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Dan Zanoza, Born into Eternity on January 6, 2011

 

In honor of my beloved husband, Danny

By Julie Cleary Zanoza

Daniel T. Zanoza

Born into Life on November 27, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois

Born into Eternity on January 6, 2011

A special Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. to celebrate Dan’s life.  The church is located at 15050 Wolf Road in Orland Park, Illinois.

A service was held in Lincoln, Illinois at Jefferson Street Christian Church (our church) last Saturday, February 5th, 2011.

Danny and I have been together since our first date on February 8, 1974.  We were married at the Four Square Gospel Church in Chicago Ridge on November 20, 1982.  And yes, if you do the math, we went out for over eight years before we got married.  But once we realized we were living in sin, I moved out ‘til we got married.  Dan said his only regret is that we did not get married sooner.  By the way, his best man asked what his duties were and we said one is to decorate the car.  People always would ask us, “when are you two going to get married?”, So I told Jimmy, his best man, you should put “Finally Married” – instead of “Just Married” and that’s what the sign read!  

Feb. 8, 2011 marks the anniversary of our first date 37 years ago.  Quite honestly, I was feeling so sad, I was sobbing...but not for long because two awesome things happened today!  Which I'll get to.

I believe Dan's most important project was coordinating a Nativity Scene in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda (where our elected officials meet).  Last year was the THIRD consecutive year the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee, Chaired by Dan Zanoza, erected and displayed a Nativity Scene (the only one to stand in a state capitol in the country) honoring the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Dan said, on more than one occasion, that the Springfield Nativity Scene would stand long after we were all gone to our reward in Heaven. 

Therefore, in honor of Dan Zanoza, my beloved husband and best friend, today on the 37th anniversary of our first date, I called the Secretary of State's office (who issues permits for the SNSC) this morning, shortly after they opened, first to thank Salli Chernis for her call and condolence card, but she was not in, a co-worker (Gabby) told me Salli's brother-in-law had passed away.  But I requested an application for a permit to erect the FOURTH annual Nativity Scene for 2011 and it's in the mail now! 

By the way, Jim Finnegan was the person who urged Dan to get a Nativity Scene in the state capitol when we moved to Lincoln.  Jim is connected with the "God Squad" which is responsible for the life-sized Nativity Scene which goes on display each year in downtown Chicago in the Daley Civic Center Plaza.

Illinois State Senator Chris Lauzen of Aurora, a pro-life warrior and a very humble, Godly man introduced Senate Resolution 34 today in the Illinois State Senate to honor Dan’s life and work!  When we spoke last week, Sen. Lauzen had told me he had planned to introduce the resolution at that time, but the legislators were not in session last week because of the blizzard.  Dan is probably shaking his head in Heaven right now, saying, “Why the big deal?  I only did what the Lord led me to do.  My ministry was to serve the Lord and if I saved just one child’s life from an abortionist, my life was worthwhile.”

I am so happy that these two "things" happened on the date of the 37th anniversary of our first date!  Again, I was feeling extremely sad today...but now I'm not!  Praise God!  He lifted my spirits.  February 8th will never be a sad day for me, but a joyous one! 

Incidentally, Sen. Lauzen is a member of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC).  And thanks to Tom Brejcha of the Chicago-based Thomas More Society (TMS) Pro-Life Law Center the Nativity scene became a reality in 2008.  Tom Brejcha is also the SNSC's legal counsel.

Danny was a pro-life warrior for almost two decades.  He considered his work a ministry, including writing for RFFM.org (as its founder and director) and other organizations, including the Illinois Family Institute, Illinois Leader, City News USA, and CleanTV.com.  His writings have been posted on Canada Free Press, many newspapers, magazines, Ann Coulter's blog, Greta Van Susteren's blog, etc.  A college text book even printed an example of Dan's work, well, technically, to be totally accurate, I should say Dan's writings with the Lord's help...which included Christlike messages.

Danny and I always prayed before writing, he never had training as a journalist, but he didn't need training, Dan had God to help him!  And whenever he received a compliment on one of his articles or columns, he would always say, “Thank you, but all the credit and glory goes to the Lord.” 

Danny was not perfect.  In fact, many times he said, “I’m not perfect, far from it; the only perfect person was JESUS”.  Can I get an AMEN?  AMEN!!!  

Dan also would say “God answers our prayers in one of four ways:  Yes, No, Not Now or Not your way.”  The obvious implication for the latter (Not your way) is the Lord has better solutions than we as humans (made in His likeness) to our “problems”. 

Those of you who knew Danny personally, knew he liked to joke around…when appropriate.    He’d be the first to admit he was not good at telling a joke, but he still liked kidding around.

Many of you know Dan became totally blind in 2006.  Yet this did not slow him down as far as his ministry.  There were times he would write a column--after he became totally blind--on paper, for me to type and edit later…because he had so much to say on issues of religious freedom, gun rights and more.  I couldn't keep up with him!

I have to confess, I am NOT a good housekeeper, far from it, and, obviously, out of necessity, since I could only cook breakfast items or something simple, like a grilled cheese sandwich or hamburger, Dan taught me how to cook.  The reason I mention this is because Dan as a totally blind person (with not even light recognition) would wash and wax the car, vacuum, dust, clean windows, sort laundry and much, much more.

Dan did a lot of the prep work for cooking.  He would take a whole chicken, clean it, cut it into pieces and bread it.  Next, he would put the oil in the frying pan and say, “Okay Jules, now it’s your turn because I can’t tell how high the flame is.  He would use the timer on the talking watch he received from blind services, to time the food and tell me when to flip it, put it in the oven, etc.  Dan could use the microwave on his own (by using raised dots we put on it, the stove and dryer.  Once I came home from doing some grocery shopping and he had made and cooked meat loaf—from scratch--using a recipe one of our neighbors (Patricia) gave us! 

Another time, while I was posting a column and e-mailing it out, my new BFF, Jayne, came over and I didn’t realize Dan was making macaroni and cheese and she said “Dan, be careful.”  When I would tell some women all Dan did as a totally blind person, they would say, "Wow!  My husband can see and he doesn't help me with the housework."

Let me digress for a moment.  Danny and I always prayed for guidance from the Lord in our lives.  

God the Father, always knows what’s best for us.  Danny said the best thing that came from the loss of his eyesight was the fact that he reconciled with his sister, Helen.  Dan also said it’s a good thing his Mother, Sophie, passed away when she did because it would have broke her heart to see her son go blind.

So, let me repeat, things happen in life because the Lord knows what’s best for us…after all, He knew all of us in the womb…indeed, He knew us before any of our parents met and, for that matter, thousands of years before any of us were born. 

While in the hospital, Dan was joking with Jim Hostetter--our best friend from Lincoln and fellow Jeff Street Christian Church member--and he asked Dan if he knew he was terminal and Dan replied, “Yes.”  

My beloved Dan told another good friend, Northern Dan (Gura), aka Also Dan [who has a great sense of humor, albeit not always politically correct--which I believe is a good thing], “the next person I SEE will be Jesus.”  By the way, Northern Dan called my beloved Dan “Southern Dan”…even though we live in Central Illinois and if you don’t get the fact this is a joke, you’re not from the Chicago area. 

By the way, one beautiful summer day Dan and I were sitting on our porch with Jim and Brenda Hostetter and they asked if we had any family in the area.  When we replied “no” Brenda said “consider us your family.”  We both wept with tears of joy!  Well, I could write a book to tell you how much Jim and Brenda have done for us (and so many others in Lincoln) over the years, but I won’t.  In fact, I could write a number of books to relate so many things, but I’m not a writer.  I'm an editor, although you won't be able to tell after reading my words here.  

The greatest compliment Dan ever received as a person was:  “You must be a Christian.”  And he got that compliment because actions speak louder than words. 

As a writer, the greatest compliment Dan ever received: “If Dan Zanoza said it, it must be true!” 

A Chicago Tribune reporter once called Dan “the Matt Drudge of Illinois politics.”  But actually, even though my beloved husband and best friend of 37 years often wrote about political issues, he did not like the political side or aspect of it.

Dan wrote on many topics related to the pro-family agenda, including the rights of the innocent unborn and end of life issues and we posted many articles on end of life issues written by Bill Beckman (Illinois Right to Life Committee) on hospice care, palliative care, living wills and more. 

Of course, I miss Danny very, very much and will always love him.  But I take great comfort in knowing I will join him—some day, according to God's perfect timing. 

Right now, I’m taking things one day at a time.  I’m praying for the Lord’s guidance and, as always, my prayers are “According to God's will”.  Dan said how sad it must be for those who do not believe in God and do not have the hope of eternal life in Heaven that we as believers have.

Danny will be missed by many, but his memory, including his serious and comedic sides will live on forever with his family, my family, our many friends, neighbors, church family and fellow pro-life/pro-family warriors.  And thanks to technology, Dan's writings will be out there in Cyberspace...for who knows how long…except, of course, the Lord.

Thanks to everyone who prayed, sent cards, notes, helped Dan and me in so many ways…before we knew Dan was terminal and after he joined God the Father, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  They are too numerous to mention (and thank) and I would not want to leave even one person out because no matter how you helped us both out, you will never truly know how much it was (and is) deeply appreciated.  We are truly blessed.  I even received cards from people I did not know, but they had read Dan's articles from our website/blog, RFFM.org.  I truly have been overwhelmed and blessed. 

I must thank my sister, Ann and her husband Tommy Greybill, my brothers Jeremiah and Jimmy Cleary, my niece Michelle Greybill, Dan's sister (my sister-in-law) Helen Stacey and her husband Hank, our "Busia" Arlene Sawicki, Pastor Dustin Fulton (another SNSC member) and our Jeff St. Church family, Dr.Tonimarie Vincent and Tom Brejcha (who, among others, including Bobby Shindler [Terry Schiavo's brother] helped me keep Dan out of hospice care).  God bless the Rev.Lainie Dowell (for her counsel) and Dr. Laurie Roth!  Also, thank you to Bill Beckman; and Mary Anne Hackett of Catholic Citizens of Illinois.  God bless the Rev. Bernie Lutchman, Dan’s Bible study buddies (Business Men In Christ of Springfield), Henry and Ida Johnson of Jeff St. Church.  Wow!  This thank you list can be longer than the column.   

Thanks to some great people at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln and St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, including volunteers.  Well, I guess that’s enough, I’m sure you (and anyone who reads this) will forgive me if I don’t mention you.  David Curtin, former head of the Illinois Christian Coalition, who is now in a seminary studying for the priesthood, once told us “edit ‘til it hurts.”  But, in this case, I feel it would hurt more to edit, if you catch my drift…no pun intended, especially after last week’s blizzard.

Did I thank David Smith, of the Illinois Family Institute? If not, thanks, Dave!  And thanks to IFI's Bruce Tincknell.  Also, thanks to Bernie Schoenburg of the Springfield State Journal-Register, and thanks toTony Cameron, Mike Pawlecki...Thanks to Jean Cohoon...you probably don't realize how much you helped me.

To Bob Wood, thank you!  God, as always, put you (and others) in our lives exactly when we needed you...because God is so good.

And an extra special thanks and God bless you to Beth and Rick Rogers, who spent time with Dan in the hospital on Christmas Day because I woke up to 5.5 inches of snow in Lincoln and could not be in Springfield with Dan.  I know God was with Dan at all times, but Dan also had two God-fearing, God-loving friends with him on the day we celebrate Christ's birth.  Beth is a member of the SNSC; Beth played her guitar and sang a song during the “Celebration of Dan Zanoza's Life” service in Lincoln with Bill Lewis, the musical director at Jeff St. Church.  Thanks, Bill! 

Thanks to our Pastor Dustin Fulton (another SNSC member), the ladies who helped prepare the dinner at Jeff St. Christian Church in Lincoln and those who donated food and their precious time.  Thanks to Everett Crowell, also of Jeff St.

I better stop with all the thank you's or I'll be typing 'til Judgement Day, thanking almost everyone Dan and I know...including so many of our neighbors, the Hart's, Barger's, Betty Sims, the Mileham's, etc. who helped us...before and after Dan went to his Heavenly reward.  And thanks to the friends from our old neighborhood in Crestwood, like Bill and Sandy, Chris and Larry...   

I hope I don't offend those I did not mention here who helped both Dan and myself.  In fact, I had this posted and realized I left out some special people.  I almost used the word "important", but God reminded me we are all special in His eyes.

And to all the mighty prayer warriors who prayed for Dan’s healing…thank you!  Danny received the ultimate healing!  Alleluia!

May God bless all of you greatly!

Danny, you are now MY angel!   I will always cherish our love, memories (both good and bad, as all married couples have) and almost 37 years together!  I know we will meet again in Heaven.  Danny, I love you and miss you very, very much!  Your earthly ministry is now over and I will wait to see what ministry the Lord has in mind for me.  Maybe He has many ministries in mind for me.  But I know the Lord will let me know what to do and when. 

From your loving wife, who has inheritied your same sense of humor.  I am so blessed the Lord introduced us.  Thank you, Lord!  And one day, I, too, will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and join you...again, according to God's perfect timing.

Danny, I will always love you!  

Julie

P.S.  To be continued at a later date, God willing!  

By the way, I'm praying, according to God's will, for the "conversion" of central Illinois residents, most, if not all, who are not Chicago White Sox fans!  But, like Dan said, "no one's perfect"!  And like I said to "Northern Dan" Gura, after the last Super Bowl, “I hoped God had the game blocked out in Heaven so Dan couldn’t SEE the Packers beat the Steelers.”  By the way, my Mother-in-law was from Pittsburgh; and Dan and his Mom watched the Chicago Bears every Sunday, unless they were on Monday Night Football!  

Hey, Dan, love of my life...Super Bowl Shuffle!  "...I'm Momma's boy Otis, the ladies all love me for my body and my mind." :)   If you saw that video, you'll understand the smiley face.  It's something Dan and I laughed about not long before he went in the hospital. 

Wow, some editor I am...but how can I edit words out which came from my heart (and the Lord) about my husband, a man I spent almost 37 years with?  And how can I edit out all the thank you's?  

Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me and Dan so much.  But most of all, thank you, Heavenly Father, for what your Son Jesus suffered for us, in order that we may have eternal salvation!  Read John 3:16

Carl Segvich vs. John Daley for Cook County Commissioner for the 11th District: Will Conservative Landslide Lift All Boats?

NOTE from RFFM.org's Executive Director:  RFFM.org is a pro-family website/blog whose primary goal is to share information about social, cultural and political issues which conservative Americans care about.  Many experts believe the 2010 midterm election will sweep true conservatives into office like never before.  The race between Carl Segvich and John Daley (Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley's brother) will certainly be an interesting one to follow.  -- Dan Zanoza

 

"My friends and fellow residents of Cook County, we need your help between now and November 2nd," said Carl Segvich.  "In order to take this fight to our opponent, we need volunteers to cover churches and to walk precincts.  Please help us if you are serious about wanting to stop taxpayer-funded abortions at Cook County Hospital.  Be sure you are registered to vote on November 2nd." 

 

Carl Segvich's Views On The Issues

Platform of Carl Segvich, Candidate for Cook County Commissioner for the 11th District

IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES TO RESTORE EMPLOYMENT IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS 

Forensic Audit of all Cook County Finances

A forensic audit will provide a comprehensive study of where taxpayer funds are being spent vs. the actual budget.  This will identify opportunities for reducing unnecessary expenditures.

Cut Waste, Fraud & Abuse

There are 10 Cook County government officials, independently elected, with  large budgets and little accountability: Assessor, 3 Commissioners for Board of Review, County Clerk, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Recorder of Deeds, Sheriff, State’s Attorney, and Treasurer. In this time when bloated government budgets are draining our wallets,  what is needed is efficient government.  This means eliminating unnecessary programs and related expenses.

County government must live within its means.  Public debt must only be incurred when absolutely necessary.  I will implore the other 16 commissioners to join me in purposeful scrutiny before considering any further bond issues, and to call into account all contracts and large expenditures.  We must stop growing government at the expense of the taxpayers. The citizens of Cook County demand accountability and more efficient government.

CUT TAXES TO HELP FAMILIES

Property taxes

Our property values are decreasing while our government is assessing them at a higher value and taxing us at a higher rate.  Property taxes must be properly synchronized to property values, so as not to overtax property owners.

We also have to make sure that property is fairly assessed in the first place.  Fair taxes begin with a fair assessment.

All 102 counties in Illinois, except Cook, are assessed at a uniform rate of 33.3%. In Cook County, vacant lots, commercial property and industrial property are assessed at different rates.  That is a glaring example of the complexity which adds to our tax bills.  This is only one example which complicates the process of calculating property tax bills. Other examples are equalizer and multiplier calculations.  Taken together, all of these complexities make for tax bills which are difficult to understand.  We must rectify this problem by simplifying the calculation methodology.

Sales Tax

Sales taxes in Cook County are the highest in the nation. These high taxes drive businesses  out of the county. Fewer businesses within Cook County automatically translates into decreased jobs. Accordingly sales taxes in general must be significantly lowered in order to attract both businesses and customers.  This will restore a job-friendly business climate.  Let’s put Cook County back to work.

STOP WASTEFUL SPENDING

Red Light Cameras – STOP the Harassment of Motorists

Throughout Cook County, residents and visitors alike are continuously harassed by a red camera system which intimidates drivers.  Cook County reportedly has reduced the duration of the yellow light in order to collect more revenue. This also results in more rear-end collisions and subsequent injuries. The red light camera system in Cook County must be dismantled. Cook County needs to curb its wasteful spending so motorists aren’t harassed by government contrived techniques for extracting money just so the county’s bills can be paid.

STOP the Tax-payer funded abortions at Cook County Hospital

Taxpayers are already over-burdened with higher taxes and this is an excellent example of an opportunity to save millions every year in the Cook County Hospital budget.  Polls show that regardless of opinions on abortion, most Americans do not want to spend tax dollars to fund abortion.

For more information on the Segvich campaign, contact info, etc. go to:  www.segvich.com

 

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Illinois Republican Party: 13 Bills GOP Candidates Should Promise To Pass

by Phil Collins

 

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Phil Collins has a B.A. in political science.  Collins was a full-time employee for the U.S. Senate campaigns of John Cox and John Borling.  Collins is the executive director of the Illinois Center Right Coalition, and he founded the Republican Assembly of Northern Cook County.  In 2008, Collins ran for delegate to the Republican National Convention, for Mike Huckabee, and he received almost 4,000 votes.  That was more votes than a State Rep. (Suzie Bassi) and Lake County Clerk (Willard Helander), combined.  Collins volunteered at Republican National Conventions in 1988, 1996, 2000 and 2008.  Collins was in the Navy for 21 years, and, for six months, he was near Baghdad, in the Triangle of Death, in a Marine infantry battalion.

 

PHIL COLLINS:  IN HIS OWN WORDS

 

I think that, in 2010, Illinois Republican candidates should run together, similarly to the Contract with America.  They should promise that, if our state elects Sen. Bill Brady, for Governor, and Republican majorities, in both Houses of the legislature, they'll pass these bills:

1.  Cut all state tax rates and fees to their 2002 levels.  Blagojevich-proposed tax & fee increases caused many companies to leave Illinois, harming the state's economy.

2.  Consolidate public school districts, ensuring that each district includes at least one high school, at least one junior high, and at least one elementary school.  Illinois includes many districts that include one school each.  Each district collects property taxes from the homeowners, of the district, and each district has employees, with an average superintendent salary of $120,000, per year.  The taxpayers could save money, if some districts are consolidated.

3.  Repeal the 2003 law which states that illegal aliens may attend state universities and pay in-state tuition.

 

4.  Repeal the 2007 law which states that illegal aliens may obtain drivers licenses.

 

5.  Approve, for the Nov. 2012 ballot, an amendment, for the state constitution, which would establish term limits for all elected officials.  State legislators could serve up to 10 years, in each house, and county board members could serve up to 10 years.  All officials, whose offices always have four-year terms, may serve up to eight years.

6.  Approve, for the Nov. 2012 ballot, an amendment, for the state constitution, to allow recall elections of all elected officials.  The number of petition signatures, for a recall, would be the same as the number that is needed, for run for that office.

7.  Approve, for the Nov. 2012 ballot, an amendment for the state constitution, that would state that, when a state legislator dies or resigns, with at least four months remaining in his or her term, the governor will choose dates for a special primary election and a special general election.

8.  A change to election code which would state that all candidates, of all parties, who run for the same office, must submit the same number of petition signatures, 1% of the number of people who voted in the last general election, for that office.

9.  Approve, for the Nov. 2012 ballot, an amendment, for the state constitution, for binding, citizen-proposed, statewide referendums.  To get on the ballot, the supporters would be required to submit at least 5,000 petition signatures.

10.  Approve, for the Nov. 2012 ballot, an amendment, for the state constitution, that would state that, if an Illinois U.S. senator resigns or dies with at least four months remaining, in his or her term, the governor will choose dates for a special primary election and a special general election.  On the same day that the governor announces the election dates, he or she would make a temporary appointment, someone who would fill the Senate seat and may also run, in the special elections, if he or she chooses.

11.  Starting in 2014, all regularly scheduled elections will be held in even-numbered years.  Each township, city, school board, library board, and park district board may choose whether their elections will be held during the years of presidential elections or the years of governor elections.  This would greatly decrease the amount of money that the state, county, township, and city governments pay, to administer elections.

12.  Starting a year after this bill is signed, a state government employee must work for the state for at least 20 years, to receive a state pension.  The pension will not be more than 1/2 of the highest salary that the employee received.  This is used for military members, who risk their lives for our country.

13.  Starting in Jan. 2012, state legislators will decrease their salary to $55,000, per legislator, per year, and they won't accept a raise while the state government has a budget deficit.

 

Contact Phil Collins at:  [email protected]

 

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Dan Patlak, Candidate for Commissioner, Cook County Board of Review: Novel Approach to Empower Taxpayers and Improve Government

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Dan Patlak was an analyst at the Board of Review for eight years.  Patlak has been a taxpayer advocate in Wheeling Township where he is in his second term as Wheeling Township Assessor.  Patlak is a Certified Illinois Assessing Officer and has been a licensed real estate broker since 1986.  Patlak is a member of the National Taxpayers Union and is endorsed by the National Taxpayers United of Illinois PAC. 

DAN PATLAK --  IN HIS OWN WORDS

My campaign for Commissioner of the Cook County Board of Review has adopted a radical new idea…educating taxpayers so they can better understand and control their property taxes.  Traveling throughout the county, I hear the same frustration, confusion and anger from taxpayers about their property taxes.  There is a widespread lack of understanding of how tax bills are computed and where the money goes.  There is also a great deal of uncertainty about what the next bill will bring. 

My campaign is built on the premise that taxpayers have a need and a right to understand their tax system.  Through our web site “Education Center” at www.ElectPatlak.com we are taking a first step in demystifying the system for concerned citizens.  With information comes confidence and power and it is important that “the people” and not the government possess the power in our democratic society.  Our Education Center provides information to property owners so they will have the ability to determine whether they are paying an appropriate share of the overall tax burden.  It also encourages them to think about where their tax dollars are going and how they are being spent. 

In addition, our campaign will soon be rolling out a series of short educational videos produced to answer the most commonly asked questions about the property tax system.

Whether or not I am elected as a Commissioner of the Board of Review I will continue with this radical idea by constantly looking for ways to educate the electorate about how their government works and I will continue to be an advocate for the taxpayers of Cook County, Illinois.

Learn more about Patlak's campaign by visiting www.Facebook.com/danpatlak and www.ElectPatlak.com.

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact:  [email protected]

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John Arrington, Illinois Republican for U.S. Senate: WHY I AM PRO-FAMILY: In His Own Words

EDITOR'S NOTE:  This is the final installment in a series titled "In Their Own Words".  The series is for informational purposes only and is not an endorsement of any particular candidate.  RFFM.org would like to thank those who participated.  Some candidates promised to submit personal essays and did not, while others refused to participate. 

 

RFFM.org is a pro-family website/blog, subsequently, liberal candidates like Mark Kirk were not invited to share their opinions.  RFFM.org also believes money and influence should not determine a candidate's viability.  There are good people running for political office who do not have the personal resources to match those campaigns that are backed by millionaires and/or special interest groups.  Power politics has hurt America, not served it.  It's God, then country.  RFFM.org will stand by this mandate and continue to serve its readers with information that some would like to have supressed.

 

RFFM.ORG EXCLUSIVE

 

OP-ED by John Arrington

 

If marriage between two men is justified, then wouldn't a union between three women be even better? Or maybe two men and a woman, or... my point is, when would it stop? As a father of four children, a husband to my wife Joy for 20 years, and having the privilege of being the son to parents who have been married 55 years with nine children, marriage is of critical importance to me.  Not just any marriage, but the marriage union that God ordained, between one man and one woman.  Yes I said it, this is what God ordained, what our founding fathers based our nation on, and built the solid foundation for nation.   Marriage is the foundation of our nation, this is why our nation has increased in population, because of marriage, and relationships between men and women.  History has shown us, that when we take alternate routes around traditional marriage, the results aren't good from Rome to modern day cultures.  I will do everything in my power to protect the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman, and do everything I can to bring the marriage amendment to the forefront of our nations attention.   In addition to the sacredness of marriage, our children must be protected, from conception to the grave.  I will never allow the life of the unborn to be looked at as pregnancy tissue to be discarded as trash or refuse.  Life is to be protected at all costs, and abortion takes a real life, a beating heart, a breathing living human being.  Federal funds, state funds, no funds should ever be used to support taking the life of an innocent human being.  At a time when America needs more genius, intellect, imagination, character, and innovation, we are literally pouring it down the drain through abortion in America.  No where is this felt more acutely than in the black community which needs it most, where almost 1,500 babies are aborted everyday in which can only be described as a silent genocide.  Every year I take over one hundred young African American and Hispanic youth to the pro-life pro-family conferences to become intimately involved in the movement to reclaim the values of our greatness, and address a group that needs it most.  The cornerstone of our civilization is the treatment of our youth, and we cannot allow our nation to dehumanize our youth, and innocent babies.    Lastly, prayer and the Bible has been taken out of our schools, our constitution is being side stepped in government, and God has been taken out of the pubic square.  While our founding fathers never intended for a national religion, they never intended for God to be removed from the public square as America is still a Christian nation.  Parents should always be the primary instructors of our youth, and if God is not a part of education, parents should have the choice of the educational environment for their children.  My wife and I home schooled last year and I fully support options that give parents control over the curriculum of their child to teach in a manner that coincides with their values, and the values our founding fathers intended.   John Arrington, Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate  www.arringtonforsenate.com [email protected] Call: (708) 932-8559   **************************** Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact: [email protected]    NOTE: Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected.  No hyperlinks allowed.

Kathleen Thomas, Illinois Republican for U.S. Senate: WHY I AM PRO-FAMILY: In Her Own Words

RFFM.ORG EXCLUSIVE

 

OP-ED by Kathleen Thomas

 

Let me first explain that I believe the family is the foundation of society.  I also believe that the traditional family is being attacked on all sides.  As a mother, a grandmother and American this is of great concern to me. 

 

I unashamedly say that marriage is strictly between a man and a woman and that laws should not distort this fact.  I believe in human dignity and in treating others with respect.   All Americans are entitled to the same civil rights.  These include hospitalization, medical care, fair housing, employment rights, and probate rights; but marriage is not a civil right.  There needs to be a balance between the rights of individuals to lead their lives, free from government interference, and the rights of society to encourage or discourage various forms of social interaction they deem in the best interest of that society.

I believe that human life begins at conception and that life at all stages should be respected.   As a United States senator I will vote “no” to any federal funding of abortions.  I will also oppose any federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.  

 

The family is under attack as the government usurps parents’ right to educate their children in a manner they see as best, whether that is home school, private school or public school.  As a former school board member I am keenly aware of the impact that federal mandates like the No Child Left Behind Act have on education.  The Federal Government’s one-size-fits-all approach lowers overall educational standards and overloads teachers, administrators and school budgets.  I want to see schools returned to local control where parents and communities can decide what and how their children will be taught and where teachers’ hands can be freed to educate their students.

The tax burden on families is heavy and, under the current administration, is becoming heavier.  Families can ill-afford the spending spree happening in Washington.  Government bailouts and bills like the healthcare bill can only be paid for with increased taxes.  The Cap and Trade bill before congress will result in increased prices on nearly everything we purchase.  Every tax imposed on banks and corporations results in us, the consumer, paying higher fees and prices, chipping away at the family dollar even more.  I will work to alleviate the tax burden by voting “no” to irresponsible spending and tax increases and I will work to lower the taxes already in place.  In the words of Ronald Reagan, we must “Stop Feeding the Beast”.

The Federal Government should have limited powers as prescribed by the Constitution.  It must protect us and our borders by means of a strong and well-equipped military. Today that also means protecting us from terrorists whose goal is to destroy America.  The Federal Government is also obligated to protect our civil rights, including our Second Amendment right, as prescribed by the Constitution.  Congress is failing us in these responsibilities.  We must elect conservative legislators who understand that everything that is decided in Washington impacts families.  We must elect legislators who will work to keep the traditional family intact so that our nation will continue to rear generations of strong leaders who will fight to maintain the liberties we have.

Please consider me, Kathleen Thomas, as the senator you want in Washington representing you and your conservative values.

Kathleen Thomas for United States Senate
[email protected]
1-217-691-7387
http://kathleenthomasforsenate.com 

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Adam Andrzejewski for Governor: Why I Am Pro-Life: In His Own Words

RFFM.ORG EXCLUSIVE

 

OP-ED by ADAM ANDRZEJEWSKI

When I started to think about running for governor, and began the process of asking those closest to me about the race, one of the first questions I was always asked (by those who didn’t already know) was, “What is your position on abortion?”.

“I’m pro-life” was always my immediate response.  This often led to the next obvious question, “Why are you pro-life?” -- that is the purpose of this essay.  You see, I’ve always been pro-life, and now, running for office, I owe the people of Illinois an answer to this very important question.

First of all, as the oldest of seven children, I saw first-hand the value of human life.  And, I was raised to support pro-life views by my very loving and involved Catholic parents.  That might be enough for many people to understand the source of my beliefs.  But I think the citizens of Illinois deserve a better explanation.  After all, if we are to persuade good citizens who were raised in homes that support abortion rights that they should adopt pro-life views, then “I was raised that way” might not be the most effective argument. 

If you think about it, the abortion issue pits two powerful American ideologies against each other -– the ideology that all life is sacred versus the ideology that we should be free to live our lives according to our own choices. 

I made the conscious decision that on such an issue as human life, imperfect as I may be, and not knowing every answer to every question, that I would rather err on the side of life than on the side of choice.  Why should an innocent life fall victim to the poor choice of their parent(s)? 

I don’t need to debate all the divisive questions that arise from the position that I’ve chosen, though I am capable of holding up my end of those arguments.  I know that there are many good people who disagree. 

I simply take the position that every life is sacred, and that once conceived, should have the opportunity to be brought into this world and bestow their blessings upon mankind. It is, after all, a good and improving world that they are entering.  I see every human life as the opportunity to make this good world that much better.  It certainly had that impact on me. 

My wife Kerry and I tried for four years to bear a child.  When my first child, Ellie, was born, her eyes were closed for the first ten minutes.  I was holding her closely -- face-to-face.  When Ellie’s eyes finally flickered open,  her first view of the world was looking up directly into my eyes.  That moment changed my life forever…and solidified my pro-life view:  that each life is unique, precious and has a God-given purpose.

I don’t know that this provides a perfect answer to such a divisive issue.  I simply know that this is where my heart and my mind leads me.  That is why I am proudly pro-life. 

Adam Andrzejewski

Adam for Illinois

630-899-9199

[email protected]
http://www.adamforillinois.com/

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Don Tracy for Lt. Governor: Why I Am Pro-Life: In His Own Words

 

RFFM.org EXCLUSIVE

 

OP-ED by DON TRACY

 

My name is Don Tracy.  I am running for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois.  I am pro-life for several reasons.  Let me explain.

 

I am the eldest of 12 children.  Yes, we are Catholic.

 

I grew up in western Illinois in the City of Mt. Sterling, where I attended and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy Grade School.  I was an altar boy at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

 

After graduating from Brown County High School in 1968, I attended Western Illinois University and graduated from Arizona State University in 1972.  Since graduating from the University of Memphis Law School in 1976, I have been representing family businesses and other clients in crisis situations in courtrooms and board rooms throughout the country.  I worked my way through college and law school as a warehouse worker, truck driver, resident assistant, store clerk, bellman, and salesman for three different companies (consumer lights, industrial products, and food products).

 

I am 59 years old and have been married to my wife, Wanda, for 27 years. We have been members of Blessed Sacrament Parish Church in Springfield since 1980.  I am a lector, counter and fund-raiser for my church.

 

Wanda and I have 4 children who are among the 47 grandchildren of my mother, Dorothy Tracy, and my deceased father, Robert Tracy.  All 11 of my brothers and sisters are married.  Their names are:  Pat, Tom, Anne, Jim, Jean, John, Mary, Susan, Jane, Joe & Dick.  They are married to:  Jane, Catherine, Ray, Jil, Mike, Linda, Jay, Scott, Fred, Jill and Adina. 

 

At this point, I am tempted to give you the names of all 47 of my Mom’s grandchildren. However, by now I am sure you get the point.  Depending on how you count, I have either 2, 12, 24, 47 or 85 reasons to be pro-life.

 

Growing up with so much life around me has made me appreciate the power each one holds.  I am thankful for my large family.  My life and probably my values would be significantly different if even one of my 12 siblings had not made it out alive.

 

A lot of people in this election think that life is not an issue.  They say, ‘How can we make time for social issues when the state and its people are mired in a severe financial crisis?’  With terrorism, gangs, war and the swine flu, life issues may seem trivial to some.  But, the financial and personal security issues we work for so hard on will never matter to the thousands who are not allowed to live it.  Furthermore, in the long run, moral bankruptcy can be as much a threat to survival of the state as financial bankruptcy.

 

I am running to make this a better state for new jobs and new families.  I am proud to live in a country where this election is possible. 

 

I’m Don Tracy, and I fully support the right to life.

 

Don Tracy

Tracy for Illinois
PO Box 256
Springfield, IL 62705-0256
217-741-8612
[email protected]
http://www.tracyforillinois.com/

 

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The Chicago Way: The Mayor Daley Machine & Chicago Politics From The Inside

Dan Zanoza, Executive Director of RFFM.org, interviews Carl Segvich, a Republican Committeeman in the 11th Ward--the ancestral home base of Mayor Richard M. Daley.  Though Richard M. Daley no longer lives in the 11th Ward, his politically powerful brother John Daley still resides in the 11th Ward and is Segvich's political counterpart as the Democratic Party's 11th Ward Committeman.

Segvich discusses what it's like to be a member of the GOP in the city of Chicago, Chicago-style politics, the Chicago way and "pay to play".  It is an insightful look into one-party, big city liberal politics which should be an eye-opener for those wanting to learn more about President Barack Obama's political roots.

Biography:

Carl Segvich is currently serving his first four-year term as Republican Committeeman of Chicago’s 11th Ward.  After running for delegate for Jack Kemp to the 1988 Republican National Convention, Segvich didn’t run for public office again until 2003 when he ran for the Chicago City Council – Alderman of the 11th Ward.  In 2004, he ran the first time for Committeeman.  In 2006, he ran against Mayor Daley’s brother John Daley for 11th District Cook County Commissioner.  Segvich continued to increase his vote percentages from the people when he ran for Alderman in 2007.  In February 2008, Segvich won and became the 11th Ward’s Republican Committeeman.

Segvich was born and raised in Bridgeport where he still resides.  He spends much time as an activist for several conservative causes including defending the unborn, immigration law, capitalism, school vouchers, freedom of religion, respect of marriage and respect of law by prosecuting corrupt politicians.

A former lector and church board member, Segvich is a Roman Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Segvich worked in the health field at Mercy Hospital, 1995 - 2001.  Segvich has worked voluntarily and as paid staff on several political campaigns.  He ran and completed six Chicago marathons, 1994-1999.

Volunteer: 1993, Segvich traveled to Bosnia as Member of the Croatian Youth International Corps, counseled and assisted war orphans to shelter during Bosnian War.

Education: Studied political science at Richard J. Daley Community College of Chicago.   B.A., Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1985
 
Carl Segvich -- In His Own Words

Q.  Mr. Segvich, you have lived in Chicago your entire life.  In fact, you live in the 11th Ward, the ancestral home base of Mayor Richard M. Daley.  How did you get involved in politics?

A.  At the prodding of a local activist in the neighborhood, I recall conducting a poll in front of a grocery store for Richard M. Daley who was running for state senator.  It was the 1970's and I was an unwitting 15 year-old.  I had no idea at the time I was helping a spoiled young man who would go on to be an extreme leftist, stunningly selling out his Catholic religion and country by being the most responsible for foisting on us, a conman as President in 2009.
 
I would go on to learn better. I entered college as a democrat, studied political science and sociology and became a republican.  It was the mid 1980s and President Reagan was becoming an American hero, and aldermen actually debated in Chicago.

In 1988 I decided to run for the Republican National Convention as a Jack Kemp delegate.  In Mr. Kemp I saw a man who knew how to tackle urban problems and who could continue President Reagan's successful policies for America.

So my political interest was sparked by Chicago city council debates, Jack Kemp, President Reagan and honest professors at University of Illinois.  Today Bill Ayers teaches there.
 
I love politics.  It's very interesting to study human behavior as it relates to politics.
 
The biggest phenomenon that keeps me interested is this: Professed Christians and conservatives painfully and ironically continue to vote for liberal democrats such as Daley, Carol Mosely Braun, Durbin and Blagojevich.  I’m interested in stirring them to their untapped courage.  I’m interested in fighting the forces of money and clout, for the sake of justice.
 
Q.  As you very well know, Chicago is dominated by the Democratic Machine, but you are a Republican.  In general terms, can you talk about some of the challenges you have met as a member of the GOP living in the heart of Democratic Machine country?
 
A. It’s painful to watch conservatives vote for liberals, because of the false illusion that they “have to”.  It’s difficult to get employment (public or private) when you stand for truth.  One is not "accepted" if he doesn’t go along to get along.  I’ve had many folks tell me, “Carl, you say things that others won’t say” or “You say what everybody else is thinking, but is afraid to say”.  This makes me sad because I do not consider myself an extraordinarily brave person; I just say what is on my mind; it’s that easy.  So what is so brave about speaking one’s mind?  Nothing.  The opposite is true: Something is rotten when people don’t speak their mind, especially here in America.  Money and power corrupts.

The greatest challenge is fighting for others when they won’t fight for themselves.  The world is upside down.  You see, this is so important:  There are large numbers of people throughout Chicago, not just the 11th Ward, who are Republicans, but just don’t know it or won't show it.  The Daley Liberal Democrat Political mafia has demoralized a huge segment of our society.  This machine makes you think you must not be honest, and you have to be crooked and pay fealty to the Daleys.  As if that isn’t enough, pop culture led by secular media says it’s mean to be Republican and cool to be Democrat.
 
So, it’s quite challenging to fight a machine that tells society you “have to” and media that says it’s “cool”.
 
Q.  Recently, you ran for 11th Ward Republican Committeeman and won.  What are some of your duties as a Committeeman of the 11th Ward?

A.  I’m responsible for gauging the people’s opinions on government and politics, and answering with candidates who will be accountable.  I’m responsible for recruiting and campaigning for Republican candidates in all offices, from city council to state representative to President of our U.S. of A.  It's my duty--along with our precinct captains--to knock on every door and encourage our American patriotic neighbors to vote wisely.  It’s my responsibility to organize a political apparatus that will promote the conservative Republican Party, which in turn will promote the greater general welfare of all people and provide for ourselves a better representative government.

Perhaps most importantly, I am responsible for appointing 125 Republican election judges.  An election judge is there to protect the very foundation of our republic: honest and fair elections of integrity.  Unfortunately, fairer honest elections will take more time to re-introduce to an utterly corrupt Chicago.
 
I am also responsible for filling vacancies on the ballot.  (That too was recently corrupted as my powers were violated by the "machine")  I'm also responsible for our Ward's weighted vote to fill Republican offices when they become vacant.

It’s been noted that:  The office of Committeeman is the most powerful office in America.  While the President is the most powerful man in the world, the committeeman's office is more powerful because of grass-root politics.  It determines whose names will appear on the ballot for public office and, what the philosophy and platform will be of the party and candidates.  In other words, values and morals.

Right now Illinois is a 1-party state.  My job is to make Republicans compete.
 
Q.  During the last election, it was reported there were some election irregularities in your Ward.  Can you elaborate about this for RFFM.org's readers?
 
A.  By “irregularities”, we mean illegal activities which occur regularly, election after election in Illinois and more so in Chicago.  These “irregularities” must be stopped! 

First of all, our election contests between Democrats and Republicans, are run by Democrats.  Can we draw any clearer a picture of what is wrong in Chicago, America?!  The entire thing is run by Democrats!!  Government bureaucrats, whether they work for the state, county or city board of elections are card-carrying members of the Democrat Party.  They are card-carrying, dues-paying members of unions which are undeniably, irrefutably and incontrovertibly tied to the Democrat Party.  These partisans prepare for months ahead of time, the election process.  They put up the booths.  They troubleshoot problems on election day.  They monitor.  They are our “watchdogs”.  They take the booths down.  They count the votes.  Enough said?
 
At the polling location where folks are hiring the leader of our free world, what have we?  We have armies of political activists whose government j-o-b-s rely on that day's election results, passing out palm cards (eg., vote for Joe) in implacably clear violation of election law, ie., less than 100 feet from the voting booth.  These amazingly insulting and intimidating cards are often left right inside the booth next to the stylus, for the next voter to view.  It’s just another “irregular” violation.

Precinct captains – Democrats of course – inexplicably operate their election day political operation right at the voting table.  It is illegal for him to sit at that table!  Polling sheets, names/addresses of voters being monitored and cell phone calls being made with precision to get out their favorable voters and to depress the Republican vote.

All day long, food is brought in by “friends” of John Daley, the mayor’s brother and the Democratic Committeeman of our 11th Ward.  These boxes are emblazoned “Compliments of the 11th Ward Democratic Party”.  Openly displaying “compliments of Democrats” is illegal!  It’s electioneering.  However, it is visible all day to voters.  It’s worth mentioning this food is actually donated often, if not always, by the local intimidated businesses who don’t want an illegal communist-style inspection.

Next, when a voter first appears to vote and his name is located, his name is to be clearly announced out loud.  Remember this is supposed to be public and transparent.  This happened almost never.  There was no sincere safeguard to prevent early voters and absentee voters to vote again on election day.

It's also an old practice for machine apparatchiks to work the nursing homes, escorting completely unaware, barely alive seniors in the voting booth.  The Democrats are shameless.

Q.  Did you report these violations of election law and who did you report it to?
 
A.  I’ve been reporting these incidents to everyone I can think of for years, before I was Committeeman; namely to the Chicago/Cook Boards of  Election, the prosecutors, media and other so-called independent watchdog groups.
 
Q.  What was the response to your report?
 
A.  “We will look into it” is the typical response.  The media are partisan democrats.  The Cook County State Attorney's office for years has been run by loyal liberal democrat Dick Devine since Rich Daley vacated that seat.  I never expected Devine to help me lock up or even confront a political soldier working for his pal Richy and all his fellow liberal Democrats.

As far as the U.S. attorney and some independent watchdog groups, well, I'll give them the benefit of the on-going doubt -- there have been one or two election fraud cases prosecuted through the years.  Most “watchdog” groups are painfully liberal.

Q.  You didn't receive a response to your complaint until the election was over?  It appears there were problems with the system, not only from Democrats, but Republicans as well.  Would you agree with this?
 
A.  Absolutely.  Our problem is that the Republican Party in Illinois is run by Richy Daley.  Yes.  That is not a misstatement and Americans need to understand this, because this political cancer is now in D.C.
 
Daley is a Democrat who is so drunk with power and so entrenched in office (over 38 years in public office) that he, through surrogates, tells the “Republican” hierarchy what to do, and they willingly, cowardly and treasonously acquiesce.  The rank-and-file conservatives and Republicans have been sold out by elected “Republicans”.  So when I desperately call for help to any given Republican advocate on any given issue, there is no telling who I am talking to, and it is a 65% chance – I’d approximate – that I am talking to a sell-out for the Daley political mob.

As Committeeman, I filled vacancies so that an actual Republican can just run.  I mean just run, just be placed on the ballot for state senator and state representative, and guess what happened?!  Citing  specious paperwork inaccuracies, these Republicans (remember we are in America) were not allowed to contest the Democrats for a seat in our Illinois state General Assembly in Springfield in our Nov. ‘08 election.  In other words, Republicans can't run for office!  The candidates and I were denied my authority and their right to even be placed on the ballot for an election right here in America.  This was from the Chicago Board of Elections' hearing officers (Democrats) instructed by expert Democrat lawyer pals of Democrat Mike Madigan (Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives).  We had no Republicans who wanted to appeal this mammoth travesty of justice to a serious court.
 
I mentioned the important responsibility of appointing Republican election judges.  For years here in the 11th ward, Democrat John Daley picks the Republican judges.  It happens elsewhere too because again, the Republican “boss” is bought off.  Taking my responsibility seriously, I worked hard to appoint bona fide Republicans as judges.  However, official misconduct took place at the Board of Elections, and my authority was spat upon.  Some appointments were confirmed, but many were illegally denied, and the travesty of justice continues.  I could not find real significant help from the Republicans who are supposed to advocate for us, to fight this either.
 
Q.  Even though President Barack Obama was a product of the Chicago Democratic machinery, few Americans seem to be aware of how all consuming the one-Party system is in Chicagoland.  Do you think the national media did a good job of vetting Sen. Obama and reporting on the Democratic machine from which he came?
 
A.  No, of course not.  It is painfully obvious that there is only one entity more reprehensible than lying politicians in America.  American media is repugnant and detestable.  They are granted special privileges by our Constitution and they are supposed to be a watchdog for our better well-being.  Yet what they are really doing is rooting and cheerleading for the Democrat Party, and strategically and nefariously working to instill modern-radical-liberalism in our culture and destroy our United States of America.  These media are largely anathema to Christianity and free-markets.  Obama was perfect for them.

It boggles the mind when considering how corrupt the governments of Chicago, Cook and Illinois are.  The entirety is run by liberals and Democrats.  Republicans--who purportedly are led by Illinois chair Andy McKenna--are actually run by Daley’s Democrat army; ergo, the one-party system.  Media know this, but say nothing.

Obama and his manufacturers David Axelrod and Rahm Emanuel saw the hugest gaping hole in a strong and free nation of the U.S.A.  That hole is called Richy Daley.  Emanuel knows what Vladimir Lenin and Karl Marx called a “useful idiot”.  Axelrod has been managing and forming "useful idiot" Daley for years.  Axelrod knows media also; he previously worked for the Chicago Tribune.  Per the communist mindset, a useful idiot is a politician who is not very intelligent, but is powerful.  To boot, their man Daley had no morals.

When Emanuel wanted a seat in our U.S. Congress, he came to get one from Richy.  This here is one big machine story in and of itself that makes the Daleys cringe when told.  The Daleys used and abused their patronage armies, including unwitting fall guy Robert Sorich and convict Donald Tomczak and good conservative people from the 11th Ward and elsewhere to help elect the execrable Emanuel who is polar opposite of conservatism.  In order to maintain the illusion that they are not dirty liberals themselves in action, the Daleys don’t like to be associated with Emanuel.

Media ignored all this.  Media were all too willing to promote the agenda of Axelrod, Bill Ayers, Saul Alynski, Rich Daley and Emanuel.  Media ignored Obama’s work to elect Blagojevich our governor in 2006, even as Rod was under suspicion of federal crimes of abusing government power.  Media watered down Obama’s extremely suspicious professed religious beliefs.  Media ignored Obama’s outrageous associations with defiant bomber Ayers.   Media ignored the criminal bombshell of the messiah’s criminal collaboration with Rezko and Patty Blagojevich, and the plum jobs given to Michelle Obama, and the “affordable houses” that were mostly Chicago board-ups and dope-houses.

Media dismissed a huge Obama real-estate scam by accepting his pathetic excuse that “it was a bone-headed mistake I made”.  Media have aided and abetted liberal democrats and gullible treasonous republicans into creating a massively liberal 1-party state.  The media killed the story of staggering Chicago corruption that runs through Illinois.
 
Q.  Obviously, this is not the first year and you are not the first individual who has encountered this political gamesmanship.  What are your prior experiences with the "Chicago way"?
 
A.  Well I’ve had my car window broken days before my election for alderman in front of my house.  I suppose that can be considered minor.  I’ve had my friends intimidated out of attending my fundraisers.  I’ve had other friends harangued for giving me an in-kind donation of office space.  That’s serious.

I’ve seen the nefarious Daleys who are loving it and laughing all the way to the bank, continue to get away with small and big abuses of our government power.  They dole out OUR jobs, overtime, handicapped parking, zoning, tax-breaks, police protection, liquor licenses and many other lucrative items such as contracts, illegally to pleasure themselves and to empower themselves, at the expense of good, moral and decent American taxpayers and their children and grandchildren.  These abuses were used to separate and buy off my life-long "friends".  Political gamesmanship may be heart-wrenching to me, but it poisons the entire city.  It’s serious.
 
Not only is the body-politic ruined, but the gamesmanship poisons the religious world.  With promise of reward, Rich Daley types have taught the Catholic congregation how to scandalize their church.  Examples: Abortion and the homosexual agenda.  The Daleys are experts at getting the masses to compromise sacred principles.  The alderman is superior to the priest.  That’s the Chicago way and the “Catholic” way.
 
Q.  Recently, the impeached former Democratic Governor, Rod Blagojevich, has been at the center of a huge controversy regarding his attempt to sell the vacated Illinois U.S. Senate seat and the political scourge of "pay to play".  Did any of the recently revealed allegations surprise you?
 
A.  Of course not.  He’s just another narcissistic animal.  His crooked political life is intertwined with those of Alderman Dick Mell (his estranged father-in-law), Rich Daley, Emanuel, Obama, Emil Jones and other poor excuses for government such as Jesse Jackson and his openly lesbian lawmaker sister-in-law Deborah Mell.

But shame on voters who elected and re-elected Rod.  Now the master plan of the master criminals, along with complicit media, is too blame an entire state of corruption on one crooked man.
 
Q.  Now that we have someone who came right out of the Chicago machine in the White House, do you feel there will be more scrutiny of how things are done in the City?
 
A.  No, not by media.  Along with some conservatives who care about law and order, I will continue to expose criminals, but the left is clearly running wild.

Looking at how things have generally been going since the 1950's, and specifically in Chicago since 1989, I don’t see anything changing the trajectory of less and less media scrutiny in Chicago and more oligarchy.  The oligarchs include some with subpoena power and most media.  Let’s face it, things look dire.  We must be willing to fight it.

As far as Obama in our White House, I do think the American Culture War will intensify in some ways, but I don’t see yet how that will translate to more scrutiny on the cesspool of where this fraud hailed from politically – Chicago.

The “dumbing” down of our nation and the apathy of jaded Chicagoans are facts that lend themselves to further downward trajectory and less scrutiny, not more.

Federal agents can change this...possibly.  I don't know.  We will see.  But I will say one thing: Honest scrutiny and honest government can never coexist until Daley is out.
 
Q.  What are your thoughts of Patrick Fitzgerald, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and the job he has done regarding corruption in the state?
 
A.  I have mixed emotions.  Most importantly to me is this: Having a criminal in our Chicago city hall for 19 years and 9 months without getting hand-cuffed and indicted is too long.  Fitzgerald has been U.S. Attorney here about 10 years.  It is not unreasonable that millions of Americans residing in Illinois are demanding the arrest of Richy Daley for abuse of their public trust.  Taxpayers in Illinois do indeed know in their hearts that Richy is a crook who is utterly obsessed with being a politician.  Rich has had innumerable scandals such as "not knowing" who hired a young member of the Hispanic Democrat organization to oversee the Hired Trucks scandal, to how his son got a lucrative contract, how his nephew got a lucrative bond deal, to selling a CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) lot to his pal for $1.  So, where is the indictment of Daley?  Where?!

I live by the motto regarding giving people the benefit of the doubt, so I am forced to accept the notion that Fitzgerald innocently ran into problems of making the people’s case.  I give Fitzgerald the benefit of the doubt, but it’s getting old.  His handling of Blagojevich is starting to emit a foul odor.  I hope I am wrong.  Where I know I am not wrong is common sense.  In the court of common sense, Rich has obviously sold Chicago in exchange for his seat as illegal mayor.

Illinois is obviously awash in graft.  So now we need our paid public servant, Attorney Fitzgerald, to take that common sense evidence and legally transfer it into our federal court of law.
 
Q.  It has become clear there is a problem in the City of Chicago.  Some blame this on one-Party government, others say it is the responsibility of individuals to do the right thing.  In your opinion, what do you think needs to be done in the City of Chicago to bring about reform?
 
A.  Rich Daley and his brother John Daley need to be arrested, given a fair trial and convicted for the huge crimes of official misconduct, abuse of the public trust, bribery and many more crimes of enriching themselves on the backs of a beaten down demoralized citizenry.  Rich can be convicted of many other crimes, such as violating his oath of office by violating the immigration laws of our United States of America.  His sanctuary city policy, EXECUTIVE ORDER 89-6 OFFICE OF THE MAYOR (SANCTUARY CITY) SECTION 3 is unconstitutional.  It is illegal.  No one says anything.  He is aiding and abetting the quiet “bloodless” war and overthrow of America.  No one says anything.

His brother John ran the job-rigging scam for which his fall guy Robert Sorich went to prison.  The feds called this City Hall scam a “massive fraud”.  Nothing, so far, happened legally with John Daley.  Rich was interviewed by the F.B.I., but we the people were told almost nothing about this, and that was 2 ½ years ago.

Yes, we need people to do what is morally right.  And we know about the one-party government causing the problem.  Yes, these are parts of the problem.

Also, it is crucial that we - somehow - convince all government workers that we reformers are on their side and not against them.  We need to support them and convince them that they must not be threatened by the Daley’s holding the patronage hammer over their heads.  The workers are to immediately call the “cops” if the Daleys abuse them in any way.  City workers are allowed to keep their jobs, get paid well, get promotions and vote Republican.  That’s the law.  City workers are to be respected, not used as slaves, while Rich flies around the world on our money.  It is one of the dirtiest kept secrets -- the average city worker does not like the Daley political animal.  The workers are intimidated but again, they must learn to respect themselves, respect their jobs and say "no" to Daley.  It is their job, it is not Daley's job.  Chicagoans will stand up for the workers, not with power-drunk Daley.  Honest conservative government workers must stand up for themselves.  They must stop voting for liberal politicians who “hate” them.  How deranged is it to have an otherwise tough conservative city worker vote for Obama who makes fun of folks who cling to the Bible and his gun?!

If we are to reform, we must compel ourselves to talk morality over money.  We need not only reform.  Let's be clear -- we need root-and-branch reform.

Pray tell, where on earth is the Church’s voice?

Q.  As a Republican, have you become discouraged in your efforts as someone who believes in something more than political allegiance?
 
A.  A bit, but I bounce right back because I know that fighting the good fight is right and right always wins in the long run.  I’m a marathon runner.
 
The idea of being allegiant to a political party is foolhardy.  I am not going to be loyal to frauds such as (former Governor) Jim Thompson or Andy McKenna.  In fact, I didn’t vote for George Ryan.  It’s principle over politics.  Now is the time in America and Illinois that we trumpet morality over money.  Morality!  Our Declaration of Independence and Constitution, taken together, are firm in sober and profound reliance on morality.
 
I see many Chicago characters who are in our Republican Party for all the wrong reasons.  Some do it just to further a career as government workers loyal to the culture of corruption.  Some are fiscal conservatives tired of Daley, but are extremely liberal on social issues.  They call themselves moderate.  It’s another lie.  We are witnessing a move by homosexuals gaining huge influence in our Republican Party.
 
The Republican Party Philosophy is the protection of life from conception to death.  We value a traditional American family life style.  A man marries a woman.  Republicanism is to promote small and efficient government, giving incentive to individuals to be responsible and independent.  We take seriously our 2nd Amendment rights.
 
Our rights are unalienable, as our Declaration states.  Most importantly, all our rights come not from President Bush, Daley or Obama, but from God.  Governments are to serve people by keeping obstacles out of our way to protect these God-given rights.
 
Be loyal not to a party, not even to a government, but to God.  Be encouraged by your allegiance to sound moral governance, and faith in God.

Q.  What are your plans for the future?  Will you continue to work against the system in Chicago?
 
A.  What’s happening in Chicago politics is evil.  To see evil happening, and do nothing, is like doing that evil yourself.

Political engagement is absolutely necessary, if you have even the least bit of respect for your family, neighbors and self.  It is mandatory to not abdicate one’s civic responsibility.  It is required of us men on earth to be involved in our political arena.  As Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said, “Good manners are not an excuse for political cowardice".

So I believe it is important to, at the very same time, have good manners and to expose political corruption.  It’s vital to work for justice.  It is vital to our well-being to contribute to our self-run government.  Obviously, it varies from person to person as to how much time and other resources one can contribute.  I just plan on staying locally active.  It is so important because all our local political actions have a ripple effect upwards to the national and international stages.  Remember, all politics is local.
 
Look at how we pretended not to see Daley’s, Emanuel’s and Blagojevich’s despicable public policies in Chicago.  Now look at the conman from Chicago they foisted on us as leader of our free world!  We lived the lie.  We were in denial.  Now we have the hugest abortionist ever as president.  This guy is an implacable fraud!
 
This Chicago system must be fought; it must be fought now and fought hard.  Fight with prayer, common sense, a moral compass, intellectual honesty, community organizing, fund-raising, bravery and talking with our neighbors and families.  We must open the dialogue.  The way the sinful political system works now is to get the masses to not talk about politics!  So we must recruit better people of strong moral character, with loud voices, to run for the noble position of public office.

So, yes, I’d like to work against the current system until I can work for a more honest and fairer system, along with our majority of fellow-citizens.  That is, a body-politic where publicly elected officials actually serve the public...where politics is about ideology, public policy and good government for every human soul, and not about enriching oneself on our tax dollars.

We all need to work against this system.  Working against the system now is more important than ever.  Life is oh so short -- just fight the good fight.  In the end, truth always wins over lies.

11th Ward Republican Party
Carl Segvich, Committeeman
3110 So. Wells St.
Chicago, Il 60616
312-404-CARL
[email protected]
www.11thWard.US
 
********

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Illinois Grassroots Organization Defends Second Amendment

Dan Zanoza, Executive Director of RFFM.org, interviews Warren Drake, GunEnews editor about issues involving Americans' right to bear arms. Drake gives a history of the organization and where it is headed in the future.

Warren Drake of Mahomet, Illinois is an active member of GunsSaveLife, Inc., and currently serves as GunEnews editor, GunNews Magazine Distribution Chairman, July 4th Parade Chairman, and helps with other interesting activities as they come along.

In His Own Words" -- Warren Drake

Q. I believe GunsSaveLife.com (Champaign County Rifle Association) is one of the most influential grassroots organizations in Illinois. RFFM.org's readers would be interested in knowing something about why you feel the fight for our Second Amendment rights is so important. Briefly, how did you personally become involved in this effort?

A. Culture. Our fight to retain and regain our Second Amendment rights is so important because those rights, the freedom that flows from them, and the liberty from tyranny (of bullying criminals and government alike) they help preserve, is a key part of our unique American Culture. Our rights to own property, to go elsewhere to seek work, take the risks of running a business, to worship--or not worship, are all dependant on the rule of law, and our society's ability to enforce the law. I see private ownership of firearms as key to the long-term success of our culture, and therefore it is worthy of our efforts to protect it.

My active involvement in the gun rights movement started about 1996, when I went to a meeting of "Champaign County Grassroots" in Urbana at the Jolly Roger Restaurant. It was then and still is a congenial group with a wide range of interests and knowledge. When we incorporated, we adopted the name Champaign County Rifle Association, and later added GunsSaveLife as another corporate name. Our website, and the tagline on our highway signs, is GunsSaveLife.com.

Q. Can you give us a description of what your organization's Mission Statement is?

A. Our main mission is education. We promote gun safety education for and the responsible use of firearms for youth and adults. We aim to educate the population regarding the history of firearms in this country, and the proven benefits to America of law-abiding firearm ownership. We also promote participation in the shooting sports, by sponsoring and offering classes, shoots, and encourage the building and maintenance of shooting ranges for the public to use.

Q. How many Illinois residents receive your e-newsletter and newspaper, Gun News, each month?

A. At present we are distributing 9,000 copies of GunNews Magazine, the paper version. We mail individual copies to our members, as well as certain companies, politicians, and other organizations whose goals are similar to ours. Our members distribute copies to auto parts stores, restaurants, sporting goods stores, veterinarian's offices, and friends--who often pass them on again. Sangamon County Rifle Association, which has a section in GunNews, is a prolific distributor for many miles around Springfield. We mail 60 bundles to more distant locations. We also post GunNews in PDF format on our website, GunsSaveLife.com.

I am really pleased with the quality of our newsletter. Many thanks to GunNews editor John Naese!

We send out GunEnews to all who sign up to receive it, a few hundred at present. This is the e-mail newsletter I edit, with links to stories of interest, sometimes the full text of stories, and information on events that shooters and gun-rights supporters might be interested in attending. GunEnews helps get calls to legislators in a more timely fashion.

Q. I know one thing for certain. Millions of motorists see your billboards along Illinois Interstates. Do you receive much feedback regarding the billboards? How are the billboards funded and do you plan on putting more of them up across Illinois?

A. Oh, yes! We get lots of feedback! Our Burma-style sign program is easily our most visible effort at educating the public. Developing the slogans is also a popular meeting activity, members pitching in to tweak, trim the slogan into 19 letters per sign, hopefully made to rhyme and have proper meter. Then the final test: "Does everybody like it?" Once, a slogan was met with near unanimous enthusiasm. Except for one man, who pointed out that if one did not catch the first panel, the whole meaning was reversed. We scrapped the slogan. Unanimously.

The funding for sign sets, about $500 a set, comes from members dues and donations we receive at our regular monthly meetings. We also have received some grant money for public education purposes from the Friends of NRA organization. We currently have about 30 sets of these around the state.

The biggest item for these signs is always donated -- the land that they sit on. The key to getting them that close to the Interstate highways is that they are non-commercial, political speech. Landowners who support what we do and have land fronting a major highway give us permission, and then our volunteers swing into action.

We will certainly put up more, mainly when we find new, good sites along major highways with landowners that will help by letting us use the space.

We hope that the rhyme, humor, and simple statement of a truth will nudge people who really have not considered the value of privately owned firearms to our society, into looking at them in a more positive light. Whether the signs convert anyone or not, I ALWAYS FEEL BETTER WHEN I SEE ONE.

Q. What's so different about your gun rights organization, compared to others?

A. I believe member involvement and participation is key. Meetings are well attended: second Tuesday every month. Our members recommend and recruit speakers, as well as volunteer to be the feature and "tech time" speakers at our monthly meetings, to share their knowledge and insight with others. Many of the articles in GunNews are written or sent to the editor by our members. Our members volunteer to show the flag at the Fourth of July Parade (Champaign County Freedom Celebration is huge--we get lots of "thumbs-up" and a few hecklers!), and at gun shows and other events. Our members help at youth shooting camps and other educational events. In short, we offer our members many ways besides sending money that they can help, and many take us up on the offer.

Q. Perhaps the most important court ruling in our nation's history regarding the Second Amendment was recently handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court when that judicial body struck down the Washington, D.C. gun ban. What was your initial reaction when you first heard the news?

A. My initial reaction was, a very quiet "THANK GOD," followed by profound grief that four members of the highest court in the land could be so dishonest; that they could actually write an opinion denying that the right to keep and bear arms is an individual rather than a government right. All in all, it is appalling that the case had to be brought at all.

Q. How do you feel the high court's ruling will impact Illinois legislation regarding the possession of firearms? I know you can probably write a book on this subject, but what will the ruling's immediate impact be?

A. The immediate impact is to put us on offense and the anti-rights people on defense. Instead of us having to fight off another gun ban, now they (as in City of Chicago) are having to fight off lawsuits seeking to strike down their onerous bans and regulations.

Q. We are already hearing of potential lawsuits being brought against cities like Chicago and Wilmette regarding these city's prohibitive laws banning hand gun ownership. But how will the D.C. gun ban decision apply to such cities on an immediate basis? For example, does the ruling automatically strike down Chicago's ban on hand guns?

A. Not potential lawsuits, actual lawsuits that have already been filed against the City of Chicago and a handful of suburbs. Although there will be no immediate improvement in Chicago, as that city has chosen to fight the suits, there has been an immediate effect in several suburbs, such as Wilmette, Morton Grove, and Evanston which have chosen to amend or repeal their anti-gun ordinances rather than spend large amounts defending them in suits they would almost certainly lose. Vigilance IS still required--some may try the D.C. route of making minor changes that will require another court fight.

Q. Obviously, the debate over whether individual citizens have the right to bear arms is over. In a more far-reaching sense, what did the Supreme Court say to not only Illinois, but the rest of the nation regarding the possession of firearms? Will the ruling give a boost to those who are trying to implement conceal and carry laws in states that do not yet have them?

A. This ruling will give a boost to those of us who are working for right to carry laws here in Illinois, which is one of only two states (Wisconsin is the other) that have NO provision for any regular citizen to get a permit to carry. Like I said earlier, this puts us on offense. Let THEM make the case that the people of Illinois are less trustworthy, and less in need of personal and family protection, than the citizens in 48 other states.

What the Supreme Court has essentially said is that gun bans are off the table. This lifts a tremendous burden from gun rights supporters, who can now concentrate on getting the rest of the gun laws to be more citizen friendly.

Q. Without letting the proverbial cat out of the bag, can you tell RFFM.org's readers what is at the top of your legislative agenda statewide?

A. It's no secret that we would like to see permit to carry enacted in Illinois. Even more urgent, we need what's called a "preemption" law that would prevent cities and counties from making gun laws more restrictive than those on the state level, so that when we do get permit to carry, it won't be negated by a patchwork quilt of city and county ordinances.

Q. There are millions of Illinois residents who support the Constitutional right to bear arms. How can they help protect these rights?

A. Vote pro-gun rights. A politician who wants gun restrictions probably doesn't trust you with other freedoms, either. Get involved. Work to get good candidates elected. Urge good people to run for office, and support them when they do. Get involved in primaries; by the time of the general election, it's often a choice between bad and worse. Support pro-freedom organizations such as ours, not only with your money, but with your time. Join or start a local group that can impact politics in your area.

Q. If someone wanted to join your efforts at GunsSaveLife, what do they need to do? Can they send donations? Can they volunteer their time? How can they sign up for your newsletter?

A. The best way to support our organization is to become a member. You'll get GunNews every month, which will keep you very informed on the gun rights scene here in Illinois.

To join, send a check for $30 per year to Guns Save Life.com, PO Box 51, Savoy, IL, 61874. You can print the third page of the .PDF found at

http://www.gunssavelife.com/Newsletter/Aug08.7.PDF for a membership form to send in with your check.

Donations, by check payable to Guns Save Life.com, are certainly welcome. You can specify if you want your donation used for the Burma Sign campaign, our legal defense fund, or our range and land acquisition fund, or our general operations (mainly GunNews).

If you own a business, consider advertising in GunNews. Page 2 of the PDF above has the advertising rates. Call Editor John Naese at 217-684-2602 or e-mail him at

[email protected]

if you are interested in advertising. It's a good way to reach a target audience of freedom-loving, generally conservative and intelligent people.

You don't have to be a member to subscribe to GunENews; just e-mail

[email protected]

And if you can, come on out for our meetings, at the Park Inn in Urbana, just off Interstate 74 at the Cunningham Avenue exit. You don't have to be a member to attend. Folks from all over drive quite a distance to come to these meetings, which are held on the second Tuesday of every month. We have dinner and conversation from 6 to 7 P.M., and the meetings generally go from 7 to 9 P.M., with a featured guest speaker and a "Tech Time" presentation on a particular gun or shooting discipline. We have regular attendees from as far away as Springfield, Decatur, Lincoln, Bloomington, Danville, and many other cities.

One more very important way you can help: if you have land suitable for a Burma Shave style sign set, or know someone who does who would want to help us out, we want to hear from you. Our sign coordinator is David Pike, at 217-352-6405, or e-mail him at

[email protected].

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