December 19 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Trump impeachment: President takes defiant tone after historic House vote – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/trump-it-doesnt-feel-like-im-being-impeached/5768858/
— Senate passes anti-robocalls bill, sending it to Trump – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/senate-passes-anti-robocalls-bill-sending-it-to-trump/5769194/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Recreational marijuana sales in Ann Arbor draw long lines and hint at what’s to come in Chicago. ‘This is the 18-year-old me’s greatest fantasy.’ – Ally Marotti
By ALLY MAROTTI
https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/illinois/ct-biz-recreational-marijuana-michigan-20191219-fhxtx4e5izeflkyiceefi24y7u-story.html
— Trump takes swipe at House lawmaker’s dead husband, implying he’s in hell during Michigan rally. The White House says the president was ‘just riffing.’ – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/midwest/ct-donald-trump-john-debbie-dingell-20191219-46rveqe42newrkcnnm52dr6zai-story.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Chicago’s strip club nudity rules could be eased following settlement with transgender woman – JOHN BYRNE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-chicago-strip-club-nudity-rules-could-be-eased-20191219-q7owk5ntqzh7hagkwoyj7jd2lq-story.html
— ‘There are no perfect petitions.’ Objections may lead to south suburban candidates being tossed from ballots – TED SLOWIK
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/opinion/ct-sta-slowik-legislative-election-objections-st-1120-20191219-j35z7ttzavc4boh76wwzrn7afu-story.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/illinois/ct-liststory-illinois-legal-weed-20191219-vy7no4bg7vdwbcsa77f7lr4giy-list.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Will County Board votes to allow marijuana facilities, tax sales – ALICIA FABBRE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/ct-sta-will-county-board-marijuana-votes-st-1220-20191219-kavn6liqpnegbnigjwz7xlljie-story.html
— Illinois Gaming Board orders gambling owner to fire two employees whose ties ‘pose a threat to the integrity of video gaming’ – DAVID HEINZMANN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/investigations/ct-rick-heidner-gold-rush-illinois-gaming-board-20191219-xscp45mi2zdrfilwyuxbxqgx6m-story.html
— Get on with Trump’s impeachment trial. Then comes Election Day. – Editorial
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-editorial-impeachment-trump-pelosi-mcconnell-trial-20191219-ts5bvhdoazcnrarf2kyo5ao34q-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Getting a medical marijuana card is easier than ever — and it could help you avoid lines, save money when recreational sales start Those who qualify can start buying legal weed within less than 24 hours after applying. – Tom Schuba
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/19/21030052/medical-marijuana-pot-cannabis-weed-illinois-recreational
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: A pot pusher pushes pot.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/18/21027075/war-on-drugs-convictions-criminal-justice-decriminalization-j-b-pritzker-kelly-cassidy
— Michael Bloomberg jumps into Illinois presidential primary in a big way Bloomberg has lined up a team of five state political veterans who will hire at least 50 political operatives. – Lynn Sweet
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/12/19/21029876/michael-bloomberg-illinois-democratic-presidential-primary
— Black Caucus chairman threatens to resurrect six-month delay for recreational marijuana sales Ald. Jason Ervin (28th) says governor’s office is backtracking on promise to earmark two medical marijuana dispensary licenses for black or Hispanic operators. – Fran Spielman
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2019/12/19/21030053/recreational-marijuana-sales-black-caucus-resurrect-six-month-delay
— Increasing the “SALT” cap (DIERSEN: Trump should increase the $10,000 SALT cap to $20,000 for married filing jointly.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2019/12/19/21030613/usma-salt-tax-illinois-lawmakers-vote-jesus-chuy-garcia
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Sports betting inches toward launch in Illinois – Mitchell Armentrout
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/19/21030709/illinois-sports-betting-applications-casinos-racetracks-stadiums

DAILY HERALD
— Voters to decide whether McHenry County coroner should be elected or appointed – Lauren Rohr
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191219/voters-to-decide-whether-mchenry-county-coroner-should-be-elected-or-appointed

WILL
— Danville City Council Approves New Cannabis Regulations – Jim Meadows
https://will.illinois.edu/news/story/danville-city-council-approves-new-cannabis-regulations

WEEK
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Residents learn about how they might qualify for social equity to get into pot business
https://week.com/2019/12/19/residents-learn-about-how-they-might-qualify-for-social-equity-to-get-into-pot-business/

CENTER SQUARE
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Illinois makes first $21 million in cannabis loans available to social equity applicants – Greg Bishop 
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/illinois-makes-first-million-in-cannabis-loans-available-to-social/article_24e0864a-228a-11ea-a56a-77119427f6a6.html

BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: ‘Shameless’ Or Helpful? West Coast Weed Dispensary Is Offering $10,000 To Social-Equity Applicants In Chicago A company that aims to be the ‘7/11 of weed’ wants Chicago social equity applicants to join his venture, but some locals were not pleased. – Hannah Alani
https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/12/19/shameless-or-helpful-a-west-coast-weed-dispensary-is-offering-10000-to-social-equity-applicants-in-exchange-for-partnership/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Mad at Impeachment? Run Write-In Campaign for Precinct Committeeperson
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/state-representative-filings-for-mchenry-county-districts-copy-copy-copy-copy/ 
— College of Lake County Conservatives Assert First Amendment Rights
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/college-of-lake-county-conservatives-assert-first-amendment-rights/ 
— IL-14: Federal Court of Appeals Strikes Down Individual Mandate of Obamacare
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/il-14-federal-court-of-appeals-strikes-down-individual-mandate-of-obamacare/ 
— IL-14: Reactions to Underwood’s Impeachment Votes
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/il-14-reactions-to-underwoods-impeachment-votes/
— Judicial Opponents of Mary McClellan, Whose Petitions Were Challenged, Expected to Stay on the Ballot
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/judicial-opponents-of-mary-mcclellan-whose-petitions-were-challenged-expected-to-stay-on-the-ballot/ 
— Democratic Precinct Committeeman “Politically Motivated”
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/138467/ 
— Mad at Impeachment? Run Write-In Campaign for Precinct Committeeperson
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/state-representative-filings-for-mchenry-county-districts-copy-copy-copy-copy/
— Skillicorn Calls for Acosta to Resign from County Board
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/skillicorn-calls-for-acosta-to-resign-from-county-board/ 
— IL-06: Reactions to Sean Casten’s Impeachment Votes
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/il-06-reactions-to-sean-castens-impeachment-votes/

CAPITOL FAX
— In Springfield, doing something legal in your own back yard is the police’s business
https://capitolfax.com/2019/12/19/in-springfield-doing-something-legal-in-your-own-back-yard-is-the-polices-business/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump can erase historical significance of impeachment with reelection – Matt Mackowiak
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/18/trump-can-erase-historical-significance-impeachmen/
— ‘Suicide march’: Defiant Trump vows impeachment will haunt Democrats – Dave Boyer
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/18/donald-trump-vows-impeachment-will-haunt-democrats/
— The impeachment war begins – Jennifer Harper
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/18/inside-the-beltway-the-impeachment-war-begins/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— 2020 census: Surge in immigrants to take 24 House seats from Trump states – Paul Bedard
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/2020-census-surge-in-immigrants-to-take-24-house-seats-from-trump-states
— ‘No hurry’: McConnell waves off Pelosi threat to withhold impeachment articles – David M. Drucker
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/no-hurry-mcconnell-waves-off-pelosi-threat-to-withhold-impeachment-articles

RUSH LIMBAUGH
— How to Psychologically Withstand Hatred from the Left
https://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2019/12/19/how-to-psychologically-withstand-hatred-from-the-left/

BREITBART
— Jackie Speier: Trump Can Be ‘Impeached Yet Again’ – PAM KEY
https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2019/12/17/jackie-speier-trump-impeached/

DAILY CALLER
— Immigration Will Dramatically Shift The Electoral College In Favor Of Democrats, Study Finds – JASON HOPKINS (DIERSEN: Democrats want immigrants because immigrants vote for Democrats.)
https://dailycaller.com/2019/12/19/immigration-helping-democrats-in-electoral-map/

THE HILL
— Senate leaders punt impeachment trial deal until after holidays – JORDAIN CARNEY 
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/475375-senate-leaders-punt-impeachment-trial-deal-until-after-holidays
— McConnell rips House impeachment as ‘slapdash,’ ‘rushed and rigged’ – JORDAIN CARNEY 
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/475274-mcconnell-rips-house-impeachment-as-slapdash-rushed-and-rigged
— Democrats rally behind Pelosi on delay of articles
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/475284-democrats-rally-behind-pelosi-on-delay-of-articles
— Trump shocks, earns GOP rebukes with Dingell remarks – JULIEGRACE BRUFKE AND SCOTT WONG 
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/475313-trump-shocks-earns-gop-rebukes-with-dingell-remarks

WASHINGTON POST
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Impeachment places Trump with the ‘losers’ of presidential history.”
https://www.journalnow.com/opinion/columnists/jennifer-rubin-impeachment-places-trump-with-the-losers-of-presidential/article_ed05d7fe-2273-11ea-a601-cf635fee5ebe.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Impeachment Vote Divides and Dismays, Inside and Outside the Capitol Lawmakers rely on hyperbole and the Founding Fathers to make their cases, while protesters are more festive – Lindsay Wise and Andrew Duehren
https://www.wsj.com/articles/impeachment-vote-divides-and-dismays-inside-and-outside-the-capitol-11576705056

FORBES
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeadams/2019/12/19/hey-indiana-legal-marijuana-isnt-going-to-doom-your-workforce/#7817923923d9

WASHINGTON MONTHLY
— Trump’s Impeachment Will Be His Legacy Regardless of what happens in the Senate, he will be remembered for this. – Nancy LeTourneau (DIERSEN: What do your critics/opponents want you to be remembered for? Mine want me to be remembered for the success that they had in ending my TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairmanship, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee membership, Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster service (twice), Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee membership, American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board membership, and the adverse actions that my superiors in the federal government took against me.) 
https://washingtonmonthly.com/2019/12/18/trumps-impeachment-will-be-his-legacy/

NEW REPUBLIC
— Don’t Withhold the Articles of Impeachment House Democrats are contemplating a strategy that will only bolster Republican claims that their impeachment inquiry is an election-year stunt. – MATT FORD
https://newrepublic.com/article/156070/dont-withhold-articles-impeachment

FED WEEK
— Survey Identifies Culture, Trust Issues in Federal Workplace
https://www.fedweek.com/federal-managers-daily-report/survey-identifies-culture-trust-issues-in-federal-workplace/

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.