SPOTLIGHT: Back to the Basics – Constitutionally Speaking

Written by John Biver

Is the Declaration of Independence “perhaps one of the most important documents in the history of mankind”? Or are both the Declaration and U.S. Constitution to be disregarded because there were slave owners involved with drafting them?

David Shestokas is Monte Larrick’s guest on this week’s Illinois Spotlight podcast. Shestokas is an expert on the American Founding documents, a former Cook County assistant state’s attorney, and an author of: Creating the Declaration of Independence, Constitutional Sound Bites, and Capsulas Informativas Constitucionales, which “explains for Spanish language readers both the meaning and historical context of the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.”… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Rev. C.L. Byrant on Tax Reform

Written by John Biver

In this week’s Spotlight podcast, Monte Larrick interviews the Reverend C.L. Bryant, a Senior Fellow at Freedom Works. Rev. Bryant also is the host of the syndicated radio show, the C.L. Bryant show on Red State Talk Radio. He is also the force behind the film Runaway Slave.

In their wide-ranging discussion, Rev. Bryant and Monte Larrick address national tax reform, the “non-existent” black conservative, the many problems in Illinois, and the current racial situation in America.… Continue Reading

The Terrifying Changes Britain has Seen Since Instituting Same-Sex “Marriage”

Written by Joshua Denton

Roughly four years ago, then Prime Minister David Cameron announced that MP’s would decide whether or not to redefine the meaning of marriage. The announcement came as somewhat of a surprise as David Cameron had not made any mention whatsoever in his pre-election manifesto (or platform) signalling his intention to initiate this possible shift.

In the ensuing chaos leading up to the vote, David Burrows MP, a mild-mannered supporter of the ‘Coalition for Marriage’, had excrement thrown at his house.… Continue Reading

Donald Trump’s Pro-Family Remarks in Poland Should Leave Conservatives Optimistic

Written by Joshua Denton

Last week, President Donald Trump gave an inspiring speech while visiting Poland on his way to the Group of 20 economic summit. The speech should give conservatives hope, as Trump made many references to the importance of values, families and faith traditions. It’s certainly encouraging to hear the President take such a pro-family stance as the current leader of the free world.

Americans, Poles, and much of the rest of Europe value individual freedom and sovereignty.… Continue Reading

911 Tax Increase in Illinois for all Telephone Users

Written by Benjamin Yount

The fee that supports 911 systems across the state is going up under a law that lawmakers approved against Gov. Bruce Rauner’s wishes.

The law also keeps the 911 services operational statewide.

Outside of Chicago, phone users are going to pay $1.50 a month for 911 service. Chicago’s 911 fee will jump to $5 to pay for pensions, not 911 service.

State Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard), said it’s not that lawmakers wanted to end 911 services, they just wanted to settle on fair fees.… 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

Charity Should Begin at Home — And Not in Washington

Written by Terry Schilling

In a recent Liberty Minute, “Charity Begins at Home,” Helen Krieble condemned the attitude of excessive reliance on the government for welfare:

Have you ever heard the old saying that charity begins at home? Now we seem to believe charity begins with the government. Whenever there is a tragedy of any kind, people look to government to rebuild homes, bail out failing businesses, and replace people’s lost possessions.

But when we look through the lens of liberty, we realize government can only provide for some people by taking from others.

Build the Wall

Written by David E. Smith

If you are not familiar with Prager University, please check them out. Prager University produces excellent short videos that explain conservative ideals on cultural and political issues. Their tag line sums it up well: “Short Videos. Big Ideas.” They are great countermeasures to the irresponsible narratives that Leftists in media, academia and Hollywood would have you believe.

Also known simply as “PragerU,” their mission:

is to explain and spread what we call “Americanism” through the power of the Internet.

SPOTLIGHT: The Equal Rights Amendment is a War on Women

Written by Benjamin Smith

Elise Bouc is the State Chairwoman of Stop ERA Illinois. She joins Monte and Dave on this week’s podcast to discuss the extensive negative consequences of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the state of Illinois and the nation.

Phyllis Schlafly, Beverly LaHaye, and former state representative Penny Pullen were champions of battling and exposing the ERA because of the harm to women. And one unlikely woman confirmed their grave concerns.… Continue Reading

Socialism Attacks the Family, Just as Its Inventors Intended

Written by Dr. Paul Kengor

Last year, “socialism” was the most looked-up word at Merriam-Webster.com. That is hardly a surprise. It clearly reflects growing interest, especially with the remarkable surge of lifetime socialist Bernie Sanders, who won a pile of states in pursuing the Democratic Party presidential nomination. He earned over 13 million votes nationwide. Many of those voters have only a hazy idea what socialism entails, but most surely know that it gives the government more control over the so-called “means of production” as well as your wallet and your property, but not as much as outright Communists crave.… Continue Reading