Tag: political

December 30 Morning Edition

DAILY HERALD
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH BIG COLOR PICTURE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot. (DIERSEN: How much will pot pushers practice what they preach? How much pot will pot-pushing reporters, journalists, editors, activists, candidates, elected officials, party leaders, major donors, political consultants, etc. use themselves, and if little none, why? First, each and every one of the aforesaid should be asked on the record a) how much pot have they themselves used, b) how much pot are they themselves using now, c) how much pot do they themselves want to use, d) what restrictions on pot use do they themselves want to be rescinded, e) are they themselves making money from the sale of pot now, and if so, how much, f) how much money do they themselves want to make form the sale of pot in the future, and g) how much tax revenue do they themselves want governments to get from the sale of pot? Then, those government, political, law enforcement, religious, healthcare, education, etc. leaders who claim to be religious, conservative, and/or Republican who did not speak out against pot at municipal and county hearings should be asked on the record to explain in detail why they did not speak out against pot at municipal and county hearings. Those who practice one vice are far more likely to practice other vices.)
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191230/legal-pot-faq-where-can-i-buy-it-how-much-where-can-i-smoke-it-
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191230/what-suburban-dispensaries-expect-when-recreational-marijuana-sales-start-jan-1
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: Transportation experts’ 2020 forecast: More roadwork, more scooters, more transit riders – Marni Pyke
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191230/transportation-experts-2020-forecast-more-roadwork-more-scooters-more-transit-riders
— 2019 in DuPage County: The year that was
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191230/2019-in-dupage-county-the-year-that-was

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— From Blago to ‘Fast Eddie’ to Ed Burke, a decade in political corruption Think Illinois saw a historic series of convictions in the 2010s? Get ready, the next round of federal housecleaning appears to be coming. – Mark Brown
https://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/2019/12/30/21030726/political-corruption-ed-burke-danny-solis-2010s-blagojevich-ryan-hastert-dixon-crundwell

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Pot pushers want to push pot in Lincolnwood.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lincolnwood/ct-lwr-marijuana-tl-0102-20191230-tgtamhksvfavzajzsrig746lpu-story.html

— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters use immigration problems to demonize, denigrate, and condemn Trump. 
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-immigrant-children-alone-court-chicago-20191219-3uka3fmldfcztldela5ibziki4-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater promotes hatred against Trump.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-how-to-beat-trump-stephens-20191227-v36odsicrvfw7a3tq2lcr67uuq-story.html
— ‘Council Wars’ erupts as Waukegan mayor, aldermen trade insults – CHARLES SELLE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-selle-waukegan-mayor-aldermen-st-1231-20191230-qrxin7qwhvefvei4fjkdihwlc4-story.html

ABC7
— 29 shot, 5 fatally in Chicago weekend violence
https://abc7chicago.com/29-shot-5-fatally-in-chicago-weekend-violence/5798332/?cmp=emc-wls-news-headlines-12/30/2019

MDJ ONLINE
— With recreational cannabis days away, questions remain for Illinois gun owners – Cole Lauterbach 
https://www.mdjonline.com/neighbor_newspapers/extra/news/with-recreational-cannabis-days-away-questions-remain-for-illinois-gun/article_4f4aa290-562d-547d-833d-b61f6526f7d1.html

WSIU
— Stephens Out of GOP 115th State House Race – JENNIFER FULLER
https://news.wsiu.org/post/stephens-out-gop-115th-state-house-race#stream/0

SUBURBAN CHICAGOLAND
— Trump impeachment is pure politics, a political circus – Ray Hanania
https://suburbanchicagoland.com/2019/12/29/trump-impeachment-is-pure-politics-a-political-circus/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Texas Church Not a Protection Free Zone
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/29/texas-church-not-a-protection-free-zone/ 
— Jack Franks’ Appointee to LITH Sanitary District Moves to More Than Triple His Compensation
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/30/jack-franks-appointee-to-lith-sanitary-district-moves-to-double-his-compensation/ 
— IL-06/IL-14: Final Two Days of Q419 Fundraising
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/30/il-06-il-14-final-two-days-of-q419-fundraising/ 
— Illinois Leaks Probes Further into Bob Miller’s Answers to Questions in Lawsuit
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/30/illinois-leaks-probes-further-into-bob-millers-answers-to-questions-in-lawsuit/ 
— Dems Go After Buyers of Expensive Used Cars
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/30/dems-go-after-buyers-of-expensive-used-cars-copy/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— “I DON’T WANT TO DIE” – SCHOOLS ARE TRAUMATIZING KIDS WITH GRETA’S CLIMATE APOCALYPSE
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/i-dont-want-to-die-schools-are-traumatizing-kids-with-gretas-climate-apocalypse.html
— DEMOCRATS JUST BETRAYED WORKING-CLASS AMERICANS TO APPEASE ENVIRONMENTALISTS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/democrats-just-betrayed-working-class-americans-to-appease-environmentalists.html

WIREPOINTS
— Overreach in Illinois’ New Employer Mandate on Anti-Sexual Harassment Training – Mark Glennon
https://wirepoints.org/overreach-in-illinois-new-employer-mandate-on-anti-sexual-harassment-training-wirepoints-original/
— Searching for common sense, regulation reduction and cost cutting in Illinois’ 255 new laws – Ted Dabrowski
https://wirepoints.org/searching-for-common-sense-regulation-reduction-and-cost-cutting-in-illinois-255-new-laws/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Facebook may soon curtail its political advertising policies – Ryan Lovelace
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/29/facebook-may-soon-curtail-its-political-advertisin/

BREITBART
— What We Jews Can Do to Defend Ourselves from Antisemitism – JOEL B. POLLAK
https://www.breitbart.com/faith/2019/12/29/pollak-what-we-jews-can-do-to-defend-ourselves-from-antisemitism/
— Leftists Blame Trump for Rise in Antisemitism in Wake of Hanukkah Stabbing Attack – PENNY STARR
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/29/leftists-blame-trump-rise-anti-semitism-wake-hanukkah-stabbing-attack/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters use Hanukkah attack to promote hatred against Trump.
https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2019/12/29/bill-de-blasio-on-hanukkah-attack-trumps-hateful-speech-emboldened-violent-forces/

DAILY CALLER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters use attacks against Jews to promote hatred against Trump.
https://dailycaller.com/2019/12/29/de-blasio-blames-trump-anti-semitism/

DAILY SIGNAL
— Help Us Produce Real News – Katrina Trinko
https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/12/29/help-us-produce-real-news/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: As conservatives, we know the facts are on our side. But it’s not easy to communicate those facts—especially in a hostile environment with so many liberal-leaning media outlets. What’s more, good, original, compelling journalism is time-consuming and expensive. Producing “real news” involves a lot of fact checking, editing, and rigorous research—and involves competition against outlets with hundreds, if not thousands, of reporters, editors, and contributors. . .But challenges remain. In 2020, we’re excited for some new projects, including running op-eds from college students—to showcase the new conservatives of the next generation. We’re aiming to produce more original content on YouTube and Instagram—two key platforms for getting the conservative message out among young adults. And we’re planning to send our reporters up and down the country—because we know, contrary to what the swamp would have you believe, the most important stories are happening outside Washington, D.C.)

PJ MEDIA
— Liberals in New York Not Doing Enough to Combat Antisemitism – RICK MORAN
https://pjmedia.com/trending/liberals-in-new-york-not-doing-enough-to-combat-antisemitism/

TOWNHALL
— No Mayor de Blasio, President Trump Is Not to Blame for the Stabbing of New York Jews – Michael Brown
https://townhall.com/columnists/michaelbrown/2019/12/30/no-mayor-de-blasio-president-trump-is-not-to-blame-for-the-stabbing-of-new-york-jews-n2558671
— Impeachment: A Badge of Hope or Shame? – Terry Paulson
https://townhall.com/columnists/terrypaulson/2019/12/30/impeachment-a-badge-of-hope-or-shame-n2558552

HERITAGE FLORIDA
— Political left fights Trump’s fight against anti-Semitism – Caroline B. Glick
https://www.heritagefl.com/story/2019/12/27/opinions/political-left-fights-trumps-fight-against-anti-semitism/12552.html

FEDERALIST
— Identity Politics Enables Anti-Semitic Violence. – Erielle Davidson
https://thefederalist.com/2019/12/29/identity-politics-enables-anti-semitic-violence-enough/

NATIONAL REVIEW
— We’re Massively Outgunned in the Culture War – KYLE SMITH
https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/12/national-review-institute-fund-appeal-culture-war-help-us-fight-back-against-the-left/

REUTERS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters use Thunberg to promote hatred against Trump.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-thunberg/i-wouldnt-have-wasted-my-time-on-trump-says-greta-thunberg-idUSKBN1YY0PV

NBC NEWS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats celebrate their progress in destroying traditional marriage and the traditional family.
https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/very-lgbtq-decade-gay-marriage-trans-rights-rainbow-wave-n1107901

NEW YORK TIMES
— FRONT PAGE: Inside the Biggest 2020 Advertising War Against Trump Michael Bloomberg’s presidential campaign wants to flood voters with attacks on Mr. Trump before it is too late, a lesson Republican candidates learned in 2016 when they initially ignored him. – Jeremy W. Peters
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/29/us/politics/michael-bloomberg-trump-advertising.html
— California Companies Are Rushing to Find Female Board Members A law mandating that every public company in the state should have a woman on the board by the end of the year has redefined the qualifications of a director. – Alisha Haridasani Gupta
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/17/us/california-boardroom-gender-quota.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— A Generic Politician Can’t Beat Trump The political class has clung to conformism as if it’s way to protest him. – Rich Danker
https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-generic-politician-cant-beat-trump-11577648042
— New Budget? No Budget? Maybe You Need a Bit of Both – Julia Carpenter (DIERSEN: Why do you have less money? For me, it is the success that my Democrat superiors in the federal government had in wasting my career and getting rid of 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 a $19,568 (21%) 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. My Civil Service Retirement System pension is only 42% of what my 1997 salary was in today’s dollars.) 
https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-budget-no-budget-maybe-you-need-a-bit-of-both-11577620801

— This Isn’t Your Father’s Impeachment In 1974, the president faced recession, inflation, monolithic media and conservative dissension. – Ed Cox and Geoff Shepard
https://www.wsj.com/articles/this-isnt-your-fathers-impeachment-11577648194

WALL STREET WINDOW
— Jonathan Swift Explains Why We Don’t Trust Politicians – Barry Brownstein (DIERSEN: I should write a book about politicians who paint themselves as being religious, conservative, and/or Republican to get elected, but after they get elected, disgustingly take anti-religious, anti-conservative, and/or anti-Republican actions. I would focus on politicians in Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois.) 
http://wallstreetwindow.com/2019/12/jonathan-swift-explains-why-we-dont-trust-politicians-barry-brownstein-12-30-2019/

FORBES
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanjbrochstein/2020/12/29/illinois-is-an-underappreciated-cannabis-catalyst/

KIPLINGER
— Senior Corps Lets You Give Back as a Volunteer – Emma Patch (DIERSEN: I “give back” by putting together and sending out a GOPUSA ILLINOIS email each and every morning and evening.)
https://www.kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T012-C000-S004-senior-corps-lets-you-give-back-as-a-volunteer.html

INFORUM
— Pensions should be illegal – William Smith (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, those who are earning credits toward a pension or are getting a pension are demonized, denigrated, and condemned.)
https://www.inforum.com/opinion/letters/4839447-Letter-Pensions-should-be-illegal

FED SMITH
— The 2020 Pay Raise is Now Official – Ralph R. Smith (DIERSEN: If I was still working for GAO as a GS-13 Step 10 Analyst, my salary would increase by $3,878/year (3%) from $127,654/year to $131,532/year.) 
https://www.fedsmith.com/2019/12/26/2020-pay-raise-now-official/

NEW YORKER
— The Ultra-Wealthy Who Argue That They Should Be Paying Higher Taxes In an age of historic disparity, Abigail Disney and the Patriotic Millionaires take on income inequality. – Sheelah Kolhatkar (DIERSEN: 2019 federal income tax rates for married filing jointly are 12% over $19,400, 22% over $78,950, 24% over $168,400, 32% over $321,450, 35% over $408,200, and 37% over $612,350.)
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/01/06/the-ultra-wealthy-who-argue-that-they-should-be-paying-higher-taxes

GUARDIAN
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: What Guardian does for the left worldwide, GOPUSA ILLINOIS does for the right in Illinois.
https://www.theguardian.com/info/2019/dec/26/how-the-guardians-engineering-team-supports-the-24-hour-news-cycle

December 29 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Rep. Tulsi Gabbard says impeachment will only ’embolden’ Trump – BEATRICE PETERSON
https://abc7chicago.com/rep-tulsi-gabbard-says-impeachment-will-only-embolden-trump/5796131/

CBS2
— Legal Marijuana Sales May Spark Midwest Interstate Tension – AP
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/12/29/legal-marijuana-sales-may-spark-midwest-interstate-tension/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Sweeping ICE raids in Mississippi’s chicken country opened up jobs for American workers. – RICHARD FAUSSET
https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-ice-raids-mississippi-chicken-country-20191229-liu65wnfdfgitmjnoifo5xoy2e-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— States charge more for electric cars as new laws take effect – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20191229/news/312299944/

HERALD & REVIEW
— New Illinois law requires companies to train employees on how to recognize, prevent sexual harassment – ABDEL JIMENEZ (DIERSEN: What about political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation for opposing the aforesaid?)
https://herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/new-illinois-law-requires-companies-to-train-employees-on-how/article_618fb736-83ea-5c26-9477-00ff34fe87f4.html
— The Herald & Review’s goals for 2020 — and how you can help us – Chris Coates (DIERSEN: What goals do the following have for 2020: Illinois Republican Party, your Republican township, ward, and county party organizations, and your Republican Precinct Committeeman/Captain? My goals for 2020 include helping elect all the Republican candidates on the November 3 ballot in my precinct. I will focus on getting yard sign locations in my precinct for the candidates. I will deliver sample ballots and campaign literature to the Republican and Independent voters in my precinct. I will encourage the candidates to help sponsor Wheaton’s Independence Day Parade and Fireworks. I will continue to put together and send out a GOPUSA ILLINOIS email each and every morning and each and every evening.) 
https://herald-review.com/news/local/the-herald-review-s-goals-for-and-how-you-can/article_c16cfaba-f14d-5a96-8c8b-a569ff2119e4.html

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.news-gazette.com/business/entrepreneurs/local-marijuana-dispensaries-not-wasting-any-time/article_f73d506e-3392-575e-8dfa-35ec9a2a6deb.html

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Officials warn about increase in drunk driving over holidays – Amanda Henderson
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/officials-warn-about-increase-in-drunk-driving-over-holidays

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Year in Review: Top 19 Political Headlines in 2019 – Mark Maxwell
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/illinois-capitol-news/year-in-review-top-19-political-headlines-in-2019/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— IL-14: All But Official Catalina Lauf Will Remain on Ballot
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/29/il-14-all-but-official-catalina-lauf-will-remain-on-ballot/ 
— Bob Miller Answers Questions in Algonquin Township Case
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/29/bob-miller-answers-questions-in-algonquin-township-case/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Former US attorney in southern Illinois Steve Wigginton charged with 3rd DUI – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/29/former-us-attorney-in-southern-illinois-charged-wi/

AMERICAN THINKER
— How Obama Impacted the Military – Janet Levy
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/12/12_27_2019_16_54.html
— Despicable: Black attacks on Jews are rooted in Democrats’ coddling of anti-Semites – Monica Showalter
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/despicable_black_attacks_on_jews_are_rooted_in_democrats_coddling_of_antisemites.html
— The unhinged Left can doom us – Don Herston
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/the_unhinged_left_can_doom_us.html

BREITBART
— New York Times Disdains Wage Raises for Blue-Collar Americans – NEIL MUNRO
https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2019/12/29/new-york-times-disdains-wage-raises-for-americans/

TOWNHALL
— Truth Bomb: Former Democratic Politician Says Anti-Semitism in NY Comes From the Left – Bronson Stocking
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/bronsonstocking/2019/12/29/former-democratic-politician-says-antisemitism-is-coming-from-the-left-n2558658

EPOCH TIMES
— ‘If He’d Take It’: Biden Says He’s Open to Nominating Obama for Supreme Court – JACK PHILLIPS
https://www.theepochtimes.com/if-hed-take-it-biden-says-hes-open-to-nominating-obama-for-supreme-court_3187764.html

BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Pew study says nonwhites now majority of US births, K-12 population due to open borders – Tom Tillison 
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2019/12/29/pew-study-says-nonwhites-now-majority-of-us-births-k-12-population-due-to-open-borders-869515

CANADA FREE PRESS
— The Trump Train Rolls Over Democrat Roadblocks – Jeff Crouere 
https://canadafreepress.com/article/the-trump-train-rolls-over-democrat-roadblocks
— The Return of the Homosexual Imperialists – Cliff Kincaid 
https://canadafreepress.com/article/the-return-of-the-homosexual-imperialists
— A Good Scapegoat is Almost as Good as a Solution – Chuck Lehmann
https://canadafreepress.com/article/a-good-scapegoat-is-almost-as-good-as-a-solution
— Slouching Toward Gomorrah – Chuck Lehmann
https://canadafreepress.com/article/slouching-toward-gomorrah
— African Americans Are Taking Back Jobs Stolen By Illegal Aliens
https://canadafreepress.com/article/african-americans-are-taking-back-jobs-stolen-by-illegal-aliens

THE HILL
— Democrats worry impeachment acquittal will embolden Trump – JORDAIN CARNEY 
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/475855-democrats-worry-impeachment-acquittal-will-embolden-trump
— Trump official: ‘Everyone who wants a job can get a job’ in Trump economy – ZACK BUDRYK (DIERSEN: But what about a job that is appropriate for the applicant’s education, work experience, and professional certifications/licenses? But what about a job for those in Illinois who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time?) 
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/476139-trump-director-of-trade-everyone-who-wants-a-job-can-get-a-job-in

NEW YORK TIMES
— 8 Ways to Work Smarter in 2020 – Tim Herrera (DIERSEN: What could you have done to get promoted, but did NOT do? I did NOT become a Democrat. I did NOT pretend to be Swedish. I did NOT paint myself as being a yes-man. I did NOT help my supervisors get rid of their employees because they were Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran and had not made GS-13 (currently $98,198) by age 25, GS-14 (currently $116,040) by age 30, GS-15 (currently $136,495) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service (currently $165,500) by age 40.) 
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/29/smarter-living/8-ways-to-work-smarter-in-2020.html

NEW YORK POST
— How liberals are allowing anti-Semitism to flourish – Karol Markowicz
https://nypost.com/2019/12/29/how-liberals-are-allowing-anti-semitism-to-flourish/

FORBES
— You Must Answer This One Question If You Want To Maximize Your Career Success In 2020 – Mark Murphy (DIERSEN: What did you do to learn new job-related skills? I earned a master’s degree in financial markets and trading from IIT in 1997 when I was 48 years old. I passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981 when I was 32 years old. I earned a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980 when I was 31 years old. I passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979 when I was 30 years old. I earned an MBA from Loyola in 1976 when I was 27 years old. I earned a bachelor’s degree in management from NIU in 1970 when I was 21 years old.) 
https://www.forbes.com/sites/markmurphy/2020/12/29/you-must-answer-this-one-question-if-you-want-to-maximize-your-career-success-in-2020/#7d5adbeb5449
(FROM THE ARTICLE: First, set a big career goal for 2020. Maybe you want new responsibilities, a promotion, to double sales, or whatever. But then, after you set that goal, ask yourself, “What new skills am I going to have to learn in order to achieve my big goal?” If you can’t identify any new skills that you’ll need to learn, then you’ve just discovered that your goal needs to be more difficult. Forcing yourself to learn new skills sounds like a pretty obvious task. But our study called “If Employees Aren’t Learning, You’re Not Leading” discovered that only 35% of employees say that they’re Always learning something new at work. Meanwhile, 52% of employees are Never, Occasionally or Rarely learning new things. And as bad as it is that most employees aren’t actually learning new skills at work each year, the situation is even worse: Employees who are always learning new things are 10 times more likely to be inspired than those who are not. Not only does learning new skills keep our careers progressing, it also significantly increases our fulfillment and inspiration on the job. And as you can see in the chart below from the study, the more we increase our learning on the job, the more inspired we become.)

December 29 Morning Edition

ABC7
— 20 shot, 3 fatally in Chicago weekend violence
https://abc7chicago.com/20-shot-3-fatally-in-chicago-weekend-violence/5796300/?cmp=emc-wls-news-headlines-12/29/2019

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Trump Senate impeachment trial finds scant precedent in history – MIKE DORNING
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-tns-bc-impeachment-senate-1999-20191229-story.html
— Naperville man says experiencing Woodstock in 1969 with best friend proved a ‘perfect segue to the rest of our lives’ – SUZANNE BAKER (DIERSEN: What were you doing in 1969? I worked as a part-time mailman for the Democrats who ran the Park Forest Post Office until they forced me to resign in September. I was a full-time student at NIU. I stayed at University Plaza Dormitory, but I lived with my parents in Crete weekends during my first semester and during the summer. I drove a 1969 Dodge Charger SE. My father died suddenly in October.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-best-2019-naperville-man-woodstock-st-0816-20191227-gpfcskntybcz5ogobcdtxtgzjm-story.html
— Poverty grew in one-third of counties despite strong national economy – TIM HENDERSON (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, notwithstanding its very high cost of living, Republican-haters encourage people who have severe financial, health, and/or other problems to move to DuPage County.) 
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-tns-bc-poverty-rate-20191229-story.html

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20191229/what-you-need-to-know-ahead-of-marijuana-legalization

HERALD & REVIEW
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://herald-review.com/opinion/editorial/our-view-hoping-amid-rapid-pot-rollout/article_102c5b22-3b48-5d4e-9aca-33e42d094e6f.html
— Rallies in support of, and opposition to, President Trump claim busy Decatur street corners – Kennedy Nolen (DIERSEN: If rallies were held in support of Trump and/or in opposition to Trump in your municipality, in your township/ward, and/or in your county, what would the leaders of your municipality, your township/ward, and/or your county say about the leaders of those rallies?) 
https://herald-review.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/rallies-in-support-of-and-opposition-to-president-trump-claim/article_6eff3ef6-6a16-51e7-bd80-bcfd830414b0.html

JOURNAL STANDARD
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.journalstandard.com/news/20191228/end-of-prohibition-means-sunny-day-for-rockford-area-marijuana-users

ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.rrstar.com/news/20191229/what-you-need-to-know-ahead-of-marijuana-legalization-in-illinois

LINCOLN COURIER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.lincolncourier.com/news/20191229/what-you-need-to-know-ahead-of-marijuana-legalization

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.bnd.com/news/local/article238723438.html
https://www.bnd.com/news/local/article238752113.html

SOUTHERN
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://thesouthern.com/news/local/in-a-few-days-it-will-be-legal-to-use/article_56db8d9f-a783-5ef4-b6ed-71362c7773fa.html

ST. LOUIS TODAY
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/marijuana/recreational-marijuana-in-illinois-what-you-need-to-know/article_56178c44-0909-581d-bcc5-f1c6087895fe.html

NPR ILLINOIS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Trump-haters promote hatred of Trump-supporters.
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/2019-brought-stepped-efforts-counter-white-supremacist-violence

KMOV
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.kmov.com/news/news-breaks-down-what-you-need-to-know-ahead-of/article_736eac96-29b1-11ea-9c4d-47ac545a6322.html

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— The Loss of Christianity at Christianity Today – Ron Citlau 
https://illinoisfamily.org/federal/the-loss-of-christianity-at-christianity-today/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Court calls for group to study jury selection discrimination – AP (DIERSEN: How bad are your demographics? From what I see, ever-increasingly, the more of the following that you are, the more certain that judges and juries will rule against you: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, Republican, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time. Ever-increasingly, Trump-haters paint the aforesaid demographics negatively.)
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/28/court-calls-for-group-to-study-jury-selection-disc/

FOX NEWS
— 2019 was American journalism’s worst year ever – Here are 7 reasons why – Dan Gainor
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/dan-gainor-2019-was-american-journalisms-worst-year-ever-here-are-7-reasons-why
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Hatred of Trump The left-wing media hate Trump more than they hate anyone. It’s the foundation of everything they do, from Twitter snark to promoting the bogus impeachment. Left-wing journalists have repeatedly compared Trump to the worst people in history. MSNBC host Donny Deutsch told viewers that Trump had “so many stunning parallels to what Hitler was doing in the early ’30s.” Then he added one of the memorably stupid comments of 2019: “I’m not saying Trump is going to slaughter 6 million Jews, but …” The media also hate Trump supporters. CNN Chief Media Correspondent Brian Stelter is one of many journalists who have referred to Trump voters as the “Trump cult.” He even inquired if the president was using “mind control.”)

DAILY CALLER
— Don’t Count On Trump To Leave A Lasting Impact On The GOP – Charles Kolb (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who have had a lasting impact on the Illinois Republican Party (IRP), DuPage County Republican Central Committee (DCRCC), and Milton Township Republican Central Committee (MTRCC). I would focus on those who have had the most success in driving conservatives out of the IRP, DCRCC, and MTRCC, that is, those who had the most success in driving the base of the IRP, DCRCC, and MTRCC out of the IRP, DCRCC, and MTRCC, that is, those who had the most success in destroying the IRP, DCRCC, and MTRCC.) 
https://dailycaller.com/2019/12/28/kolb-trump-impact-gop/

AMERICAN THINKER
— What ‘white privilege’ means in small-town West Virginia – Lloyd Marcus (DIERSEN: Politics is nasty. Do your political critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes demonize, denigrate, and condemn your hometown? Mine do. They demonize, denigrate, and condemn Crete where I lived 1948-1972 and where my brother continues to live. They paint Crete as having been full of German Lutherans who were White supremacists, Nazis, KKK members, haters, racists, sexists, bigots, and even worse things when I lived there. I should write a book about critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes. I would focus on those in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout.)
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/what_white_privilege_means_in_smalltown_west_virginia.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The hate-filled war on straight white men has become so extreme that the University of Melbourne Student Union wants to ban white men from speaking in classes so women and transgenders will feel free to contribute to discussions. Insane social justice warriors demand that white men be silenced — not allowed to have an opinion regarding reviewing movies, climate change, and everything in between. Folks, we have allowed leftists to create a generation of hate-filled social justice warrior terrorists who believe that the world would be a much better place if we could get rid of scum-of-the-earth white guys like Pop Kern. While I am pleased that more and more people are fighting back, we need more people telling SJWs, “No! Back off! Get a life, and get a job!” The Democratic Party is the greatest distributor of class envy, racial hate, and division. Democrats have disdain for all things patriotic, wholesome, and good. The party has deteriorated to become a mob of hate-filled treasonous domestic terrorists who must be crushed in 2020.)
— The Gay Mafia Comes to Idaho – Jeremy Egerer
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/12/the_gay_mafia_comes_to_idaho.html
— Blue-Collar Workers are Now Solidly Republican – Tim Jones (DIERSEN: To be a Democrat, a Libertarian, a Green, or a RINO, you have to be 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.)
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/12/blue_collar_workers_are_now_solidly_republican.html

HUFFINGTON POST
— FEBRUARY 4, 2016 FLASHBACK: Can You Be Fired For Your Political Beliefs Or Activities? Maybe – Donna Ballman
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/can-you-be-fired-for-your_b_9154066

REUTERS
— Christianity Today’s split with Trump highlights deeper issue in white evangelical America – Simon Lewis, Heather Timmon
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-religion/christianity-todays-split-with-trump-highlights-deeper-issue-in-white-evangelical-america-idUSKBN1YX09N

NBC NEWS
— Gerrymandering is alive and well. The coming battle will be bigger than ever. Republicans, Democrats clash over who will draw the congressional district maps that could determine control of the House. – Jane C. Timm (DIERSEN: I should write a book about the gerrymandering of my DuPage County Milton Township Precinct 9 in Wheaton in 2015.)
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/gerrymandering-alive-well-coming-battle-will-be-bigger-ever-n1106951

WASHINGTON POST
— NOVEMBER 25, 2016 FLASHBACK: Can businesses refuse to serve — or employ — Trump supporters? – Eugene Volokh 
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2016/11/25/can-businesses-refuse-to-serve-or-employ-trump-supporters/

MOTLEY FOOL
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.fool.com/investing/the-5-biggest-marijuana-milestones-in-2019.aspx
— Why I Can’t Get on Board With Very Early Retirement It’s one thing to retire in your early 60s. But retiring in your 40s or 50s is a whole different ballgame. – Maurie Backman
https://www.fool.com/retirement/2019/12/28/why-i-cant-get-on-board-with-very-early-retirement.aspx

GM AUTHORITY
— Chevrolet Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter Talks C8 As A Daily Driver – JONATHAN LOPEZ (DIERSEN: What were your daily drivers? I drove a 1958 Blue/White Chevy BelAir 1964-1966, 1966 Red Pontiac Tempest Sprint 1966-1967, 1968 Blue Oldsmobile 442 1967-1968, 1969 Blue Dodge Charger SE 1968-1971, 1962 White Chevy BelAir 1971-1978, 1974 Gold Dodge Dart 1973-1974, 1978 Blue Chevy Chevette 1978-1994, 1993 Red Ford Thunderbird 1994, 1990 Red Ford Thunderbird LX 1994-1996 and 2004-2010, 1997 Red Chevy Cavalier 1996-2004, and 2003 Gray Chevy Cavalier LS 2010-present.) 
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/12/chevrolet-corvette-chief-engineer-tadge-juechter-talks-c8-as-a-daily-driver/

ATLANTIC
— It’s a Weird Time to Be Young and Conservative – EMMA GREEN (DIERSEN: In the organizations that you are a member of, what percent of the leaders of those organizations are conservative? A conservative is someone who defends and advances the traditional family, right to life, immigration, illegal drugs, Second Amendment, equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving), and the rest of the planks in the Republican Party platform. Based on the aforesaid definition, extremely few of the leaders of the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Central Committee are conservative.) 
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/12/princeton-young-conservatives-trump/604192/

LGBTQ NATION
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: LGBTQ promoters promote hatred against individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, heterosexual, patriotic, Republican, American, older, gun owners, German American, those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time, etc. 
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2019/12/evangelicals-supporting-trump-now-article-faith-literally/

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— For you, what has changed from 10 year ago, since 2010? 10 years ago, I was the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman, a Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member, and the Milton Township Republicans Central Committee webmaster, but my critic/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have ended that. My wife worked for Central DuPage Hospital, but she is retired now. My mother, her sister, and one of her brothers were alive, but they have died. My aunt was living on her own, but she has been in assisted living the last 10 years. My hometown Crete was doing better than it is now. I was not on Social Security and Medicare, but I am now. I did not have type 2 diabetes, but I do now. I put together and sent out a GOPUSA ILLINOIS email each and every morning, but by the end of 2015, I started putting one together and sending it out each and every evening too. – Dave Diersen 
http://www.gopillinois.com

December 28 Morning Edition

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— You still can’t smoke weed and drive — but tests to prove impairment murky The state law legalizing weed authorizes a study to find the best way to enforce laws against driving while stoned. – Sam Charles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/27/21038162/pot-recreational-marijuana-illinois-driving-dui-pot-cannabis-impaired-police

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH BIG COLOR PICTURE: DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Trump-haters promote illegal immigration, amnesty, and open borders. 
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-family-reunification-holidays-20191228-6j4lckt2mzc7tgupsagyue7o7q-story.html

ALTON DAILY NEWS
— Census Will Show Illinois Population Decline – Cole Lauterbach 
http://www.altondailynews.com/news/details.cfm?clientid=17&id=296357#.Xgde5SN_OM8

SUBURBAN LIFE
— Young political activists dedicated to understanding residents’ needs – F. AMANDA TUGADE
https://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2019/12/23/young-political-activists-dedicated-to-understanding-residents-needs/azbh1ey/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Cicero is an industrial neighborhood tucked at the border of Chicago’s West Side. It’s home to more than 82,000 residents, and almost 90% of the population is Latino. Rodriguez, 31, a Cicero native, said the town has undergone – and is still going through – many changes, from economic development to its demographics. And there are various issues that fall under these large umbrellas.)

NPR ILLINOIS
— In A Month, Michael Bloomberg Has Spent More Than $100 Million On Campaign Ads – ASMA KHALID
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/billionaires-bring-big-money-democratic-primary#stream/0

WJBC
— AAA: Driving high on marijuana is dangerous, illegal – Neil Doyle
http://www.wjbc.com/2019/12/27/aaa-driving-high-on-marijuana-is-dangerous-illegal/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— IL-14: Catalina Lauf Takes Aim at “deep swamp IL rivals”
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/27/il-14-catalina-lauf-takes-aim-at-deep-swamp-il-rivals/ 
— IL-14: Final Days of 4th Quarter Fundraising
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/27/il-14-final-days-of-4th-quarter-fundraising/ 
— IL-06/IL-14: Democrats Protection Plan for Impeachment Votes
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/28/il-06-il-14-democrats-protection-plan-for-impeachment-votes/ 
— Bob Miller’s Reply to Interrogatories at Odds with Patrick Kenneally’s Report
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/28/bob-millers-reply-to-interrogatories-at-odds-with-patrick-kenneallys-report/

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Did You Know? Pro-Family Trump Administration Victories – David E. Smith 
https://illinoisfamily.org/federal/pro-family-trump-administration-victories/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Nearly all Illinois metro areas see lower unemployment – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/28/nearly-all-illinois-metro-areas-see-lower-unemploy/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Elizabeth Warren’s fibbing is forming a pattern – Editorial
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/elizabeth-warrens-lies-are-a-pattern
— Michael Moore predicts 2020 Trump win because of ‘rabid’ supporters – John Gage
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/michael-moore-predicts-2020-trump-win-because-of-rabid-supporters

FOX NEWS
— Pelosi keeps hold on impeachment articles in hopes of leveraging more favorable terms in Senate trial
https://www.yahoo.com/news/pelosi-keeps-hold-impeachment-articles-154545245.html

AMERICAN THINKER
— Another lie: Elizabeth Warren called out by her own brother for claiming their dad was ‘a janitor’ – Monica Showalter
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/another_lie_elizabeth_warren_called_out_by_her_own_brother_for_claiming_their_dad_was_a_janitor.html
— Fake News at the OK Corral – Brian C. Joondeph
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/12/fake_news_at_the_ok_corral.html

ADDICTION CENTER
— General Drug Slang
https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/drug-alcohol-slang/

ASK HEALTH NEWS
— ‘Marijuana is not harmless’ – Mariyam Tanveer
https://askhealthnews.com/5671/marijuana-is-not-harmless-a-new-campaign-about-the-weld-county-health-department-to-raise-awareness-about-marijuana-usage/

POLICE ONE
— Illinois officers undergo drug recognition expertise training ahead of new marijuana laws Specially trained officers, which make up 160 of the state’s 40,000 LEOs, use a 12-step evaluation process to detect intoxication not measurable on tests like breathalyzers – Megan Jones
https://www.policeone.com/drug-interdiction-narcotics/articles/ill-officers-undergo-drug-recognition-expertise-training-ahead-of-new-marijuana-laws-pYfhNeHJCmSmJ7FB/

BREITBART
— Republican Outreach to Black Community Must Be New Year’s Resolution – Charlie Kirk
https://www.breitbart.com/2020-election/2019/12/27/charlie-kirk-republican-outreach-to-black-community-must-be-new-years-resolution/

PJ MEDIA
— Germans Think Trump Is More Dangerous Than Kim Jong-Un – RICK MORAN (DIERSEN: Will anti-German Americans become less anti-German Americans because of this?)
https://pjmedia.com/trending/poll-tds-infected-germans-think-trump-more-dangerous-than-kim-jong-un/

NEWS BUSTERS
— ‘New Yorker’ Editor: Evangelicals Back Trump Due to ‘Xenophobia’ and ‘Nativism’ – Ryan Foley
https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/ryan-foley/2019/12/27/new-yorker-editor-evangelicals-support-trump-because-shared-cultural

TPM
— The Evangelical War Over Impeachment Has Been A Long Time Coming – Nicole Lafond
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/whats-going-on-evangelicals-impeachment-rift

NATIONAL REVIEW
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Trump Isn’t a Nazi. He’s a Failure.”
https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/12/trump-presidency-democrats-squander-case-against-him/
— Who Must Protect the Ukraine-Trump Whistleblower? – Stephen M. Kohn (DIERSEN: While I worked for the federal government for almost 30 years, I blew the whistle on political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation. My Democrat superiors took adverse actions against me because they knew that I was not “protected.” They knew that overwhelmingly, those who dominated the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) were anti-conservative and favored political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation. I should write a book about those who have dominated the IRP since 1966.) 
https://www.natlawreview.com/article/who-must-protect-ukraine-trump-whistleblower
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The ICWPA anti-retaliation law is not limited simply to preventing whistleblowers from being fired. The law defines the types of “adverse action” the President must shield whistleblowers from, including “any change in working conditions.” In the case of the Ukrainian “quid pro quo” whistleblower, the catastrophic impact on the whistleblower’s ability to perform his or her job duties that would be triggered by violating his right to confidentiality is obvious. This would include undermining his or her ability to work oversees, be promoted to a covert agent (if not one already), or effectively interact with employees in the White House. Furthermore, breaching the confidentiality of whistleblowers is well established as an “adverse action” under whistleblower law. Federal courts and administrative agencies as divergent as the SEC and Department of Labor have ruled that revealing the name of a whistleblower is an adverse action. Anyone with experience working with whistleblowers knows that once their identity is revealed, their working conditions will never be the same, and they will have a target on their back for the rest of their careers.)

THE HILL
— House GOP vows to use impeachment to cut into Democratic majority – JULIEGRACE BRUFKE
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/476037-house-gop-plans-to-use-impeachment-to-cut-into-democratic-majority

NEW YORK TIMES
— In the U.S., an Angioplasty Costs $32,000. Elsewhere? Maybe $6,400. A study of international prices finds American patients pay much more across a wide array of common services. – Margot Sanger-Katz
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/27/upshot/expensive-health-care-world-comparison.html

WASHINGTON POST
— America’s schools are more diverse than ever. But the teachers are still mostly white. – Laura Meckler and Kate Rabinowitz
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/local/education/teacher-diversity/

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters want Latino evangelical voters to dump Trump.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2019-12-27/latino-evangelical-voters-face-a-tug-of-war-in-the-trump-era

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— For the New Year, Say No to Negativity Bad experiences affect us much more powerfully than good ones, but there are ways to deal with this destructive bias and overcome it – John Tierney and Roy F. Baumeister
https://www.wsj.com/articles/for-the-new-year-say-no-to-negativity-11577464413
— Modern ‘Image Scrubbing’ Would Have Come in Handy in Centuries Past Too bad historical figures couldn’t use Google to clean up their bad press – Joe Queenan
https://www.wsj.com/articles/modern-image-scrubbing-would-have-come-in-handy-in-centuries-past-11577383386

DENVER POST
— Weld County launches “marijuana is not harmless” campaign. – SAM TABACHNIK (DIERSEN: When will your county, your township/ward, and/or your municipality launch such a campaign?)
https://www.denverpost.com/2019/12/26/weld-county-marijuana-campaign/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: County officials started brainstorming this summer after the health department noticed youth marijuana and vaping rates were increasing along with car crashes, Aakko said. Those factors, combined with what the county found to be a lower perception of risk around marijuana, helped convince health officials that something needed to be done. “We wanted to get out there that there are consequences to heavy marijuana use and certainly when you get behind the wheel and drive,” Aakko said. Marijuana industry experts said it’s true that there are some harms and risks to marijuana.)

GALLUP
— How Much Does the World Trust Journalists? – ZACC RITTER (DIERSEN: According to my critics/opponents, you can be a journalist or a reporter ONLY if you claim to be non-partisan. However, beyond overwhelmingly, those journalist and reporters who claim to be non-partisan promote the Democrat, Libertarian, and/or Green party platforms.) 
https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/272999/world-trust-journalists.aspx
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Another potential source of distrust in journalists is political polarization. In the United States, trust in the mass media, broadly, has fallen from 68% in 1972 to 41% today. Similarly, a recent Gallup-Knight report found that trust in U.S. local media declines for people who perceive a large gap between their political ideology and the perceived ideology of local news organizations. While trust in the media and trust in journalists differ, the two concepts are related enough to suspect a relationship between political polarization and trust in journalists may exist around the world. Political polarization — measured as the extent to which differences of opinions on major political issues in society exist by country-level experts and part of the Varieties of Democracy project — is strongly associated with less trust in journalists. As the graph shows, the more politically polarized a country is, the less trust the public tends to have in journalists.)

December 26 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Illinois legal weed poses challenge for companies with zero tolerance policies – Sarah Schulte (DIERSEN: I would not want to work for an employer that did not have a zero tolerance policy.)
https://abc7chicago.com/business/legal-weed-poses-challenge-for-companies-with-zero-tolerance-policies/5789356/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Recreational pot’s impact on Illinois: ‘No big deal’ or an ‘unfortunate, reckless experiment’? – Robert McCoppin
https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/illinois/ct-illinois-marijuana-economic-social-effects-20191226-dandhav6uzfllaeroph7bqowe4-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Donald Trump is a miserable fit for Evangelical Christians What would Jesus do? First, Jesus would not use Twitter to serve up daily doses of crude comments and hate-filled attacks on private citizens and public figures.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/26/21037287/donald-trump-religions-evangelical-christians-sun-times-letters
— Here are some of the new state laws taking effect in 2020 Hundreds of new laws or changes in existing laws were passed during a busy legislative session that adjourned in early June. – Jerry Nowicki 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/26/21038077/illinois-new-laws-take-effect-2020-minimum-wage-marijuana-infrastructure

DAILY HERALD
— Local mayors in DuPage County to deliver State of the City addresses
https://www.dailyherald.com/submitted/20191220/local-mayors-in-dupage-county-to-deliver-state-of-the-city-addresses
— Dan Cronin to speak at ‘State of County’ luncheon Jan. 8
https://www.dailyherald.com/submitted/20191226/dan-cronin-to-speak-at-state-of-county-luncheon-jan-8

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood of Peoria, who was also a member of Congress representing central Illinois, will be the featured speaker at the annual Abraham Lincoln Association Birthday Banquet Feb. 12 in Springfield. – Bernard Schoenburg
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20191226/ray-lahood-to-headline-lincoln-association-dinner

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Business as usual at the Illinois Tollway Authority – Editorial
https://www.pjstar.com/opinion/20191226/editorial-business-as-usual-at-illinois-tollway-authority

HERALD & REVIEW
— Illinois party leaders, political observers assess past year, look ahead to 2020
https://herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/illinois-party-leaders-political-observers-assess-past-year-look-ahead/article_a44a2ca8-d8a0-5229-a17a-de3f848bba95.html

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Comparison of Chicago Teachers’ Contract with Wisconsin’s Scott Walker’s
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/26/comparison-of-chicago-teachers-contract-with-wisconsins-scott-walkers/ 
— IL-14: Discernment on Underwood’s EHR Legislation Now Law
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/26/il-14-discernment-on-underwoods-ehr-legislation-now-law/ 
— U.S. Senate/IL-06/IL-14: Ted Cruz Blasts FY2020 Appropriations Legislation
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/26/u-s-senate-il-06-il-14-ted-cruz-blasts-fy2020-appropriations-legislation/ 
— KICKOFF 2020 Support President Trump Rally in Algonquin *UPDATE: News-Sun Underwood Impeachment Column*
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/26/kickoff-2020-support-president-trump-rally-in-algonquin/ 
— IL-14: McHenry County Republicans Hosting Candidates Forum
IL-14: James Marter Opposed to H.R. 3 Legislation to Lower Prescription Prices
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/26/il-14-mchenry-county-republicans-hosting-candidates-form/ 
— Christmas Day Teaching About Voting
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/25/christmas-day-teaching-about-voting/ 
— IL-14: James Marter Opposed to H.R. 3 Legislation to Lower Prescription Prices
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/26/il-14-james-marter-opposed-to-h-r-3-legislation-to-lower-prescription-prices/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Half of trains in Mexico found carrying migrants – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/26/half-of-trains-in-mexico-found-carrying-migrants/
— Conservatives losing ground in cities across globe – Ethan Epstein 
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/8/conservatives-losing-ground-in-cities-across-globe/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— ‘Furious’: Elizabeth Warren’s brother rips senator for calling their father a janitor – Spencer Neale
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/furious-elizabeth-warrens-brother-rips-senator-for-calling-their-father-a-janitor

GOPUSA
— Pollsters adjust 2020 methodologies after 2016 failure
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81785

AMERICAN THINKER
— Deplorables Versus the Ruling Class: A Global Struggle – Chet Richards
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/12/deplorables_versus_the_ruling_class_a_global_struggle.html
— Elizabeth Warren, makin’ it up again, this time about bein’ too poor to go to college – Monica Showalter
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/elizabeth_warren_makin_it_up_again_this_time_about_bein_too_poor_to_go_to_college.html

BREITBART
— Pete Buttigieg Calls Jesus Christ an Impoverished ‘Refugee’ in Christmas Message – JOHN BINDER
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/26/pete-buttigieg-calls-jesus-christ-an-impoverished-refugee-in-christmas-message/

NEWSMAX
— It’s Prosperity, Stupid: 10 Ways Trump Bolsters Economy – George Mentz 
https://www.newsmax.com/finance/georgementz/trump-economy-talking-points/2019/12/26/id/947384/
— CNN: Plan to Commute Blagojevich Sentence in Doubt – Jeffrey Rodack
https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/bosnia-explosion/2019/12/26/id/928509/
— 15 GOP Govs Request Refugee Resettlement in Their States – Theodore Bunker 
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/governors-gop-refugee-resettlement/2019/12/26/id/947426/
— Senate Ditches Pot-Related Items in Spending Bill – Solange Reyner
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/senate-legalize-it-banking-cannibas/2019/12/25/id/947298/

TOWNHALL
— Was 2019 the Year of Peak Entitlement Mentality? – Veronique de Rugy
https://townhall.com/columnists/veroniquederugy/2019/12/26/was-2019-the-year-of-peak-entitlement-mentality-n2558508

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Candidates React to Obama’s ‘Old Men’ Comment Democratic candidates responded to former President Obama’s recent comment about it usually being “old men” who are responsible for the world’s problems. 
https://www.wsj.com/video/candidates-react-to-obamas-old-men-comment/0F7BA6D3-3421-4BE5-A262-E25105233154.html
— Equal Opportunity Discrimination Oracle is fighting back against a dubious Obama-era complaint. – Editorial
https://www.wsj.com/articles/equal-opportunity-discrimination-11577404381

BOND BUYER
— Oak Lawn cut to junk over pension woes – Yvette Shields
https://www.bondbuyer.com/news/chicago-suburb-cut-to-junk-over-pension-woes

December 26 Morning Edition

DAILY HERALD
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH COLOR PICTURE: Pot pushers push medical pot to push recreational pot. It is ever-increasingly clear that pot pushers want everyone in your neighborhood, in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois to be a stoner. To use pot is to destroy yourself, and therefore, to destroy your neighborhood, your precinct, your municipality, your township/ward, your county, and Illinois.
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191226/pot-supporters-relieved-but-medical-marijuana-patients-fear-shortage-after-jan-1
— How Influential Women in Business face challenges in a male-dominated world – Kim Mikus (DIERSEN: Do/did you have a male-dominated job? All the jobs that I had while I worked for the federal government were male-dominated. I delivered mail for the Post Office 1966-1969, I collected delinquent taxes for IRS 1971-1980, and I audited federal agencies for GAO 1980-1997. In my opinion, my superiors had a very hard time hiring and retaining women for the aforesaid jobs not because they were male-dominated jobs, but because they were viewed by virtually everyone as being “bad jobs.”) 
https://www.dhbusinessledger.com/business/20191216/how-influential-women-in-business-face-challenges-in-a-male-dominated-world

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH COLOR PICTURE OF PRITZKER: Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s use of millions from his personal fortune for public expenses raises concerns about conflicts, transparency – JAMIE MUNKS and DAN PETRELLA
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-pritzker-personal-wealth-20191226-thxe36molvba5djcbdfcovi4re-story.html
— A new year means new ways for Illinois lawmakers to dip into your wallet – RANDY BLASER
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-evr-blaser-column-new-laws-tl-0102-20191226-fjubawj6rnh6xhjblo6mughoua-story.html
— 2020 Democrats are naming their fundraising ‘bundlers’ amid a fight over big money in politics – JONATHAN LAI AND JULIA TERRUSO
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-tns-bc-democrats-bundlers-20191226-story.html

QUAD CITY TIMES
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers posh pot.
https://qctimes.com/news/local/barb-ickes/viewpoint-pot-propaganda-most-of-us-knew-better-all-these/article_7d70cb75-d36a-5d0e-9c5d-2f8a052efa83.html

EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER
— Party, political leaders assess past year, turn to 2020 vision – Jerry Nowicki, Rebecca Anzel and Peter Hancock
https://www.theintelligencer.com/local/article/Party-political-leaders-assess-past-year-turn-14932176.php

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— We’re living in (almost) the best of times – Michael Barone (DIERSEN: From what I see, employment opportunities for those who share my terrible demographics are worse today. Employers are less likely to hire, retain, or promote those who share my terrible demographics. The Post Office hired me in 1966 when I was 16; I doubt that it would hire me today if I was 16. Firestone Stores hired when I was 21; I doubt that it would hire me today if I was 21. General Motors offered me a job when I was 22; I doubt that it would offer me a job today if I was 22. IRS hired me when I was 22; I doubt that it would hire me today if I was 22. IRS promoted me when I was 23, 24, and 25; I doubt that IRS would promote me today if I was 23, 24, or 25. GAO hired me when I was 31; I doubt that it would hire me today if I was 31. GAO promoted me when I was 38; I doubt that GAO would promote me today if I was 38. From what I see, ever-increasingly, employers are under pressure to hire, to retain, and to promote minorities and females.)
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/were-living-in-almost-the-best-of-times

GOPUSA
— Liberals full of hate
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81742
— The enduring spirit and optimism of the American people (DIERSEN: Because Democrats run Illinois, it is ever-increasingly more difficult to be optimistic for individuals, organizations, companies, and governments in Illinois that are the following: Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, gun owner, German American, draft avoiders, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81767

NEWSMAX
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasing, Democrats use citizens of foreign countries to demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans.
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/customs-border-patrol-elizabeth/2019/12/25/id/947305/

BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Trump warns Dem Gov Newsom to fix California’s homeless crisis — or the feds will – Samantha Chang
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2019/12/26/trump-warns-dem-gov-newsom-to-fix-californias-homeless-crisis-or-the-feds-will-868424

INDEPENDENT JOURNAL REVIEW
— Iran curbs internet before possible new protests – Reuters (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents want you to know only what they want you to know, no more and no less. Because they cannot manipulate/dominate me, they work very hard a) to stop me from sending out GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails and b) to stop everyone from reading those emails. I should write a book about my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes and the many things that they have done since 2000 a) to stop me from sending out GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails and b) to stop everyone from reading those emails.)
https://ijr.com/iran-curbs-internet-before-possible-new-protests-reports/

NEW YORK TIMES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters oppose any and all efforts to stop illegal immigration.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/26/us/politics/trump-border-wall.html
— Another Caravan of Mexican Migrants-But Heading South of Border for Christmas – Reuters
https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/12/26/world/americas/26reuters-usa-immigration-mexico.html
— Behind a U.A.W. Crisis: Lavish Meals and Luxury Villas A federal investigation has led to accusations that union leaders diverted funds to perks like a $6,500 steak dinner and golf outings and gear costing $80,000. – Noam Scheiber and Neal E. Boudette
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/26/business/uaw-gary-jones-investigation.html
— We’re Getting Old – Susan Jacoby (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats a) destroy traditional marriage, b) destroy the traditional family, c) discourage having children, and d) promote LGBTQ activity.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/23/opinion/america-aging.html

WASHINGTON TIMES
— What the Democratic candidates’ argument about hypocrisy really tells us – Paul Waldman (DIERSEN: What do you say to politicians who paint themselves as being religious, conservative, and/or Republican, but who fail/refuse to oppose the promotion of booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, dependency on government, dependency on charity, LGBTQ activity, abortion, abolition of the First and Second Amendments, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation?)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/12/24/what-democratic-candidates-argument-about-hypocrisy-really-tells-us/

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters oppose any and all efforts to stop illegal immigration.
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2019-12-26/trump-border-wall-2020-reelection

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Clinton’s Impeachment Was Dignified The Democratic base demanded a circus this time, and Pelosi is giving it to them. – Karl Rove
https://www.wsj.com/articles/clintons-impeachment-was-dignified-11577229325
— Do You Pay Too Much for Internet Service? See How Your Bill Compares. A WSJ analysis of thousands of U.S. broadband bills finds that low-income and rural areas often get worse deals than their counterparts. – Inti Pacheco and Shalini Ramachandran
https://www.wsj.com/articles/do-you-pay-too-much-for-internet-service-see-how-your-bill-compares-11577199600

BUFFALO NEWS
— A divided country hardens its stances (DIERSEN: Do the majority of voters in your precinct, municipality, township/ward, and county favor or oppose promoting dependency on government, dependency on charity, LGBTQ activity, abortion, mass/illegal immigration, booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, abolition of the First and Second Amendments, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, and age discrimination?)
https://buffalonews.com/2019/12/26/a-divided-country-hardens-its-stances/

TEXAS TRIBUNE
— Here’s your Texas 2020 March primary ballot – CARLA ASTUDILLO (DIERSEN: In your precinct, how many Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs routinely cast Republican primary ballots? Do they vote for Republican candidates who reject the most planks in the Republican Party platform? Do they vote for Republican candidates who have the least chance of winning in general elections?) 
https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2019/2020-primary-election-ballot/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Texas is an open-primary state, so voters can decide every two years whether they’d rather help pick the Republican or the Democratic nominees (or hold out and go to third-party conventions.)

BLOOMBERG LAW
— Illinois Employers Have Long To-Do List for New Worker Procedures, Rules – Abad Lopez and Melanie Chico (DIERSEN: From what I see, ever-increasingly, employers are required by law to give preference to 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-draft avoiders, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/insight-illinois-employers-have-long-to-do-list-for-new-worker-procedures-rules-5

FORBES
— Not Just Trump And Bloomberg: Here Are The Billionaire Politicians Of The Decade – Giacomo Tognini
https://www.forbes.com/sites/giacomotognini/2019/12/26/not-just-trump-and-bloomberg-here-are-the-billionaire-politicians-of-the-decade/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Trump isn’t even the richest politician in the U.S. — that title goes to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (Net worth: $3.4 billion), who was elected in November 2018 after one of the most expensive gubernatorial races in American history.)

MARKET WATCH
— The SECURE Act is changing retirement — here are the most important things to know – Alessandra Malito
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/with-president-trumps-signature-the-secure-act-is-passed-here-are-the-most-important-things-to-know-2019-12-21
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Increasing the required minimum distribution age — and contribution age Previously, qualified account holders such as those with a 401(k) or IRA had to withdraw required minimum distributions (RMD) in the year they turned age 70.5. The SECURE Act increases that age to 72, which may have tax implications, depending on where the account holders fall in their tax bracket in the year they withdraw. The 70.5 age was based on life expectancies in the early 1960s, the House said, and had not been updated since.)

FINANCIAL TIMES
— Facebook joins Silicon Valley’s rush to appear responsible The social media group took steps in 2019 to address concern over its impact but critics called its reforms cosmetic – Hannah Murphy (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes want you a) to be on Facebook 24 hours a day, b) to stop visiting websites including www.gopillinois.com, and c) to stop reading emails including GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails.) 
https://www.ft.com/content/eaa54780-1c7c-11ea-9186-7348c2f183af

NEWSWEEK
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “TRUMP HAS TURNED HIS BACK ON THE WORKING CLASS.” What do you say to politicians who have turned their back on voters who share your demographics? I should write a book about politicians in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois who have turned their back on voters like me who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time. 
https://www.newsweek.com/trump-has-turned-his-back-working-class-opinion-1478952

BUZZFEED NEWS
— Twitter And Facebook’s Race To The Bottom The two companies had a bad run in the 2010s. It was their own fault. – Alex Kantrowitz (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes want you a) to be on Facebook 24 hours a day, b) to stop visiting websites including www.gopillinois.com, and c) to stop reading emails including GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails.)
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/alexkantrowitz/twitter-and-facebooks-race-to-the-bottom

BEAST
— J.K. Rowling Accused of Being Transphobic Over Tweet – Emma Tucker (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, LGBTQ activists, their operatives, and their dupes destroy you if you do not promote LGBTQ activity.)
https://www.thedailybeast.com/jk-rowling-accused-of-being-transphobic-over-tweet

MARIJUANA BUSINESS DAILY
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Illinois marijuana retailers in potential $2B market expect long lines, possible supply shortages as adult-use sales kick off Jan. 1 – John Schroyer
https://mjbizdaily.com/illinois-adult-use-marijuana-retailers-expect-long-lines-possible-shortages/

December 25 Evening Edition

ABC7
— President Donald Trump lashes out as impeachment trial stuck in limbo – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/trump-lashes-out-as-impeachment-trial-stuck-in-limbo/5786487/
— Lightfoot signs new consent letter, allowing refugees in Chicago after Trump executive order
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/lightfoot-signs-new-consent-letter-allowing-refugees-in-chicago/5785872/

CBS2
— Mayor Lightfoot Issues Letter To U.S. State Department Authorizing Refugee Resettlement In Chicago
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/12/24/mayor-lightfoot-issues-letter-to-u-s-state-department-authorizing-refugee-resettlement-in-chicago/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Impeachment vote will determine Underwood’s future – CHARLES SELLE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-selle-underwood-impeachment-vote-st-1226-20191225-4t2tid4enzc5vdom5tychbdqva-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Lightfoot to State Department: Refugees still welcome in Chicago “… our doors continue to remain open to refugees from around the world that are seeking a new home for themselves and a new future in our great country,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement. – Sam Charles (DIERSEN: From what I see, ever-increasingly, doors in Chicago are closed to individuals, organizations, and companies that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/24/21036959/lightfoot-refugees-chicago-state-department-trump-administration-letter-pritzker
— State regulators out to revoke video gambling kingpin Rick Heidner’s license The Illinois Gaming Board claims Heidner made an “illegal inducement” to keep his slot machines in a chain of gambling parlors. – Mitchell Armentrout
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/25/21032272/rick-heidner-gambling-license-illinois-gaming-board

DAILY HERALD
— Notable deaths: Remembering many who made a difference
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191225/notable-deaths-remembering-many-who-made-a-difference
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Barbara Murphy, who led the DuPage GOP when there was no stronger Republican bastion in the country. . .Barbara Murphy, 81 The longtime DuPage County Republican chairwoman never considered herself a trailblazer, but her contemporaries did. Known for her sharp and analytical mind, she climbed to the top of the then-male dominated leadership of the DuPage GOP at a time when the county was one of the most reliably Republican places in the nation. She felt the pinnacle of her career came in 1996 when she was elected as a delegate backing presidential candidate Bob Dole.)

JOURNAL STANDARD
— Moral standards take a back seat to practical politics – Scott Reeder (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents want me to use my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails a) to promote who/what they want me to promote and b) to harm who/what they want me to harm. My critics/opponents harm me because I refuse to do that. I am no one’s operative or dupe.) 
https://www.journalstandard.com/opinion/20191225/moral-standards-take-back-seat-to-practical-politics

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— An Illinois Night Before Christmas
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/25/an-illinois-night-before-christmas/ 
— Christmas According to Kids
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/25/christmas-according-to-kids/
— Allen Skillicorn Challenges Jesse White’s Interpretation of Satanic Statue as Being a “Holiday Symbol
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/25/allen-skillicorn-challenges-jesse-whites-interpretation-of-satanic-statue-as-being-a-holiday-symbol/
— Erik Sivertsen Gets Lump of Coal for Christmas
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/25/erik-sivertsen-gets-lump-of-coal-for-christmas/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Why states must address pension reform now, before it’s too late Under-funded state pension obligations threaten fiscal solvency, depriving others of needed resources – Keith Greinet and Seth Grove
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/25/why-states-must-address-pension-reform-now-before-/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Public employee pension payments in states like California, New York and Illinois run so large and so generous they continually threaten a massive reordering of spending priorities not to mention default. No one wants to see any state go hat in hand to the feds for pension bailout, especially since it will be impossible to say “No” after the first one is granted. So now, when the money is coming in, is the time for a fix. . . As the Government Accountability Office explained in testimony to the Joint Economic Committee, “The Pension Protection Act of 2006 provided that large private-sector pension plans will be considered at risk of defaulting on their liabilities if they have less than 80 percent funding ratios.”)

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs use citizens of foreign countries to viciously demonize, to viciously denigrate, and to viciously condemn Republicans. 
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/heartsick-warren-uses-christmas-message-to-bash-trumps-cruel-border-policy

FOX NEWS
— Trump campaign offers online class in how to debate ‘snowflake’ relatives – Ronn Blitzer
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-camp-offers-online-class-in-how-to-debate-snowflake-relatives

DAILY WIRE
— Jill Biden Feeds Foreign Nationals In Mexico Before Christmas, Faces Intense Backlash – Ryan Saavedra (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats illegally encourage citizens of foreign countries to illegally come to America illegally.)
https://www.dailywire.com/news/watch-jill-biden-feeds-foreign-nationals-in-mexico-before-christmas-faces-intense-backlash

WASHINGTON POST
— Impasse over Senate impeachment trial likely to last weeks as both sides dig in – John Wagner and Paul Kane 
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/impasse-over-senate-impeachment-trial-likely-to-last-weeks-as-both-sides-dig-in/2019/12/23/73a696e6-25a7-11ea-ad73-2fd294520e97_story.html

MERIDIAN STAR
— Many blessings to be thankful for this Christmas – Mike Giles (DIERSEN: I should write a book about my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes. They viciously demonize me, viciously denigrate me, and viciously condemn me for my not being thankful enough. They hint/imply/argue/shout that I should be extremely thankful that they have not completely destroyed me yet.) 
https://www.meridianstar.com/sports/outdoors/mike-giles-many-blessings-to-be-thankful-for-this-christmas/article_a467979d-11e6-5a6f-9e49-c9b30f77dec5.html

NASDAQ
— 12 Reasons to Be Thankful for Social Security – Selena Maranjian (DIERSEN: My Social Security is dramatically reduced because I get a Civil Service Retirement System pension.) 
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/12-reasons-to-be-thankful-for-social-security-2019-12-25

FED WEEK
— Trump Thanks Federal Employees, Cites Raise, Parental Leave (DIERSEN: I was a federal employee for almost 30 years. Many, if not most, of my past/present critics/opponents despise, if not hate, past, present, and future federal employees.) 
https://www.fedweek.com/fedweek/trump-thanks-federal-employees-cites-raise-parental-leave/
— OPM Proposes Broadening Reinstatement Eligibility (DIERSEN: In 1980, I had worked for IRS for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 levels, currently $93,592/year. I had passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979. I had almost completed the requirements for a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul. I had earned an MBA from Loyola in 1976. GAO audits IRS. In 1980, if I had been a Democrat, minority, and/or female, the Democrats who ran GAO would have transferred me in as a GS-13 Step 1, currently $98,198/year. Instead, disgustingly, outrageously, the Democrats who ran GAO forced me to take a $19,568/year (21%) pay cut to transfer in, a downgrade to GS-9 Step 10, currently $74,024/year. If I had been a Democrat, minority, and/or female, the Democrats who ran GAO would have immediately assigned me to audits of IRS, but disgustingly, outrageously, and wastefully, the Democrats who ran GAO did not assign me to audits of IRS for 6 years and did not promote me to GS-13 for 6 years. And they might not have done that if I had not earned a master’s degree in accounting in 1980, passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981, and became a licensed CPA in 1981.)
https://www.fedweek.com/fedweek/opm-proposes-broadening-reinstatement-eligibility/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: OPM wants to broaden reinstatement eligibility of those who leave federal employment and then are seeking to return to the government by allowing them to come back at a higher grade than the one they left. Proposed rules would give agencies “greater flexibility in recruiting back to government service former federal employees who have developed enhanced or higher-level skill-sets than they had when they left government. Individuals seeking to rejoin the federal workforce may do so more easily and at grade levels commensurate with the skills and experience they actually possess (and be compensated at such grade levels),” says a December 26 Federal Register notice.)

MARIJUANA MOMENT
— Elizabeth Warren’s Campaign Denies Claim It Rejected Job Applicant Over Marijuana Offense – Kyle Jaeger (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, activists, candidates, elected officials, party leaders, major donors, political consultants, individuals, organizations, companies, governments, etc. THAT PROMOTE POT SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO HIRE, TO RETAIN, AND TO PROMOTE STONERS.)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/elizabeth-warrens-campaign-denies-claim-it-rejected-job-applicant-over-marijuana-offense/

December 23 Evening Edition

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Trump signs bill giving military members largest pay increase in a decade
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/trump-signs-bill-giving-military-members-largest-pay-increase-in-a-decade
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats promote LGBTQ activity, the destruction of traditional marriage, and the destruction of the traditional family.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/american-airlines-becomes-second-carrier-to-offer-non-binary-gender-option

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/23/21035740/chicago-pot-shop-moca-modern-cannabis-recreational-marijuana-application-river-north-dispensary

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Amid sweeping federal investigation, panel begins work to overhaul Illinois ethics, lobbying laws – Dan Petrella
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-illinois-ethics-commission-beings-20191223-ytyrxpqnh5fs7mc4lhsvqoxsei-story.html
— New law means big changes to how Americans save for retirement – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-secure-act-retirement-law-20191223-t6x5gc7njbdqzlkr6lhqa7t74u-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: In addition, it raises the age that Americans must start drawing from retirement savings, known as the required minimum distribution age, from 70½ to 72, as people are living and working longer. It also provides more years for people to contribute to individual retirement accounts, for the same reason.)
— Retirement: The case for 70 being the new 65 – CARLA FRIED
https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-tns-bc-pfp-rate-retirement-20191223-story.html
— Fighting Splinternet: Keep the internet forever open and free — worldwide – EDITORIAL (DIERSEN: Since 2000, my critics/opponents have worked very hard a) to stop me from sending out GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails and b) to stop everyone from reading those emails.) 
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-editorial-internet-digital-nationalism-censorship-kashmir-web-20191223-c7mpajcbw5fmhmcsnbz7hz6nk4-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The electricity didn’t go out in Kashmir, a disputed region of India, but something almost as vital was turned off over the summer: the internet. In a preemptive move to assert political control, the Indian government shut down internet service, as well as phone service, in the Kashmir region. No email. No Google. No texting. No digital businesses in operation. No news beyond state-sanctioned outlets. It was censorship in extremis, resulting in a loss of freedom. Eventually most mobile phone service was restored, but the World Wide Web has stayed dark for months. “The government’s control over the flow of information has made journalism nearly impossible in Kashmir, and is a humiliation of Kashmiri journalists,” the Telegraph, an Indian daily, reported. Darkness, indeed.)

DAILY HERALD
— DuPage forest preserve board hopeful Natalie Rose Shannon-DiCianni removed from the ballot – Robert Sanchez
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191223/dupage-forest-preserve-board-hopeful-removed-from-the-ballot
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Meanwhile, two Republican candidates will have their names appear on the March 17 primary ballot after the electoral board overruled objections to their nominating petitions. Wheaton Republican Babette Holder Youngberg survived a challenge of her petitions to remain in the county recorder race. Objector Mark Tarnowski of Wheaton said the candidate didn’t start including her maiden name “Holder” until recently. But the electoral board ruled that doesn’t matter. “The candidate has fulfilled one of the two circumstances for the legal use of a double surname: through marriage,” Kaczmarek said. Holder Youngberg will face Ron Almiron of Wheaton in the contest to decide the GOP nominee for the recorder seat held by Republican Fred Bucholz, who is retiring. Democrat Kathleen Carrier of Carol Stream is running unopposed for her party’s nomination. “I’m ecstatic that I get to stay on the ballot,” Holder Youngberg said. “I’m using a birth name and a married name. The public can now look me up by both names.” Almiron, who is an attorney, represented Tarnowski during the hearing. Almiron said afterward that he and his client are yet to decide if they will appeal the ruling. Finally, a Wheaton attorney survived a challenge to stay in the race to replace an ousted DuPage circuit court judge.)
— Drivers’ fees, taxes spiking in 2020 to pay for roads, infrastructure – Mari Pyke
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191223/drivers-fees-taxes-spiking-in-2020-to-pay-for-roads-infrastructure
(FROM THE ARTICLE: But Mark Tuttle thinks increasing car registrations from $101 to $151 on Jan. 1 is wrong. “I feel we’re way overtaxed in this state to begin with. If the government was run correctly, there would be no need for this tax,” said Tuttle, a former Lombard resident.)

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Political activist Dan Proft gets Joe Walsh’s radio syndication spot With Walsh running for president, his slot as a Chicago-based conservative pundit and talk show host is inherited by someone even more outspoken. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/political-activist-dan-proft-gets-joe-walshs-radio-syndication-spot

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Head shops come out of the shadows as weed becomes legal in Illinois – Abdel Jimenez
https://www.pjstar.com/news/20191223/head-shops-come-out-of-shadows-as-weed-becomes-legal-in-illinois

ALTON TELEGRAPH
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Ag department certifies 21 adult use cultivation centers
https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Ag-department-certifies-21-adult-use-cultivation-14927682.php

OUR QUAD CITIES
— Illinois Secretary of State reminds holiday travelers to ‘drive safely’ and ‘avoid driving impaired’ – Britni Moses (DIERSEN: Disgustingly, outrageously, and ever-increasingly, to get more tax revenue, government encourages everyone to spend more and more and more on booze, gambling, and pot. Disgustingly and outrageously, conservative, Republican, religious, education, healthcare, law enforcement, etc. leaders say little or nothing in opposition of the aforesaid.) 
https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/illinois-secretary-of-state-reminds-holiday-travelers-to-drive-safely-and-avoid-driving-impaired/

NPR ILLINOIS
— Trump Appears To Be Emboldened By House Impeachment Vote
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/trump-appears-be-emboldened-house-impeachment-vote#stream/0

FOX ILLINOIS
— Number of gun background checks increase in November – Angelica Alvarez
https://foxillinois.com/news/connect-to-congress/number-of-gun-background-checks-increase-in-november

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Difference in Value of Homestead Exemption in Cook County and Elsewhere – Updated
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/23/difference-in-value-of-homestead-exemption-in-cook-county-and-elsewhere-copy/
— Property Tax Reform Commission Seems to Be Headed to Higher Income Tax
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/23/property-tax-reform-commission-seems-to-be-headed-to-higher-income-tax/ 
— IL-06: Head to Head Poll Between Jeanne Ives and Sean Casten
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/23/il-06-head-to-head-poll-between-jeanne-ives-and-sean-casten/ 
— Illinois Township Consolidation Considered by Think Tank
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/23/illinois-township-consolidation-considered-by-think-tank/ 
— On the Way to Potterville
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/23/on-the-way-to-potterville/
— Oberwies Pans Budget Bill
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/23/oberwies-pans-budget-bill/

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— New Federal Rules to End Discrimination Against Faith-Based Child Welfare Providers – Christine Misner
https://illinoisfamily.org/federal/new-federal-rules-to-end-discrimination-against-faith-based-child-welfare-providers/

WIREPOINTS
— When JB Pritzker Was A Fiscal Conservative – Mark Glennon
https://wirepoints.org/when-jb-pritzker-was-a-fiscal-conservative-wirepoints-original/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— NEW IVES POLL SHOWS SHE COULD BEAT DEMOCRAT CASTEN IN 2020
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/new-ives-poll-shows-she-could-beat-democrat-casten-in-2020.html
— HUNDREDS SUPPORT TRUMP AT WILL COUNTY INTERSECTION SATURDAY
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/hundreds-support-trump-at-will-county-intersection-saturday.html
— 14TH CD REPUBLICANS PROTEST DEMOCRAT UNDERWOOD’S IMPEACHMENT VOTE
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/14th-cd-republicans-protest-democrat-underwoods-impeachment-vote.html
— REP. SKILLICORN CONDEMNS CAPITOL SATANIST DISPLAY AS “TARGETED AFFRONT TO …CHRISTIANS”
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/rep-skillicorn-condemns-capitol-satanist-display-as-targeted-affront-to-christians-.html
— FRANKLIN GRAHAM: ‘MY FATHER WOULD HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTED’ IN CHRISTIANITY TODAY’S CALL TO REMOVE TRUMP
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/franklin-graham-my-father-would-have-been-disappointed-in-christianity-todays-call-to-remove-trump.html
— THE INVENTION OF HISPANICS: WHAT IT SAYS ABOUT THE POLITICS OF RACE
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/the-invention-of-hispanics-what-it-says-about-the-politics-of-race.html
— CHINA VIOLATES DISCLOSURE LAW TO PUBLISH PROPAGANDA IN NY TIMES, WAPO
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/china-violates-disclosure-law-to-publish-propaganda-in-ny-times-wapo.html

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Why Congress should reject amnesty for illegal agricultural workers Once illegal agricultural workers secure worker status, they can stay in the country for at least five and a half years – Daren Bakst 
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/23/why-congress-should-reject-amnesty-for-illegal-agr/
— ‘Awakening’: Black voters ‘abandoned’ by Democrats warm to Trump – Dave Boyer (DIERSEN: Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs want the Republican Party to abandon individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, gun owner, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/23/black-voters-abandoned-democrats-warm-donald-trump/

BREITBART
— Democrats to Rapidly Gain Political Power from Anchor Baby Population – JOHN BINDER (DIERSEN: Democrats count on the anchor baby population to get rid of individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/23/anchor-babies-to-redistribute-congressional-seats/

GOPUSA
— Democrats from 1998 Clinton impeachment still in Congress but they’re singing a different tune
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81613
— Democrat run California drives increase in homeless numbers
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81630

LIFE SITE NEWS
— Conservatives can’t take it for granted that Trump will survive impeachment – Michael Finch
https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/conservatives-cant-take-it-for-granted-that-trump-will-survive-impeachment
— United States withdraws ambassador who urged Zambia to embrace homosexuality – Calvin Freiburger (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, in the United States, you are persona non grata if you do not promote LGBTQ activity. Soon, if not already, the Democrat, Libertarian, Green, and Republican parties will officially announce that they will not support candidates who do not promote LGBTQ activity. Soon, if not already, they announce that they will get rid of candidates, and everyone else, who do not promote LGBTQ activity.) 
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/us-withdraws-ambassador-who-urged-zambia-to-embrace-homosexuality
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Now, the U.S. State Department has recalled Foote from the country, Bloomberg reported. “We are dismayed by the Zambian government’s statement that Ambassador Foote’s position ‘is no longer tenable,’ which we consider being the equivalent of a declaration that the Ambassador is persona non grata,” a State Department spokesman explained. “Despite this action, the United States remains committed to our partnership with the Zambian people. We seek an open and frank relationship of mutual respect, commensurate with the generous aid provided to the Zambian people by the United States.”)

THE HILL
— Biden vows to make ‘voter protection a foundation’ of his administration in new op-ed – REBECCA KLAR (DIERSEN: Democrats protect, that is, Democrats give preference to, only those voters 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, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/475761-biden-vows-to-make-voter-protection-a-foundation-of-his-administration-in
— 2019 lessons for the media – JOE CONCHA
https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/475739-2019-lessons-for-the-media

NEW YORKER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater promotes hatred against Trump.
https://www.newyorker.com/news/on-religion/what-it-would-take-for-evangelicals-to-turn-on-president-trump

FED SMITH
— 2020 Pay Raise Unfair to Retirees? – Ralph R. Smith 
https://www.fedsmith.com/2019/12/23/2020-pay-raise-unfair-retirees/

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— OPM Proposes Making It Easier to Rehire Former Feds Under a new plan from the Office of Personnel Management, federal agencies would be able to rehire former federal workers at a higher pay grade than their previous job, provided they were high performers. – Erich Wagner
https://www.govexec.com/management/2019/12/opm-proposes-making-it-easier-rehire-former-feds/162093/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “Oftentimes, when an individual leaves federal service, he or she acquires skills and/or experience that may qualify the individual for a position at a higher grade level than the one the individual held prior to leaving government,” OPM wrote.)

December 22 Evening Edition

ABC7
— 13 shot, 2 in custody after memorial turns ‘chaotic’ in Englewood, Chicago police say – Will Jones and Jesse Kirsch
https://abc7chicago.com/13-shot–2-in-custody-after-englewood-memorial-turns-chaotic-police/5776745/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Plans for Trump impeachment trial get foggy before holiday break – AP
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/plans-for-trump-impeachment-trial-get-foggy-before-holiday-break
— At least 13 Republican governors plan to still accept refugees near year
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/at-least-13-republican-governors-plan-to-still-accept-refugees-near-year

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Marijuana arrests in Chicago’s largest suburbs dropped sharply in the years leading up to legal weed – SARAH FREISHTAT, ERIN HEGARTY and SUZANNE BAKER
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/ct-nvs-abn-marijuana-arrests-st-20191222-4o4byw7vp5glrogxlyp6aew3aq-story.html
— South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg leads his 2020 rivals in Wall Street contributions – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-nw-pete-buttigieg-donors-presidential-campaign-2020-20191222-luk4m7oalnbyblu367g67k47wu-story.html
— Trump dubs Hawaii Sen. Hirono ‘not the smartest’ in speech – JORDAN FABIAN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-tns-bc-trump-hirono-20191222-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Evangelical tussling over anti-Trump editorial escalates – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20191222/news/312229900/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Candidates and Incumbents Celebrated Christmas with Lake County Right to Life on December 6.
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/22/lake-county-right-to-life-christmas-party/
— Unintrended Consequence of Getting Rid of McHenry County Superintendent of Regional Education
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/22/unintrended-consequence-of-getting-rid-of-mchenry-county-superintendent-of-regional-education/

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— DuPage Township – Trustee Maripat Oliver -hypocrisy at the highest level – KIRK ALLEN 
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2019/12/dupage-township-trustee-maripat-oliver-hypocrisy-at-the-highest-level/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— ‘She knew it was wrong’: Trump offers ‘respect’ toward Tulsi Gabbard for not voting to impeach – Jon Brown
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/she-knew-it-was-wrong-trump-admits-great-respect-toward-tulsi-gabbard-for-not-voting-to-impeach

AMERICAN THINKER
— He’s My President, Not My Pastor – Timothy Philen
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/12/hes_my_president_not_my_pastor.html
— The voter purge myth – Michael Nadler
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/the_voter_purge_myth.html

BREITBART
— Ted Cruz Blasts Spending Bill: Funds Planned Parenthood, Gun Control – DR. SUSAN BERRY
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/21/ted-cruz-blasts-spending-bill-funds-planned-parenthood-gun-control/

DAILY CALLER
— Elizabeth Warren’s Campaign Says Asian, Indian And Middle-Eastern Billionaires Are ‘White’ – PETER HASSON
https://dailycaller.com/2019/12/21/elizabeth-warren-asian-indian-middle-eastern-billionaires-white/

TOWNHALL
— Leave It to CNN to Flat Out Lie About the Booming Economy – Beth Baumann
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/bethbaumann/2019/12/22/cnn-flat-out-lies-when-they-say-the-trump-economy-is-not-substantially-different-than-before-n2558408

NEWSMAX
— National Review Editor Calls for Trump’s Removal – Eric Mack
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/resistance-nevertrump-coup-senate/2019/12/22/id/946978/

THE HILL
— ‘SNL’ mocks Tulsi Gabbard after ‘present’ vote on impeachment: ‘Democrats, I’ll get you, my party, and your little mayor too’ – ARIS FOLLEY
https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/475640-snl-mocks-tulsi-gabbard-after-present-vote-democrats-ill-get

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— Joe Biden is winning the electability primary – DOYLE MCMANUS (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, according to Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs, the more of the following that you are, the less electable that you are: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2019-12-22/joe-biden-electability-democratic-nomination

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— The Generation Gap Over Church at Christmas Strains surface when millennial children who rarely attend religious services visit baby-boomer parents who do – Clare Ansberry
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-generation-gap-over-church-at-christmas-11577016000

NEW YORK MAGAZINE
— Welcome to the Electability Primary – Ed Kilgore (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, according to Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs, the more of the following that you are, the less electable that you are: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time.) 
http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/12/welcome-to-the-electability-primary.html

ROLLING STONE
— The Traitors Among Us – RICK WILSON (DIERSEN: What do you say to Whites who demonize, denigrate, and condemn other Whites to curry favor with minorities? What do you say to men who demonize, denigrate, and condemn other men to curry favor with women? What do you say to older people who demonize, denigrate, and condemn other older people to curry favor with younger people? What do you say to rich people who demonize, denigrate, and condemn other rich people to curry favor with poor people? What do you say to those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time who demonize, denigrate, and condemn others whose ancestors have been in America for a long time to curry favor with those whose ancestors have not been in America for a long time?)
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/traitors-donald-trump-republican-party-922194/

FEDWEEK
— Survey Provides Demographic Snapshot of Federal Workforce (DIERSEN: Missing: political affiliation, liberal/moderate/conservative, marital status, dependents, religion, national origin, first year ancestors came to America, net worth, etc.)
https://www.fedweek.com/issue-briefs/survey-provides-demographic-snapshot-of-federal-workforce/

GUARDIAN
— ‘Impeach me outside’: SNL portrays Donald Trump with hoop earrings calling the Democrats ‘losers’ and the debates a ‘freak show’ – before ‘Krampus’ Nancy Pelosi gifts him the articles of impeachment – ARIEL ZILBER
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7818595/Impeach-outside-SNL-portrays-Donald-Trump-hoop-earings-calling-Democrats-losers.html

December 21 Evening Edition

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Warren builds Illinois staff as March primary presidential filing begins with new year – RICK PEARSON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-elizabeth-warren-illinois-staff-2020-20191221-q2zu5vx6l5e37fmfczumfyzdgi-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Trump’s tax cut was a mammoth fraud.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/steve-chapman/ct-column-trump-tax-cut-2017-chapman-20191220-pp6eha6ktbhyxpwiagcrzuvqmm-story.html
— Looking into the 2020s with 20/20 foresight? Here are a few fearless guesses about life in the near future. – Eric Zorn (DIERSEN: During the 2020s, how successful will the Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs be in getting rid of individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time?) 
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/eric-zorn/ct-column-2020s-decade-predictions-zorn-20191221-zgal34srkvatlmb5ouv2qsljtm-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Buzzkill: Oregon bans cannabis-infused alcoholic beverages – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20191220/business/312209880/
— Second Amendment Sanctuary push aims to defy new gun laws – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20191221/news/312219955/
— Agency On Aging Northeastern Illinois rebrands as AgeGuide (DIERSEN: What do you stress to defend yourself against age discrimination? I stress that no health problem, or any other kind of problem, has stopped me from putting together and sending out a GOPUSA ILLINOIS email a) each and every morning since 2004 and b) each and every evening too since 2015.) 
https://www.dailyherald.com/submitted/20191221/agency-on-aging-northeastern-illinois-rebrands-as-ageguide

NBC5
— Pope Denounces ‘Rigidity’ Amid Warning of Christian Decline Francis’ message appeared aimed at conservative and traditionalist Catholics, including within the Vatican Curia, who have voiced increasing opposition to his progressive-minded papacy (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents demonize me, denigrate me, and condemn me as being “too conservative.” They want me to join them in not opposing the promotion of the following if not promoting the following: dependency on government, dependency on charity, LGBTQ activity, abortion, mass/illegal immigration, booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, abolition of the First and Second Amendments, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, etc.)
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/pope-denounces-rigidity-amid-warning-of-christian-decline/2191886/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— U.S. Senate/IL-06/IL-14: Federal Government Funded Through 9/30/20
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/21/u-s-senate-il-06-il-14-federal-government-funded-through-9-30-20/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— 23 dead as protests grow against India citizenship law – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/21/death-toll-in-india-citizenship-law-protests-climb/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Congress leaves impeachment up in the air until January – Susan Ferrechio 
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/congress-leaves-impeachment-up-in-the-air-until-january
— Buttigieg pledges support for Latino American national museum – Naomi Lim
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/buttigieg-pledges-support-for-latino-american-national-museum

AMERICAN THINKER
— John Kass to press: Burn your bad sources or lose your credibility – Monica Showalter
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/kass_to_press_burn_your_bad_sources_or_lose_your_credibility.html
— Christianity Today Betrays the Truth – Bill Thomas
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/12/christianity_today_betrays_the_truth.html
— Democrats sneak provision into defense bill to empower future presidents to amnesty millions of illegals – Monica Showalter
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/democrats_sneak_provision_into_defense_bill_to_empower_future_presidents_to_amnesty_millions_of_illegals.html

NEWSMAX
— Christianity Today Was ‘Never Trumper’ Before Impeachment – David A. Patten 
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/christianitytoday-trump-impeachment/2019/12/20/id/946860/

BREITBART
— President Trump, Rush Limbaugh Address Students at Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit – ALANA MASTRANGELO
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/21/watch-live-president-trump-rush-limbaugh-address-students-at-turning-point-usas-student-action-summit/
— Rep. Dan Crenshaw Hits the Stage at Turning Point USA Event – ALANA MASTRANGEL
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/21/watch-live-rep-dan-crenshaw-hits-the-stage-at-turning-point-usa-event/
— Brooks: Delaying Articles Makes Impeachment Look ‘More Political’ – The House Doesn’t Control the Process – IAN HANCHETT
https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2019/12/21/brooks-delaying-articles-makes-impeachment-look-more-political-the-house-doesnt-control-the-process/
— Michael Bloomberg Claims ‘21 Students Are Shot Every Day’ Under Trump – AWR HAWKINS
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/21/michael-bloomberg-claims-21-students-are-shot-every-day-under-trump/
— Bernie Sanders Reaches Highest Support Among College Students – HANNAH BLEAU
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/21/bernie-sanders-reaches-highest-support-among-college-students/
— Tucker Carlson Exposes D.C. ‘Conservatives’ for Doing Big Tech’s Bidding – ALLUM BOKHARI
https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2019/12/21/tucker-carlson-exposes-d-c-conservatives-for-doing-big-techs-bidding/
— DOJ Moves Forward with Harvard Admissions Investigation – TOM CICCOTTA
https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2019/12/21/doj-moves-forward-with-harvard-admissions-investigation/

TOWNHALL
— Why Do Liberals Hate Trump? – John C. Goodman
https://townhall.com/columnists/johncgoodman/2019/12/21/why-do-liberals-hate-trump-n2558238

RUSH LIMBAUGH
— Trump’s Shocking the World with the Most Conservatism Since Reagan
https://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2019/12/20/trumps-shocking-the-establishment-with-the-conservatism-since-reagan/

EPOCH TIMES
— Trump Family Arrives in Florida to Spend Christmas and New Year – ZACHARY STIEBER
https://www.theepochtimes.com/trump-family-arrives-in-florida-to-spend-christmas-and-new-year_3181478.html
— Trump Energizes GOP, Optimism for Winning Back House Despite Demographic Trends – MASOOMA HAQ
https://www.theepochtimes.com/trump-energizes-gop-optimism-for-winning-back-house-despite-demographic-trends_3176230.html

THE HILL
— Why are Americans not going to college? Fall 2019 shows college enrollments declining for the eighth year in a row. – Alexandra Kelley (DIERSEN: My father stressed that his not having a college degree harmed his career advancement.)
https://thehill.com/changing-america/enrichment/education/474875-why-are-americans-not-going-to-college

CNBC
— How Ruth Bader Ginsburg stays optimistic and ‘hopeful’ about the future – Cory Stieg (DIERSEN: Notwithstanding Trump’s efforts to defend the following groups, it is ever-increasingly difficult for the following groups, especially in Illinois, to be optimistic about their future because ever-increasingly, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs make progress in getting rid of them: those who are Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.) 
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/19/ruth-bader-ginsberg-says-young-people-keep-her-optimistic-about-future.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— Fear and Loyalty: How Donald Trump Took Over the Republican Party The president demands complete fealty, and as the impeachment hearings showed, he has largely attained it. To cross him is to risk a future in G.O.P. politics. – Jonathan Martin and Maggie Haberman
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/21/us/politics/trump-impeachment-republicans.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Buttigieg shifts to center, embodying the Democratic primary’s rightward drift – Chelsea Janes
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/buttigieg-shifts-to-the-center-embodying-the-democratic-primarys-rightward-drift/2019/12/21/bc1dea68-1df1-11ea-b4c1-fd0d91b60d9e_story.html

USA TODAY
— Illinois wants to get rolling on weed sales, but some say only white men are set to profit – Grace Hauck
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/12/21/chicago-recreational-marijuana-dispensary-owners-diversity/4366180002/

PEW RESEARCH
— In a Politically Polarized Era, Sharp Divides in Both Partisan Coalitions Partisanship remains biggest factor in public’s political values Partisanship continues to be the dividing line in the American public’s political attitudes, far surpassing differences by age, race and ethnicity, gender, educational attainment, religious affiliation or other factors. Yet there are substantial divisions within both parties on fundamental political values, views of current issues and the severity of the problems facing the nation. (DIERSEN: If you promote the following, you should be a Democrat, Libertarian, or Green, and if you discourage the following, you should be a Republican: dependency on government, dependency on charity, LGBTQ activity, abortion, mass/illegal immigration, booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, abolition of the First and Second Amendments, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation.)
https://www.people-press.org/2019/12/17/in-a-politically-polarized-era-sharp-divides-in-both-partisan-coalitions/
— 10 tech-related trends that shaped the decade – BROOKE AUXIER, MONICA ANDERSON AND MADHU KUMAR
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/12/20/10-tech-related-trends-that-shaped-the-decade/