Herman Cain Animated GIF

Just a little thing I made last night. This animated GIF of Herman Cain is a composite of photos I took of him during his speech at the Chicago Tea Party's April 18, 2011 Tax Day rally in Daley Plaza, Chicago. Enjoy!

New Chicago Tea Party Video, Plus Pre-Election To-Do List

Tea Party Patriots Chicago has released their first-ever video and it's gotten a lot of views since it was posted on YouTube on October 21. Watch it below, and then check out their list of Things To Do Before The Election!

(Updated) Photos of Chicago's 9/12 Rally With Joel Pollak

The turnout was small, but the message was big: Smaller government, less interference in our lives by politicians, lower taxes, and... well, you get the idea. Updated: See "Post Script" below. Also: Chicago Tea Party 9/12 rally photo essay at Marathon Pundit There were about 300 people at today's 9/12 Rally, sponsored by Chicago Tea Party. Slideshow below! It's hard to compete with the first day of the official NFL season, and I'm sure a lot of people were enjoying one more good weather weekend of the season. Adam Andrzejewski of For The Good Of Illinois gave a great speech, as always. Rogers Keats, as always, gave a lackluster speech. The real star of the show was Joel Pollak, candidate for U.S. Congress, IL-9. He's running against incumbent Jan Schakowsky, and that's the reason why the Chicago Tea Party had their event up in Morton Grove: That's Schakowsky Country. Pollak's speech was strong. He's a dynamic speaker, and he did not disappoint. "We must win in districts like this one," he told the crowd with wife Julia behind him on stage, "because this is Ground Zero in the struggle for American freedom today. Jan Schakowsky is the most extreme left-wing member of Congress. She is also the number one biggest spender in the House of Representatives, costing each family in America an extra $10,000 per year. She is the worst in the House on economic growth and national security. She represents the worst of Washington." The crowd clapped and cheered, and Pollak pushed on. "Like many ideologues, Jan Schakowsky is a hypocrite. She attacks big banks and oil companies, but she owns shares in them through her extensive mutual fund portfolio. She wants to raise taxes on the rich, but she just took a private plane on her summer vacation. She even breaks her promises to her liberal constituents. She promised to vote against a health care bill without a public option, but voted for it in the end anyway." Read the entire speech here... Julia Pollak also gave a good speech. With husband Joel standing behind her on stage, she talked about growing up in South Africa and seeing discrimination at its worst. Julia is a U.S. Navy reservist and spoke about why she loves the United States. "I am proud to be here with you today–as a black woman, as a Jewish woman, as an immigrant, and as a future sailor in the U.S. Navy Reserve. I signed up for the Navy for the simple reason that I want to defend freedom, and because I know that the U.S. armed forces are the greatest force for freedom in the world today. I value that freedom, and I do not want to see it destroyed by enemies abroad or bad government at home. "I grew up in South Africa. When I was born, black people could not vote. I was born in a segregated hospital for “coloured” people. I was turned away from public schools that were set aside for “whites only.” My mother was part of the struggle against apartheid. I remember the day when she voted for the first time. Nelson Mandela appointed her to be on South Africa’s human rights commission. We fought for, and believed in, freedom. "I am not yet a citizen. I am a legal immigrant. Soon, hopefully, I will take my citizenship test. One of the questions on that test is as follows–number 41: “Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?” There are only four correct answers: 'A: to print money; B: to declare war; C: to create an army; D to make treaties.' That’s it! Anything else is the wrong answer! "Today, in Chicago and across the nation, people are gathering to support the Tea Party because we know we have to stop what is happening in Washington. We have to stop spending money we don’t have. We have to stop apologizing to regimes that oppress their own people. We have to stand up for the U.S. Constitution and for the American people and our future. That is why I am here with you today, together with my husband." Read all of Julia Pollak's speech here... POST SCRIPT: A reader left this simple-minded comment: "Suppose they gave a tea party and nobody came." Well now, that would be strange. I'd hardly call 300 people "nobody." The commenter is obviously a Lefty. Perhaps they're envious of the strength of the Tea Party movement. Perhaps they're fearful of it. Probably, it's both. The commenter probably knows too well that the Tea Party continues to grow even as the much weaker "Coffee Party" displays a flacid impotence on the political stage. To wit, an article from the California Independent Voter Network (CIVN). Excerpts: The Tea Party’s ability to make a noticeable presence in Sacramento says something about the movement’s ability to resonate with voters. It will be intriguing to see how much the Tea Party can chip away from the Democratic vote in California come the 2010 midterm elections.... Meanwhile, while the Tea Party movement seems to continue gaining strength, alternatives to the Tea Party movement seem to be quite weak. For instance, while the Coffee Party may have skyrocketed to nearly 300,000 members on their Facebook group, they have yet to hold a rally as big as the recent 9/12 events or even as large as the Glenn Beck “Restoring Honor” rally held in D.C. just a few weeks ago. Full article....

Get Text Alerts From Chicago Tea Party!

Now you can get up-to-the-minute updates from the Chicago Tea Party delivered to your mobile phone. Simply text CHICAGOTEA to 41411 to receive text alerts from the Chicago Tea Party. Only standard text messaging rates apply - there's no additional cost to you! With November 2 coming up, it's more important than ever for you to have the latest information on Tea Party news and events.

Chicago Tea Party Meeting Promises Spirited Debate

The August Monthly Meeting of the Chicago Tea Party will be jam packed. On Wednesday, August 18, we will hear from Mark Batinick, Campaign Manager for Cedra Crenshaw, as well as a candidate for U.S. Congress and a candidate for U.S. Senate. Mark Batinick will tell us about how Crenshaw got involved in the Tea Party movement and why she decided to run for office. We'll also discuss how you can help Cedra Crenshaw in her campaign against the Chicago Machine. We'll also hear live, eyewitness reports from several people who attended Melissa Bean's meeting last week where thug tactics were used to intimidate her constituents. Please watch the video here if you have not already done so. Following the discussion of Bean's meeting, we will hear from her opponent, Joe Walsh, candidate for U.S Congress, IL-8th District. Joe will talk to us about why he's running and contrast the differences between him and Melissa Bean. Date: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 - 7:00 p.m. Location: Original Blackie's, 755 S. Clark Street, Chicago 60605 (view map) Note: This is NOT "Boston Blackies". Finally, we'll also hear from Michael Labno, Libertarian Candidate for U.S. Senate. Labno is on the ballot and running against Mark Kirk and Alexi Giannoulias. Michael will explain why he is running, what he stands for, and will take questions from the audience. This is your opportunity to directly question one of the candidates for U.S. Senate and get more informed about the race. Plans for the following will be discussed: * Trip to 8/28 Restoring Honor Rally in Washington * The next Chicago Tea Party Rally on 9/12, Freedom Fest * Right Nation Event on 9/18 featuring Glenn Beck and other speakers The monthly meetings of the Chicago Tea Party are open to all freedom loving Americans. As always, we will devote time to an open forum where you can discuss any issues you would like. Visit the Chicago Tea Party at http://www.teapartychicago.org/. You can contact julie@teapartychicago.org with any questions.

MAY 5 ANTI-TAX PROTEST IN SPRINGFIELD

What: Taxed Enough Already (TEA) Rally at the Capitol
Where: The Capitol in Springfield
When: Wednesday, May 5, 12:00 noon CDT

Hundreds of concerned citizens are set to gather Wednesday, May 5 at 12:00 noon CDT in front of the Capitol in Springfield to oppose unsustainable state government spending and Governor Quinn’s proposed 33% income tax increase. After the rally, the citizens will enter the Capitol at 1:00 p.m. to meet with their representatives from the House and Senate.

This rally by the Chicago Tea Party and other Illinois Tea Party groups from across the state will provide a stark contrast from the union sponsored rally in Springfield on April 21. "We can’t afford to pay people to take the day off of work or bus people in by the thousands," stated Chicago Coordinator Steve Stevlic. "You won’t see any big screen TVs, DJs, tents with food, free t-shirts or pre-printed signs. We’ll be paying our own way to deliver a simple message: the people of Illinois can not afford a tax increase in this economy.”

“We plan to tell our legislators what we’re hearing when we talk to our neighbors - we need to balance the state budget with spending cuts, not tax increases. Tax increases hurt struggling families, hurt businesses and will cost us jobs,” said Illinois Tea Party State Director Denise Cattoni.

The citizens will also urge their legislators to support Illinois House Resolution 1057, an audit of state spending to identify waste and end Illinois’ culture of corruption. The resolution has 28 sponsors, including Democrats Rep. Jack Franks and Rep. Keith Farnham.

Credentialed media and local bloggers are invited to cover this event.

· Learn more about the Chicago Tea Party at: http://teapartychicago.org
· Learn more about the Illinois Tea Party at: http://illinoistea.org
· Learn more about Tea Party Patriots at: http://teapartypatriots.org

CONTACTS:

STEVE STEVLIC Organizer, Chicago Tax Day Tea Party Coordinator, Tea Party Patriots Chicago stevlic@gmail.com http://teapartychicago.org 708.289.5443

xxxxxx

DENISE CATTONI State Director Illinois Tea Party dcattoni@aol.com http://illinoistea.org 630.290.2130

Chicago Tea Party Sign Making Party, April 13

You are invited to attend the Tea Party Patriots Sign Making Party on Tuesday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m. The party will be held at Original Blackie's Restaurant and Tavern, 755 S. Clark, in the South Loop. Free Admission. Here is a chance to meet, talk and brainstorm with people like you before the Chicago Tax Day Tea Party. We will have sign making materials, or you can bring your own. Click here for more info. Please RSVP by sending an email to Nicole, tea.party.nicole@gmail.com. 

For sign-making inspiration, see Tea Party slideshows here:
205 Photos of Tea Party Express in Rockford, April 6
95 Photos of Homer-Lockport Tea Party, April 10

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UPDATED 2X: Chicago Tax Day Tea Party, April 15, Noon

NOTE NEW LOCATION: DALEY PLAZA - The location has been changed to Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington.

The Chicago Tax Day Tea Party will be on April 15, 2010 at Noon. We will gather at Daley Plaza, downtown Chicago in the Loop by the Picasso sculpture (SEE MAP). That's 50 W. Washington, Chicago, IL. For details, see the Tea Party Patriots Chicago web site. Parking is lousy, thanks to Mayor Daley and the City Council, but the location is a short walking distance from CTA trains.  (Also, please see "Beware Chicago's Fake Tax Day Tea Party Event.")

The one year anniversary and celebration of the first Chicago Tax Day Tea Party will feature nationally known speakers, local liberty leaders and regular Americans who have made a difference over the past year. Enjoy live rock, blues and country music. RSVP via Facebook.

Here are just some of the speakers:

•Adam Andrzejewski, Reformer & Transparency Advocate

•John O'Hara, Author of "A New American Tea Party"

•Joe Calomino, Americans for Prosperity

•John Tillman, Illinois Policy Institute

•Kristina Rasmussen, Illinois Policy Institute

•Joel Pollak, Candidate for U.S. Congress, IL-9

•Joe Walsh, Candidate for U.S. Congress, IL-8

•Kathy Barkulis, Tea Partier who confronted CNN Reporter

•C. Steven Tucker, Tea Partier, Health Care Expert

•Dr. Kurt Erickson, Tea Partier, Cardiologist
•Jim Tobin, National Taxpayers United of Illinois
•Much more - yes, we're serious. Stay tuned...

MORE TAX DAY TEA PARTIES:
Tax Day Tea Parties, Nationwide (teapartypatriots.org)
Palatine IL Tax Day Tea Party
Tax Day Tea Party, Washington DC (Freedomworks.org)

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Rogue "Chicago Tea Party Patriots" Must Be Shunned (Updated)

UPDATED, APRIL 12, 2010: SEE "Chicago's Tax Day Tea Party Confusion" UPDATED, 11:12 PM, NOV 23 (added info below) - It's one thing to yell and shout; that's a time honored way of getting your voice heard, and as long as there's no physical violence it's all fair. Usually. Sometimes words can be as hurtful as a punch in the face, and the rogue Chicago Tea Patriots seems to have hurled some unnecessarily mean punches recently by mocking a couple whose grandchild died. I call them rogue because they were ousted from the Illinois Tea Party Patriots, of which they were, until a few weeks ago, a part of. They've been operating as feral cats, essentially, without sanction. Full disclosure: I'm "tea partier" myself, but am not a member of any group. I support what tea parties are trying to accomplish. But what this rogue Chicago group did in mocking the death of a child is inexcusable. That's not what the tea parties about, and it certainly is not what conservatives or libertarians are about. Note: Do not confuse the outcast "Chicago Tea Patriots" with the legitmate "Tea Party Patriots Chicago" (TPPC). TPPC is a legitimate and authentic chapter of Illinois Tea Party Patriots (ITPP), which in turn is part of the nationwide Tea Party Patriots. The "ugliness and mob mentality of the Tea Party movement was on full display last week, during a town meeting held by Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) on Nov. 14. What happened? A mob of teabaggers, blinded by hate and anger laughed at and heckled a grieving couple, who lost both their daughter-in-law and grandchild." (Source: Chattahbox) You can see the video at the Chattabox post or see it on YouTube. The leader of Chicago Tea Patriots, Catherina Wojtowicz (photo), had this on her Facebook page as of 8:45 this evening (Nov. 23): "I'm on Huffington Post. The haters are all over calling me. She included my phone number. Awwe, Saul Alinsky!!" Now, maybe I'm wrong, but that does not seem like an apology, and it's hardly a denial. In fact, it seems uncomfortably like bragging. This group needs to be shunned. For fans of looney tweets, Wojtowicz is "Catherina6429" on Twitter. UPDATE, Nov. 23, 11:12 PM: At 8:35 p.m. this evening, I sent a message to Catherina Wojtowicz via Facebook, asking her for a response to the stories about the sad incident. I asked her for a response before 11:00. The last thing she wrote to me, via Facebook, was "I will issue out a response tomorrow. You have your blog and will do as you see fit." That's right, and I see fit to wonder why Wojtowicz didn't issue a public response days ago, rather than spending time on her Facebook page mocking the coverage of the incident and happily wallowing in her newfound national notoriety. She has, in addition, locked her Twitter page (Catherina6429) so that only invited people can see what she writes. As I said before, it is just not right to laugh at somebody's innocent death. It's sick, it's disgusting. The many emails I've received already about this, from fellow tea partiers, all express disgust over the actions the Chicago Tea Party Patriots. I condemn this kind of behavior, frankly. Fortunately, this is NOT typical tea partier behavior. I've been to many, and have not witnessed this attitude. The abrasive and extreme attitude of the rogue Chicago group is why the Illinois Tea Party Patriots kicked them out. Good riddance.

Marathon Pundit Speaks at Silent NO More Tea Party

Chicago, Oct. 17, 2009 - Video - The "Silent NO More Tea Party" in was almost washed out by rain on Saturday, but at the last moment the sun broke through and the rally went on. Among the speakers at the rally was John Ruberry, the man behind the popular conservative blog, "Marathon Pundit." This is John's speech to the crowd at Millennium Park. It's significant that October 17 is the anniversary of the Russian Revolution that gave birth to the Soviet Union; John's wife escaped the repression of the Soviet Union to come to America. You can follow John Ruberry on Twitter, too (@Marathonpundit). Also See: More on Chicago's "Silent No More" Tea Party

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Kevin Jackson's Speech to Chicago Silent NO More Tea Party

Here, in two parts, is the speech made by Kevin Jackson at the October 17 "Silent NO More Tea Party" in Millennium Park, Chicago.

Part One

Part Two

RELATED: Kevin Jackson Joins Chicago's BIG Tea Party Weekend, Oct. 16-17 Kevin Jackson Challenges Janeane Garofalo to Debate Kevin Jackson Wows Austin Heart of Texas Rally Conservative Caps, Shirt and more! Leave a Comment - Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Visit us on Twitter!

86 Photos of Chicago Silent No More Tea Party

Slideshow of the October 17 tea party in Chicago's Millennium Park. Among the speakers were superbloggers Kevin Jackson (The Black Sphere) and John Ruberry (Marathon Pundit). Nice turn of a few hundred people who got lucky as the rain stopped moments before the event started. (Note to Tea Party organizers: Millennium Park is a lousy venue for these events, so please consider different locations. Parking is difficult and expensive and public transit is not convenient for many attendees.) HINT: Click on any slide to go directly to the online photo album! Conservative Caps, Shirt and more! Leave a Comment - Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Visit us on Twitter!

At Last! Sept 12 Chicago Tea Party Video is Up!

Now, after requests from world leaders and incessant phone calls from my security chief, here it is, below. (Also see our slideshow of the event.) Cool Hats & Shirts for Cool Conservatives Leave a Comment... Chicago News Bench RSS Feed We're on Twitter...

Video! Chicago Tea Party in Millennium Park

I swear helds will roll for this. Intern! Intern, tell everyone that they can see the video by clicking here. Now, go fetch me a coffee. Be quick. Cool Hats & Shirts for Cool Conservatives Leave a Comment... Chicago News Bench RSS Feed We're on Twitter...

Photos of Chicago's Sept. 12 Tea Party Rally in Millennium Park

UPDATED: Also see the video from this event. About 500 people showed up to protest Big Government and Obamacare on a picture-perfect day in Chicago, on scenic Michgan Avenue. Chicago News Bench was there and took the photos in the slideshow below (or go directly to the online photo album). Video for you on Monday, Sept. 14. ALSO SEE: 9/12 Chicago Tea Party After Action Report at NavyJacks.com Comment from Katja, Sept. 13, 2009: I was at the 9/12 rally yesterday in Millennium park. One of the things that struck me about it was the very small number of signs that had to do with anything local. One of the only things I saw was a sticker on the back of a sign referencing the tax hike Gov. Quinn has his heart set on (http://www.flickr.com/photos/linnapaw/3914338964/). I'd say that there were 300-400 people out there, which is small, but I'm hoping that a lot of people made it out to DC - we managed to export the best of our lovely Chicago politics out there... (The whole set can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/linnapaw/sets/72157622225201225/) Cool Hats & Shirts for Cool Conservatives Leave a Comment... Chicago News Bench RSS Feed We're on Twitter...

Google 2009 Tea Party Search

Just for fun, do a Google web search for "2009 tea party" and see which web site is at the top. Not just a blog, but of all the websites out there... Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Cool Stuff...

SurgeUSA.org Tea Party Photos and More

Big thanks to Bruce Donnelly, who sent a very interesting email to me today: I thought this might interest you. Photos and other event links: http://www.surgeusa.org/actions/chicago.htm I'm also building up a Surge:Illinois reference page and similar ones for every state. Suggestions are welcome. The idea is to make it easier for conservative individuals to find information about what their peers and elected officials are saying and doing. In short, help to empower those who are frustrated to get involved and do something on whatever issues matter to them. In particular, the idea is to focus on what good things can be done at the state and local level, even if the national leadership isn't paying attention (yet). For example, try the various custom search tools found on the site, such as http://www.surgeusa.org/search.htm http://www.surgeusa.org/state/governors.htm Unlike blogs and campaign or party sites or PACs and other groups, this isn't about me, or about fundraising. It's about providing online tools for individual conservatives so that the focus can shift to a better organized base, rather than to the will of the leadership (which is the liberal model). It took Reagan from 1964 to 1980 to take our country back for conservatives. We don't have that sort of time available now. We have to move fast, because this liberal insurgency is exploding more bombs in our path every day as they take us down the road to serfdom as fast as they can. Best regards, Bruce Donnelly SurgeUSA.org (based in the far NW Chicago suburbs) Bio - http://www.surgeusa.org/bios/bio_donnelly.htm I served in the State Department under Reagan Chicago News Bench Merchandise Chicago News Bench RSS Feed

Peraica Was There, Where Were GOP "Leaders?"

Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica was at the Chicago Tea Party yesterday. He was the only elected official in attendance. Where were the other elected officials? Where were the rest of the Republican and conservative so-called "leaders?" Also See: Where Was Candidate Greg Bedell? Chicago News Bench Merchandise Chicago News Bench RSS Feed

Cavuto Covers the Tea Parties

Fox's Neil Cavuto talked to people about the nationwide tea party protests yesterday (watch the video here). One of the people interviewed is friend Fran Eaton, editor at Illinois Review. Hat tip to friend Anne Leary at Backyard Conservative, who has more pix and coverage over by dere. Even more great stuff on the Chicago protest can be found at friend John Ruberry's blog, Marathon Pundit. Chicago News Bench Merchandise Chicago News Bench RSS Feed

Best Chicago Tea Party Video I've Seen

Jake Jacobsen made this great video of yesterday's Chicago Tea Party protest. Jake works with the Rosanna Pulido 2009 campaign for Illinois' 5th congressional district. Chicago News Bench Merchandise Chicago News Bench RSS Feed