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Thomas More Society of Chicago Demands Immediate Enforcement of Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act

Illinois Supreme Court Urged to, Without Delay, Enforce Federal Law Requiring Physicians to Notify Minor’s Parents before Performing an Abortion

(08/31/09 – Chicago, IL) Today, the Thomas More Society, a public interest law firm based in Chicago, has filed in the lllinois Supreme Court an original action for “writ of mandamus,” asking the Justices to order the immediate enforcement, without further delay, of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act of 1995 (“Parental Notice Act” or “the Act”), and directing the members of the Illinois State Medical Disciplinary Board, the Acting Secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation, and the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation to expunge and negate their recommendation and order, handed down earlier this month, suspending enforcement of the Parental Notice Act for ninety days.  The Society alleges that these administrative officials acted without legal authority and in defiance of legally required procedures in unilaterally announcing that they would wait three months before enforcing this duly enacted Illinois law and that their illegal action could only be remedied – on a timely basis – by the Supreme Court’s direct and immediate intervention.

The Act requires a physician to notify one of the minor’s parents (legal guardian, step-parent or grandparent living in the same household) before he or she performs an abortion upon a minor, unless the minor petitions the circuit court for a waiver of the notice requirement.  Waivers may be granted if the minor can establish, in a “bypass hearing,” that she is mature enough to make a decision to obtain an abortion without notifying her parents or that notice would not be in her best interests.  Enacted in 1995, the parental notice law was in legal limbo for over a decade until, on September 20, 2006, the Illinois Supreme Court adopted a rule, constitutionally required under federal law, providing for expedited, confidential “bypass” appeals.  Once the new Rule 303A was adopted and after further litigation, on July 14, 2009, the United States Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the constitutionality of the Act and the Illinois Supreme Court’s implementing rule.  A few weeks later, when the Court of Appeals issued its mandate, the Parental Notice Act became fully effective and enforceable.

 Yet, on August 4, the members of the Illinois State Medical Disciplinary Board, which is responsible for enforcing the Parental Notice Act against physicians who willfully violate it, issued a recommendation  that the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation suspend enforcement of the law for ninety days, beginning on August 5, 2009.  The only stated reason was to give physicians more time to comply with the law.  The very next day, this recommendation was adopted by the Acting Secretary of the Department and the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation.

The Thomas More Society’s complaint for writ of mandamus was brought on behalf of ten Illinois citizens and taxpayers, several of whom are also the parents of minor daughters of child bearing age who would want to be notified before their daughters had an abortion. The Society alleges that the defendants acted without any legal authority and, further, that their action constituted a “rule” that could not take effect without prior compliance with the notice and public comment provisions of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. “The performance of an abortion upon a minor in Illinois without first notifying one of her parents is illegal,” said Tom Brejcha, President & Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Society.  “Physicians who perform abortions in Illinois have had fourteen years to ‘get ready’ and ‘gear up’ to implement the law, more than enough time to comply with the law. This further delay is a clear usurpation of power and an affront to the People of Illinois, the Illinois General Assembly, Governor Edgar who signed this bipartisan law and the Illinois Supreme Court which adopted Rule 303A in 2006.”  The lawsuit asks the Illinois Supreme Court to enter a writ of mandamus directing the defendants to expunge their order suspending enforcement of the law and to enforce the law without further delay.

Contacts: Tom Brejcha, President & Chief Counsel, Thomas More Society (312) 782-1680, (312) 590-3408 (cell)

Tom Ciesielka, TC Public Relations (312) 422-1333 [email protected]                                                               

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About the Thomas More Society

The Thomas More Society is a public interest law firm that counsels and defends those who work to protect innocent human life, defends those who proclaim faith-based values in our nation’s public square, and strives to protect the institution of marriage as a union of man and woman formed to beget, bear and nurture new human lives. For more information, please visit: www.thomasmoresociety.org.

Kennedy Health Care Reform Bill? Senator's Death Used To Create Support For Obamacare: Shame On Them!

Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

I would like to offer my condolences to the family of Sen. Ted Kennedy who passed away earlier this week, though I strongly disagreed with most of the values espoused by the late Democratic Senator from Massachusetts.

With the praise of Kennedy for his service to the nation must come the facts regarding an individual who had deep flaws of character, but I will leave judgment regarding such matters to others.  I am troubled concerning the rush by the far left to use Kennedy's death as a political tool.  Liberal extremists--who now control both Houses of Congress and the White House--will do practically anything to advance their political agenda.  And never let it be said adherence to moral principles should get in their way.

It is clear the American people oppose the Democrats fervent desire to put the nation's health care system under government control.  In town hall meetings across the country held during the month of August, legislators who were on break caught more than an earful from their constituents.  Democrats and much of the mainstream media tried to dismiss the voices of individuals from all sides of the political spectrum.  But this only served to antagonize the public in its opposition to a proposal which would put one-sixth of the nation's economy in the hands of government bureaucrats.

It appears the Democrats are considering a new strategy, in order to get their way.  The Congressional majority seems to be planning to title the unpopular effort to reform the nation's health care system after Ted Kennedy--before his body is in the grave.  Some may claim the idea to name a health care reform bill after Kennedy would be meant to honor him.  However, it is an obvious attempt to play on the emotions of Americans.  This is a tactic the left is known for. 

For example, Cap and Trade--which would represent the largest tax increase in U.S. history--was titled the "American Clean Energy and Security Act" by the bill's sponsors.  The legislation was given the moniker for a purpose.  What American wouldn't want clean energy or, in a post-9/11 world, security?  The bill was given this name by the Democratic-controlled Congress to obscure its true purpose--which is to penalize the energy industry, provide a financial windfall for special interests and advance the radical agenda of environmentalists who desire to turn back the technological clock when it comes to the use of fossil fuels.

Fortunately, the public has come up to speed regarding exactly what Cap and Trade really is and how it would effect their lives, especially their pocket books.  Subsequently, the U.S. Senate is reluctant to vote on Cap and Trade and that's a good thing for the country.

So now, since the left is being met by considerable opposition, as far as health care reform is concerned, Kennedy's death will probably be used in the effort to play on the sympathies of those who may not be up to speed on the issue.  The Democrats are playing a dangerous game.  Hopefully, the American people are not that naive.  In fact, there may be a collective "shame on them!" response to an obvious ploy meant to give positive momentum to something most of the public does not want. 

However, what can we expect from a party which takes its marching orders from radical leftist groups like MoveOn.org and the ACLU?  How can we expect morality or the demonstration of positive values from a party which is controlled by groups who believe in abortion on demand, the removal of any reference to God in the public square and the suppression of dissent?

Therefore, I guess the use of Ted Kennedy's death to advance a leftist political agenda is consistent with a value system which adheres to no values at all.

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COLA Freeze for Social Security Recipients: Part of an Obama Ruse to Keep Senior Voting Bloc?

Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

On Monday, August 24, 2009, the Social Security Administration announced a freeze of the annual Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) would go into effect in 2010 and 2011.  Seniors and the handicapped receiving Social Security benefits are given an annual cost of living increase.  For example, in the year beginning January 2009, Social Security recipients received a 5.8% increase in their monthly checks.  Although the COLAs have varied in percentage, recipients have always seen their benefits go up during the past 30 years without fail.

In the past, some have suggested the Social Security Administration could save billions of dollars by eliminating COLAs, but usually such proposals were considered the third rail of politics.  With the decision to freeze COLAs for the next two years, many believe there will be a heavy price to pay by the Barack Obama Administration. 

The President has already come under heavy criticism concerning his plan to reform national health care.   Seniors have turned out in droves at town hall meetings across the nation, voicing their opposition and outrage regarding $500 billion of projected cuts to Medicare.  Many seniors feel the reform of America's health care system would primarily by paid for on their backs.  According to data, 25% of Medicare's budget is spent on the last year of an individual's life.  Even the most steadfast supporters of health care reform admit one day medical services to the elderly would eventually have to be rationed with the outcome being government bureaucrats, instead of doctors, making life and death decisions regarding health care services for the elderly and handicapped.

For decades, senior citizens have represented a solid voting bloc for the Democratic Party.  However, groups like the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) were out front in their backing of a move to nationalize health care.  But recently, the AARP has taken a huge political hit and loss in membership totaling 60,000 since July 1st of 2009.  While AARP still supports health care reform, the organization has changed its tactics of late, taking a more low key approach to the issue. 

I believe the freeze in COLAs is a political ruse.  The Democratic Party fully understands the loss of the senior voting bloc would ultimately result in a sea change in American politics.  This, combined with the fact baby boomers are now approaching retirement age may spell doom for the Democratic majority and change the fortunes of a Republican Party which seemed to be on the edge of political viability.

The elderly will certainly blame the Obama Administration after they receive their first Social Security check in 2010.  Even those who do not follow politics closely would associate the COLA freeze with the Party in rule.  The Obama administration is fully aware of this fact.  This may sound cynical to some, but I believe Barack Obama will attempt to spin the financial freeze facing seniors to his advantage.  Obama will do so by feigning outrage, while at the last minute riding in to "save the day."  He will turn this fiasco into a positive opportunity, designed to bring straying seniors back into the Democratic fold.  The President will find a way to undo the freeze on COLA's, thereby projecting himself as the defender of seniors and handicapped.

It is foolish to think there has not been (and will not be) an increase in the cost of living during the past fiscal year.  Energy prices have gone up, along with the cost of food, shelter and the necessities of life.  We are expected to believe the cost of living has remained stagnant and will do so for the next two years.  But even economists who stand by Obama's "tax and spend" fiscal policies agree there will be considerable inflation in the very near future.  Indeed, some project hyper-inflation is just around the corner for the American economy, due to the existing record deficits and projected mass debt for the future.

Usually, bad news of the political nature is saved for release on Friday's; the mindset being many Americans do not pay attention to news stories over the weekend.  However, isn't it strange the announcement regarding the freeze in COLA's was made at the beginning of a news week?

If senior citizens are the victims of cuts in Medicare related to national health care reform and see their cost of living increases vanish, the combination would spell doom for the Democratic majority and the President.  If there is one absolute regarding Barack Obama and those who surround him, they are not political neophytes.  I believe the freeze in COLA's was politically manufactured, in order to head off the growing displeasure the elderly have with the Democratic Party.  Obama will fashion himself as Democrats have in the past.  He will once again demonstrate his supposed compassion for the downtrodden, disenfranchised and less fortunate by creating the illusion of a crisis for seniors and then solve it by removing the freeze on COLA's.

Part of Barack Obama's stimulus package included a one time only payment of $250 for those receiving Social Security benefits.  But the President's plan to "save the day" for seniors will be a stroke of dastardly proportions.  It is a plan some might call genius, while others will say it is meant to play on the emotions of our nation's elderly and handicapped, many of whom solely depend on their monthly Social Security income.

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Mark Kirk: 10th Congressional District Resident Says Kirk Supported Wasteful Spending

Editor's Note:  Americans are familiar with member of Congress who curry favor with voters and special interest groups through their solicitation of political pork.  In recent years, this has become a hallmark of a Congress, some of whose members spend tax payer dollars like there is no tomorrow.  U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk recently announced his bid for the U.S. Senate and has come under heavy criticism concerning his vote on Cap and Trade.  However, there are stories from inside the 10th Congressional District which may provide insight as to how Mark Kirk governs.

The following submission by Pat Summers represents an inside look at Kirk's 10th Congressional District.  The author cites how Kirk used his influence to support his aide, Aaron Lawlor, being appointed to an influential position in local government.  Lawlor--with Kirk's backing--helped support a project which many believe was a huge waste of tax payer dollars.

A case of a member of Congress who believes in fiscal responsibility?  Or does Kirk embrace the "tax and spend" philosophy which has led to the current fiscal crisis facing our state and nation? 

Thoughts from a conservative 10th Congressional District Republican who sees Kirk as the latter.  

by Pat Summers

Mark Kirk's aide, Aaron Lawlor, is being groomed for higher office and has just moved into an appointed spot on the County Board.  Some years back, the Cook Memorial Library District (Libertyville/Vernon Hills) had an opening on the Board.  Numerous older residents, myself being one, put in our applications for consideration.  I knew a number of the applicants and any of them would have been quite suitable.  Imagine my (and their) surprise to have a college kid, living with his mother, chosen -- "we needed youth representation."  At the time, the Board was trying to determine how best to serve the growing population of the District.  I thought it was very inappropriate that a kid who didn't pay real estate taxes, with no skin in the game, was given a vote on such matters.  Lawlor has been the President of the Board of Trustees.  I have to say that he handles himself pretty well in the few occasions that I have attended meetings.  Still it rankles to know that Kirk had to have pulled some strings to get him selected.

Lawlor and other allies on the Board, all promoted by the local media, have managed to wrangle a new library for Vernon Hills at huge expense to add some not-really-needed space to the Libertyville site (an expensive sop to Libertyville voters).

They used the unethical method of hoarding money earmarked for operations to gain a margin against which they then issued bonds ("not raising taxes").  It doesn't trouble them that they raised taxes prior to the bond purchase for years by budgeting for funds that were not used for the purpose for which they were raised.  If it were not for the fact that the school boards' budgets are so large, the library board shenanigans would have elicited more notice, if the editorials in our local newspapers had made it clear what the scam entailed.

Also, we have a great many people who think that it is only fair that Vernon Hills has its own library.  They had a library, it was at the Cook site.  It wasn't convenient for them because it was situated slightly north of the center of the district.   The new Vernon Hills site is located in the farthest southwest section of the district.  No one seems to care that it is inconvenient for anyone living in the north or northeast part of the district who needs a book quickly and it is shelved in Vernon Hills.

As you can see, I'm a bit miffed.  I have little regard for Kirk for all the right reasons and not much more regard for his acolyte, Lawlor.

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Obama Health Care Would Include Tax-Payer Funded Abortions: The Deadly Secret Is Not In The Details

Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

The controversy over President Barack Obama's plan to reform health care in America has led to one of the most contentious political debates in modern history.  Some of those who feel most threatened are seniors who recognize Medicare is targeted for $500 billion in cuts.  Their concerns are justified and seniors should be afraid--deathly afraid--because it is certain one day bureaucrats will make life and death decisions over the medical care the elderly will receive based on economics alone.  According to data, 25% of Medicare's budget is spent on the last year of a person's life.

However, there is a dirty and deadly little secret regarding what health care reform would mean to human beings whose life outside the womb has not yet begun.  I'm talking about the innocent unborn and since Obama decided the health care system in America, which represents over one-sixth of the nation's economy, needs to be put under government control, the issue of abortion has come to the forefront.

Some have speculated on the strategies being implemented by those who believe in abortion rights.  In an excellent WorldNetDaily piece written by Jill Stanek, titled "Why pro-aborts went silent on healthcare" [http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=107335], the former labor and delivery nurse addresses the varied tactics being used by groups like NARAL regarding the debate over the health care issue.  NOTE:  Jill Stanek exposed the barbaric procedure which many call "live-birth abortion", a medical practice which allowed newborns who survived abortions to be left to die without any medical intervention.  Barack Obama, while a state senator from Illinois, voted against a bill that would have banned the practice (Born-Alive Infant Protection Act).  George W. Bush eventually signed into law legislation banning the practice.

As Stanek and others point out, the pro-abortion lobby has taken an ambiguous approach regarding the health care reform debate.  However, recently the pro-abortion community has, for the most part, kept its political powder dry concerning open promotion of Obamacare.  And for those who believe the killing of the innocent unborn is a Constitutional right, keeping silent on the issue is a wise strategy.  As Stanek points out, this seems to be their tactics of late.

The deadly little secret regarding any health care reform bill is the fact abortion is lawful.  Therefore, legislation put forth by either the United States Senate or the U.S. House of Representatives would not specifically have to address the subject.  Since abortion is seen or interpreted as a form of "medical care", the pro-abortion lobby is recognizing there is no need to generate even more controversy by making abortion an issue in the legislation which the far left so desperately seeks.

If you are looking for proof regarding how taxpayers would be footing the bill for women seeking abortions, you need look no further than the Democratic response to amendments that would exclude abortion funding from any health care reform legislation.  Indeed, there have been numerous attempts by pro-life Republicans to introduce amendments that would ban abortion in any Obamacare bill, but each attempt has been soundly defeated by the Democratic majority which controls both Houses of Congress.

This is a rare case where proof is offered by a negative.  The pro-abortion lobby fully understands their goals concerning the coverage of abortions would be included in any attempt to reform national health care, unless such provisions against the practice are specifically written into the legislation.  And, sadly, with abortion being the law of the land, the procedure would automatically come under "women's health care".

These facts have left groups like NARAL and Planned Parenthood in a quandary.  With recent polling, for the first time, indicating over 50% of Americans now consider themselves pro-life, putting abortion in the forefront of this political debate would be counter-productive.  It would be one more obstacle in the way of health care reform which is quickly losing public support day by day.

But there is a reality regarding abortion and those who provide the procedure which cannot be denied.  The taking of innocent human life is a multi-billion dollar business.  Indeed, abortion is an industry which puts big dollars in the pockets of abortion providers (like Planned Parenthood--the nation's largest) and subsequently, politicians.  One bloody hand washes the other.  Yet polling indicates even some Americans who support abortion would not favor requiring taxpayers to subsidize this so-called "choice".

Even though the pro-abortion lobby may try to keep a low profile in the debate over health care reform, those like myself who believe in the sanctity of human life must not be silent.  The thief often comes during the dark of night and, in this case, the ultimate and deadly goal of this thievery is human life.

Life from conception to our latter years is under attack by this health care reform initiative which devalues the precious gift God has given us.  The motives of the left cannot be swept under the proverbial rug.  The ideology promoted by the Obama administration has been made crystal clear since his first day in office.  One of President Obama's first edicts was to continue U.S. funding of abortion abroad.  We should not be fooled in thinking this anti-life agenda is not meant for us all.  Therefore, the pro-aborts can be silent on this issue in their attempt to deceive the American public.  However, those who hold life precious should be vocal regarding the deadly secret.

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Average American Tells Why We All Should Participate In Political System: A True Patriot

Op-Ed by Nancy Cahalan

I never saw myself as someone who would run for an elected office.  My older daughter has dreams of running for president one day and I always thought she would be the first in our family with her name on a ballot for election.  The most I was involved in politics was in voting.  I have never worked for a particular campaign nor have I donated to one.  It wasn't that there were not candidates or issues that did not grab my attention, becoming more involved was just not something that I felt called to do.

Last Spring, someone in my church who is active in our county Republican party asked me if I would be interested in being a precinct committeeman. Not really knowing what that was, I said sure.  A short while later, I got a letter saying that I had been appointed as the precinct committeeman for my voting precinct. 

I began educating myself on just exactly what a precinct committeeman is.  I must admit that the first article I came across on the Internet threw me for a loop.  It was titled "The Most Powerful Office In The World Is NOT The President of the United States":   (http://www.eagleforum.org/misc/brochures/precinct-committman.shtml)

I will admit I was doubtful that an elected office--about which I had never heard--could be the most powerful in the world.  I am still not totally convinced that precinct committeeman is the MOST powerful, but there is power there that many people probably don't realize because, like me, they have never heard of the office--nor do they know anything about it.

What has compelled me to actually run for the office in the February 2010 elections is multifaceted.  One reason is what is happening at the federal level in our country right now.  There are bills being passed and signed that are not being read by those who are paid by us to do so.  The provisions included in those bills are not in line with what is contained in our U.S. Constitution and I object to that greatly. 

Another reason is the Republican Party is a mess.  In our state (Illinois) and in our nation, there are so many who have been elected because they claimed the "R" after their names and yet I find it hard to discern why they claim the "R".  The votes they cast, the issues they support, the speeches they give are not in line with my understanding of what the Republican Party has as its values and ideals.  The Bush administration gave us the deficit with which President Barack Obama began.  While I do know Obama has tremendously increased that deficit, he did inherit a huge debt from a Republican president and a Republican majority in Congress.  U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter at least was honest enough to admit his affinities were more in line with the Democratic Party than the GOP and stopped pretending to be a Republican.  I wish more of those who are referred to as RINOs (Republicans In Name Only) would do the same.

Finally, I was brought up believing if you are not part of the solution, you are a part of the problem and just sitting around complaining is not the way to actually get things changed.  Since I am already the precinct committeeman for my precinct, I intend to hold onto that position and do what I can from there to bring about the changes that I can.

Becoming a precinct committeeman is one of the easiest things that one can do.  It does take time, but not much money. You have to get the appropriate paperwork from your county clerk, get the requisite signatures on the petition to get your name on the ballot, and then 'campaign' as you wish.  If you do not know anything or very little about the office, educate yourself.  If you don't feel called to run, maybe you know someone else who you can encourage to do so.  With all the talk about grassroots movements, here is the grassroots of any political party.

Precinct committeemen do have an impact on their respective parties from the ground up--whether you run, encourage someone else to run or not.  Please don't just sit back.  Truly our country--as it was intended to be--and, more importantly, our freedoms are at stake.  If we do nothing, we will wake up one morning to find we are living in a country we do not want.  If I am accused of fear mongering, so be it.  The stakes are high and we need to be aware and we need to fight back.

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For more information on how to run for the office of Precinct Committeeman in Illinois, go to:
http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2009/08/wanted-republican-precinct-committeemen-how-you-can-help-take-back-your-party.html 

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Major Candidates to Attend Illinois Forum's 20th Anniversary Luncheon in Champaign

ILLINOIS FORUM 
 
For Immediate Release
Contact:  Robert S. Redfern:  (618) 842-7246 or (618) 842-3644 
 
Major Candidates to Attend Illinois Forum's 20th Anniversary Luncheon in Champaign

On Saturday, August 22nd, 2009, the Illinois Forum (IF) will hold its 20th anniversary luncheon in Champaign.  Notable political activists from across the state will gather to hear Republican candidates, seeking state and federal office in the GOP's 2010 primary, present their case for nomination.

Illinois Forum's Chairman, the Hon. Robert S. Redfern, former Vice-chairman of the Illinois Republican State Committee will host the event along with IF Board Chairman, former U.S. Rep. Dan Crane.  The Illinois Forum is a grassroots organization which focuses on public policy.

"This is the most comprehensive presentation of Republican office seekers to be held in downstate Illinois for the 2010 election cycle," said Redfern.

Speakers will include gubernatorial candidates DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom; State Senators Bill Brady (Bloomington) and Matt Murphy (Palatine); and businessman Adam Andrzejewski. 

Republican U.S. Senate candidates who will be attending include Norm Hill, William Lee, John Arrington, Robert Zadek, Eric M. Wallace and Andy Martin.  Candidates seeking various constitutional offices will also address Illinois Forum's 20th anniversary luncheon.

"Politics is not something to avoid," added Redfern.  "It is something we have to live with--and to influence, if we can."

The 12:00 Noon luncheon will be held at the Round Barn Banquet Center, 1900 Round Barn Road in Champaign. 

Editor's note:  On Wednesday, state Senator Kirk Dillard confirmed he also will be attending the Illinois Forum luncheon.  Thus, five out of the six Republican gubernatorial candidates will address those gathered at the Illinois Forum event in Champaign.

CNN Anchor Lou Dobbs Telling It Straight: Pro-Obama Media Worm May Be Turning

Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

Lou Dobbs, a longtime anchor for CNN has recently come under fire from the left.  In 2007, Dobbs led the charge against immigration reform legislation--which, if passed, would have given amnesty to over 12 million immigrants who are living in America illegally.  More recently, the host of "Lou Dobbs Tonight" addressed questions regarding President Barack Obama's citizenship.  Dobbs was the only mainstream media type who gave attention to a story which has been simmering beneath the surface ever since Obama announced his presidential candidacy.

While watching his show the other night, I would have sworn I had the FOX NEWS channel tuned in.  Dobbs did not provide the usual stamp of approval which Obama receives from a vast majority of the left-leaning media.  The program was "fair and balanced", featuring guests from both sides of the political aisle.  This is something seldom seen on CNN, but perhaps there is reason behind the madness.

Television ratings indicate FOX News is dominating its competition.  In fact, FOX beats out CNN, MSNBC and CNBC combined.  Indeed, the numbers aren't even close.  More amazing is the fact programs like FOX's "The O'Reilly Factor" is now attracting nearly as many viewers as the "CBS Evening News with Katie Couric".  No cable news programming has ever challenged the three major networks in viewership.  For example, the CBS Evening News, anchored by Couric, attracts around six million viewers each evening.  "The O'Reilly Factor" consistently has 5.4 million viewers (and growing) who now watch Bill O'Reilly in the 7 P.M. Central time slot combined with the rebroadcast at 10 P.M.

FOX's "fair and balanced" format translates into huge dollars for the Rupert Murdoch-owned entity and other networks are surely taking notice.  Dobbs has been running against the grain of CNN's past liberal leanings and the fact his program is still on the air is a testament to a change we may soon be seeing on other networks.

I can only say, "it's about time."  During the coverage of the 2008 presidential election, the mainstream media's shameless promoting of the Obama campaign reached the level of absurdity.  Journalistic integrity flew out the window like never before.  It is safe to safe Obama would not now be President of the United States if the dominant media had covered the election with any form of objectivity.  Lou Dobbs' show is the only CNN programming that has increased in viewership.  The bottom line is:  Dobbs is making money for his network, by acting like a journalist should.

In recent years, political ideology in journalism has become blatant.  Balanced reporting in the mainstream media has become a long lost art.  Commentary has been blended into the news and this has resulted in falling ratings for the three major networks--ABC, CBS and NBC.  But cable news has taken the biggest hit in recent years with CNN losing its dominant position of leadership in television ratings.  In addition, MSNBC and CNBC have been losing propositions for General Electric (their parent company) from the beginning.

However, other CNN programming seems to be following Dobbs' lead.  Wolf Blitzer, CNN's primary news anchor, has also demonstrated a turn towards more objective coverage of the political scene.  Of course, there is the possibility Barack Obama's falling popularity in the polls may be a factor in the recent shift towards more balanced news coverage on CNN. 

One can only hope the dominant media has come to its senses regarding its charge to inform the American public, presenting the facts objectively about issues, thereby allowing the public to process information on their own.  Indeed, all journalists should follow Bill O'Reilly's mantra of "The No Spin Zone" regarding reporting on matters of social and political import.

With the need for honest and balanced coverage of issues like health care reform, government bail-outs and Cap and Trade, the time has come for a return to sanity in the mainstream press.  Lou Dobbs may be leading the way, getting back to basics.  Dobbs has come under fire from special interest groups on the left who want CNN to send Dobbs packing.  Hopefully, CNN will demonstrate common sense and the courage to stand by the one bright light who may change the fortunes of a failing news operation.

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RFFM.org's Executive Director Dan Zanoza to guest on Champion News Talk Radio

DAN ZANOZA, Executive Director of RFFM.org, will guest on CHAMPION NEWS TALK RADIO on Sunday, August 9th from 8 - 9 A.M. for a no-holds barred discussion on Illinois politics.  Zanoza joins Jack Roeser, John Biver, Doug Ibendahl and program moderator, Cathy Santos to discuss U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk's bid for the U.S. Senate and other issues facing the Illinois GOP.

The show can be streamed at: http://www.championnews.net/talk/ or http://560wind.townhall.com/ Click on the "LISTEN LIVE" link.

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Republicans United Against Mark Kirk: Hey, How Do I Sign Up?

Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

Recently, I wrote a column about U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL-10th District) throwing his hat into the pool of GOP candidates seeking the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated by Roland Burris.  I'm sure Mr. Kirk would like to hear the response to his candidacy has been overwhelmingly positive.  However, for the first time in my memory, not one individual who read my piece was in support of Kirk.  Indeed, the U.S. Representative from the 10th District was widely maligned by those who read the column and agreed with my thoughts concerning why Kirk should not be seeking the nomination for Senate in Illinois or any other statewide office.

 

The animus directed towards Kirk was clear and unambiguous.  Many Republicans believed the pro-abortion, anti-gun, tax and spend liberal (which Kirk is) would be better off running as a Democrat.  Even fiscal conservatives seem to be marching to the same drummer regarding Kirk's Senate bid.  They cite the fact Kirk was only one of eight Republicans whose House vote helped to pass President Barack Obama's Cap and Trade bill which may be soon considered by the U.S. Senate. 

 

The reaction to Kirk's plans were so visceral, a number of those who sent comments on my column suggested an informal organization be formed with the direct purpose being to stop Mark Kirk's political aspirations in Illinois. 

 

I usually shy away from such proposals, but in the case of Kirk, this idea has merit.  In fact, I would support such a movement. 

 

Now there are those who will say Kirk is a Republican, therefore, he should be supported--right or wrong.  This is a time-worn philosophy that has left the GOP reeling in recent years.  The "Republican--right or wrong" mantra has been so bad for the Party, in many polls, the general public now asserts Democrats are better on fiscal issues than Republicans. 

 

Certainly Barack Obama has been a gift to the GOP regarding this matter.  Our country is now saddled under $3.5 trillion of debt and, if the President has his way--with the passage of health care reform and Cap and Trade--the deficit numbers will go through the roof, leaving the nation facing fiscal insolvency. 

 

Subsequently, I am writing this column to see if a campaign to stop Kirk would be supported by Republicans, not only in Illinois, but across the nation.  But this message is not solely meant for Kirk.  I would hope both the national Republican Party and the Illinois GOP Combine would get the message.  The Party needs to understand that so-called moderates or liberals like Kirk have damaged the GOP.  If the Republican Party has a masochism complex or some sort of desire to self-destruct, running candidates like Kirk would fit that bill--perfectly.  They also need to know, as stated by Peter Finch's character in his Academy Award winning role in the movie Network, "we are sick and tired and we're not going to take it any more."  True Republicans feel the same way. 

 

So, if you think a group designed to stop pseudo-Republicans like Kirk is a worthy effort, please drop me a note.  For that matter, there are Republicans In Name Only running across the nation for elected office.  Perhaps this could be an endeavor with national scope.  But there is one thing for certain.  I'm sure there are more clever people out there who could come up with a catchy acronym, well, at least more catchy than mine.

 

And here's another fact.  If we want to preserve the principles our Party should stand for, it's clear something needs to be done to get the message across to those who seem to be out of touch with the Republican base.  No, they are not only out of touch with the Republican base, they are out of touch with America.  The only problem is they are either hard of hearing or bought and paid for.  In any case, the Party of Lincoln has lost its way and perhaps we can help put it back on track.

 

Zanoza will guest on Champion News Talk Radio on Sunday, August 9th from 8 - 9 A.M. with Jack Roeser, John Biver, Doug Ibendahl and program moderator, Cathy Santos.  The show can be streamed by going to:  http://www.championnews.com or www.560wind.com or to listen in, go to the Champion News web site to see what stations broadcast the show in your area.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Mark Kirk's U.S. Senate Bid Doomed: When Will GOP Ever Learn? 

http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2009/07/-mark-kirks-us-senate-bid-doomed-when-will-gop-ever-learn-.html 

Cap & Trade: Political Alchemy, Economy Buster & Disaster for Poor:  http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2009/06/-cap-trade-political-alchemy-economy-buster-disaster-for-poor.html 

 

Cap and Trade Passes U.S. House: Kirk, 7 other Republicans, Vote for Greatest Tax Increase in U.S. History

http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2009/06/cap-and-trade-passes-us-house-kirk-7-other-republicans-vote-for-greatest-tax-increase-in-us-history-.html 

 

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