Take a drive from the South to the North in our state. You will be surprised at what you see, and what you don’t see. Prairie or pumpkin, lake or land, it’s beautiful.
As an immigrant … might I suggest the natives try viewing Illinois from the “glass half full” perspective. For all out problems, many many good things going on here.
Amid the broad green fields that nourish our land,
For honest Labor and for Learning we stand,
And unto thee we pledge our heart and hand,
Dear Alma Mater, Illinois
- Bruce( no not him) - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:39 am:
===203 years old, and still as gorgeous as ever.===
The same can be said about Mike Madigan.
To the people, I say to you, the state song says it all;
“By thy rivers gently flowing, Illinois, Illinois,
O’er thy prairies verdant growing, Illinois, Illinois,
Comes an echo on the breeze.
Rustling through the leafy trees, and its mellow tones are these, Illinois, Illinois,
And its mellow tones are these, Illinois.
And its mellow tones are these, Illinois.”
What a treasure our state is. Rivers, forests, prairies and farm land… there’s so much beauty that’s uniquely Illinois, go look.
“From a wilderness of prairies, Illinois, Illinois,
Straight thy way and never varies, Illinois, Illinois,
Till upon the inland sea,
Stands thy great commercial tree, turning all the world to thee, Illinois, Illinois,
Turning all the world to thee, Illinois.
Turning all the world to thee, Illinois.”
Illinois leads, we are innovative, Illinois is a hub, be it transportation or transporting all that is great… from Illinois.
“When you heard your country calling, Illinois, Illinois,
Where the shot and shell were falling, Illinois, Illinois,
When the Southern host withdrew,
Pitting Gray against the Blue, there were none more brave than you, Illinois, Illinois,
There were none more brave than you, Illinois.
There were none more brave than you, Illinois.”
A big reminder; we led to unite our country, our people paid the high price, our leaders led the charge in battle and in the corridors of power, Illinois was no traitor, she was pushing to make America whole.
“Not without thy wondrous story, Illinois, Illinois,
Can be writ the nation’s glory, Illinois, Illinois,
On the record of thy years,
Abraham Lincoln’s name appears, Grant and Logan, and our tears, Illinois, Illinois,
Grant and Logan, and our tears, Illinois.
Grant and Logan, and our tears, Illinois.”
Oh. If you’re gonna question our role, we have the receipts, and those who’s names are forever remembered on them.
“Eighteen-eighteen saw your founding, Illinois, Illinois,
And your progress is unbounding, Illinois, Illinois,
Pioneers once cleared the lands,
Where great industries now stand. World renown you do command, Illinois, Illinois,
World renown you do command, Illinois.
World renown you do command, Illinois.”
Don’t listen to the Illinois Policy Institute, other grifters, talking heads, angry folks without cause besides privileged, Illinois is viewed far different and with much more love towards her than those so willing to tear her down. Our great history and our place in the world is secured.
“Let us pledge in final chorus, Illinois, Illinois
That in struggles still before us, Illinois, Illinois
To our heroes we’ll be true,
As their vision we pursue. In abiding love for you, Illinois, Illinois.
In abiding love for you, Illinois.
In abiding love for you, Illinois.”
In this last stanza, it’s a reminder; we’ve been given something, it’s up to us to take the torch and press forward, in the same ways others did before, with a love… for Illinois.
I’d say… hear our state sing, read the lyrics, embrace our state. It’s really great.
Illinois is a diverse state demographically, politically and geographically. It has a rich history with ties to four presidents, including the one rated the best or second best by most historians. Illinois still ranks highly for education.
Also, IL doesn’t look a day older than 199.
P.S. You could be living in gun-toting, book burning and Covidiot controlled MO.
Stop badmouthing your state. Illinois is fantastic and is a near perfect microcosm of the United States at large. Focus on fixing what’s broken without mocking the state and large.
And if you’re the type complaining still and going on about moving out of state, just get it done already, you loser.
I would remind people of our turnaround agenda (heh): rebuilding our infrastructure, improving our fiscal outlook, favorability for corporate relocations, adequate state budgets, investing in childcare, protecting women’s and workers’ rights, raising wages, great schools, etc.
203 years old and we’re America in a black walnut nutshell–we’re urban, rural, industrial, technological, agricultural, transportation hub with great colleges, a national forest, one of the greatest cities in the world, deep red, bright blue, governors and a senator of both major political parties in the last decade, building our infrastructure as an investment in our future. We often focus on what’s wrong and where we want to improve, but so very many things to celebrate.
Between Cairo and the Wisconsin border you can see most of America, geographically, socially, economically and politically. We are a diverse cross section of country.
I absolutely love Illinois.
Growing up, I couldn’t wait to live somewhere else but going to college in Tennessee fixed that for me. I really appreciate what we have here.
Happy birthday, beautiful state.
===in order to restore Illinois to its greatness,…===
Help me out blue dog, when was this epic period of greatness that you seem nostalgic for? And all we have to do is replace the property tax with…what? Higher income taxes? I didn’t know you were such a fan of Pritzker’s graduated tax plan.
Illinois governors going to prison,
Aldermen in court making deals by the dozen,
Corrupt officials cashing in with glee,
These are the reasons I’m going to flee.
Abraham Lincoln would be sad and furious,
Our Attorney General ain’t corruption-curious,
Bring in the Feds and the cell doors all sing,
These are the reasons I’m going to flee.
When you need help, and they bumble, then they
say “Too Bad”.
I’m done suing this state to make things right,
And that also makes me pack.
Enjoy your politics and your corruption
Crime in the streets without interruption,
Payola, “Where’s Mine?” as late Royko said,
Adios, Illinois, I’m packing my bags.
Just remember, in November, maybe you’ll
think twice,
And not vote for those who damaged the soul
Of a once-great State….Goodbye.
Jobs led to living in four other states. Moved back 20 years ago. Each of those states had strengths and plenty of the exact same issues facing Illinois. Never regretted leaving any of them. Coming back to Illinois for a job I loved and a terrific community was wonderful. If moving away solves whatever bothers you then good luck. The grass over the fence ain’t as green as it looks.
I grew up here. I lived in other states for a while like Washington, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. I came back because none of those places felt like home like Illinois does.
- What I would say...? - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:24 am:
…[shoulder shrug…]
- Almost the Weekend - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:24 am:
This state has a lot to offer.
People in Chicago and Chicagoland area should go to Downstate Illinois and explore.
And downstate residents should go to Chicago.
The pandering by both sides, primary the R’s, needs to stop.
- Amalia - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:28 am:
Take a drive from the South to the North in our state. You will be surprised at what you see, and what you don’t see. Prairie or pumpkin, lake or land, it’s beautiful.
- Anyone Remember - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:30 am:
As an immigrant … might I suggest the natives try viewing Illinois from the “glass half full” perspective. For all out problems, many many good things going on here.
- hisgirlfriday - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:33 am:
Amid the broad green fields that nourish our land,
For honest Labor and for Learning we stand,
And unto thee we pledge our heart and hand,
Dear Alma Mater, Illinois
- Bruce( no not him) - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:39 am:
===203 years old, and still as gorgeous as ever.===
The same can be said about Mike Madigan.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:42 am:
To the people, I say to you, the state song says it all;
“By thy rivers gently flowing, Illinois, Illinois,
O’er thy prairies verdant growing, Illinois, Illinois,
Comes an echo on the breeze.
Rustling through the leafy trees, and its mellow tones are these, Illinois, Illinois,
And its mellow tones are these, Illinois.
And its mellow tones are these, Illinois.”
What a treasure our state is. Rivers, forests, prairies and farm land… there’s so much beauty that’s uniquely Illinois, go look.
“From a wilderness of prairies, Illinois, Illinois,
Straight thy way and never varies, Illinois, Illinois,
Till upon the inland sea,
Stands thy great commercial tree, turning all the world to thee, Illinois, Illinois,
Turning all the world to thee, Illinois.
Turning all the world to thee, Illinois.”
Illinois leads, we are innovative, Illinois is a hub, be it transportation or transporting all that is great… from Illinois.
“When you heard your country calling, Illinois, Illinois,
Where the shot and shell were falling, Illinois, Illinois,
When the Southern host withdrew,
Pitting Gray against the Blue, there were none more brave than you, Illinois, Illinois,
There were none more brave than you, Illinois.
There were none more brave than you, Illinois.”
A big reminder; we led to unite our country, our people paid the high price, our leaders led the charge in battle and in the corridors of power, Illinois was no traitor, she was pushing to make America whole.
“Not without thy wondrous story, Illinois, Illinois,
Can be writ the nation’s glory, Illinois, Illinois,
On the record of thy years,
Abraham Lincoln’s name appears, Grant and Logan, and our tears, Illinois, Illinois,
Grant and Logan, and our tears, Illinois.
Grant and Logan, and our tears, Illinois.”
Oh. If you’re gonna question our role, we have the receipts, and those who’s names are forever remembered on them.
“Eighteen-eighteen saw your founding, Illinois, Illinois,
And your progress is unbounding, Illinois, Illinois,
Pioneers once cleared the lands,
Where great industries now stand. World renown you do command, Illinois, Illinois,
World renown you do command, Illinois.
World renown you do command, Illinois.”
Don’t listen to the Illinois Policy Institute, other grifters, talking heads, angry folks without cause besides privileged, Illinois is viewed far different and with much more love towards her than those so willing to tear her down. Our great history and our place in the world is secured.
“Let us pledge in final chorus, Illinois, Illinois
That in struggles still before us, Illinois, Illinois
To our heroes we’ll be true,
As their vision we pursue. In abiding love for you, Illinois, Illinois.
In abiding love for you, Illinois.
In abiding love for you, Illinois.”
In this last stanza, it’s a reminder; we’ve been given something, it’s up to us to take the torch and press forward, in the same ways others did before, with a love… for Illinois.
I’d say… hear our state sing, read the lyrics, embrace our state. It’s really great.
- Blue Dog - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:43 am:
in order to restore Illinois to its greatness, we need to radically shift the cost of education from property tax.
- Norseman - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:44 am:
Illinois is a diverse state demographically, politically and geographically. It has a rich history with ties to four presidents, including the one rated the best or second best by most historians. Illinois still ranks highly for education.
Also, IL doesn’t look a day older than 199.
P.S. You could be living in gun-toting, book burning and Covidiot controlled MO.
- Levois J - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:45 am:
“Make Illinois Great Again”
- TJ - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:48 am:
Stop badmouthing your state. Illinois is fantastic and is a near perfect microcosm of the United States at large. Focus on fixing what’s broken without mocking the state and large.
And if you’re the type complaining still and going on about moving out of state, just get it done already, you loser.
- JS Mill - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:56 am:
Checkout northwest Illinois. It will change your perception of our state.
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:57 am:
Happy Anniversary to our home.
I would remind people of our turnaround agenda (heh): rebuilding our infrastructure, improving our fiscal outlook, favorability for corporate relocations, adequate state budgets, investing in childcare, protecting women’s and workers’ rights, raising wages, great schools, etc.
- Earnest - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 11:59 am:
203 years old and we’re America in a black walnut nutshell–we’re urban, rural, industrial, technological, agricultural, transportation hub with great colleges, a national forest, one of the greatest cities in the world, deep red, bright blue, governors and a senator of both major political parties in the last decade, building our infrastructure as an investment in our future. We often focus on what’s wrong and where we want to improve, but so very many things to celebrate.
- Give Me A Break - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 12:23 pm:
Between Cairo and the Wisconsin border you can see most of America, geographically, socially, economically and politically. We are a diverse cross section of country.
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 12:26 pm:
“And if you’re the type complaining still and going on about moving out of state, just get it done already”
Would do a Susie Greene of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” when she wants Larry out of her home.
- Proud Papa Bear - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 12:28 pm:
I absolutely love Illinois.
Growing up, I couldn’t wait to live somewhere else but going to college in Tennessee fixed that for me. I really appreciate what we have here.
Happy birthday, beautiful state.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 12:34 pm:
===in order to restore Illinois to its greatness,…===
Help me out blue dog, when was this epic period of greatness that you seem nostalgic for? And all we have to do is replace the property tax with…what? Higher income taxes? I didn’t know you were such a fan of Pritzker’s graduated tax plan.
You’re my boy Blue.
- flea - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 12:35 pm:
The top agricultural state in the nation/world. Jobs galore if you want one. Great place to live, raise a family, and prosper.
- thisjustinagain - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 12:44 pm:
Illinois governors going to prison,
Aldermen in court making deals by the dozen,
Corrupt officials cashing in with glee,
These are the reasons I’m going to flee.
Abraham Lincoln would be sad and furious,
Our Attorney General ain’t corruption-curious,
Bring in the Feds and the cell doors all sing,
These are the reasons I’m going to flee.
When you need help, and they bumble, then they
say “Too Bad”.
I’m done suing this state to make things right,
And that also makes me pack.
Enjoy your politics and your corruption
Crime in the streets without interruption,
Payola, “Where’s Mine?” as late Royko said,
Adios, Illinois, I’m packing my bags.
Just remember, in November, maybe you’ll
think twice,
And not vote for those who damaged the soul
Of a once-great State….Goodbye.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 12:51 pm:
===Make Illinois Great Again===
The Jim Oberweis mantra.
- thisjustinagain -
Why *are* you still here? Sincerely? Why?
I’m gonna tell a lil story.
Family member, when I was growing up, complained about Illinois relentlessly.
Like decades. (I’m not *that* old, but decades all the same)
After burying a spouse here, we buried them in Illinois too.
Never left.
Funny thing is, after it was all done, that’s the biggest memory I have of them… that and burying them in Illinois.
Move. Own us fools.
- Flapdoodle - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 12:55 pm:
Get vaccinated, wear your masks, and help us all get through this thing together
- Dotnonymous - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 1:00 pm:
I had the time of my life…in Illinois.
Happy Birthday @Illinois.
- zatoichi - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 1:02 pm:
Jobs led to living in four other states. Moved back 20 years ago. Each of those states had strengths and plenty of the exact same issues facing Illinois. Never regretted leaving any of them. Coming back to Illinois for a job I loved and a terrific community was wonderful. If moving away solves whatever bothers you then good luck. The grass over the fence ain’t as green as it looks.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 2:08 pm:
Happy birthday Illinois, and get well soon.
- ChicagoVinny - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 2:22 pm:
I grew up here. I lived in other states for a while like Washington, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. I came back because none of those places felt like home like Illinois does.
- Blue Dog - Friday, Dec 3, 21 @ 3:53 pm:
the progressive tax made zero assurances property taxes would be reduced. and yes I would gladly pay higher income taxes foe property tax relief.