Elections have consequences
Monday, Jul 15, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Editor of The Ogle County Life Brad Jennings…
A new day, and a new reason for some people to hate Illinois.
Hating the state you live in is a pretty strange phenomenon, but a popular one in Illinois. In fact, I think of it more as a self-hate, honestly. People whine and moan and complain about Illinois loudly and often. And these are people who were born here and have lived here their entire lives.
Huh?
I have lived in eight states and one U.S. territory and have never seen anything like it. If complaining about your home state was an Olympic sport, Illinois would take home gold permanently.
There has been a spike in the incessant whining recently as a new gas tax, increased vehicle registration fee, new tobacco tax and a few others have gone into effect.
If you were to believe a lot of people you know locally, or from the sampling of unhinged comments on social media, you would believe Illinois is basically the deepest level of hell, or whatever other horrible place you could spend eternity in, like Kansas. […]
I hope that some of those apparently tortured people will leave, and I hope they find the utopia they believe is out there.
The reality is they will eventually find themselves miserable there too. Funny how that seems to work.
* Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA writing in the Daily Herald…
As a person who makes his living in the political world, a big part of what I try to do is separate my emotions from rational thought in hopes of being able to see the world as clear-eyed as possible. So, it is with much sadness, but after considerable rational analysis, that I have decided to say goodbye to the state of Illinois, the place that from this point on will have the qualifier of being my “childhood home.” I have officially made the move to Florida.
Like many other young people who are statistically likely to have their best earning years ahead of them, this decision will help me avoid the high taxes, excessive regulation and the corruption of Illinois politicians and government.
This is something I have been contemplating for awhile, but a combination of family, friends, loyalty and simple inertia have held me back from making the move. The results of the 2018 elections in Illinois and the rise to power of those who believe in growing the size of government, increasing regulations and strengthening labor unions — all at the expense of the individual, entrepreneurs and businesses — all helped make the choice relatively straightforward for me.
In some ways, I don’t feel like I’m leaving Illinois. I feel as though Illinois left me.
Kirk was an early supporter of Bruce Rauner, who donated heavily to Kirk’s group, which has been repeatedly accused of racism, misogyny, etc.
- NoGifts - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 11:54 am:
Go on facebook and join a beautiful illinois group, also an illinois history group. You will quickly come to appreciate our great state.
- Joe blow - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 11:56 am:
Good riddance
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 11:56 am:
===In some ways, I don’t feel like I’m leaving Illinois. I feel as though Illinois left me.===
Ironically, this is true, just not as Mr. Kirk thinks.
Illinois left you because you were never part of any solution, Mr. Kirk, you were always part of the problem the solution was fighting.
You having no place in Illinois is a good new thing…
- Perrid - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 11:57 am:
Our state is better for Mr. Kirk’s absence. I suppose it’s too much to hope he’ll stop whining, complaining, lying, and generally being a nuisance, but maybe now he’ll waste more of his time complaining about Florida, instead of Illinois.
- Soo... - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:00 pm:
Soo…. we just gonna ignore the fact BVR, IPI, and Dan Profit spent years telling GOP/conservatives voter of how terrible this state is (Because Madgian) and people think they wouldn’t believe it…
- lakeside - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:00 pm:
==separate my emotions from rational thought in hopes of being able to see the world as clear-eyed as possible.==
==I don’t feel like I’m leaving Illinois. I feel as though Illinois left me.==
Lol, ok, man. Good luck with the grift.
- Not a Billionaire - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:00 pm:
By Don’t let the door hit you in …
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:03 pm:
===we just gonna ignore the fact BVR, IPI, and Dan Profit spent years telling GOP/conservatives voter of how terrible this state is (Because Madgian) and people think they wouldn’t believe it…===
That hasn’t happened on this blog.
If anything, the blowback towards Raunerism, the grifters like Proft, Uihlein, IPI… that has been here for… “decades”
- Anon221 - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:03 pm:
Florida’s “loss” is definitely an Illinois gain. Echo the sentiment of good riddance. I’m sure he’ll be workin’ on the T campaign with all his chapters down in the Orange State.
- What's in a name? - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:04 pm:
Should somebody let Florida know what they are in for?
- Interim Retiree - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:08 pm:
Just got back late Friday night from a 10 day vacation that took me through 8 states. It included my first earthquake experience. I saw many issues in other states that I didn’t care for & heard complaints from locals about those issues on their local tv news. Amazing how good it felt to be home despite all of our troubles here. I’m staying - and thanks to Brad Jennings.
- Iggy - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:08 pm:
Good riddance to the snake oil salesman.
The culture this man created on some college campuses has made so sick as an actual conservative Republican. Turning points is nothing more than a sign making operation that leads well meaning conservative students down a path that lacks compassion and ignores intellectual understanding of conservative ideas.
Charlie Kirk’s influence has done nothing but wreak havoc on the development of conservative thinkers in college. it will take years to undo the damage he has created.
- Blake - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:09 pm:
From Brad Jennings “I will never understand people who have the power to change their lives for what they believe will be better, but don’t do it.” I heard Dave Ramsey say something similar recently & that line is sticking with me.
- State of DenIL - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:10 pm:
Meanwhile in Illinois low wage workers will be paid more. We will move to support working families and promote motherhood and fatherhood by pushing for paid parental leave. We will fight against organized crime, and boldly open our state for business in a whole new industry. We will trust women to make wise choices regarding their own healthcare. We will take bold action to stop measles and other preventable illness. We will stand for retirement, too.
Easy for some loser grifter with his own “advocacy group” and wealthy backers who pay for his comfortable lifestyle to spout this garbage. Mr. Kirk could do with some time working in a steel mill or a warehouse or a prison. Born wealthy, founded his PAC at 18. Grifters gonna freakin’ grift. Good riddance, Charlie.
- northsider (the original) - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:15 pm:
Illinois definitely got the better end of the Chance the Snapper-Charlie Kirk trade with Florida.
- Steve - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:16 pm:
OW
Charlie Kirk probably likes Florida’s state income tax rate. It’s hard not to like that rate .
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:18 pm:
The Illinois is a bad place narrative started, in my opinion, when Republicans lost control in 2003. It has been repeated over the past 16 years. It is tiring.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:19 pm:
===Charlie Kirk probably likes Florida’s state income tax rate. It’s hard not to like that rate.===
… Texas too, maybe… maybe Alaska…
Say, FL, TX, AK… what are their major revenue streams?
Can Illinois have those at the levels needed too?
Get back to all of us. Thanks.
- Anon E Moose - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:20 pm:
Never heard of a problem in Florida.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:20 pm:
Illinois is the highest-income state among contiguous states and has the second lowest state income tax rate. Those who professionally push Illinois Exodus have made good or great money in Illinois and have been taxed at low rates for decades.
As far as our horrible debt, many have selective outrage. Notice the silence from so-called fiscal hawks over what the former governor and current president did to debt and deficits. There was never a worse financial time than when the former governor held budgets hostage for his anti-union demands.
There is cause for optimism now among many, as we have a governor and GA who are investing in the state and not waging war against its workers.
- Anyone Remember - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:21 pm:
As an immigrant from 6 states away, also amazed at the Illinois bashing by residents in my time here. Immigrant’s observation - nearly all bashing (except sports teams, that is another topic) is either geographic or from people who can’t win elections (and their supporters). IF Illinois were to split, how long before the people in DuQuoin would complain about the “northerners” north of I-70 / I-64 or the “big city people” in Metro East?
- Stark - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:23 pm:
Charlie Kirk’s thoughts about anything should be posted on the refrigerator door, and not in the media.
- Fixer - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:26 pm:
Anyone Remember- that already does happen, to some degree in that part of the state.
- Anyone Remember - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:26 pm:
Oswego Willy -
Texas - extraction taxes on oil. Used to be the same of AK.
Florida - taxes directed at tourists.
Notice all 3 of these states “export” their tax burden to non-residents. How much $ could Illinois raise if (federal law prohibits this) a tax could be applied to everyone changing a plane / flight at O’Hare?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:30 pm:
Aw - Anyone Remember -, don’t help - Steve -, lol
I was hoping to get something outside a driveby aimed at me.
But, thanks.
:)
- Blake - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:30 pm:
Anyone Remember, I remember seeing a separatist Facebook post in 2016 that had several comments calling for also turning St. Clair & Madison County into a state & a couple comments calling for turning Sangamon County into a state. Ironically enough the public post was started by a guy from O’Fallon which is in St. Clair County.
- A Well-Regulated Commenter - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:31 pm:
Just search for Charlie Kirk and “diaper” and have a nice laugh this afternoon
- Nick - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:32 pm:
Can more people like Charlie self-deport?
- Streator Curmudgeon - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:33 pm:
Illinois is a pretty place to live in the summer and fall; the trees are gorgeous. I even enjoy winter, but I’m probably in the minority there.
Often our government stinks, but more often the federal government stinks, too. I’m not leaving anywhere because the government stinks. Our job is to make it better.
Mr. Kirk is moving to a place where the heat and humidity are even worse in the summer than in Illinois. And who said Utopia is just a myth?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:33 pm:
- Steve -
Where does Florida rank in federal monies returning to Florida? How about Illinois?
Wonder if that can be a factor too?
- Proud Papa Bear - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:35 pm:
I could do without our winters, social services need to be supported more, and the schools need to be funded more equitably, but otherwise there’s no other state I’d rather live in. (Cali is alluring, but the cost of living is outrageous…and I’m a Midwest boy at heart).
I love our state’s inclusion of LGBTQ folks, the vibrancy of Chicago, etc. I’ve even come to appreciate our flatland (makes for much longer sunsets!)
- a drop in - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:37 pm:
I know many who bash Illinois. A lot of them move out of state and they still feel the need to bash Illinois. Can’t get it out of their system.
- Been There - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:41 pm:
===but a combination of family, friends, loyalty and simple inertia have held me back from making the move.===
So he will give up family and friends because he has to pay a little bit more in taxes. What a great guy.
- DuPage Saint - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:44 pm:
I was born and raised in this state went to college in this state and never moved out of this state. I happen to love this state, lots of things I might want to change (property tax number one) but I cannot think of another place i would rather live. And frankly i am getting tired of hearing how bad it is. And I always considered myself a conservative Republican but guess I am just a phony RINO. I bet i walked more precincts than those crybabies leaving the state so have a nice trip.
- Glengarry - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:48 pm:
The people like Kirk who are moving to Florida, better bring a boat with them.
- Thomas Paine - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:48 pm:
The ratio of people complaining about government everywhere far exceeds the ratio of people praising government everywhere.
That is the nature of social media, editorial boards, letters to the editor, diners and barber shops. And it has always been that way as long as any of them have existed.
No one calls Amazon customer service to say “I think you are great.”
- Looking down the Road - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:49 pm:
Bashing Illinois isn’t going to change anything or do any good. Illinois is what it is and it isn’t going to change. If you don’t like it …. move.
- ZC - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:51 pm:
Charlie Kirk is such a grifter, other Republican college groups warn their members about Turning Point USA. He exists to wring his six figure salary from gullible elderly conservative billionaires.
On an actually important point, there might be a kernel of truth in that Illinois doesn’t have the same sense of identity as some other states. Set aside the tax rate, there’s little sometimes it seems to connect or make Illinoisans feel at all part of the same team. This is true in most states but it might be especially true here. I wonder if that matters on the margins. People rarely seem proud of their IL identity in abstract and I think it’s much deeper than the tax rate.
- Home - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 12:52 pm:
This sort of stuff gets old. I have left twice and I have come back twice. I won’t be leaving again. Nowhere I would rather live. And while I don’t like affixing labels to myself, I almost exclusively vote republican. . .
- Demoralized - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:04 pm:
== I have decided to say goodbye to the state of Illinois==
Bye. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
==I feel as though Illinois left me.==
I really think some of these people need to grow up and stop continually having this victim mentality.
I’m glad these whiners are leaving. Good riddance.
- RNUG - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:06 pm:
== St. Clair & Madison County into a state & a couple comments calling for turning Sangamon County into a state. ==
Well … that would be turning back the clock to the early 1800’s when Sangamon County covered most of the State.
- Just Observing - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:06 pm:
The truth is probably more in the middle. Yes, there are people that move out of Illinois, expecting a 180 life change, and don’t see it… and certainly the far-right is pushes a lot of the anti-Illinois rhetoric… but let’s not pretend that Illinois isn’t experiencing an exodus unlike other states… it is… and plenty of those leaving are very happy with their decision. To discount everyone leaving as irrational actors is probably false and a disservice to us solving some major issues.
These people seem quite rational and happy in their decision:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEyoJd8eEHw
- Just Me - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:06 pm:
My parents are the most anti-Illinois people I know, who constantly rant about high taxes, corruption, etc. etc. Even they appreciated the need for the capital bill and are actually excited to pay the increased MFT.
- Huh? - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:11 pm:
“Charlie Kirk’s thoughts about anything should be posted on the outhouse wall to be torn off the pad and used as needed, and not in the media.”
Fixed it for you.
- very old soil - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:15 pm:
And, as local writers from Carl Hiaasen to Dave Barry to Lauren Groff have noted, the water table of weirdness is just naturally high in Florida. Strangeness seems to bubble to the surface.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/magazine/wp/2019/07/15/feature/is-it-okay-to-laugh-at-florida-man-2/?utm_term=.483245a46a2e
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:19 pm:
“increasing regulations”
Pritzker and the GA enacted more pro-business reforms than the previous governor, who caused massive damage supposedly for reforms.
“strengthening labor unions”
One of the best moves by this GA and governor. Lots of union jobs should come from the capital bill, casinos, funding government and marijuana legalization. Hope there’s more to come, as Pritzker has accomplished much of his agenda and can now focus on more strengthening of union protections with the GA, if they want.
Plenty of lower-income RTWFL states where more people don’t have health insurance from which to choose, for right wingers. The governor and GA now are also freer to expand health insurance, after having accomplished much already.
- Pot calling kettle - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:21 pm:
So now, when Charlie Kirk does something odd, which seems to happen fairly frequently, he can be referred to as a “Florida Man” which seems appropriate.
- Scott Cross for President - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:24 pm:
We traded Charlie Kirk to Florida for a Humboldt Park gator.
Fair trade.
- Jibba - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:25 pm:
When the souther third of Florida begins to slip beneath the waves, don’t ask Illinois to subsidize your losses through buyouts from the Federal government. You were warned about global warming but chose not to listen.
And 10 bucks says we still see him a lot here as he continues to hit up wealthy donors.
P.S., the grass is not greener. They still have traffic jams and liberals in “paradise”.
- Huh? - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:28 pm:
Illinois is my home. Where I and my children were born. Where I have lived, with the exception of about 2 years as a toddler, for my entire life. When I visit other states, I can’t wait to get home. Illinois is where my friends are located. Where my children grew up in a neighborhood surrounded by friends. Where I bought my only house to live in and grow old with my wife.
There are many good things about Illinois. Overlooking the problems of state government, the people are the best in the world. Illinois is a place of beauty and bounty. Illinois is strategically located at the crossroads roads, rails, and rivers to carry the commerce of the nation.
Illinois is more than its government. The political problems have been cyclical for generations. The problems are not insurmountable with the political will to face the facts and present solutions. The solutions, like many medicines, won’t taste very good. But we will take our medicine and gripe.
Illinois is my homeland.
- Honeybear - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:30 pm:
This is good
Just like Janus was good for labor
separates the wheat from the chaff.
Let him go
Let us understand
his error
and why we should not mourn
but reapply ourselves
to the tasks at hand.
- Practical Politics - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:33 pm:
“That hasn’t happened on this blog.”
This is a moderated blog. Unless you have knowledge as to how often Rich has had to delete angry comments from the blog, it is unclear how much weight can be given to your statement.
I attended a conference in Springfield recently. The number of people (especially retirees or those soon to be retired) discussing relocation is an open secret. I do not think of these folks as deserters or traitors. They have simply lost faith in our politicians to make the necessary reforms to improve conditions. Many think the new taxes and fees are not being used to make structural reforms. Rather the new revenues are being used to delay the inevitable day of reckoning.
- Cheryl44 - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:35 pm:
Bye bye little boy.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:45 pm:
===This is a moderated blog. Unless you have knowledge as to how often Rich has had to delete angry comments from the blog, it is unclear how much weight can be given to your statement.===
The mere fact it is moderated, probably focuses on both ends, that people fueled the goofy, and the goofy was refuted here, because this blog, as a reader, is about the healthy discussion, not the driveby silliness.
===They have simply lost faith in our politicians to make the necessary reforms to improve conditions. Many think the new taxes and fees are not being used to make structural reforms. Rather the new revenues are being used to delay the inevitable day of reckoning.===
To quote the great - @MisterJayEm - in a tweet, and if you are not checking out that twitter, you’re missing out;
“It’s not about thinking, it’s about believing.”
- Old Dutch - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:56 pm:
Yes, Illinois has its problems, but so does every other state in the Union. A few years ago, I thought that our roads were terrible and our gas prices (at that time over $3) were awful; that is, until I got to Colorado. Then, I learned that just perhaps our roads were a little above average. I was born in deep Southern Illinois, where many of the naysayers live and can tell you that many will drive 30,40 or even 50 miles to avoid the Illinois gas tax, nevermind it will cost them $5 to save $1. At the same time they will complain that the local gas station has closed, the grocery store is closing and God forbid if someone proposed consolidating any of the local taxing districts. Here in Central Illinois, people constantly complain about Chicago, even though it is the economic entity that drives the rest of the state. However, I would hear the same complaints if I lived in upstart New York, Northern California or anywhere else. Just think, what if there were no taxes and no government services whatsoever. Then people would have something to gripe about and to move from.
- zatoichi - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 1:57 pm:
I grew up in the suburbs, did college at EIU, and lived in 4 other states through job changes. Twenty years ago started the best job I ever had back here in Illinois. No regrets, no second thoughts about moving away. No state is perfect. Go read the Cap Fax clones in other states. They had serious problems when I lived there and they still have them. If Charlie Kirk does not like it here, the highways are open. Have a nice trip.
- Anyone Remember - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 2:00 pm:
ZC -
“Grifter” ?? The first time IPI protested Madigan being elected Speaker at the UIS swearing in, other than the guy in the Madigan Mask, everyone was in shirts, ties, jackets, and slacks. Just like Marmalard & Niedermeyer in Animal House.
- former southerner - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 2:15 pm:
Maybe Florida will send us a family of 4 “illegals” in return for Kirk which would be a great trade for IL. Export one whiny grifter and receive 4 hard workers who recognize an opportunity to improve their lives.
- Proud Sucker - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 2:29 pm:
Since we are going anecdotal, the fifteen or so childhood friends who have moved out all did so for better jobs with ten of those also wanting to escape the winter. A few of them will claim it was due to corruption causing some, generally unverifiable, reason they couldn’t find a better job. It makes them feel better. In two instances, I forwarded postings for jobs I knew would be about $10K bumps - one in Minneapolis and one in Milwaukee. Both those folks declined and are staying in AZ.
- Home - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 2:36 pm:
==Illinois is more than its government.==
This. . .
- Skeptic - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 2:43 pm:
“if I lived in upstart New York,” Now that would be an exciting place to live.
- Lake County Mom - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 3:27 pm:
Kirk can go, but Chance the Snapper stays!
- Roadiepig - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 3:54 pm:
Kirk was an early supporter of Bruce Rauner, who donated heavily to Kirk’s group, which has been repeatedly accused of racism, misogyny, etc.
Please explain how Illinois won’t be a better place with him (and some of the whiners I have to listen to about any time I am at a public gathering should look him up for moving instructions). To the complainers, other state’s grass is always greener, but in truth it isn’t the grass that’s the problem. Its the grassholes who are looking for “better” grass (tax free , too).
- Carl Hiaasen's career - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 4:27 pm:
Good thing there’s no corruption in Florida politics.
- Stuntman Bob's Brother - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 4:33 pm:
==Notice all 3 of these states “export” their tax burden to non-residents. How much $ could Illinois raise if (federal law prohibits this) a tax could be applied to everyone changing a plane / flight at O’Hare?==
Illinois takes in quite a bit of out-of-state/country money as well from its agricultural exports, which isn’t that much different than exporting fossil fuels (TX and AK). Also, like FL, Chicago is a major tourist destination as well. We may not have a “plane-change” tax, but the new airport-based slots are designed to get a piece of that market.
My own gripe is the regressive property tax burden, and “believe” that is also the source of so much of the angst found within the residents of IL. I wish the progressive tax had been structured to alleviate that, but…
- ZC - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 5:54 pm:
Politico’s Joseph Guinto has probably authored the best journalistic takedown of Kirk, better so because it clearly follows all the rules of journalistic impartiality. You just have to look at the guy and his organization closely.
- SSL - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 7:43 pm:
Kirk won’t be missed, but it’s unwise to tell all the complainers to get out. You won’t have much of a tax base with that approach.
The people of Illinois have every right to complain. The largest unfunded pension liability in the nation, by a wide margin, an ever increasing total tax burden and years of mismanagement by those in charge. Throw in a climate of two way extremes and you have reasons to consider options. Whether it’s enough to leave, watch the population trend for the next few years.
- Southwest Sider - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 8:18 pm:
The comments on this blog don’t seem inline with what I am hearing; I frequently hear exasperation with the prospects of our state. We’re losing population and we’re a rusty state.
- Jibba - Monday, Jul 15, 19 @ 9:56 pm:
SW Sider…to counter your anecdotes, I mostly hear people wishing hopefully for improvements in government. I mostly hear people wishing for enough funds for education, roads, and social services as a way to grow our economy and population in the 21st century. They are supportive of collecting enough tax to pay our bills. No one I talk to thinks tax cuts and stiffing vendors will help. I guess we hear what we want to hear.