by:  Diane Benjamin

The GOP does lousy messaging, so I will respond to the Vogel trap myself.

Steve is trying to snare Republicans in his weekly editorial.  The Democrats have 3 questions on the November ballot.   The three questions are meant to inflame the liberal base to get off their butts and vote.

First Steve, I have a question for you.  You obviously think the people’s representatives should vote the way their constituency want them to.  Here’s the question:  Many many states voted to preserve marriage as between one man and one woman.  Courts were used by the left to overturn the will of the people.  Do you have a problem with that one Steve?   Courts negated the will of the majority, so the majority really doesn’t matter now does it.

Now for the 3 questions and what Republicans should be saying:

1)  Should the minimum wage be raised?   The Democrat policies have prevented Illinois from recovering jobs and opportunities.  States surrounding us have vastly better economies and job growth.  Yes, we could raise the minimum wage.  Some people would have more money, many others would lose their jobs.  Fast food restaurants will put in machines to take orders, more people will lose jobs.  Republicans want to create opportunity, not just give people a few more dollars.  Government must get out of the way for that to happen.  Democrat policies are anti-job and anti-opportunity.  Change the state by changing who controls it.

2)  Should the state put a 3 percent tax on personal income that tops $1 million a year and use that money for schools?   Where have we heard “for the schools” before?  Does anybody remember the lottery?  That didn’t work well, why would this be any different?  What has happened in states with policies like this?  The rich leave!  The rich can move anywhere, they aren’t going to stay in a state with a target on their back.  Why are people flocking to states with NO income tax?  Check how many billions of dollars states like California have lost.  They aren’t the only one, just Google it.

3)  Should health insurance plans with prescription drug coverage be required to include birth control?   I’m sure the War on Woman is in here somewhere, but why should the rest of us pay higher rates so women can have birth control coverage?  What about Freedom of Religion?  This question violates the First Amendment.  Maybe the Catholic church should weigh in.

Steve, the low information voters will bounce on these questions while not understanding the consequences.   Way too many people vote by what feels good instead of logic.

Thanks for pointing out you are one of them.

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