GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - July 20, 2008

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
-- BEYOND BEYOND BEYOND OUTRAGEOUS: 10,000+ come to Wheaton on Saturday, July 19, to show their support for America's troops and veterans, but the anti-American anti-Republican ABC7, NBC5, CBS2, Daily Herald, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and other members of Obama's campaign team do not report it - Dave Diersen
www.gopillinois.com
More than 10,000 outstanding Americans came to Wheaton's beautiful Cantigny Park on Saturday, July 19, to show their support for America's outstanding troops and veterans. But beyond beyond beyond outrageously, the anti-American anti-Republican ABC7, NBC5, CBS2, Daily Herald, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and other members of Obama's campaign team has not reported it, at least, as of this morning. The 10,000+ outstanding Americans paid $25 each to attend the outstanding concert to raise funds to support America's outstanding troops and veterans. Outstanding performers included American English, Dick Biondi, Greg Brown, Cisco Cotto, Tom Dreesen, John Howell, Brant Miller, and Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. The third annual "Rockin' for the Troops" concert was organized by Operation Support Our Troops Illinois (www.osotil.org). WIND 560 AM, 94.7 WLS FM, and many delicious food vendors were there. $1,500 "Two Star" sponsors included Congresswoman Judy Biggert, Milton Township Republican Committee, and U.S. Senate candidate Steve Sauerberg. $500 "One Star" sponsors included DuPage County, DuPage Federation of Republican Women, GOPUSA ILLINOIS, Lisle Township Republican Organization, and Naperville Area Republican Women's Organization. Attendees included Bob Earl, Chris Hage, Liz Martinez, Steve Sauerberg, and May Yurgaitis.

CBS2
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: CBS2 outrageously argues that "Soldiers (Were) Overjoyed To Meet Obama In Kuwait"
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/barack.obama.kuwait.2.775213.html

CONGRESSMAN PETER ROSKAM
-- OUTSTANDING: Roskam statement on illegal immigrant raids in Chicagoland suburbs - Matt Vriesema
http://www.roskam.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=97948
(THE PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Peter J. Roskam (R-IL) today released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and local law enforcement officials conducted raids netting 48 illegal immigrants in Illinois' 6th Congressional District and surrounding communities, most with criminal records: “This week’s illegal immigrant raids are another stark reminder of the failed policies of the Blagojevich Administration - policies that have encouraged illegal immigrants to flock to our state. Illinois is home to more than 550,000 illegal immigrants. Only three states have larger illegal populations, all of which are southern border states - California, Texas and Florida respectively. “While other states have taken proactive steps to discourage illegal immigration and promote the rule of law, Illinois has blocked many common sense tools to curb illegal immigration. Just last year, the Department of Homeland Security filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois and the Blagojevich Administration for blocking the use of any employee verification program, including E-Verify. “Illegal immigrants flock to Illinois because the Blagojevich Administration has created an open-door policy that turns a blind eye to employers that hire illegal workers. “First and foremost we must secure our southern border and remove the magnets that attract so many illegal immigrants to our state – jobs. E-Verify is a common sense tool that should be required in Illinois, not discouraged or banned.” Forty-two of the 48 illegal immigrants arrested in the raids have criminal records for crimes including aggravated battery, drunk driving, drug possession, burglary, theft and domestic battery – many or the arrestees are also affiliated with local gangs.)

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: 18th Congressional District: John Birch replaces Demetra DeMonte on the Illinois Republican Party State Central Committee
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x469163110/Bernard-Schoenburg-Questions-arise-in-wake-of-Christian-Co-fundraiser
(FROM THE SCHOENBURG ARTICLE: The new member of the Republican State Central Committee from the 18th Congressional District says he’s a strong backer of state Rep. AARON SCHOCK, R-Peoria, for the U.S. House, even though he defeated Schock’s campaign manager for the central committee post. Pike County GOP Chairman JOHN BIRCH got the nod, winning the votes of 13 of 20 GOP county chairs in the 18th at a meeting last weekend. Sangamon County GOP Chairman TONY LIBRI wasn’t at the meeting, but Libri’s votes went to STEVEN SHEARER, Schock’s campaign manager. The weighted vote was 48,465 for Birch and 32,366 for Shearer. “I’m behind Aaron 100 percent,” Birch said. “I think he’s a new rising star, and I think he’ll be a fine congressman.” Birch said he was an early endorser of Schock during the GOP primary and got other county chairs to go along as well. On the state central committee, Birch replaces DEMETRA DeMONTE of Pekin, who was recently elected at the GOP state convention to the Republican National Committee. She had the job briefly after the retirement earlier this year of longtime member MARYALICE ERICKSON of Peoria.)
-- Governor gets budget blame - Editorial
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x2050102554/Our-Opinion-Governor-gets-budget-blame
-- A completely pointless special session - Doug Finke
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x390634935/Statehouse-Insider-A-completely-pointless-special-session

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- Obama & McCain: Networks love a sweet story even without jelly filling - John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass_bd_7-20jul20,0,1502931.column
-- Pastor Andre Allen ousted from Wheaton church for arrest - AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-pastorousted,0,2861924.story
-- Change: A matter of convenience - Steve Chapman
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-oped0720chapmanjul20,0,158989.column

SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- Biggert's re-election: certainty or surprise? Kristen McQueary
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/mcqueary/1063074,072008mcqueary.article

DAILY HERALD
-- FRONT PAGE: Illinois casinos beat the odds with tighter slot machines - Joseph Ryan
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=221651 (Includes video clip)
-- FRONT PAGE IN DUPAGE EDITION WITH COLOR PHOTO OF ALLEN: Wheaton's Second Baptist Church votes to oust Reverend Andre Allen - Melissa Jenco and Justin Kmitch
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=222152
(FROM THE ARTICLE: After three hours of heated debate, Second Baptist Church in Wheaton voted Saturday to oust the Rev. Andre Allen as its pastor. . .In order to dismiss him, the church's bylaws stipulate that the full congregation - roughly 275 members - must take a secret-ballot vote. The vote was conducted during a three-hour, members-only meeting Saturday evening, with police presence from both Wheaton and Glen Ellyn. About two hours into the meeting, an altercation from within spilled outside onto the church grounds, sending police rushing to break it up and calm church members. No arrests were made. Allen's wife Denise left the church shortly after, visibly distraught and needing assistance to walk across the street to the family's home. Less than 10 minutes later, paramedics responded to the home but did not take Denise to the hospital. Jarrett later said she had "fallen ill." Allen also left the church during that time and returned to his home. He did not speak to reporters nearby and did not return calls seeking comment. The meeting ended less than an hour after Allen's departure. Several church members looked emotional as they pulled out of the parking lot but declined comment, as did family members at Allen's home. Jarrett said the vote was close but he would not go into detail about the exact numbers or what took place during the meeting. He said Allen will remain part of the church, just not as its leader. "He has done a lot of good work in this community and this church and we will not forget that," Jarrett said. Allen's Nov. 2 arrest was not his first. He was also arrested more than a decade ago for similar charges of touching two women in a provoking or insulting manner at a fitness center in a Holiday Inn in Lisle. He was found guilty of one misdemeanor and placed on court supervision. The conviction was later expunged from his record but three law enforcement officials close to the case have confirmed the details. Friday, another woman filed a police report saying Allen had touched her inappropriately during a meeting in a church office. But the alleged incident took place in 2001, making it too late to pursue prosecution. Second Baptist Church leaders will meet within a week or two to decide how to proceed in the wake of Allen's dismissal. In the meantime, they will bring in counselors to assist their members. Assistant Minister Henry Gordon will preside over services this morning.)

BEACON NEWS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: TRAGIC AND OUTRAGEOUS: Democrats having success bamboozling people into being excited about Obama
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1064451,2_1_AU20_VOTE_S2.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: TRAGIC AND OUTRAGEOUS: Democrats having success bamboozling people into registering to vote for Obama
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1065058,2_1_AU20_VOTE_S1.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: TRAGIC AND OUTRAGEOUS: 13th Congressional District: Beacon News promotes Democrat Scott Harper
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1064883,2_1_AU20_BIGGERT_S1.article

ILLINOIS REVIEW
-- Blagojevich's Best Friend Froehlich responds (kind of) - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/07/blagojevichs-bf.html
-- VERY SAD: Harvard Jr. High transforms into Mexican consulate - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/07/mexican-consula.html

REPUBLICANS FOR FAIR MEDIA
-- Barack Obama: Dems choose B.O. over Hillary: But will choice leave Party holding its nose in November? - Daniel T. Zanoza
http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2008/07/dems-choose-bo-over-hillary-but-will-choice-leave-party-holding-its-nose-in-november.html

WASHINGTON POST
-- The Audacity of Vanity - Charles Krauthammer
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/17/AR2008071701839.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

MERCURY NEWS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Mercury News outrageously argues that Obama is "shifting toward the center"
http://www.mercurynews.com/politics/ci_9939610

POLITICO
-- It’ll only get worse after Bush - Jeremy Lott
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/11877.html

NATIONAL POST
-- VERY SAD: MORAL RELATIVISTS OVERJOYED: For sinners, pressure is off Wheaton College professor and author Alan Jacobs explores cultural, social history of the evil hanging over all of us - Charles Lewis
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/story.html?id=665023

ARIZONA CENTRAL
-- Candidates cringe at aides' gaffes - Dan Nowicki and Ronald J. Hansen
http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/election08/articles/2008/07/20/20080720gaffes-side0720.html

CATHOLIC EXPLORER
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: The Catholic Explorer promoted a Tom Hogueisson in 2006. Is this the same Tom Hogueisson who was a) in Matthew Ristau's (age 31, Glen Ellyn) car when he struck a Chicago police officer with a vehicle during a traffic stop and fled the wrong way onto the Eisenhower Expressway during Friday's afternoon rush hour, b) was shot in the torso by an officer and remains in Stroger Hospital, and c) was charged with heroin possession?
http://www.catholicexplorer.com/explore4325/atd/the-profile-of-aids-in-am.shtml
(FROM THE 8/31/06 ARTICLE: Tom Hogueisson paused after rinsing soap off a vehicle during an Aug. 25 fund-raising car wash for two organizations sponsored by the Wheaton Franciscans, Canticle Place in Wheaton and Our Kids Matter. The resident of the 12-unit home for those afflicted with HIV/AIDS briefly described what it’s like to live with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. The former schoolteacher openly stated, “I’ve had AIDS since 1983. I’ve come a long way, since I’ve had AIDS 23 years . . . It’s not over. The crisis isn’t over just because there’s a cocktail. Your quality of life is much better, but there’s nothing really positive about being (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) positive.” Advances in medicine, however, have afforded him the opportunity to live, when 80 of his AIDS-afflicted friends died from complications from the disease. The idea of fighting for his life has been about more than simply taking medicine to slow progression of the disease, it has been about maintaining his well-being. AIDS, including the ability to afford housing, maintain employment and minimize healthcare costs, complicates the social, physical and emotional aspects of life. Hogueisson said he considered himself one of the lucky ones, because he was able to find sanctuary at Canticle Place, the only DuPage County residence focused on taking in those with HIV or AIDS. “It saved my life. When I came here, I weighed 110 pounds. I was very sick. I was on my way out,” said the man who believed he was about to die until seven years ago when he moved to Canticle Place. Speaking of the benefits of the facility, he said, “It allowed me to heal and to get healthy and to find purpose again.” Since then, Hogueisson has gained at least 50 pounds and bolstered his immune system. A faithful member of the Catholic Church, he said his spiritual life has improved as well as his perspective on life in general. Reflecting on the years before he moved to Canticle Place, he said his elderly parents were unable to care for him, and he was too sick to work due to the symptoms of AIDS, including fatigue and stomach problems. His plight appeared bleak, he said, until he discovered the welcoming hands of staff members at the DuPage County facility. He described the community of friends he has found at Canticle Place as a “godsend.” Speaking of the 13 other residents at Canticle Place, he said, “We all took different ships to get here. But we’re all in the same boat.” While the residents of Canticle Place have the opportunity to live in a facility that takes into consideration all of the challenges of those with HIV/AIDS, not all of the more than 500 DuPage County residents—based on statistics from the Illinois Department of Health—living with HIV/AIDS have the same luxury of affordable housing and support, pointed out Jeana Stewart, co-director of Canticle Ministries, another ministry of the Wheaton Franciscans. The ministry provides various supportive services to those at-risk or already infected with HIV as well as those within the population that are undiagnosed with HIV, a virus that causes AIDS.)

LOUISVILLE COURIER JOURNAL
-- 1978: The year our times began - Kenneth Baer
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080720/OPINION04/807200406
(DIERSEN: 1978 Diersen events include contributing money to the Republican Party for the third year in a row, being denied advancement opportunities by IRS because I was not a female or a veteran and because I complained about the discrimination, being the subject of a 4-page hatchet job in the February issue of Money magazine, marrying Karen Gassner from Chicago, selling my Outer Drive East condominium, buying 1017 East Harrison in Wheaton, renting out my townhome in University Park, buying a new 1978 Chevette and new 1978 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royal in Glen Ellyn, storing my 1972 Corvette at my mother's home in Crete, working for IRS as Collection Division Special Procedures Staff Advisor, finally winning my 1974 grievance against IRS (GAO Decision B-180010.11), defending my Loyola University graduate business courses and my DePaul University graduate accounting courses in Tax Court and winning a split decision, and taking the Becker CPA review course.)