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Downstate secessionist rails against “northern liberal oppression”

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Illinois

* Check out the sing-songy teevee profile…

One man has started a petition to have the state of Illinois secede from the city of Chicago, allowing every county eligibility to join except for Cook County.

Collin Cliburn proposed this because he said he feels those who are in more rural areas of the state are being given higher taxes they can’t afford and are unequally represented. […]

“Myself, I’m a White Sox fan and I hate giving up that territory. But when it comes down to it, this state is a sinking ship,” Cliburn said.

Yep. Just an ordinary citizen concerned about his beloved state. More…

“We don’t want $578 sticker for our car and we don’t want a new progressive income tax and we don’t want a recommended one percent property tax,” Cliburn said. […]

While he has an attorney, Cliburn said all he needs is for one county to vote this into effect with a majority on their Illinois county ballot before he would take it to the federal level.

The far-right is screaming online about this mythical “one percent property tax.” You’d think they could find something real to hate. It’s Illinois, after all.

* Clyburn was apparently a Jeanne Ives supporter in the primary. Check out the manifesto for his group, The Illinois Separation…

For far too long has the Illinois government disgraced our citizens land and its now time to demand change. Let the people of southern Illinois enjoy their constitutional liberties without the northern liberal oppression we must deal with. Any law to regulate guns is treason and our officers should protect us from this tyrannical government. Let us stand together and make change. Ask your representives to split the state. Its the only hope for southern Illinois to escape the inevitable collapse of our once great state. What politician should be able to make laws against the people they have governed right into the dirt.

Whew.

* Here’s his proposed county resolution…

We the people of ———— County ask the board of commissioners to provide a referendum to lobby US congress to allow Menard county to leave and form a new state with other county’s that wish to follow federal law. Chicago and it’s politicians have total control over Illinois law while not following their own laws in our Illinois Constitution. Gun control laws have been implemented since the 1970s that infringe American rights in Illinois. More and more bills are being passed to guard Illegal aliens along with take care of them better than the average citizen. With new Chicago ID card available for voting privledges we will never have a chance to provide an opinion again. Our 4th amendment has been violated in multiple ways with support from both isles. This petition for a referendum granting departure from Illinois is still only a statement, if we win we will wait for the federal government to acknowledge it. We the people of Illinois and ———- county seek legal departure as we are law abiding concerned citizens.

That Chicago ID card is also a big topic among the far right, including Ives. They’re convinced the city is going to register kabillions of undocumented immigrants to vote and (white) people on the right will be drowned out.

* And here’s his “petition,” which is on ThePetitionSite.com…

It’s time to draw the line with Chicago area politics. Sign this petition and demand the separation of Illinois from Cook, Lake, Dupage, and North Will counties.

For quite some time our Illinois Government has been bossed around by a tiny piece of land far far away from most of Illinois in miles and ideas. I cannot stand for our bill of rights to be trampled any more. The city of Chicago takes better care of those here illegally than their own citizens. When so many districts are packed up there it’s hard for the rest of Illinois to voice their opinion. When researching the separations in the past both West Virginia and Maine are nearly alike with the reasons of the 98 counties with less districts than the 4 mentioned. With the current gun control including the foid program I deem it mutiny against the federal government and ask to be separated from this treacherous city and area that rules over us like lords. An Illinois without this super city can make better decisions that are likable by the people living here.

* More coverage…

* ABC 7: Group pushes for state of Illinois to secede from Chicago

* KTVZ Odd News: Man wants Illinois to secede from Chicago

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:35 am

Comments

It only has been and always will be illegal to vote if you’re not a citizen. No one has changed that, heck I don’t think anyone has suggested changing that. But by all means, don’t let the truth slow down your histrionics. This dude needs to go far, far away.

Comment by Perrid Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:40 am
I think this guy’s fifteen minutes of fame are up. Figures he’s a White Sox fan.

Comment by Collinsville Kevin Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:47 am
this reminds me of my Trump loving friend who says that he could say nothing when Obama was president so I should say nothing now. (no, I don’t get what he means.) they paint themselves as victims, not as real policy thinkers. such a waste of time and energy.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:48 am
I’m a Chicago resident and I’m very much in favor of making Cook County its own state. Sure it’s easy to laugh at this guy but we’re on the same page here. I’m as eager to say goodbye as he is. We’ll prorate the pension debt based on residency between the two new states and … bye.

Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:49 am
Who does he think funds Menard County’s largest employer?

Comment by Almost the Weekend Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:50 am
Lots of people agree with this guy. Anyone who watches Fox News and other “mainstream” conservative news outlets will find a lot to like about this movement. Illegal immigrants stealing elections and taking things from White Americans is a tried and tested strategy. Among a certain group of people, it’s a winning message.

There was a time when good people called this for what it was. Now, it’s simply conservative Republican politics. It makes me sad for our country and the world my kids will grow up in.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:51 am
But what happens when that one county is the only one that joins the new state?

Comment by Ok Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:51 am
“Sign this petition and demand the separation of Illinois from Cook, Lake, Dupage, and North Will counties.”

Sounds like a good deal for the new “not-Illinois”

Comment by ChicagoVinny Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:52 am
There are plenty of real issues that people can get upset over. I wish we would debate and vote over those things rather than get people apoplectic over things that are not real. While some people may be sincere about things like this, it is impossible for me to view this and similar issues as anything but distractions from real issues and red meat for the base. Insert saying about beanbag.

Comment by Jibba Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:52 am
“violated in multiple ways with support from both isles”

Which isles are those? Rock and Goose?

Comment by Juice Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:52 am
I just keep picturing Eric Stratton explaining his case at the hearing in front of Dean Wormer.

Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:52 am
I think we are long past the point where Chicagoland legislators should start pushing a constitutional amendment that guarantees at least 98% of state tax revenue returns to its county or origin in state spending.

I’m a downstater, and it never ceases to amaze me that my fellow downstaters can’t seem to comprehend that the economy and tax revenue of the Chicagoland area props up the economy of the rest of the state.

Time to make downstate politicians reckon with that reality.

Comment by ILPundit Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:54 am
Rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals is about as far as I go.

Comment by Downstater Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:56 am
Does this guy think this is the Civil War? The far fetched conspiracy theories (thinly veiled racism)and the anti Chicago sentiments are getting crazier by the day. Has anyone in southern Illinois done the math? Do they know where their tax dollars are coming from?

Comment by Flynn's Mom Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:57 am
“privledges”? “along with take care of them”? “county’s” for “counties”? “it’s” for “its”? “isles” for “aisles”?

The schools down there obviously don’t need any of Cook County’s tax money, as they are clearly doing an excellent job. /snark/

Dude needs to check out the map you posted here last year: https://capitolfax.com/2017/08/14/whos-bailing-out-whom-these-county-numbers-might-surprise-you/

Comment by JoanP Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:59 am
No longer will politicians say “thank God for Mississippi,” they’ll say “thank God for gunloveenglishonlyfreedomville”

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:00 am
– But what happens when that one county is the only one that joins the new state? –

We call it “Mississippi”.

Comment by Wallinger Dickus Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:02 am
A good friend used to always say “You know what Illinois looks like without Chicago? Iowa.”

Comment by m Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:02 am
Bye Bye

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:04 am
Even Indiana has Indianapolis…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:04 am
===Figures he’s a White Sox fan===

Dude. Take it easy.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:05 am
===…those who are in more rural areas of the state are being given higher taxes they can’t afford and are unequally represented.===

Land doesn’t vote.

People vote.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:07 am
I never thought of Menard county as southern Illinois. He also says all counties eligible except Cook, but then wants to separate from the collar counties too.
Can a state totally surround another state? If so, can counties in a state be non-contiguous? Other than separated by a Great Lake or the ocean?

Comment by Thoughts Matter Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:09 am
===I’m a downstater, and it never ceases to amaze me that my fellow downstaters can’t seem to comprehend that the economy and tax revenue of the Chicagoland area props up the economy of the rest of the state.

Time to make downstate politicians reckon with that reality.===

Fellow Downstater, and I too think this would be a great idea.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:09 am
My hope is that the first County to do this is Sangamon.. This way we can move the State Capitol to Chicago, and finally have decent food and hospitality during session..I know of NO PLACE in Chicago that just turns the lights on at 9pm and says “time to leave”!!

Comment by Not Rich Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:16 am
Totally wacko, pretty much on every level. About the only thing he got right is that Chicago is up north.

It amazes me how so many otherwise sensible people (not this guy) believe chicago is a drain on the rest of the state. Cook and the collars are the economic engine of the state. The majority of sales taxes, income tax, motor fuel tax, etc come from cook and collars because……..thats where the money and people are.

Comment by Langhorne Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:17 am
Let the people of southern Illinois enjoy their constitutional liberties without the northern liberal oppression of proper spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Comment by SURSorBust Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:18 am
Point and laugh if you want, but his sentiment exists for a reason, and that reason isn’t because everyone that thinks the state would be better cut in half is a half witted hillbilly. This IS two states and no different than a divorce, everyone would be able to move on with their lives much happier if we could move on from one another. It will never happen, but as much as the Chicago area Reps are indifferent about the rest of the state, why should they oppose it?

Comment by Saluki Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:19 am
In the 1920s, Chicago voted to secede from the state because it felt it was underrepresented in state government (which was true). Now, downstaters want to secede from Cook County because Cook County is overrepresented? Aren’t there more important issues to work on, like fixing higher ed, K-12, social services, veterans homes. Good luck getting that done, downstaters, without Cook County money.

Comment by Steve Rogers Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:19 am
Many of us in Cook County would like to secede from Cook County. Cliburn County has a nice ring to it.

Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:19 am
The South will writhe again!

Comment by Blue Bayou Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:23 am
One thing positive about George Ryan was that he didn’t stand for this kind of talk, and when some downstate goofus would mention such ideas, George’d be quick to explain the realities of who pays for what in terms of taxes versus services, and that we all need each other to make the state work.

I don’t know what’s sadder: the rubes who believe this kind of talk, or the cynical opportunists that nurture, foment, and promote it.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:24 am
===turns the lights on at 9pm and says “time to leave”!!===

It was 10.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:24 am
@JoanP - Thank you very much for finding that map.

It graphically displays some uncomfortable facts that most downstaters would prefer to be ignorant of. Facts can be cruel at times.

Comment by illini Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:25 am
What, not let Cook county succeed? A few years ago, part of Cook wanted to split off and annex on to DuPage county. After seeing how much higher their taxes would be, they changed their mind.

Comment by DuPage Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:27 am
Guy certainly writes a smooth flowing petition. /s
I am really surprised he wants to follow federal law
Wonder what he wants to name the new state

Comment by DuPage Saint Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:29 am
===but his sentiment exists for a reason,===

Yes. That’s the troubling part of this. There is definitely a reason people believe this, even when they are shown economic facts that secession would be terrible for the non-Chicago counties.

Saluki, you better put on some big boy pants and turn your calendar to 2018. You can’t fight modernity and the march of time. Adapt or become extinct.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:34 am
This guy should hook up with “3 State Bob” Marshall to refine his proposal.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:34 am
I’ve been told years ago, the city of St. Louis was not actually part of St. Louis county, and was not part of ANY county. Does anyone know if this is still the case?

Comment by DuPage Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:36 am
Yup - you don’t need our money, our tax dollars or educated workforce. Tell you what, we’ll keep Cook and the collars, along with Champaign and McLean. You get the rest. Good luck living as rural Mississippi.

Every time I hear nonsense like this I want to flash the map showing that those who think they don’t need Chicago are actually tax leaches, sucking the Chicago area for our tax dollars then whining for the privilege. Don’t let the door hit you in the rear.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:36 am
Downstate folks, myself included, get fed up and frustrated with the Chicago machine ramming their politics down our throats and bankrupting the state with their corruption and cronyism. That said, the guy is nuts. I can sympathize with his frustration but I don’t support it.

Comment by Tequila Mockingbird Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:41 am
“and bankrupting the state with their corruption and cronyism.”

Except that we give far more tax dollars to the state than we get back. Please don’t forget this.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:42 am
One state did split during the Civil War. West Virginia is not my idea of a thriving place.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:43 am
This guy should move to Indiana and be done with it.

Comment by Glengarry Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:43 am
==bankrupting the state with their corruption and cronyism==

What percentage of the state economy is based in Cook County? Downstate would wither and die without it. By the by, we’d also love to do without your gun fanaticism, but you don’t see us starting secession petitions.

Comment by PJ Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:45 am
Please, please, please just secede and leave already.

Comment by Honeybadger Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:46 am
This is the problem when lazy, pandering Repub politicians push the lie that downstate subsidizes Chicago. When the opposite is true.

Comment by Just Sayin' Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:46 am
DuPage-yep, still true. They (STL City & County) have constant bickering about funding, votes, etc.

Comment by Stuck on the third floor Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:46 am
And if those counties are successful and secede, they have to take Rauner, Sanguinetti, Oberweiss and Ives. That has to be part of the agreement.

Comment by Honeybadger Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:48 am
Maybe he should hire Todd Vandermyde to head this up

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:50 am
I live in a small town in a low population county south of I-80. There are people out here who agree with him. They hate it when I point out that Chicago metro taxes made it possible for us to have four lane highways and that we receive more than we send in. That makes us a parasite county, draining Cook and the surrounding counties. That always gets them sputtering and stuttering. They just do not want to believe it.

Comment by Aldyth Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:57 am
==Point and laugh if you want, but his sentiment exists for a reason, and that reason isn’t because everyone that thinks the state would be better cut in half is a half witted hillbilly==

No, that reason is exactly because everyone south of I-80 who believes this is a half witted hillbilly who refuses to understand math. Is it really too much to ask for downstate conservatives understand math? It’s not even hard math, its basic addition and subtraction. We downstate cannot pay for anything without the funds that cook and the collar counties provide. The prisons and school districts that employ downstate conservatives, the state pensions that downstate conservatives collect, the roads that downstate conservatives drive on everyday, the disaster relief funds that help rebuild downstate conservatives’ communities after floods and tornadoes - we could afford none of it without the contributions of counties north of I-80. This wouldn’t even be Mississippi, we’d be Estonia or Guatemala. There are no good reasons for anyone to believe this hogwash, other than willfully and actively working to ignore basic facts that are easy to find. Many of us downstate are sick and tired of the excuses thrown out to defend the stupid among us, please stop doing it because it only encourages them to find new and more harmful conspiracy theories to push.

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:00 am
Here’s something very important to keep in mind, especially in a democracy: the 47th Ward in Chicago is home to about 55,000 Illinoisans. For comparison purposes, if the 47th Ward was its own county, it would have higher population than 78 other Illinois counties.

In fact, with some minor exceptions, every ward in Chicago has more Illinoisans than most Illinois counties.

If downstate folks don’t like these demographics, they only have a few choices: welcome immigrants or have more babies. And the population decline is going to get worse before it gets better. And there is very little anyone can do to change this situation.

Denial and resentment aren’t helping.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:00 am
I mean, on the other hand, it pretty much guarantees two extra D Senators, making R legislation on the Federal level that much harder to enact. I also don’t think that his new state would balance that with two guaranteed R senators.

Not sure if he’s thought this all the way through.

Comment by ChrisB Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:01 am
“their corruption and cronyism…” Um, and Sangamon county has none of that?

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:01 am
Let this guy get his wish. I want to see him when every single DOC, DHS and IDOT facility and office closes. Let him explain to fellow citizens why their jobs are gone.

Reminds me of every time Illinois has proposed to close a DOC or DHS facility those smaller government loving, doing more with less, downstate GOP members throw a complete fit at the prospect of state facilities closing in their districts.

Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:01 am
Isn’t it easier to just move to Arkansas?

Comment by Don Gerard Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:02 am
Having been raised in White Soxland, then moving downstate after college, I like both.

But they’re worlds apart culturally and politically. Neither is “better” than the other. Both types of Illinoisans are good people.

Illinois used to be less polarized. There were many small Illinois cities thriving and global. Not much anymore. Illinois corporations are relocating from these small cities to other places. Economies aren’t good in many of them. Folks in Chicago can still see growth and change, but folks in other Illinois cities see decay and stagnation.

Stop belittling non-Chicagoans. They feel superior to you, just as you feel superior towards them. They are fed up watching Chicago get what they no longer get. Welfare can’t replace a future or a purpose. Stop belittling their needs. Their downtowns are struggling, their factories are silent, and their relatives are abusing opioids.

Don’t take this guy literally. But listen.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:08 am
Found an interesting population density map here.

https://twitter.com/simongerman600/status/1004317025018277889

Comment by FGFM Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:10 am
Menard is hardly south. It is where Lincoln lived before he moved to Springfield. It is also Illinois’ smallest county.

Menard property taxes are high enough without succeeding from the state. There aren’t any major businesses in Menard and I suspect it would dry up and blow away if it weren’t for Lincoln tourism to the state park and commuting state employees.

Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:11 am
Just look at Red blue map of the last election for Governor and you will see why a lot of people who don’t live in Cook County feel this way.

Cook County Democrats who have controlled Illinois government for decades have ignored them.

They have igonored the needs of businesses downstate Illinois who have compete with our neighboring states who are much more business friendly and have far fewer rules and regulations. Just being “close to Chicago” is not enough and the contribute to the exodus from our state

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:19 am
“Point and laugh if you want, but his sentiment exists for a reason, and that reason isn’t because everyone that thinks the state would be better cut in half is a half witted hillbilly.”

Where ever would people get such an idea?

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:25 am
===turns the lights on at 9pm and says “time to leave”!!===

May I ask what establishment did this?

Comment by Fed Up Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:26 am
Such a waste of time. It’s never going to happen. Some of these downstaters need to stop with the silliness and read something, starting with all the analysis proving that it’s downstate which is being propped-up by Chicagoland. These ignorant panderers are getting really tiresome.

Comment by Chris P. Bacon Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:27 am
===But listen===

I’m listening, and I hear it loud and clear.

Downstate factories have been closing for 40 years. Rural Illinois has been depopulating for even longer. They send their kids off to college and those kids don’t come home. There are neither the jobs nor the opportunities available.

This is not new, and yes, I completely agree that it’s devastating for many who feel abandoned.

But then it almost always comes down to stuff like this: “More and more bills are being passed to guard Illegal aliens along with take care of them better than the average citizen.”

I won’t sit and politely listen to that garbage. It is a transparent attempt to blame a made-up bogeyman for economic forces beyond anyone’s control. It is grounded in fear and ignorance. And I’ve been listening to that garbage for 40 years too.

I’m finished listening.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:30 am
===Just look at Red blue map of the last election for Governor and you will see why a lot of people who don’t live in Cook County feel this way.===

Counties don’t vote.

People vote.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:36 am
Yes and the majority of people in every county in Illinois voted for Governor Rauner last election and they have witnessed 3 1/2 years of complete obstruction of a every single item on the Turnaround Agenda by Cook County Democrats led by Speaker Madigan.

Zero compromise or concern for the needs of these communities businesses that would employ the residents of these counties.

They are told by the leaders of our legislature we don’t want Toyota or countless other businesses to come to Illinois because they do not support the Democrat’s agenda.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:45 am
===every county===

Cook?

Winning 101 counties, Rauner won by, roughly, 171,000 votes.

According to your thinking, someone winning 101 counties should carry a state by far more than 171,000 votes.

That’s right, counties don’t vote. People vote.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 12:01 pm
=Chicago and it’s politicians have total control over Illinois law while not following their own laws in our Illinois Constitution. =

A republic generally functions through/ by majority vote. Maybe he missed that in civics class.

This is, in my estimation, more about racism than it is about taxes but I could be wrong.

Still, as a transplant to central Illinois I hear this sentiment often. Maybe not secession, but definitely the “Chicago is costing us money” talk, often from politicians. Bill Brady talks this talk quite a bit, might be a big reason he isn’t governor.

If it is about taxes, good luck sustaining what ever services they have at a lower tax rate.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 12:09 pm
“I’ve been told years ago, the city of St. Louis was not actually part of St. Louis county, and was not part of ANY county. Does anyone know if this is still the case? ”
Don’t know about Missouri but when I lived in Virginia everyone lived in a County OR a City. They didn’t overlap.

Comment by Streamwood Retiree Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 12:10 pm
- Perrid - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:40 am:

It has been suggested.

However, I am not worried about illegal immigration. I am
More concerned about down state and Chicago fighting. In the immortal words of Rodney King, Can’t we all get along.

Everyone really wants the same thing in life, to be able to provide for themselves and their family.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 12:34 pm
==It has been suggested.==

By whom? Does he/she have a name, or did you read this suggestion on a public bathroom wall?

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 12:43 pm
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 12:43 pm:

Insult a you may but I have family out east and their are politicians in Massachusetts and Vermont who have suggested this.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 12:50 pm
What everyone already said: Why doesn’t he just leave? Vote to secede with your feet.

Comment by ZC Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 12:51 pm
“we don’t want Toyota or countless other businesses to come to Illinois” Are those among the “dozens” of companies that Rauner says (without any facts to back it up) are eager to move to Illinois if we only had term limits? I don’t know about you, but I can count pretty darned high, so “countless” seems, well, just a wee bit hyperbolic.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:49 pm
I think Idaho is the current preferred location for “American Redoubt” types to move to.

Comment by Suburban Mom Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:55 pm
==…their are politicians in Massachusetts and Vermont who have suggested this.==

It hadn’t occurred to me that downstate Illinoisans would feel ignored and want to secede Illinois because of suggestions from some unnamed Vermont/Massachusetts politician.

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:59 pm
75 percent of the State’s sales tax revenue per the Daily Herald comes from the 6 Chicagoland Counties.

Comment by Transit Chief Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:41 pm
“Menard is hardly south. It is where Lincoln lived before he moved to Springfield. It is also Illinois’ smallest county.”

Actually I think that distinction belongs to Putnam County

Comment by Oldengrey Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:41 pm
Don’t let the door hit ya on the way out, Southern Illinois.

Comment by anon2 Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:43 pm
The “one person, one vote” is a good theory. Is it true in practice? People down here just want representation of some sort. Right now, they don’t feel they get that.

I get tax revenue from the state props up where I live, quite literally, but it’s hard when other states with far less regulations on business can take business out of Southern Illinois and put it in Missouri (see a town like Perryville as an example of that) or Indiana (Evansville) or Kentucky (Paducah).

It’s hard to have a debate when people refuse to see the core issue.

Comment by Southern Illinois Hoopdee Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 6:05 pm
The oldest, saddest gag in the book.

–It’s hard to have a debate when people refuse to see the core issue. –

The core issue is that you are a whining, crying victim, 24/7. Dreary and sad.

Not exactly the pioneer/immigrant spirit that won the West.

For the sake of discussion, I’m going to assume that you’re a white dude born in the United States sometime after WWII.

Do you know what a sweet deal that is, how far up you started on the ladder, compared to anyone, ever?

It’s the best deal ever, for anyone, in the history of Planet Earth.

You don’t get it. Maybe Chrissie can explain it better:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANaP26V1tFw

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 6:29 pm
As a lifelong Chicagoan, I will gladly join his movement. I am tired of my tax dollars going to support downstate.

Chicago is one of the largest economies in the world? More businesses on a few streets than you see in several downstate towns put together.

In other words, the big city and its taxpayers are one of those things you might not appreciate now but would if it were gone.

Comment by low level Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 6:43 pm
Wordslinger - what exactly does that have to do with anything I’ve said? I get that white dudes are extremely privileged. I’m a progressive in an area that isn’t. I want to spread my privileges around. That was not the core issue here. The core debate is ensuring people down here have jobs so there is a middle class that continues to exist in this region.

Again, people need jobs here. That’s it. Let’s not over complicate that.

Comment by Southern Illinois Hoopdee Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 6:43 pm
–The core debate is ensuring people down here have jobs so there is a middle class that continues to exist in this region. –

A few minutes ago, your “core issue” was that you didn’t have representation.

I’ve got news for you, daddio, capitalism is a tough business. The state can and should smooth the edges, but don’t believe snake-oil grifters like Rauner who tell you they’re going to “create jobs.”

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 6:53 pm
= People down here just want representation of some sort. Right now, they don’t feel they get that. =
Try voting (D). If your state rep was (D) he/she would be part of the majority caucus and should have some sort of bacon to bring home. When your reps belong to the minority party and spend most of their time dissing the Speaker why should he give you squat?

Comment by Streamwood Retiree Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 7:01 pm
Wordslinger - Read the very next paragraph I wrote, where I acknowledged that tax revenue was the only thing keeping my area of downstate afloat. I was taking about what people felt, people who aren’t connected into the political process like us.

It goes without saying Rauner has been ineffective at this. Just don’t pretend this is a recent problem. Paragraphs two and three were speaking of job creation. Job creation is the easy way to shut up the crazies on the far right. That’s my aim here.

Comment by Southern Illinois Hoopdee Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 7:02 pm
My rep is D. Problem is keeping him there.

Comment by Southern Illinois Hoopdee Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 7:08 pm
=My rep is D. Problem is keeping him there. =
Visit his office and have frank talk. I find my rep, Mr. Crespo, very accessible.

Comment by Streamwood Retiree Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 7:40 pm
As hard as it seems for my northern friends to grasp its not about the money as most are making it into. I would gladly live in Mississippi than in Chicago.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:13 pm
–I would gladly live in Mississippi than in Chicago.–

What’s holding you back, besides lack of drive, ambition and courage?

Free country, unfettered mobility, from sea to shining sea.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:23 pm