June 27 Eveniung Edition

WHITE HOUSE
— Under President Trump, America is respected again
https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/

MARIJUANA REPORT
— If 66 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana, why are so many local communities banning it? (DIERSEN: Your mayor and your city council members and your county board chairman and your county board members should ASAP call for a vote on the sale of pot and ASAP announce that they will vote against the sale of pot. I urge Wheaton Mayor Phil Suess and Wheaton City Council members Michael Barbier, Erica Bray-Parker, Suzanne Fitch, John K. Rutledge, and Todd Scalzo and the new North District Council member (soon to be Christopher J. Zaruba) to a) call for a vote on the sale of pot in Wheaton ASAP and b) vote NO on the sale of pot in Wheaton. I urge DuPage County Chairman Dan Cronin and DuPage County Board members Donald Puchalski, Ashley Selmon, Sam Tornatore, Elizabeth Chaplin, Peter “Pete” DiCianni, Sean Noonan, Greg Hart, Brian Krajewski, Julie Renehan, Grant Eckhoff, Tim Elliott, Mary FitzGerald Ozog, Sadia Covert, Dawn DeSart, James Healy, Robert Larsen, Sheila Rutledge, and James Zay to a) call for a vote on the sale of pot in unincorporated DuPage County ASAP and b) vote NO on the sale of pot in unincorporated DuPage County.)
https://mailchi.mp/nationalfamilies/if-66-percent-of-americans-support-legalizing-marijuana-why-are-so-many-local-communities-banning-it-1931691
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Fifty-seven percent of Michigan voters passed Proposition 1, which legalized marijuana for recreational use, last November. Yet some 600 cities and townships in the state have banned marijuana businesses within their borders. And that’s before the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency issues regulations to apply for a state license to produce and sell marijuana products. The rules are expected to be handed down by month’s end, and the state plans to start accepting applications by October. The practice of keeping the marijuana industry out of local communities began with Colorado, which legalized the drug for medical use 19 – and for recreational use 7 – years ago. Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of Colorado’s cities, towns, and counties still want nothing to do with marijuana growing, production, or sales and have banned all such activities, according to the state’s Marijuana Enforcement Division. And some 75 percent of California’s local governments have banned pot shops since the passage of Proposition 64 three years ago, so many that now some legislators are trying to do away with local control. And two dozen cities are suing the state to keep marijuana home delivery services out of jurisdictions that have banned the industry. More than half of Massachusetts’ communities have banned (red areas in map below) or placed moratoriums (orange areas) on the marijuana industry since the state fully legalized pot in 2016. Although many of the moratoriums expired December 31, 2018, more than 80 are still in play. And many towns that have neither placed moratoriums nor banned the industry simply refuse to sign the required host agreements that enable the marijuana industry to conduct business in their jurisdictions. Even jurisdictions in states that have NOT legalized marijuana for recreational use are banning the pot industry. Some 50 local governments in New Jersey passed laws banning marijuana sales or possession within their borders as the state legislature considered but rejected legalization this year. And Philadelphia city council members who support marijuana for medical use are nonetheless banning dispensaries in areas within their districts. “I am for medical marijuana, but I am not for the over proliferation of those types of dispensaries in one neighborhood,” says council member Curtis Jones. He added that he fears medical dispensaries could turn into “recreational weed shops” if the state were to fully legalize the drug. Given this kind of pushback, legalizing marijuana for recreational use may not be so inevitable as advocates claim.)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Decisions loom for Lake County communities on whether to welcome recreational marijuana sales. Many still are undecided. – STEVE SADIN (FROM THE ARTICLE: Under the law, municipalities also have the option of prohibiting recreational marijuana dispensaries from operating in their communities.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/deerfield/ct-dfr-recreational-marijuana-preparations-tl-0704-20190627-p4hdflcxojbwdoioszjpjsycpi-story.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: With statewide recreational pot legalization, Northbrook trustees say they want dispensaries and the tax revenue – ALEXANDRA KUKULKA
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/northbrook/ct-nbs-cannabis-discussion-tl-0704-20190627-msnva2ewajddfbtogcibmjby6q-story.html
— U.S. Supreme Court decision that puts partisan gerrymandering ‘beyond reach’ of federal courts a win for Illinois Democrats – RICK PEARSON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-supreme-court-legislative-redistricting-ruling-20190627-khynkxbj6nhc3iolaalm5qrjiu-story.html
— Why the Supreme Court’s census question ruling doesn’t rescue Illinois – Editorial
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-editorial-supreme-court-illinois-census-question-immigrants-20190627-yn55rr6xj5hdnhdhncpv5oconq-story.html
— Mayor calls for Aviary owners to ‘take appropriate action’ in Eric Trump spitting case; GoFundMe account taken offline – KATHERINE ROSENBERG-DOUGLAS and JOHN BYRNE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-eric-trump-waitress-spitting-aviary-chicago-20190627-qejrtgnozrc3baexxhdyhznrbm-story.html
— Gov. J.B. Pritzker set to sign bills for massive gambling expansion and $45 billion construction program; cigarette and gas tax hikes would kick in Monday – JAMIE MUNKS and DAN PETRELLA
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-gambling-capital-bills-20190627-s6yzos4wjzdqxmhsaep6jqkmya-story.html
— Illinois immigration groups applaud Supreme Court ruling that keeps citizenship question off census, but fight’s not over yet – ELVIA MALAGÓN (DIERSEN: What countries did your ancestors immigrate from? What would your position be if many citizens of those countries were a) illegally coming to America illegally and/or b) illegally staying in America illegally?) 
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-supreme-court-census-citizen-question-chicago-20190628-vanboxhvrngmrftsedroaqw3my-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Legal pot poses pet risk: Vets warn eating marijuana sickens — and could ultimately kill — dogs THC, the psychoactive substance in marijuana, is toxic to dogs. Ingestion of THC by animals can cause vomiting, incoordination, depression, sleepiness or excitation, low blood pressure, low body temperature and seizures, according to the veterinary organization. – Jerry Nowicki
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/6/27/18872443/legal-pot-pet-risk-vets-ingestion-marijuana-toxic-poison-ultimately-kill-dogs
— Lightfoot: Spitting at Eric Trump ‘repugnant’ because ‘civility matters’ The mayor said she called Eric Trump about the ugly incident Tuesday night at the Aviary. – Fran Spielman
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2019/6/27/18761336/chicago-mayor-lori-lightfoot-spitting-eric-trump-aviary
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats promote LGBTQ activity.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/6/27/18761238/chicago-pride-weekend-south-side-dyke-march-chinatown-trqpiteca
— Democrats play identity politics but forget to appeal to nation as a whole An appeal to unity followed by a bald pitch to the nation’s Spanish speakers is a delicious irony — and exactly what is going to re-elect Trump. – Neil Steinberg (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrat candidates make it clear that they are running against and do not want votes from voters who 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://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2019/6/27/18761116/2020-presidential-campaign-democratic-party-candidates-primary-debate-trump
— Supreme Court throws democracy under the bus with gerrymandering ruling Chief Justice John Roberts apparently is of the view that people who object to gerrymandering should stop bothering the courts and take their complaints to the very same lawmakers who profit from the practice. – Editorial
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/6/27/18761560/u-s-supreme-court-throws-democracy-under-bus-gerrymandering-ruling-john-roberts-redistricting

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Drivers soon at risk of sharing road with marijuana users – Karl Stach, Hanna City (DIERSEN: One could argue that stoners should not be allowed to have driver’s licenses.)
https://www.pjstar.com/opinion/20190627/letter-drivers-soon-at-risk-of-sharing-road-with-marijuana-users

SOUTHERN
— With legalization looming in Illinois, veterinary association warns about pets ingesting marijuana – JERRY NOWICKI 
https://thesouthern.com/news/local/state-and-regional/with-legalization-looming-in-illinois-veterinary-association-warns-about-pets/article_4258237c-892f-5fb0-8e0f-4a8b2b02b063.html

WQAD
— Iowa law enforcement concerned about marijuana soon to be legal across the state border – MARISSA SULEK
https://wqad.com/2019/06/26/iowa-law-enforcement-concerned-about-marijuana-soon-to-be-legal-across-the-state-border/

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Marijuana legalization impact on law enforcement – Rosario Dominguez
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/marijuana-legalization-impact-on-law-enforcement/

NORTHBROOK TOWER
— Northbrook Plan Commission to discuss cannabis-based businesses at public hearing – Chris Pullam
https://www.northbrooktower.com/p/news-local-government-village-community-business/northbrook-plan-commission-discuss-cannabis-based

MICHIGAN LIVE
— Michigan towns and cities have three months left to ban recreational marijuana
https://www.mlive.com/news/2019/06/michigan-towns-and-cities-have-three-months-left-to-ban-recreational-marijuana.html

CAPITOL FAX
— ISP lays out its training, regulatory and enforcement roles on the new cannabis law
https://capitolfax.com/2019/06/27/isps-lays-out-its-training-regulatory-and-enforcement-roles-on-the-new-cannabis-law/

ABC7
— Supreme Court’s census citizenship question decision has repercussions for Illinois – Sarah Schulte
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/supreme-courts-census-decision-has-repercussions-for-illinois/5368632/
— Supreme Court Decisions: Trump asks for 2020 census delay after SCOTUS blocks citizenship question for now
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/trump-asks-for-census-delay-after-court-bars-citizenship-question/5367462/

NBC5
— Illinois Gov. Pritzker Gets Boat Speed Warning on Wisconsin Lake
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/illinois-governor-gets-boat-speed-warning-on-wisconsin-lake-511895601.html

CBS2
— Inmates Look Forward To Voting From Jail – Derrick Blakley
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/06/27/inmates-look-forward-to-voting-from-jail/

DAILY HERALD
— Three candidates emerge for DuPage recorder seat – Robert Sanchez
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20190627/three-candidates-emerge-for-dupage-recorder-seat
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The general election is still 16 months away but three candidates already say they plan to run for recorder of deeds in DuPage County. Republican Babette Holder-Youngberg of Wheaton, Republican Ronald Almiron of Wheaton and Democrat Moon Khan of Lombard all have announced they are running for the countywide seat held by Republican Fred Bucholz. Holder-Youngberg even has the endorsement of Bucholz, who is planning to retire after four terms in office. “With the support of Fred Bucholz and some of the other countywide officials who are up for re-election, it’s been great and exciting,” Holder-Youngberg said Thursday. “It’s the right fit for me. And they believe it’s the right fit for that department.” Bucholz said Holder-Youngberg — a social media manager who previously worked as a Realtor — is well qualified to run the recorder’s office, which is the custodian of all the county’s land records. “Her father was a contractor,” Bucholz said. “She grew up in Naperville and read plats when she was young. She’s been in real estate. She has management experience. “I think she’s got the credentials to be a good recorder,” he said. Almiron, who is expected to face Holder-Youngberg during the GOP primary next March, said he believes his credentials make him “a great fit” for the seat. “I am running because I want to continue serving my community in a way that utilizes my professional experience,” said Almiron, an attorney with experience in real estate law. If elected, Almiron said he wants to build on the modernization and stability that Bucholz brought to the recorder’s office. He also would research the best practices for recorder of deeds offices throughout the country. “I want to establish best practice standards for the DuPage County recorder’s office,” he said. “I want the office to follow best practices.” Khan is making another bid for the recorder seat after losing to Bucholz in 2016. “Politics is a passion for me,” Khan said. “It’s a calling.” Khan, a self-employed IT professional, said the theme of his campaign is “experience, reform and diversity.” He said his key issues include term limits and consolidating the recorder’s office with another county office. “The recorder’s office should be abolished,” Khan said. “It should be merged with the treasurer’s office.” Ultimately, he said, his goal is to “work for the common people and save them money.”)
— State financial report is six months late – Rebecca Anzel
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20190626/state-financial-report-is-six-months-late

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Today’s Supreme Court rulings will have a massive impact on Illinois Odds rise that Democrats will continue to rule Illinois politics, and that the state will hang on to a U.S. House seat that was in jeopardy. That—and more—is likely after two key rulings today from the high court, Greg Hinz writes. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/todays-supreme-court-rulings-will-have-massive-impact-illinois

CHICAGO BUSINESS JOURNAL
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: How soon, if not already, will American Airlines a) fire its employees who do not promote LGBTQ activity and b) refuse to fly those who do not promote LGBTQ activity?
https://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2019/06/27/american-airlines-is-navy-pier-pride-sponsor.html

FOX ILLINOIS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: LGBTQers promote LGBTQ activity in Paxton.
https://foxillinois.com/news/local/pride-in-paxton-organizers-holding-first-lgbtq-march

NPR ILLINOIS
— Primary Season Is Here And ‘Hispandering’ Is Back – SHEREEN MARISOL MERAJI 
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/primary-season-here-and-hispandering-back#stream/0

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Rep. Darin LaHood says Democrats are focusing on irrelevant issues
https://newschannel20.com/news/connect-to-congress/rep-darin-lahood-says-democrats-are-focusing-on-irrelevant-issues

CHICAGO HEIGHTS PATCH
— Illinois Among ‘Least Patriotic’ States: Study IL residents’ patriotism is being challenged, despite our love for veterans and our Fourth of July celebrations. – Shannon Antinori
https://patch.com/illinois/chicagoheights/s/grd86/illinois-among-least-patriotic-states-study
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The website ranked Illinois 41st in military engagement, a score comprised of the average number of military enlistees per 1,000 adults, veterans per 1,000 adults, active-duty military per 100,000 adults and share of adults in military reserves. Wallet Hub also ranked Illinois No. 37 in civic engagement, a category that includes voting in the 2016 elections, volunteerism, AmeriCorps and Peace Corps volunteers, jury duty participation, residents who participate in groups or organizations, and civics education requirements.)

LAKE COUNTY GAZETTE
— Rep. Casten ‘so liberal he can’t help himself’ from backing Trump impeachment probe, Curran says – Glenn Minnis
https://lakecountygazette.com/stories/512676501-rep-casten-so-liberal-he-can-t-help-himself-from-backing-trump-impeachment-probe-curran-says

WILL COUNTY GAZETTE
— Rep. Casten’s call for Trump impeachment inquiry a self-serving media play, Will County GOP says – Glenn Minnis
https://willcountygazette.com/stories/512673672-rep-casten-s-call-for-trump-impeachment-inquiry-a-self-serving-media-play-will-county-gop-says

GOPUSA
— Elizabeth Warren adds ‘gay reparations’ to Democrats’ arsenal (DIERSEN: Soon, if not already, Democrats will promise reparations to all those who are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=71677
— Decriminalizing illegal immigration drives first Democrat debate
http://www.gopusa.com/decriminalizing-illegal-immigration-drives-first-democrat-debate/
— Supreme Court blocks census citizenship question; says federal courts have no role to play in political gerrymandering
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=71699
— Media, Democrats try to blame Trump for deaths caused by their open borders policy
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=71707
— Elizabeth Warren: Guns are ‘national health emergency’
http://www.gopusa.com/elizabeth-warren-guns-are-national-health-emergency/
— Tell Ocasio-Cortez that 1.1 million Jews were murdered at Auschwitz
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=71639
— NRA difficulties threaten impact of gun lobby ahead of elections
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=71713
— O’Rourke, Democrats break into Spanish during debate
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=71691

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— US ‘at grave risk’ as 40% Border Patrol diverted to care for illegal crossers – Paul Bedard 
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/report-us-at-grave-risk-as-40-border-patrol-diverted-to-care-for-illegal-crossers

FOX NEWS
— RNC’s McDaniel says ‘radicalization’ of Dem Party on ‘full display’ at debates – Brooke Singman 
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/rnc-chairwoman-says-radicalization-of-dem-party-on-full-display-after-debates-in-most-dramatic-shift-in-decades
— Criminals take advantage of sanctuary policies for illegal immigrants – Hans A. von Spakovsky and Greg Walsh
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/hans-von-spakovsky-greg-walsh-more-victims-of-reckless-sanctuary-policies

AMERICAN THINKER
— The clear goal each day for the Washington Post is to take out Trump, and evidence never matters – Jack Hellner
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/06/the_clear_goal_each_day_for_the_washington_post_is_to_take_out_trump_and_evidence_never_matters.html

DAILY SIGNAL
— Trump Should Act Quickly to Secure 2020 Census Question in Light of Court Ruling – Mike Gonzalez 
https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/06/27/trump-should-act-quickly-to-secure-2020-census-question-in-light-of-court-ruling/

PJ MEDIA
— U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Faces off with President Trump – BRIAN MIN
https://pjmedia.com/trending/u-s-womens-soccer-team-faces-off-with-president-trump/
— Bernie Calls for Pursuing Census ‘Recount’ if ‘Bigoted’ Citizenship Question Stays – NICHOLAS BALLASY
https://pjmedia.com/trending/bernie-calls-for-pursuing-census-recount-if-bigoted-citizenship-question-stays/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— What Republicans must do to take the House – Ian Prior
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/jun/26/what-republicans-must-do-to-take-the-house/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: On recruiting, there have been similar successes. In places that Republicans need to win, they have recruited top tier candidates who give them the absolute best shot to do so. Candidates like Nicole Malliotakis in the 11th District of New York, Ashley Hinson in the 1st District in Iowa, Evelyn Sanguinetti in the 6th District of Illinois, Kathy Landing in the 1st District of South Carolina and Amanda Makkei in the 13th District of Florida. The National Republican Congressional Committee has done a phenomenal job finding strong candidates willing to run in the most important districts and it is clear that it is placing a priority on increasing the number of women in the Republican caucus. This has typically been an elusive recruiting goal at the NRCC, but Mr. Emmer and his team have had unparalleled success.)

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Pelosi: ‘It shouldn’t be a crime’ to cross border illegally – Susan Ferrechio
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/congress/pelosi-it-shouldnt-be-a-crime-to-cross-border-illegally

THE HILL
— 5 key questions ahead of Thursday’s Democratic debate – JONATHAN EASLEY (DIERSEN: What questions do you want to ask candidates? I want to ask candidates what they would do if elected a) to promote individual responsibility, that is, to discourage dependency on government and to discourage dependency on charity, b) to promote traditional marriage and traditional family, that is, to discourage LGBTQ activity, c) to promote the right to life, that is, to discourage abortion, d) to promote compliance with America’s immigration laws, that is, to discourage illegal immigration, e) to promote conservative principles, that is, to discourage booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, f) to promote Second Amendment rights, that is, to discourage erosion of Second Amendment rights, and g) to promote equal opportunity, that is, to discourage patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation for opposing the aforesaid? Those who do not want me to ask the aforesaid questions do everything that they can to destroy me.)
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/450660-5-key-questions-ahead-of-thursdays-democratic-debate

NEW YORK TIMES
— Twitter to Label Abusive Tweets From Political Leaders – Kate Conger (DIERSEN: What about abusive tweets from Trump-haters?)
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/27/technology/twitter-politicans-labels-abuse.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Trump asks lawyers if census can be delayed, calls Supreme Court decision ‘totally ridiculous’ – John Wagner and Deanna Paul
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-asks-lawyers-if-census-can-be-delayed-calls-supreme-court-decision-totally-ridiculous/2019/06/27/f6d0c23a-9902-11e9-916d-9c61607d8190_story.html
— Twitter adds labels for tweets that break its rules — a move with potentially stark implications for Trump’s account The social media site will also down-rank such tweets via its algorithms to reduce circulation – Elizabeth Dwoskin and Tony Romm
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/06/27/twitter-adds-labels-tweets-that-break-its-rules-putting-president-trump-companys-crosshairs/
— Democrats must address the roots of our asylum crisis — or give Trump the advantage – Fareed Zakaria
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/democrats-must-address-the-roots-of-our-asylum-crisis–or-give-trump-the-advantage/2019/06/27/00af2812-991e-11e9-916d-9c61607d8190_story.html

DALLAS NEWS
— When Trump supporters are banned from a knitting website, no corner of the internet is free from liberal sanctimony – Michelle Malkin (DIERSEN: What do you say to secret Facebook groups that ban those who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time, etc.?)
https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2019/06/27/when-trump-supporters-are-banned-from-a-knitting-website-no-corner-of-the-internet-is-safe-from-liberal-sanctimony

FORTUNE
— Twitter to Attach a Warning Label to Tweets That Break the Rules from Trump and Other Leaders – KURT WAGNER (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents want to stop me from sending GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails out and stop everyone from reading those emails, but failing that, they would love it if they could attach warning labels to articles that they especially disapprove of.)
http://fortune.com/2019/06/27/new-twitter-label-trump-tweets/

INSIDER HIGHER EDUCATION
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “White Supremacy Activity Spreads on Campuses.”
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2019/06/27/white-nationalist-propaganda-rise-college-campuses

ATLANTIC
— Democrats Wrestle Over What Their Party Stands For – EDWARD-ISAAC DOVERE (DIERSEN: The Democrat Party wants 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.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/06/2020-democrats-debated-future-their-party/592720/

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.