By: Mark Glennon*
In its darkest hours, the American Revolution, America faced a single threat – the British Army – but today, the list of its mortal threats is long: an open border order, rampant crime, politicized schools, politicized justice, inflation, lost energy independence, biased and corrupt media, woke everything and suppression of free speech by social media colluding with the government.
Still more threatens the life of Illinois, including unending corruption, oppressive taxes and public unions that have captured government. Our pension crisis alone threatens the state’s financial viability.
On what basis, then, is there reason to think our downfall can be avoided?
Consider what each of those problems has in common for the answer.
Each was created by policies not supported by public opinion. Think about it. I defy any reader to find any survey on any of those threats saying the public supports the path we’ve been on. To the contrary, polling routinely show majority if not overwhelming support for enforcing the border, ending lax criminal prosecution, school choice to improve education and so on down the list.
For that reason, suicidal polices can be reversed. The problem has been that extremists, representing a third or so of the public at most, have punched far beyond their weight in elections. How they’ve achieved that is a discussion for another day, but it’s undeniable that most of the public doesn’t want the radical policies they’ve implemented.
To reverse course, the majority must be heard.
They can be heard.
For an example of the kind of effort we need to get policy back in line with opinion, I submit Exhibit A: the good people of Manteno, Illinois.
In a village board meeting this month that should make your heart swell, Manteno residents – ordinary Americans all – unanimously spoke against the electric vehicle battery plant recently announced for the village by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The owner of the grossly over-subsidized plant will be Gotion, a Chinese company closely linked to the Chinese Communist party.
“What you’re doing, it’s against everything you stood up for when you said the Pledge of Allegiance,” one resident said. “You’re going to invite our enemy into our very [own] backyard, and these people [here] to raise their children. … If this goes on and you don’t do anything to stop it, it’s on you.”
“Money isn’t everything,” said another. “It’s nothing short than a kick in the face to ask all of us, the county taxpayers to put up our own tax money to fund a Chinese, communist-owned battery plant and put up our tax money, our own health and natural resources as collateral.”
“I fought for our freedoms and here you are pissing on them,” said an Iraq veteran.
“If this isn’t time to be steadfast against this I don’t know what other time is,” said another. “If you permit it, you promote it.”
Others spoke about the environmental hazards the plant would create. No citizen at the meeting supported Gotion. Opponents left with one person telling the board, “You sold yourself to the devil.”
Conventional wisdom says you can’t fight city hall. Don’t try telling that to Manteno residents.
And don’t bother telling them that they’re also up against billionaire Gov. JB Pritzker and the Chinese Communist Party, because they are expanding their fight: Another village board meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 2, and a press conference is coalescing ahead of that meeting that will include a number of groups opposing the Gotion plant.
Speakers will include former Congressman, Chair of the House Intelligence Committee and Ambassador Pete Hoekstra; Former Ambassador Joseph Cella, who authored a new Crain’s op-ed opposing Gotion; and the Coalition for a Prosperous America, which represents exclusively domestic producers across America:
Character is destiny, it has long been said, but the courage to take a stand is an essential element of real character.
Stand up as Manteno residents are doing.
Stand up against all that’s going wrong in America and Illinois.
Stand up in whatever way you can.
The majority of our people will then prevail and their character will again be America’s destiny.
*Mark Glennon is founder of Wirepoints, and independent research and commentary nonprofit organization.
We are collecting all major news on the Manteno Gotion project here.
Details emerging about Chicago Teachers Union’s upcoming contract show just how divorced its demands, both extreme and expensive, are from the reality at Chicago schools. It’s not just about massive salary increases, but also about money for migrant students, climate initiatives, abortions and gender-affirming care. About blocking parental notification. Count on CTU’s demands to veer further from reality until the public finally says no. 
Weekly crime statistics from the Chicago Police Department: Report through 5/4/2024.
Gov. JB Pritzker calls it “ethics” reform.
It’s rare to see city leaders in Chicago take an open, unabashed stance on the collapse of literacy. To complain is deemed as too political, too racist or too anti-public schools. So it’s refreshing to see Willie Wilson, a successful businessman and leader of the black community, call for a literacy initiative “with the goal of getting 100% of Black students reading at grade level.”
https://governors.library.ca.gov/addresses/33-Reagan01.html#:~:text=Perhaps%20you%20and%20I%20have,only%20once%20to%20a%20people. This is a Ronald Reagan’s inaugural speech in 1967 for Governor of California. It rings true today for all the reasons we speak about often here at Wirepoints. It is not something that we teach anymore and sadly we have replaced these uniquely American values with something else. It’s a reminder of how easy freedom is lost without ever returning. I am often negative and pessimistic about our future collectively because we are surrounded by low IQ voters and basically the mob of crybabies who want to rip statues down and disrespect our history. My gut tells me that… Read more »
Do you realize you quit and give in almost every single post, sometimes more than once?
Please don’t mistake me for simply a keyboard warrior. Yes woke Dave I do realize it 100%. Show us all how you will unseat our billionaire communist governor and our communist mayor. Show us the way Dave.
It’s SO HARD to have optimism in this state.
You have the freedom to leave Illinois.
Mark, thank you for this article!
A few years back, I would go visit my dad at the Manteno Veterans Home a couple of times a week. We would always go to lunch at Mayberry Junction and within a few weeks time, we got to know just about everybody who walked through the door. A warm, friendly town filled with good people. I hope this project doesn’t go through but I’m afraid it’s already on the fast track. Corrupt Illinois politicians, a useless, biased media and Pritzgers billions are formidable opponents.
Yes, exceptionally nice people there. Same for the folks in Michigan who have rallied against the nearly identical Gotion plant proposal there. We’ve been talking to them extensively.
Well said Mark, hit the nail on the head.
Mark, keep up the good fight. We need thought leaders like yourself and your team to inspire us
False hope & optimism isn’t going to save Illinois.
Just like it won’t save Putin & Russia.
Illinois’s days are numbered. Accept it and move on.
That’s not what the article was about. The Manteno project can be killed, saving taxpayers from giving $8B to China. The many national problems destroying America can be solved if people stand up. That’s what it’s about.
Mark here is the truth. Send an email to your Senator and Congressman that you do not support the project. Then have someone else send a email to that they are against the project. Within a few days both of you will get the same “Canned Letter” back, they do not even bother to open up your email and read it.
Yes, of course. That’s for chumps. Instead, you need to do things like this, all of which the progressives do really well, which is why they win: Pick out a few issues or groups that you feel strongly about. Maybe problems at your kid’s school, or maybe the battery factory in Manteno, or maybe the new migrant camp in your neighborhood. Get involved in a group focused on that and fight in the manner that suits your skills. If you like to speak, do it at board meetings. Or maybe you are a shy bookkeeper so volunteer some help on… Read more »
Yes, you are on to something. As one internet pundit Jesse Kelly loves to point out, the commies in our state are total wimps. They often cave at the first sign of adversity. Real commies like Mao, Castro, Pol Pot, Stalin, they were battle hardened commies who killed millions of people in real war, and won real battles to assume power prior to wielding communism to destroy their remaining enemies. Our commies are weak. I see those these DSA members celebrating the torching of police cars, or yelling “no justice, no peace!” or passing laws that are completely insane. They… Read more »
We have tremendous power. What are you smoking?
You have been brainwashed to believe they give a hoot about the average citizen. It is just “Shut up and pay your taxes”.
Mark, I wish I thought you could make a difference but look what has happened in the years you have had Wirepoints. Things are worse not better.
You’ve apparently never read what we’ve often said about what we intend to accomplish, and have accomplished.
The Road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Do you really think the Pension obligation has gone down? Do you really think crime in the Chitty has gone down? Do you really think that the education system is better? Do you really think law enforcement has improved? Illinois is in worse shape it has ever been in and getting worse at an increasing rate. I applaud your efforts, but the facts are the facts. Citizens are not fleeing because of how good things are but are leaving for a better life elsewhere. Mark, Politicians are not elected by your… Read more »
I don’t believe any of those things you asked about and I agree with each of the things you said. We’ve documented the details on all of that better than anybody. It’s like you haven’t read even one of our columns.
Was in Manteno for the Oktoberfest and stopped into the local VFW/ Legion Hall ( which I like to do wherever) and thought the residents seemed a bit on edge at the presence of a non- townie. Was gone and unaware of the meeting re Pritzgers communist friends two days prior , but really didn’t hear anyone discussing it. Anyway, I hope that they prevail and run the officials that colluded with China’s best friend in Illinois right out of office and the CCCP right out of town.
Manteno citizens should look up OMA ILCS https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=84&ChapAct=5%C2%A0ILCS%C2%A0120/&ChapterID=2&ChapterName=GENERAL+PROVISIONS&ActName=Open+Meetings+Act.&Print=True%20) to determine whether the re-zoning of retail property to heavy industrial use was obtained legally under the Open Meetings Act, which reads, in part: (5 ILCS 120/1) (from Ch. 102, par. 41) Sec. 1. Policy. It is the public policy of this State that public bodies exist to aid in the conduct of the people's business and that the people have a right to be informed as to the conduct of their business. In order that the people shall be informed, the General Assembly finds and declares that it is the intent of this Act… Read more »
So, China’s bestie was less than forthright? The same trust fund baby that locked down IL and scarpered off to FL and WI? The same epicurean that removed crappers from his mansion to cheat the tax man? The parade balloon that has to be constantly monitored as to his next scheme to turn IL into Hunan of the Midwest ? Surely, you jest!
One of the enduring legacies of 20th century psychiatry and social science was the recognition that group influences had more to do with individual dispositions and action that previously thought. Today, we refer to this as social support, and modern trolls purposely do everything they can to convince you that you’re all alone. Morale, cohesion, and esprit de corps are the x factor in all political campaigns and you should defend and support them vigorously. Trolls know that amplifying hate, division, confusion, and inciting panic are a very economic way to destroy political opposition. An organized group is characterized as… Read more »
You are either living in another world or from academia when I read your posting. Morale does not exist when you are up against a one party mob with complete control of the political machinery in Illinois. Morale hasn’t existed for a very long time which explains why no one turns out to vote. Controlling the messaging and the narrative is the key to propaganda. You are not dealing with reality here but you mention morale, esprit de corps, cohesion, this is not a military unit Dave. This is a one party system controlled by those who work in it,… Read more »
The last time IL went Republican in a presidential election was 1988 when Bush defeated Dukakis. Democrats have won every presidential election since 1992 when Clinton Bush by 12 points. Biden beat Trump by 17 points in 2020. It would take a major reorganization of IL politics to turn IL Republican again. It would start with the Feds putting hundreds of people in jail for election fraud, and then a major shake-up in state demographics, or an actual war or invasion with a foreign country, or an real pandemic that only kills the vaccinated, or an extremely popular progressive running… Read more »
Thanks so much for putting this together! This is exactly what we need: kryptonite for all of the trolls lurking on here. My previous experience with trolls indicates that they often work in unison under a strict directive. In general, they disappear completely from articles they can’t spin for a few reasons. The first is because they don’t want the topic of morale to set an agenda. The less people talk about morale, the less it becomes a priority. Second, the artificial traffic that they generate on demoralzing article campaigns creates a false perspective of importance. When an article with… Read more »
You go ahead and spend your life in Illinois Dave. Let us know how that works out in 10 or 20 years. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy a better climate, low property taxes, and no state income tax down here in Tennessee.
Tony Buzbee took on the entirety of Texas legislators on Ken Paxton’s behalf and won! He was successfully acquitted on 16 impeachment articles and against all odds. They trial was absolutely amazing. You should listen to the closing arguments. He speaks to every American and the message is universal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kus4xo9si0E
He was acquitted because the evidence against him sucked.
We’re starting to get results. The tide is turning. EVERYONE is pissed and nobody is buying this garbage. Hilariously, nobody can figure out what actually happened here.
https://cwbchicago.com/2023/09/in-robbery-plagued-chicago-community-meetings-draw-packed-houses-claim-of-propaganda.html
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/chicago-residents-erupt-at-community-safety-meeting-after-uptick-in-violent-robberies?taid=6512ced02c604f0001c17698&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter
SEE MARK! THIS (DAVE) IS WHAT FALSE HOPE LOOKS LIKE.
I’m really curious how you think a pack house full of people yelling at politicians and unanimously against city management is false hope.
Hardy Boy,
My bank account is $200K fatter since I voted with my feet and left Taxistan over 20 years ago.
Living large and enjoying da extra moolah!!
Da Judge
Manteno residents could vote 100% for the GOP and it wouldn’t matter. Chicago keeps churning out “Dem only” voters. This is just more “false hope” from WP.
“Hey, look over there. A black Chicago resident voted for a Republican”. See WP, I can give false hope as well.
Residents of Manteno, well done, but wouldn’t it be easier to live in state that would never consider putting you in this position?
Honest J and John PM below, actually, I intended the column to be for anybody anywhere, not to suggest that IL will change much. It will get far worse here before it ever gets better, as we often say, and I don’t think we’ve ever expressed false hopes. In the meantime, though, there are some reasonable hopes that some things can be accomplished, such as killing the Gotion project and some steps to at least mitigate the human consequences of the disasters unfolding, such as by saving Invest in Kids for schools and maybe some steps to reduce crime. In… Read more »
I would love to share your optimism Mark, but I can’t for three reasons: It’s become apparent that the population falloff in Illinois is because of right-thinking people like us leaving. That leaves more Democrat voters than ever. The majority of people complaining voted these same Democrats into office. Nobody thinks the people on the south side of Chicago complaining about the illegals are all America First Republicans. Even if these life-long Democrat voters all of a sudden want an alternative, where are they going to get it? The Illinois Republican party is a shambles. There hasn’t been a conservative… Read more »
Inspiring article Mr. Glennon. Thank you.
The tale continues:
Pritzker does not care about Illinois, America.
He only care about himself and the rest of the
Minions that serve him.
Pritzker lies like a rug.
Go good people of Manteno stuff this back down his throat along with anyone supporting
Him.
TIME TO TAKE BACK OUR STATE
I do hope their elected representatives listen and respond to the community’s objections. Declining a Gotion plant will send a clear message to the Chinese that democracy still works here. But make no mistake: JB Pritzker will not let this go without a massive fight and profligate spending to notch this win. His presidential aspirations may be riding on this matter. He really doesn’t care about the good people of Manteno. Lastly, Manteno isn’t Chiraq. It’s a very small community compared to the progressive and corrupt wasteland. With a socialist mayor and city council, uber progressive citizens, an entrenched and… Read more »
Go Manteno!