Rural Requiem
By Kevin Gaither
Rural RequiemOct 07, 2022
The Gatekeeper's Grease
What do the 2024 Illinois primaries say about the health of our democracy? Why do so many remain so removed and ambivalent to politics? Not surprisingly, it's all connected.
Write-In Info after Links
Opening : Men I Trust, Show Me How
Closing : Vacations, Next Exit
Obama's 1996 New Years Kick Them Dems Off the Ballot Party, Chicago Tribune.
In 9 of the counties of the 15th District, you can 'Fill the Oval' and write-in 'Kevin Gaither' on the Democratic Primary ballot.
511 write-in votes for Kevin Gaither are what is needed to challenge Rep. Mary Miller in the November election. She has no challengers in the Republican primary.
The 9 counties are Champaign, Christian, Coles, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie, Sangamon, Shelby, and Piatt.
Early voting begins Thursday, February 8th. The last day to vote is Tuesday, March 19th.
Democracy is about having choices. If you feel the voters deserve a choice in November, pull a Democratic primary ballot and write-in Kevin Gaither for Representative in Congress in the 15th Congressional District.
Thank you!
Cowbirds, Churches and States
New Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, believes the Separation of Church and State is a misnomer. Senator Marsha Blackburn chides President Joe Biden about the First Amendment, exposing how little anyone really knows about 1A. The Rural Requiem dives into the separation, history, and culture.
This may sound more like a Disney Plus mini-series than reality, but 101 More Democrats than Republicans voted to expel George Santos, becoming only the 6th member in the history of the House of Representatives to have this honor. Likely ushering in the Expulsion Era in the House as well as impeachment inquiries of President Biden.
Time to explore the big issues from a new perspective.
Indictment's Remedy
A former President and current candidate for the same office has been indicted on state and federal charges in multiple jurisdictions, with more likely to be filed before Labor Day.
A sober examination and indictment forecast will challenge our audience to dig beyond the headlines and declarations of innocence and guilt.
Can anyone remain objective regarding politics any longer?
Let us know what you're thinking, please follow and share as well continue to explore the intersection of culture, politics, and society.
Operation Trans Warp Speed
The Rural Requiem demystifies the political, cultural, and religious dynamics that quickly placed Transgender at the center of online commentary, driving legislative and political action across the nation.
I open with my public comment against censorship at a local county board meeting.
As we face the impacts of a No Roe America, we explore historical parallels that take us back to Southern Illinois during the Civil War.
Is protecting our children at the heart of what is speeding this movement to enact legislation that limits rights and liberties involving identity and expression?
George Santos, the Auditor and the Wardrobe
Macon County voters will decide April 4th to keep or eliminate their future voice in who audits their county offices. It begs the question, do you know who audits your local county offices? And, if you could lie about everything, everywhere, all at once, and be elected county auditor, would you? Do you even need to be a CPA in order to be the Illinois State Auditor General? The answer may surprise and shock you.
A frank and frankly fun dialogue about local politics and competency that connects directly to the larger national and state discussions about high-level indictments of former Illinois Speaker Mike Madigan and former President Donald Trump. How did a U.S. Representative lie his way to Congress? Does this expose a deeper problem in our democracy or just further proof that all politicians lie?
#PresidentTrump #MikeMadigan #Indictment
#ComptrollerMendoza
#SpeakerKevinMcCarthy
#GeorgeSantos #MaryMiller #RobinKelly #RodneyDavis
#ScottBennett
#MichaelMarron #PaulFaraci
#CarolReed
#FrankMautino #William Holland #AuditorGeneral
#MaconCounty #VermilionCounty #ChampaignCounty #KendallCounty
#ColesCounty #MoultrieCounty
#Whig #Republican #Democratic
#EverythingEverywhereAllAtOnce
#FINIGANSRAINBOW #Necessity
Lunar Eclipse Election Special
We take a lighter approach, mostly, and make some predictions, as we travel and witness the lunar eclipse.
Get out and vote today if you haven't already cast your ballot! It's okay to not fill an oval in every race on the ballot.
Heaven Sent: The Divine Rural Comedy
With the Election around the corner, we take a closer look at the former county clerk's statements. Why is her entire campaign centered around trusting her to smear others?
Missed the other podcasts in this series?
Hear the entire episode of Clerks: The Divine Rural Comedy or the second installment, Commingling in Purgatory Park.
Divine Rural Comedy: Chapter Eleven
A broader narrative is drawn, describing the mindset and atmosphere of Moultrie, and many other rural counties in Illinois and America. How has the increasing lack of competitive local races in the general election led to the problems we’re experiencing today? How has zombie economics deepened our divisions and decreased the solutions for our shared problems? How has lack of Democratic Party investment in rural America fueled it all? How many mistakes did the county clerk’s office make in just the June primary?
Hear the entire episode of Clerks: The Divine Rural Comedy or the second installment, Commingling in Purgatory Park.
Divine Rural Comedy: Chapter Ten
More reports from inside the Moultrie County Clerk’s office are sorted through. Claims of being the best are compared to reality. Georgia England, who quit because of the toxic atmosphere in the courthouse, has actually been working in that office ever since that resignation. Why is her office upset about public document requests?
Hear the entire episode of Clerks: The Divine Rural Comedy or the second installment, Commingling in Purgatory Park.
Divine Rural Comedy: Chapter Nine
We finish the Barker Substitute Challenge. Who knew it would intersect so many issues? Schools, nursing homes, and my experiences as human resource director and sexual ed teacher are mentioned. What narratives do we choose to write about others? I discuss my reactions and histories with parades, politicians, punctuality and more.
Hear the entire episode of Clerks: The Divine Rural Comedy or the second installment, Commingling in Purgatory Park.
Divine Rural Comedy: Chapter Eight
A few of the irregularities in the Moultrie County June primary are discussed, as well as how the general mindset of being a candidate and elected official is vital. Quickly, we move to the allegations by supporters of former Moultrie County Clerk Georgia England made during her abrupt exit from office. The Barker Substitute Challenge is taken. It is no shock to any Illinois resident how expensive it actually is to become a substitute teacher here. No wonder we have a teacher shortage.
Hear the entire episode of Clerks: The Divine Rural Comedy or the second installment, Commingling in Purgatory Park.
Divine Rural Comedy: Chapter Seven
I finish the story about Schuyler County’s ballot issues heading into the general election. Detailing these mistakes slides us right back to Moultrie County election woes regarding the Republican county clerk primary in June. Mistakes can pile up. At least Schuyler County has been upfront about their mistakes ahead of the general election so they can be accounted for at every step in the process. Gubernatorial candidate and current state senator Darren Bailey’s poll watcher general election strategy is highlighted. Where media pundits are apt to hype fear, I pump the brakes.
Hear the entire episode of Clerks: The Divine Rural Comedy or the second installment, Commingling in Purgatory Park.
Divine Rural Comedy: Chapter Six
Chapter 6
Dinner, Breakfast, or Brunch? Democrats, Republicans, or à la carte? What are Moultrie County Democrats so afraid of hearing? We hear from Capitol View regarding Illinois county clerks before I begin telling the story of another 15th Congressional District County Clerk’s office being rocked by mistakes and scandal.
Hear the entire episode of Clerks: The Divine Rural Comedy or the second installment, Commingling in Purgatory Park.
Divine Rural Comedy: Chapter Five
National implications intersect with personal experiences and the upcoming November election. What is the decision matrix for Georgia England? Was the Illinois Attorney General involved? Powerful and jarring testimony of an intern is heard. Did England deny him training in the county clerk’s office to protect him or protect herself?
I divulge my reasoning for talking to other people in the courthouse prior to talking to England herself. The history of the county clerk’s office not responding to verbal requests in a timely manner is explored. I end the podcast with announcement of my plans to attend the Moultrie County Democratic Fall Dinner as well as the bombshell that Georgia England, despite quitting because of the toxic atmosphere in the courthouse, is still working in the county clerk’s office.
Hear the entire episode of Clerks: The Divine Rural Comedy or the second installment, Commingling in Purgatory Park.
Divine Rural Comedy: Chapter Four
Chapter Four opens up a dynamic discussion about the atmosphere and culture that is the backdrop of these contentious issues involving elections. The timeline leading up to the July 14th resignation of Georgia England is analyzed. We finish the interim county clerk’s speech and the decisions leading up to her being slated as a Democratic candidate in the county treasurer race. England’s media management of that political campaign upon her resignation is discovered.
The interim county clerk makes a number of contradictions and errors in her speech. Apparently, the only time questions can be asked of the former county clerk is as a narrative. Any questions by county employees were considered contempt. The answers were “self-evident,” the interim county clerk exclaimed during the meeting. However, moments before she had claimed the former county clerk was happy to answer questions. We know from the resignation speech she was not happy. What is the truth?
Hear the entire episode of Clerks: The Divine Rural Comedy or the second installment, Commingling in Purgatory Park.
Divine Rural Comedy: Chapter Three
Finally in Chapter Three, we hear what were supposed to be the final words and official acts at the July Moultrie County Board meeting by the county clerk. Her 21-year history in office is examined. We also are introduced to the interim county clerk who assumed her seat upon her resignation. The interim county clerk later was slated as a Democratic candidate for county treasurer. She had worked under England for 17 years in the county clerk’s office. We will hear from her directly.
This interim county clerk opens up the discussion about FOIAs, which are Freedom of Information Act requests, and brings up election fraud allegations Brad Graven posted online. I disclose my findings about both claims. Listeners will remember Graven from before.
Hear the entire episode of Clerks: The Divine Rural Comedy or the second installment, Commingling in Purgatory Park.
Divine Rural Comedy: Chapter Two
In Chapter Two, we setup Georgia England’s final words as Moultrie County Clerk as well as discuss the timing of that resignation and speech. Was the Illinois Attorney General involved? Why did England give that speech after the public comment instead of during the requested time for elected officials?
Also, I bring attention to Coles County Board member Gail Mason’s activities during and after the June primary. It’s for similar reasons Democratic voters and candidates pulled Republican ballots across the State of Illinois. The outsized role county clerks have in Illinois primaries and general elections is explored. Is election reform necessary in the age of tribalism and increasing number of blowout counties?
Hear the entire episode of Clerks: The Divine Rural Comedy or the second installment, Commingling in Purgatory Park.
Divine Rural Comedy: Chapter One
Chapter One of the Divine Rural Comedy sets the tone for the conversation we’re all having on the national and local stages regarding our elections. Specifically, we begin to explore how elections become a reality in rural Illinois within each county. I begin highlighting some characters in a local county I know well.
Moultrie County Clerk Georgia England, with 21 years on the job, quit suddenly in mid-July. She was the last countywide elected Democratic official in Moultrie County. I highlight some of the consequences of my three-month exploration and research into this contentious exodus from public office.
Hear the entire episode of Clerks: The Divine Rural Comedy or the second installment, Commingling in Purgatory Park.
Commingling in Purgatory Park: The Divine Rural Comedy
We've reached the midpoint of our journey.
Will you brave the Barker Substitute Challenge? How many non-candidates have not only been on the ballot but also won office?
Can we all just break some bread together. Apparently not quite yet. We might just get there, though, by the end of our exploration.
I think it would be healthy for people to start commingling again, because it is not healthy being in a silo only hearing the echo chamber. It can really make you hard of hearing of different perspectives.
I recorded some audio from Capitol View's 9th of September episode, with host Jennifer Fuller, Associate Director for News and Public Affairs at WSIU; Mike Miletich, Illinois Capitol Bureau Chief of Gray Television; and John Jackson, visiting professor at the Paul Simon Institute. Jackson also served as the 17th Chancellor of SIU.
Salvador Dali is responsible for the life changing artwork.
The intro music is Zac Brown. Closing is Lucius. Stunning stuff.
Appreciate you listening and sharing this podcast with others. Thank you!
Clerks: The Divine Rural Comedy
Our elections are under the microscope across the nation, including right here in Central and Southern Illinois.
An exploration of numerous stories and accusations during the fallout after Moultrie County Clerk and County Clerk of the Year Georgia England abruptly quit in July ahead of this November's midterm elections.
The story is captivating.
Odyssey: A Tribute
It was two years ago that I delivered this essay at my father's funeral.
You do not want to miss this opportunity to continue celebrating those we have lost so as to cherish those still in our orbit.
As usual, there are some unexpected turns in this voyage to the end of suffering for one.
Charleston Heckler Another Opportunity for JB
Governor JB Pritzker visited Charleston today. Here's a clip from his visit involving a business owner who was hard hit during the pandemic.
Rural Requiem explores the impact of Democratic voids on the ballot in Central and Southern Illinois on Gov. JB's re-election.
Will Lack of Democratic Candidates Harm Pritzker?
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://gaither4il.com/2022/08/19/will-lack-of-democratic-candidates-harm-pritzker/
Photo: Chicago Magazine
The Clash of the Worker Driven Economy With the Litany of Lazy (Edited)
Do we need a secret decoder ring in order to enter the ballot box when ranked voting has become law?
An exploration of motivations of individuals, communities, and political parties as it relates to our elections and the economy.
Our elections have increasingly been scrutinized. Republicans look for bamboo. Democrats look at voids on their ballots. Seems like a bunch of flailing around as various election reforms are actively pushed onto the electorate. Both political parties seek to gain an advantage through the states and elections that they control. Most people have heard of the term gerrymandering. I'm not discussing it or term limits as a policy, exception with regard to exhaustion.
How exactly did we arrive at this moment of widening income disparity? The exploration begins here.
The Clash of the Worker Driven Economy With the Litany of Lazy (Authentic Edition)
Do we need a secret decoder ring in order to enter the ballot box when ranked voting has become law?
An exploration of motivations of individuals, communities, and political parties as it relates to our elections and the economy.
Our elections have increasingly been scrutinized. Republicans look for bamboo. Democrats look at voids on their ballots. Seems like a bunch of flailing around as various election reforms are actively pushed onto the electorate. Both political parties seek to gain an advantage through the states and elections that they control. Most people have heard of the term gerrymandering. I'm not discussing it or term limits as a policy, exception with regard to exhaustion.
How exactly did we arrive at this moment of widening income disparity? The exploration begins here.
"Both Parties Suck Here"
Coles County Board remarks in early August.
Earlier in the meeting, it became public information that County Board member Gail Mason had not only petitioned to be on the Democratic primary ballot for re-election, she had also decided to vote in the Republican primary. Doing so is an illegal act in Illinois.
It was this mind-blowing revelation that was a springboard for much of my commentary. I'll be laying out the case regarding Gail Mason when it is complete.
MTC: Vulnerability and Trigger Warnings
More to Consider.
It's easy to attack trigger warnings. It's far more difficult to explore their origin story.
Illustration by Nicholas Konrad/The New Yorker
Miller's Fruit of Nostalgia Plain
Excerpt: 'Politicians are known by their fruit. “Politicians are known by their votes and the policies that they promote, ” Miller went on to say. We know how she started her career on Capitol Hill. We know what she has voted to bring home to our district: Nothing at all. She’s the farmer that brings nothing to the farmer’s market but takes the biggest subsidy check home to cash anyways. She’s got to pay the nanny to homeschool her kids that yours are all going to hell.'
I dive deep into the political divide, exploring the deep emotions that naturally erupt when lives and livelihoods are on the line. You will not want to miss this episode.
Who Owns the Second Amendment?
I don't shy away from tough issues and difficult conversations. This is one of those issues that you always bring up . . . or hate to hear someone talking about in the next room you're about to walk into before tasting some of what just was hauled out of the smoker out back.
Regardless of your position, or your assumptions on what my positions might be, I urge you to listen, and get engaged on this issue with an open mind again. Our constitutional rights are definitely at the heart of the struggle over the next half century.
The Windows to Nowhere 2: Look Inside the Contract, 'Guaranteed Savings' and the History of a Board Member
You won't want to miss how much the Coles County Board missed in the contract they signed for $3.1 million dollars to replace the Coles County Courthouse windows. You won't believe the amount we are set to save per month. It's offensive.
And, that's just the beginning of this continuation of our series on these Windows to Nowhere.
Last time, we began a history lesson in the 90s regarding County Board member Darrell Cox, who then brought a case all the way to the Appellate Court against the county. You won't believe the details and how it relates to today's $3.1 million Windows controversy.
James DiNaso of the Concerned Taxpayers of Coles County is back for more of his sit down conversation with the Rural Requiem.
National Guard Shouldn't Sacrifice Education Over Schedule
We shouldn’t be asking the National Guard to sacrifice anything else at all. They shouldn’t have to sacrifice anything in their college and university education.
We need to be thinking more about how we can better serve each of them!
The Windows to Nowhere: Coles County's $3.1 Million Courthouse Catnip: Part ONE
Coles County Board Member, and former Sheriff, Darrell Cox, said everyone would benefit from these $3.1 million new courthouse windows.
When the community finds out how much of their taxpayer money is being blown out the windows, quite literally, I think they will look a little bit harder into the history of some of their board members.
In this podcast, we explore the Coles County Board's engagement, or lack thereof, with the public, on the use of Covid ARPA funds on these windows, touching on recent and past history.
James Di Naso, a leader in the Concerned Taxpayers of Coles County, sits down with me to discuss their multi-year fight with the Coles County Board on property taxes, employee contracts, and now misuse of ARPA funds.
There are some jaw-dropping moments that will leave you wanting more. And, more is coming.
Here's a link to our public comments at the last county board meeting.
The $3.1 Million Windows the Coles County Board Just Knows You Need
It couldn't fall any further from the tree before you begin to wonder if it wasn't fruit to begin with.
There were bridges to nowhere long before there were windows to see how out of touch a county board could truly be.
On one side, you meet James Di Naso, one of the leaders of the Concerned Taxpayers of Coles County. He has been at Coles County board meetings for 6 years. Here is his public comment from this month's meeting, which took place this Tuesday.
And, then, there's me. I am there noting the abysmal record as the board wants to silence any critics before they have time to reconsider.
And, they should, and would be applauded for doing so.
Who thinks replacing windows with about a 1/3 of the funds is helping address any of our lingering pandemic malaise while inflation burns us nearly everywhere we turn?
Keep watch here for a round of podcasts about Coles County Board's $3.1 million windows. James sat down with me earlier today for a 3 hour recording session. You do not want to miss what we both discovered when we put our heads together.
If you aren't paying attention to our local elected officials and what they are doing with millions of taxpayer dollars, you will want to start digging to find out what is going on in your own community.
Drop me a line if you want to join the conversation!
These were LIVE recordings of public events, so apologies for some of the extraneous noises. I softened them up a bit, but didn't want to lose the county board members that at least engaged our comments. As a side note, there were comments I stripped out in between our comments. I didn't leave them out for any personal or professional reason. I simply wanted to showcase James and myself ahead of our series of podcasts on the misuse of ARPA funds by the Coles County Board.
Thank you!
Roe Falling, Filibusters, and County Board Broken Windows
I cannot believe that some Progressive Democratic House members are yet again calling for the Senate's filibuster to be nuked in order to force through a narrow vote on a pro-choice rights bill. Makes no sense.
Here, I have a conversation about this century's filibuster history, intermingled with rural county board broken logic regarding pandemic relief funds, $3.1 million out of $9.8 million to be spent on Coles County Courthouse windows. If anything says they're out of touch with helping people who have struggled through a pandemic, it's the windows they'll be looking through on Election Day.
Mary Miller Was 'Right' About One Thing
So, don’t blame Mary Miller. Blame the culture that dangles a character such as Graven in front of a Miller, providing a shelter from seeing the direct results of all actions and definitive non-actions. That culture is often a beast we feed daily. We often lend it our ears, and spread it by mouth.
A Necessary Conversation about America, Suicide, the Military, Culture, and Mental Health, with a Special Guest.
This candid exploration of suicide in America's military since September 11th leads into a broader conversation about our culture's political and tangible human failures in the realm of mental health. It's a tough conversation. Be prepared to face an honest exchange of perspectives, painful experiences, and difficult lessons learned.
A Preview of a Talk on Mental Health, Suicide, and Unfunded War
The first 10 minutes of this podcast are as raw as they are jaw dropping . . .
It will leave you needing to hear the rest of the conversation.
Don't Burn Down the Library: Full Version
Earlier version was missing the first 10 or so minutes. Here you go.
Outrage and the need to eradicate the voices of others is not owned by either fringe.
Both sides want to burn the library. They just have different reasons.
Don't Burn Down the Library
Outrage and the need to eradicate the voices of others is not owned by either fringe.
Both sides want to burn the library. They just have different reasons.
Debating Inflation with Blamers
Debate primarily to learn. What are the chances the person you debate will ever change their position? Exactly. It's the other people that matter.
High Price of Gas: Solutions or Anger Only?
The politicians that focus on stoking anger and anxiety in voters about gas prices seek to bring out the worst in us.