By: Mark Glennon*
As reported by CBS Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot ordered a parking ban from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday in the neighborhood of Philadelphia Romanian Church in response to its intention to hold services. No parking/tow warning signs went up the evening before.
On Sunday morning the police arrived to enforce the signs not just on churchgoers but on residents and everybody else. A report by Second City Cop said cars were towed and that the church’s private lot was blocked off.
However, a representative of the local Chicago Alderman questioned that account in part, saying that as of 10 A.M. the police denied that neighbors were ticketed or towed, and that the private lot to the church was also not closed by the city. And an NBC Chicago story said only that police stood outside the church and gave tickets. I also reached the church pastor who said he did not believe any cars were towed. Nevertheless, no-parking/tow warnings were clearly posted and police were there to do the enforcement.
Perhaps Lightfoot doesn’t share the view that civil liberties come not from her hand or the hand of Governor JB Pritzker. The church’s pastor said this: “The mayor is inciting hate against the church which is very sad. A lot of our members risked their lives to escape Communism, only to find it germinating in 2020 under Mayor Lightfoot in Chicago.”
He continued: “We prayed for the mayor and the governor almost every evening since March 19. We will continue to pray for them. Yet, we are also aware of our constitutional rights. Their effort to intimidate us will make us stronger.”
And let’s hope Lightfoot will explain her sense of justice in punishing everybody in the neighborhood by having their cars banged up and towed to the city’s infamous pound.
Find the rebels’ neighborhood and bulldoze it, that’s sort of the thinking. Nobody should be surprised because Pritzker is doing the same. He threatened to withhold federal money from any municipality that defies his emergency order. Tough luck even for residents in those communities who support Pritzker’s order. Some justice.
Some Chicagoans — no doubt including some who had their cars towed — indeed are on Pritzker’s side. They even had their own protest, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, against churchgoers at Philadelphia Romanian and some other churches. This “is really indicative of a clear, right-wing cult mentality that they have,” one of the protesters said. “They would rather keep themselves in business, keep themselves earning money, instead of caring about the residents of this neighborhood, which many of them, including the pastor, are not a part of.”
A fascinating aspect of the shutdown is who have been among those most frequently standing up for civil liberties: cops!
Around the state, many police chiefs and other enforcement officials have said they won’t enforce Pritzker’s emergency order. The Illinois Sheriffs” Association, in response to Pritzker’s threats to those who won’t enforce his order, said, “It is outrageous that the Governor is threatening retaliation against these leaders and the men and women of their offices. He is insulting heroic police officers, corrections officers and local voters.”
So, whatever you call what’s become of Illinois, don’t call it a “police state” because so many of our police want no part of any such thing.
And Second City Cop is a blog run by current and former Chicago police officers. They reported this initially. About Lightfoot’s towing they concluded:
It should also be a clarion call to the churches across the city as to how far the left will go to crush the faithful of all denominations. You are only useful to them as far as you obey orders and do what you’re told. If you don’t speak up now, expect the same to happen to you in short order.
Bravo.
This story was updated May 18 and May 19, 2020 to delete quotes from Second City Cop about cars being towed, and to add the partially conflicting account by the representative of the local alderman and the church pastor saying no cars were actually towed. The headline was also changed accordingly.
*Mark Glennon is founder of Wirepoints.
Read more about COVID-19 and the impact on Illinois:
- Pritzker’s overly-restrictive shutdown rules make Illinois a national outlier
- Half of Illinois’ deaths linked to retirement homes. Five key facts you should know.
- Indifference to Illegality of Illinois Stay-at-Home Order is Frightening
- Wirepoints analysis reveals 92 percent of Cook County COVID-19 victims had pre-existing conditions
- With New FDA Action, Gov. Pritzker and Dr. Ezike Have No Excuse for Further Stonewalling Antibody Testing
- Pritzker’s top-down reopen strategy will fail large parts of IL: He should expect pushback
- Governor Pritzker’s Plan to Reopen Illinois Makes No Sense
- COVID-19: Seven facts that tell us Illinoisans can and must get back to work
- Illinois’ COVID-19 crisis: Daily data update
Hey Wirepoints, in light of recent events, might be fun to revisit Lightfoot’s heavy handed police response to this small church in comparison to the riots.
This is illegal!! This idiot mayor is a criminal who needs to be removed from office!!
Lucky for you don’t vote for him next time. Or better yet, You Run‼️
‘OPEN RIGHT NOW’ Trump tells governors to open churches, synagogues and mosques IMMEDIATELY and orders CDC to deem them ‘essential’
https://www.the-sun.com/news/871914/trump-tells-governors-open-churches-immediately/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=sunusnewsfacebook&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1590170909
Folks, if you have a troublesome Governor or Mayor ruining your life, AG Barr and his team stand ready to fight for you.
https://www.justice.gov/contact-us…
The solution has always been you.
https://www.coreysdigs.com/opinion/the-solution-has-always-been-you/?fbclid=IwAR16HyOXlVj5Bxiq5Vhig_0baRwie2YWtrmzh4ue3Mcs4htTFz3Oi2bvAsU
Dan Roberts FANTASTIC Judges Speech before issuing a ruling petaining to Illinois lockdown Judge McHaney: “Before I rule, I’m advising everybody in this room, no public outbursts or displays. The court is still in session until you are told otherwise. Since the inception of this insanity, the following regulations, rules or consequences have occurred: I won’t get COVID if I get an abortion but I will get COVID if I get a colonoscopy. Selling pot is essential but selling goods and services at a family- owned business is not. Pot wasn’t even legal and pot dispensaries didn’t even exist in… Read more »
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Frealjameswoods%2Fstatus%2F1262510843788357632%3Fs%3D21%26fbclid%3DIwAR07SxNhGFzI3Qhr1mamSjArXVYu3mA0hUtjpMT1-2uh-bhOWi6nSrrf7mQ&h=AT3izEqMsLxhJb3HWNxSrx63ihXcx6AnUzgm6j-JzebyRCwuT2F7DFfymYxtnH9hMTgyr5QAw4Jd9Dd9ueAfTTPXJmnkD99OQ6TYRQaiyYKZ1c5K6QopUoiEX9VZTEMqyzUSN-l2sEoLIQ4RzXGIYtQQITg56cf9
Shared from a friend – who shared from a friend… New York City is allowing you to hang out on the beaches, but not swim. California is allowing you to swim, but not hang out on the beaches. Both claim science is guiding their policies. It’s symmetrical because they are on opposite coasts. Those time zone differences really do add up! ??♂️ You can do both in Georgia. Just no “gatherings” over 10 people. ??♂️? In Los Angeles you can be on the wet sand but not the dry sand. How do you get to the wet sand without walking… Read more »
People are Safer at Hone…this virus is killing people. I know people who have been affected…please worship at home…God is everywhere…we do not need a building…I think it’s a selfish act by Pastors who believe worshiping in an unsafe environment is good for their members..Hat off to Mayor Lightfoot for doing everything she can to save lives…communism what a joke. Stop encouraging people to stop acting in their best interests…How many Churches have help their members during this time or are they just worried about the collection plate…PLEASE TO ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO RISK THEIR HEALTH…WHAT A JOKE….I’m glad I think… Read more »
Please inform yourself more…these tyrannical laws they are putting in place will stay forever because the virus will never disappear if we don’t get heard immunity…
Not only that but people will get more desperate and start taking actions…enforcing further unconstitutional laws…
Please, do everyone a favor and kill yourself. Or just become reclusive and never contact anyone ever again.
Actually you proved beyond a reasonable doubt that you don’t think at all. Stupid is as stupid does.
Barr orders legal action against governors whose COVID-19 actions infringe on civil rights
https://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/apr/27/william-barr-orders-legal-action-against-governors/?fbclid=IwAR1g1jnhBvj2TMoJq7krwg2ua_mS2_0rOI4DZU26ntKNsmAe-nUyKoeS2cg
In paragraph 3 the article says no one was towed, in paragraph 6 it says they were. Which was it?
Conflicting accounts. Just trying to point that out.
A reciprocating saw will make short work of those signs.
Ha ha President Trump said yesterday he will override mayors and govenorns
God is watching all the evil leaders. You still have time to repent and give up your ungodly sexual lifestyle. In Jesus name. Amen.
Mark, I live downstate and really appreciate Wirepoints because I get news from many sources that I normally wouldn’t see. I’ve shared info from Wirepoints to a number of people and they love the good info they see. But, I gotta ask about this story. I shared it with a friend in north Chicago and she insists that no cars were towed, no tickets given, etc. Says there was nothing in the Tribune, nothing on her Nextdoor account, nothing. Did they tow cars or just put up signs? How can I verify what actually happened? I think this was a… Read more »
Yes, it does appear that no cars were towed. I updated the story yesterday as shown to indicate the claim I saw by the local alderman to that effect, which differs from the account by Second City Cop. I also spoke today to the pastor who confirmed that no cars were towed, so I am further updating the story to show that. However, at least one TV station reported that tickets were issued. In any event, when the signs go up and police are there ready to act, that’s really what’s important I think.
Can you suggest to them to start a shuttle service for parishioners wishing to attend Mass. There is not problem with cars parking on the lot or in the street and you get your service done.
But yet, a woman in Downstate IL, was forced into bankruptcy of her wedding business, she opened her doors to liquidate her assets and the Forestry police shut her down and stood post outside her business and would not let anyone enter….I’m sorry, aren’t the forestry police part of the Police association?
AG BARR has repeatedly stated he will go after violations of people Constitutional liberties. Let the Church know to file a grievance against that pos Governor.
The church closing (s) violate the US and Illinois Constitutions. ☹️
Remove the fat boy!! He is killing the state of Illinois!!
The governor needs to repent he is self deceived
He needs to be recalled or thrown out of office when he comes up for reelection.
For the most part, these Blue States are getting the Government they voted for. Maybe come the next elections they will make better choices. No sympathy.
It’s called the tyranny of the majority. 52% the state was democrat in 2010 and they gerrymandered the maps into a 69% and 67% super majority in the legislature. And since no opposition party candidate actually runs in these gerrymandered districts, the overall Democrat turnout across the state is ridiculously high compared to disenfranchised and demoralized Republicans, who further use this stat to say that the IL GOP is dead. Well, the IL GOP is dead, but the Republicans are still here, they just don’t have any Republicans to vote for in their gerrymandered districts, and even if they did… Read more »
@debtsor This also applies to Congress – Cheri Bustos is in a heavily gerrymandered district. In a ‘fair map’ Bustos couldn’t get elected dog catcher – She’s close to wasted space.
Same for Jan S, been in congress longer than I’ve been an adult, never had any real competition, and her district is drawn so crazy that no one can ever challenge her and win.
Deptsor is a major failed jaf off.
Then do as they do. Get Republicans to run as Dems and take your State back. NO EXCUSES. That is what Dems do in Texas since they can’t get elected calling themselves Dems. After election switch back to Republican .
Then do as they do. Get Republicans to run as Dems and take your State back. NO EXCUSES. That is what Dems do in Texas since they can’t get elected calling themselves Dems. After election switch back to Republican .
This is madness turned into utter stupidity.
This is so unbelievable! I’m 77 years old and never have e seen this in all my years! Its frightening. How can one man do this? Can’t we get him impeached?
What I thought I would never see is how sheepishly so many are accepting this. Or at least I hoped I would never see it. Especially from the press. Still to this day not one editorial in a major paper in Illinois has criticized or even questioned Pritzker’s legal position that he may maintain his sweeping emergency powers for as long as he wants.
This is perhaps the scariest part of it all. None of our media dares question this fool
Dare question? Why would they do that? They agree with him! Always know your enemy. They do not think like you or share your same beliefs.
Debstor eats poo
And you eat shit.
“Nobody” will question him, because of his name. ?
We can pray him out!!
That won’t work. ☹️
Then do as they do. Get Republicans to run as Dems and take your State back. NO EXCUSES. That is what Dems do in Texas since they can’t get elected calling themselves Dems. After election switch back to Republican .
Then do as they do. Get Republicans to run as Dems and take your State back. NO EXCUSES. That is what Dems do in Texas since they can’t get elected calling themselves Dems. After election switch back to Republican .
Sounds like the mayor of Chicago and the governor need to be put in jail and throw away the key! While you are cleaning house put Madigan in there with them. Let’s make Illinois great again!!!
Hi Marcia.
This city should file a law suit again the mayor just like North Carolina did against the Governor. North Carolina won!!!! They cannot tell the Church that they cannot meet. The Churches are following the same rules mandated for the businesses that are allowed to open. They cannot set one rule for the stores and allow people to pile in and no one is watching to see if they abide by the rules set but they will not allow the church to open. Something is so wrong here. You should get the same attorney that North Carolina used. Please Stand… Read more »
Aussie here.
I used to look to America as a whole, as an example as what we should aim to be like.
Now i can see the globalist minions at work in more and more states.
With all due respect for both your office and you as a person, I still am compelled to say shame on you, Mayor, for this completely unlogical and cowardly act of religious discrimination. If these churches are going above and beyond the CDC’s guidelines for safety and distancing (which are a separate cause for discussion) then what is the problem??? Will you also shut down every Amazon fullfillment center, attorney office, transportation facility, abortion clinic, Lowes, Costco, and every sidewalk in the city in which people could possibly come within 6 feet of each other?? Or let’s face it, this… Read more »
Next week have the Parishioners take public transportation to church.
If I lived in that area, I would offer free rides to and from church for parishioners. But since i live in Wisconsin, is there anyone else in the area able to make that offer? Sure hope so. And then we can tell that mayor to stuff it!
The church can get volunteers to shuttle the parishioners to and from thereby outfoxing the commie Mayor.
The power-mad officials need to be reminded what country this is. They should be ashamed. How does this woman face herself in the mirror every day….how does FF JB Pritzker sleep at night?
The citizens of Illinois should file a class-action suit against all of them.
JB sleeps on luxurious bedsheets of imported cotton that are more expensive than your car. He sleeps very soundly, and by soundly, I mean, because of his size, he likely snores a lot and his CPAP machines is probably really loud.
Go back to the homeless shelter and clean the toilets. That’s all you’re good for.
Pre-Nazi Germany. Textbook takeover technique. Read your history books people and fight back NOW. Or the same fate will be yours.
One thing they do spend much time on in school, anymore is history. This is not by accident, they have been preparing for a chance to scare us in to submission for along time. They have the chance now to see how much we will pushed around and controlled. Listen close to what a lot of our elected officials are saying. We are being lead down the same path Pre-Nazi Germany went down. Wake up and pay attention, we better fight back now while we still can.
Sounds like a plan to park somewhere else and get dropped off at church. Then picked up later as then they wont be parking anywhere close, I am sure Pelosi told all DEM states to keep harassing the people so they will hate Trump. All they are getting is DEMS hating and voting FOR Trump. None of the Red states have this problem ….. so its coming from the top of the DEMS people.
Political leaders and other people who support not allowing churches to hold worship services are being controlled by Satan, The Great Deceiver and Father of Lies. Unless these people totally repent from their sinful and hateful behavior ageist believers in Christ, will face the full wrath of Jesus Christ at the end times.
At the White Throne of Judgment, Christ will look into His book of life and say I do not know you and they will be condemned for eternal life in the Lake of Burning Sulfur. Where they will be weeping and gnashing their teeth forever with Satan.
The freedom of religion and the freedom to assemble? Anyone? About time a few Christians disobeyed the fear-based atheistic doctrine of the day. We are to gather and pray because this is the power to change and heal. But if you live in fear and not faith, then stay home. Those that don’t shouldn’t be treated this way. That’s what freedom is. Includes the freedom to disagree and retain and act out rights.
Vote the SOB out of office next election. You can’t do much at till this crap is over. Democrats now have a Communism doctrine attitude and are using it.
Why not RECALL that fat Governor ?
Does anyone not see the hypocrisy of the left in this?? They spout Trump is Hitler, call his followers Nazis and worse and then go and do the VERY SAME THING they accuse conservatives of! THEY are the ones acting like Nazis in this! Open your eyes people!
Yes! This is exactly true.
Time to fight back. Beginning with impeachment. The Dems are so fond of impeachment, send some their way
Yeah like that’s going to happen.
Time to leave Illinois. Those that stay are enabling this.
not true. not all of us are in a position to leave. I would in a heartbeat, but you don’t know everyone’s story. Let’s get a movement to impeach started. Can’t wait until his term is over, for crying out loud!
Recall the governor
Rise up against this Facist governor and mayor!!!!!
Stop whining
Okay, Karen. 😛 (Pithy is as pithy does)
Every citizen should sue the Mayor
Every citizen should sue the Mayor
This image is misleading. There were only 20+ members in attendance.
Good point. It was meant just to be a generic picture of the church. We will correct the caption to clarify.
It says under the picture that it was taken pre- Corona virus.
Twice more than the Guv allows? Off with their heads!
How many Muslim Mosques were raided?
I am the pastor of this church. Most of the things said are not true. The picture is at least 2 years old. We had less than 10% of our membership present. We had strict distancing rules in place. The goal of the parking ban was to incite hate against the church from the residents. We had plenty of parking for the people attending in our own parking lot. We were always good neighbors. Now we are standing for their freedom and are prepared to take the hate and suffer the consequences. God bless you all and God bless America!
I stand in the gap for you and the church!
Thank you and apologies for the inadvertent impression that the old picture was from this past Sunday.
Bless you and prayers for protection
Thank you, Pastor. Keep the faith like Daniel. Suffer like Joseph if you need to. God is with you. In time, you will rule like David.
Mark, and all the commentators so far, it is just idle talk. Who is suing, the City, and the major personally? Who is taking to lawyers? I will be looking for an update.
We are posting links to all stories about all lawsuits we can find. There are a number of them ongoing.
To the best of your knowledge, is there a lawsuit in this case already?
None that I know of.
They even had their own protest, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, against churchgoers at Philadelphia Romanian and some other churches. This “is really indicative of a clear, right-wing cult mentality that they have,” one of the protesters said. “They would rather keep themselves in business, keep themselves earning money, instead of caring about the residents …
Who “sponsored” these Pro-Pritzker “protesters” at this site AND OTHERS!! Is it just me or did the interviewee sound a tad coached??
The maroy heavyfoot in typical tyrant
Fashion.. she belive she has the power. Next election she will that the people have the power on voting out the democratic dummies.
This is soooo wrong! The city, mayor, governor should be sued! All charges should be waived or paid by Pritzker or maybe even the church!
The left despises christians now you see even more proof.
A chicago version of kristalnacht pure evil…
Glad I left Chicago, that Lightfoot is bad news.
Why isn’t this on the news
national news for sure!
Chicago media goes along with whatever Dems want (state and local).
That’s for sure they never tell the other side of the story or dare challenge this governor, or mayor lighthead, the media is also bought and paid for in Illinois. Did anybody ever notice that at Pritzker daily boring lying news conferences that all questions by the media and online are pre screened, did you notice he always has the answers swift and quick?? yes no