NationBuilder Friend -- When I was a Marine prosecutor I had a recurring opportunity to give a lecture to new Marine recruiters.? One of the things I always told them was:? "don't lose perspective." Unfortunately, we frequently lose perspective as a society.? We idolize the pop sta…

NationBuilder Friend -- We are a week and a half removed from the 2020 session of the Illinois General Assembly and it's time for an assessment. Let's start with the good.? I've already written you about JCAR getting Governor Pritzker to repeal his misguided rule criminalizing viol…

NationBuilder Friend -- One hour into yesterday's JCAR closed-doors pre-meeting, one of the Democrat committee members said, "You all better make a deal because none of us are going to vote with you." We didn't make a deal. We held firm and refused to acquiesce to Governor Pritzker…

NationBuilder Friend -- Two nights ago, I urged Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady to make a request for hearings about Governor Pritzker's Restore Illinois Plan when the General Assembly returns to Springfield next week.? We have a right to know the thinking behind mind-boggling …

NationBuilder Friend -- Back in 1994 when I attended the Marine Corps Infantry Officer Course, the instructors taught me that successful leaders are willing to listen to feedback and adapt their combat plans when circumstances require it. Fast forward to the present.? As I type thi…

NationBuilder Friend -- You have no right to complain unless you try to do something to make the situation better. Since March 16, I've been publicly calling for a plan to bring us back to a post-COVID19 normal.? I've done an op-ed and led a group of Republican senators to send an …

NationBuilder Friend -- You know you've struck a nerve when they react with histrionics.? Last week I led a push from some Illinois Senate Republicans to ask Governor Pritzker to begin the gradual reopening of our state when medical experts believe we have the capacity to handle th…

NationBuilder Friend -- Disaster response is not the time for politics. It is, however, the time for leadership.  As elected officials, we must attempt to build unity while still pointing out necessary course corrections.  I hope you'll read and share this OpEd of mine that The So…

NationBuilder Friend -- Two quick notes.? First, if you are curious about my thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic, I recommend you listen to this radio interview with Tom Miller on WJPF this morning.? We need to come together as a nation.? That also means Governor Pritzker needs to st…

NationBuilder Friend -- Last Thursday and Saturday, I gave keynote addresses at the Jackson and Perry County Lincoln Day Dinners.? As part of my speeches, I talked about what the Illinois Republican Party needs to stand for.? You can see some pictures from both events here. I know …

NationBuilder Friend -- Back when I was prosecuting cases in the Marine Corps, I would argue to the jury that what WASN'T SAID was AS IMPORTANT as what WAS SAID. Governor Pritzker's budget address last week is a perfect example of that. The Governor gave a budget speech and failed …

NationBuilder Friend -- Sorry that you haven't heard from me for awhile.? External considerations kept me from sending out political emails.? That's now behind me, so you'll be receiving updates with more frequency. Yesterday was a bad day for Governor Pritzker. First, he suffered …