December 16 Morning Edition

ABC7

— AS THE DEMOCRAT PARTY’S STRANGLEHOLD ON CHICAGO TIGHTENS: Chicago police cancel officers’ days off again in effort to protect downtown from recent mayhem. – Chuck Goudie and Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel, Ross Weidner (COMMENT: Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, and RINOs erroneously hint/imply/argue/shout that if government goes soft on crime, there will be less crime.)
https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-police-cpd-days-off-canceled-department-headquarters/11345606/
— Gold Coast business owner calls on city to do more after thieves target dealership in smash and grab – Evelyn Holmes
https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-crime-dealership-robbed/11345385/

NBC5
— COMMENT: Democrats crow about their success in turning children against their parents.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/as-parents-protest-critical-race-theory-students-fight-racist-behavior-at-school/2708870/

WGN9
— COMMENT: Democrats crow about their success in getting Chicago students to illegally encourage citizens of foreign countries to illegally come to America illegally and to illegally stay in America illegally.
https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/we-all-belong-here-chicago-students-stage-walkout-in-support-of-undocumented-immigrants/

FOX32
— AS THE DEMOCRAT PARTY’S STRANGLEHOLD ON CHICAGO TIGHTENS: Chicago Criminals Now In Control with ‘Soft on Crime’ Approach – Dennis Welsh
(COMMENT: Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, and RINOs erroneously hint/imply/argue/shout that if government goes soft on crime, there will be less crime.)
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/1012887

WTTW
— As Lightfoot Decries Segregation, City Council Defies Aldermanic Prerogative to Approve Apartments – Heather Cherone
(COMMENT: What do you say to NIMBYers who want to put marginalized, disadvantaged, oppressed, discriminated against, victimized, and therefore protected groups in your precinct, in your municipal district, in your municipality,  in your township, in your county district, in your county, in Illinois, and in America? Members of the aforesaid groups include Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, females, LGBTQers, younger people, Trump-haters, moderates, liberals, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, RINOs, criminals, boozers, gamblers, stoners, non-patriotic people, non-rich people, non-gun owners, non-married people, parents, citizens of foreign countries, non-Christians, non-Protestants, non-Italian Americans, non-German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have not been in America for a long time.)
https://news.wttw.com/2021/12/15/lightfoot-decries-segregation-city-council-defies-aldermanic-prerogative-approve
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The 33-13 vote by the Chicago City Council represents a nearly unprecedented rebuke of the decades-old tradition of giving alderpeople the final say over housing developments in their wards. Critics of that practice, which is the subject of a federal probe, contend it has created a hyper-segregated city rife with racism and gentrification. Mayor Lori Lightfoot echoed that judgment moments before the vote, which capped a more than three-year odyssey that became a major flashpoint in the high-stakes effort to combat systemic racism in Chicago.)

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Decision looming for Rep. Mary Miller in the Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wing of the Republican Party. Trump loyalist Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., faces a June primary against another Republican, either Rep. Rodney Davis or Rep. Mike Bost. She may be leaning toward Davis. – Lynn Sweet
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2021/12/15/22838827/rep-mary-miller-in-the-rep-marjorie-taylor-greene-wing-of-the-republican-party

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Texts presented at hearing reveal what Trump loyalists privately felt: Jan. 6 was a shocking disaster – STEVE CHAPMAN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-jan-6-texts-trump-jr-ingraham-chapman-20211215-fzrn2l6axrdidbngywirt6edd4-story.html

JOURNAL COURIER
— Davidsmeyer seeking re-election in redrawn 100th District – David C.L. Bauer
https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/Davidsmeyer-seeking-re-election-in-redrawn-100th-16704653.php

ST. LOUIS TODAY
— Medicaid now certifies kids for free lunch in eight more states, including Illinois – AP
https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/illinois/medicaid-now-certifies-kids-for-free-lunch-in-eight-more-states-including-illinois/article_ee933e85-3fe5-58b5-8533-640879d1b639.html

CHICAGO CRUSADER
— Cook County Democrats snub Black candidates for June Primary – Erick Johnson
(COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Milton Township Republican Organization, etc. are under pressure from Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, and RINOs to give preference to candidates who are minority, female, younger, LGBTQ, Trump-haters, moderate, liberal, non-Christian, non-Protestant, non-Italian American, non-German American, and/or those whose ancestors have not been in America for a long time. Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, and RINOs want Republican candidates to lose elections.)
https://chicagocrusader.com/breaking-news/cook-county-snub-black-candidates-for-primary/

POLITICO ILLINOIS
— Illinois Playbook will be on a two-week hiatus starting Monday. After finishing out this week, I won’t be back in your inbox until Jan. 3. I’ll still be reporting, so keep up with those tips and comments (I’ll need it because my family is banning me from talking politics!). – Shia Kapos
(COMMENT: I have put together and sent out GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters since 2000. Since 2004, those newsletters have gone out each and every morning, and since 2015, each and every evening too. Since 2004, those newsletters have included links to more than 416,500 articles and information on many upcoming events.)
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2021/12/16/the-humanity-of-the-chicago-city-council-495492

WIREPOINTS
— Some ‘plan.’ Illinois wants more federal bailout money for unemployment trust fund. – Mark Glennon
https://wirepoints.org/some-plan-illinois-wants-more-federal-bailout-for-unemployment-trust-fund-wirepoints/

JOHN BIVER
— A DEEP DIVE INTO THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE REPUBLICAN CONSERVATIVE INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX (Part 1)
https://johnbiver.com/a-deep-dive-into-the-psychology-of-the-republican-conservative-industrial-complex-part-1/
— A DEEP DIVE INTO THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE REPUBLICAN CONSERVATIVE INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX (PART 2)
https://johnbiver.com/a-deep-dive-into-the-psychology-of-the-republican-conservative-industrial-complex-part-2/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— BUZZ CONCERNING AURORA MAYOR AS GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE RATCHETS UP
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2021/12/buzz-concerning-aurora-mayor-as-gubernatorial-candidate-ratchets-up.html
— ILLINOIS ONLY MIDWESTERN STATE STILL WITH COVID MASK MANDATE
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2021/12/illinois-only-midwestern-state-still-with-covid-mask-mandate.html
— SHAPIRO: THE LEFT’S WAR WITH BIOLOGICAL REALITY
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2021/12/shapiro-the-lefts-war-with-biological-reality.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Irvin has apparent change of heart about running statewide
https://capitolfax.com/2021/12/16/irvin-has-apparent-change-of-heart-about-running-statewide/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Federal report shows open borders bring increased crimes and costs for taxpayers. Almost half of all of the criminals prosecuted in federal courts in 2018 were aliens. – Hans von Spakovsky
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/dec/15/federal-report-shows-open-borders-bring-increased-/
— DHS ‘protected areas’ policy makes D.C. a city of sanctuaries – Stephen Dinan
(COMMENT: How soon, if not already, will the Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, and RINOs who run your municipality officially establish “protected areas” in your municipality for the following marginalized, disadvantaged, oppressed, discriminated against, victimized, and therefore protected groups: Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, females, LGBTQers, younger people, Trump-haters, moderates, liberals, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, RINOs, criminals, boozers, gamblers, stoners, non-patriotic people, non-rich people, non-gun owners, non-married people, parents, citizens of foreign countries, non-Christians, non-Protestants, non-Italian Americans, non-German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have not been in America for a long time?)
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/dec/16/dhs-protected-areas-policy-makes-dc-a-city-of-sanc/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— New York Times: Republicans engage in more misinformation than Democrats. Trust us – Becket Adams
(COMMENT: According to my critics/opponents, all government and political news and commentary is misinformation except for the government and political news and commentary that they put out or bless. I should write a book about my critics/opponents. They want to stop me from sending out GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters. Failing that, they want to stop everyone from reading those newsletters. Failing that, they want the following to take adverse actions against me: a) leaders of the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization, b) Republican leaders of Illinois, DuPage County, Milton Township, Wheaton, Wheaton Park District, and Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, c) conservative and religious leaders, d) Republican candidates on ballots in my precinct, their political consultants, major donors, fundraisers, pollsters, campaign managers, campaign staff members, and campaign volunteers, and e) those who I have sued.)
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/new-york-times-republicans-engage-in-more-misinformation-than-democrats-trust-us

WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— SATIRE: Festival of Whites: CNN Sweater Contest Reveals Stunning Lack of Racial Diversity. ALSO, WHERE ARE THE MASKS??? WE ARE LITERALLY SHAKING RIGHT NOW!!! – Andrew Stiles
https://freebeacon.com/satire/cnn-so-white/

FOX NEWS
— Chicago rooftop revelations: Broken education system is perpetuating Chicago violence, pastor says. High illiteracy among families on the South Side is one of the reasons the pastor took to the roof. – Eli Steele
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/chicago-rooftop-revelations-day-26-with-pastor-brooks
— NFL torched by sheriffs group for funding ‘defund the police’ groups. NFL under fire after Fox News Digital investigation reveals league funding ‘defund the police’ advocates. – Houston Keene
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/nfl-torched-sheriffs-group-funding-defund-police
— Biden’s America faces devastating defeat by communist China. We need a full-blown investigation into the requirements for victory over China. – Newt Gingrich
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/biden-america-communist-china-military-newt-gingrich

AMERICAN THINKER
— The Salvation Army pays a big price for its foray into wokedom – Andrea Widburg
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2021/12/the_salvation_army_pays_a_big_price_for_its_foray_into_wokedom.html

DAILY CALLER
— Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin Interrupts Testimony On Democrat Failures In Chicago – SAMANTHA RENCK
https://dailycaller.com/2021/12/15/illinois-senator-dick-durban-interrupts-testimony-on-democrat-failures-in-chicago/

NEWSMAX
— McCarthy Prodded to Boot Jan. 6 Reps. Cheney, Kinzinger From GOP – Eric Mack
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/kevin-mccarthy-jan-6-select-committee-liz-cheney/2021/12/15/id/1048875/

FEDERALIST
— Facebook Censors Article About Dangers Of COVID Censorship – Jordan Boyd
https://thefederalist.com/2021/12/15/facebook-censors-article-about-dangers-of-covid-censorship/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=facebook-censors-article-about-dangers-of-covid-censorship

CENTER SQUARE FLORIDA
— DeSantis pitches elevating fight against ‘Biden’s Border Crisis’ – Bethany Blankley
https://www.thecentersquare.com/florida/desantis-pitches-elevating-fight-against-biden-s-border-crisis/article_b593f6bc-5dd5-11ec-b64d-cfcc13d273f9.html

EPOCH TIMES
— Senate Moves Jan. 6 Reforms as House Democrats Obsess on Trump Role – Mark Tapscott
https://www.theepochtimes.com/senate-moves-january-6-reforms-as-house-dems-obsess-on-trump-role_4159169.html

THE HILL
— Trump allies urge McCarthy to remove Kinzinger, Cheney from House GOP conference – CAROLINE VAKIL
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/586059-trump-allies-conservatives-urge-mccarthy-to-remove-kinzinger-cheney-from-house

NBC NEWS
— COMMENT: Democrats crow about their success in turning children against their parents.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/critical-race-theory-student-protests-rcna8926

NEW YORK TIMES
— Did Trump Start a Political Earthquake With These (Hispanic) Voters? – Ross Douthat
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/15/opinion/hispanics-republicans-democrats.html
— Four Resolutions for a Healthier Tech Life in 2022. The tech world delivered many unpleasant surprises to us in the pandemic. We can learn from them. – Brian X. Chen
(COMMENT: The top-of-the-line Dell desktop computer that I use to put GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters together and send them out each and every morning and each and every evening is almost 10 years old and my backup top-of-the-line Dell desktop computer is even older. I have ordered a new top-of-the-line Dell desktop computer.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/15/technology/personaltech/relationship-with-technology.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Resolution #1: Invest in infrastructure first.)
— Could the Great Resignation Help Workers? Take a Look at History. – Abigail Susik (COMMENT: I can always ask myself what if I had not accepted Oldsmobile’s job offer in 1971 when I was 22 years old. Firestone fired me because I accepted that job offer. Then Oldsmobile withdrew its job offer saying that it had just agreed to stop hiring Whites to settle an EEOC complaint. That directly resulted in my accepting a job offer from IRS.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/11/opinion/great-resignation-labor-shortage.html
— A Refugee Crisis Runs Into a Housing Crisis. Thousands of Afghan refugees are being released from military bases to U.S. cities to rebuild their lives. Settling them into homes amid a rental shortage is proving to be a challenge. – Miriam Jordan
(COMMENT: My NIMBY critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes want all the buildings on the south side of Roosevelt Road between the Illinois Prairie Path and Main Street in my precinct to be torn down and replaced with affordable/public housing for marginalized, disadvantaged, oppressed, discriminated against, victimized, and therefore protected groups. Members of those protected groups include Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, females, LGBTQers, younger people, Trump-haters, moderates, liberals, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, RINOs, criminals, boozers, gamblers, stoners, non-patriotic people, non-rich people, non-gun owners, non-married people, parents, citizens of foreign countries, non-Christians, non-Protestants, non-Italian Americans, non-German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have not been in America for a long time.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/15/us/afghan-refugees-housing.html

WASHINGTON POST
— More Americans than usual have been changing parties. Why? – Sean Bock and Landon Schnabel
(COMMENT: I should write a book about Democrat plants, Libertarian plants, Green plants, Independent plants, and RINOs who have painted themselves the most since 2000 as being anti-conservative, that is, being anti-platform Republican, that is, being anti-Republican: a) past and present leaders of the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization, b) past and present Republican leaders of Illinois, DuPage County, Milton Township, Wheaton, Wheaton Park District, and Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, c) conservative and religious leaders, d) Republican candidates on ballots in my precinct, their political consultants, major donors, fundraisers, pollsters, campaign managers, campaign staff members, and campaign volunteers, and e) those who I have sued. I would focus on the aforesaid who have taken the most adverse actions against conservatives, that is, against platform Republicans, that is, against Republicans.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/12/16/republicans-democrats-changing-parties/
— Google calls itself green. But it’s still making ad money from climate-change denial. Researchers found Google’s ads on at least 50 posts undermining climate science, despite its pledge to ban misinformation. – Cat Zakrzewski
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/12/16/google-climate-change-denial-ads/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Blame Voters for the Rising Crime Rate. Just maybe, voters are starting to regret the consequences of electing progressives. – Daniel Henninger
(COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, and RINOs are soft on crime.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/blame-voters-for-crime-wave-shoplifting-smash-grab-prosecutors-shooting-murder-stabbing-11639604421
— Smash and Grab? Don’t Come to Arizona. Unlike soft-on-crime California, we take retail theft seriously. – Mark Brnovich
(COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, and RINOs are soft on crime.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/smash-and-grab-arizona-shoplifting-crime-prosecution-retail-stores-looting-california-san-fran-11639586818
— Inflation Surge Pushes U.S. Real Interest Rates Into More Deeply Negative Territory. By standing still, the Fed’s policy has provided more stimulus to the economy this year. – Nick Timiraos
(COMMENT: If your savings are not earning more than inflation, your savings are losing purchasing power.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/inflation-surge-pushes-u-s-real-interest-rates-into-more-deeply-negative-territory-11639321204

NEWSWEEK
— Adam Kinzinger Says ‘America Deserves Better Politicians’ as Ted Cruz Blocks Biden Nominees – JASON LEMON
https://www.newsweek.com/adam-kinzinger-says-america-deserves-better-politicians-ted-cruz-blocks-biden-nominees-1660083

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER & SEATTLE TIMES
— Corporate America’s striking race gap at the top. Black employees represent a strikingly small fraction — 8% – of top executives, according to a Washington Post review of the 50 most valuable public companies. – Tracy Jan
(COMMENT: What are your demographics? What percent of top executives share your demographics in terms of your race, gender, age group, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gun owner status, renter/homeowner, liberal/moderate/conservative, Trump hater/neutral/supporter, political affiliation, patriotic/not patriotic, education level, professional certifications/licenses, health, religion, national origin, income level, net worth level, criminal record, length of time your ancestors have been in America, etc.?)
https://www.inquirer.com/business/corporate-racism-floyd-boards-blacks-20211216.html
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/the-striking-race-gap-in-corporate-america/

DALLAS NEWS
— In Donald Trump’s GOP, no one is too extreme
(COMMENT: In Illinois, DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton, the more of the following planks in the Republican Party platform that you support, the more that you are demonized, denigrated, and condemned as being an extremist: traditional marriage/family, right to life, immigration, illegal drugs, Second Amendment, and equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving). Because I support all of the aforesaid planks, the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican (MTRO) have always done everything that they can a) to stop me from sending out GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters and b) to stop everyone from reading those newsletters. This year, they stopped me from raising funds from DuPage Republicans so that DuPage Republicans could help sponsor Wheaton’s Independence Day parade and fireworks. In 2015, the gerrymandered my precinct. In 2012, they ended my TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairmanship. In 2011, they ended my Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee membership. In 2010 and 2004, they ended my MTRO webmaster service. In 2007, they ended my Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee membership. In 2004, they viciously ended my bid for MTRO Treasurer and ended my American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board membership.)
https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2021/12/16/in-donald-trumps-gop-no-one-is-too-extreme/

TENNESSEAN
— Educators who teach one-sided narratives on racism are practicing indoctrination – Joseph Murray II
https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/2021/12/15/critical-race-theory-educators-should-not-practice-indoctrination/8911194002/

HERALD TIMES
— Monroe County Indiana GOP chair resigning; young vice chair to run for post in Saturday’s caucus – Rachel Smith
(COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Milton Township Republican Organization, etc. are under pressure from Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, and RINOs to recruit, to retain, and to promote precinct committeemen who are minority, female, younger, LGBTQ, Trump-haters, moderate, liberal, non-Christian, non-Protestant, non-Italian American, non-German American, and/or those whose ancestors have not been in America for a long time, that is, to not recruit, to not retain, to not promote, and to get rid of precinct committeemen who are White, male, older, heterosexual, non-Trump haters, conservative, Christian, Protestant, Italian American, German American, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time. Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, and RINOs want Republican candidates to lose elections.)
https://sports.yahoo.com/monroe-county-gop-chair-resigning-112256786.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: According to Ellis, a party chairperson can be a highly influential position as they will have the responsibility of promoting local turnout during elections and recruiting potential candidates. Elaine Thomsen, the county GOP’s secretary, will preside over the caucus, and the party’s precinct committeemen and vice precinct committeemen will be its voting members.)

CONVERSATION
— How the Native American population in the US increased 87% says more about whiteness than about demographics
(COMMENT: I should write a book that compares and contrasts how the Democrats who ran GAO’s Chicago office 1980-1997 treated their Native American employees verses their White employees. I would focus on the preferential treatment, including not being forced to take early retirement, that the office’s Native American employees got.)
https://theconversation.com/how-the-native-american-population-in-the-us-increased-87-says-more-about-whiteness-than-about-demographics-170920
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Birth rates among Native Americans don’t explain the massive rise in numbers. And there certainly is no evidence of an influx of Native American expatriates returning to the U.S. Instead, individuals who previously identified as white are now claiming to be Native American. This growing movement has been captured by terms like “pretendian” and “wannabe.” Another way to describe this recent adoption of Native American identity is what I call “racial shifting.” These people are fleeing not from political and social persecution, but from whiteness.)

EDUCATION WEEK
— COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, LGBTQ-promoters encourage teachers to promote LGBTQ. In your school district, at each grade level, what percent of the students are LGBTQ?
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/educators-divided-on-whether-schools-should-teach-about-lgbtq-topics-survey-finds/2021/12

Author: David Diersen

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