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* The setup…
Gather at the conference center in Springfield around 11, session starts at 12!
March for FREEDOM! 🇺🇸
Support our brave Reps like @DarrenBaileyIL @BlaineWilhour @RepChrisMiller
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/uec1LGKtgp— 🇺🇸RE-OPEN ILLINOIS🇺🇸 (@ReOpen_Illinois) May 18, 2020
* The Question: Are you worried at all about this protest? Explain.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:05 pm
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The Michigan legislature cancelled its session because of armed “protestors.” There’s a real threat to the safety of legislators all over America.
Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:09 pm
Let’s see how many of the politicians urging people to go to crowded bars are out there having a drink with the common folks. Don’t think so.
Comment by striketoo Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:11 pm
Whenever there is a combination of assault rifles and antisemitism, yeah, you need to worry.
Comment by LBJ Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:14 pm
The real threat to safety in this country are the politicians who refuse to uphold the Constitution and recognize the natural rights held by American citizens.
Comment by Downstate Illinois Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:14 pm
they only have three “brave reps” listed. They better work on their roll call, need 57 more. Aren’t there any more “brave reps” in the Republican caucus?
Comment by No One Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:18 pm
–Whenever there is a combination of assault rifles and antisemitism, yeah, you need to worry.–
One difference with Michigan is we don’t have open carry. Will anyone enforce it is the question.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:18 pm
Yes. Not about this particular event. I won’t be anywhere near it. What I worry about is that it’s part of the continuing rightwing attack against pandemic containment measures for their electoral benefit. They claim the reverse. Even spreading the fantasy that the Dem “pandemic” will disappear after the election.
I went to a restaurant to pick-up food and found the restaurant full of people and none of the servers were wearing face masks. You see defiance of social distancing all around. I don’t feel safe and will not. That’s what our GOP has brought us.
Comment by Norseman Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:18 pm
Downstate Illinois, please define “natural rights” for us. Thanks.
Comment by Blue Bayou Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:19 pm
I think the vast majority are there to uphold the constitution….but sure, lets make it a hate protest (Anti-semitism) or whatever. It’s a shame there are people that are like that, but the vast majority in that protest I am sure are not. LBJ
Comment by Snowflake Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:19 pm
Can a legislator shoot someone, without a mask, approaching them and utilize a self defense argument?
Sure would make these rallies a lot more interesting. Especially if it was one of their colleagues on the floor?
Comment by Frank talks Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:20 pm
“No speakers”? So people are going to drive a couple of hours, hold their inflammatory signs, and that is it?
Comment by No One Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:20 pm
Will all those ‘brave’ reps be standing shoulder to shoulder and shaking hands with the protesters?
Time to start flooding those twitter accounts with that question. Preferable as if the question is coming form a ’supporter’ and not in a overly snarky way.
The monster they created will turn on them in a heartbeat.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:20 pm
Downstate has just shown their true “colors” and they are not pretty.
Comment by Huh? Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:22 pm
Yes. And are there no speakers because no one wants to be seen in campaign commercials speaking to this group?
Comment by Jibba Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:22 pm
Hey Downstate, your “natural rights” end at my lungs. How about you and the others planning on attending this rally show how tough you are and trot down to the nearest hospital and have a seat next to someone being test for COVID-19? Come on show everyone you know better than the experts.
Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:22 pm
Trump’s brownshirts don’t scare me, but I worry about the safety of legislators. There are many more of us than them. We need a strong response to protests if they’re armed. Unarmed African-Americans are attacked and threatened all the time. The hypocrisy of armed white protesters facing no consequences is too much.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:22 pm
Hope the protesters are peaceful and have a great day. Wish I could be there to support them. Also hope the idiots (antisemitics and anti-vac’ers) stay away. They do more harm to this message than the governor does.
Comment by RuralKing Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:22 pm
Is the “brave” Darren Bailey the same person who couldn’t get a second person to back his proposal?
I’d like to see these freedom fighters sign a petition saying they won’t seek medical attention if they contract the virus.
Comment by Jocko Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:23 pm
If your worried - then don’t go. And as for the safety of House members and their staff, the ISP will be in charge.
“Security at the BoS Center will be provided by the Illinois State Police and all people entering the building will be required to pass through a metal detector to prevent weapons from being carried into the facility. All people will also be required to wear face coverings and submit to a touchless temperature check.”
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/lawmakers-to-return-to-springfield-for-session-may-20-22
Comment by Donnie Elgin Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:23 pm
Does “brave rep” mean willing to get CoronaVirus from the mass gathering?
Comment by No One Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:23 pm
Yes. Thankfully this is not an Ike Clanton (open carry) state. Curious how many concealed carry holders will be there armed.
Comment by Anyone Remember Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:26 pm
No. Not worried. Peaceful but noisy protests are a bedrock of democracies all over the world as citizens gather or march to petition their government and/or try to make a point. There is no reason to believe this will be anything but a peaceful protest.
Comment by Responsa Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:27 pm
I find it amazing how many here have set up the “armed protester” strawman….what is so unsafe about a protest? The left has made a virtual industry out of professional protesters.
Comment by RuralKing Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:31 pm
No. No worries here. I think they are ignorant of science, but the ignorant are free to protest just like anyone else. I guess if you want to be on camera, and don’t mind exposing yourself or your contacts to a disease to that end, have fun.
Comment by ChuckIL Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:39 pm
–I find it amazing how many here have set up the “armed protester” strawman….what is so unsafe about a protest?–
The folks in Lansing were not made of straw.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:42 pm
–The real threat to safety in this country are the politicians who refuse to uphold the Constitution and recognize the natural rights held by American citizens.–
Well, that certainly provides a new twist to the Revolutionary call-to-arms “Give me liberty or give me death.”
I rather doubt that “death by pandemic” was what our forefathers had in mind - recalling that the plague kept returning and returning in the 17th and throughout the 18th century.
Have to admit I’m beginning to feel slightly angry at those invoking a sacred Constitutional right to the freedom to harm others.
Comment by dbk Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:47 pm
=The real threat to safety in this country are the politicians who refuse to uphold the Constitution and recognize the natural rights held by American citizens.=
Here again is another of myriad examples of people not understanding the constitution. These “natural rights” are enjoyed by anyone on American soil. Not just citizens, and that makes the US unique among nations.
=The left has made a virtual industry out of professional protesters.=
You may want to fact check yourself.
To the post, the protests don’t worry me, it is in fact part of what makes America great, it also undermines the arguments of these far right “Freedomers”. They protest without water cannons blasting them while decrying the state administration of being dictators and tyrants. Contrast that with Venezuela or China, or Russia. Nothing like the ILGOP owning themselves.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:48 pm
* The left has made a virtual industry out of professional protesters. *
Indeed. I have yet to see a burning car or broken window at these protests, something that is all too common at LW protests.
Comment by DailyGrind Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:54 pm
The Governor needs a little pushback to keep him on his toes.
Comment by Old Illini Monday, May 18, 20 @ 12:59 pm
==what is so unsafe about a protest==
Given the vitriol and hate involved in these protests I would say that it is extremely unsafe if you have protestors walking around with guns. It only takes one nut to take it beyond a protest and I have concerns that there is more than one of them that could escalate these things into something violent.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, May 18, 20 @ 1:00 pm
“Hey Downstate, your “natural rights” end at 6 feet away from me.”
Fixed it for you. You do not have the right to invade my personal space and endanger my natural rights for health and safety.
Comment by Huh? Monday, May 18, 20 @ 1:07 pm
I feel these protest might be more persuasive if they didn’t involve scary armed men with confederate flags…
Comment by 44th Monday, May 18, 20 @ 1:24 pm
Much more concerned about the unmasked, in your face, every day protests in places we have to navigate to meet our material needs. The “Don’t tread on me” folks treading heavily on my safety by forcing their perverted sense of liberty without reciprocity. For this very reason, the economic benefits of re-opening will be much throttled not by the responsible but by the belligerents.
Comment by vole Monday, May 18, 20 @ 1:28 pm
It’s more likely people get hurt with germs than guns, but these folks seem to be largely vile and unhinged so I would hope there is a significant police presence.
Comment by Sonny Monday, May 18, 20 @ 1:42 pm
–I have yet to see a burning car or broken window at these protests–
Or anyone fatally struck by a car. Let’s keep it that way.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, May 18, 20 @ 1:45 pm
To the question;
===Are you worried at all about this protest?===
I’m worried for the legislators, a time who is required to be there, I’m worried that Covidiots will spread… the asymptomatic will infect… those who may even agree with the protests.
Things I know, actually seeing one of these protests safely from my car in the hamlet of Oswego;
No social distancing
Rarely worn masks
Even the 200… the damage to the health of so many can be brought on… by as few as… one.
Now imagine 200 Covidiots.
Legislators from all over Illinois.
I worry for those I know, the many I’ll never know.
Stay safe.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 18, 20 @ 1:48 pm
“Wish I could be there to support them.”
If 1) I genuinely thought there was an urgent threat to my constitutional rights, and
2) I honestly believed that a non-violent protest would help buttress those rights, then
3) I’d certainly make it a point to be there supporting that protest.
But I guess we’re different.
Or maybe we both know that these protests aren’t actually about constitutional rights.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Monday, May 18, 20 @ 1:50 pm
To the extent that it could be a larger gathering of people from a wide geographic area who are not wearing masks or practicing social distancing, it worries me as it could exacerbate the spread of COVID-19. Messaging that does not positively reinforce good practices to limit the spread of the virus also concerns me.
Comment by Earnest Monday, May 18, 20 @ 1:55 pm
==natural rights held by American citizens.==
Here’s a news flash: Citizens do not have natural rights, they have civic and civil rights. Natural rights exist in a state of nature, not in a civil, political society. Natural rights are surrendered when people form a political society for the advantages it provides (see the Preamble to the Constitution for such). You may wish to return to the state of nature and reclaim your natural rights, but that makes you either an outlaw or a revolutionary who is owed nothing by the political society you reject. You need to study your John Locke a little more closely.
Comment by Flapdoodle Monday, May 18, 20 @ 1:57 pm
==Will all those ‘brave’ reps be standing shoulder to shoulder and shaking hands with the protesters?==
They have been thus far.
To the post - Yes it is concerning to me. My concern is that the protest will be used to push the envelope until someone , perhaps even one of the “Brave Reps” is led off in handcuffs; which will in turn make this a decidedly non peaceful protest.
The phrase “locked and loaded” and others referring to exactly what the reaction will be if the brave non mask wearing patriots err reps are not allowed in for session are being bandied about quite loudly in many corners of my neighborhood. This a gleeful game to these folks, and there’s a whole lot of pent up frustration and anger that is dangerously close to boiling over.
Comment by DownSouth Monday, May 18, 20 @ 2:04 pm
Not worried about this one. I’ll be social distancing from the event by ~834,240 feet, +/-. I think they get a handful more of these before they lose control, virus transmission notwithstanding.
Comment by XonXoff Monday, May 18, 20 @ 2:09 pm
I would go to support Pritzker and the stay at home orders but it’s too far and the virus filled air is too dangerous. I hope they can keep the legislators and Capital staff safe from the freedom whiners.
Comment by Froganon Monday, May 18, 20 @ 2:14 pm
Not worried. The flyer says it’s an “ol’ fashioned” protest, not one of those newfangled protests where everyone goes crazy.
Comment by City Zen Monday, May 18, 20 @ 2:15 pm
If it includes elected officials qualifying anyone who disagrees with them as “enemies”, then, yes. Dehumanizing people who disagree with your perspective, particularly when elected officials not only accept it but encourage it, starts to build the rationale that any action is acceptable because one is simply acting out of self-defense/defense of our country.
Comment by Johnny Tractor Monday, May 18, 20 @ 2:37 pm
Yes, I am very worried for the legislators. It only takes one crazy to do something terrible & I have no faith in this group’s ability to self-regulate. I have a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach.
Amazing how for the last month the screamers have been saying the Governor cannot take these actions without the legislature. Now when the legislature assembles, the ‘Liberators” will do their best to shut them down.
Comment by northsider (the original) Monday, May 18, 20 @ 2:45 pm
Take pictures of all of the protesters - if any of them later get sick with Covid - no ventilator for that person. Its only fair.
Comment by Nobody Sent Monday, May 18, 20 @ 3:01 pm
This is not a protest it is a Trump rally complete with confederate flags and other inflammatory language. The majority of Illinoisans support Gov. Pritzker’s stay at home order. Saying their rights are being violated is the same tactic smokers used when they were demanding their right to smoke wherever they wanted and damaging our health. Trumps policies have made us sick and broke. I hope voters do what the republicans are scared to do, remove him from office in November.
Comment by Kathryn Monday, May 18, 20 @ 3:02 pm
Still curious why the whacks needed their long guns to protest being locked out of saloons?
Comment by Annonin' Monday, May 18, 20 @ 3:18 pm
“ Can a legislator shoot someone, without a mask, approaching them and utilize a self defense argument?”
Is one white and the other not?
Comment by R A T Monday, May 18, 20 @ 3:53 pm
I’m worried. I’ve always had respect for the Governor’s staff and legislative staff. Since COVID, I’ve even been more in awe of how hard staff and many legislators are working. I care about a lot of the people that will be in the capitol building and convention center. The protesters so far have shown they’re hateful, not logical, and sometimes armed. That seems like a really bad combination to me.
Comment by Ugh! Monday, May 18, 20 @ 3:58 pm
Anyone taking odds on either Art Jones or Tony Peraica participating?
Comment by Rich Hill Monday, May 18, 20 @ 4:44 pm
I drove past the rally of about 500 folks at the Capitol Sunday….not a mask in sight, just lots of red hats, flags, and pickup trucks. The one thing that disturbed me more than the rest was the high number of children, down to tiny babies in the crowd. What were these parents thinking - apparently not much.
Comment by former state employee Monday, May 18, 20 @ 5:14 pm
Yes, I’m extremely worried about the nurses and doctors who will have to treat the people who develop COVID-19 at these protests. I wouldn’t mind if they were risking their own lives, but they are putting others in danger.
Comment by GDUB Monday, May 18, 20 @ 5:22 pm
“certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
“That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it,”
One doesn’t cede their natural rights with a social contract.
Comment by John Locke Monday, May 18, 20 @ 9:49 pm
=== One doesn’t cede their natural rights with a social contract.===
Ok, now do it for a global pandemic…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 18, 20 @ 10:20 pm