary name for an arbitrary group of firearms distorts the gun control debate – Jacob Sullum
https://reason.com/archives/2018/05/14/assault-weapons-explained

OUTSIDE THE BELTWAY
White House Leakers Leak Why They’re Leaking
— The Trump White House has leaked more than any in recent memory. Some of the leakers have explained what motivates them. – DOUG MATACONIS (DIERSEN: Of course, ever since I became the GOPUSA Illinois Editor in 2000, I have been demonized, denigrated, and condemned as being a leaker by Democrats and Democrat plants, by Libertarians and Libertarian plants, by Greens and Green plants, and by RINOs. Should I sue the aforesaid? I have never been a leaker.)
https://www.outsidethebeltway.com/white-house-leakers-leak-why-theyre-leaking/

THE HILL
— TRAGIC: Supreme Court strikes down law banning sports betting – LYDIA WHEELER
http://thehill.com/regulation/387560-supreme-court-strikes-down-law-banning-sports-betting

CNN
— The Trump administration is trying to turn the McCain death joke into a ‘leak’ scandal – Chris Cillizza (DIERSEN: Of course, ever since I became the GOPUSA Illinois Editor in 2000, I have been demonized, denigrated, and condemned as being a leaker by Democrats and Democrat plants, by Libertarians and Libertarian plants, by Greens and Green plants, and by RINOs. Should I sue the aforesaid? I have never been a leaker.)
https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/14/politics/kelly-sadler-mccain-white-house/

WASHINGTON POST
— Alarming new revelations about Trump’s addiction to Fox News – Greg Sargent
https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2018/05/14/alarming-new-revelations-about-trumps-addiction-to-fox-news/?utm_term=.225a4acb65ca
— At Iraq’s polls, many voters seek patronage and jobs – AP (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always promoted patronage. Because I have always been a Republican, were it not for federal civil service protections, a) the Post Office would NOT have hired me in 1966 or let me work there for almost 3 years, b) IRS would NOT have hired me in 1971 or let me work there for almost 9 years, c) IRS would NOT have promoted me in 1972, 1973, or 1974, d) GAO would NOT have hired me in 1980 or let me work there for almost 18 years, and e) GAO would NOT have promoted me in 1986.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/at-iraqs-polls-many-voters-seek-patronage-and-jobs/2018/05/13/64293ff2-5704-11e8-9889-07bcc1327f4b_story.html

USA TODAY
— BEYOND TRAGIC: Carrying debt into retirement and past age 75 has become the new normal – Russ Wiles
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/columnist/2018/05/10/debt-retirement-past-age-75-become-new-normal/570321002/

ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
— California lurches left, as Jerry Brown heads into the sunset – STEVEN GREENHUT
https://www.ocregister.com/2018/05/13/california-lurches-left-as-jerry-brown-heads-into-the-sunset/

NEW REPUBLIC
— The Long, Tortured History of the Job Guarantee How liberals, over decades, worked to undermine a proposal that has long enjoyed public support – PETER-CHRISTIAN AIGNER and MICHAEL BRENES (DIERSEN: Since 1966, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes who were not federal employees have always shouted that the federal government is the “employer of last resort” and that federal employees are lazy, stupid, and even worse things. They, and many millions of others, have not and will not seek a job with the federal government a) because the pay and benefits are terrible, b) because the advancement opportunities are terrible, c) because they lack required education, work experience, professional certifications, and/or professional licenses, d) because they cannot pass an employment examination, e) because they cannot pass a background investigation, f) because they cannot pass a physical examination, g) because they cannot take the demonization, denigration, and condemnation that comes with being a federal employee or federal retiree, and/or h) because they are Republican, White, male, older, and/or non-veteran and they know that the federal government discriminates against the aforesaid.)
https://newrepublic.com/article/148388/long-tortured-history-job-guarantee
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Very soon after LBJ’s War on Poverty began, various government departments began pushing for direct job-creation and calling for the government to become “employer of last resort,” ideas JFK and LBJ had many times rejected. But domestic welfare was subsumed by the war. Hubert Humphrey carried the banner in 1968, promoting federal planning for jobs, housing, and community development. But when he lost to Nixon, reformers in the party rejected this approach. “New Politics” Democrats turned to George McGovern, who implied that postwar Keynesianism had failed, and instead offered a far less popular solution with voters (and the poor): a “demogrant,” or universal basic income (UBI). Every American would receive an annual income of $1,000, instead of a job. The debate between “guaranteed” jobs or income played out in the 1972 primary between Humphrey and McGovern. Each candidate battled for the soul of the Democratic Party, with two competing versions for resolving unemployment and poverty. In Humphrey’s corner were the NAACP and AFL-CIO. Remnants of the anti-war movement and wealthy suburban liberals backed McGovern.)

NEW YORK MAGAZINE
— White House Leaker Covers Tracks by Impersonating Co-workers – Margaret Hartmann (DIERSEN: Of course, ever since I became the GOPUSA Illinois Editor in 2000, I have been demonized, denigrated, and condemned as being a leaker by Democrats and Democrat plants, by Libertarians and Libertarian plants, by Greens and Green plants, and by RINOs. Should I sue the aforesaid? I have never been a leaker.)
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/05/white-house-leaker-covers-tracks-by-impersonating-coworkers.html

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— A Tweak to Rules for Resigning From Your Job and More – Erich Wagner (DIERSEN: My Democrat superiors in the federal government always treated me like I was “under investigation,” like they had found me guilty, and like they were punishing me. My Democrat GAO superiors forced me to retire in 1997 when I was 49 years old, gave me unfair performance expectations and appraisals, always ranked me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance purposes, did not promote me beyond GS-13, got rid of my mentor in 1987, kept me off audits of IRS for all but 3 of the almost 18 years that I worked for GAO, and forced me to take an $19,203 pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980. My Democrat IRS superiors did not promote me beyond GS-12, disallowed my education deductions in 1978, got rid of my mentor in 1975, and disallowed my partial day per diem claims in 1974. My Democrat Post Office superiors forced me resign in 1969 and disallowed my sick leave requests in 1969 and 1968.)
https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/pay-benefits-watch/2018/05/tweak-resignation-rules-retirement-claims-wane-and-more/148080/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Office of Personnel Management on Monday issued a memo tweaking the rules governing how agencies handle employees who resign while under investigation. In a memo to chief human capital officers, OPM Director Jeff Pon implemented a new provision of the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act requiring agencies to make a “permanent notation” on the personnel file of someone who leaves his or her job while an investigation into the employee is ongoing. Such investigations include those done by an inspector general and adverse personnel actions for performance or misconduct. Pon wrote that the notation should be applied to one’s record only after the person has been given an opportunity to respond to the findings of an investigation. The new procedure does not impact an employee’s ability to appeal the findings of an investigation or adverse action to the Merit Systems Protection Board, and if the employee wins, the agency would remove the notation from his or her record.)

MOTLEY FOOL
— 3 Ways to Deal With a Work Setback It happens to everyone and can be a learning experience. – Daniel B. Kline, Jason Hall, And Selena Maranjian (DIERSEN: What did you do to deal with work setbacks? I earned a) a job-related bachelor’s degree when I was 21 in 1970 and job-related master’s degrees when I was 27, 31, and 48, b) job-related professional certifications when I was 30, 32, 41, 45, 47, and 48, and c) a job-related professional license when I was 32. I took a $19,203 (26%) pay cut in 1980 to transfer from IRS to GAO.)
https://www.fool.com/careers/2018/04/17/3-ways-to-deal-with-a-work-setback.aspx

May 13 Morning Edition

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Gurnee removed from Southern Poverty Law Center hate map: ‘There was no evidence’ – Jim Newton (DIERSEN: Sooner or later, if not already, if your group does not promote LGBTQ activity, the Southern Poverty Law Center will call it a hate group.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/news/ct-lns-gurnee-hate-map-designation-ends-st-0512-story.html
— Split over plan to expand food stamp work requirements: ‘A good thing’ or ‘a recipe for disaster’ – Greg Trotter and Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz (DIERSEN: What about requiring food stamp recipients to take “bad” jobs? To justify their calling me a “bad” person, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always called all the jobs that I have had “bad” jobs. I did yard work and delivered newspapers 1962-1964; washed dishes 1964-1966; cleaned golf shoes, chipped slag, and pumped gasoline in 1966; delivered mail 1966-1969; worked on an automobile assembly line and as a security guard in 1970; sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances 1970-1971; pumped gasoline 1971-1972; collected delinquent taxes 1971-1980; and audited federal agencies 1980-1997.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-welfare-work-requirements-20180417-story.html
— The growing gender gap that gets little notice: Homebuying – Kenneth R. Harney (DIERSEN: I bought a new town home in University Park in September of 1972 when I was 24 years old. The down payment came from money that I had saved a) working for IRS for the previous 15 months, b) working part-time for the Firestone Store in Chicago Heights for the previous 18 months, and c) working for Firestone full-time for 7 months before that.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/ct-re-0513-kenneth-harney-20180508-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: It’s the gender gap you don’t hear so much about: Single women are buying homes and condos at what may be more than twice the rate of single males, and the trend appears to be accelerating. Consider: Single women accounted for 18 percent of all home purchases last year compared with just 7 percent by single males, according to survey data from the National Association of Realtors. This makes single women the second largest segment in the entire home-purchase marketplace, behind married couples.)
— Unemployment rate for Chicago’s black youth improves – Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always hinted/implied/argued/shouted a) that instead of me, the Post Office should have hired a Black in 1966, b) that the Post Office should gotten rid of me much sooner than it did so that a Black could have my job, c) that instead of me, IRS should have hired a Black in 1971, d) that instead of me, IRS should have promoted Blacks in 1972, 1973, and 1974, e) that instead of me, GAO should have hired a Black in 1980, f) that instead of me, GAO should have promoted a Black in 1986, and g) that GAO should have gotten rid of me much sooner than it did so that a Black could have my job and my preferred corner office.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-youth-unemployment-great-cities-downstate-illinois-0513-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, anti-Trumps encourage citizens of foreign countries to seek asylum in America.
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-tribune/20180513/281934543591336
— Madigan the meddler should allow an independent #MeToo investigation – Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-madigan-harassment-panel-bush-20180511-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— More financial loss as mail delivery slumps – Hope Yen
https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/more-financial-loss-as-mail-delivery-slumps/

DAILY HERALD
— More Americans expect to work until 70; there are benefits – AP (DIERSEN: The federal government forces its employees who are Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran who do not make Senior Executive Service (currently $164,200/year) to retire as soon as they are eligible. For me, that would have been when I was 55 years old in 2003. But my Democrat GAO superiors succeeded in forcing me to take their early retirement “offer” in 1997 when I was 49 years old.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/business/20180513/more-americans-expect-to-work-until-70-there-are-benefits
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The RMD is the minimum amount that the IRS says you must draw from retirement accounts each year once you reach age 70 ½. This approach, dubbed the “Spend Safely in Retirement Strategy,” in effect “pensionizes” common retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA. It will not compensate for inadequate savings but it will help squeeze as much income as possible from existing sources. To make it work, some retirees may have to significantly lower their living expenses. Vernon said it’s a straightforward way for middle-income workers with between $100,000 and $1 million in savings to generate a stream of lifetime income. He estimates this group represents as many as half of all workers age 55 and older. And workers need some help as most will not consult a financial planner and few calculate how much they’ll need. “You can’t just tumble into retirement, you have to be thoughtful about it,” he said. Americans typically retire at age 63 and start collecting Social Security between age 62 to 64, according to research from The New School. But waiting pays off.)

NORTHWEST HERALD
— McHenry Township trustees vote to slash elected officials’ pay Health benefits, pensions set to remain the same – ED KOMENDA (DIERSEN: When did you start earning $100,000-a-year in to today’s dollars? I did in 1988 when I was 40 years old. By then, I had worked for GAO for almost 9 years, I had worked for IRS for almost 9 years, I had become a licensed CPA in 1981, I had passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981, I had earned a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980, I had passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979, and I had earned an MBA from Loyola in 1976.)
http://www.nwherald.com/2018/05/12/mchenry-township-trustees-vote-to-slash-elected-officials-pay/a3v3pd/

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Retired military leaders call for more child care, education funding – Brenden Moore (DIERSEN: I became a member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (https://www.narfe.org/) long before my Democrat GAO superiors succeeded in forcing me to take their early retirement “offer” in 1997 when I was 49 years old. NARFE’s mission is “To support legislation beneficial to current and potential federal annuitants and to oppose legislation contrary to their interests. To promote the general welfare of current and potential federal annuitants by advising them with respect to their rights under retirement laws and regulations. To cooperate with other organizations and associations in furtherance of these objectives.” Needless-to-say, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes are anti-NARFE.)
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180512/retired-military-leaders-call-for-more-child-care-education-funding

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— Bicentennial: Walgreens, America’s pharmacist, got its start in Illinois – Christopher Placek
http://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/bicentennial-walgreens-america-s-pharmacist-got-its-start-in-illinois/article_5969b375-3d41-5288-812f-a61d1e633961.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: In 1919, Walgreen had 20 stores, which a decade later grew to 525. Company historians have attributed Walgreens tremendous growth in the 1920s to the popularity of the malted milkshake, invented by soda jerk Ivar “Pop” Coulson in 1922. Coulson added vanilla ice cream to the common malted milk drink, which consisted of milk, chocolate syrup and malt powder. Daniel Okrent, in his book “Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition,” suggests the store also benefited from alcohol sales during that time because pharmacies were allowed to sell booze for medicinal purposes.)

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— Look out: Solving pension woes will flatten taxpayers – Jim Dey (DIERSEN: The future looks bleaker and bleaker and bleaker for those who are in line to get a government pension or are getting a government pension. The bigger the government pension that you are in line to get or are getting, the more that you will be viciously demonized, viciously denigrated, and viciously condemned by those who hate government employees and by those who hate government retirees.)
http://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/columns/2018-05-13/jim-dey-look-out-solving-pension-woes-will-flatten-taxpayers.html

QUAD CITIES ONLINE
— Illinois lawmakers need to back their education ideas with cash – Editorial
http://qconline.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-illinois-lawmakers-need-to-back-their-education-ideas-with/article_e0855f06-ea7c-5c79-8607-ddf0c8e6f880.html
— Halpin, Anderson want to keep border businesses in Illinois – SARAH HAYDEN
http://qconline.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/halpin-anderson-want-to-keep-border-businesses-in-illinois/article_de8c30ef-9caa-5405-9039-6f43189e8c55.html

SUBURBAN LIFE
— Gov. Bruce Rauner chats with diners at Downers Grove Omega
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2018/05/13/gov-bruce-rauner-chats-with-diners-at-downers-grove-omega/d1mz82e/

LOUIS POST DISPATCH
— More Americans expect to work until 70; there are benefits – AP (DIERSEN: The federal government forces its employees who are Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran who do not make Senior Executive Service (currently $164,200/year) to retire as soon as they are eligible. For me, that would have been when I was 55 years old in 2003. But my Democrat GAO superiors succeeded in forcing me to take their early retirement “offer” in 1997 when I was 49 years old.)
http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/more-americans-expect-to-work-until-there-are-benefits/article_19bcbecb-699b-5556-bbbb-32b3134bde34.html

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Paul Ryan warns ‘blue wave’ could wipe out Trump accomplishments – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/may/13/paul-ryan-warns-blue-wave-could-wipe-out-trump-acc/

TOWNHALL
— A Little Rebellion Is a Good Thing? – Paul Jacob
https://townhall.com/columnists/pauljacob/2018/05/13/a-little-rebellion-is-a-good-thing-n2480172

THE HILL
— GOP pollster: Republican brand ‘is not doing well right now’ – MAX GREENWOOD
http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/387434-gop-pollster-republican-brand-is-not-doing-well-right-now

NEW YORK TIMES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats want felons to vote. What percent of criminals vote for Democrats – 98%, 99%, 100%?)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/11/us/voting-rights-felons.html
— How the Online Left Fuels the Right – Michelle Goldberg
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/11/opinion/intellectual-dark-web-red-pilled.html
— Liberals, You’re Not as Smart as You Think You Are – Gerard Alexander
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/12/opinion/sunday/liberals-youre-not-as-smart-as-you-think-you-are.html

WASHINGTON POST
— How John Kelly’s family history compares with the immigrants he wants to keep from entering – Philip Bump (DIERSEN: If there had been as many immigrants in the 1960s as there are today, they would have gotten the jobs that I had. I did yard work and delivered newspapers 1962-1964; washed dishes 1964-1966; cleaned golf shoes, chipped slag, and pumped gasoline in 1966; and delivered mail 1966-1969. If there had been as many immigrants in the 1970s as there are today, they would have gotten the jobs that I had. I worked on an automobile assembly line and as a security guard in 1970; sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances 1970-1971; pumped gasoline 1971-1972; and collected delinquent taxes 1971-1980. If had been as many immigrants in the 1980s and 1990s as there are today, they would have gotten the jobs that I had. I audited federal agencies 1980-1997.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2018/05/11/how-john-kellys-family-history-compares-to-the-immigrants-he-wants-to-keep-from-entering/

USA TODAY
— Here’s why it’s better to own a home than to rent – Maurie Backman (DIERSEN: Government should encourage marriage and home ownership. Roskam should increase the $10,000 SALT cap to $20,000 for married filing jointly.)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/real-estate/2018/05/11/heres-why-its-better-to-own-a-home-than-to-rent/34422631/
— How does the average American spend their paycheck? See how you compare – Matthew Frankel (DIERSEN: The Diersens have always spent far less on “immediate pleasures” than others who share their demographics do.)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/budget-and-spending/2018/05/08/how-does-average-american-spend-paycheck/34378157/

CHARLESTON POST AND COURIER
— Term limits: The rebirth of a bad idea – J. DAVID WOODARD
https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/commentary/term-limits-the-rebirth-of-a-bad-idea/article_87869b16-5489-11e8-ab4f-87815465fce3.html
— The thrills and worries of first-time home buyers in the Charleston area – Jim Parker (DIERSEN: I bought a new town home in University Park in September of 1972 when I was 24 years old. The down payment came from money that I had saved a) working for IRS for the previous 15 months, b) working part-time for the Firestone Store in Chicago Heights for the previous 18 months, and c) working for Firestone full-time for 7 months before that.)
https://www.postandcourier.com/business/real_estate/jim-parker/who-s-on-first—-people-purchasing-homes/article_0759ae70-5460-11e8-bdcb-5f13bcf0ebc4.html

BEND BULLETIN
— Sharing tax returns a private decision – Editorial
http://www.bendbulletin.com/opinion/6230173-151/editorial-sharing-tax-returns-a-private-decision

COLORADOAN
— How not to run out of money in retirement – Liz Weston (DIERSEN: The federal government forces its employees who are Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran who do not make Senior Executive Service (currently $164,200/year) to retire as soon as they are eligible. For me, that would have been when I was 55 years old in 2003. But my Democrat GAO superiors succeeded in forcing me to take their early retirement “offer” in 1997 when I was 49 years old.)
https://www.coloradoan.com/story/money/personalfinance/retirement/2018/05/12/how-not-to-run-out-of-money-in-retirement/33884391/

LOS ALAMOS MONITOR
— Libertarian Party targets legal pot – Tris DeRoma (DIERSEN: If you promote pot, you shout that you really are a Libertarian.)
http://www.lamonitor.com/content/libertarian-party-targets-legal-pot-no-state-tax

FORBES
— What Does A Pensionless Future Mean For Age Discrimination? – Elizabeth Bauer (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always promoted age discrimination.)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ebauer/2018/05/12/what-does-a-pensionless-future-mean-for-age-discrimination/#3a4a3f637428
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Not long ago, Pro Publica reported on the extensive age discrimination that seemed to be (that is, without legal determination of such) taking place at IBM in the course of their Reduction in Force exercise. ProPublica estimates that in the past five years alone, IBM has eliminated more than 20,000 American employees ages 40 and over, about 60 percent of its estimated total U.S. job cuts during those years. In making these cuts, IBM has flouted or outflanked U.S. laws and regulations intended to protect later-career workers from age discrimination, according to a ProPublica review of internal company documents, legal filings and public records, as well as information provided via interviews and questionnaires filled out by more than 1,000 former IBM employees. The entire report is distressing and makes for very sobering reading. Documents the ProPublica reporters obtained describe internal decisions to replace older Boomer-aged workers with younger ones viewed as better able to meet the company’s agenda, all while using gambits to reduce their risk of age-discrimination lawsuits. At the same time, readers who have watched the history of retirement plans will recall that IBM was a pioneer in the move away from traditional pension plans. In 1999, the company froze accruals in its traditional pension plan and moved to a cash balance pension plan for new accruals (that is, a hybrid plan which functions like a 401(k) plan with semi-guaranteed returns), in 2005, it switched to a 401(k) plan for new employees, and in 2008 it froze its cash balance and moved all employees to a 401(k) plan for all future accruals.)

INC.
— Why “Managing Up” is a Win-Win for Everyone – Melissa Lamson (DIERSEN: While I worked for the federal government for almost 30 years, my superiors were always under tremendous pressure from Democrat politicians a) to hire, retain, and promote young Democrat minorities and young Democrat females and b) make way for them by getting rid of their employees who were Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran who had not made GS-13 (currently $96,403) by age 25, GS-14 (currently $113,920) by age 30, GS-15 (currently $134,000) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service (currently $164,200) by age 40. I refused to become a Democrat. My Democrat superiors would say that I refused to help them meet their Affirmative Action, Diversity, and Inclusion quotas, goals, and targets, that is, that I refused to help them get rid of their employees who were Republican, White, male, older, and/or non-veteran.)
https://www.inc.com/melissa-lamson/why-managing-up-is-a-win-win-for-everyone.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Managing up is a term that refers to the tactics you use to build a strong relationship with your boss, make their job easier, and even develop relationships with the people they may report to. “Managing up, or building smooth, productive relationships with higher-ups, requires understanding and adapting to your boss’s communication and decision-making style,” writes Sue Shellenbarger, in a Wall Street Journal article. “Many people are promoted because of the quality of their work. But as newly minted managers aim to rise in the ranks, assuming their work will speak for itself becomes increasingly hazardous to their careers.” Managing up means getting to know your direct manager as a person and understanding their goals and communication styles and preferences. Remember, the boss-employee relationship is a two-way street. Take the time to figure how you can proactively build a productive relationship with the person you report to.)
— Amazon Is Paying Its Employees $12,000 to Train for a Job at Another Company. And It’s Brilliant The forward-thinking company helps employees forward their dream careers–even if it means it’s not at Amazon. – Scott Mautz (DIERSEN: While I worked for the federal government for almost 30 years, extremely few of my superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates took job related courses. They hinted/implied/argued/shouted that the undergraduate and graduate courses that I took a) were not job-related, b) did not help me carry out my job duties, c) were taken by me to get a job in the private sector, and d) were a distraction. To keep their jobs and to get promoted, my Democrat superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates in the federal government focused on getting rid of federal employees who were Republican, White, male, older, and/or non-veteran.)
https://www.inc.com/scott-mautz/amazon-is-paying-its-employees-12000-to-train-for-a-job-at-another-company-its-brilliant.html

INDEPENDENT
— People don’t save enough for retirement because they live longer than they think they will, research finds Those in their 50s and 60s underestimate chances of survival to age 75 by around 20 percentage points and to 85 by five to 10 percentage points, study finds – Ben Chapman (DIERSEN: What is your life expectancy? According to the Social Security Administration (https://www.ssa.gov/oact/population/longevity.html), I have 15.7 years left to live. What do you plan on doing with the rest of your life? I plan on spending 10+ hours each and every day for the rest of my life putting GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails together and sending them out each and every day. My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes plan on spending the rest of their lives a) trying to stop me from sending the emails out and b) trying to stop everyone from reading them.)
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/pension-savings-retirement-planning-study-institute-for-fiscal-studies-research-a8305971.html

May 8 Evening Edition

NORTHWEST HERALD
— McSweeney: Gov. Bruce Rauner should apologize for meeting with ‘known extremist’ Diane Evertsen David McSweeney attacks governor for meeting with ‘known extremist’ Diane Evertsen – ED KOMENDA (DIERSEN: Why did Rauner meet privately with the leaders of the McHenry County Republican Party? What if Rauner met privately with the leaders of your Republican county party organization and/or with the leaders of your Republican township/ward party organization? In the 2002 Illinois Republican gubernatorial primary, Corrine Wood called Jim Ryan an extremist.)
http://www.nwherald.com/2018/05/08/mcsweeney-gov-bruce-rauner-should-apologize-for-meeting-with-known-extremist-diane-evertsen/adt9cfh/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A state lawmaker is lambasting Gov. Bruce Rauner after Illinois’ top leader met with members of the McHenry County Republican Party over the weekend in private. Rauner spent part of his Saturday at an invitation-only roundtable at the McHenry County GOP’s Crystal Lake headquarters – an event featuring a Who’s Who of party insiders, including: McHenry County Sheriff Bill Prim, McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally and McHenry County Board Member Jim Kearns. But State Rep. David McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills, took issue with someone else in attendance at the Saturday meet-up: McHenry County’s new chairwoman, Diane Evertsen, who at one time served as president of the Minutemen Midwest – an organization the Southern Poverty Law Center designated a “nativist extremist” group. “The governor should apologize for meeting with a known extremist,” said McSweeney, who heard about the meeting after it happened. McSweeney pointed to Evertsen’s association with Minutemen Midwest, which the SPLC named several times on its annual list of nativist extremist groups between 2007 and 2010. The Alabama-based civil rights nonprofit defines nativist extremist groups as organizations that go beyond mere advocacy to personally confront suspected undocumented immigrants or those who hire or help them. McSweeney said a simple Google search reveals the views of the group Evertsen chaired. The legislator characterized those views as “disgraceful.” Minutemen Midwest had a website – www.minutemenmidwest.com – but it has been taken down since its launch. While the site is dead, some of the material published there is recoverable with the internet archive known as the “Wayback Machine,” McSweeney said. McSweeney highlighted an article published on the website written by William H. Calhoun titled “Illegal Immigration: Third-World Invasion” – a piece suggesting the U.S. is under threat by immigrants of different “blood.” “Invaders from the Orient, Asia, Africa, Central and South America are invading the first world, and they are intent only upon conquest,” the article said. “With the exception of a very small upper class of pure European blood, most Mexicans are either Amerindian or Mestizo (mostly Amerindian with a few drops of Spaniard or African blood). They are not Western; genealogically they are Asiatic; and they despise the West.” The article appalled McSweeney, he said. “It’s probably the most extreme article that I’ve read in a long time,” McSweeney said. “It’s disgusting.” Evertsen, a 73-year-old Harvard grandmother who once served on the McHenry County Board and now serves on McHenry County College’s board of trustees, could not be reached for comment. The Northwest Herald also reached out to Gov. Rauner’s campaign communications director for comment, but campaign officials weren’t immediately available Tuesday. About 20 people attended the Saturday gathering, according to sources invited to the event.)

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Grads, including senior citizens, put perseverance on display at commencements – Maudlyne Ihejirika
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/grads-including-senior-citizen-put-on-perseverance-at-commencement-ceremonies/
— Golden arches new headquarters most ‘un-McDonald’s like’ – Lee Bey
https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/golden-arches-new-headquarters-most-un-mcdonalds-like/
— Are legal pot backers blowing smoke? Report finds limited green in grass revenue – Tina Sfondeles (DIERSEN: If you promote pot, you promote destruction.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/are-legal-pot-backers-blowing-smoke-report-finds-limited-green-in-grass-revenue/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Rauner, Democrats say they don’t want another budget war but face deficit despite tax hike – Monique Garcia
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-illinois-legislature-budget-talks-20180508-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, in Illinois, anti-Trumps are the MAJORITY and Trump supporters are the MINORITY. Ever increasingly, anti-Trumps demonize, denigrate, and condemn Trump supporters.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-pitts-trump-supporters-understanding-0508-20180506-story.html
— Women’s voices are largely missing from newspaper letters to the editor – Heidi Stevens
http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/stevens/ct-life-stevens-monday-letters-to-editor-gender-0507-story.html
— Emanuel responds to ‘bully’ characterization, says he will focus on problem-solving, not personalities – John Byrne
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-rahm-emanuel-personality-vallas-20180508-story.html
— More legislative lip service, but no fair map amendment – Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-remap-amendment-illinois-dead-20180507-story.html
— Orland officials delay vote on video gambling – Mike Nolan
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-orland-park-video-gambling-st-0509-story.html
— How Speaker Madigan elbows aside Illinois taxpayers – Keith Wheeler
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-blame-illinois-budget-budget-michael-madigan-lisa-illinois-barbara-flynn-currie-republicans-keith-wheeler-0509-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Every person in Illinois owes $11,000 for pensions, with no fix in sight – Bloomberg
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180508/every-person-in-illinois-owes-11000-for-pensions-with-no-fix-in-sight
— Demoted Wheaton cop files sex discrimination lawsuit – Katlyn Smith
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180508/demoted-wheaton-cop-files-sex-discrimination-lawsuit
— Misguided demands for teaching history – Mary Plunkett, Wheaton
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180508/misguided-demands-for-teaching-history
(FROM THE LETTER: Are you kidding me, Springfield? The state of Illinois is imploding at a frightening rate, and you’re focused on passing a bill that forces our schools to teach LGBT history? (Paid for by our outrageous property taxes, by the way.) This bill (SB3249) also requires schools to teach about the illegal deportation of Mexicans during the Great Depression and labor union contributions to our economy. And children will not be permitted to graduate eighth grade if they don’t receive this instruction. Holy political agenda, Democrats! But, perhaps you are sincerely interested in teaching our children an accurate and nondiscriminatory account of our history. If this is true, you must necessarily include a unit on the societal benefits that Catholics have contributed toward Illinois’ schools, hospitals and charities. The impact is quite significant. I would encourage anyone reading this to demand that your particular group be recognized in a mandatory history unit as well. After everyone feels good about being recognized, there might be a few minutes left in the school day for reading, writing and arithmetic.)

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Gov. Rauner: Pick up the pace on budget talks – Doug Finke
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180508/gov-rauner-pick-up-pace-on-budget-talks
— VERY SAD: Supporters rally at Capitol in support of ERA – Maximilian Kwiatkowski
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180508/supporters-rally-at-capitol-in-support-of-era

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— TRAGIC: Normal, Illinois, passes ordinance making community a ‘Welcoming City’ for immigrants – DEREK BEIGH (DIERSEN: As everyone knows, to be a “Welcoming City” is to be a city a) that encourages people to come to America illegally, to stay in America illegally, and to bring others to America illegally and b) that is anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-draft avoiders, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/normal-illinois-passes-ordinance-making-community-a-welcoming-city-for/article_5a4f618f-6874-5fc3-9cad-eb48ed765844.html

ALTON DAILY NEWS
— Senate Debating Votes from Jail (DIERSEN: What percent of criminals vote for Democrats – 98%, 99%, 100%?)
http://altondailynews.com/news/details.cfm?clientid=17&id=264812#.WvIZAVpy-M8

JEANNE IVES
— House Back in Session for Home Stretch
http://www.jeanneives.org/2018/05/house-back-in-session-for-home-stretch.html

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Progressive tax ‘totally wrong for Illinois,’ Ives says – Glenn Minnis
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511408458-progressive-tax-totally-wrong-for-illinois-ives-says

CHICAGO CITY WIRE
— Bills could add millions to billion-dollar pension debt, GOP representatives warn – Angela Underwood
https://chicagocitywire.com/stories/511408330-bills-could-add-millions-to-billion-dollar-pension-debt-gop-representatives-warn

ILLINOIS HOMEPAGE
— LaHood promotes tax cuts, ‘merit based’ immigration – Mark Maxwell (DIERSEN: How much “merit” do you have? According to my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois, I am “meritless.”)
http://www.illinoishomepage.net/capitol-connection/lahood-promotes-tax-cuts-merit-based-immigration/1166837510

ILLINOIS NEWS NETWORK
— Legislative leaders and governor meet, still no agreement on revenue estimate – Greg Bishop
https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/legislative-leaders-and-governor-meet-still-no-agreement-on-revenue/article_7171a748-52eb-11e8-abc5-3f4deccbc9d0.html

CAPITOL FAX
— After saying he’s “unifying” the GOP, Gov. Rauner says he’s not putting much thought into the task
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/08/after-saying-hes-unifying-the-gop-gov-rauner-says-hes-not-putting-much-thought-into-the-task/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Rep. David McSweeney@1980reagan: We need a solid conservative to lead the IL GOP, not an inept insider completely controlled by Governor Rauner!)

BREITBART
— Study: Donald Trump’s Polls Improve Despite 90% Negative Media Coverage – KATHERINE RODRIGUEZ
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/05/08/study-trumps-polls-improve-despite-90-percent-negative-media-coverage/

GOPUSA
— Tell the uninformed what President Trump has accomplished (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents only want people know about what they accomplished.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=45380
— Orrin Hatch calls John McCain’s decision not to invite Trump to his funeral ‘ridiculous’
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=45456
— California has the 5th largest economy in the world yet leads the nation in poverty and homelessness
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=45465

NATIONAL REVIEW
— McCain’s Funeral Guest List Doesn’t Define Him – JIM GERAGHTY (DIERSEN: Who does not want you to attend their funeral? I should make a list of those who do not me to attend their funeral. They blame me for their problems. They blame me for your problems. They blame me for my problems. They blame me for everyone’s problems.)
https://www.nationalreview.com/the-morning-jolt/mccains-funeral-guest-list-doesnt-define-him/

THE HILL
— Labor Dept to let teens work longer hours in hazardous jobs: report – MORGAN GSTALTER (DIERSEN: How hazardous were the jobs that you had when you were a teen? I did yard work and delivered newspapers 1962-1964; washed dishes 1964-1966; cleaned golf shoes, chipped slag, and pumped gasoline in 1966; and delivered mail 1966-1969.)
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/386652-labor-dept-to-let-teens-work-longer-hours-in-hazardous-jobs-report

ROLL CALL
— House Appropriators Vote to End Perk for Former Speakers Paul Ryan, Nancy Pelosi both back ending office space, funding for former speakers
https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/house-appropriators-vote-end-perk-former-speakers
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Government Accountability Office: The watchdog agency would be funded at $579 million, the same as the fiscal 2018 enacted level.)

NEW YORK TIMES
— It’s Time for a New Discussion of Marijuana’s Risks You may reasonably decide the benefits outweigh the harms, but you should know about those potential harms. – Aaron E. Carroll
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/07/upshot/its-time-for-a-new-discussion-of-marijuanas-risks.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: An anti-Trump demonizes, denigrates, and condemns Trump supporters as being racists.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/06/opinion/trump-supporters-economy-racism.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Companies Trying to Deal With Discrimination Face Backlash Critics of diversity efforts say programs unfairly exclude other people – Kelsey Gee and Lauren Weber (DIERSEN: To promote diversity is to discriminate against those who are White, male, older, and/or non-veteran.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/companies-trying-to-deal-with-discrimination-face-backlash-1525604400
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Companies trying to rectify a legacy of discrimination are finding that some tactics are backfiring and sparking new grievances. The Wing, a women’s shared-office space and networking club, has drawn such ire. Its no-men-allowed membership policy for collaboration spaces in trendy New York neighborhoods is designed to attract like-minded women professionals who want to encourage and invest in one another. The Wing recently opened a Washington, D.C., location and there is a wait list for a future office in Los Angeles, the company says. In March, the New York City Human Rights Commission launched an investigation into the Wing’s practices, which include workshops on political organization and panels reserved for members featuring celebrities and U.S. legislators. Seth Hoy, a spokesman for the New York commission, confirmed the agency’s probe and declined to comment on it further. He says the agency works to ensure that businesses comply with laws prohibiting gender discrimination. The inquiry is one of the latest examples of how female-only initiatives and other diversity efforts are drawing objections from those who feel left out or challenge the idea that people in historically underrepresented groups need targeted resources to help them accelerate in their careers and are raising concerns that the programs unfairly exclude other people.)

USA TODAY
— American teens are hooked on iPhones, new survey shows – Leo Sun
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2018/05/08/american-teens-are-hooked-on-iphones-survey/34405795/

WATERLOO CEDAR FALLS COURIER
— Good old days not good for everyone – KARRIS GOLDEN (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, members of the following groups viciously demonize, viciously denigrate, and viciously condemn the GOOD OLD DAYS: anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://wcfcourier.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/good-old-days-not-good-for-everyone/article_c3428eaa-629d-54dd-9967-fb683689e7bd.html

FORD AUTHORITY
— Ford Mustang Tops List Of The Five Most Desired Dream Cars In The US – AARON BRZOZOWSKI
http://fordauthority.com/2018/05/ford-mustang-tops-list-of-the-five-most-desired-dream-cars-in-the-us/

OPM
— OPM Celebrates Public Service Recognition Week 2018 (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who ever-increasingly a) demonize, denigrate, and condemn and b) promote hatred against government employees and government retirees, and especially against federal employees and federal retirees.)
http://www.opm.gov/blogs/Director/2018/5/8/OPM-Celebrates-Public-Service-Recognition-Week-2018/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Each year, during the first full week of May, our Nation comes together to celebrate the men and women who serve our country as Federal, state, county, and local government employees. For 34 years, we’ve taken this time to honor the people who work diligently to promote safety, security and quality of service for the American public. Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) is a time to promote and share stories of excellence in public service with you, the Nation we serve. Every day a Federal employee is impacting your life in some way. Whether it’s telling you not to eat lettuce because of an E.coli outbreak, scanning your luggage at the airport, or preparing an exhibit at your favorite Smithsonian museum, it’s affecting your life in a positive manner.)

VOX
— Bullshit jobs: Why they exist and why you might have one And why this professor thinks we need a revolution. – Sean Illing (DIERSEN: Of course, according to my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes, all the jobs that I have had were bullshit jobs.)
https://www.vox.com/2018/5/8/17308744/bullshit-jobs-book-david-graeber-occupy-wall-street-karl-marx

EAST ANGLIAN DAILY TIMES
— Distressed patient speaks out after emotional support dog banned from Felixstowe surgery – Amy Gibbons
http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/distressed-patient-speaks-out-after-emotional-support-dog-banned-from-haven-health-surgery-in-felixstowe-1-5509513

BIRMINGHAM MAIL
— The law on dogs barking – and why it could land their owner in hot water Many will be left frightened by activity, noise and lights outside – James Rodger
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/law-dogs-barking-uk-gov-13724097

CAMBRIDGE NEWS
— What the law says about dog barking and how to avoid getting in big trouble Here’s some guidance for dog owners on how to stay the right side of the law – Nigel SlaterTom Pilgrim
https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/law-dog-barking-neighbour-noise-14621865

May 8 Morning Edition

PRAIRIE STATE WIRE
— Ives, McSweeney endorse Shaw for GOP chairman – Glenn Minnis (DIERSEN: Questions for your Illinois Republican Party (IRP) State Central Committee (SCC) member:

– What are the times, locations, and agendas of the May 19 IRP SCC and Illinois Republican County Chairman’s Association meetings in Springfield?
– Do the agendas include public comment periods, and if so, how long and how many minutes will each speaker be limited to?
– What is the status of potential Winchester litigation against the IRP?
– If the 15th Congressional District (CD) IRP SCC position is still in dispute on May 19, will the vote for IRP chairman be postponed or will the vote be taken without the 12.1% 15th CD weighted vote?
– Do you agree with those who believe that if Rose casts the 15th CD weighted vote, Schneider will be reelected and if the vote is taken without the 15th CD weighted vote, or if Winchester casts it, Shaw will be elected?
– In the past, especially in 2005 and 2013, many have sought the IRP chairman position. Why are only two seeking the position now?
– Will the IRP allow Ives to speak in favor of Shaw at the May 19 IRP SCC meeting?
– Who does Schneider want the IRP Executive Director to be? Who does Shaw want the IRP Executive Director to be?
– Would it be correct to say that you will only vote for an IRP chairman candidate who can and will defend and advance all the planks in the Republican Party platform and the IRP platform, including their traditional family, right to life, and immigration planks?
– What is your weighted vote and which IRP chairman candidate are you going to vote for and why?
– How many chairs will the IRP set up for observers at the IRP SCC meeting: 100, 200, 300, 400, 500+?
– Who has asked you to nominate them to serve as your deputy?
– Who has asked you to appoint them to the 2020 IRP State Convention Platform and Resolutions Committee?)

https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/511408731-ives-mcsweeney-endorse-shaw-for-gop-chairman

POLITICO ILLINOIS
— REPUBLICAN DISUNITY WATCH – Natasha Korecki
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2018/05/08/lightfoot-mayoral-intrigue-rahms-big-fundraising-ives-rauner-disunity-watch-governors-opioid-win-268448
(FROM THE ARTICLE: During an interview with CLTV’s Paul Lisnek on Monday, state Rep. Jeanne Ives went on a tear against Gov. Bruce Rauner and Tim Schneider, the Illinois Republican Party chairman the governor is backing. Ives, who narrowly lost to Rauner in the March primary, is supporting Schneider’s opponent Mark Shaw in a heated fight over the GOP throne. Among the reasons Ives is backing Shaw: she blames Schneider for the Nazi candidate running as a Republican in Illinois’ 3rd congressional district. “So he’s alienating the base by propping up Schneider again, and Schneider has failed. Look we have 37 state reps, Democrats, unopposed in this coming up election. It is the party chairman’s responsibility to find opponents. We have an avowed Nazi sitting as a Republican in a congressional race, and that’s wrong too. And then on top of it, the entire emphasis from Tim Schneider and Rauner et al over the last campaign cycle is simply to get Rauner elected, and so much of what they did in terms of data collection and everything else did not support our state reps. We need a whole new vision for our party, and a whole new way to attract voters.” And then there’s this exchange. Ouch: Lisnek: “If polls look close come November and it looks like Pritzker could pull it out, would that be enough of a scare for you to look at your supporters and say it’s ok, vote Rauner?” Ives: “I can’t predict what the future’s going to look like, umm, in a few months, so we’ll just see what’s going on.”)

WTTW
— Illinois Cleared for New Mental Health, Addiction Pilot Programs – Amanda Vinicky
https://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2018/05/07/illinois-cleared-new-mental-health-addiction-pilot-programs
(FROM THE ARTICLE: As is the question over who will be the party’s next leader. Rauner’s hand-selected chairman, Cook County Commissioner Tim Schneider, faces a challenge from Lake County GOP Chairman Mark Shaw, who has won the endorsement of state Rep. Jeanne Ives, who narrowly lost the gubernatorial nomination to Rauner. Ives in a statement said Schneider’s “tenure has been an unmitigated disgrace” and lauds Shaw’s credentials as a “common sense conservative.” Rauner on Monday said Schneider is a “great chairman” and that he supports his re-election by the Republican State Central Committee on May 19. But the governor said, “I also don’t spend any time really thinking about that.” Rauner pushed back against the suggestion that the intra-party divide is a reflection of his own leadership. “Going back as far as I know, and I’ve lived in Illinois my whole life … there have been fights and disagreement and challenges many times over the years. It’s … part of the process,” Rauner said.)

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Spoiler Alert! Equal Rights Amendment fight following script from earlier ERA – Mark Brown
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/spoiler-alert-equal-rights-amendment-fight-following-script-from-earlier-era/
— Does Lori Lightfoot have a path to victory in crowded race for mayor? – Fran Spielman (DIERSEN: What victory do you seek? Do you have a path to that victory? The victory that my critics/opponents have sought since 2000 has been to stop me from putting GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails together and sending them out. They have not had a path to victory. They do not have a path to victory. They will never have a path to victory.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/does-lori-lightfoot-have-a-path-to-victory-in-crowded-race-for-mayor/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Debate over decades-old Equal Rights Amendment will continue in Illinois this month – Bill Lukitsch
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-illinois-equal-rights-amendment-20180508-story.html
— Trump hotel in Chicago sued for alleged ADA violations – Robert Channick
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-trump-hotel-chicago-ada-lawsuit-20180507-story.html

ABC7
— How to spot fake products online – Jason Knowles and Ann Pistone (DIERSEN: What about fake news? According to my critics/opponents, all news is fake except for the news that they put out or bless.)
http://abc7chicago.com/shopping/how-to-spot-fake-products-online/3441116/

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Illinois counties declare ‘sanctuary’ status for gun owners – AP
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180507/illinois-counties-declare-sanctuary-status-for-gun-owners

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— Illinois is running in place – Editorial
http://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018-05-08/editorial-illinois-running-place.html
— Separating politics, policy in progressive-tax plan – Jim Dey
http://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/columns/2018-05-08/jim-dey-separating-politics-policy-progressive-tax-plan.html

LOUIS POST DISPATCH
— Some candidates aren’t bought and sold by big money – John Keck, Troy (DIERSEN: If you are/were a candidate in Illinois running as a Republican who needs/needed money, did/would you take money from individuals, from organizations, and/or from companies that wanted you to dump the traditional family, right to life, immigration, Second Amendment, or other planks in the Illinois Republican Party platform? Political parties exist to help elect candidates who can and will defend and advance their platform.)
http://www.stltoday.com/opinion/mailbag/some-candidates-aren-t-bought-and-sold-by-big-money/article_3860105a-efec-5314-af47-81a7f8aa01b4.html

SOUTHERN
— As SIU Carbondale lost its party school rap, did enrollment suffer? – K. JANIS ESCH
http://thesouthern.com/news/local/siu/as-siu-carbondale-lost-its-party-school-rap-did-enrollment/article_24dc00de-6e9a-56ca-aadc-8559f40270b5.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

NPR ILLINOIS
— Likely 2020 Democratic Candidates Want To Guarantee A Job To Every American – DANIELLE KURTZLEBEN (DIERSEN: Will the guaranteed job be a “good” job, that is, one that has a salary, benefits, promotional opportunities, etc. appropriate for one’s a) work experience, b) education, c) professional certifications, d) professional license, e) etc.?)
http://nprillinois.org/post/likely-2020-democratic-candidates-want-guarantee-job-every-american#stream/0
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “What’s different about the job guarantee is that it is universal and it’s permanent. So it’s an option that would exist not only in times of massive unemployment but it also would exist in times where the unemployment rate is lower,” Darity said. “But we still have large numbers of bad jobs. It’s not just an emergency.” . . . “The idea is that we would then drive bad jobs out of existence,” said Darity, “because no one would be obligated to take those jobs since they would have a superior option.”)

WIRE POINTS
— Beyond Harvey: Many Illinois municipalities running out of options – Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner
http://www.wirepoints.com/beyond-harvey-many-illinois-municipalities-running-out-of-options-wirepoints-special-report/

ILLINOIS NEWS NETWORK
— Northwest Indiana officials campaign for Illinoisans to move across the border – Scot Bertram
https://www.ilnews.org/news/economy/northwest-indiana-officials-campaign-for-illinoisans-to-move-across-the/article_32f67290-4fa9-11e8-aa72-0f5ab6cdf549.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Ives: “You don’t blame-shift when you had 13 deaths”
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/08/ives-you-don%E2%80%99t-blame-shift-when-you-had-13-deaths/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Illinois Republicans learn from Illinois Democrats that “Four leaders to meet with Gov. Rauner today.”
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/08/four-leaders-to-meet-with-gov-rauner-today/
— Editorial board slammed for calling Mendoza a “lapdog” (DIERSEN: For who/what would your critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes say that you are a lapdog for? They would say that I am a lapdog for the Republican Party platform, the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) platform, and the Milton Township Republican Central Committee (MTRCC) resolution against video gambling. All my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes a) reject planks in the Republican Party platform and/or the IRP platform and/or b) reject the MTRCC resolution against video gambling. Rather than try to change/dump the aforesaid, they focus on destroying me and my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails.)
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/07/editorial-board-slammed-for-calling-mendoza-a-lapdog/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump to demand Congress cut $15B in spending ‘rescission’ package – Stephen Dinan
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/may/7/rescission-package-donald-trump-demand-congress-cu/
— White House bashes report that first lady and president sleep apart – Dave Boyer
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/may/7/white-house-bashes-report-first-lady-and-president/

CNN
— John McCain has the right to despise Donald Trump – Scott Jennings (DIERSEN: Who despises you and why? I should write a book about those who despise me and why they despise me.)
https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/07/opinions/john-mccain-donald-trump-jennings/index.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— U.S. Markets Regulator Considers Buyouts, Extension of Hiring Freeze Stuck with a flat budget, CFTC also asks other government agencies for help with its work – Gabriel T. Rubin (DIERSEN: What pressures were your employers under? While I worked for GAO 1980-1997, the agency was almost always under hiring and/or promotion freezes. It suffered very large budget cuts during the mid-1990s. Further, it was always under tremendous pressure from Democrat politicians to hire, to retain, and to promote young Democrat minorities and young Democrat females.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-markets-regulator-considers-buyouts-extension-of-hiring-freeze-1525771800

BLOOMBERG
— Every Illinoisan Owes $11,000 for Pensions With No Fix in Sight – Elizabeth Campbell
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-08/every-illinoisan-owes-11-000-for-pensions-with-no-fix-in-sight

FEDERAL TIMES
— OPM is out to cut retirement benefits – Jessie Bur (DIERSEN: Starting in 1966, when I was 18 years old, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have been furious that I was earning credits toward a Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) pension. Since 1993, when I was 45 years, old, they have been furious that I had the option to take early retirement. Since 1997, when I was 49 years old, they have been especially furious that I started getting a CSRS pension. Few of my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes a) are earning credits toward a pension or b) are getting a pension; they are filled with envy and hatred.)
https://www.federaltimes.com/management/pay-benefits/2018/05/07/opm-is-out-to-cut-retirement-benefits/

May 7 Evening Edition

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Rauner backs his hand-picked Republican Party chairman for re-election as leadership battle brews – Kim Geiger (DIERSEN: Since 2000, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have opposed my using GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails to draw attention to Illinois Republican Party (IRP) issues and Illinois Republican County Chairman’s Association (IRCCA) issues. They especially oppose my drawing attention to IRP State Central Committee (SCC) and IRCCA elections, meetings, votes, etc. They want the IRP SCC and the IRCCA to operate under the radar and in smoke-filled back rooms. They do not want Illinois Republicans to know the time, location, or agenda of the May 19 SCC and IRCCA meetings in Springfield. They do not want Illinois Republicans to know about a) potential litigation against the IRP, b) who all the IRP chairman candidates are (what about dark horse candidates?), c) if Ives will be allowed to speak in favor of Shaw at the May 19 IRP SCC meeting, d) how many chairs will be set up for observers at the IRP SCC meeting (100, 200, 300, 400, 500+?), e) who IRP SCC members have nominated to serve as their deputies, f) etc.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-bruce-rauner-illinois-republicans-20180507-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: On Monday, Rauner tried to make light of the party leadership issue, saying: “I really don’t spend much time thinking about it.” When pressed on whom he would support as chairman, the governor reiterated his backing of Schneider, saying he has been effectively running the Illinois GOP since 2014. “I support Tim Schneider, I put him in place,” Rauner said. . .Rauner said Monday that he’s not paying attention to the infighting within the party, pointing out that “there have been fights and disagreements and challenges many times over the years. It’s part of the process.”)
— Morrison talks tax deductions, redistricting at town hall – Steve Sadin (DIERSEN: Roskam should increase the $10,000 SALT cap to $20,000 for married filing jointly.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/deerfield/news/ct-dfr-morrison-town-hall-tl-0510-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: When the Internal Revenue Code was amended Dec. 22 limiting state and local tax deductions to $10,000, it meant Illinois residents who pay more than $10,000 in state income tax and local property tax could no longer deduct the entire amount, according to Morrison. “We have so many people in my district who rely on the state and local tax deduction,” said Morrison, who is the chief senate sponsor of the bill. Less than three weeks after the federal tax overhaul became law, state Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Northbrook) introduced his SALT Deduction Act Jan. 11. He said the law would create an Illinois Education Excellence Fund. When people pay their state and local taxes, Carroll said the money will go into the fund. They will then get a tax credit they can use as a charitable donation restoring the full deduction they have had in the past. Similar action is under consideration in other states. “The new (federal) law was a punch in the gut to a lot of folks,” Carroll said in a separate interview. “This will keep them from being double taxed.” Morrison said using the charitable deduction as part of taxpayers’ planning is completely voluntary. It is her hope it will be passed by the Senate and sent to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk before the current legislative session is set to end May 31.)
— Rauner’s only shot? Fight the graduated income tax argument – Kristen McQueary
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-mcqueary-rauner-pritzker-taxes-0508-20180507-story.html
— Evanston may consider city service cuts, eliminations as FY19 deficit could top $9M – Genevieve Bookwalter
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/evanston/news/ct-evr-budget-cuts-survey-tl-0510-story.html
— Limiting golden parachutes in Illinois – Editorial (DIERSEN: What do you say to my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes who paint my Civil Service Retirement System pension as being a golden parachute? They hint/imply/argue/shout that because I am a privileged non-veteran White male and because I did not make GS-13 (currently $96,403) by age 25, GS-14 (currently $113,920) by age 30, GS-15 (currently $134,000) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service (currently $164,200) by age 40, a) IRS should have fired me in 1973 when I did not make GS-13, b) IRS should have fired me in 1978 when I did not make GS-14, c) GAO should have fired me in 1983 when I did not make GS-15, and d) GAO should have fired me in 1988 when I did not make Senior Executive Service.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-severance-legislation-golden-parachutes-20180503-story.html
— For blacks and Latinos, record low unemployment – Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-jobs-trump-unemployment-illinois-20180507-story.html

WILLIAM J KELLY
— Ives’ endorsed Mark Shaw worse than Rauner on illegal immigration
http://www.williamjkelly.org/news/kelly-illinois-gop-chair-candidate-mark-shaw-worse-than-rauner-on-illegal-immig

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Rauner calls federal approval of mental health money a historic health victory – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/health/rauner-heralds-new-federal-money-for-mental-health-as-historic-public-health-win/
— Illinois to use $2B in Medicaid funds for pilot programs – AP
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/illinois-medicaid-money-pilot-projects-rauner/
— Trump’s ‘new deal for blacks’ was dealt from the bottom of the deck – Jesse Jackson (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always hinted/implied/argued/shouted a) that instead of me, the Post Office should have hired a Black in 1966, b) that the Post Office should gotten rid of me much sooner than it did so that a Black could have my job, c) that instead of me, IRS should have hired a Black in 1971, d) that instead of me, IRS should have promoted Blacks in 1972, 1973, and 1974, e) that instead of me, GAO should have hired a Black in 1980, f) that instead of me, GAO should have promoted a Black in 1986, and g) that GAO should have gotten rid of me much sooner than it did so that a Black could have my job and my preferred corner office. I should write a book about my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes who make it clear that they believe a) that all government employees are lazy, stupid, and even worse things, b) that minorities and females are inferior and therefore need preferential treatment, c) that government is the “employer of last resort,” and therefore, d) that all government employees should be minorities and/or females.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/trumps-new-deal-for-blacks-was-dealt-from-the-bottom-of-the-deck/ (FROM THE ARTICLE: The big problem, however, is that most of the jobs are simply lousy. Virtually all of the new jobs aren’t secure — they are part-time, short-term contract jobs, with variable hours, few benefits and low wages. Not surprisingly, African Americans are more likely to be caught in these kinds of jobs than whites are.)

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Roskam rival attacks on taxes – GREG HINZ (DIERSEN: Roskam should increase the $10,000 SALT cap to $20,000 for married filing jointly.)
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180507/BLOGS02/180509881/roskam-rival-attacks-on-taxes
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Among other specifics, Casten is calling for full restoration of the federal deduction for state and local taxes, commonly known as SALT, which the new tax law caps at a maximum of $10,000 per year. The Downers Grove businessman also wants to restore the previous top rate for millionaires, reverse the cut in rates on pass-through income and eliminate the cap on taxes for Social Security to better preserve that program.)
— Rauner wins Medicaid flexibility under Trump – KRISTEN SCHORSCH
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180507/NEWS03/180509877/rauner-wins-medicaid-flexibility-under-trump

ABC7
— Feds approve Illinois’ plan to help opioid crisis – Craig Wall
http://abc7chicago.com/health/feds-approve-illinois-plan-to-help-opioid-crisis/3440259/
— Oliver North set to become the next NRA president – AP
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/oliver-north-set-to-become-the-next-nra-president/3439623/
— Poodle attacked by dog who jumped out of truck in Addison – Leah Hope
http://abc7chicago.com/pets-animals/poodle-attacked-by-dog-who-jumped-out-of-truck-in-addison/3440503/
— Gov. Rauner visits ATF agent shot in face in Back of the Yards – John Garcia
http://abc7chicago.com/gov-rauner-visits-atf-agent-shot-in-face-in-back-of-the-yards/3440815/

CBS2
— DHS To Prosecute All Illegal Border Crossings, Potentially Separating Families
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/05/07/illegal-border-crossings-homeland-security/

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— GOP lawmakers question tax implications of creating urban agriculture zones – Angela Underwood
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511404859-gop-lawmakers-question-tax-implications-of-creating-urban-agriculture-zones

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— FAIR MAPS AMENDMENT DEADLINE PASSES FOR 2018
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/05/fair-maps-amendment-deadline-passes-for-2018.html
— SCHLAFLY’S DAUGHTER TO LOBBY AGAINST ERA WEDNESDAY
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/05/schlaflys-daughter-to-lobby-against-era-wednesday-.html
— BLACK CONSERVATIVES CALL FOR END TO JIM CROW ERA REGULATIONS
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/05/black-conservatives-call-for-policy-changes.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Should the state establish a minimum wage for public school teachers? (DIERSEN: Should there be a minimum wage for those who have a) a job-related bachelor’s degree, b) 1, 2, 3 job-related master’s degrees, c) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 job-related professional certifications, d) a job-related professional license, and/or e) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30+ years of job-related work experience?)
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/07/question-of-the-day-2668/
— Awkward moments
https://capitolfax.com/2018/05/07/awkward-moments/

FOX NEWS RADIO
— GOP Candidate For CA Governor John Cox Blasts Dems on Immigration
https://radio.foxnews.com/2018/05/07/gop-candidate-for-ca-governor-blasts-dems-on-immigration/

GOPUSA
— Get married in sanctuary court to avoid deportation
http://www.gopusa.com/get-married-in-sanctuary-court-to-avoid-deportation/
— Bitter McCain: I want Obama at my funeral, but not Trump
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=45348

BREITBART
— California School Mural Depicts Aztec Warrior Holding Trump’s Severed Head, Heart – JOEL B. POLLAK (DIERSEN: Anti-Trumps want Mexico and its citizens, many millions of whom are in America legally or illegally, to officially declare war on America.)
http://www.breitbart.com/california/2018/05/07/student-mural-california-school-shows-aztec-impaling-trumps-severed-head/

WASHINGTON POST
— ‘Heinous and violent’: MS-13’s appeal to girls grows as gang becomes ‘Americanized’ – Michael E. Miller and Justin
Jouvenal
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/heinous-and-violent-ms-13s-appeal-to-girls-grows-as-gang-becomes-americanized/2018/05/04/a4132e94-40bf-11e8-bba2-0976a82b05a2_story.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Trump Administration to Step Up Prosecution of Border-Crossing Parents Policy would separate adults from their children to deter crossings – Laura Meckler (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats and future Democrats use children as cannon fodder.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-administration-to-step-up-prosecution-of-border-crossing-parents-1525708761

FED SMITH
— OPM Proposes Changes to Bring Federal Benefits Closer to Private Sector – Ralph R. Smith (DIERSEN: Starting in 1966, when I was 18 years old, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have been furious that I was earning credits toward a Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) pension. Since 1993, when I was 45 years old, they have been furious that I had the option to take early retirement. Since 1997, when I was 49 years old, they have been especially furious that I started getting a CSRS pension. Few of my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes a) are earning credits toward a pension or b) are getting a pension; they are filled with envy and hatred.)
https://www.fedsmith.com/2018/05/07/opm-proposes-changes-bring-federal-benefits-closer-private-sector/

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— OPM Proposes Legislation to Cut Retirement Benefits for Current and Former Feds – Erich Wagner (DIERSEN: Starting in 1966, when I was 18 years old, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have been furious that I was earning credits toward a Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) pension. Since 1993, when I was 45 years, old, they have been furious that I had the option to take early retirement. Since 1997, when I was 49 years old, they have been especially furious that I started getting a CSRS pension. Few of my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes a) are earning credits toward a pension or b) are getting a pension; they are filled with envy and hatred.)
https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2018/05/opm-proposes-legislation-cut-benefits-current-and-former-feds/148022/

CANDIDATE CHRONICLE
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot big time.
http://candidchronicle.com/alcohol-pain-medication-sleep-aids-used-less-in-legal-cannabis-states/