44 Percent of Liberal Democrats Say Churches Bad for America

Written by Michael Gryboski

Democrats are more likely than Republicans to believe that churches have a negative impact on American society, according to a recent report by Pew Research Center.

In a report released Monday by Pew’s U.S. Politics & Policy department, 36 percent of Democrats were found to view churches’ impact on society as negative, contrasted with 14 percent of Republicans.

Among Liberal Democrats, the percentage that view churches in a negative light jumps to 44 percent, with 40 percent of Liberal Democrats and 50 percent of overall Democrats viewing churches as positively impacting society.… Continue Reading

Double Standards in the War between White House and Media

Written by Michael Medved

For all his vast power, the President of the United States—any president—is always at a structural disadvantage in a “war” with the media. The First Amendment protects press rights to criticize the government, and everyone expects such criticism. But if government—or the president, as head of government—strikes back by assailing media, there’s an uneasy hint of bullying or oppression.

President Donald Trump isn’t exceptional in generating media hostility, but Barack Obama was exceptional in avoiding such scrutiny for eight years.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Fighting Marijuana Legalization

Written by Benjamin Smith

We are pleased to feature Jo McGuire in this week’s Spotlight podcast. She serves on the board of directors for the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and co-chairs the Marijuana Education Committee. Jo is also a DATIA Certified Professional Collector and Trainer (CPCT) and a Certified Designated Employee Representative Trainer (CDERT) who consults and trains professionals overseeing Safety Sensitive Employees in the compliance of federal DOT guidelines for drug and alcohol screening programs.… Continue Reading

Madigan’s Bipartisan Deception vs. Taxpayers

Written by David E. Smith

As you know by now, over the Independence Day weekend, the Illinois General Assembly passed a massive tax hike for families and businesses. When Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed the proposal, the Illinois Senate and House quickly overrode his veto. What does that mean for taxpayers? Well, the personal income tax rate has now increased by 32 percent, surging from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent, and the corporate rate has jumped from 5.25 percent to 7 percent.… Continue Reading

Ineffective GOP Messaging Leads to Tax Hikes Without Reforms Every Time

Written by John Biver

Every time state spending increases and taxes are raised, Republicans and conservatives issue statements expressing disappointment and disgust with those who played a part in making it happen. For many of us watching this Illinois tax and spend train wreck year after year, these statements are tiresome.

Bad things happen. Our side reacts to those bad things with statements.

These pages have outlined and linked to other articles explaining that Illinois’ problem is a simple math problem.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: The American Miracle and Common Core

Written by Benjamin Smith

Monte Larrick had the pleasure of interviewing radio talk show host, historian and bestselling author Michael Medved about his new book The American Miracle: Divine Providence in the Rise of the Republic.  Michael offers his thoughts on the intervening role that God has played in America’s founding and rise to prominence. He persuasively points out that America is a product of design, not luck or happenstance. His radio program is nationally syndicated and featured on Salem Radio Network live every weekday afternoon (2-5 PM), and in the Chicago area on WIND (AM 560) every weeknight between 10PM and 1 AM.… Continue Reading

Freedom’s Hope is Found on the Shoulders of Our Lord

Written by James Robison

Our nation was born out of a deep desire for true freedom that was inspired by those determined to have freedom of religion. This nation was born because believers prayed. This nation became prosperous and powerful because believers served.

And this nation only moves forward if the faithful stay engaged.

America’s future hope and the preservation of freedom depend upon the transforming power of gospel truth demonstrated and delivered by Spirit-filled believers.… Continue Reading

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

Written by William G. Parrot

Our Founding Fathers thoughtfully and succinctly defined human nature, thus crafting a Constitution confronting man’s decided vulnerability to the elixir of power and its addictive influence.  Across decades of the American landscape their genius sustained this nation’s promise rewarding hard work and diligence in a free society.  Limitless opportunity unfettered by overbearing government emboldened our citizens.  Selfless patriots and honest risk-takers became the lifeblood of this great land despite the freeloaders and parasites content with an entitlement mindset.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Discussing Educational Choice with Lennie Jarrat

Written by Benjamin Smith

In the Spotlight with Monte Larrick and David Smith this week is Lennie Jarratt, who is the project manager for the Center for Transforming Education at The Heartland Institute.

Lennie was the former managing editor (2013-2014) of Champion News, an Illinois based news website focusing on education and Illinois politics, and the managing editor (2004-2011) of Education Matters which researched education in local school districts across Illinois.

Jarratt is well-versed on Common Core and education choice.… Continue Reading

Guidestar to Remove ‘Hate Group’ Labels on Conservative Groups for ‘Time Being’

Written by Rachel del Guidice

The nation’s leading source of information on U.S. charities announced it will modify its use of a controversial “hate group” designation in listings for some well-known and broadly supported conservative nonprofits.

“We have decided to remove the SPLC annotations from these 46 organizations for the time being,” read a statement posted Friday on GuideStar’s website. “This change will be implemented during the week of June 26, 2017. In the meantime, we will make this information available to any user on request.”… Continue Reading