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* UPDATED x1 * People is weird

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Illinois

* Um. What?…

A top, top GOP politico tells Sneed Republican state legislators are being indoctrinated with far-right ideology since the state budget limped into passage recently.

• Translation: “They are being called in to meet individually with the staff of the uber-conservative Illinois Policy Institute for questioning and/or indoctrination on its far-right ideology — now that Governor Bruce Rauner has moved many of its staff, including his new chief of staff, Kristina Rasmussen, from the institute’s office into the actual office of the governor,” the source tells Sneed.

I haven’t been able to confirm that story today. I’ve seen Rauner’s new chief at dinner with some members, but nobody’s complained to me about any “indoctrination” effort. That doesn’t mean it isn’t happening, but I still have my doubts.

*** UPDATE *** Sen. Chris Nybo (R-Elmhurst) told me earlier that the Sun-Times story above doesn’t make any sense, so I asked him to send me a quick statement…

It stuns me that people would say Ms. Rasmussen is attempting to ‘indoctrinate’ Republican legislators. Just the opposite. In my meetings with her, I feel she does more listening than talking, and her focus has mostly been on operational (not ideological) issues. In fact, I’ve rarely been so impressed in such a short timeframe with what has been said and how it has been said. She’s a clear, concise, and capable communicator.

[ *** End Of Update *** ]

* Meanwhile…

* From the shared article…

For years conservatives have asserted that homosexuals are pursuing children, and for years homo-activists have mocked that claim. Due to either their profound ignorance or their commitment to deception as a tactic for advancing their pernicious goal of normalizing homoeroticism, homo-activists misrepresented what conservatives were claiming.

Homo-activists falsely claimed that conservatives were worried that they would try to “turn children gay,” when, in reality, most conservatives were claiming that homo-activists were feverishly working through every cultural institution to eradicate conservative views on the nature and morality of homosexuality. In other words, homo-activists were pursuing the hearts and minds of other people’s children. […]

Unfortunately for the countless children and teens who attend public schools, the 2017/2018 school year is just around the corner, and like dirty old men in trench coats lying in wait to expose children to sordid things, so too await public school administrators and teachers to do likewise. Unlike perverts who lurk in darkness, however, these government employees have no shame. They do their dirty work of exposing children to wickedness openly and call it “love.”

Whew.

* The Tribune followed up with an article entitled “Lawmaker shares op-ed comparing teachers who support transgender rights to ‘dirty old men’”…

Ed Yohnka, an ACLU spokesman, said: “When people go to their corners and stop listening … we lose a moment that could be used for education.”

“There is a fundamental misunderstanding of what it means to be transgender … a transgender boy is a boy; a transgender girl is a girl,” Yohnka said.

And Amy Biancheri, a Batavia teacher who commented on behalf of the IEA, described likening public school teachers to “dirty old men” as “ludicrous.”

“LGBT students in general and transgender students in particular are at greater risk of homelessness, suicidal ideation and completion, and harassment from other students — it’s teachers’ job to create a safe space for learning for all students, regardless of race, class or gender identification.”

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 1:54 pm

Comments

At least we know the IPI — I mean, the governor’s staff — won’t have to have one of those meetings with Ives.

Comment by South of Sherman Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 1:57 pm
Ives teaches the class for IPI.

Really, she needs to be dropped off on a deserted island somewhere where she can rant to the coconuts all she wants about any group she wants.

Comment by Lt Guv Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:00 pm
Well… Kristina doesn’t have to worry about indoctrinating Ives. She is way out front and around the bend.

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:01 pm
They need to spend less time on ideology training and more time on not being incompetent.

Comment by Moderate Condor Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:03 pm
Have these people lost their damn minds?

Seriously.

Are they this afraid of the people around them? I grew up in rural IN and I thought I’d seen fear and ignorance, but I’m beginning to wonder if some pathogen has gotten into people’s brains or soemthing.

Comment by Blue Bayou Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:04 pm
“something”

I was so floored I couldn’t even spell….

Comment by Blue Bayou Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:04 pm
It doesn’t seem like the worst idea for a new CoS to meet with legislators.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:08 pm
I guess GOP lawmakers are being asked by their owner to take some continuing education.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:08 pm
Jeanne Ives ladies and gentlemen, Jeanne Ives. Mocking slow clap

Comment by Morty Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:11 pm
You’re right Rich, people is weird…..very, very weird.

Comment by Flynn's mom Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:12 pm
Good public school teachers are concerned with & pleasant to transgender kids - or those that have crazy ideas like Rep. Ives. Most people would consider this to be the Christian way to act. (Remember: You can’t blame kids for their parents.)

Comment by Interim Retiree Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:17 pm
I must have read a different New Testament than Rep. Ives. Hmm.

Comment by thunderspirit Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:17 pm
I am just wondering if any of the legislative leaders have a response to Jeanne Ives post? Maybe that is why Rauner vetoed SB 1…they put “homo-activism” into the school aid formula.

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:21 pm
I’m guessing Rep. Ives calls herself a Christian and I’m certain she fails to see the hypocrisy of supporting Rauner’s agenda that crippled and/or destroyed many social service providers.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:21 pm
The bigger question is why is CapFax including IPI in a completely unrelated post about Ives’ social agenda?

Comment by Huh? Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:25 pm
Homo-activist. Never heard that term before don’t need to hear it again. She is a wack job. Not to show my prejudice but she is from Wheaton and probably represents her district or her district circa 1929. Also article said navy vet. Believe a West Point grad so probably army

Comment by DuPage Saint Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:26 pm
I get totally creeped out when i hear stories of school personnel “teaching” anything about “alternative” lifestyles or morality or psychology. Its not their place. Teach them skills like reading and writing and such, the parent can teach them what to think about “alternative” type people.
Teach courtesy to other humans, regardless of their type or tribe or appearance or ability.

Comment by Team Warwick Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:26 pm
Yeah, you can almost hear Jesus speaking when you read Ives espousing her “Christian” values.

Best steer clear of them gubmint schools; stick to the parochial schools, where history shows kids have always been safe from shameless “perverts.”

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:26 pm
Ives was just channeling Grandpa Simpson…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFjEqTLqSW4

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:30 pm
===The bigger question is why is===

Get your own blog, snowflake.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:32 pm
Nobody expects the Spainish Inquisition.

Convert or die
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sAn7baRbhx4

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:32 pm
‘Teach courtesy to other humans, regardless of their type or tribe or appearance or ability.’

If only someone taught that to Ives…

Comment by Morty Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:33 pm
Of course the responsible members of the Republican party will be denouncing Rep. Ives statements.

Seriously. Somebody over there needs to step up

Comment by Morty Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:34 pm
Oh, wait. I see who you are now. Such a victim. Isn’t she one of your biggest supporters?

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:35 pm
‘The bigger question is why is CapFax including IPI in a completely unrelated post about Ives’ social agenda?’

So NOT the bigger question

At all

Comment by Morty Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:35 pm
Curious — did Ives object to being portrayed as a black dude in the video below?

How’s about the male GOP traditional Christian value types in the dresses?

Should we be on the lookout for future “deviant” shenanigans?

https://capitolfax.com/2017/07/18/todays-video-4/

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:38 pm
A top, top GOP politico tells Sneed…..
..a lie only she would be silly enough to print.

Better figure out how one defines; top, top. Ugh.

Comment by A guy Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:39 pm
Has he trademarked “homo activist”? Because I am going to start selling T-shirts at Pride.

Comment by Century Club Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:40 pm
What type of questioning are GOP types being subjected to by BTIA?

Questions like,”Do you understand how this amendatory veto process works? Because, we’re lost on it….”

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:42 pm
Guy with the scoop.

How do you know that Sneed is lying?

Do you have the ability to listen in on private phone conversations, like the governor?

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:43 pm
If true, we can assume the IPI is a useful tool to further neuter the legislative branch of government. First, it was Rauner’s threat of weaponizing $20 mil to thwart re-elections, now its re-education camp.

Comment by Stumpy's bunker Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:44 pm
Conservatives have lost on the homosexual issue. The new generation of republicans don’t care that much about it, and the majority of media outlets are not going to give a platform to anything other than pro-homosexual perspectives. So the fight is over.

However private Christian school enrollment is growing, and public school enrollment is dropping, especially in the rural areas. For conservatives across Illinois they feel it is their only option, because conservative values have withered in public schools.

Comment by Saluki Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:47 pm
Ives ain’t from the Navy. They don’t put up with that kind of racist nonsense.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:48 pm
The Illinois “Family” Institute used this demonizing of transgender students and those who support them approach in their attempt to have their minions take over two suburban school districts earlier this year. They failed spectacularly in both cases. You’d think they’d learn.

Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:50 pm
===Isn’t she one of your biggest supporters?===

Not because of any social agenda.

You’re better than that, Rich.

Comment by C'mon Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:53 pm
This is only another way for the governor to tarnish public education in the public’s mind.

Comment by Mama Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:54 pm
Ives going after LGBTQ TEENAGERS is the absolute lowest of the low.

Comment by WSJ Paywall Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:54 pm
==How do you know that Sneed is lying?

Do you have the ability to listen in on private phone conversations, like the governor?===

Oh Sling, it’s just easier to say “yes”.

Comment by A guy Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:57 pm
===You’re better than that, Rich===

Not according to you. Y’all love the personal attacks.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:57 pm
Senator Nybo seems confused.

The article says they are being called in to meet with IPI.

Technically, Ms. Rasmussen is not working for IPI.

Perhaps those she meets with that don’t pass the test are sent to IPI for re-education…er, issue briefings?

Comment by Free Set of Steak Knives Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:59 pm
–Oh Sling, it’s just easier to say “yes”.–

Pretty easy to call her a liar, based on nothing, too.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 2:59 pm
===Get your own blog, snowflake.

They do. Even have a bad cartoonist on it.

Comment by ArchPundit Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:03 pm
==Pretty easy to call her a liar, based on nothing, too.==

Read better dude. She’s not the liar; just willing to print the lie.

Comment by A guy Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:05 pm
Nybo defending a fellow party member.
No surprise.

Comment by btowntruthfromforgottonia Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:09 pm
Wow, that’s some powerful suckin’ up by Nybo.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:10 pm
With this, Jeanne Ives has finally caught the attention of the Chicago Women’s March and other women’s FB groups and the reviews are…not good.

What’s remarkable about Ives’ hate speech and Rauner and his partnership with IPI is that while they are obviously emboldened by Trump’s win, Trump himself has failed to achieve ANY ideological policy or legislative changes. He’s an international laughing stock, his actions are either tied up or labeled faulty in court, and his administration is in chaos due to leaks, staff turnover, inexperience, and resistance from both the public and now the GOP. It’s a circus. And yet somehow that doesn’t stop Jeanne from jumping on the bandwagon and letting her freak flag fly. Somehow Rauner thinks it will be smart, after two years of resistance to his conservative agenda, to move even further to the right. It disgusts me.

Comment by Politix Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:13 pm
Okay, so if you try to teach kids to be nice to each other you are a “homo-activist” who is “pursuing the hearts and minds of other people’s children.” Would these people like it if the teachers chose not to teach kids to be nice? Would they like it if the teachers did not stop Christian children from being mocked or abused (assuming that ever happened). After all, who are these educators to try to change the behavior of “other people’s children.”

The stupid. It BURNS!

Comment by Perrid Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:18 pm
For those that believe someone can “turn you gay,” or that it’s a choice, please relate:

When did you decide to be heterosexual? Must have been a memorable, bellwether day.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:22 pm
She is a bad cartoon of an embarrasing stereotype.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:23 pm
Sling, we agree

Comment by A guy Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:27 pm
I’m still hoping to “turn you nice”.

Comment by A guy Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:27 pm
C’mon blogsters, really? You mean all of you don’t want to live under a version of Sharia Law implemented by rich, white “Christians”? Dang homo-activists and their fluoridation of drinking water, poisoning our precious bodily fluids.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:28 pm
=When did you decide to be heterosexual? Must have been a memorable, bellwether day.=

Dude, YOU are freakin’ owning today!

BTW- waiting for the governor and ILGOP to issue a denunciation of Ives offensive post.

I am not holding my breath.

Comment by JS Mill Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:31 pm
=Polotix

Calling Ives’ statement “hate speech” perpetuates the bifurcation of political though; leading to entrenched extremes on the left/right with little room left in the middle. Now you may vehemently disagree with her support for the Illinois Family article, but instead of vilifying her and essentially silencing her; why not point out where she is wrong and offer a better option to those how may have similar feelings.

Comment by Texas Red Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:32 pm
No Ducky, no Sharia law here. I’m just ducking the Dementors flying from their base in the House chamber.
(Sorry, it’s Friday afternoon.)

Comment by Keyrock Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:34 pm
Sen. Chris Nybo: “Did I do a good job with Rich Miller.”

Ms. Rasmussen: “Yes, Chris. Good boy. Here’s your Oberweis ice cream bar.”

Comment by Norseman Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:34 pm
Guy, just mind that log in your own eye.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:35 pm
Whatever happened to civil discourse. The older I get, the more I realize I don’t know everything. These days we’ve become so polarized that there doesn’t appear to be any room for compromise. Maybe it is just the nature of social media which makes it too easy to dismiss and criticize. There is such a strong and negative reaction to every topic posted here. Good luck getting the politicians to work together. If you read this blog you would think Rauner has no chance of being re-elected. I hope that’s true, and better yet, I hope he throws in the towell. Better to have a viable candidate that can move the state forward.

I don’t know how long we can sustain the exodus of people from this state. I do think it will take years to repair the state’s reputation. The numbers do not look good for us, and there doesn’t seem to be a plan in place by either party to address the issues. The level of violence in Chicago is alarming, and it appears to be spreading. That speaks to a level of dispair that should concern us all.

Group think is a dangerous thing. Do we really want everyone we disagree with to shut up and move out? You end up with a pretty small tax base under that scenario.

Comment by Fredo Corleone Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:50 pm
==Guy, just mind that log in your own eye.==

Turning you nice is going to take a little longer I guess.

Comment by A guy Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:52 pm
Norse,
the way I read this up top was that Rich Miller asked him for a statement. Maybe I’m mistaken.

But if not, does he get a pat on the fanny from Rich too to go with the ice cream bar?

Comment by A guy Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:55 pm
Guy, I have not doubt that you think your juvenile insults are altruism.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 3:57 pm
I believe the “sordid things” Ives is referring to is the anti-bullying education required by state law.

Comment by Wensicia Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:03 pm
Sling, your modesty overwhelms….

Spring dish…You must be new to Ms. Sneed.

Comment by A guy Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:03 pm
“And finally, the IPI’s crowd continuously preaches to and indoctrinates each other over and over again”

Wow…

Comment by Politix Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:03 pm
I just gave the ACLU and Planned Parenthood extra money on top of my monthly contibutions because of this story.

Comment by Cheryl44 Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:04 pm
“Better figure out how one defines; top, top. Ugh.”

Sounds like you know something…A Guy.

Comment by Politix Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:07 pm
## , I have not doubt that you think your juvenile insults are altruism.##

Pot meet kettle.

Comment by Watson Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:09 pm
Not sure if Nybo is the best source for a description of the talks with the IPI satellite office here…Nybo doesn’t quite sound Northern European, they’re not going to let him in on the plan just yet, any good conservatives know you can’t trust anyone with a vowel as the last letter in the name.

And why the hate for dirty old men? Didn’t Trump just expose the boy scouts to ’sordid things’, he didn’t have a trench coat on, maybe that is the qualifier. I’m surprised Ives agreed with the dirty old men statement considering she’s a member of same party of Denny Hastert, who, coincidentally, is a proud graduate of Wheaton College.

Comment by Swift Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:11 pm
LOL, no Watson, my insults are never meant to be altruistic.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:12 pm
Nybo is Danish, but not sure if that qualifies as “Northern European” in your simple mind. “Swift” obviously doesn’t refer to your intelligence.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:16 pm
Poli,

Check with Sling. He’ll testify regularly that I don’t know anything about anything. And he’s the font of knowledge, so better to believe him. lol.

Sneed’s sources are a little less “in the know” than they let on. But no one keeps track of the scorecard that closely anymore.

Comment by A guy Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:16 pm
Oh, and that was me who just commented.

Comment by Chris Nybo Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:17 pm
== The bigger question is why is CapFax including IPI in a completely unrelated post about Ives’ social agenda? ==

Is that you,Kellyanne Conway?

Comment by The Way I See It Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:21 pm
Both sides of the aisle have their tin foil hats on tight today!

Comment by Captain Obvious Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:21 pm
Just started to read the post and noticed that I commented at 2:25 p.m. Must have been my doppelganger

Comment by Huh? Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:31 pm
Thanks for the shout-out Senator, by way of explanation “Swift” is in reference to Jonathan Swift the satirist, while I don’t consider my attempts at satire to be of the same caliber, it gives me something to aspire to.

Since you are here Senator, care to comment on Ms. Ives’ support of bigotry? I’d hate to hear you share her views and support the Illinois Family Institute, so here is a great chance for you to speak out against bigotry.

Comment by Swift Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:35 pm
Senator Nybo, good to see you here! Maybe you can help us with this. Is it your belief that the LGBT citizens of Elmhurst and the surrounding areas that you represent are “perverts” who are “pursuing children” and “exposing children to wickedness” as Ms. Ives and the Family Institute claim them to be?

Also should we all be calling these types of accusations out as the “hate speech” that many people believe it to be? Or are Fredo and Texas Red correct, that these type of accusations are just part of “normal political discourse”? Thanks in advance for any thoughts you care to share with us on this subject.

Comment by Lester Holt's Mustache Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:37 pm
Well I’m definitely not going to respond to you - whatever your “nickname” might be. Too clever by half. Maybe it’s time to go back to the cave for the weekend.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:42 pm
Fredo Corleone, your choice of handle — have you seen the flicks?

What are you trying to communicate?

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Aug 4, 17 @ 4:49 pm
Not sure why you wouldn’t answer a legitimate question, Senator. Do you agree with Ms. Ives characterization of members of the LGTB community? Your constituents certainly have the right to know. And way to be mature in your response.

Comment by Too Cleverly by Half Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 10:02 am