* Yesterday…
From the story…
When Chicago reporter Amy Jacobson recently asked Illinois Governor J.B Pritzker about requiring the covid-19 vaccine for schoolchildren, he said he would leave that decision to legislators.
But internal emails from the Illinois Department of Public Health suggest Prtizker is looking into adding the covid shot to the list of school vaccines through a process that doesn’t involve full Legislative approval.
On October 27th, a few hours after Pritzker put the onus for school shots on lawmakers, a question from the Governor’s Office was raised in an email thread between IDPH staff.
Deputy director Shannon Lightner wrote, “From the GO [Governor’s Office]: To add immunizations, do we have to go through the Committee and have three hearings?”
Heidi Clark, Division Chief of Infectious Diseases, replied, “That seems to be the case…No statutory changes are necessary, which is a plus, but those meetings would be pretty rough, I’m sure…”
* Dan Proft this morning…
The communications between the governor’s office and the Illinois Department of Public Health indicate that they are preparing to move in that direction of a vax mandate, hold a few perfunctory hearings around the state and impose that vax mandate if this governor is reelected.
Um, no.
Darren Bailey’s running mate was on Proft’s show and said this about vaccinations…
I was very surprised when I took my son in for his senior year checkup and they asked me would I like to get him the shot. And I said no thank you, and I thought that would be the end of the discussion. It went on for about 10 minutes, him encouraging me that why he needed this, and I was very uncomfortable with it. And I finally had to say to him, You know, 17 years ago, I brought him in the same hallway and you guys gave him four vaccines instead of two that my other kids got in here. My son Reagan has Aspberger’s, he’s on the spectrum, very high functioning, but there are a lot of people who think that those many vaccinations at one time…I mean, there are theories that that causes kids to be on the spectrum. But I couldn’t believe that we just couldn’t move on to the next step in his examination. It was as if this guy was getting, you know, a kickback or something.
The connection between vaccines and autism have been thoroughly debunked.
* Today, Darren Bailey and Tom DeVore held a press conference to talk about the “revelations”…
DeVore: Now what people didn’t know on the 27th of October is that when the governor was on television making that comment, his administrative agency was already working on this process. The emails that we have, that were given to us by some very courageous mothers who do FOIA requests better than [loud applause] showed that they were already formulating their plan. … And the director of the Department of Health now sent an email that said that that you know they’re likely going to receive some pushback in the promoting of vaccines in the short term. And you may have those who say, well, that doesn’t necessarily say they’re doing it. And I would ask you, will they any other vaccines in the short term that the Department of Health would be promoting? Of course not. Of course not. I made a call to the Department of Health today. And I asked them, Do you have the date for this meeting of this committee? And they said the best we know right now it’s the second week of December. So as we stand here today, around the second week of December the Illinois immunization Advisory Commission committee is set to have a hearing about making a recommendation. … I am firmly convinced, but you’re going to hear real soon that Senator Bailey when he becomes the governor of the state of Illinois [applause] that he will not appoint anyone to the Department of Public Health, that would try to promote, I’m going to use their words, promote adding any vaccines in the near future. So it is my pleasure to introduce to you to talk about this Senator Darren Bailey.[applause]
Bailey: God bless you and thank you all for being here today. This is absolutely amazing. And it is an honor to stand here with mothers and their children and parents in the future of Illinois that we are in keep fighting for…
Audience member: Protect our kids.
Bailey: And that is exactly what I promise. I promise you this, that your children’s future will always be my top priority. I will not waver under pressure and I will never stop fighting for them and the future of our state. JB Pritzker uses our kids to make political points. … And let me be clear, I will not appoint an Illinois Department of Public Health Director who will attempt to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine. Friends these decisions belong to the parents. These decisions belong to the parents with the consultation of their family physicians because you know what’s best for your children and their unique circumstances.
DeVore eventually got the audience riled up and then stormed out of the press conference when Mary Ann Ahern asked a question about the Proft papers.
*** UPDATE *** From the governor’s office…
FYI—statement on the vaccine lies.
As the Governor has clearly said, there are no plans to update the vaccine requirements for school age children. But it should come as no surprise that Darren Bailey and Tom DeVore are once again playing political games with public health. The CDC recommended school age children get the COVID vaccine and the email chain they are referencing is IDPH making sure they had a full understanding of the process for adding a vaccine to the existing requirements in order to answer questions about it. In other words, it’s an email discussion where DPH staff are doing their jobs.
…Adding… DeVore calls a reporter doing her job “disrespectful”…
Doesn’t he have the word “Freedom” tattoed on his arm? Must mean freedom from questions.
…Adding… Capitol News Illinois…
“JB Pritzker uses our kids to make political points,” Bailey said at a rally in Oak Brook. “He locks schoolchildren out of their classrooms, and he tries to twist their tender minds with ideology in his quest to be the most left-wing governor in America. Now his minions are looking to impose vaccine mandates on our children.”
Pritzker, however, said he had no plans to mandate any vaccine requirements, saying Bailey was “lying” in “a desperate attempt to win some votes.”
“There’s absolutely nothing that’s happening that’s out of the ordinary. He’s just making things up,” Pritzker said when asked about Bailey’s allegation.
- Excitable Boy - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:30 pm:
- It went on for about 10 minutes, him encouraging me that why he needed this, and I was very uncomfortable with it. -
A doctor giving you sound medical advice makes you uncomfortable? Why bother making the appointment?
- New Day - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:35 pm:
Yes, close on this. Good move. Please. The public by massive majorities think you’re nuts and have enormous respect for the JB did during the pandemic. It’s why he led with it in this campaign. But if you guys think the public is with you, knock yourselves out.
Geez.
- Demoralized - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:37 pm:
Let’s bring back polio [banned punctuation]. We don’t need no stinkin vaccines.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:37 pm:
The voters will have their say.
If Bailey and DeVore are still catering to the base voters on an issue where the governor *consistently* polled above water (handling of Covid) what exactly is the purpose as Bailey’s own polling has him behind…
Ginning up your base, sure.
Reminding voters you’re anti-vax in a state where the governor is polling well on Covid?
It’s a strategy.
- ArchPundit - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:38 pm:
==…I mean, there are theories that that causes kids to be on the spectrum
Disproven theories, but sure. One of the most studied relationships in vaccine medicine has been demonstrated to have no relationship between vaccines and autism. I’m concerned they only suggested four as MMR, TDAP, Chickenpox, Meningitis, rotavirus, and pneumonia are all on the schedule and all are very safe.
Just the most irresponsible and ill-informed people.
- Ron Burgundy - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:39 pm:
-there are a lot of people who think-
Many people are saying… I get that people who have children with various conditions want answers, but sometimes we just don’t have them and maybe never will. Stop spreading baseless nonsense.
- Amalia - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:42 pm:
this is infuriating. not just about the covid vaccine but about vaccines causing autism, um, no. these conspiracy theorists are endangering the health of the public. can’t wait until they are not elected.
- ArchPundit - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:42 pm:
===but sometimes we just don’t have them and maybe never will.
We will with autism. We aren’t there yet, but I have a daughter on the spectrum and the research is making strong strides. There is one thing we know though from the current research: vaccines do not cause or make autism more likely.
- Jerry - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:46 pm:
Vaccine mandate: No.
Government Management of a Woman’s Uterus: Yes.
If you want Bailee for Gub’nor that’s what you’re getting.
- Annonin' - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:47 pm:
We watched the video from the presser twice. Neither GOPie candidate made any sense. Maybe next time they can do something called practicing their talking points so you can be understood. Just a thought
- need - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:48 pm:
It’s almost like promoting the crazy has bad consequences for society. Almost.
- Paddyrollingstone - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:49 pm:
Annonin’ - right on. Makes me think of Steve Martin from Planes, Trains and Automobiles:
And by the way, you know, when you’re telling these little stories? Here’s a good idea: have a point. It makes it so much more interesting for the listener!
- Roadrager - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:51 pm:
For those who have not read it or for those who may have legitimate questions on the origins of the vaccine/autism speculation and misinformation, I strongly recommend “The Doctor Who Fooled the World” by Brian Deer. It is a thorough documentation of Andrew Wakefield, the originator of this false argument, and if you recognize his name or recall any news bites about his downfall, I can assure you that the extent of what he did and why he did it is so, so much worse.
But at least he got canceled for it. By which I mean he got extraordinarily rich, left his wife and kids, and moved in with Elle Macpherson.
- DeeLay - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:52 pm:
“Darren Bailey’s running mate was on Proft’s show and said this about vaccinations…”
Def. no coordination between Bailey’s campaign and Proft’s PAC. At All. What.So.Ever
/s
- Roadrager - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:55 pm:
==these conspiracy theorists are endangering the health of the public. can’t wait until they are not elected.==
I regret to inform you that the theorists also cannot wait for that, and are actively pushing for it. Wisconsin’s next governor is very excited to take the state government officially into the era of post-democracy his allies in the legislature have been building toward over the last decade.
- Flying Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:56 pm:
Questioning one’s doctor’s medical advice speaks to an arrogance of which I have no patience.
Lemme guess, she did “research” on the internet and now knows more on the subject of virology than a physician.
Some people really need to get over themselves.
- Streator Curmudgeon - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 12:57 pm:
What’s even scarier than that Bailey and DeVore are candidates is that millions of people think they’re wonderful.
- Give Me A Break - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:00 pm:
Yes, yes, yes, please close with this. Remind voters who you are and you freely ignore the deaths of your fellow citizens of Illinois.
Maybe trot out those highly regarded medical experts and football coaches Ken and Dereck Leonard to express their outrage and not being able play games while people were dying. Ken might even remind voters the Holocaust was nothing compared to his lack of football games.
- Big Dipper - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:00 pm:
==and then stormed out of the press conference ==
Such a short fuse on that one. Maybe it’s time for anger management therapy.
- Big Dipper - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:02 pm:
===I mean, there are theories that that causes kids to be on the spectrum==
There are theories that the moon landing was faked on a soundstage and that 9/11 was an inside job.
- JS Mill - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:05 pm:
=These decisions belong to the parents with the consultation of their family physicians because you know what’s best for your children and their unique circumstances.=
Except when your running mate disagrees with the doctor. Right?
What dim and dimmer don’t seem to mention is how easy it is for a parent to get a vaccination waiver. Illinois is one of the most permissive stated when it comes to waivers. And bailey knows that. So any “mandate” would be less than a big deal.
- XonXoff - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:12 pm:
== DeVore eventually got the audience riled up and then stormed out of the press conference when Mary Ann Ahern asked a question about the Proft papers. ==
She should have asked him about the (allegedly) stolen guns and coins.
- TheInvisibleMan - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:14 pm:
–It was as if this guy was getting, you know, a kickback or something.–
I honestly don’t understand why people like this even go to the doctor. It’s like the opposite of “There are no atheists in foxholes”. When they get sick, the first thing they will do is go to a doctor for help - and then apparently immediately accuse them of being corrupt.
If you don’t trust doctors, why go to one in the first place?
- thisjustinagain - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:14 pm:
Cheers to Mary Ann Ahern for her Bailey-annoying question.
And while the Moon landings were not faked, check out “Capricorn One”, where a mission to Mars is faked on a soundstage. Starring OJ Simpson as an astronaut. “There’s only one small catch; it never happened, it’s all a lie; a fantastic 30 billion dollar hoax…” (from the YouTube copy of the trailer), and one of the astronauts arriving at his own funeral after escaping the conspiracy’s bad guys at the end.”
- Ryan - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:16 pm:
The livestream of their “press conference,” is password protected. Hahahahahaha.
- JS Mill - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:23 pm:
Steve Lucie. Lol. Isn’t an Illinois cattle rancher? I guess he does not “jab” (what a childish way to phrase vaccinations) his cattle?
But hey, that cowboy hat and all of his selfies right?
- Demoralized - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:23 pm:
==then stormed out of the press conference ==
That’s certainly a trait I want in the Attorney General. /s/
- Arsenal - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:25 pm:
They’ve staked out a dumb position on a dumb issue to bring up with dumb execution of the event.
- Big Dipper - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:26 pm:
==“jab” (what a childish way to phrase vaccinations)==
I mean these are the people who call masks “face diapers.”
- Pot calling kettle - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:27 pm:
===I mean, there are theories that that causes kids to be on the spectrum==
There are also much older (long debunked) theories that blamed inattentive mothers for autism. Funny that she did not repeat those ideas.
- Ares - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:27 pm:
Will Bailey be beating up reporters next, as the MT governor did when running for Congress?
- New Day - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:32 pm:
“In other words, it’s an email discussion where DPH staff are doing their jobs.”
Bingo.
- walker - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:33 pm:
Once again a straight-up lie from Dan Proft, that these people believe because they want to believe.
- DirtLawyer - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:37 pm:
My thanks to Messrs. DeVore and Bailey for the reminder of why this life-long Republican voted early — for Raoul and Pritzker.
- Jilted - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:38 pm:
On October 27th, a few hours after Pritzker put the onus for school shots on lawmakers, a question from the Governor’s Office was raised in an email thread between IDPH staff.
Deputy director Shannon Lightner wrote, “From the GO [Governor’s Office]: To add immunizations, do we have to go through the Committee and have three hearings?”
Heidi Clark, Division Chief of Infectious Diseases, replied, “That seems to be the case…No statutory changes are necessary, which is a plus, but those meetings would be pretty rough, I’m sure…”
Sorry, but regardless of party, these emails make it clear this is more than just idph doing their ” job”. It also appears its initiated from govs office, which I doubt is idph job. I think jb should have let this story simmer fir 24 hours, it isn’t going to influence voters this late in game.
- wildcat12 - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 1:53 pm:
As infuriating as it is, I’m kind of glad the Bailey camp decided to end their campaign on a full-blown, conspiracy theory laden, anti-vaccine rant just to remind the voting public that they really are members of the wacko fringe.
- Sir Reel - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 2:03 pm:
“Theory(s)” is a basic block in the scientific process. It’s sad that the term is bandied about by people who don’t understand the scientific process, don’t believe in science and/or are morons. Another example of the dumbing down of America.
- Rufus T. Firefly - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 2:04 pm:
The COVID vaccine should be added to the list of vaccines required by law for children to enroll in K-12 schools, and that is obvious to anyone who isn’t a kook.
- Highland IL - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 2:12 pm:
Their claim that hundreds of families were at the press conference is hilarious. Also, how ill-prepared were they to host a press conference?
- Roadiepig - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 2:24 pm:
So they end their campaigns- on the one issue that made them household names in Illinois-(anti-Covid hysteria)? I have come to the conclusion that others have that their campaigns have never been about winning their races. It has to be the grift, because you can’t win in Illinois running like you live in Mississippi. This 60+ year old voted Republican from the time I was eligible to vote until Bruce Rauner took over the party. The Republican Party of Illinois, as it stand today, will never get another one of my votes . I look forward to Wednesday mainly because Bailey and DeVore won’t be around to annoy us anymore ( of course I’ll still be throwing out Proft’s racist “newspapers “ as long as he keeps his grift going)
- I-72 Blues - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 2:30 pm:
If an anti-vax scare is your campaign close, then you didn’t have much of a campaign to begin with.
- ArchPundit - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 2:31 pm:
–But hey, that cowboy hat and all of his selfies right?
Honestly, he has to be related to the Kardashians they way he takes selfies.
- Candy Dogood - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 2:37 pm:
===but there are a lot of people who think that those many vaccinations at one time…I mean, there are theories that that causes kids to be on the spectrum===
This is the kind of thing which is why the GOP can never be taken seriously when it comes to the idea of crafting functional policy.
- Dupage Mom - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 2:41 pm:
The key email from IDPH is this question.
“From the GO: To add immunizations, do we have to go through the Committee and have three hearings?”
Obviously people from the Gov office are responding by asking questions, due to the fact that Gov Pritzker was fact checked about it “going through the legislature” when in fact the process is laid out quite clearly in the Communicable Disease Prevention Act. Clearly, Gov Pritzker either did not know, or did not want to say, “actually it would just go via rules under my branch’s public health agency…”
- Anon324 - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 2:47 pm:
In summary: Freedom and Liberty are only legitimate concerns when he doesn’t have shirt-sleeves or a jacket on and you can see the tats. If they are covered, then they aren’t legitimate concerns in the specific circumstances he is addressing.
- Demoralized - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 2:58 pm:
Hello. I’m Tom Devore. And I’m a big baby who doesn’t care about your health. Vote for me.
- Anyone Remember - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 3:00 pm:
===In other words, it’s an email discussion where DPH staff are doing their jobs.===
Best since Ogilvie. Edgar was good, but had MSI and left the SDU mess for Ryan.
- Dotnonymous - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 3:02 pm:
If it walks like a duck…it’s probably not a Doctor.
- Lurker - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 3:09 pm:
As one that believes in science, if the doctors say that mandating vaccinations for children is best, then mandate it.
- Cubs in '16 - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 3:18 pm:
===It was disrespectful to these parents…===
Says the guy who refers to children with intellectual disabilities as “window lickers”.
- Rudy’s teeth - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 3:25 pm:
Heinie and Doofus Putz—-candidates for governor and AG. The E-la-noy superstars.
- jackmac - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 3:27 pm:
I’ve never heard of “Woodhouse” before and I immediately lost interest in finding out any more when he/she referred to Amy Jacobson as a “reporter.”
- Pundent - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 3:29 pm:
Pritzker didn’t get everything right with Covid. It would be impossible for anyone to do so. But Bailey and Devore have made it clear that they would have done nothing. They would have simply ignored the problem and allowed fate to determine our outcome. And that’s not governing.
- Arsenal - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 3:38 pm:
==Clearly, Gov Pritzker either did not know, or did not want to say, “actually it would just go via rules under my branch’s public health agency…”==
Well, just because the Governor has the authority to take action himself doesn’t mean he has to use it.
- Dupage mom - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 3:56 pm:
Are we just going to ignore that plenty of other countries are NOT recommending the Covid vaccine to under 30 year olds anymore?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 4:00 pm:
===NOT recommending===
I dunno what that means exactly, considering in that context “recommending” is doing a lot of work considering one out of 300 died from Covid.
It’s an odd flex, thinking “recommended” is a word of distinction to those who have died or in long term Covid.
- JS Mill - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 4:02 pm:
=plenty of other countries are NOT recommending the Covid vaccine=
Please share your “evidence”.
- Big Dipper - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 4:06 pm:
Political flyers? So he is conceding they aren’t newspapers?
- Bruce( no not him) - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 4:07 pm:
“ There are theories that the moon landing was faked on a soundstage and that 9/11 was an inside job.”
Those are obviously not true, but we all know the earth is flat.
S/
- btowntruth from forgottonia - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 4:12 pm:
Funny how the “We are just asking questions.” crowd doesn’t like being asked questions.
- Demoralized - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 4:13 pm:
==Are we just going to ignore that plenty of other countries are NOT recommending the Covid vaccine to under 30 year olds anymore?==
Who cares? Don’t get one if you don’t want one.
Another anti-vaxxer heard from.
- Big Dipper - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 4:18 pm:
If other countries jump in the lake you would too?
- snarkie from Schaumburg - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 4:26 pm:
people stop sending emails. call people from a burner phone
- Demoralized - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 4:38 pm:
Anyone want to place bets that Devore will figure out some reason to file a lawsuit if he loses tomorrow?
- Anon324 - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 4:46 pm:
==Are we just going to ignore that plenty of other countries are NOT recommending the Covid vaccine to under 30 year olds anymore?==
If by plenty you mean a handful of European countries (Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, Iceland, Finland) and by “the Covid vaccine” you specifically mean the Moderna version but not any of the other options, then I guess you’re onto something? I note that those countries all have universal healthcare, strict environmental regulations, strong worker unions, and high gas taxes to reflect that true cost of fuel on society, but something tells me you’re not particularly interested in their opinions on those topics.
- ArchPundit - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 4:52 pm:
===Are we just going to ignore that plenty of other countries are NOT recommending the Covid vaccine to under 30 year olds anymore?
I don’t know of any that are still not recommending the vaccine. You have to go back to spring 2021 for that to be a big thing and we’ve found out since the heart risks of myocarditis and pericarditis are less from the vaccine (and very mild) than from Covid itself.
- DirtLawyer - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 5:28 pm:
=== Are we just going to ignore that plenty of other countries are NOT recommending the Covid vaccine to under 30 year olds anymore?===
My spouse (a pediatrician, I might add) and I just returned from a trip to some of those countries. Every single person we talked to about vaccines without exception thinks our anti-vax movement is absurd. I’m no doctor, but the experts we know think COVID-19 needs to be added to the list of required childhood vaccines sooner rather than later.
With any luck, a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus is just around the corner. This virus has been keepIng our children’s hospitals filled and doctors working Herculean hours. I can’t wait to see what the nitwits opposed to vaccines are going to say about this.
- Huckleberry1926 - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 6:40 pm:
I saw a Chevrolet commercial on WGN morning news on Thursday. I pert-near went out and bought one because I was so happy to see a non-political add. I cannot wait for the D’s to win again (although not my choice) and to go on with life without untruths being spread on all sorts of media from both parties.
- West Side the Best Side - Monday, Nov 7, 22 @ 8:05 pm:
Tattoo Tom ran out of his own press conference because he didn’t like the question. What a (banned word) coward(banned punctuation)