They refuse to let this cartoon story drop
Friday, Aug 25, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Yesterday, Dan Proft said this about Gov. Rauner on his radio show…
“If you can’t stand up for yourself, if you can’t lean into criticism and push back, if you’re too busy etch-a-sketching and reinventing yourself every time a snarky tweet is directed towards you, then you’re going to get run over.”
* So, I asked Proft about his comment last night. I agree that Rauner too often allows others to get up in his head. But why would Proft denounce and threaten primary opponents against Republican Reps. Tom Demmer and Grant Wehrli - who always vote “right” - over a couple of tweets about a cartoon? His response via text message…
First, Wehrli doesn’t vote “right” and even when he does it’s often not without drama. Second, and more importantly, the charge of racism in these times and in the present context is a lot more than “snarky” and the communication channel through which it’s made is irrelevant.
My response was precisely the opposite of reinventing or etch-a-sketching based on a tweet, wasn’t it? When race hustlers and identity politics simps try their smear tactics with me I raise their profile so everyone can see that bulljive shoved right back up their hind quarters.
One additional point: Dem pols, Chicago/Springfield govt press corps have been trying to keep this phony story alive for a week and Demmer, Wehrli helped them do it while also allowing the claim of “bipartisan” outrage to be bandied about, didn’t they?
* Meanwhile, the Illinois Policy Institute did its best to keep the cartoon story alive today by issuing this press release…
Pastor Corey Brooks: Statement on behalf of Illinois Policy Institute cartoon
“Racism is all too real for thousands of members of my congregation and community in Woodlawn. We have struggled to bring good job opportunities close to home. We have struggled with a justice system that too often puts punishment over rehabilitation. And for decades, we have struggled to provide quality educational opportunities for our children.
“Most of all, we have struggled to provide hope. And the reaction to the Illinois Policy Institute’s editorial cartoon from a small group of lawmakers in Chicago is not reason for me to hope.
“Instead of fighting against injustice and inequity in our education funding system, our lawmakers have decided to slander the Illinois Policy Institute with accusations of racism and bigotry.
“Witnessing the Institute’s work on behalf of our community, those accusations could not be further from the truth. But sadly it’s not surprising to me that politicians have made them so carelessly.
“The cartoon speaks to a dangerous truth about the nature of TIF slush funds and how they affect our children. And speaking truth to power is not tolerated in Chicago. Especially when that truth shines a spotlight on how politicians have failed our city’s black community.
“I do not agree with all of the policy solutions proposed by the Illinois Policy Institute. But I do know that they are deeply invested in the future of Chicago children. Instead of dividing us with false charges of racism, lawmakers should be working together with groups like the Illinois Policy Institute toward TIF reform that keeps more money in the classroom for our kids.”
…Adding… They keep pushing back…
- Rushing - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:04 am:
This didn’t become bipartisan with those tweets. This became bipartisan when the entire House stood to applaud Rep. Andrade’s speech about the racial stereotypes in that cartoon. Why doesn’t Proft denounce and threaten to primary those who made it bipartisan on the House floor?
- Roadrager - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:05 am:
Oh, good, Corey Brooks has something to say! How’s the do-nothing Tollway gig, Corey?
- Ipso Facto - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:05 am:
So, in essence the IPI folks are just “misunderstood.”
Got it.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:06 am:
“We did it. It was wrong. We’re sorry”
… and to think Diana Rauber wanted IPI staffers to take over the Governor’s Office and pair it with the “Diana Brand”.
Let this cartoon go, IPI.
The whole Illinois House condemned.
We’re you not paying attention?
- Teach - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:07 am:
How has the IPI helped Booker’s community?
- Sox Fan - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:09 am:
Proft is a lot better at texting than I am. I can’t seem to send a sentence long text without autocorrect changing a few words here and there.
- Soccermom - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:09 am:
“Race hustlers?” About whom do you think he might be talking?
- Chicago 20 - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:10 am:
They just don’t get it.
They don’t want to get it either.
- ChicagoVinny - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:11 am:
Interesting how Proft/IPI’s refusal to just let this cartoon go mirrors their same inability to compromise on matters of governance.
Maybe it’s effective base politics but it’s bad government, and has only led to bad outcomes for nearly everyone.
- Perrid - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:12 am:
How do TIFs affect the property tax levy? Do TIFs literally take money out of the pot, away from the schools, or does the levy get increased to make up for it? As in, is there a dollar amount needed to go to CPS and they get it no matter what, meaning properties outside TIFs pay more. I doubt it with all the rhetoric, but them most of the rhetoric ignores the fact that lack of local funds means the State has to chip in more, so I’m not sure what to believe.
- Dance Band on the Titanic - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:13 am:
“I do not agree with all of the policy solutions proposed by the Illinois Policy Institute. But I do know that they are deeply invested in the future of Chicago children.”
I guessed Pastor Brooks missed the part about the IPI fighting against funding social services for Chicago children and their efforts to reduce the amount of new funding going to educate Chicago children.
- Montrose - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:14 am:
Every day I see this story is still alive, I have this scene run through my head.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAUY1J8KizU
- My New Handle - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:14 am:
Maybe this blog ought to let it go as well.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:16 am:
===Maybe this blog ought to let it go as well.===
Hmm…
===* Meanwhile, the Illinois Policy Institute did its best to keep the cartoon story alive today by issuing this press release…===
Today. It’s news, this release… today.
“Questions?”
- Rich Miller - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:18 am:
===Maybe this blog ought to let it go as well. ===
Maybe you should get your own blog.
- blue dog dem - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:21 am:
PerRid. TIF’s and tax credits hurt the tax base by giving a competitive advantage to certain businesses. Mom/pop stores across the state have been forced to close because of the artificial competition created in the sake of economic development. We have all seen main streets boarded up and property values decline as a result. This lowers the revenue for schools,roads and infrastructure.
Again, I encourage everyone to google an excellent report from EadtWest gateway report on TIF.
- Moe Berg - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:23 am:
As always with Proft, whenever he communicates, we get a little more insight into the demons that torment him. We’ve previously been treated to his mail piece dressing the Speaker in drag. Today, the choice of words, “…so everyone can see that bulljive shoved right back up their hind quarters” is, again, so…interesting.
There are many top-flight, caring professionals in northern Illinois. I hope at some point, Dan makes his way to one, works through his issues, and stops the sublimation of all this rage. It will be healthier for him and for the tone of our civic conversations.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:24 am:
Here is the question(s) that I hope press members will ask:
“Governor Rauner, you have given $500,000 to the IPI in the past. As a major donor, have you asked them to discontinue cartoons that some may see as racist? Will you continue to contribute to IPI?”
- Marty Funkhouser - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:29 am:
=First, Wehrli doesn’t vote “right” and even when he does it’s often not without drama.=
From that text, one might conclude that Proft’s a little dramatic himself.
Good wordsmith though.
- My New Handle - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:30 am:
Just trying to get the point across that publicity is publicity, no matter the source.
- anon2 - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:30 am:
The stubborn defense of the cartoon reminds me of the stubborn defense of Trump’s initial response to Charlottesville. For some reason, Republicans have a blind spot when it comes to race.
- Ducky LaMoore - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:30 am:
===Mom/pop stores across the state have been forced to close because of the artificial competition created in the sake of economic development.===
Not in my town. There have been numerous businesses started, improved and remain open thanks to the TIF. TIF is not bad just because some towns don’t know how to utilize it properly.
- pushback - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:31 am:
They’ve had press releases all week from folks saying it’s not racist. I can’t blame them. Charles Thomas and Paris were on Chicago Tonight last night agreeing that this was a political attack, and IPI clearly doesn’t want to take that lying down.
People should watch that Fox piece, lol. Weird hedline given how the interview went.
- Trapped in the 'burbs - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:31 am:
It was a cartoon. Some people were offended. Stop trying to convince people that they are wrong to be offended. Accept it, apologize and move on. Of course, even that would require Rauner to take a stand. Even a little stand like denouncing racism is too difficult for Rauner.
- Molly Maguire - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:32 am:
Dan Proft, you with your “race hustlers” and “identity politics simps”–we see you.
- Mohne Beeg - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:36 am:
Anybody know how the Operating Engineers feel about this cartoon controversy or staff turnover?
- Northside City Dweller - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:37 am:
Dear Dan,
While you think you’re clever, witty and righteous, and that you “know” whats best for the Republican Party, I’d remind you that you got 7% in a Republican primary. It seems to me Republicans don’t like you and your opinions. So please just go away.
Sincerely,
The other 93% of the Republican Party
- Anonymous - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:46 am:
If I were a Dem I’d say “dear IPI. More-More-More. Don’t let this cartoon stop you from showing your virility, your moxie, your astuteness, your genius. We love you! 😘
- ste_with_a_v_en - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:46 am:
If you believed someone unfairly called you a racist, wouldn’t you defend yourself?
- walker - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:52 am:
“”blind spot on racism”" ? All parties have that to greater or lesser degrees.
What seems to plague our current Republican leaders is a severe fear of admitting a mistake.
- Chris - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 10:53 am:
“simps”??
Serious people don’t use such colloquialisms in email that they know is going to be published.
Me thinks that Mr. Profit has spent too much time around a certain element of the online right wing. He should reconsider his vocabulary before talking more to normal people.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:04 am:
===If you believed someone unfairly called you a racist, wouldn’t you defend yourself?===
… against the entire Illinois House?
I’d admit a mistake and move on.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:07 am:
===unfairly called you a racist===
The cartoon was called racist. The IPI took down the cartoon. I don’t think anyone called Tillman a racist. Stuff happens. Cartoons are often the subject of criticism by both sides. It was at the very least highly objectionable. Tillman did the right thing when he took it down. But he just can’t stop himself from flailing now. And it’s not my job to protect him from himself.
- Anonymous - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:15 am:
==“simps”??
Serious people don’t use such colloquialisms in email that they know is going to be published.
Me thinks that Mr. Profit has spent too much time around a certain element of the online right wing. He should reconsider his vocabulary before talking more to normal people.==
At least he didn’t call them cucks.
- Blue dog dem - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:15 am:
Ducky. I understand there are a few successes. Most of these could also be handled thru sales tax incentive zones. I encourage you to read that report i referenced. It doesnt deal in isolated success or failure. But the program as a whole covers a very large geographic area.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:15 am:
To Wehrli,
Like Demmer, I appreciate the standing up and the heat Proft is giving, but like with Demmer, when Illinois needed Wehrli, he wasn’t part of the “Brave 15″ or “Perfect 10″, and not being a Raunerite saved Illinois, being a Raunerite has damaged Illinois.
If Proft wants to go after Wehrli and Wehrli refused to help Illinois, let them figure it out…
“At least, that’s the way I feel about it.”
- Thomas Paine - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:20 am:
Is Pastor Corey Brooks still pulling down $30K a year as a part time member of the Tollway Board after endorsing Bruce Rauner in 2014?
Do state ethics laws permit him to issue statements on behalf of organizations lobbying state government?
Asking for a friend in the Inspector General’s office.
- City Zen - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:21 am:
Meanwhile in the funny pages, CTU depicts Catholic school children, many of which are of Hispanic descent, as feeding vultures “finishing the job”…
https://www.ctunet.com/action/no-voucher-deal-on-sb1
- Mad Brown - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:34 am:
CZ - ‘Whataboutism’ much?
Where is the Catholicism or even religion depicted in that cartoon?
- S.S. Anon - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:36 am:
-City Zen-
What a stretch.
It paints voucher programs as vultures, I don’t see any children depicted anywhere in the cartoon.
- ste_with_a_v_en - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:39 am:
… against the entire Illinois House?
The house denounced racist groups, as opposed to a few lawmakers who denounced the cartoon.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:42 am:
===The house denounced racist groups, as opposed to a few lawmakers who denounced the cartoon===
They “rose” as a chamber to denounce the cartoon.
http://bit.ly/2xjbBAh
Keep up.
- Ghost - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:44 am:
I am surpised that the pastor who backed Rauner for a tollway job did it again. Reminds me of a recent snl skit.
- walker - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:46 am:
You criticize Proft for “simps” with a “Me thinks” statement?
(Ok, ok, I just played verbiage police too.)
- Anon - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:49 am:
I’ve worked for both CPS and Catholic schools. Private schools don’t tolerate the gangs and student violence that Cps allows. Private schools of any type are neighborhood stabilizers. Many of our neighbors have moved out of Chicago because they couldn’t afford private schools and their kids had been threatened or worse in the local school. Emphasis on neighborhood schools reinforces segregation and inequality. Also not all kids do well in large schools. Parents should be able to pick the school that best fits their child.
- Griffin - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:50 am:
==They refuse to let this cartoon story drop==
After you and others put this front and center for weeks and got heads to roll over the response, *now* is the time to drop it. Huh.
==“Race hustlers?” About whom do you think he might be talking?==
Certainly none of the campaigns, or the Mayor’s office, or the Professional Twitter Ranters who have a side gig in the GA.
==The whole Illinois House condemned.==
LOL. You keep saying this, as if the House is the bastion for independent thought and honest opinion, particularly when mouthbreathers in the media and across the aisle are watching to make sure others Speak the Correct Words ahead of campaign season.
It’s telling that when members of the AA community (outside of the GA) speak out about this, the response is an ad hominem (see -Roadrager- above) or a thinly veiled characterization as fringe opinion — here, watch a few people talk here on some radio show, I guess not eeeeveryone finds it racist.
Charles Thomas and others called it as what it is, and a lot of you know that and probably agree. But you hate the Governor/staff so much that you justify the process and results as all deserved.
At least have the guts to admit it.
- Thomas Paine - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:53 am:
If the GOP wanted this story to go away, they sure are going about it the wrong way.
Should have just admitted it was in poor taste in the first day, apologized and moved on.
Instead, they want to die on this hill.
They keep trying to get the last word.
They want to turn this into a “Democratic plantation” story. Because that message did such wonders for Ken Dunkin.
Proft thinks he is leading black voters to a Promised Land after decades of oppression under Pharoah Madigan.
That is why they will not surrender the point.
- ste_with_a_v_en - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:55 am:
“They “rose” as a chamber to denounce the cartoon.”
Except for the part where that isn’t anywhere besides one Twitter account http://www.ilga.gov/house/journals/100/2017/HJ100076R.pdf
- Rich Miller - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:56 am:
===After you and others put this front and center for weeks===
LOLOL
Yeah, blame the media for abject bungling by the governor’s press office. Hope it helps you sleep at night. This wasn’t even a one-day story that the administration kept alive for well over a week.
- Pundent - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:56 am:
=Charles Thomas and others called it as what it is, and a lot of you know that and probably agree.=
I agree. Charles Thomas was not offended by this. But others were. Does the fact that it doesn’t bother Charles Thomas mean that they’re wrong?
This story lives on because the governor didn’t know how to let it die and the IPI clearly doesn’t want it to.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 11:58 am:
===Dem pols, Chicago/Springfield govt press corps have been trying to keep this phony story alive for a week and Demmer, Wehrli helped them do it===
As far as Proft is concerned, Demmer and Wehrli helped. But he’s never believed either of them was pure enough for his brand of Republicanism, so I’m not surprised he see them as traitors on this.
Yes, the media and others were trying to keep the story going. IPI has been an effective tool in advancing a conservative agenda. Proft acts like we’re simply going to accept the IPI’s place in Illinois politics and media without fighting back. Wrong. And that cartoon was a perfect opportunity to push back against the smug, simplistic, over-funded propagandists at IPI. To delicious to pass up.
And as Rich and others have pointed out repeatedly, it was a one day story until the BTIA in America couldn’t figure out they worked for Governor Rauner and not John Tillman. I enjoyed every minute of it, from IPI pulling down the cartoon to LaShawn Ford getting up in the Governor’s grill about it.
IPI and the Governor played their roles perfectly, and Dan Proft can whine about it until the cows come home, but unless he wants to take over the communications job for Rauner, all Proft can do is whine. You can’t get this past week back, and you can’t put the toothpaste back into the tube.
“Demmer” and “Wehrli” kept the story alive? Lol Dan. You spelled “Tillman” and “Rauner” wrong.
- City Zen - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 12:05 pm:
==It paints voucher programs as vultures==
Interesting timing, considering current events and all.
==I don’t see any children depicted anywhere in the cartoon.==
Should one of the vultures be wearing a rosary and a Cubs hat?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 12:08 pm:
- ste_with_a_v_en -
So…(snicker-snicker) is that it happened (snicker-snicker) it’s the quality of… (snicker-snicker) tweets?
Are you saying Dusty Rhodes got it wrong?
Yes or no will suffice, thanks, lol
- blue dog dem - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 12:30 pm:
The GOP want this story to go away(wink-wink). You win close elections by getting your base out to vote.
What’s that old saying. When Dems get riled up they protest. When Repubs get riled up they vote.
- ArchPundit - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 1:07 pm:
It’s not like it was only one cartoon–this one just got the attention https://twitter.com/RepChrisWelch/status/899406827061948417
- VanillaMan - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 1:11 pm:
IPI is coming off really bad and they’re too arrogant to cut their losses on this. What a bunch of mouthbreathers.
- Demoralized - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 1:12 pm:
==I guess not eeeeveryone finds it racist.==
That is completely irrelevant. The story is that it is racist. You aren’t going to kill that story by trying to say it isn’t or by not giving a clear response condemning it. It shouldn’t have been too hard for the Governor to say that. Instead he’s kept the story alive by not being clear in his condemnation of the cartoon.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 1:21 pm:
(Sigh)
=====The whole Illinois House condemned.==
LOL. You keep saying this, as if the House is the bastion for independent thought and honest opinion, particularly when mouthbreathers in the media and across the aisle are watching to make sure others Speak the Correct Words ahead of campaign season===
“Speaker Madigan and the Republicans that condemn racism he controls”
That’s you’re argument?
The House “ain’t all that, and as a group standing up to racism doesn’t matter”?
Oh boy. You go with that. lol
===…here, watch a few people talk here on some radio show, I guess not eeeeveryone finds it racist.===
As said, a racist cartoon is still racist, even if other just want it “not to be”. Sorry.
===..and a lot of you know that and probably agree.===
lol… here’s how this works, K?
You speak for you, you can cite others speaking for themselves, but you’re not the spokesperson for “others”
That’s weak, and it’s embarrassing.
===But you hate the Governor/staff so much that you justify the process and results as all deserved.===
If the cartoon wasn’t racist, but it had to be taken down, because it was a distraction, as cited by IPI, what was the distraction?
You think on that, get back to all of us.
- Griffin - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 1:53 pm:
==The House “ain’t all that, and as a group standing up to racism doesn’t matter”?==
Clever. This is the exact same type of logic that explains why THE ENTIRE HOUSE stood together.
“Well, I’m not sure the cartoon was actu…”
“What do you mean you don’t want to join us in standing up to racism?”
If you think the entire House actually believed the cartoon was racist…my God.
==As said, a racist cartoon is still racist, even if others just want it “not to be”. Sorry.==
But it *is* because you want it “to be”. Takes some courage to tell African Americans they are objectively wrong about what constitutes racism towards them. But I’ve never known you to fear going way out over your skis.
==If the cartoon wasn’t racist, but it had to be taken down, because it was a distraction, as cited by IPI, what was the distraction?==
Mary Ann “Can’t Spell Scoops without Oops” Ahern proclaiming it to be the most important topic facing Illinois today. And this blog and others providing all the necessary flank support.
GOV’s political enemies doing everything short of saying “he is a racist”, so…saying he is racist. Drowning out all dissenting opinion, or never soliciting it in the first place. You know, what you would do if you wanted to have an open discussion and not just put points on the board.
I’ll think on it some more.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 1:58 pm:
Oh - Griffin -
The entire House standing… “But they don’t really feel that way”
That’s you’re argument?
Answer the question.
===If the cartoon wasn’t racist, but it had to be taken down, because it was a distraction, as cited by IPI, what was the distraction?===
The rest of your drivel… lol…
Your long winded ridiculousness is why it won’t die.
If Rauner can’t say it’s a racist cartoon, that’s on him, not me.
You’re right, you keep thinking.
You get an answer to my question with all that thinking too, lol
- Rich Miller - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 2:09 pm:
===And this blog and others providing all the necessary flank support.===
Another victim heard from.
- Honeybadger - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 3:12 pm:
Hey Griffin,
If Rep Jeanne Ives stood up and said it was racist (and I do not care for her politics at all) then I have to believe it was racist.
Nice to see Pastor Corey Brook finally speak out albeit not on the right side of the issue. Rev. Meeks made no comment. Both were rewarded by Rauner for their support in the last election. Yep, guess they are really looking out for their communities.
- Demoralized - Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 3:45 pm:
==Drowning out all dissenting opinion, or never soliciting it in the first place.==
You’re of the mistaken opinion that a dissenting opinion matters. The message was already out there. This is a racist cartoon. Pushing back only keeps the story alive. If it wasn’t racist (and I believe it was) it was at the very least in poor taste. Acknowledge it and move on. Don’t continue to try and make an argument you can’t possibly win in the media.