September 5 Evening Edition

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— Lt. Governor Sanguinetti’s statement on DACA (DIERSEN: Affirmative Action (AA), Diversity, and Inclusion are personal to me.  Democrats use AA, Diversity, and Inclusion to get rid of Republicans, and especially Republicans like me who are White, male, older, and/or non-veteran.  Ever-increasingly, Democrats use Dreamers and their supporters to demonize, to denigrate, and to condemn Trump and his supporters as being White supremacists, Nazis, KKK members, haters, racists, sexists, bigots, and even worse things. From what I see, all Dreamers are younger and virtually all of them are minority and/or female. Political parties exist to help elect candidates who can and will defend and advance their platform.  Those who reject the immigration plank in the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) platform could have tried to change that plank last year at the IRP State Convention, but they did not even try. Those who agree with Sanguinetti on providing a “path to citizenship” for illegals have always hinted/implied/argued/shouted that I am a White supremacist, a Nazi, a KKK member, a hater, a racist, a sexist, a bigot, and even worse things. I should write a book about them. They stress that my ancestors have been in America since 1844, that they all immigrated from what is now Germany, that I was baptized, raised, and confirmed as a Missouri Synod Lutheran, that I am White, that I am male, that I am conservative, that I am Republican, that since Trump won the Republican presidential primary last year, I have been a Trump supporter, and even worse things. They have always hinted/implied/argued/shouted that my parents, my grandparents, my great grandparents, and all the rest of my ancestors discriminated against minorities and against women and that I have directly benefited from that big time. They have always hinted/implied/argued/shouted that because of the aforesaid, I should pay the price of AA, Diversity, and Inclusion. Because of the aforesaid, were it not for federal civil service protections, a) the Post Office would NOT have hired me in 1966 or let me work there for almost 3 years, b) IRS would NOT have hired me in 1971 or let me work there for almost 9 years, c) IRS would NOT have promoted me in 1972, 1973, or 1974, d) GAO would NOT have hired me in 1980 or let me work there for almost 18 years, and e) GAO would NOT have promoted me in 1986.)
https://gopillinois.com
(THE STATEMENT: “Immigration is personal to me.  My mother was a refugee from Cuba and my father emigrated legally from Ecuador.  While my parents came to this country under very different circumstances, they had the common goal of achieving the American dream. “Republicans and Democrats across the country agree that our current immigration system is broken.  The current system divides our communities, incentivizes illegal entry, strains law enforcement, and stymies our economy with uncertainty. Today’s DACA repeal sets a 6-month clock for reform.  Congress should take this opportunity to fix our broken immigration system, and in turn address DACA, border security, and a path to citizenship.”)

 

ABC7
— DACA program to be phased out; Congress given window to save it – CNN
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/trump-to-phase-out-daca;-decision-could-begin-gop-battle/2377789/

(FROM THE ARTICLE: Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti released a statement, saying: “Immigration is personal to me. My mother was a refugee from Cuba and my father emigrated legally from Ecuador. While my parents came to this country under very different circumstances, they had the common goal of achieving the American dream. Republicans and Democrats across the country agree that our current immigration system is broken. The current system divides our communities, incentivizes illegal entry, strains law enforcement, and stymies our economy with uncertainty. Today’s DACA repeal sets a 6-month clock for reform. Congress should take this opportunity to fix our broken immigration system, and in turn address DACA, border security, and a path to citizenship.”)

 

NBC5
— Emanuel on DACA Decision: ‘Not Only Will Chicago Welcome Dreamers, We Will Pursue Every Legal Option to Protect Our Children’
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/rahm-emanuel-trump-daca-dreamers-chicago-442778083.html
— Thousands Protest in Chicago After Trump Ends DACA
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Thousands-Protest-in-Chicago-After-Trump-Ends-DACA-442816373.html
— ‘These Families Cannot Wait’: Illinois Politicians React to DACA Announcement
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Illinois-Politicians-React-to-DACA-Announcement-442773703.html
— Durbin Slams Decision to End DACA, Recalling Trump’s Promise to ‘Take Care’ of Dreamers – Shelby Bremer
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/durbin-reacts-trump-daca-442813843.html

 

CBS2
— Immigrant Students Fear For Future With Trump Plan To End DACA – Mike Puccinelli and Nancy Harty
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/09/05/cps-daca-undocumented-immigrants/

 

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Rahm: Chicago students welcome as Trump ending DACA program – AP
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/local/278749263-story

 

WGN TV
— Mayor Rahm Emanuel: Chicago students welcome as Trump ending DACA program
POSTED 5:29 AM, SEPTEMBER 5, 2017, BY ERIK RUNGE AND MARCELLA RAYMOND, U
http://wgntv.com/2017/09/05/trump-expected-to-end-daca-mayor-students-respond/

 

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Durbin asks for quick approval of the DREAM Act as Democrats assail Trump over DACA – Katherine Skiba
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-illinois-congress-daca-react-met-0905-20170905-story.html
— Fact check: What the Trump administration said about DACA – AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/factcheck/ct-fact-check-daca-20170905-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: An anti-Trump says “Trump’s DACA decision may be cruel, but it’s a smart political move.”
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/opinion/ct-sta-slowik-daca-congress-st-0906-20170905-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: An anti-Trump says “There’s nothing pro-business in Trump’s DACA-dumping ways.”
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/reed/ct-daca-trump-antibusiness-robert-reed-0907-biz-20170905-column.html
— Authorities seek to deport man at center of dispute over new state immigration law – Robert McCoppin
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-ice-hold-mchenry-county-trust-act-met-20170905-story.html
— Downers library official Art Jaros faces removal after reported comments critical of diversity, homosexuality – Matthew Walberg  (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats get rid of you if you do not promote race and gender based preference giving and LGBTQ activity.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/downers-grove/news/ct-downers-grove-library-controversy-0906-20170905-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: An anti-Trump says “Trump didn’t have the nerve to make the DACA announcement himself.”
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-trump-daca-jeff-sessions-20170905-story.html
— Can Democrats get past identity politics? – Clarence Page  (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats focus on getting rid of individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders (except Bill Clinton), and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/page/ct-perspec-page-identity-politics-democrats-20170905-story.html
— Fox Valley protesters call Trump immigration policy ‘the biggest slap in the face’ – Sarah Freishtat and Steve Lord
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-aurora-elgin-daca-reaction-st-0906-20170905-story.html
— Some Naperville leaders decry Trump’s decision to end DACA – Erin Hegarty and Suzanne Baker
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/news/ct-nvs-daca-response-naperville-st-0906-20170905-story.html

 

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Trump tweets he could ‘revisit’ DACA decision – AP
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/trump-tweets-he-could-revisit-daca-decision/
— Immigration activists march downtown to protest DACA termination – Mitchell Armentrout
http://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/immigration-activists-to-rally-downtown-against-daca-termination/
— Reaction to Trump ending DACA for Dreamers – Lynn Sweet
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/reaction-to-trump-ending-daca-for-dreamers/
— DACA beneficiaries are anxious, angry and afraid – Taylor Hartz
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/daca-beneficiaries-are-anxious-angry-and-afraid/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, anti-Trumps glorify and praise those who come to America illegally, who stay in America illegally, and who bring others to America illegally.
http://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/editorial-tell-it-to-alonso-guillen-that-dreamers-have-no-place-here/

 

DAILY HERALD
— Suburban Democrats in Congress denounce Trump decision on DACA; GOP mum – Kerry Lester
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20170905/suburban-democrats-in-congress-denounce-trump-decision-on-daca-gop-mum
— Harris, LaHood speaking to Elk Grove, Wheeling GOP meetings
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20170905/harris-lahood-speaking-to-elk-grove-wheeling-gop-meetings
— Prosecutors praise success of DuPage diversion program – Justin Kmitch
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20170905/prosecutors-praise-success-of-dupage-diversion-program
— DuPage plan outlines steps to dissolve Lombard-area agency – Robert Sanchez
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20170905/dupage-plan-outlines-steps-to-dissolve-lombard-area-agency
— Kasich joins Schwarzenegger in political map-making fight – AP  (DIERSEN: In retrospect, with benefit of hindsight, I should have filed a lawsuit in 2015 to stop the redrawing of my DuPage County Milton Township Precinct 9.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170905/news/309059820/

 

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— How Illinois lawmakers are responding to Trump rescinding DACA – AP
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20170905/NEWS02/170909972/how-illinois-lawmakers-are-responding-to-trump-rescinding-daca

 

WBEZ
— CPS On Pace To Become A Majority Latino School District – Linda Lutton
https://www.wbez.org/shows/wbez-news/cps-on-pace-to-become-a-majority-latino-school-district/c43341cb-d7d4-41d4-9a71-fe2f8992dca6

 

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAQL REGISTER
— Illinois’ reaction to Trump rescinding DACA
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20170905/illinois-reaction-to-trump-rescinding-daca

 

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— Students, faculty join pro-DACA rally at ISU – Julia Evelsizer  (DIERSEN: From what I see, those individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are pro-DACA are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders (except Bill Clinton), and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/students-faculty-join-pro-daca-rally-at-isu/article_bbaf0b30-9d76-500f-ac34-bff5b79b10dc.html

 

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— Mayor Rahm Emanuel: Chicago students welcome as Trump ending DACA program
http://www.bnd.com/news/state/illinois/article171297807.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Mayor Rahm Emanuel says Chicago students “have nothing to worry about” as President Donald Trump’s administration said it will wind down a program protecting young immigrants from deportation. Emanuel spoke as Chicago Public Schools marked the first day of classes Tuesday. The mayor told students at Solorio Academy High School they “are welcome in the city of Chicago.” The Chicago Sun-Times reports that school officials say about a third of the school’s students are undocumented citizens. Emanuel said Chicago schools “will be a Trump-free zone.” Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday said the program known as DACA is an “unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch.” Chicago is suing the Trump administration over its policy of withholding public safety grants from so-called sanctuary cities unless they agree to tougher immigration enforcement.)
— Here’s how Obama and Illinois politicians are reacting to Trump’s DACA decision – ELIZABETH DONALD
http://www.bnd.com/news/local/article171356557.html

 

SUBURBAN LIFE
— Social justice advocacy gains momentum in Downers Grove – BOB RAKOW  (DIERSEN: Individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that promote social justice are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders (except Bill Clinton), and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2017/08/28/social-justice-advocacy-gains-momentum-in-downers-grove/a8as8rd/

 

NPR ILLINOIS
— Illinois Shorting Pensions, Again – SEAN CRAWFORD
http://nprillinois.org/post/illinois-shorting-pensions-again#stream/0

 

QUAD CITIES ONLINE
— Illinois leaders, seize moment, reform pensions – Editorial
http://www.qconline.com/editorials/editorial-illinois-leaders-seize-moment-reform-pensions/article_1e1e2683-0e2e-556c-8dc6-853534488fdb.html

 

  1. LOUIS TODAY
    — AUGUST 4, 2017 FLASHBACK: St. Louis County man’s marijuana conspiracy allowed him to live the life of a ‘rock star’ – Robert Patrick
    http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/st-louis-county-man-s-marijuana-conspiracy-allowed-him-to/article_f3dccfdb-baa4-5bc5-8def-c4fa19b822b2.html

 

CHICAGO NOW
— PA show featuring Berkowitz Family-Pac Cruise related interviews w/ pols, et al in 25 Chicago Metro suburbs
http://www.chicagonow.com/public-affairs-with-jeff-berkowitz/2017/09/pa-show-featuring-berkowitz-family-pac-cruise-related-interviews-w-pols-et-al-in-25-chicago-metro-suburbs-tonight-elsewhere-later-in-week-and-247-on-web/

 

WILLIAM J. KELLY
— KELLY TAPS RAY TRANCHANT FOR RUNNING MATE AGAINST RAUNER
http://www.williamjkelly.org/news/kelly-taps-ray-tranchant-for-running-mate-against-rauner

 

UPSTREAM IDEAS
— VIDEO: Rauner’s Bad Day – Mark Glennon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD7L1NbrG0w#new_tab

 

WIREPOINTS
— Rahm tells returning CPS students schools are ‘Trump-free zone’ – Chicago Sun-Times
http://www.wirepoints.com/rahm-tells-returning-cps-students-schools-are-trump-free-zone-chicago-sun-times/

 

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— OBAMA ADMINISTRATION’S DACA PROGRAM CHALLENGED BY LAWSUITS; TRUMP ADMINISTRATION RESPONDS
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/09/obama-administrations-daca-program-challenged-by-lawsuits-trump-administration-responds.html
— SESSIONS’ STATEMENT RESCINDING OBAMA ADMINISTRATION’S DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS PROGRAM
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/09/sessions-statement-rescinding-obama-administrations-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program.html
— THE OBAMACARE DEATH SPIRAL IS QUIETLY GETTING MUCH WORSE
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/09/the-obamacare-death-spiral-is-quietly-getting-much-worse.html
— TRUMP’S REVERSAL OF OBAMA PAY GAP RULE IS GOOD NEWS FOR WOMEN, MINORITIES
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/09/trumps-reversal-of-obama-pay-gap-rule-is-good-news-for-women-minorities.html
— CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS EXPECT TO LOSE 8000 MORE STUDENTS THIS YEAR
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/09/chicago-public-schools-expect-to-lose-8000-more-students-this-year.html

 

GOPUSA
— Parents pulling children out of school with transgender lessons in kindergarten (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats promote sexual confusion and LGBTQ activity.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=29728
— Teacher Compares Trump Shirts to Swastikas, Kicks Students out of Classroom
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=29738
— Temple to Journalist’s Self-Regard Falls on Hard Times
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=29714
— Jewish, Muslim customers file lawsuits alleging bacon in their food at KFC, Denny’s
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=29724

 

DAILY CALLER
— Telemundo And Univision Now Openly Lobbying In Favor Of Amnesty – Peter Hasson  (DIERSEN: What would Telemundo and Univision do if America had sent many millions of its citizens into Mexico illegally?  What would Telemundo and Univision do if America was keeping many millions of its citizens in Mexico illegally?  What would Telemundo and Univision do if America was sending many mountains of illegal drugs into America illegally?)
http://dailycaller.com/2017/09/05/telemundo-and-univision-now-openly-lobbying-in-favor-of-amnesty/
— Jeff Sessions’ DOJ Just Secured An Islamic Group’s Right To Build A Mosque – Kevin Daley
http://dailycaller.com/2017/09/05/jeff-sessions-doj-just-secured-an-islamic-groups-right-to-build-a-mosque/

 

BREITBART
— 14 Things the MSM Won’t Tell You About DACA – JOHN NOLTE
http://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2017/09/05/14-things-msm-wont-tell-daca/
— Donald Trump: ‘Young Americans Have Dreams Too’ – NEIL MUNRO
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/05/donald-trump-young-americans-dreams/
— Cher: House and Protect DACA Dreamers in Your Homes – JEROME HUDSON  (DIERSEN: Anti-Trumps hint/imply/argue/shout at Dreamers and at everyone else that Trump and his supporters are White supremacists, Nazis, KKK members, haters, racists, sexists, bigots, and even worse things who should be gotten rid of.)
http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2017/09/05/cher-house-daca-dreamers-in-your-home/
— Women’s Colleges Open Doors to Transgender Students – TOM CICCOTTA
http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2017/09/05/womens-colleges-open-doors-to-transgender-students/

 

BLAZE
— Ann Coulter responds to Trump’s decision on Obama’s Dream Act – and she’s not happy – Carlos Garcia
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/09/05/ann-coulter-responds-to-trumps-decision-on-obamas-dream-act-and-shes-not-happy/
— Please don’t complain about deporting children if you support murdering them – Matt Walsh
http://www.theblaze.com/contributions/please-dont-complain-about-deporting-children-if-you-support-murdering-them/

 

THE HILL
— Pelosi: Ryan must bring the DREAM Act to the floor – MALLORY SHELBOURNE
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/349226-pelosi-speaker-must-bring-the-dream-act-to-the-floor

 

CNN
— DACA decision confirms it: Trump has killed the Bush version of the GOP – Chris Cillizza (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, it becomes clear that Bush rejects most, if not virtually all of the Republican Party platform.)
http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/05/politics/trump-daca-gop-2012/index.html

 

ABC NEWS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps say “Trump decision on immigrants leads to protests.”
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/latest-trump-congress-act-immigration-49625761

 

NEW YORK TIMES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that promote Dreamers demonize, denigrate, and condemn those that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders (except Bill Clinton), and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.
https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/politics/100000005403642/what-dreamers-gained-from-daca-and-stand-to-lose.html

 

BUSINESS INSIDER
— Trump’s decision to end DACA sparks backlash from both sides of the aisle – Sonam Sheth
http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-daca-reactions-backlash-2017-9/#senate-minority-leader-chuck-schumer-released-a-statement-calling-the-decision-heartless-for-ripping-apart-families-and-telling-people-who-have-worked-hard-to-become-americans-for-years-that-they-have-to-leave-the-country-1

 

ILLINOIS CPA SOCIETY
— 6 Certifications That’ll Build Your Cred  Today’s accounting and finance professionals have a lot to gain by adding the right credentials to the ends of their names. – Selena Chavis  (DIERSEN: I have three of these six – MBA (1976), CPA (1979), and Certified Internal Auditor (1981). In addition I have a master’s degree in accounting (1980), CPA license (1981), Certified Fraud Examiner (1990), Certified Government Financial Manager (1994), Certified Financial Services Auditor (1996), Forensic Accountant (1997), and master’s degree in financial markets and trading (1997).)
https://www.icpas.org/information/copy-desk/insight/article/digital-exclusive/6-certifications-that-ll-build-your-cred
(FROM THE ARTICLE: 1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) It generally goes without saying, but CPAs are highly sought for just about every accounting, auditing, business, consulting, finance, tax, and, well, you get the point—earning the CPA is a major professional differentiator that can land you just about anywhere, from your local accounting firm to the head of a Fortune 500 company. Earning a CPA is not for the faint of heart, however. Because this credential provides a multitude of opportunities, and has earned recognition for positioning holders as the nation’s most trusted business advisors, obtaining it isn’t exactly easy. On average, it takes CPA exam candidates six-and-a-half attempts to pass all four parts of the exam. What’s more, sitting for the exam can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the investment made in the exam and review courses and preparation materials. Plus, once you earn your CPA credential, you’ll also have to maintain it with ongoing accredited professional education. . .4. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) The CIA is the choice if you’re looking to differentiate yourself as an auditor with expertise in risk, control, and information technology. Granted by the Institute of Internal Auditors, the CIA comes with a price tag of $1,150 and requires candidates to have a bachelor’s degree and two years of auditing experience prior to testing. Like some of the other credentials mentioned, the CIA has three levels of exams, total six-and-a-half hours of testing, and takes around a year or more for most to complete. Don’t let that deter you, however, because the CIA is becoming an essential credential for auditors eyeing the coveted chief audit executive position, along with positive upward career advancement along the way. . .6. Master of Business Administration (MBA) The broad expertise that accompanies earning an MBA can open many doors for accounting and finance professionals. Unfortunately, outside of your undergrad degree, it’s the most costly acronym to add to the end of your name. US News & World Report notes the average cost of a two-year MBA program at one of the top 10 business schools in the U.S. topped out over $125,000 in 2016. Costs clearly vary based on the university attended, program type (full-time, part-time, or online), scholarships and grants potentially received, and any employer assistance aimed at helping you earn this esteemed degree (many Fortune 100 companies offer tuition assistance). But by all measures, this is an undertaking that takes serious consideration for most. Much like the CPA, there’s no easy path to earning an MBA, but it’s also a means to entry to greater career choices and higher-level—and higher-earning—executive positions. Credentials don’t come easy, and they certainly don’t come for free, but that doesn’t mean they’re unattainable. In fact, Robert Half International says 72 percent of CFOs will cover all or some of the costs of their professional employees’ certifications. Many also would cover the continuing professional education required to maintain certification. The reality is that keeping your skills current is vital to staying competitive and relevant in today’s business world. Regardless of which credentials you choose to collect, each one says something important about who you are as an accounting and finance professional.)

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.