Remembering R. Lee Wrights

“I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.” – Thomas Jefferson

My dearly departed friend Lee Wrights used this quote as a tagline under his email signature. I received hundreds of emails from Lee over the years. Hundreds of times, I was exposed to this saying. Quotes, like mantras, are sometimes so often used and repeated, they seem to lose luster and become blurred in the background of our over-stimulated minds.

Knowing Lee as I did, this particular quote never faded into my subconscious. With his love and respect for his friends, Lee brought this quote to life. This love and respect extended even further to include everyone he met. This timeless yet all too rare custom and quality of character, I found in my friend. His depth of compassion and pursuit of peace left an impression on me that will remain a part of me forever.

He indeed was a Preacher of Peace… and what a preacher he was!

Madigan: Power. Privilege. Politics.

Illinois is one of only 14 states without term limits and this documentary highlights the influence an officeholder can wield in the absence of term limits. Madigan is the longest-serving House Speaker in the U.S. Madigan became an Illinois legislator in 1971 and has been Speaker of the House in Illinois for all but two years since 1983. During the time Madigan has been Speaker, Illinois has had six different governors, more than 200 state senators and more than 500 state representatives.

“Insurmountable Burden” Law For Third Parties Striken, Paving The Way For Libertarian Candidates – Amanda Vinicky

A just-issued court order does away with a law that third-party candidates say makes it difficult to run for certain offices in Illinois.

Source: “Insurmountable Burden” Law For Third Parties Striken, Paving The Way For Libertarian Candidates | Peoria Public Radio

Sean Morrison, owner of gun-toting firm that threatened Libertarians, up for Cook County Seat

From The Illinois Insider…

Remember Sean Morrison of Morrison Security, the owner of the firm hired by the Illinois GOP to threaten Libertarian Party petition circulators with gun-toting “thugs?” Now GOP leaders say they expect Morrison to be appointed to succeed Cook County Commissioner Liz Gorman Wednesday night. Morrison says he is “cautiously optimistic” about the appointment.

But insiders say the news could re-open some angry political wounds.

“It’s outrageous for this man who was directly involved in voter suppression efforts against the Libertarian Party may be appointed to the Cook County Board,” said William J. Kelly, an Emmy award-winning TV producer and former statewide GOP candidate for Illinois comptroller, who will be speaking at the Illinois Libertarian Convention in July.

Morrison and his firm made headlines last August after the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Illinois GOP hired armed private investigators from Morrison’s firm to intimidate the Libertarian Party’s signature petition circulators.

At the time then candidate Bruce Rauner denied any knowledge of the armed intimidation threats despite his deep ties to the bad actors.

Read the rest via Sean Morrison, owner of gun-toting firm that threatened Libertarians, up for Cook County Seat | theillinoisinsider.com.

Illinois OAI at IL NORML Lobby Day This Wednesday in Springfield

As part of an effort to move Illinois law in a libertarian direction, we will sponsor opportunities to join other groups in Springfield for visits with your representative and senator.  This Wednesday, February 25th, at 9am, you are encouraged to join Thomas Hill, OAI Illinois Director, as he joins the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) to advocate bills lessening the prohibition of cannabis and hemp.  Will you commit to participating, and forward this email to a couple of fellow activists to join you?

Upon arrival head straight into the Capitol, go through screening, and meet at the NORML table on the 1st floor for handouts and to ask questions regarding how best to utilize your time, and be partnered with others to help you navigate this experience.  Helping NORML’s Lobby Day will inform politicians of the dissatisfaction with the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program and the slow pace of reform in Illinois.

If cannabis and hemp reform aren’t your priorities for lobbying, don’t worry – Director Hill will have a separate Our America Initiative handout with other bills that promote liberty.  Indeed, in Illinois OAI long has supported the No Cronies project, an effort to abolish taxpayer subsidies and preferences for influential institutions.  Feel free to share handouts from both groups with your politicians and their staffers.  According to IL NORML’s Lobby Day instructions, it’s important to try to schedule a meeting with your reps before your arrival; the link describes other areas of the Capitol to find and speak with your legislator.  The lobbying will continue through 4pm.

Advocating libertarian law changes is the priority of 501(c)4s like Our America Initiative.  To be connected to Director Hill to help the cause, kindly fill out the volunteer link.  With your donation now and input from our Advisory Councils, we could advocate less government and more freedom nationally and through more of our fifty state affiliates.

Yours in Liberty,

Thomas Hill

Illinois Director

ThomasHill@OurAmericaInitiative.com