Northern IL Patriots Gp Mtg

[christine smutney]

Attended a very interesting mtg of the N IL Patriots www.northernilpatriots.org at the Gurnee locale with many speakers talking about how they have been involved and making a difference! Rachel McCarthy asked the important question "what am I willing to sacrifice for freedom?" and stated that if you just bring 1 person to a mtg it will make a huge difference! Greg Clements spoke about the importance of precinct committemen, how this is a most powerful position, talking to people face to face. Randy Rossi gave hints on writing letters to the editor, thus reaching many people. He said facts are essential, not ranting! Facts can be gotten from the WSJ, Rasmussen Polls, Heritage Report and Stratfor. Erin Westphal shared her ideas about high tech communication via blogging, twitter, facebook, Youtube and podcasts and going viral with a message by retweeting. She mentioned NorthernILPats, New Patriot Journal, Red State and McHenry County Blog as sources of current information. We heard sobering statistics from Americans For Prosperity about the challenge of taking back IL. According to the speaker, Jo Calomino, liberal media in 10 days took Brady's 12 point lead to a dead heat, indicating that the conservative grassroots have a challenge and November is Coming!

Candidates from the district made appearances including Jo Walsh, Judge Ortiz, Mark Curran and Joann Osman. Brian Shick talked about his organization Troopchores which organizes people to provide helpful services to families who have parent soldiers away from home. Brian stated that he currently has 25 volunteers providing services ranging from snow shoveling (not now of course) to minor repairs. Army reserves from Peoria are set to go to Afghan in Oct as Brian is organizing service providers for people in that area. Representatives from The Conservative Magazine of Illinois passed out samples of their August issue featuring The Great Awakening: Blacks in the Conservative Movement! Tony Raymond explained the Voter Guide which is pg 15 of the magazine and rates candidates from 1 to 5 stars depending on how they uphold the core values of the N IL Patriots.

An unknown patriot passed out complementary copies of a dvd Fall of the Republic which explains the current state of world affairs in 2 hours. Don't despair, however, Part 2 has solutions (haven't gotten there yet)

15 upcoming events including Young Republicans BBQ on 8/28 and NRA Family Fun Day 9/25 are planned.