Unbreakable Faith: How Darren Bailey Turned Unspeakable Loss Into Unwavering Purpose

On October 22nd, the world stopped for Darren Bailey.

In a single, devastating moment, the Republican candidate for Governor lost his son Zachary, his daughter-in-law Kelsey, and two precious grandchildren—Vada Rose and Samuel—in a tragic helicopter crash.

How do you describe that kind of loss? You can't. There are no words for the silence that follows when four heartbeats you love suddenly go quiet. No parent, no grandparent, should ever have to bury their child—let alone face a loss of this magnitude. In that moment, everything else fades: campaigns, politics, obligations. All that remains is grief so heavy it threatens to crush you.

The world would have understood if Darren had walked away. Not just understood—expected it. Demanded it, even. Step back. Heal. Grieve. No one would have blamed him.

But on November 10th, Darren Bailey made an announcement that left many of us breathless: he would stay in the race.

I don't know how he's standing. I don't know how he's putting one foot in front of the other. But I know why—and it's the only reason that could possibly be enough. His faith. His unshakeable belief that God is still good, still present, still working, even in the midst of unimaginable pain. That takes a kind of courage most of us will never have to summon. It's the kind of courage that can only come from knowing—truly knowing—that "the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18).

Darren Bailey isn't just quoting Scripture. He's living it.

In Illinois politics—a landscape too often dominated by money, generational wealth, and backroom deals—Darren has never fit the mold. And thank God for that. He's a third-generation farmer from southern Illinois, a man who understands what it means to work the land, raise a family, and build something with your own two hands. He knows hardship. He knows sacrifice. And he's carried that same integrity into public service—first elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2018, then to the State Senate, where he's fought tirelessly against reckless spending and the crushing weight of higher taxes.

But it's not just his record that matters right now. It's his character.

There are other good candidates in this Republican primary, and this isn't about tearing them down. This is about recognizing something extraordinary when we see it. A lesser person would have stepped aside. Most people should step aside in the face of such tragedy. But Darren Bailey has chosen to transform his grief into something greater—a beacon of hope and strength for a state that desperately needs both.

Illinois needs a leader who won't break. Who won't bow to corruption. Who won't quit when the weight becomes unbearable.

Darren Bailey has already proven he's that man.

Immigration, Assimilation, and America’s Common Ground

 

“Immigration without assimilation is invasion.”

Former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal’s statement still resonates today as America faces deep questions about immigration, unity, and the role of government.

For generations, the United States has been called a “melting pot” — a nation where people from around the world come to pursue opportunity and contribute to a shared civic culture. Assimilation has always been at the heart of that success. It doesn’t mean abandoning one’s heritage, but rather embracing the values that make this country unique: liberty, equality under the law, and individual responsibility.

Yet today, many Americans worry that this model is fading. With rising illegal immigration and major cities shifting toward increasingly government-run programs, there’s concern that the country is moving away from the principles that built it.

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The Policy Shift in Major Cities

New York City under Mayor Zohran Mamdani illustrates this trend. His platform includes free public transportation, government-run grocery stores, universal childcare, and a $30 minimum wage — all funded by higher taxes and continued sanctuary policies for undocumented immigrants.

Supporters argue these initiatives promote fairness and accessibility. But critics — including many economists — warn they could burden taxpayers and strain city finances. The Manhattan Institute notes that New York City already faces massive long-term obligations, covering only about 26% of its $275 billion in liabilities. Without careful management, expanding public programs could worsen debt and reduce public-safety funding.

From a conservative standpoint, the issue isn’t compassion — it’s sustainability. Government should protect opportunity, not replace it. When city budgets prioritize social expansion over fiscal discipline, the result can be fewer jobs, slower growth, and weakened communities.

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Why Limited Government Matters

History shows that when governments take on too much control, freedom and innovation suffer. Studies from the Heritage Foundation and Cato Institute consistently find that economies rooted in free enterprise outperform those dominated by centralized planning.

Conservative thinkers from Milton Friedman to Friedrich Hayek warned that socialism — even in “soft” forms — can gradually erode individual liberty and the incentive to work and create. Once the government becomes the main provider, citizens lose both economic freedom and accountability in how resources are used.

America’s strength has always come from balancing compassion with responsibility — helping those in need while preserving the independence that drives progress.

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Assimilation and Safety

Immigration has long been a source of vitality for the United States. But for it to succeed, assimilation must remain central. That means respecting the rule of law, learning English, and participating fully in civic life. Policies that undermine these expectations risk creating cultural divisions rather than unity.

At the same time, maintaining public safety requires strong cooperation between local and federal authorities. Sanctuary policies, while well-intentioned, can sometimes hinder law enforcement efforts. Real safety — and real compassion — come from clear laws that protect both citizens and immigrants alike.

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A Call for Common Sense and Common Ground

America doesn’t need to abandon its ideals of openness or generosity. But it does need to reaffirm the principles that have held it together for centuries: fiscal prudence, personal liberty, and shared cultural values.

True compassion isn’t measured by how much government can give — it’s measured by how much freedom and opportunity people can achieve on their own.

If the nation is to remain a land of promise, it must also remain a land of responsibility. Assimilation, safety, and limited government aren’t just conservative talking points — they’re the foundation of a stable, united, and free America.

Accountability and Leadership: A Critical Examination

 On Thursday, October 23rd, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order barring federal troops from operating in Chicago. Standing before reporters, he declared his intention to "pursue accountability," framing his actions as a necessary counterweight to a Trump administration he accused of "dodging accountability."

"It's been over a month since President Trump launched what he calls 'Operation Midway Blitz,'" Pritzker stated during a press conference in Chicago's Loop. "It's a military assault on Chicago and our suburbs. In this short time, we have witnessed countless acts of harassment, intimidation, and brutality, and abuse of power perpetrated on law-abiding citizens across our communities."

The Governor's invocation of accountability as his guiding principle raises a compelling question: What does accountability look like when viewed through the lens of recent history?

Consider March 2020, when Governor Pritzker issued sweeping shutdown orders that fundamentally altered daily life across Illinois. Overnight, routine activities became fraught with tension. Mask mandates were strictly enforced—those who refused were removed from businesses and public spaces. Children spent months isolated behind computer screens, their education and social development placed on hold. Citizens who declined COVID vaccination—whether for medical, religious, or personal reasons—faced social ostracism and, in many cases, termination from employment. Churches closed their doors. Families were prohibited from gathering. Dying patients spent their final moments without the comfort of loved ones at their bedsides.

Yet throughout these restrictions, liquor stores, marijuana dispensaries, and fast food restaurants remained open for business.

These policy decisions, made in the name of public health, came with profound consequences that continue to reverberate through communities today. Which raises an uncomfortable question: Can the architect of such far-reaching mandates credibly position himself as the champion of accountability?

Governor Pritzker has characterized the ICE agents deployed under Operation Midway Blitz as forces "dismantling a constitutional republic" and heralding "the death of democracy." The rhetoric is striking in its severity.

But one must ask: Where was this concern for constitutional principles during the pandemic-era restrictions? Has the Governor reckoned with the lasting impact of his own executive decisions? Illinois faces mounting debt, and Chicago's crime rates continue to climb. If the energy currently devoted to resisting federal immigration enforcement were redirected toward these pressing state concerns, might Illinois residents see tangible improvements in their daily lives and safety?

Perhaps most troubling are the Governor's comments regarding ICE operations targeting individuals involved in serious criminal activity—human trafficking, drug trafficking, and money laundering—many of whom have resided in Illinois illegally while accessing taxpayer-funded benefits including food assistance, medical care, housing subsidies, and driver's licenses. Rather than cooperating with federal law enforcement to address these legitimate concerns, Governor Pritzker drew comparisons to Nazi Germany, suggesting Illinois is sliding toward authoritarian control.

Such inflammatory rhetoric does more than mischaracterize law enforcement operations. It deepens divisions within communities already struggling with questions of safety, fairness, and trust in leadership. When political leaders invoke the horrors of the Holocaust to score political points, they trivialize genuine historical atrocities while inflaming rather than informing public discourse.

The pattern that emerges is one of selective accountability—invoked when politically convenient, ignored when self-reflection might be required.

This analysis is not offered as a personal attack on Governor Pritzker, but as an invitation to citizens to think critically about leadership and consistency. Illinois deserves representatives who demonstrate principled commitment to faith, freedom, safety, and family—not just in speeches, but in the difficult decisions that shape people's lives.

As voters, we bear the responsibility to look beyond headlines and partisan narratives. We must examine track records, not just talking points. We must demand that our leaders apply the same standards of accountability to themselves that they invoke against their political opponents.

The future of Illinois depends on citizens who engage deeply with these questions, who research thoroughly, and who vote based on demonstrated leadership rather than rhetorical flourish. The question before us is not whether we want accountability—it's whether we're willing to demand it consistently, from all our leaders, regardless of party affiliation.

What kind of leadership does Illinois truly need? And are we prepared to hold all our elected officials to the same standard?

When Tragedy Strikes: A Moment That Defined Us

On Friday, October 24th, the Will County Republican Central Committee hosted its annual Freedom Day Dinner—an evening designed for fellowship, ballot signing, and connection. Republicans from all walks of life gathered to share refreshments, conversation, and time with candidates who seek to represent our values.

But this year's dinner carried a weight unlike any other.

Just two days earlier, our community was shaken by devastating news: Darren Bailey, the Republican candidate for Governor, had lost his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren in a tragic helicopter crash. The kind of loss that defies words. The kind of grief that stops the world.

When Aaron DelMar, Bailey's lieutenant governor running mate, rose to speak on Darren's behalf, the once-bustling room fell into complete silence. What followed wasn't a political speech—it was a testament to the values we hold sacred: faith, freedom, and family.

DelMar didn't use the moment to advance his own candidacy or seize the spotlight. Instead, he spoke from the heart about Darren Bailey's character, his unwavering dedication to the principles that unite us, and most importantly, his love for his family. His words brought tears to eyes across the room—not because they were polished or rehearsed, but because they were real.

In an era where the media profits from division and political discourse has devolved into a spectacle of conflict, what unfolded that evening was a powerful rebuke to that narrative. This wasn't political theater. This was genuine human decency—the kind that reminds us who we really are when the cameras aren't rolling and the headlines aren't being written.

DelMar called on all of us to set aside our differences, our internal competitions, and our individual pursuits to simply be there for one another in times of unimaginable pain. And remarkably, his call was answered. James Mendrick another gubernatorial candidate competing for the same office, announced he would suspend all campaign events until after the visitation and funeral services. Two men, vying for the same position, choosing integrity over opportunity. Choosing unity over advancement.

This is the Republican Party the media doesn't want you to see—the one that doesn't fit neatly into the narrative of discord and division they've grown dependent on. While headlines scream about conflict and chaos, here were Republicans doing what we've always done best: standing shoulder to shoulder when it matters most, putting principle above politics, and proving that our commitment to community isn't conditional on convenience.

Witnessing this moment gave me something I hadn't expected to find at a political dinner: profound hope.

Hope that the values we champion aren't just convenient slogans, but convictions we live by even when—especially when—it costs us something. Hope that while others profit from tearing people apart, we are actively working to bring them together. Hope that the integrity displayed by DelMar and Mendrick isn't an exception, but a reflection of who we truly are as a movement.

The Republican Party faces constant criticism, much of it designed to paint us as divisive, uncaring, or self-serving. But on that Friday evening, I witnessed the truth that no biased headline can erase: we are a party that knows how to rally around its own, lift up the broken, and prove that in the face of tragedy, we are united by something far greater than partisan labels or political ambition.

While the media thrives on manufacturing division, we are building bridges. While others exploit pain for clicks and ratings, we are showing up with compassion and solidarity. This is the Republican Party at its finest—not seeking the spotlight, but simply doing what's right because it's right.

That is the party—and the future—worth fighting for.

The "No Kings" protests: A Closer Look

 On June 14, 2025, the "No Kings" protests began. Organized by the progressive group Indivisible, these demonstrations protested what organizers called the "authoritarian" policies of President Donald Trump and alleged corruption within his administration. The protests directly coincided with the U.S. Army's 250th Anniversary Parade, which also fell on President Trump's birthday.

On October 18, the "No Kings" protests returned with even greater intensity, fueled by what critics describe as false narratives.

According to Indivisible, President Trump is an out-of-control dictator who is stripping Americans of their rights, tearing families apart, and completely abusing his power. These protests were designed to raise awareness of these claims and draw attention to what organizers view as the "danger" and "damage" President Trump and his administration have inflicted on America.

A Question of Irony

Protesters claim to be saving democracy while waving flags of foreign countries and carrying banners with vague and vulgar slogans—all while protesting a President who has consistently put America first.

If we were truly under a dictatorship ruled by a king, these protests wouldn't be allowed to take place at all.

The Reality of Presidential Accomplishments

While Democratic leaders perpetuate narratives of tyranny and chaos, the facts tell a different story. President Trump's administration has focused on tangible achievements that directly benefit American citizens and enhance national security.

Border security has been strengthened through concrete actions, not to tear families apart as protesters claim, but to protect American communities from genuine threats. The administration has reinstated and enhanced border wall construction, increased funding for Border Patrol agents, and implemented the Remain in Mexico policy to prevent exploitation of asylum loopholes. These measures have led to decreased illegal crossings and improved ability to process legitimate asylum claims. The administration has prioritized the safety of legal residents and citizens over the demands of open-border advocates who seem more concerned with political optics than with the welfare of American families.

The economy has shown resilience under policies that prioritize American workers and businesses. The administration has cut taxes for middle-class families, reduced burdensome regulations on small businesses, and negotiated trade deals that protect American manufacturing jobs. Energy independence has been achieved through increased domestic oil and gas production, freeing America from reliance on hostile foreign nations. Unemployment rates, particularly among minority communities, reached historic lows before external disruptions. Yet these accomplishments are consistently downplayed or ignored by those who would rather focus on manufactured outrage.

The Immigration Debate: Safety vs. Sentiment

Contrary to protesters' claims, ICE agents are not separating families—they are protecting citizens from criminals who are in the country illegally. Thousands of these immigrants have serious crimes attached to their records, including assault, murder, and human and drug trafficking, to name just a few. The Trump administration has prioritized deportation of convicted criminals, gang members, and those with outstanding warrants. Operations have specifically targeted MS-13 gang members, cartel operatives, and repeat offenders who pose direct threats to American communities.

The Democratic narrative paints enforcement of immigration law as cruel and inhumane. But what about the humanity owed to American citizens whose communities have been impacted by criminal activity? What about the families who have lost loved ones to preventable crimes committed by individuals who should never have been in the country? What about the trafficking victims—particularly women and children—who are rescued when border enforcement disrupts criminal smuggling operations?

Common sense dictates that a nation has both the right and the responsibility to control its borders and protect its citizens. Yet this basic principle is labeled as authoritarian by those who seem to have abandoned logic in favor of emotional appeals.

Where Has Common Sense Gone?

Democratic leaders who support these gatherings say they are demanding transparency and human decency from the President. The irony is staggering.

Isn't that what we, as the American people, have been demanding of our Democratic leaders for years?

The lack of common sense surrounding these protests is astounding. Demonstrators rail against alleged authoritarianism while enjoying the very freedoms that prove such claims false. They condemn border enforcement while ignoring the real-world consequences of unchecked illegal immigration. They demand accountability from a President who has been subjected to unprecedented scrutiny while giving a pass to their own leaders who have operated with far less transparency.

When did prioritizing the safety and prosperity of American citizens become controversial? When did enforcing existing laws become tyranny? When did putting America first become something to protest rather than celebrate?

A History of Democratic Contradictions

The contradictions don't end with current policy debates. The recent history of Democratic leadership reveals a pattern of actions that undermine their own rhetoric about democracy and transparency.

Joe Biden was pushed out of the presidential race, and Kamala Harris was installed as the nominee without a single primary vote. This bypassing of the democratic process went largely unchallenged by the same voices now claiming to defend democracy in the streets.

Democrats tried everything in their power to remove Trump from the ballot. Court cases and lawsuits filed against him were subsequently thrown out. The irony of attempting to eliminate voter choice while claiming to protect democracy seems lost on these protesters.

The misinformation fueled by the media and Democratic political leaders during the COVID pandemic was nothing short of horrific. People were forced to choose between taking an experimental vaccine or losing their jobs through federal mandates that were later ruled unconstitutional. Children were forced to learn behind screens despite evidence showing minimal risk to young people and devastating consequences of isolation. Small businesses were forced to close while large corporations remained open, destroying livelihoods and transferring wealth upward. Impressionable young people were isolated and fed harmful propaganda daily. Churches were shut down while protests were deemed acceptable. Yet now, those same leaders lecture Americans about transparency and bodily autonomy.

The Disconnect from Reality

The "No Kings" protests represent a fundamental disconnect from reality. Protesters are outraged over policies designed to keep them safe while seemingly unconcerned about actual threats to their freedom and wellbeing.

They protest a President who has worked to secure borders, strengthen the economy, and restore American sovereignty. The administration has renegotiated unfair trade agreements like NAFTA, replacing it with the USMCA to protect American workers. It has moved the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, recognizing reality and strengthening our relationship with a key ally. It has brokered historic Middle East peace agreements through the Abraham Accords, bringing stability to a volatile region. It has rebuilt military readiness after years of budget cuts and deferred maintenance. Meanwhile, they overlook or excuse the actions of their own leaders who have expanded government overreach, suppressed dissenting voices, and implemented policies that have harmed working families.

Common sense would suggest that if someone claims to be fighting tyranny, they should direct their energy toward actual threats to freedom rather than manufactured controversies. Common sense would indicate that actions speak louder than words, and the Trump administration's record speaks for itself.

Conclusion

To any person with a logical and sound mindset, this makes absolutely no sense. The "No Kings" protests are built on a foundation of contradictions, fueled by misleading narratives, and disconnected from the reality of what President Trump has actually accomplished for American safety and prosperity.

True common sense recognizes that securing borders protects communities, that enforcing laws maintains order, and that putting America first is not authoritarianism—it's basic governance. Until protesters are willing to engage with facts rather than feelings, and logic rather than rhetoric, these demonstrations will remain nothing more than political theater divorced from the reality most Americans experience every day.

Peace VS Protests: Whose side are you on, anyway?

 

A Historic Peace Agreement: Reflecting on October 13, 2025

October 13, 2025, marks a significant milestone in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Following President Trump's facilitation of a peace deal and ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, hostages have been released and returned to their families after two years of captivity. The cessation of hostilities between Israel and Gaza has brought relief to millions affected by the conflict.

One might expect such a development to unite people across the political spectrum in celebration. However, the response has been notably mixed.

A Conspicuous Silence

Over the past two years, protests advocating for Palestinian rights have been prominent on college campuses and social media platforms. Activists and influencers mobilized significant public attention around the cause. Yet in the wake of this ceasefire, many of these same voices have become conspicuously quiet.

This raises important questions about the motivations behind some advocacy movements. Was the goal truly humanitarian relief and peace, or did other agendas drive the discourse? The spread of unverified information and conspiracy theories throughout the conflict suggests that not all advocacy was rooted in factual understanding.

The Impact on Young People

The influence of social media activism on young, impressionable audiences deserves careful examination. When movements prioritize rhetoric over truth, the resulting confusion can have lasting effects on how an entire generation understands complex geopolitical issues.

A Moment of Mixed Emotions

The images of freed hostages reuniting with their families are undeniably moving and represent a long-awaited moment of hope. President Trump's role in brokering this agreement demonstrates the potential for diplomatic leadership to achieve meaningful outcomes.

At the same time, it is impossible to ignore the tremendous loss of life that preceded this moment. Every life lost in this conflict represents a tragedy that transcends politics.

Perhaps most troubling is the apparent inability of some observers to acknowledge this achievement on its own merits. When political polarization prevents recognition of genuine progress, we risk losing sight of what truly matters: human lives, peace, and the possibility of a better future.

Moving Forward

As we process this historic development, it is worth reflecting on how we engage with complex international issues. Critical thinking, fact-based discourse, and the willingness to acknowledge positive outcomes—regardless of who achieves them—are essential if we hope to build a more peaceful world.

Common sense

 In a world where in person meetings have been replaced by screens, it is normal to see the words “entered the chat” or “left the chat”.

In the context of what is going on in the world it seems to me as if people have lost their common sense as well as their critical thinking skills. 

For example, the Democratic party was founded on the foundation of helping out the working class.  Democratic leaders are putting up a facade that they are for the working class, but instead raise taxes to benefit themselves. Their priorities are strictly for the people who are here illegally and for fulfilling DEI practices. Everything else has fallen by the wayside.

When the Trump administration uncovered their fraud and wasteful spending, they made it their goal to put them under a microscope, throwing tantrums like young children who are redirected from bad behavior. They seem to have forgotten all sense of propriety and the sole purpose of their once great political party. 

The same can be said for their followers. Although the media jokes about “Trump Derangement Syndrome”, it is all too real in most individuals. Family members cut all contact with each other and the workplace has turned into a war-zone for verbal landmines. The party of self-proclaimed tolerance has instead resorted to attacking those who simply believe differently than them or refuse to hear any sort of truth against the hate speech that they are constantly spouting. 

Another example that comes to mind is the common sense that the leaders in my home state of Illinois are lacking. According to the National Governors Association the proper definition of the duties of a Governor are as follows:”A state governor serves as the state's chief executive, commander-in-chief of the state's military forces, and a leader in the state's legislative and judicial processes. Key duties include managing the executive branch, proposing legislation, appointing state officials, issuing executive orders, signing or vetoing bills passed by the legislature, granting pardons and reprieves, and acting as the state's primary representative and crisis manager.” 

Being here in Illinois and witnessing the once glamorous city of Chicago turn into a total disaster is a prime example of the lack of leadership this state is facing. The Governor as well as the Mayor seem to have forgotten their  primary duties of protecting the people and doing what is right for everyone. They are oblivious to the murders and violent crimes as well as the rise in homelessness and illegal drug distribution. Their main focus seems to be accusing President Trump of “racism” "fascism" and have encouraged the citizens of Chicago to quite literally “stand up and fight back” against the potential of the National Guard coming in to bring the necessary law and order back into the city. The leaders of a state should be bringing unity, not inciting violence. 

The same leaders who told you not to go outside, forced your children to learn from behind a computer screen, closed down small businesses, and shunned those who chose to express their medical freedoms, are the same ones who tell you to hate the President and encourage death threats and verbal abuse. 

How then, will  they think this division will solve anything? The truth of the matter is, it won’t. 

The only cure for this sickness and insanity is for strong leaders. Ones who aren’t open to verbally abusing the leader of our country, but instead put their citizens safety and concerns first. 

Common sense has indeed left the chat.