“I don’t like bullies. And make no mistake: every member of the Republican Party trying to whip up a frenzy over Critical Race Theory is nothing more than a dog-whistling bully.” — Congressman Sean Casten tweet, 7/8/21
The Left continues its clearly coordinated counterattack against opponents of Critical Race Theory (CRT).
Yesterday, McHenry County Blog reported on NBC News’ attack against conservatives by attempting to link opponents of CRT with QAnon.
Now, Congressman Sean Casten (D, IL-6th currently including Algonquin Township) has joined in on the scripted response, and going beyond his usual multi-tweet Twitter rants.
He cut a nearly 6-minute video teaching CRT and attacking concerned Americans, including parents who don’t want their children indoctrinated with CRT.
The video can be played by clicking the arrow on Casten’s face.
‘They’re afraid of facing hard truths, and afraid of the will of the majority’ — @RepCasten nails why being anti-critical race theory is actually unpatriotic pic.twitter.com/Lo0oROYgwt
From the desk of John Lopez: As Congressman Casten’s six minute video plays out, I’m reminded of something Red State Editor-at-large Kira Davis wrote in early June of 2020 as the George Floyd protests broke out across the country:
Kira Davis
“Liberals try to tell us racism is everywhere all the time.Conservatives try to tell us we’re imagining racism.Both extremes are untrue and unhelpful and inherently dangerous.”
Davis was never more right, and Casten and the Left fulfills the “liberal” portion of it with the constant themes of “dog-whistling”, with an element of gaslighting that are making Americans crazy, not good for the mental health of a nation, particularly the children.
So let’s hit upon the gaslighting deflection Casten applied towards the start of the video by citing Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley’s testimony before a Senate committee last month:
Red State Jim Thompson
At the 47-second mark of Casten’s video, General Milley’s quote about white rage and seeking to understand it goes on for 12 seconds, and linking it to the Capitol Riots of January 6.
Problem with that point, it wasn’t white rage that provoked the lawlessness of the Capitol Riots.
2020 IL-06 Republican nominee Jeanne Ives summed up the lawless ones best on the June 6th broadcast of Beyond the Beltway: “…idiots acting like idiots”.
But the gaslighting takes affect and drives Casten’s rant. Yes, those same idiots, who are rightfully being arrested and will rightly be prosecuted for what they did on January 6th, some of them, displayed confederate flags and openly acknowledged QAnon.
But it wasn’t racism that provoked the lawless to do what they did, and studying CRT will not get one any closer to the truth beyond Ives’ reasonable assessment.
And yes, it was idiots/bad actors who hijacked Black Lives Matter protests across the country last year with violence and destruction of property. People intent on causing trouble beyond the tens of thousands who were lawfully and peacefully protesting outside the Capitol on January 6th, or at Black Lives Matter protests across the country last year caused the violence, destruction and deaths last year.
Remember when downtown Chicago was hit with looting and destruction last year? The gaslighting from the extreme left justified the looting as “reparations”, per the Chicago Tribune from last August.
Throughout 2020, not a peep from Casten about the violence caused by the bad actors at Black Lives Matter protests, and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D, IL-14) had the gall to call all Black Lives Matter rallies “beautiful protests” without ever openly and forcefully condemning the violence during last fall’s campaign, which contributed to her close call in last year’s election (and Casten called the reason for Underwood’s close call last year at the election “dog-whistling”).
And let’s not forget, it was Joe Biden that called ANTIFA an “idea”, taking from faulty testimony at the House Homeland Security Committee meeting last September that violence was linked to white supremacy, using metrics taken BEFORE the racial unrest of George Floyd protests started in May of 2020.
So conservatives’ rightful anger against the indoctrination of CRT by the Left since the Biden Administration came to power 6 months ago, comes from blatant gaslighting that Americans are racists by nature, instead of the truth explained so vividly decades ago in South Pacific, “…you’ve got to be taught to be afraid of people’s whose eyes are oddly made and people whose skin is a different shade…”
And it’s not the government’s place to do the teaching of our children, it’s parents. Gaslighting Americans that it’s “unpatriotic” to oppose CRT will blow up in the Left’s face (figuratively, not literally).
So if there is any “rage” to understand, Congressman Casten or General Milley, a segment of the population grows angrier by the day that only one segment of the population is responsible for the challenges facing the nation. CRT provides the Left cover, but until All Lives Matter and Leftist gaslighting is replaced with the truth, expect unrest through peaceful means to be expressed at CRT and any other lunacy floated out of Washington or Springfield.
And anyone who engages in violence must be prosecuted to the limit of the law.
External references:
Red State “CODE RED COMICS: Critical Race”, including Jim Thompson commentary on General Milley can be viewed here.
McHenry County Blog: “Truth about Racism Makes People Uncomfortable as it Should” can be viewed here.
It’s too bad that President Biden isn’t holding his event in Chicago, the Democratic Chicago that voted overwhelmingly for him, and which has just suffered one of the most violent weekends in its history.
Reports were that 104 people were shot over the Independence Day weekend in the street gang wars, including children, and 19 were killed…
JB Pritzker
Illinois Democrats insist it isn’t a political event, though Biden is expected to be joined by our own grinning Gov. Commodius Maximus, and Democratic U.S. Reps. Lauren Underwood and Sean Casten, in the only collar county that Biden did not win in November.
“The event is not a political event,” said Kristina Zahorik, chair of the Democratic Party of McHenry County, in a written statement reported by the Daily Herald.
“We are excited, however, that the president is highlighting our great community college and thank him and our Illinois Democratic delegation for supporting building back better with investments in the American Rescue Plan, the American Infrastructure Plan, and the American Family Plan.”
Thanks Kristina, for listing all the non-political plans that center around Democrats spending trillions, spiking inflation, just so they might buy votes.
Unlike other media outlets (see Tweet post), the Tribune photographer showed the demonstrators anyone driving on Route 14 could have seen on Wednesday.
The caption read, “Protestors gather outside of McHenry /county College where President Joe Biden spoke on Wednesday in c?rystal Lake.”
Gov. Pritzker Hails Illinois’ Second Ratings Upgrade in Recent Days and the First in Two Decades from S&P Global Ratings
S&P Cites “Demonstrated Operational Controls” in Upgrading State’s General Obligation Bonds, Met Pier Bonds and Build Illinois Bonds
Second Upgrade Follows Moody’s Upgrade and Fitch’s Improved Outlook to Positive
SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker hailed the state’s improved bond rating from S&P Global Ratings on Thursday, the second such rating upgrade in recent days.
The announcement follows Moody’s credit upgrade and Fitch’s upgraded credit outlook for the state—a trifecta of good news from the three major credit rating agencies.
Since taking office, Gov. Pritzker has tirelessly focused on strong and responsible fiscal management, working with the General Assembly to hold the line on spending while making key investments in programs working families rely on while continuing to strengthen Illinois’ fiscal outlook.
JB Pritzker
“A well-known proverb states, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Throughout my administration we’ve remained steadfast in our goal to return Illinois to fiscal stability. That has meant making responsible decisions step by step, day by day, working closely with our partners in state government,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
“These responsible decisions are paying dividends, as evidenced by today’s upgrade from S&P, last week’s upgrade from Moody’s and our outlook rise to positive by Fitch. My administration has worked diligently to make real progress, the rating agencies are acknowledging our progress and we remain committed to further strengthening Illinois’ fiscal standing.”
S&P last upgraded the state’s bonds in July 1997 and today’s upgrade analysis credited “improved liquidity,” “demonstrated operational controls during the COVID-19 pandemic” and an “improving economic condition” in making the rating change.
“Throughout the pandemic, the state has been able to deliver needed services and programs, both traditional governmental and pandemic-response-related without meaningfully changing the debt profile,” S&P stated.
The Governor noted all the positive reports from the top rating agencies are the result of many leaders working cooperatively in the best interest of Illinois’ taxpayers, especially thanking Speaker Welch, President Harmon, Leader Greg Harris, Senator Sims, Comptroller Mendoza and Treasurer Frerichs for their continued partnership.
S&P upgraded Illinois’ rating on its General Obligation bonds from BBB- to BBB with a stable outlook also upgraded the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority ratings to BBB+ from BBB based on the state’s support. Build Illinois bonds were upgraded to BBB+ from BBB.
Last week Moody’s upgraded Illinois’ rating on its General Obligation bonds from Baa3 with a stable outlook to Baa2 with a stable outlook, and also upgraded the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority ratings to Baa3 from Ba1 based on the state’s support. Build Illinois bonds were upgraded to Baa2 from Baa3.
In an updated credit analysis issued by Moody’s released Wednesday, the rating agency noted last week’s credit upgrade was supported by a material improvement in the state’s finances, demonstrated by the ability to repay emergency Federal Reserve borrowings promptly and keep unpaid bills in check at a low level.
“One of the most striking developments in recent months was the state’s reduction of a “backlog” of unpaid bills, underscoring the improvement in the state’s finances,” Moody’s wrote.
The rating of a state’s bonds is a measure of their credit quality. A higher bond rating generally means the state can borrow at a lower interest rate, saving taxpayers millions of dollars.
Key Actions – Responsible Fiscal Management
• After years of mismanagement under previous administrations, the Fiscal Year 2022 budget is Governor Pritzker’s third consecutive balanced budget. Two of those budgets were balanced during the once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic. • The Pritzker administration worked with the General Assembly to seek and secure significant additional ongoing funding, particularly in generating more than $500 million annually in federal Medicaid matching dollars and closing $650 million in corporate tax loopholes significantly reducing the state’s structural budget deficit. • The Fiscal Year 2022 budget is a responsible spending plan that is balanced, protects the state’s most vulnerable Illinoisans, pays down the state’s debts, and rebuilds the state stronger than ever as Illinois comes out of the pandemic. It:
o is balanced independent of the federal American Rescue Plan o fully funds the $9.8 billion General Funds pension contribution o repays $2 billion emergency Federal Reserve loan early, saving taxpayers tens of millions of dollars o repays funds Illinois borrowed from itself to ease cash flow o stays current on the state’s bills, with bill payment delays at their lowest levels in years.
COVID-19 Rent and Utility Assistance Program Extended and Expanded
WOODSTOCK, Ill. – McHenry County’s emergency assistance program to help qualified renters and landlords struggling because of pandemic-related financial hardship has been extended for a year, and its eligibility and benefits have been expanded.
The deadline to apply for assistance under the McHenry County Emergency Utility and Rental Assistance Program has been pushed back an entire year, to Sept. 30, 2022.
Renters and landlords who qualify are now eligible for up to 18 months of assistance, and up to 12 months in arrears.
Eligibility for the program also has been expanded to households on public and subsidized housing, as well as households using federal housing choice vouchers.
Expanding the rental assistance program is important with the federal moratorium on evictions set to expire at the end of the month, McHenry County Board Chairman Mike Buehler said.
“While COVID-19 restrictions are now a memory, the damage the pandemic did to households is still with us. Making our lifeline to struggling renters available to more people, and giving people much more time to apply if they need help, is the least we can do,” Buehler, R-Crystal Lake, said.
Qualifying households must be at or below 80 percent of their area’s median income – households at 50 percent or lower, or that include dependents or seniors 62 years and older, will get priority.
Applicants also must be able to demonstrate a loss of income or employment as a result of COVID-19. Immigration status is not a factor in determining eligibility.
Applications can be found and submitted at http://www.McHenryRent.com, which is available in both English and Spanish.
Renters who do not have Internet access can call the McHenry County Housing Authority at 815-338-7752, or Consumer Credit Counseling Services at 815-338-5757 for Spanish speakers.
More than $1.8 million has been distributed to more than 220 households since enrollment first opened in late March.
The federal COVID-19 stimulus bill signed into law at the end of last year allocated $9.12 million to McHenry County to reduce pandemic-related evictions, avoid damaged credit, and repair landlord/tenant relationships strained because of late and overdue payments.
= = = = =
McHenry County’s Community Development Administrator Hans Mach elaborates:
The March ARP Act extended the date of the original allocation by one year, to September 30, 2022.
Of the $9.123 Originally allocated, just over $1.8M has been spent, meaning you are correct that $7.3M remains.
The Act also provides for a second allocation of $7.219M, and allows for expanded use of the funding which previously excluded public housing and voucher recipients.
There is a stronger emphasis on households at or below 50% of Area Median Income.
The second allocation will have benchmark spending requirements, currently being that 60% of the funds are to be spent by March 31, 2022 in order to be able to access the remainder of the funding.
Here is the most recent (April, 2021) chart of Area Median Income – McHenry County is a part of the Chicago Metro Area calculation:
From Huntley Deputy Police Chief Linda Hooten to people receiving Departmental press releases:
As many of you know, Deputy Chief Mike Klunk retired June 30th.
I am now taking over his position as Deputy Chief and will oversee his responsibilities.
I have been with the Huntley Police Department for 20 years and have been a patrol officer, school resource officer, sergeant of investigations/patrol, and now a deputy chief.
There are many other professional “hats” I have worn here, too.
I was able to have a couple weeks to “shadow” Mike before he left and he gave me a little insight into the press releases and working with the media.
I have had some experience with media updates, but it’s still a work in progress.
Mike has built a great relationship with our local media outlets and I hope to continue where he left off.
A mutual respect and understanding of each other’s role will greatly benefit the community we all serve.
During this transition period, please bear with me as I settle in and get into a schedule of what needs to be done.
Moving forward, I’m interested in hearing if you have any suggestions, tips for me, or input in regards to the police/media relations.
Local medical professionals to answer parents’ questions about COVID-19 vaccine
The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is holding two webinars for local parents who have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine available to youth who are 12 to 17.
The first virtual event, which will feature Dr. Jon Kaufman, Pediatric Associates of Barrington, Dr. Lisa Messinger, Northwestern Medicine, and Dr. Laura Buthod, retired pediatrician and MCDH Medical Advisor, will be live from 7 to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, July 14.
Viewers who attend the event will be able to submit questions via live chat, they are encouraged to submit them in advance by email to QA@mchenrycountyil.gov by July 12 by 4:30 p.m. Attendees will be able to access the virtual event at https://bit.ly/3wee1NB.
The second event held for McHenry County’s Spanish-speaking residents will be held on Tuesday, July 20, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will feature Elizabeth Rios, a nurse practitioner for Community Health Partnership in Harvard, and Dr. Nathan Kakish, Northwestern Medicine. Parents are encouraged to submit their questions in advance to QA@mchenrycountyil.gov by 4:30 p.m. on July 16. Attendees will be able to ask questions live and access the virtual event at https://bit.ly/2V1wYq2.
Both events are limited in capacity. Those who are unable to attend either live event will be able to watch a recorded version of each event at http://bit.ly/mcdhCOVID19.
Big applause line from Biden: “Think how life will be when it’s quicker to drive on Randall Road,” he said, referring to the local trouble spot for traffic.
Widening Randall Road nearing completion the end of June, 2021.
Can anyone tell me what President Joe Biden had to do with improving traffic on Randall Road?
Man Charged in Connection With Shooting of Federal Agents in Chicago
CHICAGO — A criminal complaint filed today in federal court accuses a man of forcibly assaulting two federal agents and a task force officer in Chicago yesterday morning.
EUGENE MCLAURIN, 28, of Chicago, is charged with one count of using a dangerous and deadly weapon to assault a special agent from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The charge is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
McLaurin is scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court today at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain. The hearing will be conducted telephonically.
The complaint was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen deTineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of ATF; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Illinois State Police.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Pozolo and Jared Jodrey.
According to the complaint, two ATF agents and an ATF Task Force officer were driving in an unmarked law enforcement vehicle early Wednesday morning while participating in a federal investigation on the South Side of Chicago.
The officers noticed that a white Chevrolet Malibu sedan was following their vehicle, and they took note of the license plate number, the complaint states.
The driver of the Malibu pulled alongside the officers’ vehicle, and the officers observed the driver’s side window roll down, the complaint states.
A man later identified as McLaurin began shooting at the officers’ vehicle, wounding all three officers, the complaint states.
After the shooting, law enforcement located the Malibu parked on a street in Chicago, the complaint states. McLaurin was taken into law enforcement custody later Wednesday morning.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Chief Judge Enters Order Regarding Social Distancing and Ends Activation of Continuity of Operations Plan
(Woodstock, IL) On July 8, 2021, Chief Judge James S. Cowlin, pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Order, entered an Administrative Order, regarding social distancing in the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center and ending the activation of the 22nd Judicial Circuit’s Pandemic Continuity of Operations Plan.
After conferring with McHenry County Department of Health and other local governmental authorities, Chief Judge Cowlin entered the order which states in part, that effective Monday, July 12, 2021:
“Individuals, including judges, court staff, parties, attorneys, jurors and witnesses, should not enter any courthouse if they have flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, or shortness of breath (excluding such symptoms caused by chronic conditions); currently have been directed to quarantine or isolate at home by any medical provider or public health official; or reside or have regular close contact with a person currently subject to a quarantine or isolation direction issued by a medical provider or public health official and are not themselves fully vaccinated.
“If a person is not fully vaccinated, that person shall wear a mask and should maintain social distance.
“Individuals or employees who are fully vaccinated may continue to wear a mask or facecovering.”
The Court will continue operations in a manner that limits the number of people in a courtroom and hallways of the Judicial Center, allows for efficient court appearances and takes advantage of procedures that allow cases to progress by remote appearances and submissions of proposed orders.
The seal of the 22nd Circuit Court.
At the discretion of the judge presiding over a courtroom, the use of video remote appearances shall continue pursuant to Supreme Court Rule, Local Court Rule, and Guidelines for a Virtual Courtroom, as established by the 22nd Judicial Circuit and as encouraged by Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke.
All pleas and post plea matters scheduled in Traffic Court may continue to be heard remotely via Zoom and trials or other evidentiary proceedings, related to traffic citations, will be heard in person in Courtroom 102.
Petitioners may continue to present petitions for emergency orders of protection, stalking no contact orders and civil no contact orders by remote video conferencing technology pursuant to Supreme Court Rules.
Agreed orders will continue to be accepted in the Civil and Family Divisions.
All court schedules established during the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan shall continue in their current form, until further order of the Court.
Beginning October 1, 2021, statutory time restrictions in the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 (725 ILCS 5/103-5) and section 5-601 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 shall no longer be tolled.
All days on and following October 1, 2021, shall be included in speedy trial computations.
This has been an unprecedented time for the judicial branch of government. However, through the collaborative efforts of many people, departments, and agencies, the 22nd Judicial Circuit has continued to provide essential services and access to justice during this time of crisis.
Courts across Illinois, including the 22 nd Judicial Circuit, have learned that certain procedures and practices adopted during the pandemic should continue as best practices into the future.
The Court will continually evaluate post COVID-19 practices, and if necessary, will modify practices to better serve all court patrons. Information concerning practices can be found on the 22nd Judicial Circuit’s and Circuit Clerk of the Courts websites at:
22nd Judicial Circuit | McHenry County, IL (mchenrycountyil.gov)
Circuit Clerk | McHenry County, IL (mchenrycountyil.gov)
One sign says, “Don’t let the Media Divide Us…WWG1WGA!”
MSNBC broke story of QAnon being repackaged to “dog whistle” conspiracy theories under guise of running for local school board to fight CRT
“…many people who spout QAnon’s false claims have hatched a new plan: run for school board or local office, spread the gospel of Q, but don’t call it QAnon.” — NBC News 7/7/21
This week, MSNBC (or as President Trump would call it, “MSDNC”) opened up the Left’s latest battlefront to protect Critical Race Theory (CRT) being taught in schools, the military and basically everywhere:
Opposition to CRT is part of the QAnon conspiracy theory.
We witnessed some of this in comments about President Biden’s visit to McHenry County College on Wednesday, where the meaning of “WWG1WGA” (where we go one, we go all) was discussed given the picture (at top) Cal took from Wednesday’s demonstration.
The message on the sign, apart from WWG1WGA was timely about the media dividing the American people.
Here is a portion of this morning’s MSNBC story:
Ben Collins’ full article published this week can be viewed here.
One might wonder if the Left who controls Illinois government with supermajorities in Springfield, will add/amend the “Loyalty Oath” that is optional with candidate filings concerning the Communist Party from Cold War days, and add/amend it to swear an oath concerning QAnon conspiracy theories.
From the desk of John Lopez: Candidates thinking of running for elective public office in 2022 or local school boards and other offices in 2023, be prepared, the Left and their allies in the teachers unions will throw this at you. Be ready.
Last year, the Chicago Tribune ran an editorial identifying QAnon aligned candidates running for Congress in the 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts in order to make voters aware of ties to QAnon. And Media Matters for America ran a scorecard of congressional candidates across the country who have ties to QAnon, including appearances on podcasts and YouTube channels with ties to QAnon.
It happened last year, and the Left is showing this week it will happen again.
Rep. McLaughlin Advocates for Local Control This School Year
BARRINGTON HILLS… State Representative Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) said,
“As a state representative, but more importantly, as a parent of a 14-year-old public school student in Illinois, I am beyond disgusted that this governor believes he has the authority to issue 17 consecutive emergency executive orders regarding Covid-19 regulations.
“He does not.”
Martin McLaughlin
“Each of these orders fly in the face of the legal structure that has been set up for proper representation of all Illinois residents,” said Rep. McLaughlin.
“More importantly, our local elected school boards and the parents who sit on these boards have a much better understanding of what is necessary to keep our children safe and healthy.”
Rep. McLaughlin said, “Our children should be allowed once again to congregate and to learn in social environments that are required for the best possible educational outcomes.”
“I personally have never voted for a governor to have authority beyond our constitutionally protected rights. In my opinion, acceptance of these unlawful executive orders needs to stop now,” concluded Rep. McLaughlin.
Until bedtime, we watched episodes of “Bosch,” the series based on Michael Connelly’s excellent books.
But, since there are a lot more of the almost 300 pictures I took, let’s look further at who was outside at the McHenry County College appearance of President Joe Biden.
I find it interesting the pre- and post-visit coverage emphasize that Biden is the first “sitting President” to visit McHenry County.
Completely ignored is the 1988 visit of future President George Bush to a jam-packed McHenry County College gym arranged by McHenry County and Illinois State Republican Party Chairman Al Jourdan.
The next shot after the woman holding a Biden flag out of her car window is this one of a woman carrying a flag while wearing a patriotic tee shirt.
“1776 Forever Free” is the message on the tee shirt.
Then I saw a sign that sums up the result of what President Biden would talk about.
Biden’s Spending = Inflation.”
I got a photo of another flag that was new to me.
Smokey, the Bear, wearing a hat with the initials “KAG” which I do not understand, says, “Only You Can Prevent Socialism.”
A couple of cars decided to follow the example of the Black Lives Matter/End ICE supporters and park in front of the IDOT dump trucks on the west side of Route 14.
Conservatives demonstrating across from the masses on the MCC sidewalk.
There was some verbal sparring between the Black Live Matters/End ICE folks and the conservatives who parked a bit up Route 14. It resulted in Crystal Lake Policemen crossing the road from their MCC entrance blocking duty to have some words with the conservatives.
Whatever this interchange between Crystal Lake Police and those opposing Biden did not result in any change in location of the demonstrators.
Besides car and trucks honking horns occasionally to encourage the Trump supporters, some people were what might be called “drive by” demonstrator.
Woman holding an American Flag with what appears to be a Trump flag inside her car.
Another patriotic citizen closely followed the first.
People waving more American Flags drove by.
A caravan of Illinois State Police cars arrived.
More Illinois State Police cars than McHenry County has ever seen rolled in.
A small Trump flag was displayed from a car driving by.
A Trump flag contrasts with the Illinois Transportation dump trucks parking on the west side of Route 14 across from the MCC entrance.
Here’s a shot of the crowd from the vantage point of the entrance to the auditorium parking lot.
Flags were flying in at the demonstration.
Very few people in private cars were granted access to MCC via the entrance where I was standing. Besides Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, this mystery woman with Florida plate KNA S36 was admitted.
Mystery woman driving Florida plated vehicle is granted special access to the MCC parking lot.
Secret Service personnel also admitted this Illinois car.
Car with Illinois license plate number AN74826 was allowed to enter by the Secret Service.
Not everyone arrived by car. This couple rode their bikes.
The woman’s sign reads “Welcome Biden.” She wears a tee shirt with an equal sign.
And then a helicopter arrived.
This helicopter is owned by the Chicago Police Department.
A pickup truck flying a Trump flag drove by.
An intricate flag supporting Trump trailed behind a pickup truck.
A red car followed with a flag I cannot identify.
Flag not far enough out of the window to be identified.
Waling down the middle of Route 14 were these two.
The sign says, “Trump Won, You Lost.”
Another car carried a pro-Biden message. (It’s occupants would have been interesting to interview.)
“Conservatives 4 Biden” reads the sign on this car.
On 07-07-21 at 2331 hrs, Harvard Police responded to a residence in the 40 block of N. Ayer Street for a medical assist to the Harvard Fire Protection District for an unresponsive subject.
The subject, a Harvard Resident (m/45 yoa), was declared deceased by Fire Protection District personnel.
An investigation is ongoing and nothing further at this time.
So if California voters vote “yes” to recall Governor Newsom, who are the candidates voters must select in the winner-take-all recall election?
After submitting 2,117,730 signatures by the March 17, 2021 deadline, and after certification being finalized on June 23, the 2021 Recall special election of Governor Gavin Newsom (D, San Francisco) is on the ballot for September 14, 2021.
Voters will see two questions. The first (paraphrasing) simply shall Governor Gavin Newsom be recalled? (Yes/No).
If “Yes” voters outnumber “No”, then the 2nd question of which of the candidates on the recall ballot is to be elected in a winner-take-all election to replace the Recalled Governor Newsom.
So far, there are over 4 dozen declared candidates, with Republicans fielding the more prominent candidates including:
2018 Republican nominee John H. Cox, who previously lived in Illinois and was an unsuccessful Republican U.S. Senate candidate in 2002 and lost the 2004 General Election for Cook County Recorder of Deeds
Kevin Faulconer, former mayor of San Diego
Caitlyn Jenner (formerly 1976 Olympic Decathlon Champion Bruce Jenner), reality TV show actor and transgender activist
Assemblyman Kevin Kiley (suburban Sacramento) who’s been vocal critic of Governor Newsom since 2019
Former Congressman Doug Ose (3rd District), who was an unsuccessful candidate for governor in 2018
Former Trump Administration official Richard Grenell has reportedly decided not to pursue the governor’s race.
Kira Davis
Kevin Kiley
Red State blog published its endorsement of Assemblyman Kevin Kiley on Wednesday, July 7, day after he formally announced his candidacy and raised an initial $200K in his first day as a candidate.
Highlighting the endorsement of Kiley is his vocal opposition to Assembly Bill (AB5), the destructive worker classification bill pushed through by the Democrats in Sacramento and signed into law nearly two years by Governor Newsom:
“He [Kiley] has been one of the few state politicians who has actively lobbied against the disastrous AB5, also known as the ‘Gig Economy Bill’, which destroyed millions of independent contracting jobs across the state despite massive voter opposition, and which now has a national version sitting in the Senate, waiting to be approved (or stuffed into the infrastructure bill right under our noses).
“If the PRO Act passes it will deliver the same destruction of the ‘gig economy’ to the entire nation. The bill was fashioned to punish Uber and Lyft, but when those tech giants spent their way into an exemption, the bill did not die and still stands today, continuing to deny Californians the right to work for themselves as freelancers unless they receive as special exemption from the Sacramento gods.
“Kiley has been a tireless warrior for the California working class, continuing to attempt to repeal AB5, and collecting the harrowing stories of Californians who have been devastated by this perplexing and unjust law. That fight has earned him respect from Democrat and Republican Californians alike.”
Red State Editor-at-large Kira Davis, 7/7/21 editorial endorsement of Kevin Kiley
The editorial endorsement of the 36 years old 3-term state assemblyman, written by Editor-at-large Kira Davis, can be viewed here.
From the desk of John Lopez: The Red State article linked in the quote is a late May article discussing how Senate Democrats might attempt to place the PRO Act into the infrastructure bill. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework announced on June 24 does not include the PRO Act in the final compromise worked out between the Biden Administration, Senate Democrats and Senate Republicans.
Room setup.The backdrop for President Joe Biden’s appearance.
That’s the summary of President Joe Biden’s speech at McHenry County College today provided by State Senator Craig Wilcox, the only Republican legislator in attendance.
Republicans gaining entrance to the Joe Biden Illinois were McHenry County Board Chairman Mike Buehler, who stands between MCC Board President Mary Beth Siddons and Trustee Diane Evertsen, State Senstor Craig Wilcox and McHenry County Republican Party Chairman Tyler Wilke.
College President Clint Gabbard spoke.
MCC President Clint Gabbard address the crown without using the teleprompter.
As did a Latina student who was the first in her family to attend college.
First in her family to attend college, Edith Sanchez, was chosen to introduce the President.
The White House had said that the event was not political, but there was a line for photos with the President.
President Joe Biden speaking at McHenry County College.
In his speech, Biden touted universal pre-school for three and four year-olds.
President Biden leaving the stage.
Secret Service members were near as Biden left the gym stage.
Combining that with free junior college, would make seventeen years government-paid education.
Governor JB Pritzker was present.
Among the honored guests present were Jesse Jackson, Members of Congress, all sorts of Democratic Party Senators and State Reps., the two top officials from Scott Forge and Board members of the McHenry County Foundation.
The Secret Service allowed Congresswomn Loren Underwood to enter without having to wait in the long line. MCC is in her district.
In the exclusive reception area MCC President Clint Gabbard suggested that community college faculty might have their student loans forgiven in the spending bill being forged in Washington.
Three hours of standing up in the sun along Route 14 was enough for me.
These are the type of helicopters that flew over Crystal Lake on Tuesday. Numerous commenters have pointed out the planes are not helicopters, but re Ospreys. (Thanks for your expertise.)
I wore the hat that shaded my neck, but I should have been smart enough to wear long sleeves.
One of the Marine helicopters that flew into McHenry County College.
Almost three hundred photos were enough.
Gary Rabine’s campaign bus.
The first sign of political doings were happening near McHenry County College was GOP gubernatorial aspirant Gary Rabine’s bus at the intersection of Route 14 and Ridgefield Road.
People were camped at the bend in Route 14,
Preparing for the long haul.
Next, there were state dump trucks parked in a row across from the eastern entrance to MCC.
Dump trucks were parked across from McHenry County College’s entrance.
I cannot figure out why.
The west entrance to the auditorium and classroom parking let was blocked by Crystal Lake Police.
Crystal Lake Police kept the west entrance secure.
Supporters of Donald Trump were on the sidewalk near the stoplight at Lucas Road.
Shortly after nine in the morning, these demonstrators were in place.
A steady stream of people who had parked on Lucas Road crossed over to the junior college side of Route 14.
Those who parked on Lucas Road made a steady stream to the junior college campus.
And what should appear again but Gary Rabine’s bus heading toward Crystal Lake.
Gary Rabine’s bus has circled the college via Ridgefield Road.
Driving in the opposite direction, I found the eastern MCC entrance was blocked.
The Ridgefield Road entrance to Tartan Drive was blocked.
Turning back onto Route 14, I saw the first of the motorcycles bearing Trump flags.
A reprise of the fall campaign’s flags.
The second time around, I noticed the “MCC Welcomes President Biden” sign, which he will not be able to see because the helicopters landed south of the complex.
“MCC Welcomes President Biden.”
More Trump supporters had gathered on the sidewalk near the traffic signal.
Not yet 9:30, but Trump demonstrators were gathering on the sidewalk/bike path.
I parked on Lucas Road and walked to Route 14.
The Gary Rabine bus was parked across from the college as people who had parked on Lucas Road brought their signs. One says, “Trump own Joe.”
Most of the signs were homemade.
The tee shirt says, “I’ll be bach,” while the man’s sign says, “Count Every Legal Vote.” The couple hold a sign with Joe Biden’s name crossed out with a couple of disparaging words.
After parking on Lucas Road, this lady carried so many signs from her car that it took two trips to get them all across Route 14.
One sign says, “Don;t let the Media Divide Us. Shut off UR TV. WWG 1 WGA!” (Maybe someone can tell readers what the initials mean.)
Those privileged enough to have their names on the entrance list lined up for Secret Service approval on Tartan Drive.
Waiting for approval to enter the Biden event.
There was not an organized parade of Trump motorcyclists, but ones drove by every once in a while.
The second Trump motorcycle that I caught.
The Illinois State Police were present.
Illinois State Police car coming off Lucas Road.
Looks as if today was not a good day to pick up garbage.
Waste Management truck leaving the college.
A big clue that Biden was coming by air, rather than by surface transportation drove across Route 14 to the college campus.
Swiss Port carrying aviation/turbine engine fuel.
For some, the demonstration was a family affair.
Trump Mom and kids.
As the “Trump Mom” waited for the light to cross Route 14, she held up her sign for me to photograph.
“Stop human trafficking. Save our children.
The sing of the woman with her said, “Trump Won.”
Besides disputing the election results, the lady’s sign said, “The Whole World Knows Basement-Dwelling, Dementia-Ridden, Puppet Joe Lotr.”
Another “Trump Mom” brought her children.
I wanted to ask her, “How do you really feel?”
Her daughter had a sign of her own.
“Wake up Americsa. They want us divided. Let’s Unite.”
Meanwhile, the line for the privileged few allowed into the wherever Biden was to speak got much longer.
Everyone in the right hand lane was waiting for Secret Service approval.
A third motorcyclist decided to try to gain admittance.
One sure to be rejectred.
People had a long wait to walk across Route 14.
Heading to the sidewalk action.
A school bus was allowed to get in line.
What school district north of Crystal Lake uses Durham School Services for transporting students?
People keep arriving to demonstrate against Biden.
This flag with Trump standing in front of an American Flag.
Most TV crews came early. The one from WLS did not.
Channel 7 News came in through Lucas Road.
Meanwhile, the sidewalk was filling with Trump supporters.
More people were gathering on the sidewalk.
Then, about 10:45, a caravan arrived.
The Secret Service did not behave as if it were the President’s van.
Perhpas there were vulnerable people riding in some of the vehicles because there were ambulances.
The lineup contained emergency vehicles.
the name on the side of a bus provided a clue as to where the vehicles originated.
“Windy City Limousine” provided some transportation.
Cars were still lined up to pass Secret Service inspection.
Attendees had to drive past the Trump demonstrators.
The contingent with the largest banner was the Proud Boys. One said he was from Palatine.
Proud Boys banner.
Not all of those on the sidewalk were identified at Trump supporters.
These three were wearing tee shirts that were not overtly political. “Conserve your earth,” “A little kindness can change everything” and “Be Kind” were what they said.
And the cars with people planning to attend the Biden event kept coming.
Some cars had evidence of Trump support.
As I walked around, I kept finding messages I had not seen before.
Flag saying, “Rigged 2020. 45 is still my President.”
People drove by to show their support for Trump.
A litany of Republican activist talking points.
One man had a enlarged Trum cardboard face.
The teen’s tee shirt says, “Make America Skate Again.”
Here is another Trump flag I had not seen before.
This is a Second Amendment Trump flag.
Then, I noticed a liberal counter demonstration across the road.
Teo Black Lives Matter yard signs, two small and one large anti-ICE signs, plus two “Stop Deportation” signs.
More than just the woman seen above were on the other side of Route 14.
The anti-ICE, Black Lives Matter supporters brougt small children.
Another Trum flag caught my attention.
“Keep on Trumpin’.”
Governor JB Pritzker did not escape criticism.
“Pritzker Sucks the Life Out of Illinois Small Business.”
Below you can what appears to be the leader of the Proud Boy contingent.
Proud Boy wearing the enlarged cardboad rTump fasce.
The Proud Boys apparenlty have two flags.
Proud Boy flag.
This sign expressed knowledge of where Joe Biden is from.
“Joe -Go back to Delaware.”
Besides a chair, this Trump support has a flag, a sign and a tee shirt with a message.
The flag says, “Trump 2024.” The sign is short and simple: “FRAUD.”
The tee shire says, “Jesus is my Savior. Trump is my President.”
The next sign I saw ticked my funny bone.
“9 out of 4 Biden supporters regret their decision.”
In addition to Trump supporters, there were those supporting the Pro Life position, one that hard put to identify with any current Democrat (although in the 1970’s, there was at least one Pro-Life Democratic Precinct Committeeman, Darlene Dagenhardt, who represented a Nunda Township precinct near the current location of McHenry County College.)
“Abortion takes a human life.”
The next thing that caught my attention was license plates issued to State Representatives.
The first State Senate license plate I noticed was 39. Numbers for District 22 and 31 also were sighted. State Rep. plates, which are numbered by seniority, that I noticed were 67 and 80.
The largest Trump sign was one that said, “Trump Country.”
“Trump Country.”
Fond another homemade “Count Every Legal Vote” sign.
“Count Every Legal Vote” says the sign with the bearer and another man wearing Trump flags.
Another new homemade sign appeared.
“Cheatin’ D’s. Dominion and Democrats.”
It doesn’t appear as if anyone mass manufactured signs for this demonstration.
“Riding the Dragon.” In the background is a photo of Biden with the slogan, “Make China Great Again.”
Another Trump flag I had not previously seen.
“Troops for Trump.”
Someone took the time to make a number of signs, which were posted on the hill above the Route 14 sidewalk.
The signs say, ” God Bless American,” “Trump Won,” “Who Short Ashli,” a gas guage on empty, “Why RU here? Are U lost?” and “President Biden – Don;’t forget your notecards.”
A fair number of signs concerning human trafficking.
“Stop human trafficking” reads three of the signs.
Another flag with which I am unfamiliar.
“We the People are Pissed Off!”
There were pro-police signs.
“Back the Blue.”
I kept finding different flags.
“God, guns & Trump” flag.
Governor Pritzker and President Biden took some heat on this sign.
“Go back to DE and take Pritzker with you.”
This anti-Communist symbol was on the back of the sign above.
A symbol for no Communism.
More support for the police.
The police version of the American flag.
A car drove by with a Republican Party flag.
A passing vehicle expressed the driver’s support of the Republican Party.
I noticed that latecomers were now on the west side of Route 14.
Those at Lucas Road and Route 14.
New signs kept popping up.
Three messages: “Secure Our Borders,” “Trump won” and “Impeach Biden!/Harris.”
I finally found a Biden supporter with a sign.
“Welcome President Biden!!” the supporter’s sign read, Behind appears to be a flag reading, “Don’t Blame Me I Voted for Trump.”
One lady had a question about the President’s son.
“Wheres Hunter.”
An unidentified police helicopter flew over McHenry County College.
Police helicopter with department markings.
Too high to read signs like this anti-Biden message.
“Prosecute Commie Joe Biden.
Former Johnsburg School Board member Steve Rooney was back visiting from Florida. He apparently could not resist a good political show.
Police helicopter without departmental identification.
Here’s a man for whom Biden is not a favorite.
“Prosecute Commie Joe Biden.”
Former Johnsburg School Board member and Republican Precinct Committeeman Steve Rooney stood across Route 14 from me with a “Don’t Tread on Me’ flag.
Florida voter Steve Rooney has sold the property he owner in Illinois.
Before I close off the photos I took today, let me close out with a photo of a Biden flag draped out a car window.
Biden for President flag.
Someone else can share photos of the aircraft leaving Crystal Lake (or send them to calskiner2@gmail.com and I’ll post them)
While ordinary people apparently are not welcome to hear what President Joe Biden has to say at McHenry County College today, various groups are promoting demonstrations along Route 14.
One is Americans for Prosperity in Illinois.
Consider the Facebook posting below:
**LOCATION & TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE**President Biden will be visiting McHenry County College in Crystal Lake tomorrow.8900 US-14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012If good weather, we will gather starting at 10 AM across from the entrance of MCC ( come in through Lucas Rd, Park and Walk to join us.
If it rains, meet at the corner of 14 & Ridgefield Road by Breaker’s Restaurant. Park along Ridgefield Road. Walk to join us.
C-Span will be televising his address. Reportedly at 1:45 PM.
https://www.c-span.org/video/…Join us as we plan to welcome President Biden and encourage his administration to oppose corporate bailouts, tax hikes, and government overreach.
We will provide signs & water.
= = = = =
Those privileged enough to have been invited are supposed to be at MCC by eleven.
Ameren provides electricity for Central and Southern Illinois.
It frequently partners with ComEd in lobbying efforts.
ComEd gives campaign contributions to legislators in Ameren’s territory and Ameren gives money to politicians in ComEd’s service area.
I figure they know that constituents won’t know figure out the reciprocal arrangement.
At any rate, by forgiving $29 million in past due bills, Ameren, which has not been charged with Federal wrongdoing, puts pressure on crooked Commonwealth Edison to follow suit.
