107 Comments - train111 - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:12 pm: “I get paid twice as much, to say the same amount of nothing as my predecessor in the Quinn administration” - Cheryl44 - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:15 pm: Governor Rauner will make everyone’s lives miserable, not just the gays. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:15 pm: “Translate”? “The last thing the governor wants to do is pick a side in a state he points to as a ‘model’ to move his agenda, when this hard Right social law can be used to help the unions and workers against his business agenda. But, can’t say they’re right either, so give a Dopey sentence that really says nothing.” - Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:15 pm: Yes we are homophobes. And no we don’t want to make a big deal about it. - Dan S - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:16 pm: “I have enough on my plate trying to clean up John, Mike & Pat’s mess, not going there.” - A guy - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:17 pm: “I don’t want to be on any list with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio”. - Anonin' - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:17 pm: No social agenda? Could someone ask the spox if this means BVR is for discrimination or spendin’ state dough in a discriminatory state Can’t believe WCT let her off the hook that easy. This is like BVR bein’ “troubled” the other day - Macbeth - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:19 pm: What a jerk. “I have no social agenda.” Of course, he does. He’s attempting to bust every union in the state. That’s as “social” as it gets. Either Rauner is an idiot. Or he’s an idiot. - Carl Nyberg - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:19 pm: Undercutting labor unions isn’t a social agenda. It’s our duty to God, the trinity of money, capitalism & the invisible hand. - the Other Anonymous - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:22 pm: “Don’t you people know that government is about funneling as much money to private business as possible, and not about people’s lives? Sheesh, you people.” - Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:22 pm: ==Does not compute. Raunerbots may not deviate from authorized software programming.== - Casual Observer - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:22 pm: The Governor will continue to let the IPI express his ideas on social issue for him. In the mean time he will hold up Indiana, Wisconsin and Kentucky as beacons on how to turn around a states economy. - LA - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:22 pm: “We’re not going to misinterpret the intent of their law and use it to gain higher approval ratings” - Anonin' - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:23 pm: Guessin’ the spox is getting a little retrainin’ and will be out with some clarifyin’ shortly…tryin’ to be Scabistan is one thing, but labelin’ discrimination as part of the “no social agenda” is a big opps. Look at this way if NASCAR and WALMART trash IN then sittin’ on the sidelines is a grand mistake. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:24 pm: “It is not at all shameful or outrageous that Gov. Rauner refuses to compete with Indiana based on our state’s humanity toward others.” - late to the party - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:24 pm: “Governor Rauner’s only social agenda is forcing the middle class down into the ranks of the working poor so Rauner’s friends can make a lot more money. If some of those he is crushing are also gay, he’s not complainin.’” - Macbeth - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:24 pm: BTW — He’s also a coward. Someone should tell Rauner that this is a darn good time to step up and to stop being a whiny little governor. - AC - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:24 pm: “Let them eat cake, I’ll have mine and eat it too. I’ll serve the aristocracy, while preserving my national political career from the wrath of social conservatives by remaining neutral.” - Wordslinger - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:26 pm: “Gov. Rauner is committed to reducing the income of all Illinoisans regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation, except for the ’superstars’ on his staff.” - 47th Ward - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:27 pm: ===Turnaround Agenda=== I don’t want to talk about that, so I’m gonna Turnaround the question and talk about something else instead. Oh look, a kitten! - Haverford - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:29 pm: Gay, straight, we’re kneecapping the entire middle class. We will not discriminate… except against the middle class. And the poors. Them, too. - Casual Observer - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:30 pm: The Governor knows and supports rich business owners in the LGBT community. He also knows workers in the LGBT community and will work to reduce their wages without prejudice. - Belle - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:31 pm: We’re conducting a study to determine how Gays typically feel about being in a Union and that will help focus our direction. - Juice - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:31 pm: Translation- “Governor Rauner is focused on making sure that health care workers who have travelled to an ebola stricken West African nation will be turned around on their attempt to return. That is the only travel ban in place as part of the turnaround agenda.” - Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:32 pm: “During my campaign, I pandered to the Right on marriage equality, and I don’t want anyone to be reminded of that.” - Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:33 pm: If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our Indiana neighbors over the years it’s that when your neighbor is down you kick your neighbor as hard as you can as often as you can. It’s time for us to start kicking. - Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:35 pm: I went with the rant rather than the translation. My bad. Translation: “Your question makes me uncomfortable so here’s five or six buzz words to justify my existence.” - John A Logan - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:36 pm: In a related story, the price of tea in china has increased for the 3rd consecutive quarter. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:37 pm: Governor Rauner still believes he has a chance of getting on a national ticket if succeeds in his bust the unions agenda so long as he doesn’t offend the wing-nut part of the Republican Party with any word or deed. - tikkunolam - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:37 pm: “If the issue doesn’t directly involve dollar amounts, the Governor will have no idea what you’re talking about.” - Christopher - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:38 pm: Translated it means he still doesn’t like or support LGBT citizens. - Sunshine - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:42 pm: Lot of nice people in Indiana…just bad politicians acting on bad advice. You know, kinda like Blagojevich…, and Quinn. Still not sure why all those states are passing such a law. Is it to clear the way for Sharia Law? Maybe Rauner is smart to sidestep this issue. Either way, it’s a pit to fall into. Next thing you know state will be fighting state. Oh wait, that’s happening! A lot of hate going on. Perhaps someone can enlighten us all as to why so many states are seeing fit to pass such a law? - Gooner - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:44 pm: “Can’t talk now. Maybe in 2017 or 2021, depending on how things shake out. No need to show our cards until then.” - AC - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:44 pm: “I’ll provide the same answer to this question that I do to all questions, unions and right to work, that’s why I let my wife order when we go to restaurants.” - Anonymous - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:45 pm: I am not a fan of Rauner but I agree with him on this issue. We need Religous Freedom in this country. This is the far left taking over America. I am a liberal Democrat but my party is losing me. I might need to become an independent. - chi - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:45 pm: “more competitive for job creators” = I want the rich to get richer by paying everyone else less. - Langhorne - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:46 pm: ===is focused completely on his Turnaround Agenda== Except for introducing bills to actually IMPLEMENT the agend - Wensicia - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:47 pm: “Just like the Titanic, Indiana is going down. I won’t get sucked down by someone else’s sinking ship. Now, back to exterminating the unions at any cost.” - 47th Ward - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:48 pm: ===We need Religous Freedom in this country.=== We have it. There is no state religion. You can believe anything you want to believe and practice your faith accordingly. I don’t believe you are a liberal Democrat, but thanks for your concern. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:49 pm: ===This is the far left taking over America. I am a liberal Democrat but my party is losing me. I might need to become an independent.=== All the best to you on your political quest… but being a liberal Democratic voter, becoming an Indie, welp, hope you find your candidates… I am guessing you meant the far Right. - Just Me - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:50 pm: When you share a border with the state it is a little difficult to say you can’t visit it at all. - chi - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:53 pm: =I am not a fan of Rauner but I agree with him on this issue.= What position does Rauner have on this issue to agree with? - Anonymous - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:54 pm: No the far left - Dee Lay - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:55 pm: “What can we say, don’t travel to Indiana for fireworks, cheap gas and smokes? And seriously, have you ever been to Three Floyds, telling someone they couldn’t go there? Now that’s a crime!” - Jimmy CrackCorn - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:55 pm: Governor Rauner’s staff is committed to not burning bridges with their former employers in Indiana, in preparation of the “turn-around agenda” forcing them to turn-around to Indiana to beg for their jobs back in 3 years. - Big Joe - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:58 pm: No way Rauner does/says anything negative about one of his political models’ states like Mitch Daniels and Indiana. NO WAY - Wordslinger - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 12:59 pm: “The governor could easily say that he’s opposed to discrimination against anyone, but he chooses not to. Get it, or do I have to paint a picture for you?” - throwing stones - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:01 pm: Look, I don’t care what they are doing in Indiana, the important thing here is to increase profits to us important folks, we can make more money, hire more people by paying lower wages, is that so hard to understand, sheesh. Also, ever heard a penny saved is a penny earned, do you know what property taxes cost on 7 houses, by lowering properety taxes I am saving millions. poor people justt don’t get it! - the koala - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:02 pm: The way you can tell that Rauner DOES have a social agenda is as follows: if he were a true capitalist and businessman as he claims, he would use the Indiana debacle as an opportunity to make money, poach jobs and companies, etc. But the statement “I don’t have a social agenda” is simultaneously the implicit NON-statement of what you should expect from someone motivated purely by business interests (i.e. “Come to Illinois” “Illinois welcomes all, serves all”, etc). Think of the cases during the Civil Rights era — Katzenbach v. McClung, Heart of Atlanta v US — it made business sense for these companies not to discriminate, but they wanted to do so. That desire to discriminate in the face of obvious business arguments against discrimination echo in the statement provided by the Governor’s Office today. I am disappointed but not surprised. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:05 pm: Willy Voting for who I want and not voting just for somebody who might win. I don’t care if you agree with me or not but I should be protected by the first amendment in my Religous covenants. Laws that make it clear that I can not be forced to do or not do something based on that we’re once supported by the Democrats. They are now becoming fascist. Also, why do you care so much since you are a Republican defending the Democrats all of the time. You defend them more then I have and I have never voted for Republicans in my entire life. - Skeptic - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:10 pm: Translation: “Details coming real soon now. Any day.” - Demoralized - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:10 pm: ==but I should be protected by the first amendment in my Religous covenants== By being able to discriminate? That’s pathetic. I’m so sick and tired of the constant cries of persecution and cries of discrimination by the “religious.” Some of these people have so bastardized the 1st Amendment that they believe they shouldn’t have to do anything that might offend their religious sensitivities. That’s utter crap. There is nothing “religious” about discriminating against someone. Those that do so are acting anything but “religious.” - Demoralized - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:12 pm: ==They are now becoming fascist. == Wow. Missed that little gem of nonsense. If it’s fascist to oppose allowing somebody to discriminate against someone just because they are gay then count me as a fascist. - Anonin' - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:12 pm: IF BVR was really smart he would give Shelton’s some land right outside Danville for a firework village….NASCAR trashed Pence, NASCAR - Waldi - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:12 pm: No social agenda? - This is an April Fool’s day prank, right? - Demoralized - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:14 pm: Translation: We’ve talked up Indiana so much as the beacon on the hill that we can’t possible do anything that might indicate any negativity towards the state, regardless of how disgusting they are acting. - Wordslinger - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:16 pm: “No social agenda” is perhaps the most non-sensical phrase in politics. - Joe M - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:18 pm: Translation: I haven’t checked with the Koch Brothers yet on what stand I should take. And Gov Walker hasn’t returned my phone call yet. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:20 pm: @Anonymous 1:05 Let me guess, you’re a supporter of the Democratic Party of the 1870’s. - chi - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:20 pm: Unsolicited advice: If you consider yourself a lifelong/liberal/staunch/longtime/etc. Democrat, and you are in favor of this Indiana law or Rauner’s right-to-work-for-less zones, it’s long past time to reconsider yourself. - Macbeth - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:21 pm: — “No social agenda” is perhaps the most non-sensical phrase in politics. — And the most cowardly. Rauner is — as I say above — one of the biggest political cowards I’ve seen in Illinois. He simply refuses to take a principled stand on any issue other than union-busting. - Demoralized - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:25 pm: == He simply refuses to take a principled stand on any issue other than union-busting.== My wife would say he’s just being a man - unable to focus on more than one thing at a time. - Anon - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:26 pm: Translation: “That idiot Pence had better be quiet or I’ll need to pick a new role model state… Maybe Tennessee… I saw somethin’ on the Internet about their low union membership numbers” - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:29 pm: - Anonymous -, With respect, I dunno you understand the labels you want to affix to yourself. Words have meanings, as do political philosophies. Your words and philosophies, they ain’t jiving. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:29 pm: “Unlike the big business folks that actually produce things and contribute to the economy, I’m just a pathetic finance industry type with the heart of a coward who can’t stand up against discrimination. Now, let’s talk about the only thing I really know, lowering wages and unloading assets.” - Stones - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:30 pm: Translation: I don’t want to talk about it because if I disagree with SB 101 I’ll alienate the right wingers and if I agree with it I’ll alienate everyone else. I would argue that Bruce Rauner has more of a social agenda than any Illinois Governor in my lifetime. - Sir Reel - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:30 pm: Turnaround Agenda = return to the glory days of the Robber Barrons. - Wensicia - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:35 pm: ==No social agenda?== Reply: “How can I have a social agenda when I don’t possess a social conscience?” - Wordslinger - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:38 pm: The governor, however, does have an antisocial agenda. - MrJM - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:43 pm: “Governor Rauner is a moral coward and is focused completely on crushing unions, which will make Illinois more competitive for his rich friends and empower local voters to work against their interests.” – MrJM - Tommydanger - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:53 pm: Translation: I have a Darwinian social agenda; the poor, weak and disabled will get better or perish. I believe folks should be paid the lowest possible wages to encourage more job creation. - Vote Quimby! - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:53 pm: Only a superstar could produce drivel like that. “Rauner is laser-focused on the primary issue at the heart of Illinois’ problems: unions. And not the civil kind.” - Buzzie - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 1:57 pm: What a weird statement to say that the Governor does not have a social agenda. For instance, his emphasis on education is not a social agenda? Rauner’s spokespeople often sound like robots who are programmed with a set series of responses. - ZC - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:01 pm: It does need to be asked, “What is a social agenda?” I admit when I process the term I think gods / guns / gays / abortion … but not union-busting. I slot that myself more under an “economic agenda,” which can include cutting crucial social safety-net spending for the working poor, slashing taxes for the rich, lower environmental regulation, workplace safety … etc. Put it another way, if union-busting is a social agenda … what ISN’T a social agenda? Like any definitional debate this one will go down the rabbit hole, no one need respond, but just to point out I’m not convinced Rauner -does- have a huge “social agenda.” Even his ignoring IN plays back as people has noted into his need to debunk “Illinois business competitiveness,” aka his economic wish list. - Mike - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:02 pm: Remember that old SNL skit where Faux-Dukakis marveled that he could be losing to someone as goofy as Faux-Bush 41? We’re doomed to an Illinois re-run! - Arsenal - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:02 pm: “I should be protected by the first amendment in my Religous covenants.” So should everyone else. You don’t get to take that away from them. “Laws that make it clear that I can not be forced to do or not do something based on that we’re once supported by the Democrats.” Yeah, but then Strom Thurmond left the party, and the world is a much better place. BTW, laws are all about forcing you to do or not do something. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:03 pm: “I may need Pence later..” - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:05 pm: Tempest in a tea pot political nonsense. - RNUG - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:12 pm: “We don’t care about gays … unless they belong to a union.” - Juan MacLean - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:16 pm: In other words - your discrimination is fine just don’t bother me with it. And - Koala is right - a capitalist and job creator would use every opportunity to capture jobs and business. Like this one - which literally everyone else is taking advantage of. - Anon. - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:21 pm: “The Governor has nothing to fear but the truth.” - Mr Creosote - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:22 pm: Translation: Forcing Union Cuts Keeps Our Fiscal Freedom ! - Em - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:22 pm: “We don’t care” - kimocat - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:25 pm: Perfect, RNUG. - Bigtwich - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:26 pm: “Well, what the hell’s the governorship for? O yes, attacking unions!” - olddog - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:28 pm: What in blue blazes does he mean by a “Turnaround Agenda?” I usually see the term used as a euphemism for privatizing neighborhood schools. - out of touch - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:46 pm: “Governor Rauner has no social agenda” No social agenda IS an agenda. When citizens are allowed to be the victims of discrimination while leaders turn a blind eye, it’s tantamount to an endorsement–especially when those leaders affirmatively state that they won’t speak to the issue. As far as I can see, Rauner has no “turnaround agenda” either, except for powerpoints and press conferences. File a bill, Governor. Where’s the beef? - Jack Stephens - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:51 pm: Our Founders believed that you did not have to be a member of a certain religion to run for office. And that the “gummi-mint” cannot declare a National Religion. Those are your First Amendment “religious” Rights. - Wordslinger - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 2:58 pm: VMan, that’s some teapot, and the tempest shows no sign of abating. I can’t recall a Republican ever taking such a relentless beating from business groups across the board. Pence looked punch-drunk on TV yesterday. - Blankone - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 3:01 pm: Dee Lay, I hear you on the Three Floyds. Who doesnt like their heavy metal vinyl entertainment, much less their finely crafted beers. Dark Lod day is April 26th this year. - Wensicia - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 3:09 pm: ==Tempest in a tea pot political nonsense.== I’d call it a tempest in the political bubble the far right has retreated to the past few years. Wake up, guys! The world has changed this century. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 3:13 pm: VMan, that’s some teapot, and the tempest shows no sign of abating. The shark is jumped. - Norseman - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 3:13 pm: “My superstar staffers from Indiana asked me to be nice to their homeland.” - Wordslinger - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 3:16 pm: Don’t know what you mean, VMan. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 3:16 pm: Wake up, guys! The world has changed this century. If it took Obama almost 13 years in this century to get the message, no one should be surprised to see that message still going out twenty four months later. - Percival - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 3:30 pm: The whole phenomenon looks like a political flash mob. - JS Mill - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 3:34 pm: Translated- “Whew! Pence is taking a beating on that one. Brother, hat ain’t gonna be me! I will, uh, just uh, act like it ain’t happenin’ and try to stay out of the cross hairs” In other words…Chicken snot response. - zatoichi - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 3:59 pm: Ain’t got time for that now. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 4:00 pm: “inappropriate or excessively rabid comments, gratuitous insults and “rumors” will be deleted….” “All violators risk permanent banishment…” Rich, why must you discriminate against people who have a different belief system that you have? - Wordslinger - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 4:04 pm: Check out the big brain on Anon 4:00 pm! - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 4:05 pm: ===discriminate against people who have a different belief system=== I don’t, unless they violate the civil behavior rules. If you believe you have an absolute right to be a freaking nutball, then find somewhere else to go. - Demoralized - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 4:08 pm: ==If you believe you have an absolute right to be a freaking nutball,== Sounds like an idea for the 28th Amendment. - Federalist - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 4:36 pm: The MSM is shouting that Pence has killed his chances for the Presidency. They are probably correct but not necessarily because of anything else other than he looks weak and silly because he does not take a stand and stick by it. He should either have supported the legislation and continue to support it or vetoed it in the first place. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 4:45 pm: Don’t know how to play well with others,has a revenge personality. Promotes the .01% and tells the 93% that the .06% are the problem that can be fixed with empowerment. - steve schnorf - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 6:27 pm: Guys, In read 4 pm as snark - lost in the weeds - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 9:55 pm: I have no ice cream social agenda. I am not anti-ice cream social. If someone wants ice cream with others let them decide that. - Peoria democrat - Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 10:26 pm: =if you believe you have an absolute right to be a freakin’ nut ball= Too late…that would be the govenor. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.