Thorner: Aussie by Birth on Mission to Teach Children American Values

By Nancy Thorner – 

In schools across the country, students are not being taught foundational principles such as federalism, checks and balances, and separation of powers. Instead, most students are taught the Constitution is a “living” document that needs to be constantly updated and reinterpreted. Another alarming trend in academia is revisionist history that overemphasizes the darkest chapters in U.S. history while simultaneously downplaying the most positive aspects of our country’s past.

These were the topics discussed Saturday, December 9th at the Heartland Institute, with author Nick Adams promoting the importance of the history and significance of the U.S. Constitution. The event, Helping Students Understand the Constitution, was well received by all age groups present.

Nick Adams, a native Australian, is a best-selling author, a prominent speaker, and a Fox News commentator.  Adams is also the Founder and Executive Director of Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness (FLAG), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and providing high-quality civics education that informs students and families about the greatness of America and the power of the American Dream.  FLAG provide free visits by its representatives to elementary, middle schools and high schools as they work in the belly of the beast to provide comprehensive, authentic civics education that informs students and families about the greatness of America and the power of the American dream.  As to resistance to classroom visits, Nick Adams cited none.

FLAG’s first publication, Student’s Constitution, has been placed in the hands of 20,000 students and teachers throughout the U.S. Thorner recommends the wonderfully illustrated and attractive book to both parents and grandparents for the children in their lives.  It will also give adults a chance to bone up on long forgotten facts about our Constitution.  Order Student’s Constitution here.

Adams’ passion for America’s roots ignited by battle with childhood cancer

Christopher Talgo, Marketing Coordinator at The Heartland Institute, introduced Nick Adams.

In introducing himself, Nick Adams spoke about how a seed was planted early on in his desire to come to America to live.  It all began at the age of 16 months when Nick was found to be afflicted with stage 4 of a childhood cancer. It was an American doctor who diagnosed Nick’s illness just in the nick of time.  Because of the healing hand of God, Nick lives today.  Nick also credited American exceptionalism for his good fortune.

Elected to office in Australia at the age of 19 and a best-selling author before turning 30, Nick Adams realized his dream when becoming a citizen of the U.S., thus fulfilling his intense desire to make sure America remains where we want it to be.  As Nick described the process, it wasn’t an easy one.  He spent $50,000 in the process.

Nick has dedicated his life to promoting what he believes America offers as a nation.  Nick sees America as the greatest country in the history of the world.  He tells children that the day they were born is the day they won the lottery of life, because it is the only country where a person can fail 5,000 times and then get up again.  How so?  Because failure is not failure, risk is encouraged, and success is admired.

America’s Dominance in World not by Chance

As to this nation’s greatness, Mr. Adams cited how less than 5% of the world’s population lives in America, yet this nation has become dominant in the world.  And it has not happened by chance.  The most brilliant men to ever walk this earth were our Founding Fathers.  The founding documents they produced have helped this nation to remain the Guardian of Liberty the Gate Keeper of Civilization.  Adams offered some thoughts on what the world would look like without this nation’s attributes.  1) Islamist terrorists would act with impunity, 2) Russia would attempt to rebuild the Roman Empire, and 3) individual liberty would become extinct.  For as Adams stated, “When the U.S. is weak, the world is weak.”

Adams offered these thought on political correctness. It is killing this nation as a way of life, a mindset, and a cultural attitude which seeks to determine how we should think to remain in step with what is considered acceptable to think or say.  Political correctness strips individuals of their individualism, causing the American dream to be turned into an European nightmare. In the meantime, there is little will to fight for the preservation of individualism over collectivism; for faith over secularism; and for the rejection of multiculturalism. Is this the future we want for our children?  It was American exceptionalism that set this nation apart from all othe

Australia vs America

As stated earlier on, Nick came to America to make and not to take.  He came to join the fight to save this nation, not to change it.  Most of all, Nick came because this nation is the greatest nation in the world.

In Australia voting is compulsory.  America is the only country where primary elections take place.  Nick spoke of Australia as eating its own and how any successful Aussie moves to the U.S.  Nick sees optimism and enthusiasm as important attributes here in America.  Even so, Nick mused, “America remains the most ridiculed nation in the world.”

As to why the fight for the very soul of this nation remains a difficult one?  It can be attributed to those here among us, thus making the battle much more difficult to win. For the last 60 years there has been a culture war in this nation brought about through lies and the tactics set forth by Sol Alinsky.  In watching tv we are often shocked by what we are now viewing in a culture which now condones that which was not possible even 10 years ago, but is now the norm.

Keeping America Great

American must stop being the punching bag, and fighting back with boldness must begin with the next generation of American leaders.  Several generations of Americans have not been taught what it means to be an American.  This could be evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of Bernie supporters who joined the Bernie Sanders campaign with its Socialist/Communist rhetoric and values.  They have no understanding of the exceptionalism of their nation which began with the amazing documents written by our Founding Fathers.

As noted by Adams, this is a critical time for our nation.  Last July 4th was its 240th birthday   How much longer can this nation survive with its founding ideas and principles still honored and respected?  Most great nation experience decay after 230 to 270 years.  We are right in the kill zone

Until 11 months ago this nation was being led from behind. As such the enemies of this nation are no longer foreign, but are right here among us. The anti-speech movement that is currently sweeping across American college campuses is an appalling example of what can happen when people do not recognize the basic rights protected by the world-changing Founding documents.  Another alarming trend infecting our schools from K through college, is revisionist history that overemphasizes the darkest chapters in U.S. history, while at the same time downplaying the most positive aspects of our country’s past.

Nick Adams chased the American Dream as an  Aussie by coming to America and achieving permanent residency, believing this is the best country in the world to be and the most color blind nation in the world.  As the Founder and Executive Director of FLAG, it is his aim to explain to kids why America is truly an exceptional nation, and why we should celebrate our history and liberties, not be ashamed of them, to remain the greatest nation in the world.  This will require boldness to speak out from places of worship and from the true patriots among us.

As Adams noted in his books, Retaking America and Green Card Warrior, both endorsed by President Donald Trump, “Establishment” equals gate keepers, the Establishment delivers crushing blows to opportunity, and the Establishment serves itself, not America.

Nick Adams’ books can be purchased at Amazon.com and include Retaking America, Green Card Warrior, and The American Boomerag.  His most recent book, published in October of 2017, The Case Against the Establishment with Dave Erickson, makes an irrefutable case that the Establishment is the enemy of the people.

The youtube presentation by Nick Adams on Saturday, December 9, 2017, Helping Students Understand the Constitution, can be viewed here.

Thorner: Ives drumbeat begins to resound among IL conservatives

Thorner: Ives drumbeat begins to resound among IL conservatives

Sunday night, Republican state Representative Jeanne Ives hosted a sizable crowd of supporters in her hometown of Wheaton. She’s on the 2018 GOP primary ballot challenging incumbent GOP Governor Bruce Rauner. Illinois Review contributor Nancy Thorner was on hand at one of several events Ives has been appearing at over the past few weeks …

By Nancy Thorner –

The Republican Assembly of Lake County, Illinois, held its Christmas party at J & D’s Bar & Grill in Wauconda, IL. on Saturday evening, December 2nd, 2017. The RALC is a grassroots organization made up of Ronald Reagan conservatives who believe in small government, lower taxes, free market capitalism, strong defense, the right to life, and the support of the US. Constitution in the tradition of the Founding Fathers. Attendance at this year’s RALC Christmas party was the largest ever, numbering 85 members and guests.

Bob Bednar, Chairman of the RALC, introduced featured speaker Jeanne Ives, who is running as a conservative Republican challenger to Governor Bruce Rauner. Check out Ives For Illinois.

Meet Jeanne Ives

Jeanne Ives served as a Representative in the Illinois State House (42nd District), which includes all or portions of Wheaton, Warrenville, West Chicago, Winfield, Carol Stream, Lisle and Naperville. Ives was first elected in 2013, until she was “drafted” in the fall of this year by the state’s grassroots Republican base to challenge incumbent Governor Bruce Rauner. While serving in the Illinois House Ives demonstrated not only a willingness to lead on difficult issues and question powerful House leaders, but she also gained an insightful understanding of policy.

As a West Point graduate of the Class of 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, Jeanne Ives went on to serve in the U.S. Army. Her assignments included platoon leader and headquarters detachment commander for transportation units in Germany and ROTC instructor at Wheaton College. Ives resigned from the Army in 1993 to raise her children, while working as a tax advisor and bookkeeper for small businesses and individuals.

It was on October 28, 2017, that State Rep. Jeanne Ives announced she would challenge incumbent Governor Bruce Rauner. Her running mate is former State Rep. Richard Morthland of Cordova, lllinois. Unlike other candidates who have been collecting signatures since early September, Ives and her choice for lieutenant governor had a late start. Despite this late state, State Rep. Jeanne Ives announced officially Sunday night, December 3, 2017, in an invitation-only gathering in her home district that she would be a candidate for governor in the March 2018 Illinois Republican Party primary. She was introduced to the crowd by her running mate, former State Rep. Rich Morthland from the Rock Island area.

If you still have some doubts or misgivings about Jeanne Ives running on the Republican ticket to unseat Republican governor Bruce Rauner, this article, due for publication at National Review on 2017-12-17, titled “Bruce Rauner’s Illinois Breakdown,” describes Rauner’s unacceptable performance as Illinois’ governor during his first term in office.

“When Governor Bruce Rauner of Illinois announced in October that he would seek reelection in 2018, he released a two-minute campaign video. It shows the Republican wearing blue jeans and a black leather vest as he rides his Harley-Davidson motorcycle from Chicago to Springfield, the state capital. “Four years ago,” he says in a voiceover, “I crisscrossed our state, looked people in the eye, and promised to fight business as usual.

This boast came about a month after Cardinal Blase Cupich accused him of breaking his word and the Chicago Sun-Times put his picture on its front page, below a headline that shouted: “Benedict Rauner.” The governor’s offense was to have signed what may be America’s most radical abortion-funding law after vowing to veto it. The betrayal capped a season of defeats for conservatives, including an income-tax hike, a big bailout of Chicago’s public schools, and turning Illinois into what critics of illegal immigration are calling a sanctuary state.”

Jeanne Ives comments on state of Illinois

Candidate Ives was received with much enthusiasm by RALC members and friends. As Jeanne stated, the catalyst for her gubernatorial challenge was not only Rauner’s signing of a bill to expand taxpayer-funded abortion coverage for women on Medicaid, but also the provision to increase funding to Chicago Public Schools.

When serving in the Illinois General Assembly, Ives fought for school choice and Right for Life. She also opted out of both a taxpayer funded pension and healthcare, as both pension and state group health insurance have greatly contributed to budget pressures and both need reform.

In relation to Governor Rauner, “He has basically discredited himself as a Republican. He’s signed into law very extreme measures. The man who said he had no social agenda ended up having only a social agenda.”

Ives related, when elected to the House in 2013, how both the Illinois House and the Senate had super majorities making it possible for Democrats to pass anything they desired. At the time Ives wondered how things could get any worse than they already were. When Bruce Rauner ran as a reform candidate in 2014, Ives helped to elect Rauner to lead his promised revolt. But instead of Rauner fulfilling his campaign promises, Ives instead experienced betrayal. As Ives said:

“Rauner has basically discredited himself as a Republican. He’s signed into law very extreme measures. The man who said he had no social agenda ended up having only a social agenda, having enacted the same economic and social agenda of his buddy Rahn Emmanuel.”

Ives questioned what we have at the end of three years and listed the negatives as high taxes, more debt, and many people exiting Illinois for a better economic climate. Noted by Ives was new data in the deterioration of Illinois’ tax base. In 2017 Illinois experienced a loss of nearly 42,000 tax returns to other states representing 86,100 individuals at a net loss to Illinois of $4.75 billion in adjusted gross income. Continued Ives: “Because Illinois became a sanctuary state under Governor Rauner, Illinois is less safe.” In what was a huge disappointment to Ives and conservatives state-wide was the signing by Rauner of HB-40 which sanctions tax payer funding of abortions. Instead of reforming our Medicaid system, Gov. Rauner expanded it. Ives further revealed that Illinois ranks 48th in the nation on serving those with developmental disabilities.

As to Governor Rauner being elected to a second term, Jeannie Ives was insistent that Rauner can’t win in the November 2018 General Election, for no amount of money can win back Republicans who feel betrayed by Rauner.

Jeanne Ives as a candidate

In speaking of herself as a former army officer and graduate of West Point, Ives informed her audience that she lives by the West Point Code and that she can be counted on not to lie, cheat, or steal, nor does she tolerate others who do so. In the House, Ives opposed tax increases, big government bailouts, and stood up for conservative values when other House members were not willing to doing to.

Ives then spoke about the work of grassroots Republicans in turning in 16,000 signatures in only four weeks. This included 520 circulators of petitions in 64 counties. Ives noted that where ever she goes in Illinois she receives a warm reception, an indication that voter motivation is high for Ives, in contrast to the rejection of Rauner by Illinois voters.

Campaign promises made by Jeanne Ives

Property taxes would be cut, not frozen. Property taxes in Illinois are out of control. Home owners end up renting from the government.
Spending would be cut. Ives, when serving in the House, did propose and filed bills to cut spending.
On day one a task force would be formed to detect and prosecute public corruption in Illinois. Mention was made by Ives of the corruption in the Cook County Assessment System. Governor Rauner was given the vehicle to lead on this issue, but he didn’t follow through.

In closing, Ives wants Illinois to be a place which our families can call home for many generations to come.

Republican Secretary of State, Joshua Griffin

Following Jeanne Ives, Joshua Griffin spoke about his credentials as a Republican candidate to unseat Jesse White, Secretary of State.

Joshua Griffin expressed his disgust of Illinois in its status as a failed state. Regarding Jesse White, having served a total of 40+ years in public elected office, Jesse represents “the machine” politics which operates within Illinois. As such, said Griffin, we need fresh voices in Springfield and around the state. Voices that will stand up to the establishment every time they attempt to set the status quo back in place. No longer can we allow our elected officials or political parties to dictate the rules and reap self-dignified personal gain from their highly coveted political perches. Joshua Griffin’s impressive bio is noted here.

A native of Chicago, IL, Joshua “J.C.” Griffin was born on the city’s south side and raised in the both the western and southern suburbs of Cook County. is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and the 4th generation of military serviceman from his family. After a distinguished military service from 2007 – 2012, Griffin achieved the rank of Senior Airman prior to receiving an honorable discharge in 2012. Griffin also holds Impressive business credentials.

RALC Officers

Bob Bednar, Chairman

Glenn Garamoni, Vice-Chair

Mike McKay, Treasurer

Mary Biron, Secretary

Bob Cook, Executive Director

Lake County Legislators and Officials Present at December 2 event:

Adam Solano – Candidate – State House District 62
Jeanne Ives – State Rep. District 42 – Candidate – Governor
John Reinert – McHenry County Board District 2 – Candidate State Senate District 32
Doug Bennett — Candidate US House District 10
Mark Shaw – Lake County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Larry Falbe – Lake County Federation President
Jeri Atleson – Fremont Township Trustee
Tom Weber – Lake County Board – Candidate State Rep. District 64
Marty Zeidman – Moraine Township Republican Chairman
Mark Curran, Lake County Sherriff
Bob Bednar – Candidate for Lake County Board, District 6
Glenn Garamoni – Fremont Township Republican Chairman
Nancy Kubalanza – Grant Township Republican Chairman
Marjorie Kubalanza – Lake County Central Committee Chairwoman
Connie Shanahan – Fremont Township Trustee

The new RALC Meeting location is Fremont Public Library located on 1170 Midlothian Road, Mundelein IL. Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the 3rd Thursday of every month. The next meeting will be on Thursday, January 18th.

Monday, December 11, 2017 at 10:09 AM | Permalink

Comments
Live Free Or Die said…

We stand with you Jeanne!
Reply Monday, December 11, 2017 at 04:32 PM
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Thorner/O’Neil: The Time for Secrecy about Sexual Harassment is Over

As more accusations of sexual abuse are revealed by mainstream media sources, it is proof this is far more common in the workplace, schools, and even Congress than thought.  Many of the offenders are well-known names, which has been a factor as to why it is suddenly being widely exposed.  While sexual harassment is not new, the recent amount of attention to this abuse is. Thus, it is an excellent time to explore the issue further and reach common sense solutions to help prevent occurrences from happening in the future.

While women should be fully protected from sexual harassment and/or retribution from exposing such occurrences, so should men be against a false and/or mistaken accusation made against them. It is essential for American leaders to study and discuss facts and possible ways to prevent all types of abuses in the future by defining what rises to the level of the legal definition of sexual harassment. The accusation alone, even if proven false, can ruin a man’s career and life.  Obviously, this issue needs to have very specific rules developed which must be clearly defined to protect both victims and the accused, whether in the workplace, college campuses, or in a variety of other public places.

Recent reports appear to reveal the more prominent and powerful a man, the more likely he is capable of this crime, and that absolutely includes politicians.  We were aware of all the accusations from a variety of women about former President Bill Clinton. Yet, these women’s serious allegations were largely dismissed and/or outright ignored by authorities and the media, until proof of Clinton’s behavior was provided by Monica Lewinsky’s blue dress.

However, Kathleen Willey, one of several women who claimed she was attacked and fondled in the Oval Office while a White House volunteer, was largely ignored. Juanita Broadrick’s claim that Bill Clinton raped her during his 1978 campaign for Arkansas governor was also met with a yawn.  These are just two of several women whose accusations against the former President were not given proper consideration.

The growing evidence of sexual abuse by powerful politicians indicates this group can no longer be ignored or condoned.  Consider the explosive information recently volunteered by Democrat leader Nancy Pelosi’s daughter, Christine Pelosi.  Her recent bold speech on the subject shocked the public, as she made exceedingly strong allegations that there are numerous predators and sex offenders within the current California State Congress, at least one of whom has been accused of rape.

Pelosi stated:  “We have a whisper network, you all know it.  Because what everybody here knows is we have rapists in this building. We have molesters among us.”  Her allegations were affirmed by a letter she produced, signed by 100 fellow California politicians confirming her statement  as accurate.

Pelosi exposed what many, if not most, in Sacramento political circles knew:  sexual harassment and abuse has been covered up far too long and she decided to expose it, even if most involved were fellow Democrats, who currently enjoy a super majority the Ca. Congress. Obviously, this governing body had a deficient system for reporting and dealing with sexual harassment.

Assemblyman Vince Fong blamed this situation on California’s Capitol Human Resources Department for not recording or reporting known accusations and complaints.  With a secret society within the Capitol, women were easily preyed upon.  This exposure cannot make Democrat Governor Jerry Brown happy, but kudos to Christine Pelosi for her honesty. How many other states have a similar ineffective system for protecting abused women?  How many companies have not established a reliable, effective reporting system?

Certainly, it is hard to ruin a politician’s or any man’s career by reporting or exposing a sexual predator who often is a very nice guy. This is a factor as to why some women decide not to report incidents.  There is also concern their claim may not be believed, and if not they fear possible retaliation.

However, it is fair to state that women have made false allegations and/or have mistaken what rises to the level of sexual harassment.  A mere allegation of sexual abuse has ruined men’s careers, if not their life.  Some accusations were only proven false after the man was disgraced and his reputation ruined.

One example of this is a fantasist who invented rape and sexual assault allegations against 15 men to get attention from her girlfriends.  While that specific claim was rare, there are many others which at first seem credible and only after thorough investigation were proved false.

Bob Rosner wrote a column regarding false accusations of sexual harassment and more than 3300 readers responded. indicating this is an issue the public finds important.   Some were heartfelt confessions from women who had made such an accusation, which they later deeply regretted.

Sadly, even when the facts and the truth finally surface and the accusation is proven false, the man’s marriage, job, and reputation have been severely if not permanently damaged.

There must be a way to protect both types of abuses.  One pressing problem is many do not fully understand what specific conduct rises to the level of sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment.

This is particularly true on college campuses when young students indulge in excessive drinking that dulls inhibitions as well as the memory of a specific event engaged in by both male and female.  Each students’ description of what actually occurred while intoxicated is a problem for authorities, especially if the woman later claims it was rape and the male refutes her allegation. Link

The definitions must be clearly defined and provided to workers and/or students.  Rules of conduct regarding the issue and its complexities should be provided so there are no opportunities for ignorance on this subject.

These dictionary definitions might help in making the distinction as to what has been considered sexual harassment:

1.  Unwelcome sexual advances made by an employer or superior, especially when compliance is made a condition of continued employment or advancement.

2.  The persistent welcome directing of sexual remarks and looks and unnecessary physical contact with a person, usually a woman, especially in the workplace.

It would be prudent for schools, businesses, and politicians to check with their local police authorities and lawyers regarding this issue to be informed of all the facts. Education helps protect everyone, whether that is the victim, the accused, the employer, or school. The recent string of allegations of misconduct by people in positions of authority, testifies to the absolute need for this conversation.

Thorner: More on Rockfords MAGA event featuring Joe Walsh, Charlie Kirk and GOP primary candidates

Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk was featured at recent MAGA rally in Rockford

By Nancy Thorner, Photos by Mark Weyermuller – 

The November 21st MAGA rally opened with prayer, the National Anthem sung by Raquel Mitchell of the Frederick Douglass Foundation of Illinois (The Largest Christ-Centered, Multi-Ethnic and Republican Ministry in America), the Pledge, and a Moment of Silence for fallen Rockford police officer.

 

Police Officer Jaimie Cox was killed during a traffic stop at age 30, on Sunday, November 5, 2017. He had served with the Rockford Police Department for one year and had previously served with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources – Division of Law Enforcement. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, serving from 2004 to 2010. He was part of an Army National Guard contingent deployed from 2008 to 2009 to Nangarhar province in Afghanistan and received honors including the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was also awarded the Illinois National Guard Abraham Lincoln Medal of Freedom Ribbon. It was noted how the coming holiday season will be a very difficult for his family.  Link

Introduction of host Joe Walsh

It was now time for special host of the evening, Joe Walsh, a former Illinois U.S. congressman and host of the weekday Joe Walsh Show on AM 560, to step forward to receive the enthusiastic welcome extended by those in the room, many of whom are faithful listeners to the Joe Walsh Show. Raquel Mitchell of the Frederick Douglass Foundation introduced Walsh.

Joe Walsh described his job of the night as firing up those who are in the battle. Joe then expressed disappointment that there weren’t 1,000 people in attendance at the rally.  Joe bemoaned that conservative  Americans are not fired up, with good reason not to feel enthusiastic, as Republican U.S. legislators are not following through on Trump’s campaign promises.  “But we better get fired up,” said Walsh, “as the other side is raging with uncontrollable anger. Walsh then asked how it felt when Barack Obama was elected?  Now the other side is fired up in much the same way as we were over Obama’s election.  Democrats never expected Trump to win, but Hillary is gone, and Democrats are now “running through the wall” to come out and vote.

 

American Eagles’ Ed Martin 

Next up was Ed Martin, President of Phyllis Schlafly American Eagles and Education Fund which, in part, sponsored the MAGA Illinois 2017 event.

Ed spoke about Phyllis’ meeting with candidate Donald Trump.  Knowing that Trump was a formidable deal maker.  Phyllis Schlafly told Trump that before she could endorse him, he must help her make the Republican Platform in a few months a conservative one, putting country first, family first, and with a pro-life agenda.  Phyllis got everything she asked of Trump. This resulted in the Republican Platform at last summer’s Republican Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, the most conservative ever adopted.

Trump also promised Phyllis that he would never let her down. Phyllis believed that politics was where the action was to effect change. When Trump won the presidency in November of last year, in what Ed called a “God-given miracle”, Trump followed through with the appointment of Neil Gorsuch, thereby fulfilling his promise to appoint a replacement for Scalia that that was in his same image.

If Republicans lose big in 2018, we will lose the keys, not only to take back America, but to make America great again.  Phyllis Schlafly Speaks on Donald Trump, Vol. 2, was available for participants free of charge, courtesy of Phyllis Schlafly American Eagles and Education Fund.  Jordan Henry, Director of Research at Phyllis Schlafly Eagles, was eager to engage in conversation with Expo attendees about Phyllis Schlafy, as they visited his Expo table for free books.

Political operative, Jack Posobiec

A  young and dynamic  speaker was next heard from, Jack Posobiec, who was a political operative in the 2016 Presidential Elections. In that Mr. Posobiec still lives in the Washington swamp, it feels to Jack that Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer are still in charge.  In that Paul Ryan and Mich O’Connell couldn’t get Obamacare passed, Jack further suggested that both should have stepped down because of their ineffectiveness.  Posobiec observed how something has shifted drastically in this nation when “Making American Great” is now considered a racist term.  From day one in office, many in Congress, the Left, and the media have had nothing good to say about President Trump.  As Posobiec remarked, “Congress is more worried about the KGB hiding behind every tree than working for the good of the American people.”

Turning Point’s Charlie Kirk

In introducing Charlie Kirk, Founder and President of Turning Point USA, Joe Walsh said 24-year-old KIrk is one of the most important speakers in our country today. In only five years, Charlie built the largest youth group in this nation to promote conservative ideas with 1,250 chapters located on high school and college campuses, and the movement continues to grow.

Charlie Kirk turned his speaking time over to Candace Owens who is with Kirk’s Turning Point. Her blog is “Red Pill Black.”  Without hesitation, Ms. Owens announced that by the end of 2018 she was going to “lead the Black revolution against the Democratic Party.”  Candace then commented how Blacks have an unfavorable reputation in the media, that they hate white people, and that they just want free stuff.  “Not so,” said Candace.  In bringing up the name Turning Point U.S.A. to Charlie Kirk, Candace asked of Kirk, “whose point was being turned?”   Thereafter, Candace requested that Charlie put her on the ground to speak to her own people.  As Candace remarked: “Some Blacks don’t even know they are conservative.”

Rick Manning advocates limited government

Rick Manning, from American for Limited Government, offered comments that were well received, first relating how The Paris Climate Agreement was an attempt to export American wealth to other countries.  In spite of intense lobbying efforts to convince the U.S. to stay on board, Trump realized the agreement would only hurt the economic engine of the United States in limiting our electricity generating capacity.  As Manning remarked, The Paris Accords was all about reducing global warming through the reduction of CO2 emissions, which would have required the curtailment of fossil fuels (We do have 300 years of  coal sitting in the ground.) in favor on green sources of energy.  Mr. Manning further stated, “People will respect America when we are the wealthiest and the strongest nation.”  Manning, in an unspoken reference to Trump, spoke of how great men arise at times when God needs them.  Manning emphasized that Republicans will be unable to survive another election cycle if they tell themselves that voting is not worth their time, for the Democrats are motivated come out and vote.

“Diamond” and “Silk” reinactment

In what was a play on the comedy team of Diamond and Silk, Raquel Mitchell and Babette Holder, President of the Illinois Chapter of the Frederick Douglass Foundation, presented their version of the Diamond and Silk comedy team of  Lynnette Hardaway and Rochelle Richardson, who are better known by their stage names Diamond and Silk.  They became active American video bloggers and YouTube personalities as black women in support of Trump during the Trump campaign.

Nehlen and Marter challenge incumbent Republicans

The last two rally speakers were patriots who are running to unseat Republican Party incumbents.  Even though the MAGA event was geared toward targeting state and federal elected officials in Illinois who are not supportive of the Trump agenda, Wisconsin Congressional candidate Paul Nehlen, who is running to defeat RINO speaker of the House Paul Ryan, was a welcome addition to the rally.  Nehlen criticized Ryan for not being a conservative voice and thought the time had come for Ryan to return home.  Furthermore, Ryan is not fighting for Trump’s agenda.  Big business continues to love Ryan because of his handouts.  On immigration, Ryan doesn’t favor building a wall, and he’s perfectly fine with DACA individuals obtaining citizenship.  This would enable millions of DACA relatives to enter this nation through chain migration.

Illinois Congressional candidate James Marter seems up to the challenge to defeat incumbent 16th District Congressman Adam Kinzinger, who has been a big disappointment in his failure to support President Trump in the U.S. House. Marter wants to cut spending in D.C. and drain the swamp. He also believes in limited spending and is a strong advocate of 2nd Amendment rights.  Marter was well received. Many rally attendees were from Kinzinger’s 16th Congressional District.

Closing remarks

Joe Walsh expressed how awesome it was that so many came to attend the MAGA rally, even though attendance was far short of the hoped for 1,000 strong. Joe then warned that we are in for a fight never before seen, for liberals are crazed and energized to wrest control back from Republican control.

It would be foolish and disastrous to discount the anger that is on the Left.   The fight we are now involved in will be long and hard, for the very soul of our nation is being threatened by globalists who desire another direction for this nation.

You can read part one of the MAGA Rally story here that appeared earlier in the week in Illinois Review. http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/12/thorner-illinois-conservatives-gather-in-rockford-to-make-america-great-again.html

Monday, December 04, 2017 at 07:02 AM | Permalink

Thorner: Illinois conservatives gather in Rockford to “Make America Great Again”

By Nancy Thorner –  

Photos by Mark Weyermuller 

MAGA Illinois 2O17 hosted its first “Make America Great Again” rally to unite 200 supporters of President Trump on Tuesday, November 21, at Giovanni’s Convention Center in Rockford, Illinois, from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.  An expo preceded the family friendly 7:00 p.m. MAGA rally. Rallies have also been held in Pennsylvania and Missouri, with an ongoing effort to hold additional rallies to reach into districts where support for President Trump’s policies needs to be articulated.

MAGA Illinois is a newly formed organization launched in September of 2017 as part of a growing demand by patriots in Illinois as a venue to show their support for Republican President Donald J. Trump and the promises detailed in his “Make America Great” agenda. As such, MAGA Illinois is working within Illinois to rally around Illinois politicians who support President Trump, while bringing down elected Illinois officials who refuse to support him.

The Rockford rally was aimed squarely at Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who represents Illinois’ Sixteenth Congressional District which stretches across 14 counties in the Northern Illinois region.  Kinzinger is a frequent vocal critic of Trump’s policies. James Marter is running in the IL GOP primary to defeat Rep. Adam Kinzinger.

Wisconsin Congressional Candidate Paul Nehlen, even though running to unseat RINO Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, was received warming by MEGA Illinois attendees.

 

The MAGA event was sponsored in part by Phyllis Schlafly Eagles & Eagle Forum Education Fund located in Alton, Illinois. The president of the recently-formed Phyllis Schlafly Eagles, Ed Martin, participated in the 7:00 – 9:00 rally. Other sponsors were the Rockford Tea Party and the Frederick Douglass Foundation.

The Expo was devoted to showcasing respected conservative groups, vendors and politicians. There were display tables where noteworthy conservative books could be purchased; other tables where Trump memorabilia was being sold. One table had Trump tee-shirts available and numerous tables spotlighted both local and state candidates. No one left MAGA Illinois without signing candidate Jeanne Ives’ petitions to be on the IL GOP 2018 primary ballot.  Both radio stations AM 560 and AM 890 had featured lineups of their conservative talk show hosts.

EXPO break-out sessions

During the Expo time allowance, there were break-out sessions for MAGA attendees, the first being Stephanie Trussell, who has a weekly Saturday 1-3 pm show on WLS-AM 890.  Chicago-based conservative blogger, Mark Weyermuller, introduced host Stephanie Trussell.  Mark is well known for his weekly “Man on the Street” segments on Trussell’s show.

 

Having just voted for Bill Clinton in 1996, Stephanie Trussell indicated this was also the year she came out of the closet as a Republican Conservative Christian. On July 14, 2017 Stephanie Trussell, in an article published at Illinois Review, Why I left the Donkey Plantation Party,  explains how she escaped the Donkey Plantation.

In 2012 Stephanie, in competition with four other individuals won a contest to become a talk show host.  Stephanie is grateful that WLS is paying her for what she has to say and doesn’t attempt to stifle her speech.  She is featured on the same radio station as Mark Levin and Rush Limbaugh. Stephanie questioned how anyone could be a Democrat when Democrats believe there are more than two genders and that babies can be killed without regret. Stephanie offered these three guidelines to success:  Finishing high school, finding a job, and keeping a job.

Another break-out EXPO session speaker was Jeanne Ives, candidate for Illinois governor, who is running as a Republican alternative and challenger to Republican Governor Bruce Rauner. There was a standing ovation for Jeanne, who is known and loved as an Illinois Republican House member not hesitant to fight for what she believes in.  Jeanne related how she grew up in a small town in South Dakota with 5 siblings.  As a graduate of West Point Military Academy, Jeanne continue to live by the West Point Code, which she instilled in her five children, two of which serve in the military.  In speaking about the state of Illinois, it is $250 billion in debt with $50 billion in unpaid bills.  Governor Rauner, instead of making good on his promised reforms when he ran for office, has used his time in office to put in place the economic and social agenda of Chicago Democrats.

Jeanne says her goals as governor would be to grow jobs, reform spending, and stamp out public corruption.  She has a plan for solving pension indebtedness and would never consider raising taxes.  She promised she would not alter the courageous leadership she displayed so many times as an Illinois state rep if elected governor.

John McGlasson followed Jeanne Ives.  McGlasson is the Illinois Republican State Central Committee Chairman of the 16th Congressional District.  McGlasson stated the following as the problem with the Republican Party in Illinois:  Many of those who call themselves leaders of the Republican Party have moved away from the heart of the Republican Party.  A move back to conservative values is needed to rescue Illinois from that of a failed state to one its citizens can once again be proud of.

 

The EXPO sessions also featured two noted best-selling conservative authors, Phil Haney, who with co-author Art Moore, wrote, See Something Say Nothing  in which Haney, as a former Homeland Security Officer, exposes the government’s submission to jihad, and Trevor Loudon, author of The Enemies Within: Communists, Socialists and Progressives in the U.S. Congress, in which Loudon, as a patriot of New Zealand, sets forth a better understanding than realized by most Americans of how this nation represents the last bastion of freedom and that the fate of many nations lies in our hands.

Philip Haney related how by the time President Obama took office, Muslim Brotherhood-linked leaders in the United States were forcing changes to national security policy and even being invited into the highest chambers of influence. Haney then spoke of how much the Obama administration knew in advance of the Boston Marathon bombing and how it launched an ongoing cover-up on behalf of a major ally and of the fear-based tactics imposed by the Muslim Brotherhood front groups in the U.S., and their accomplices, that paralyze officials, members of Congress and any Department of Homeland Security employee that dares to expose or resist their agenda.

Trevor Loudon cited illegal immigration as the greatest threat to this nation; how all  labor unions are now Marxist organizations, which came about when in 1994 John Joseph Sweeney  became president of the powerful American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO); and that Obama, as a Marxist-Leninist, was willing to risk everything to push amnesty through, even knowing it would cost him the Senate, as it would move this nation closer to becoming a one party state with one party rule forever.  On a more uplifting reflection, Loudon stated how God has given this nation a 2nd chance through the miraculous election of Donald J. Trump as president, but there will not be a third chance.  The Democrats are angry and fired up because they didn’t win. They will stop at nothing to take back control of this nation, so the type of government they desire can be put in place.

Friday, December 01, 2017 at 10:44 AM | Permalink