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* Wednesday…
On Wednesday, [Shelbyville Republican Rep. Brad Halbrook] stood in front of Abraham Lincoln’s statue and rallied hundreds of gun owners, saying, “Let’s build a wall around Cook County and get Chicago to pay for it. Let’s make Illinois Great Again.”
Later, Halbrook acknowledged in a Capitol Connection interview that his language “may be” divisive, but he feels the movement is warranted.
“The case for it is the continued onslaught of attacks on our traditional family values, the right to protect ourselves, the right to the way we want to educate our kids, the ability to mine coal and draw oil out of the ground,” Halbrook said. “Things that we think are very important are constantly under attack.”
Mark Maxwell pointed out to Halbrook that he made his comments Wednesday in front of a statue of Abraham Lincoln, who famously said “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
Halbrook also told Maxwell “The US Constitution guarantees us a republican form of government and that’s not happening.”
Maxwell pointed out it is happening because more people live in and around Chicago than live Downstate. “Yeah, but the issue is it’s not happening,” Halbrook insisted.
Perhaps he is confusing “republican” with “Republican.”
* Saturday during a “Rally for Your Rights” event in Decatur attended by about 500 people…
[Rep. Halbrook] is pushing legislation aimed at creating a whole new state that would carve off the rest of the Land of Lincoln from Chicagoland.
“Yes, a new state, a new Illinois, and it’s a separation from Chicago,” said Halbrook, to thunderous applause and cheers.
* From the Chambana Sun, which is a Proft paper…
At a separatism-themed rally at the Effingham Performance Center earlier this month, Halbrook shared his views with a crowd of more than 1,500, many of whom rose to their feet in applause when he asked “Who wants to separate from Chicago and Cook County?”
Halbrook now says the rally was only the beginning.
“Momentum for House Resolution 101 is building every day now,” he said. “I officially filed the legislation back in early February and we’re still hearing talk about it every week. Going forward, we plan to talk about it in town hall meetings this spring, summer and fall as we educate more and more people. Over the long haul, we’re convinced only more people will join in with us as they become more educated about what this could truly mean.”
* Related…
* Video: GOP lawmakers stir anti-Chicago sentiment
* Crowd at IEPA hearing pushes for removal of coal ash near Middle Fork
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:37 am
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Halbrook exists to make Skillicorn look sane in comparison.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:43 am
Being a down stater, in my heart I would like to separate from Chicago for many good reasons. WE/THEY are really two different states.
However, those who want to separate should explain EXACTLY the specifics of how this would be done. I see a lot of complications. And just RAH, RAH speeches for separation doesn’t cut it.
Comment by Nonbeleiver Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:44 am
“Let’s build a wall around Cook County and get Chicago to pay for it.”
Just like Mexico is paying for a wall.
It’s kind of a tell when a snake-oil salesman just recycles a previous con.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:44 am
Didn’t Lincoln have a saying about a house divided?
Comment by titan Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:44 am
“…as we mis-educate more and more people.”
Fixed it for ya, Rep. Halbrook
Comment by Leslie K Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:44 am
I’m actually serious about this question.
Is there some kind of study that shows psychological similarity between these separatists and Brexiters. I see a connection between peoples who are both poorly self-differentiated (Bowen) and have been on the losing side ( and oddly winning side, but the manipulators) of economic oppression.
Anybody know of anything?
Comment by Honeybear Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:44 am
Perhaps we could just move Holbrook east to IN or south to Ky. We hear Butler did an out of district fundraiser recently in Peoria and did the old GovJunk anti Madigan rap. Probably an audition to replace EmptySuit LaHood.
Comment by Annonin' Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:49 am
“However, those who want to separate should explain EXACTLY the specifics of how this would be done. I see a lot of complications. And just RAH, RAH speeches for separation doesn’t cut it.”
My thoughts exactly. I am a deep downstater, and while this all sounds so delightful on the surface - no one seems to be offering up any concrete plan. The fiscal piece of this whole thing is especially puzzling to me as we know more $ come back to southern IL than we send. How exactly will all of the currently funded state institutions and programs now in place be funded?
What happens to all of the current state employees in southern IL? It just doesn’t seem that this has been very well thought out, other than for the sake of rousing speeches, rallies, and social media campaigns.
Comment by DownSouth Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:50 am
Don’t forget that Lincoln separated Virginia.
Comment by Downstate Illinois Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:51 am
In 2016, Duckworth beat Kirk in Illinois minus Chicago by 154,000 votes. Do they really want 2 more Democratic Senators in DC? I don’t want to get in their way if that’s their goal, but I suspect it isn’t.
Comment by GV Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:52 am
Hey, Holbrook, it’s all just hot air. Where are your legitimate polls? Show me who really wants to leave by county. I bet that my downstate county wants to keep Illinois whole. Or at least stick with Chicago. This is just another divisive conservative trick.
Comment by RIJ Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:54 am
Halbrook (dang autocorrect)
Comment by RIJ Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:55 am
Chicago should really consider Halbrook’s idea.
It would be a great way for Chicago taxpayers to escape having to pay any of the TRS pension debt, which is the largest debt of the state systems. the current TRS payment is $4 billion-plus. (Chicago schools have their own pension system.)
Adopt Halbrook’s new state idea and dump the billions in downstate and suburban teacher debts on downstate alone.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:58 am
Must look like an easier pull to form a new state than actually win elections.
Comment by The Way I See It Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:58 am
State representative complains that (checks notes) his area isn’t being represented.
Comment by In 630 Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:00 pm
==Over the long haul, we’re convinced only more people will join in with us as they become more educated about what this could truly mean.”==
If you discuss the financial ramifications it could get a lot of support north of I 80.
Comment by Bigtwich Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:01 pm
This is a movement that will continue to grow in volume and numbers as the Leftists who run Illinois push values and government that millions of Illinoisans detest.
Comment by Unpopular Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:04 pm
Maybe Rep Halbrook should sponsor a bill that allows Chicago to keep all their road fund money /s
Comment by LTSW Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:05 pm
Halbrook is flirting with sedition with this kind of rhetoric. Saying this divisive garbage as an elected official, especially to an audience of gun owners, is dangerous and needs to stop.
How long until one of his ILGOP colleagues calls him out on this?
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:09 pm
Downstate - Actually West Virginians separated Virginia.
Comment by TominChicago Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:09 pm
The State of Chicago and the state of Illibama….Illibama would have to double their taxes to pay for all the stuff they get currently paid by Chicago. Another big fallacy that Chicago drains downstate Illinois. Chicago would most certainly benefit the most
Comment by truthteller Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:12 pm
Unpopular - Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:04 pm:
This is a movement that will continue to grow in volume and numbers as the Leftists who run Illinois push values and government that millions of Illinoisans detest.
You have stated a reality that many choose to ignore. But without specifics as to how this would be done it still remains in the realm of political demagoguery.
Comment by Nonbeleiver Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:15 pm
How much would downstate have to raise taxes on itself to offset the loss of greater-Chicago tax revenues from supporting the State services that downstaters rely on more heavily than city-dwellers? The myth is real, folks (it’s both really a myth and it’s real to those who believe it…)
Comment by Not Really Suprising Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:15 pm
–Don’t forget that Lincoln separated Virginia.–
No, he didn’t. That’s not how it worked then, that’s not how it works now.
Is there some sort of physical force keeping you from actually knowing the basics of what you’re talking about on an elementary level?
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:17 pm
–This is a movement that will continue to grow in volume and numbers as the Leftists who run Illinois push values and government that millions of Illinoisans detest.–
Millions, plural? Because since 1978, it takes less than two million to elect a governor (last year being the exception).
Maybe those “millions” should try that. It would be much easier.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:22 pm
“This is a movement that will continue to grow in volume and numbers as the Leftists who run Illinois push values and government that millions of Illinoisans detest.”
Those “millions” lost big in 2018.
What a horrible life in Illinois, with the highest median incomes of contiguous states and a low flat income tax rate.
We have to live under Trump, McConnell and SCOTUS, these yokels have to live under Illinois Democrats.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:24 pm
Mr. Halbrook this is pure nonsense. Tribalism at it worse. But you stir up the base. A Republican congressman, long departed, once said to me “The Democrats have their horses rears, and we have our horses rears. The difference is, we can control our horses rears.” I guess, for the Republicans, the horse has left the barn. So many problems to focus upon, and the state representative wastes he time on ’succession.’
Comment by Professor Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:29 pm
These people must realize that there are more than just conservatives downstate, right? The people who moan about not having a voice can’t wait to turn around and do the exact same thing to others.
Comment by Duke of Normandy Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:30 pm
- Anonymous downstater Pension - I think they have the thought the pension debt stays behind in some magical way. Or, those of us pensioners in downstateville will just be repudiated. I assume we will have to move north in this fantasy.
Comment by Anotheretiree Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:32 pm
Lest it be overlooked, several rallygoers and marchers were waving Confederate flags, as seen in the TV clip. Speaks volumes.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:34 pm
“I guess, for the Republicans, the horse has left the barn.”
That horse is definitely loose in the hospital
Comment by Joey Twoshoes Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:36 pm
Flying Confederate flags in front of Statue of Abraham Lincoln, oh boy..
Comment by Buford Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:36 pm
=You have stated a reality that many choose to ignore. But without specifics as to how this would be done it still remains in the realm of political demagoguery.=
Win an election once in a while.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:38 pm
–Flying Confederate flags in front of Statue of Abraham Lincoln, oh boy..–
Must be those “traditional family values” Halbrook spoke of.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:40 pm
It’s nice Brad has a hobby.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:40 pm
Helped my daughter study for her highschool Constitution exam and remembered this:
Might want to look at that US Constitution thingy.
Article IV
Section. 3.
New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
Comment by Retired Captain Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:46 pm
As an alternative solution…perhaps a wall around Decatur might suffice?…a Whitewashed one?
Is any of this really about Chicago?…or…Leftists?…or… is it all about overt Racism?
Comment by Dotnonymous Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:47 pm
“The US Constitution guarantees us a republican form of government and that’s not happening.”
Why isn’t Rep. Brad Halbrook doing the job that his constituents elected him to do?
Comment by Huh? Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:48 pm
Weird. Because the fair tax would probably help downstate taxpayers out the most at Chicago’s expense.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:49 pm
I can’t be the only one down here who is sick of hearing this silly stuff.
Comment by Way Way Down Here Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:54 pm
Be interested to see if the same Russia-linked groups who were spreading Texas Secede, Brexit and the Six California division are involved in this nonsense. It’s a great way to sow division, as it’s basically social media warfare.
Comment by supplied_demand Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:59 pm
Since BREXIT is such a stellar example of a policy success, the Trumpian IL GOP want to DEXIT.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:00 pm
I wonder if Mr. Halbrook could enumerate exactly which rights are being infringed. And if rights are being infringed, why hasn’t he filed a lawsuit to stop the infringement.
Comment by Huh? Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:00 pm
==Who wants to separate from Chicago and Cook County?==
Follow-up question “Who wants to see their taxes double to make up for the shortfall?”
Comment by Jocko Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:01 pm
Its a political non-starter for a BUNCH of reasons. But I believe in it anyway. if people wish to govern differently and separate from others, there is a process for it. And if those north of I80 want to say they are net payers for the state (true) then why not let them go…
Oh, then the politics. Like Ca. or a few other states, a separation would dilute things nationally in the senate. Lets say IL splits and it goes his way (R). Then you get 102 senators with 2 more GOP. that is no even trade. And do you think any senators want to increase the size of the senate? heck no. For sure not when we live in a more an more urban/rural split.
One day we have to figure this out. It effects our state politics, because of the national politics and the national system right now leaves some voters feeling they are not represented… Believe it or not perception is reality and more divided state or country is good for no one.
Comment by Ron - In Texas Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:02 pm
Watched season premier of VEEP on HBO last night. Brad Halbrook = Jonah Ryan.
Comment by don the legend Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:02 pm
So downstate Illinois keeps Pritzker, Stratton, etc., and the new state of Cook County votes for a new governor? Or does Cook County president become governor?
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:03 pm
Could we also have it so no tax dollars from blue states go to the red states?
Comment by ike Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:08 pm
So the republicans are worried about how much the democrats are going to raise taxes, this split Illinois into two states would just most likely double taxes for downstate, so the republicans are really for higher taxes than the democrats
Comment by 13th Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:08 pm
– Believe it or not perception is reality …–
I don’t believe perception is reality when perception is objectively not real.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:11 pm
“And if those north of I80 want to say they are net payers for the state (true) then why not let them go…”
Because they need to stay and stew in their phony outrage. Here they are, able to buy so many guns and ammo, able to not get abortions, able to pay a low state income tax, be born privileged because of their skin color, but they’re still deliriously angry.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:18 pm
I’d like Halbrook’s actions to be consistent with his words.
He’s accepted $124,951.99 in political donations from entities based in evil Chicago. That’s 45% of his total $278,744.78 raised.
If we throw in Cook County, around which he wants to build a wall, no doubt he’s majority funded from Cook County and Chicago.
Just like on the state spending side, downstaters are net takers from Chicagoland.
Comment by Moe Berg Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:23 pm
@Grandson
See. that is what I am talking about… I get why at a national level folks might not want it to happen… BUT why not folks north of I80, or in the city or cook cty, etc, etc. ?
I mean you demean them. Great. You dont understand them, they dont understand you. Why not let them go? Spite? really? You just made my point, I hope you can see that.
Comment by Ron - In Texas Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:23 pm
===You dont understand them, they dont understand you===
Oh, please. This isn’t about misunderstanding anything.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:24 pm
I’m a Chicagoan and I’m 100% for this bill and I’d like to see my area Reps and Senators sign on as co-sponsors. We’ll take Cook County you guys can have the rest. We’ll even give you the name.
Comment by The Captain Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:25 pm
“I mean you demean them.”
Demean them? They’re the ones who hate people like me and want to leave.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:29 pm
Well, “because Madigan” didn’t come anywhere close enough to get Rauner reelected so lets try “because Chicago”.
Comment by The Dude Abides Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:29 pm
@Rich
I get the political BS the guy is spewing (as I said there is a right way to do it, and this guy is full of it).
But if we dont think this divide is built upon a lot of the attitude we can see here and on the other side, we are kinda doomed.
Come on… Tell me this isnt a architecture of what urban vs rural looks like:
…”buy so many guns and ammo, able to not get abortions, able to pay a low state income tax, be born privileged because of their skin color, but they’re still deliriously angry.”
its an othering. AND its on both sides. I’m just saying its bad.
Comment by Ron - In Texas Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:31 pm
Not architecture… Caricature…
Autocorrect
Comment by Ron - In Texas Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:32 pm
2 R and 2 D Senators. My bad.
Comment by GV Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:32 pm
@grandson
If you believe they hate you and are a drain, why not back the proposal? why not live and govern separately?
Comment by Ron - In Texas Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:33 pm
I’ll make a trade - they can have their own state when at the federal level we abolish the electoral college and make the Senate proportional to population.
Comment by ChicagoVinny Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:37 pm
===Why isn’t Rep. Brad Halbrook doing the job that his constituents elected him to do?===
Scary thought, but what if he is…Yikes
Comment by PublicServant Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:38 pm
Rep. Halbrook doesn’t represent my views. Should I demand that the area he represents be broken off into its own territory?
This is nothing but a bunch of whiners who don’t seem to understand the concept of elections and how a representative democracy works. You aren’t guaranteed that your ideas will win the day. That’s the way it works. Stop whining about not getting your way and saying you aren’t truly represented because that is just nonsense.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:41 pm
The divisionist in the current GOP are banking on anger and old, white, rural voters solidifying a base that here in Illinois will never be a majority, no matter the map drawn by these GOPers.
Looking at Underwood or Casten, those districts spoke to healthcare, taxes, and a bit to the current GOP national narrative of angry.
It’s critical for the existence of the GOP to see these folks are on the wrong side of history, mostly because if you don’t “understand” (note: this is a mocking of there’s a knowing exactly what they’re doing) that there’s a purposeful shrinking of a base to solidify what these folks have… is at a cost of a broader, bigger picture of a party willing to govern all, including all, and a want of voters in a bigger tent vision.
It saddens and angers me to no end.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:42 pm
“If you believe they hate you and are a drain, why not back the proposal? why not live and govern separately?”
Because we can’t break apart a state or country like ours just because we’re unhappy with political opposition. That’s really childish. I had to live under Rauner and have to live under Trump, McConnell and the current SCOTUS. There are elections at least every two years in Illinois if they don’t like how things are going.
They can always leave Illinois. There are many Republican-run states in America.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:49 pm
Ron, for some reason you’re pretending this self-indulgent grievance peddling is a serious, well-thought-out proposal with widespread support.
What are the borders of this new state? Is there some reason to presume that the residents wish this to happen.
How does this new state propose to purchase the State of Illinois assets that would be within its borders? They’re entitled to oogats; they’ll have to pay.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 2:05 pm
This is a ridiculous debate. The fiscal impact would be overwhelming for this new to-be-formed state. Effingham does not generate the income taxes that Northbrook or Glenview does. Other posters acknowledge the take-disparity. This is dead before it takes its first breath.
Comment by Mongo Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 2:12 pm
Don the Legend got it exactly right
Comment by Dr. Pepper Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 2:24 pm
==I’m actually serious about this question.
Is there some kind of study that shows psychological similarity between these separatists and Brexiters.==
Honeybear, I’m glad to know I wasn’t the only one who caught a whiff of Brexit off of this. David Cameron put the Brexit referendum on the ballot as a craven political move to bring far-righters into his mainstream-right coalition, so the Tories could hold power. Such a silly thing could never pass, of course, until it did, and David Cameron ran away as if he’d just wet himself onstage at the town spelling bee.
Halbrook and Proft and those who would push this along with them care not for facts, nor economic realities, nor the concerns of “real” Illinoisans. They are, first and foremost, seeking new and exciting ways to get theirs.
Comment by Roadrager Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 2:26 pm
I was about to say something about the separatists’ racist dog whistles, then I saw some of them were waving confederate flags — in the Land of Lincoln, no less.
This isn’t dog whistling. This is loud and clear.
Comment by Nick Name Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 2:41 pm
@Word
It isnt there yet. Could there be a split, borders drawn, details on assets. Sure. You have to get support and move along.
With that said, we can talk generally about assets… An argument can be made that those citizens have paid taxes, into the state to pay for and manage those assets in their counties. So it may be a “good bye, good riddance” scenario.
Its hard to say that a state park in southern Illinois should “bought” from the state of illinois by the new state when the citizens have paid.
But that is a simplistic example. Just sayin’ this is plausible. And if those downstaters are such a downer on everyone why WOULDNT you back the concept?
Wouldnt gun laws, tax changes, etc, etc be much easier?
Really curious. I am kind of amazed by the people here that react so negatively and condescendingly. Why not make it an exercise in thought and find out the reason for or against?
Comment by Ron - In Texas Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 2:54 pm
==I am kind of amazed by the people here that react so negatively and condescendingly. ==
Because it’s a ridiculous debate.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 3:09 pm
I’m amazed that you think it’s plausible.
Comment by L.A. Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 3:12 pm
“It saddens and angers me to no end.”
I’m sorry, too. But it’s been trending like this for a long time. The GOP now clearly is the party of angry white people. GW Bush did well with Latinx because he reached out to them and didn’t demean and scapegoat them the way Trump does. Trump always attacks the undocumented brown immigrant, supporting white victims of undocumented criminals but never trashing the white mass shooter or white supremacists.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 3:16 pm
In all of this, we have not heard any criticism about Speaker Madigan caging the resolution in committee.
Where is the outrage, Rep. Halbrook? Call on the speaker to let your resolution out of Rules Committee so it can have a fair hearing.
Comment by Medvale School for the Gifted Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 3:54 pm
“exercise in thought” - Why waste the time? It’s like a sophomore political science major’s weed-driven gab session “I’m so brilliant to be the first to think of it” idea.
Comment by RIJ Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 4:47 pm
–But that is a simplistic example. Just sayin’ this is plausible. And if those downstaters are such a downer on everyone why WOULDNT you back the concept? –
I don’t think I’ve said “downstaters are such a downer,” whatever that means. I think it’s simplistic and inaccurate to speak of the residents outside the Chicago metro as some ideological monolith. Or the residents within the Chicago metro, for that matter.
I’ve commented on the snake-oil politicians who are just peddling grievances for their own self-aggrandizement. I’d estimate the “plausibility” of this “concept” is less than one percent.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 5:29 pm
@Wordslinger - “I’ve commented on the snake-oil politicians who are just peddling grievances for their own self-aggrandizement. I’d estimate the “plausibility” of this “concept” is less than one percent.”
I would not put it that high. We have lot of “snake-oil politicians” here in Southern Illinois, but please do not hold that against all of us.
Comment by illini Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 5:41 pm
“Really curious. I am kind of amazed by the people here that react so negatively and condescendingly. Why not make it an exercise in thought and find out the reason for or against?”
This movement is too ridiculous to deserve “an exercise in thought”. It would be more of an exercise in not thinking.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 5:55 pm
=== Weird. Because the fair tax would probably help downstate taxpayers out the most at Chicago’s expense. ===
More than 99% of Halbrook’s district would get a tax cut or pay the same under JB’s plan. Yet Halbrook would rather not see most of his constituents pay less if a fraction of one percent has to pay the top rate.
Comment by anon2 Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:05 pm
I have an alternative to secession: Apply the Electoral College principle to the state. Elect statewide officials via electors selected in each county, and give rural counties twice as many electors per resident than the county of Cook. Fans of the Electoral College should like this.
Comment by anon2 Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:08 pm
No one who lives in Champaign or Urbana calls the two towns collectively “Chambana”.
Typical Proft snootyism.
Comment by anono Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:51 pm
Does Proft print actual copies of that alleged Chambana paper?
I haven’t received one in my mailbox, is this an online-only venture?
I don’t agree with 99.9999999% of the crap Proft peddles. I just want to see what fool ideas they’ll be discussing in the rural taverns and coffee shops.
Comment by Lynn S. Tuesday, Apr 2, 19 @ 1:02 am
==Despite warnings against making comments regarding coal-ash removal at a public hearing held March 26 by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, most of the people who spoke ignored that directive.==
Hats off to State Rep. Mike Marron and the people of Champaign County who spoke out anyway. You make me proud to be an Illinoisan.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Tuesday, Apr 2, 19 @ 8:39 am
===I have an alternative to secession: Apply the Electoral College principle to the state. Elect statewide officials via electors selected in each county, and give rural counties twice as many electors per resident than the county of Cook. Fans of the Electoral College should like this.===
Supreme Court killed that setup back in the 60s for the states.
Comment by Graduated College Student Tuesday, Apr 2, 19 @ 10:39 am