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*** UPDATED x5 - IFT, Biss, Anti-Defamation League, Pritzker campaign, Cosgrove responds *** Another issue with a new Rauner hire

Wednesday, Jul 19, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Tina Sfondeles…

One of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s new communications aides has argued that abortion is being used “to rid the world of disabled and other ‘unwanted’ persons” — comparing it to Nazi Germany. […]

Carl, a $45,000-a-year communications specialist was hired this week as part of sweeping changes within Rauner’s administration. Carl, who goes by Brittany Clingen Carl or Brittany Clingen in online articles, is listed as the editor and publisher of Reclaiming Feminism, a conservative blog. […]

“Certainly nothing matches the atrocity of the Holocaust, but it’s undeniable that abortion is being used to rid the world of disabled and other ‘unwanted’ persons — a fact the Left and their pro-abortion allies don’t want discussed,” Carl wrote.

Carl also wrote about parents aborting babies diagnosed with Down syndrome: “Attempting to rid the world of people with Down syndrome simply because they are different constitutes the dangerous and morally reprehensible practice of eugenics not entirely unlike what was practiced in . . . Nazi Germany.” […]

“Any of the writing Brittany did before she worked for the state reflect her personal opinion, not the opinion of the administration,” said Laurel Patrick, Rauner’s new communications director. “If you’re going to quote from her past writing, she asks that you please quote accurately and with full context.”

* That’s an interesting response. Here’s what that same spokesperson said about the one-day body man’s past tweets…

“These tweets are unacceptable,” said Laurel Patrick, an administration spokeswoman. “The individual in question is no longer an employee of our Administration.”

…Adding… She wrote that piece in April of this year.

…Adding More… A bit more from the story…

A Republican operative said Diana Rauner should be concerned. “I would like to know, the First Lady, who is a known pro-choice advocate, how she feels about this,” the operative, speaking on condition of anonymity, said. “Really she should be weighing in.”

Yep.

*** UPDATE 1 ***  Terry Cosgrove at Personal PAC…

This is just further evidence as to what a complete fraud Governor Rauner and Diana Rauner truly are. They have spent tens of millions of dollars lying to Illinois voters about being pro-choice and moderate. Hiring racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic right-wing activists to run Illinois government puts them on a race to the bottom in competition with Donald Trump as to who can be the most destructive.

*** UPDATE 2 *** From Galia Slayen at the Pritzker campaign…

There is no context in which comparing abortion to Nazi eugenics is appropriate. As a Jewish woman, I find this statement disgusting and entirely indefensible. The Rauner administration’s refusal to condemn it shows that they are being taken over by radical ideologues, intent on furthering the Trump agenda of bigotry and hatred. It may serve his new staff well to take a tour of the Illinois Holocaust Museum.

*** UPDATE 3 *** From the Anti Defamation League…

Lonnie Nasatir, ADL Chicago-Upper Midwest Regional Director, states, “Any analogy comparing the Holocaust to the national debate over abortion is historically inaccurate, inappropriate and offensive especially to survivors and their families. We call upon Ms. Carl to retract her statement.”

*** UPDATE 4 *** Sen. Daniel Biss…

“The latest hire by the Governor reveals Rauner’s true colors; today, that’s attacking the rights of women and teachers. His actions in this moment will be determinative: either he supports this disgusting Trumpian dialogue, or he’ll fire members of his team who continue to use it.”

*** UPDATE 5 *** From the Sun-Times story…

In a story posted on eagnews.org in May 2013, Carl wrote about a Stanford University professor and author who said teachers unions have created “insurmountable problems for effective schools” and should be stopped.

* From the Illinois Federation of Teachers’ spokesperson Aviva Bowen, who is also Jewish…

The Governor’s recent hires reflect the real Rauner, and it’s appalling.

       

225 Comments

  1. - JP Altgeld - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:31 pm:

    This is disgusting.

    BVR just created about 30 new oppo researchers when he did his purge and I suspect this is just the beginning of this kind of info. Seems like he doesn’t even care if he gets re-elected at this point.


  2. - WhoKnew - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:32 pm:

    That was then, this is now.
    Please keep up! /s


  3. - jim - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:34 pm:

    gee, if one holds the opinion that abortion is an unjustified taking of a human life, that statement hardly seems unreasonable. after all, unborn children are being eliminated for a variety of reasons, including convenience, physical and mental handicaps, simple because they’re not wanted. are only pro-abortion, as opposed to anti-abortion thinkers, allowed to work in government?
    I’m stunned your suggesting this person should be fire because she has a different view on abortion than you do, assuming that you are actually in disagreement.


  4. - jim - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:35 pm:

    “you’re suggesting,” not your suggesting


  5. - wndycty - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:36 pm:

    Rauner is in a box here. Does he fire another new appointee which really would make him look bad, or does he keep her which also really makes him look bad? Whoopsie.


  6. - Arsenal - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:38 pm:

    ==if one holds the opinion that abortion is an unjustified taking of a human life, that statement hardly seems unreasonable==

    Pretty sure you can be pro-life without calling pro-choicers Nazis, but you go ahead and keep twisting yourself into a pretzel to defend Rauner.


  7. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:39 pm:

    ===“If you’re going to quote from her past writing, she asks that you please quote accurately and with full context.”===

    Did someone spell the inflammatory words incorrectly when quoting her?


  8. - Flynn's mom - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:42 pm:

    I’m just going to make some popcorn and sit back while I watch Superstars Part II.


  9. - Dr. M - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:42 pm:

    I find those statements completely uncontroversial coming from the perspective of a pro-life individual. Such sentiments regarding what abortion is and means seem in line with many mainstream conservatives’ views on the subject.


  10. - Jack Kemp - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:42 pm:

    And what exactly is wrong with what she said?


  11. - Jibba - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:42 pm:

    These opinions are widely bandied about by anti-abortion groups. While I think they are extreme, I see them as far more acceptable than calling a gay man a f*****, which is a firing offense to me.


  12. - Realist - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:43 pm:

    How is anything she said a fireable offense? I don’t like the often used political tactic of “everyone I disagree with is a Nazi, ” but it’s used by both sides all the time. A conservative Republican who is 100% against abortion, and passionate about that fact is hardly a shocking revelation.


  13. - LizPhairTax - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:43 pm:

    I’ll take Sentences the Author Will Definitely Regret Writing for $400, Alex.

    Answer: “Certainly nothing matches the atrocity of the Holocaust, but…”


  14. - In a Minute - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:43 pm:

    Last week it was floods. This week it is abortions.
    Anybody care to discuss how Illinois is going to deal with a $200 billion unfunded pension liability?, unpaid bills of $15 mil?, a Medicaid program that is strained beyond capacity?, and a shrinking corporate and individual tax base to fund them all? No? Didn’t think so.


  15. - Sick & Tired - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:43 pm:

    ==“Attempting to rid the world of people with Down syndrome simply because they are different constitutes the dangerous and morally reprehensible practice of eugenics not entirely unlike what was practiced in . . . Nazi Germany.”==

    Except we live in a world where you can prevent suffering and financial hardship that could force a family to become reliant on increasingly unstable social assistance programs. Let’s not pretend that living with a developmental disability or raising someone with such a disability is highly desirable. It’s taxing work that never ends with few upsides.

    Consider the fact that many who think like Carl are the same conservatives who insist that good quality health care and long-term care is a privilege rather than a right that is accessible to all. Someone may be able to care for a child, but not necessarily for a child with expensive, special, lifelong needs.


  16. - ArchPundit - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:44 pm:

    I can go with the argument that older writings are not off limits, but discounted for time and maturity. I’m not sure April 20th qualifies though.


  17. - Dude McDude - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:45 pm:

    Laurel. I think you are probably a good operative. You took this gig because it was a step up. You get high marks from people in the industry. But you need to rethink this decision. Your bosses are rank amateurs. You are going to have to defend the indefensible on a daily basis. If you are fine with that, set your sights higher and go to Trump. If you aren’t, take a mulligan and bounce.


  18. - ArchPundit - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:46 pm:

    ===Didn’t think so.

    LOL–you must be new.


  19. - Roman - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:46 pm:

    Various genocide analogies are pretty standard stuff among anti-abortion activists. Nothing really surprising here.

    Might be more interesting to hear from Ms. Carl about why someone with her strongly held beliefs is working for a pol who has given big bucks to Planned Parenthood.


  20. - Arsenal - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:46 pm:

    ==Last week it was floods. This week it is abortions.==

    Disaster management and physical autonomy ain’t exactly distractions.


  21. - Rogue Roni - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:48 pm:

    Yeah in a minute. We would love to do something about that, but the administration spent 2 years getting a budget passed. I don’t see them taclkling anything big this century.


  22. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:49 pm:

    Where is this rock they keep turning over to find these people? Has no one ever told them about vetting? This is extreme amateur hour.


  23. - @MisterJayEm - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:50 pm:

    “Certainly nothing matches the atrocity of the Holocaust, but…”

    Tip: Such sentences are wildly offensive to people who lost family-members in the actual Nazi Holocaust.

    – MrJM


  24. - Boone's is Back - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:50 pm:

    Why does everything come back to the Nazi’s with the GOP? Is it a form of projecting?


  25. - South of Sherman - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:51 pm:

    The same Sun-Times article notes that she has also called for the dissolution of teachers’ unions.

    She’s right at home at the Rauner Policy Institute.


  26. - ArchPundit - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:52 pm:

    One thing to keep in mind, the number of annual pregnancies in Iceland that would have Downs Syndrome is about 2-3 or we are talking about 10 to 15 abortions over 5 years.


  27. - Jocko - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:52 pm:

    Unless you’re teaching German history circa 1939-1945…it’s a good idea to refrain from citing Nazism and expect to keep your job in the public sector.


  28. - LouLecture - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:53 pm:

    This is like an episode of Scandal, can’t wait to see what’s next.


  29. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:53 pm:

    People grow and change their bigoted thoughts like…

    ===“Certainly nothing matches the atrocity of the Holocaust, but…===

    Who says… that… then thinks the “but” makes everything fine?

    A communications person for a governor?

    No.

    Just Bruce Rauner’s Adninistration?

    ===”If you’re going to quote from her past writing, she asks that you please quote accurately and with full context.”===

    Ok…

    ===“Certainly nothing matches the atrocity of the Holocaust, but…===

    Whew. I guess you want to own that?


  30. - City Zen - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:54 pm:

    Regardless of your stance on the matter, is this expected behavior of a “communications specialist”?

    One would think not.


  31. - Dr. M - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:55 pm:

    Rauner’s foes would be wise to drop this issue. The pro-life camp is intractable. There are plenty of other things to criticize coming out of this administration and his new flock of radicals.


  32. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:56 pm:

    “People grow and change, since April of this year I guess, their bigoted thoughts like…”

    Apologies


  33. - Cubs in '16 - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:56 pm:

    I’m vehemently pro-life but find ‘Carl’s comparison to the Holocaust unnecessarily provocative. I don’t believe the motivations behind abortion are to rid the world of any particular race, type, class of person. Her remarks are indeed inflammatory and cast the anti-abortion argument in a negative light. There are plenty of legitimate reasons to oppose abortion but the false narrative of “eugenics” isn’t one of them.


  34. - Sick & Tired - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:57 pm:

    Cubs in ‘16 - thank you


  35. - Original Rambler - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:57 pm:

    Please don’t use the misleading tag of pro-life. It’s either pro-birth or anti-abortion. If you want to be identified as pro-life I expect to see greater support for post-birth programs, not what this administration has demonstrated.

    As to the post, WhoKnew is spot on. Just another change in the rules to excuse the administration’s actions. Getting more and more Trump-like every day. (It will probably all blow over tomorrow when some new stumble pops up.)


  36. - A Jack - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:58 pm:

    So if I said something about the former leader of Germany and his staff purges in relation to current events, that would be okay?

    I will answer that question, it really wouldn’t be acceptable. So why is Carl’s comment okay?


  37. - Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:59 pm:

    The most troubling part for me is that her writing seems to suggest abortions are some sort of program organized by “the left and their allies” practicing eugenics; when in fact abortions are usually something deeply personal, often painful, and a very individual decision. She must think everything is a conspiracy.


  38. - TA - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 2:59 pm:

    ===”Such sentiments regarding what abortion is and means seem in line with many mainstream conservatives’ views on the subject.”===

    This is of course true. But the fact is, the papers and Rauner critics smell blood in the water and every new hire is/will be exposed to a high level of scrutiny. If it bleeds it leads and I expect to see more headlines like this in the near future, regardless of the context or acceptability of what was actually said.


  39. - Jack Kemp - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:00 pm:

    Yes, Mrs. Rauner should definitely weigh in. Then she should march around the Governor’s Office thought policing every last one of her husband’s employees. Just to make sure that absolutely everybody is in total agreement about absolutely everything. God help us if somebody is allowed to have their own opinions.


  40. - Skeptic - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:00 pm:

    “Various genocide analogies are pretty standard stuff among anti-abortion activists.” That doesn’t make them right or acceptable.


  41. - Keyser Soze - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:01 pm:

    There is a pretty even split between the pro’s and the anti’s. How are the views of either side controversial, unless one favors the opposite view of the subject speaker/writer?


  42. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:01 pm:

    ===Rauner’s foes would be wise to drop this issue===

    lol

    One way Rauner won in 2014 was because his wife vouched for him in TV ads as being pro-choice. Chip away at that and you chip away at his winning margin.


  43. - Michael Westen - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:02 pm:

    “Diana Rauner should be concerned. “I would like to know, the First Lady, who is a known pro-choice advocate, how she feels about this,”

    Um, forget about the First Lady. The Governor, too, is a pro-choice activist.

    For all of this “Pro-life” activists huffing and puffing, she chooses to go to work for the most pro-choice Governor in Illinois history.


  44. - former southerner - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:02 pm:

    Well maybe Carl (aka Brittany) will take her pro-life stance to the logical conclusion and stand up for the rights of these children after they are born. I expect her to be working at her best to convince her boss to properly fund services for children in need. But I expect she will be like many of her ilk whose concern ends after they are born.


  45. - Anon - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:02 pm:

    This is a mainstream pro-life viewpoint- plain and simple. Staffers are going to have open political viewpoints before joining an administration.


  46. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:03 pm:

    Let’s just put this to bed. Right here, right now.

    Bruce has no social agenda.

    I don’t care what his spokesperson wrote those so, so, so many weeks ago.


  47. - Anon - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:04 pm:

    ==One way Rauner won in 2014 was because his wife vouched for him in TV ads as being pro-choice==

    So everyone he hires must be pro-choice as well? Good luck with that when you’re trying to hire an administration full of Republicans.


  48. - dbk - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:05 pm:

    Perhaps one of those 30 new oppo researchers might like to ask Carl whether her political beliefs re: children born with Down Syndrome (or any of the large range of genetic disorders) include the state’s providing the millions of dollars in support services, medical care, special education occupational therapy, and small group living circumstances they need.

    One thing I find paradoxical about pro-lifers is the way they disassociate the sanctity of life before birth with the dignity of life after birth. In order to retain a vestige of logical coherence, anyone who espouses such views must favor massive public investment in these children throughout their lives.

    But they don’t seem to make this–to me, self-obvious–connection.


  49. - Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:05 pm:

    === God help us if somebody is allowed to have their own opinions.===

    When you publish your thoughts, they can perish your career. She is totally allowed to have her own opinion. But that won’t stop people who find it disgusting to compare the pro-choice movement to Nazis from having the opinion that this person should not be allowed in the Governor’s office.


  50. - Arsenal - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:06 pm:

    ==The pro-life camp is intractable.==

    They voted for Rauner, who campaigned on being pro-choice and donates to Planned Parenthood. They are entirely tractable.


  51. - ArchPundit - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:06 pm:

    ===Chip away at that and you chip away at his winning margin.

    Just this last week we were treated to the argument that who would have thought that a pro-choice Republican Governor would cause all this controversy in Illinois….


  52. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:06 pm:

    ==Bruce has no social agenda.==

    This isn’t about Bruce’s social agenda. This is about a mainstream pro-life viewpoint one of his staffers holds. They’re allowed to have viewpoints contrary to what the Governor believes in. Get over it.


  53. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:09 pm:

    ===…mainstream pro-life viewpoint… ===

    Then Rauner should just embrace this… “mainstream pro-life viewpoint”…

    Wonder if Rauner will

    The Crew says quote her correctly.

    Dunno if that’s the same.


  54. - MissingG - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:09 pm:

    This debate has already been settled:

    Abortions for Some
    Miniature American Flags for Others!


  55. - crazybleedingheart - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:10 pm:

    ==This is like an episode of Scandal==

    No. Definitely Veep.


  56. - Telly - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:11 pm:

    No one would have noticed this if Carl was hired 2 weeks ago. Raunerites, you’re in play now. There’s blood in the water and the media sharks are circling. And most of you have left long paper trails.


  57. - A guy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:11 pm:

    I am pro life and may be too bias to weigh in on this. But, here goes.
    Using any comparison to Nazis is usually a poor choice. In the full context of this statement, I don’t think it’s inflammatory beyond the fact that word (rightly!) stirs people negatively.

    There are other ways to make the same point. She wasn’t expounding untruths in her point, but she gave the people who disagree with her a very easily distractable argument. Would have been better not to.

    I understand the temptation to compare this to the homophobic remarks by the other guy who was correctly replaced. But, I don’t buy them. It is different.


  58. - In a Minute - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:12 pm:

    I’ve heard older liberal social justice type pro-life lay Catholics and priests say just about the same thing and their liberals friends and allies don’t try to drive them from the public square.
    But back to my initial point, until this young person is appointed to the US Supreme Court her views are pretty much irrelevant unless you want to use them to pile on Rauner.
    Meanwhile the big problems in Illinois continue to grow and remain unsolved.


  59. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:13 pm:

    ==Then Rauner should just embrace this… “mainstream pro-life viewpoint”…==

    Yes, because Rauner must agree with every issue that his staff members hold. /s

    We all know you hate Rauner, but you can do better.


  60. - Michael Westen - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:13 pm:

    “The pro-life camp is intractable” Have you ever dealt with pro-choice activists? They are equally as intractable.


  61. - Just Observing - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:16 pm:

    I think the comparison to the Holocaust is inaccurate, not helpful, and not comparable. However, generally speaking, I did not find her comments to be that off-base… and I am pro-choice.


  62. - Gooner - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:16 pm:

    So apparently the “f” word by a bodyman crosses the line, but radical anti-abortion views do not.

    That provides an interesting view as to the real political views of a Governor who at one time denied having any strong views on social issues.

    As long as you don’t publicly use a slur, extreme right positions are welcome in this administration.

    Regarding Crazybleeding heart: In Veep, the joke was that the operation was incompetent. This seems to be different. This seems to be done on purpose.

    The Governor now seems intent on governing from the far right. While that’s his option, I don’t think it will play well in a blue state. Next November, radical anti-abortion stuff like will do real damage with a lot of voters.


  63. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:16 pm:

    ===Yes, because Rauner must agree with every issue that his staff members hold===

    I guess having a professional communication specialist that can only think to compare something to the WWII Germans is a talent you need to keep…

    … might as well just embrace the ===…mainstream pro-life viewpoint… ===

    I guess Rauner, as long as we quote her, and spell things, correctly, is fine with that talent around to discuss issues.

    Good to know.


  64. - CEA - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:17 pm:

    I have less of a problem with her words than with her stunning hypocrisy. Invoking the disabled in service of her anti-abortion agenda while joining an administration that has done everything it can to disassemble the social safety net could lead one to conclude that her compassion for Illinoisans with disabilities ends abruptly at birth.


  65. - Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:19 pm:

    Bruce has no social agenda

    Have you seen any examples of him having an extreme social agenda?

    Being in the mainstream, one of 46 states that restrict state funding for abortions does not qualify as having a social agenda.

    Bruce is of the same mind as liberal hero and California Governor Jerry Brown on this issue.

    Are you rally arguing that no staffers in a Republican or Democratic administration can hold pro life views?


  66. - BL - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:21 pm:

    Jim, the issue isn’t her pro-life/anti-abortion stance. The issue is her using the Holocaust as a comparison.


  67. - Fax Machine - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:22 pm:

    Without saying if Rauner should or shouldn’t reassign Mrs Carl (if it were any position other than spokeswoman I would say it would be wrong to fire her - but speaking for the Governor makes things a little hairier), the Sam McCann threat means that he can’t. It also means that he’ll go ahead & veto HB40.

    The weird thing is that IPI does not care at all about abortion, which is a big right wing animator, and holds views antithetical to those of the GOP base on immigration.

    They represent something that is a tiny minority even in the Republican party, whose electorate is overwhelmingly Trumpist.


  68. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:23 pm:

    ===Are you rally arguing that no staffers in a Republican or Democratic administration can hold pro life views?===

    … that have WWII Germany to make the argument for them?

    That’s an interesting way to look at things.

    ===Have you seen any examples of him having an extreme social agenda?===

    HB40 might change views of things…

    ===Being in the mainstream, one of 46 states that restrict state funding for abortions does not qualify as having a social agenda.===

    I’m sure Personal PAC and that pesky questionnaire might disagree with this Rauner halving a social agenda…

    ===Bruce is of the same mind as liberal hero and California Governor Jerry Brown on this issue.===

    That’s exactly what the new IPI hires want to hear, LOL


  69. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:23 pm:

    @OW If an administration only hires people who have not disagreed socially speaking on the public domain, they would have close to no politically savvy individuals that they could hire.

    This is an embarrassing distraction by “journalists” when more important issues (such as school funding) should be investigated and discussed.


  70. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:23 pm:

    I’m pro-life.
    She needed to have made her point without referring to people like her boss and his wife as as she had.


  71. - JPC - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:24 pm:

    Maybe I have no idea what I’m talking about, but it seems that someone in communication shouldn’t be so ham-fisted when it comes to communicating views a lot of people (rightly or wrongly) hold.


  72. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:25 pm:

    ===This is just further evidence as to what a complete fraud Governor Rauner and Diana Rauner truly are. They have spent tens of millions of dollars lying to Illinois voters about being pro-choice and moderate. Hiring racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic right-wing activists to run Illinois government puts them on a race to the bottom in competition with Donald Trump as to who can be the most destructive===

    I guess when you call Bruce… and Diana, don’t forget Diana… frauds… on a social agenda, there’s really little wiggle room for the RaunerS to pander to the phoniness again.

    Diana and Bruce are phonies. Nothing is new, nothing has changed.

    The difference now is, they don’t care who knows it.


  73. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:26 pm:

    ==… that have WWII Germany to make the argument for them?==

    With the WWII Germans infamously and horridly terminating individuals due to physical disabilities and shortcomings, such a comparison is not too far detached from logic.


  74. - Kippax Blue - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:26 pm:

    Like Ned Stark said, its the words that come before the word “but” that the speaker finds BS.


  75. - Shytown - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:27 pm:

    Just when you think it couldn’t get worse with this administration…they are in free fall.


  76. - Fax Machine - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:27 pm:

    I’m pro-choice and she didn’t say anything inherently offensive like the body man did, but unlike a body man, her job is to speak for the Governor.


  77. - Cubs in '16 - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:29 pm:

    To the update,

    ===Hiring racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic right-wing activists==

    Which group would you place Brittany in Terry?


  78. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:30 pm:

    ===With the WWII Germans infamously and horridly terminating individuals due to physical disabilities and shortcomings, such a comparison is not too far detached from logic.===

    Whew. Good thing you’re ” - Anonymous - ” wow.

    ===This is an embarrassing distraction by “journalists” when more important issues (such as school funding) should be investigated and discussed.===

    You don’t have to stay here. Rich has a whole post on school funding. No one is stopping you. This isn’t “Russia” lol


  79. - Montrose - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:30 pm:

    *So everyone he hires must be pro-choice as well? Good luck with that when you’re trying to hire an administration full of Republicans.*

    Nope, but might be smart to not hire a communications person that wrote a column three months ago comparing folks that are pro-choice to Nazis.


  80. - Fax Machine - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:30 pm:

    Terry’s gonna Terry but calling what Mrs Carl said anti-semitic is a bit much.


  81. - Name Withheld - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:31 pm:

    ===Have you seen any examples of him having an extreme social agenda?===

    Other than the utter decimation of the social services sector over the last two and a half years due to vetoed budgets, you mean?


  82. - Fax Machine - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:32 pm:

    Vetoing HB40 despite promising to enact it in 2014 shows his social agenda isn’t the one he campaigned on.


  83. - Anon - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:33 pm:

    @MisterJayEm “Tip: Such sentences are wildly offensive to people who lost family-members in the actual Nazi Holocaust.” As one of the people you refer to, and mildly obsessed with this darkest period of history, I can say that it’s more than offensive when individuals/groups are called Nazis and when incidents are labeled “Holocaust.” It diminishes the unprecedented evil of the Nazis and atrocities they committed. But that doesn’t mean we can’t glean lessons from the Holocaust. Actually, we must. I am neither pro-choice or pro-life as every situation is unique. And if a clear disclaimer is made that this is NOT comparable to the Holocaust, I’m less likely to be offended. If indeed a child is aborted “simply because they are different,” (which I doubt is the case in the overwhelming majority of situations), to say that it’s “not entirely unlike what was practiced in Nazi Germany,” is an opinion that does not offend me, even though I happen to disagree for reasons beyond the scope of this blog.


  84. - Louis G. Atsaves - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:33 pm:

    I don’t know which is more ham fisted, Carl’s article or Cosgrove’s response.

    Must every “conversation” or “debate” on issues in politics start with extended shrieking?


  85. - Juvenal - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:35 pm:

    === Such a comparison is not too far detached from logic. ===

    Sure, if you want to compare a fetus at six weeks to six million Jews, or two grieving parents to Hitler and Eva Braun.

    Which is what the woman who will be framing policy for Diana and Bruce Rauner did.


  86. - Montrose - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:36 pm:

    I will say this about her piece - she knew who she worked for when she wrote it - IPI. It was just the right tone and message for that shop. From that standpoint, she is good at communications.


  87. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:37 pm:

    April 1932… April 2017.

    Hmm.

    April 2017 to July 2017

    Hmm.


  88. - JS Mill - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:37 pm:

    @JPC sums it up well.

    Of course everyone has a right to their opinions. When you are vocal about them and work for all of the citizens of Illinois others will chime in on those opinions. The pressure they bring can impact employment.

    The Nazi stuff is stupid and stupid is hard to fix.


  89. - Fax Machine - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:37 pm:

    Lucky Pierre,

    That is one of the most brazen change-of-subjects I have seen in a while. Congratulations?


  90. - Montrose - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:38 pm:

    Lucky- Do you get some type of prize for every time you type “Madigan”? If so, this is a gold star day.


  91. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:38 pm:

    This is about abortion, certainly, but it’s also about Rauner saying goodbye to thousands of suburban women who voted for him in ‘14 but won’t do so again.


  92. - TA - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:38 pm:

    Now that the pro-choice lobby has weighed in, I am very curious how this will end. Ms. Carl is clearly a low-level team member who probably doesn’t have much experience in the public sector. And like other commenters have pointed out, her statements may have been in poor taste but they’re not really out of line (to those who say she is comparing abortionists with Nazis — no, she isn’t. Without getting too much into the weeds, she’s arguing that there are disturbing parallels between the philosophy behind eugenics and contemporary abortion).

    In any case, her statements are clearly not as bad as the now-former body man’s tweets, and in fact would get a head nod from a lot of social conservatives. But this seems to be building into a firestorm, whether it deserves to or not, and so I will be watching curiously if she is still here by the end of the week (or even today).


  93. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:39 pm:

    - Lucky Pierre -

    Shirley Madigan isn’t the Governor of Illinois.

    Shirley Madigan won’t choose to veto or not to veto HB40.

    Keep up.


  94. - Arsenal - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:39 pm:

    ===Have you seen any examples of him having an extreme social agenda?===

    Remember that time he hired a communications specialist who compared pro-choicers to Nazis?


  95. - Politix - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:41 pm:

    I’m sure every rape victim who became pregnant as a result will be delighted to hear themselves being compared to Nazis.
    And someone needs to check her privilege.


  96. - JS Mill - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:41 pm:

    @LP got to reference Masigan again! Today is an up day for LP.

    And I am sure you will get reaction with that. /s

    Pritzker response is an A+ and closed the loop with the Trump reference. Somebody is learning.


  97. - Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:42 pm:

    To the updates, while the original post is clearly a violation of Godwin’s Law and makes a dreadfully improper comparison, I think responding here by shouting “Anti-Semite!” is like swatting a fly with a howitzer. Fight bad analogies and ridiculous invective with cool arguments and facts.


  98. - SAP - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:42 pm:

    == She needed to have made her point without referring to people like her boss and his wife as as she had. == That comment gets all the stars.


  99. - Chris Widger - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:43 pm:

    I understand why the Dems have to do this, but comparing the hiring of a low-level staffer who has publicly posted what is essentially the anti-choice position on abortion to “the Trump agenda of bigotry and hatred” or calling it anti-Semitic is so disingenuous. Hiring this woman is probably ill-advised, and it’s okay to say that it’s one of many unforced errors and that there should be more vetting and better judgment. It’s even okay to say that this reflects poorly on Rauner and on the state. Why can’t anything just be what it is?


  100. - Michael Westen - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:45 pm:

    Did I miss Shirley Madigan going on television to vouch for her husband? What has Shirley Madigan got to do with anything? Please. Stop.


  101. - Fax Machine - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:45 pm:

    Pritzker campaign is being a clown show (not at the level of IPIRauner of course) - if what Mrs Carl said is anti-semitic then everyone comparing Trump to Hitler & the Nazis is also anti-semitic.


  102. - Honeybear - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:45 pm:

    Is anybody else concerned that a young persons career is getting trashed? Look God knows I’m hyperbolic. I’d hate to think that someday I’d be treated like this for something I wrote on this blog. Thanks to Rich for preventing the worst of it. Still, I don’t think trying to get her fired is cool.


  103. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:46 pm:

    ===This is an embarrassing distraction by “journalists” when more important issues (such as school funding) should be investigated and discussed. ===

    You’re posting anonymously, but I checked your IP address (Statehouse, by the way). You haven’t commented on any of the school funding posts today.

    So, bite me.


  104. - Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:47 pm:

    No social agenda to see here, move along.


  105. - Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:49 pm:

    @Margaret Sanger

    That is funny. You actually opposed abortion. Planned Parenthood was strictly in favor of birth control and did not start performing abortions until after you died. Never mind that the access to contraception that PP provides actually decreases the amount abortions that would take place without contraception (and by huge numbers). Don’t let actual facts, statistics and history stand in your way though. You go girl.


  106. - Rogue Roni - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:49 pm:

    You know what was as bad as the Holocaust? Not much really. It was really bad. Comparing something/someone you don’t like to Hitler, Nazis, or the Holocaust just shows the failings of the author.


  107. - Amalia - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:49 pm:

    as a Christian woman I find the statement from BClingen Carl to be disgusting. The Nazis were engaged in a wide ranging eugenics effort, including testing people who were to be married, killing of various groups, especially Jewish people. To compare women who have unfortunate circumstances which lead them to an abortion to Nazis is offensive.


  108. - Demoralized - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:52 pm:

    ==Are you rally arguing that no staffers in a Republican or Democratic administration can hold pro life views?==

    This isn’t simply a pro-life view that we being expressed.


  109. - Joe Bidenopolous - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:52 pm:

    It’s pretty amazing to me how many folks, some of whom identify as pro-choice, have said the comparison is apt. Y’all need to do some research. The vast majority of abortions have nothing to do with disabilities or downs syndrome or fetus viability. The comparison is decidedly not apt. Irrespective of that, the language is unnecessarily inflammatory, but I wouldn’t expect anything else from IPI.

    Say buh bye to the suburban female vote though, Governor Gaslight…you really screwed the pooch on this one.


  110. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:53 pm:

    ==Is anybody else concerned that a young persons career is getting trashed?==

    The administration wasn’t really concerned with that last week, why should they be this week?


  111. - Thoughts Matter - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:54 pm:

    I get her point, and I’m pro/choice, with the hope that we can reduce the need for abortions. However, she needs to understand that the Eugenics practiced by the Nazis( and other Countries) forced abortions/sterilizations on people who didn’t want them. That’s different than an expecting couple or single pregnant woman making a difficult choice for themselves.


  112. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 3:56 pm:

    From ADL …

    === “Any analogy comparing the Holocaust to the national debate over abortion is historically inaccurate, inappropriate and offensive especially to survivors and their families. We call upon Ms. Carl to retract her statement.===

    How has the Rauner Crew see this?

    Laurel Patrick, Rauner’s new communications director.

    ===”If you’re going to quote from her past writing, she asks that you please quote accurately and with full context.”===

    Hmm. Dunno if the ADL concurs.


  113. - Honeybear - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:00 pm:

    Wait wait hold up there ADL. I know you don’t like what she wrote but aren’t we getting into a free speech danger zone? Rich am I wrong here? I’m getting super uncomfortable with the pile on. Aren’t we bigger than that? I don’t get it, respectfully what am I not getting and why is the mob justice necessary here?


  114. - Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:01 pm:

    I hear they were going to bring back Pate Philip to serve as spokesman, but Tillman didn’t want a moderate in that role.


  115. - A guy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:01 pm:

    Cosgrove is just jaded. Completely.


  116. - Annonin' - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:02 pm:

    Well we certainly got away GovJunk’s heroic effort to defeat Trumpcare.
    Job One - DONE

    Be careful someone might go back and actually read a recent Kassmoron column that compared GOP tax hike voters to Nazi sympathizers. No one noticed because no one reads it.


  117. - Fax Machine - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:05 pm:

    Oh my God, Biss hit the nail on the head.

    His response was a Million times better than #teamJB.

    It’s about demeaning women’s rights! It’s not about the outrageous accusation that comparing something to Nazi Germany means you are an anti-semite.

    Any Democrat who votes for JB needs their head examined.


  118. - Graduated College Student - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:05 pm:

    ===Is anybody else concerned that a young persons career is getting trashed?===

    Trashed? Hardly-she’ll still have a safe landing spot in the Think Tank world she just left. She might even get a pay bump for having actual government experience now.


  119. - Joe Bidenopolous - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:07 pm:

    ===I know you don’t like what she wrote but aren’t we getting into a free speech danger zone===

    Nope. Freedom of Speech protects you from government persecution or prosecution for what you say. It absolutely does not protect you from consequences of your words (people lose jobs over them all the time) nor does it require anyone to actually listen to what you have to say.

    ==Is anybody else concerned that a young persons career is getting trashed?==

    As with Mr Ben yesterday…nope.


  120. - Anonymiss - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:09 pm:

    So… homophobic hate speech = bad! But anti-semitic hate speech = meh? Can’t have it both ways, guys. Heckuva job!


  121. - TA - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:09 pm:

    Honeybear:

    ===Wait wait hold up there ADL. I know you don’t like what she wrote but aren’t we getting into a free speech danger zone? Rich am I wrong here? I’m getting super uncomfortable with the pile on. Aren’t we bigger than that? I don’t get it, respectfully what am I not getting and why is the mob justice necessary here?===

    It’s not quite a free speech thing. No one has been censored. It’s actually a perfect wedge issue for Democrats to pounce on Rauner over. Either he sides with his wife and the constituency she pulled over for him (which is largely pro-choice), or he doesn’t, and he splits his base more than he needs to. She may be a low level staffer but the reactions speak for themselves.


  122. - Nick Name - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:10 pm:

    When you hire the dorm room debate club for your team of superstars…


  123. - Wensicia - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:11 pm:

    It’s not Carl’s message that’s significant, it’s Rauner’s in hiring this extreme crowd.


  124. - Lester Holt's Mustache - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:11 pm:

    She’s entitled to her views, and im not going to go on a rant because I think what she said was asinine. I would be curious to ask, however, if she feels that way about folks who are not pro-life why would she agree to work for this Gov? If I really believed something that controversial, and believed it strongly enough to author an opinion piece on the subject that’s posted on the internet, I don’t think I could accept a position working for a person who actively supports something I equate with Nazi Germany.


  125. - Fax Machine - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:11 pm:

    Anyone who sees this situation and believes that the winning angle is anti-semitism and not demeaning women & their rights needs to be banned from politics for life.


  126. - GA Watcher - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:13 pm:

    Kudos to Tina Sfondeles for her coverage of Ms. Carl’s online articles and the reaction from the Governor’s Office.


  127. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:13 pm:

    ===I know you don’t like what she wrote but aren’t we getting into a free speech danger zone?===

    She’s free to say it.

    She is also then open to the blowback for saying whatever she’s says too.

    She can say it.

    She can say it, but if you’re a governor, this is also the same person that will field questions, and represent this Adninistration at times in Communications.

    She can say it. Does Rauner want what she said attached?


  128. - Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:16 pm:

    Now, I’m not one for the North Shore cocktail party circuit, but I’m pretty sure Nazi eugenics would be a bad conversation starter.

    Looking ahead, can’t wait to see what the IPI/Rauner media people put out tomorrow when OJ gets paroled.

    Is it really only Wednesday?


  129. - Mean Gene - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:17 pm:

    ==And what exactly is wrong with what she said?==

    Nazi Eugenics - Policy enacted by a single individual enforced by an oppressive and tyrannical government to procure a desired set of humans based on extreme dogma.

    American Abortions - Personal decision made by an individual about their body, in consultation with family and medical professionals, with no set criteria.

    To answer the question - what she said was wrong because it a) lessened the danger posed to Jews in Nazi Germany b) distorted the reality that is the process an American goes thru on having an abortion.

    2017 and this has to be explained.


  130. - Veil of Ignorance - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:17 pm:

    This is absolutely a legitimate media story because Rauner has claimed to be pro-choice, yet hired a staffer that clearly feels the extreme opposite to the point of expressing their views in terms offensive to others (can we simply limit references to the Holocaust to when we talk about the Holocaust or other genocides? geez). It’s also a serious question of whether somebody who’s going to be a communications staffer is a wise hire given they’ve chosen to publicly state their abortion opinion in such a charged and controversial manner (yes, it’s controversial if it offends a large number of people regardless of whether you agree with that opinion). Rauner’s staff choices and recent flubs are starting to give the Trump administration a run for their money…not there yet but there’s still time.


  131. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:18 pm:

    ===needs to be banned from politics for life===

    Tell that to the ADL.


  132. - @MisterJayEm - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:24 pm:

    Our posts to the internet have consequences.

    In fact, that is their purpose: to affect the thoughts, feelings or behavior of others. If we didn’t think our posts had consequences, we wouldn’t bother.

    In the year 2017, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that our posts to the internet might also have some consequences for ourselves.

    – MrJM


  133. - ILGOV2018 - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:25 pm:

    Honey bear I respectfully have to disagree with you. Private sector if you would have printed something like that or posted something like that you would be fired.

    She’s now working for the state government and has no business nobody has any business comparing anybody to Nazis and the Holocaust

    As I told my sons be careful what you post on social media it can’come back to haunt you whenever you go for an interview.

    Even professional sports organizations are checking out people’s Facebook posts Twitter’s and anything else to see what kind of character the persons they are going to hire


  134. - SAP - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:27 pm:

    The Governor might want to check with Lake County to see if they have any leftover sandbags. His bunker is going to need all the fortification it can get.


  135. - ArchPundit - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:28 pm:

    ===Carl wrote about a Stanford University professor and author

    Terry Moe is who she was writing about. Terry is a serious political scientist, but has fixated on unions as the only problem.


  136. - Obamas Puppy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:29 pm:

    This just gets better and better, what is that Cindi Lauper song? “True Colors”.


  137. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:32 pm:

    The new regime makes a strong play for the critical suburban woman vote right out of the gate.

    It appears if the new regime is not going to do any vetting before hiring, the old regime will do it for them after the fact.


  138. - Robert the 1st - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:35 pm:

    Honeybear- I don’t think people really care about firing her. They want this tied to Rauner to smear him. Therefore the mob marches on.


  139. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:40 pm:

    ===They want this tied to Rauner to smear him. Therefore the mob marches on.===

    For me, it’s this…

    The Comms hire in April of this year wrote what she wrote.

    She has every right to write it.

    Rauner, choosing to hire her, needs to realize this person in that role also represents his words, policies, agendas, and at times, publicly, him.

    It’s up to the Governor and his Crew to make the better case… or not.

    I’m not saying anything about her employment. You may want me to, but I am saying in her role, her words and positions and choices of words reflect because words… are her work-product.


  140. - Now What? - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:41 pm:

    Apparently this is part of the “radical candor” playbook to attract more suburban women voters. Waiting for the phone recordings tomorrow.


  141. - Glengarry - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:43 pm:

    I hate Rauner and his Randian b.s. However, this and his prior now no longer recent hire illustrates the company you keep shows who you truly are. I miss Jim Edgar and anyone but Rauner.


  142. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:43 pm:

    –Therefore the mob marches on.–

    Gee, Bobby, you think Rauner and his crew are just delicate daisies, don’t you?

    Have you ever seen them action in the public square? I think they can give pretty good.


  143. - Sue - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:43 pm:

    What are all of you going to have the go crazy about in 2019 after we get a Dem Governor?


  144. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:45 pm:

    ===after we get a Dem Governor? ===

    Um, did you miss the Quinn and Blagojevich years?

    lol

    People will always find a way to go crazy.


  145. - Real - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:45 pm:

    Sue

    We are worse off under Rauner than any other time in the last few decades.


  146. - Baloneymous - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:45 pm:

    Honey bear there is an election next year FYI. This is politics not bean bag.

    And Sue, guess you will be posting a lot more in the future.


  147. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:46 pm:

    ===What are all of you going to have the go crazy about in 2019 after we get a Dem Governor?===

    You must’ve missed the Blago-Quinn years.

    Candy and bouquets… lol


  148. - Fax Machine - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:46 pm:

    More interestingly, who will people blame if Madigan isn’t Speaker any more?


  149. - anon - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:47 pm:

    The reference to eugenics is fair. History shows that eugenics was a popular school of thought in the early 20th century, and that acceptance of those principles had a role in the Holocaust. Whether you agree with this woman or not on abortion, she is not saying it is the same as the Holocaust. She is saying that the same beliefs/principles apply to both.


  150. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:47 pm:

    –What are all of you going to have the go crazy about in 2019 after we get a Dem Governor?–

    What did it for you? Its definitely got legs.


  151. - Robert the 1st - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:48 pm:

    Gee wordsling,
    I’m not too worried about Rauner and his crew. I was responding to Honeybear and her concern for what she saw to be mob-like piling on for the hire.


  152. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:49 pm:

    I’ve gotta let you go because we need better messaging, RG! Better messaging!


  153. - Liberty - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:50 pm:

    That abortion is not the exception, but rather the expectation in cases of Down syndrome, is not limited to medical professionals. Though precise numbers are unavailable, at least two-thirds and as many as 90 percent of fetuses found to have Down syndrome in utero are aborted. Public opinion polls show that Americans are significantly less critical of abortion in the case of mental or physical impairment. Even the Dalai Lama says it is understandable. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/04/opinion/does-down-syndrome-justify-abortion.html


  154. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:50 pm:

    - anon -

    So…. the whole German WWII thingy and our take on it… that’s on us?


  155. - Swift - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:55 pm:

    Don’t forget Trump received 2 million plus votes in Illinois, the positions taken by Ms. Carl on abortion and unions are likely similar to the views of a majority of those Trump voters. Regardless of your take on whether or not her post was anti-Semitic, anti-woman, or just in poor taste, these views have purchase with many of our neighbors in Illinois.

    Rauner opponents need to tread carefully here, they are attacking a woman expressing opinions, not valid opinions, but if she gets fired and the story appears on Fox News or Brietbart, the right wing base in IL will be stirred up. I’m not suggesting the critical response is unwarranted, it is, but they need to be cautious it doesn’t go beyond the 24 hour news cycle. Rauner needs the far right to win, he hasn’t been able to do much to curb government unions and taxes, so the only thing left he has to appeal to the far right are social issues, so let’s not set Ms. Carl up as a martyr for the far right.


  156. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:57 pm:

    Is this the Diana and Bruce Rauner messaging they wanted?

    Is this what “no social agenda” looks like, Diana and Bruce?

    The Superstars were hold back this type of “coverage”?

    Oh boy.


  157. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 4:58 pm:

    - Swift -

    Trump lost Illinois.

    So there’s that.


  158. - Perrid - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:02 pm:

    Obviously inflammatory language, and very reductive, assuming that one form of discrimination is the same as another. And yet some of these responses are just as inaccurate. Yes there are abortions that kill babies with Down Syndrome, and some abortions in India and China are conducted just because the baby is a girl. These are objectively discriminatory, whatever your belles on abortion are, even if you think there is nothing wrong with these particular abortions you have to admit they are discriminatory. So technically saying these babies are being discriminated against, and saying that Jews were discriminated against, is correct but again, fairly reductive.


  159. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:04 pm:

    ==Trump lost Illinois.==

    By… a lot.

    You don’t win Statewide elections in Illinois with the far right. You win with the center and suburbs. That’s something the Proft-ians have never fully grasped, so this isn’t surprising.


  160. - Fax Machine - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:04 pm:

    The merging of IPI with the Governor’s office & the Rauner campaign means this is all or nothing for them right? If Rauner loses, no one is going to give these jamoches any more money. This election is do or die for IPI.


  161. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:05 pm:

    ===If Rauner loses, no one is going to give these jamoches any more money===

    Keep dreaming. They ain’t going nowhere.


  162. - Pundent - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:06 pm:

    =Rauner opponents need to tread carefully here, they are attacking a woman expressing opinions, not valid opinions, but if she gets fired and the story appears on Fox News or Brietbart, the right wing base in IL will be stirred up=

    Rauner didn’t win because he stirred up the right, he won because he stirred up the left.


  163. - Fax Machine - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:07 pm:

    Their donors expect results. Unless John Tillman & Dan Proft can self finance, they’re done. Griffin & Uihlein will import new radicals from out of state.

    This is truly put up or shut up and if Rauner loses, they’re gone (even if their ideas aren’t)


  164. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:08 pm:

    ===Their donors expect results===

    The donors are Uihlein, Griffin, Diana and Bruce Rauner.

    That’s the list.


  165. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:09 pm:

    ===Don’t forget Trump received 2 million plus votes in Illinois===

    And his opponent received 3 million plus votes.


  166. - Fax Machine - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:09 pm:

    Griffin & Uihlein will import a totally new crew and start the Illinois Prosperity Institute but they’ll be done with this cohort of losers if Rauner crashes & burns.


  167. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:10 pm:

    ===That’s the list. ===

    Nope. They have a ton of bankrollers and I believe a mountain of small donors.


  168. - Fax Machine - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:10 pm:

    Look how Rauner treated his “previous loyalists”. There won’t be any soft landing pad for Lucci, Rickert, Rasmussen etc.


  169. - cdog - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:11 pm:

    She is right on abortions for Downs.

    What is the best way describe intentionally terminating 1,000,000 per year?


  170. - Last Bull Moose - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:12 pm:

    Rauner should not have hired a “communications specialist” who displayed such sloppy thinking and used such a poor and offensive analogy. His best response now is to say it was a hiring mistake and replace the person.

    The sloppy thinking comes in comparing a state run program, the Holocaust, with private decisions. The rhetoric does not help make the point, so this is an example of terrible communications.

    Are some individuals using abortions to select out children with problems-yes. Is it sometimes used to select for sex of the child-yes. Are these private decisions comparable to a state sponsored program-not really.


  171. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:12 pm:

    ===Nope. They have a ton of bankrollers and I believe a mountain of small donors===

    My bad. I was just focusing on the Rauner-IPI merge. Short-sided.


  172. - Politixenoigh - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:15 pm:

    Honeybear: Check your tone policing . It’s not productive.


  173. - Fixer - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:19 pm:

    My grandfather used to say “any time some starts talking and says ‘but’, anything before that doesn’t count”. I’d say that applies to Ms. Carl.


  174. - Blue dog dem - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:22 pm:

    My only social agenda is over taxing the working poor and middle classes.


  175. - Moist von Lipwig - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:22 pm:

    This is just so easy. I posted this elsewhere, but a very quick Google search and about two minutes of looking through headlines made it very easy for me to find that one of his new comms people, Meghan Keenan, sure doesn’t like Obamacare. She called for repeal back in 2012:
    http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2012/07/chief-justices-motives-in-upholding-affordable-care-act-are-questioned.html

    Seriously, there must be landmines everywhere with these folks.


  176. - anon a mouse - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:27 pm:

    God bless Honeybear. Bless her passion and her caring soul.


  177. - Captain Obvious - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:34 pm:

    “Any analogy comparing the Holocaust to the national debate over abortion is historically inaccurate, inappropriate and offensive especially to survivors and their families.

    Yes, millions of murdered fetuses does not a holocaust make.


  178. - Not a Superstar - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:47 pm:

    Glad to see the Governor has those excellent communications people on the job. They are worth every ruble.


  179. - walker - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:53 pm:

    They went from far right to extremist — at least as far as communications staff goes.


  180. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:55 pm:

    Rauner’s new IPI staffers don’t cotten to his social stand on the ending of human life via abortion.

    IPI thought they can support Rauner, but now are exposed as accepting a pro-abortion governor. IPI like Rauner’s Turnaround Agenda, but stuck with his social stands.

    LOL


  181. - Joe Bidenopolous - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:57 pm:

    ===Though precise numbers are unavailable, at least two-thirds and as many as 90 percent of fetuses found to have Down syndrome in utero are aborted.===

    That’s an op-ed contributor (I.e., opinion) who doesn’t cite sources. I presume you have some to back that up?

    === best way describe intentionally terminating 1,000,000 per year?===

    Citation or your comment is pointless.


  182. - cdog - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 6:01 pm:

    Joe, I googled “how many abortions performed per year in the US?”

    Then I rounded.


  183. - Liberty - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 6:11 pm:

    ===- Joe Bidenopolous - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:57 pm:
    Citation or your comment is pointless.===

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22418958
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10521836


  184. - One-winged gadfly - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 6:13 pm:

    Also, a question for Team Biss: how precisely is her statement “Trumpian”? It seemed far too well written, for one thing.


  185. - One-winged gadfly - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 6:19 pm:

    First comment got caught in the filter (is there any way to post a clearer list of banned phrases, as I can’t see how that was objectionable?), so here goes:

    1) Reread her statement: “not entirely unlike” –> That’s a weasel phrase, but still it’s far better nuanced than the version of this argument I’ve heard within the pro-life community for decades.

    2) Are we denying that persons with disabilities were euthanized in 1930s Germany? If one reads her article before flying off the handle, it’s a much more focused comparison–regardless of what one thinks of her implied slippery-slope argument.

    If her comparison isn’t apt, then challenge it with a well-supported historical argument. But piling on and demonizing her seems a bit beneath this commenter pool.

    (I think if Rauner hired her there are other reasons for not wanting her in the job, but this article isn’t one of them.)


  186. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 6:33 pm:

    What Rauner will do is break from his pro-abortion public stand. He already lost the whining liberals anyway. Rauner will embrace his new IPI political stands. He’s already lost everyone else.

    Democrats need to put pressure on Rauner to reneg on his previous social stands. Keep whining.

    What’s really funny is how Democrats are so pro-abortion, they now think that it is a horrible thing to even point out their unscientific support of it.

    Trigger ‘em.
    Let them howl.
    LOL


  187. - Wensicia - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 6:35 pm:

    “Are we denying that persons with disabilities were euthanized in 1930s Germany?”

    Is your race a disability, or your age, your religion, your politics, even your gender and sexual orientation? Compared to how many non-disabled children and adults were killed during the Holocaust, what’s the point? The reference was totally inappropriate.


  188. - One-winged gadfly - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 6:43 pm:

    Last Bull Moose:

    >

    Not sure the state-society distinction is quite the trump card (sorry) you make it out to be. In both cases, the political community made a determination that it is permissible and, given the spotty social safety net in the US, even desirable to euthanize citizens with disabilities (whether born or–if one accepts Ms. Carl’s premise–unborn).


  189. - One-winged gadfly - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 6:47 pm:

    Wensicia:

    >

    Maybe that she wasn’t talking about the Holocaust as a whole but rather about a specific eugenics program that now can be broadly construed as having been part of it?

    Yes, her argument could have been a little less sloppily, but arguably our reading of that argument should be a bit less sloppy as well…


  190. - skeleton crew - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 6:50 pm:

    ===…mainstream pro-life viewpoint… ===

    a few other other viewpoints that were very recently considered “mainstream”-

    opposing desegregation in housing and schools
    opposing full civil rights for lgbtq people
    opposing the civil rights act & the voting rights act


  191. - One-winged gadfly - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 6:57 pm:

    “A few other viewpoints that were very recently considered ‘mainstream’”…

    Yes. The rise of Trump definitely showed that it’s enough to drive objectionable viewpoints underground rather than actually refute them. They won’t come back out of the woodwork once the political wind shifts. /s

    Also, guilt-by-association makes for a really lazy argument. Try again.


  192. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 7:01 pm:

    –In both cases, the political community made a determination that it is permissible…–

    You can’t be serious.

    They’re equivalent, these “political communities,” and their “determinations?”

    In one, a dictator mandates forced abortions to ensure “purity.”

    In the other, an independent judiciary designed to protect the individual from abuse by the executive or legislature exercises Constitutional powers and finds a right to privacy permits some abortions.

    Tomayto-tomahto, potayto-potahto, these two “political communities?”


  193. - Rabid - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 7:01 pm:

    Carl knows Godwin’s law real good


  194. - hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 7:16 pm:

    Good timing for the HB40 trigger bill mailer I got from JB Pritzker’s campaign today complete with some early-90s photo of him at a NARAL rally.


  195. - Semper Whinelis - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 7:19 pm:

    Jeremiah Wright said offensive things and the media gave Obama a total pass on all of it. The faux outrage from he usual cast of characters is laughable.


  196. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 7:21 pm:

    –Jeremiah Wright said offensive things and the media gave Obama a total pass on all of it.–

    Yeah, no coverage at all. All done, overnight, lol.


  197. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 7:22 pm:

    Jeremiah Wright was never the spokesperson for a governor.


  198. - Juvenal - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 7:24 pm:

    The governor will keep her, and every time we see her name in print, we will be reminded how she compared some distraught and weeping expectant couple in a doctor’s office to Adolph Hitler and Eva Braun.

    Every expectant couple has been offered the choice for a genetic screen, and all have faced the question in the back of their minds of what they might do with the results. Relief or agony.

    The Rauners must have faced it too.

    But now they face a different choice: having alienated the moderate wing of the GOP, can they afford to risk alienating the conservative wing of the GOP? The only wing they have left?

    I suspect that the staffer will end up “voluntarily” writing a classic non-apology. Nay, a clear non-apology, probably to anyone who may have been offended! Most likely for her poor choice of words. Probably include a reference to her deep religious upbringing. Any further questions about her remarks will be referred to her apology, and anyone who continues to criticize her will be accused of bullying a young writer who made a mistake.

    She ain’t getting canned.

    Fear not, the next train wreck is prolly right around the corner.


  199. - Shytown - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 7:49 pm:

    ===It’s about demeaning women’s rights! It’s not about the outrageous accusation that comparing something to Nazi Germany means you are an anti-semite.===

    Fax machine, try selling that to holocaust survivors and their families. How about just keeping the holocaust out of these comparisons to begin with. That would show some smarts.


  200. - Sean Baird - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 7:53 pm:

    Ben Tracy who had been hired as the governors body man was fired because he had posted racially insensitive and homophobic statements on social media. Brittany wrote about a political issue and wrote about her personal views regarding that issue. There is a monumental difference between posting online one’s personal views on a political issue versus posting online racially insensitive and homophobic statements. Thus, Laurel Patrick’s statement about Brittany’s writing before she worked for the state doesn’t quite constitute “an interesting response” and cannot be compared to Patrick’s statement about Ben Tracy’s tweets.


  201. - Anon E Moose - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 8:02 pm:

    Other headlines from Smart Girl Politics:

    -The Glass Ceiling Has Already Been Broken
    -Are taxpayer funded family planning services coming to a school near you?
    -Center for Medical Progress Releases Fourth Undercover Planned Parenthood Video and It’s Truly Horrific

    Y’know, the real news.


  202. - justacitizen - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 8:03 pm:

    This is a hot button issue but seems to me a total overreaction to a pro-life statement that yes, is a bit over the top. Not like the body guy remarks, though.


  203. - Barry Aldridge - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 8:06 pm:

    People in here implying that abortion is “easy” or “simple” for the woman are ignorant. In my experience it is difficult for them: tears, doubt and depression in equal measure. Women are not baby machines, and abortion is never an easy choice.


  204. - Smitty Irving - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 8:08 pm:

    It must be noted
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpraJYnbVtE


  205. - Area teacher mom - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 8:12 pm:

    It is not debatable that some people use abortion to abort children who would be be born with Down syndrome. This truth is clearly visible along American society today. We simply don’t see as many children or young adults with Down syndrome as we used to; in fact, we see very few, especially in wealthier areas. On this point, for those who are pro-abortion, the truth hurts.


  206. - hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 8:17 pm:

    @Anon E Moose - You missed another great headline from Smart Girl Politics just from today: “Feminism is a mental illness”


  207. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 8:22 pm:

    Area Teacher Mom, I’m sure you will sing hallelujah to learn that you are 100% wrong.

    In the United States, the number of abortions are declining while the number of children born with Down’s Syndrome is increasing.

    Read and it weep — with tears of joy, I’m sure.

    https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/04/why-so-many-babies-are-still-being-born-with-down-syndrome/254869/


  208. - hippiesplease - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 8:23 pm:

    Sen. Daniel Biss’s comments read as if one of his aides through together his comments without even reading what Britney wrote. She wrote a series of non-debatable truths, and included her personal viewpoints on a political issue. Pro-abortion Democrats want the issue of abortion to be completely non-debatable and do not recognize the rights of others to have opposing views. That is a dangerous attitude to hold in a democracy, especially if you are an elected official at the state level.


  209. - Smitty Irving - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 8:23 pm:

    Lest anyone underestimate the impact this issue =can= have, I humbly offer this … .
    https://capitolfax.com/2010/11/15/why-and-where-pat-quinn-won/


  210. - Josefina Pena - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 8:37 pm:

    It doesn’t matter what Brittany’s personal views on abortion are. She is entitled to her own opinion and it is separate from her job duties. Perhaps the governor respects difference of opinions, even if it’s a difference of opinion than that of his and the Illinois First Lady’s. When you are a staff member for an elected official, your job is to advance that official’s policy goals. As the communications director, her job is to communicate that to the media and public. And if she doesn’t do her job, just like if you didn’t do yours, she will lose it. Period.


  211. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 8:54 pm:

    207 comments about a low level staffers views on abortion.

    Democrats are certainly over the top on their view of abortion.

    Pro life democrats are not welcome in their party. There also zero tolerance of pro life women.

    What is the most significant t accomplishment in their eyes legislatively this session?

    Not the budget but expansion of taxpayer funded abortion on demand.


  212. - sandstonedyno - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 8:58 pm:

    People who work in politics tend to have strong political opinions. That is why they work in politics. I do not know why everyone here is surprised that a Republican governor has hired a Republican staff member who holds a Republican view on abortion. As always it seems to me that liberals cannot stand that someone holds a different viewpoint on abortion than their own. There is no respect for a difference of opinion, which is a sad state.


  213. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 9:02 pm:

    It’s like everyone forgot

    Bruce has no social agenda, lol…

    The WWII Germany dismissing is disappointing.


  214. - JS Mill - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 9:10 pm:

    =Democrats are certainly over the top on their view of=

    Many who object here are, like me, not “Democrats”. Speaking only for myself, a socially progresssive economically conservative independent, I find her views offensive. She was not elect S to her political position. She was appointed. She is entitled to her views and I am entitled to disagree and object to her presence in government. Just as she has done with others. In writing.

    I never knew the “tough-guy” by “your bootstraps” far right was so intellectually weak-knee’d. So delicate are the flowers.


  215. - NeveroddoreveN - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 9:41 pm:

    I’m going to use this most recent Rauner situation as a catalyst to continue to promote inclusion and acceptance of persons with developmental differences. I hope the readers of this blog do too. Aim your discretions towards positivity in light of this atrocious negativity.


  216. - Soccermom - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 9:42 pm:

    I do not question Brittany’s right to her own political beliefs. (And here’s a shocker for you — there were anti-abortion people working in the Quinn administration! Openly!)

    But there’s a difference between opposing abortion and comparing families’ most private decisions with the actions of the Third Reich. That statement was insulting and horrible in so many different directions, it’s hard to pick a lane.


  217. - Cadillac - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 10:00 pm:

    === - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 5:12 pm:

    ===Nope. They have a ton of bankrollers and I believe a mountain of small donors===

    My bad. I was just focusing on the Rauner-IPI merge. Short-sided. ===

    These are my favorite. Like a puppy being scolded with a rolled up newspaper. Cowering.


  218. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 10:07 pm:

    Oh - Cadillac -, lol…

    First you say I never admit when I’m wrong, then you say you “love these”

    Can’t be both.


  219. - Not It - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 10:22 pm:

    Congratulations, Bruce. You sure have shaken up Springfield.


  220. - Arsenal - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 10:34 pm:

    ==As always it seems to me that liberals cannot stand that someone holds a different viewpoint on abortion than their own.==

    No, we’re fine with that. We just don’t like the part where we’re compared with Nazis.

    ==There is no respect for a difference of opinion, which is a sad state.==

    Indeed. I wish the pro-lifer who compares pro-choicers to Nazis wouldn’t do that.


  221. - Arsenal - Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 10:38 pm:

    ==Pro life democrats are not welcome in their party.==

    Sure they are. They just shouldn’t compare pro-choicers to Nazis.

    I mean, I see you guys. I know why you want to ignore the part where she compared pro-choicers to Nazis. But she compared pro-choicers to Nazis. You’re not gonna yadda-yadda-yadda that away.


  222. - Anonymous - Thursday, Jul 20, 17 @ 8:34 am:

    just more of Rauner’s poorly thought out agenda.


  223. - Montrose - Thursday, Jul 20, 17 @ 9:06 am:

    Huh. I wonder when this link went bad.

    https://www.brucerauner.com/author/brittany-carl/


  224. - Anonymous - Thursday, Jul 20, 17 @ 9:11 am:

    ==Huh. I wonder when this link went bad.

    https://www.brucerauner.com/author/brittany-carl/==

    (Caps taken off): “Oops(exclamation point) Something went wrong here”

    So true.


  225. - Illinois Native - Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 10:42 am:

    ===Bruce has no social agenda.===

    During his election campaign we were clearly told that Rauner has no social agenda. Was, and is, this a true statement or were the voters told a lie? Is something wrong here or am I just confused.


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