Democrats, Progressives and all the rest of our tent…we are winning…we have won special elections, off-year elections and now we are selecting our candidates in the Primaries.

So, let’s not be like the team that gets to the goal line and fumbles…what do I mean??

Well, I have said this before…If you did not get your candidate in the primary election, accept it, be the adult in the room and work hard to come together with the candidate who did…

In Texas, we have truly the first real shot at winning a US Senate seat for over a decade; In Maine Troy Jackson is making huge strides and is ready to beat Susan Collins (she should be concerned and troubled); In Minnesota, Peggy Flanagan is leading the way and is an odds on favorite to beat Michele Tafoya…Minnesota’s Nancy Mace!

Roy Cooper in North Carolina has what it takes to win that race…so let’s give Governor Josh Stein another ally in Washington…You know the story in Michigan…and by the way, Dr. El-Sayed is a Progressive…make sure to tell your moderate friends that…so we can go beat Mike Rogers;

There are other races in the house and senate and as Heather Williams from the DLCC (Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee) reminded us, State Legislatures matter more than ever before…So let’s win some Governor’s Mansions back too…Can you hear me Texas…let’s get Gina Hinojosa the support she needs and the same for David Jolly in Florida…

Folks all of these elections mean something to me…even though I don’t live in those states, I have family, friends and true colleagues there and frankly, I’m tired of the feckless, incompetent, racist, sexist, biased, destructive fools being in charge of our government…on all levels. So as the Beatles song says…”Come Together, Right Now”…Let’s get it done all Democrats!!

This is Richard Chew, Host of ChewsViews On WCPT/AM820 * WARR 1520AM & 103.5 KTNF/AM950, Amazon Music, iHeart, Spotify, You Tube, Facebook Live;

Heartland Signal.com & ChewsViewsMediagroup.com

Since the start of Donald Trump’s second term, our country has shifted in worrying ways. That makes it urgent for all of us — including conservatives and independents — to act to protect,
preserve, and restore our democracy. Below are practical steps I’ve been
thinking about recently.

Stay engaged

When headlines are dominated by GOP and Trump controversies, it can feel tempting to tune out. That’s exactly the time to lean in. Their strategy is to overwhelm — don’t let it work. Stay informed, follow events, and participate in the civic process.

Choose a side and support it

Be willing to pick a side. I believe Democratic ideas are stronger — be unapologetic about that. Rather than tearing down Democrats for not being perfect, rally behind candidates you trust and help bring others into the fold.

Hold the GOP and Trump accountable

Accountability is more than opposing actions; it’s refusing to accept false premises. When proposals like abolishing birthright citizenship are floated, reject the premise that they have the power to do so. The Constitution and the courts constrain those efforts — make that clear.

Avoid political purity tests

Don’t expect lower standards from one side and higher standards from the other. Treat ordinary behavior as ordinary regardless of party. Reward integrity and call out real problems but avoid playing into divides that only help opponents.

Trust the courts — and support them

Republicans may control many branches of government, but courts remain a vital check. The Supreme Court hears few cases and state courts often provide balance. Encourage judges to uphold the rule of law and respect the role of the judiciary in protecting democratic norms.

Support independent media

Corporate media consolidation endangers coverage that stands up to power. Subscribe to independent outlets, share their work, and financially support a few you trust. A diverse media ecosystem is essential to a healthy democracy.

Use your voice

Everyone can contribute: social media, local groups, clubs, or conversations with neighbors. Speak up for democratic norms, offer reliable information, and engage respectfully with those who are curious. No platform is too small — amplify your convictions.

Prepare for a long fight

The challenges we face won’t vanish overnight. The GOP has shown it can sustain long-term political battles. If we want to roll back harmful policies and restore democratic norms, we’ll need persistence and resilience.

Choose focused optimism

Frustration and fear are understandable, but the most powerful tools we have are knowledge, solidarity, and hope. Stay focused, partner with like-minded people, and act with purpose. Democracy is worth the work.

****************************

I’m Richard Chew, host of Chew’s Views Radio Show on WCPT-AM820 (Chicago), WARR
1520AM/103.5FM (Warren County, NC), and KTNF-AM950 (Minnesota). Stay tuned and follow me on all social media outlets under Chews Views!

Maga, you must stop lying to yourself; and because you allowed yourselves to be lied to…we are at war with Iran. Not strategic strikes, coordinated missiles and drone attacks, but WAR!! It does not matter if it’s an endless or shorter-term war…because in the words from American Civil War General Sherman “War Is Hell” …”War is Cruelty and you cannot refine it”!

Beyond my anger comes the reality that as Donald Trump & his Feckless, lying administration move to have U.S. Troops on the ground in Iran…much of the GOP in congress and GOP voters are trying to find ways to justify this insanity along with price increases by saying things like; “It’s a small sacrifice for American Oil Independence” or Michele Tafoya telling Americans to “take one less trip to Starbucks” to offset increased gas prices. Or Jon Husted telling Ohioans that have financial challenges that they are not “very experienced at navigating the real world”. First, your privilege is reeking and secondly, you all can STFU about telling other people what they need to do to survive. It’s the GOP in congress and voters across the GOP spectrum that are at the tip of the spear of this carnage; Tariffs, Executive Orders, The F’ing Ugly Bill, Government Shutdown, ICE terrorizing communities…and now this war in Iran backed by Israeli/Zionist & the GOP enablers; Hey, let us not forget about The Epstein Files!!

Regarding Troops on the ground in Iran; well the experts say if they come from our resources in Japan then that will undermine Asian deterrence from China/North Korea – The Security Treaty friction it will cause with Japan as this reduction in troops becomes evident is that it could weaken the U.S. security guarantee to Japan…in other words, leaving Japan and Taiwan at risk from China; Dumb move Trump! Then there is the direct threat and harm to our troops in the tricky areas of Iran, exposure to Nuclear and Chemical risks, hostage taking, the “death valley” of The Traits of Hormuz due to its narrow waterways.

The cost is human first and no family should have to endure the loss of a loved due to war. There will be more deaths from The Trump/Netanyahu War in Iran…let’s call it what it is. Already over 3000 people in Iran have been killed; Grandmas, Grandpas, Children and all the rest. Human beings are dying because Trump, the entire GOP in congress and GOP Voters at large have been living out a lie.

As I close, this Trump/GOP/Israeli lie which is costing people their lives is also costing Americans $1,300,000 Per Minute or some estimates total it at $11.3 Billion Dollars in less than 3 weeks. Let that settle in GOP, Jon Husted, Michele Tafoya and all the rest when you decide to tell Americans how to survive this crazy-assed war.

So, folks, here’s an action step you can take right now…Call your congressional leaders at 202-224-3141 and let them know that Donald Trump and his lie, must be stopped…Immediately!!

In my next article, I will talk about what the war and taxpayer’s money could do for Americans in their everyday lives. Stay Tuned, I’m Richard Chew. Follow me on Substack, Facebook, Spoutible, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky, YouTube and Heartland Signal.com!

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Catch my show, Chew’s Views on WCPT/AM820 in Chicago and WARR 1520 AM & 103.5 FM in Warren Cty, North Carolina!

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Each of these wonderful cities offers its own unique charm. In Quebec we went to the iconic Chateau Fondulac/Fairmont Hotel…The Citadelle Armory and Fort…the food was great, the cobblestone streets were fantastic, and the views were memorable. The next part of our journey was in Montreal…another beautiful Canadian city with great buildings and culture, architecture, parks, open-air markets and a little-known fact; Montreal is actually an Island city.

Then we were on to Toronto; so much diversity, beautiful skyline (not as great as Chicago’s…but I’m biased) wonderful food, and another little-known fact; Toronto is the 4^th largest city in North America.

The people we met, the hotel staffs, the restaurant staffs, the vendors on streets and at markets were friendly and welcoming, making us feel at home despite being away from the United States. We made a point to immerse ourselves in local culture, attending museums, taking in the language and sampling traditional Canadian dishes like poutine and maple syrup treats.

During this trip, one of the most satisfying parts of the experience was the camaraderie with Canadians and other world travelers…and the break from some of the vitriol of American arrogance. I only had 2 situations that were weird…and yes, they were encounters with Americans (ironically from southern states). So yes, here is my moment of political commentary in this piece.

Canadians favor everyday Americans but like those of us on the “Political Left, Progressively Democratic American Political Spectrum” …we hate and I mean hate what Donald Trump and the Weak-Assed GOP is doing to this country. As an American, who is Proudly Black I will always defend the democracy that my ancestors fought for. But I can walk and chew gum at the same time; to the Americans who are sitting by and giving a pass to Trump and the GOP (Guardians of Pedophiles) that are allowing our country to suffer this trauma…Shame on you! Do better or STFU about being a patriot…I met Canadians who are more American on 1 day than any of the “racist, misogynist, fake-Christian nationalists” are 365 days a year…or could ever be. Take that…GOP!!!

Overall, our trip to Canada was enriching and enjoyable. The blend of vibrant cities, magnificent landscapes, and kind-hearted locals made it a destination I would highly recommend to anyone seeking adventure and cultural exploration. The tariffs that Trump and the GOP are hoisting on Canada…simply stated is just plain stupid, harmful and frankly not very patriotic to our North American neighbor!

That said, Americans, go visit our neighbor to the north…be respectful because it’s their country…not ours and our opinions don’t matter there…leave your American egos at home and humble yourselves to our welcoming neighbor…it just might help remind you of the blessing it is be an American.

I’m Back… Stay Tuned to my posts on Chews Views/Substack; Follow me on Facebook, X, Threads, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky and tune in to my Daily Radio Show – Chews Views 6-8AM on WCPT/AM820 in Chicago, TuneIn Radio, You Tube, Facebook Live – Apple & Spotify Podcasts; Heartland Signal.com, Chews Views Media Group.com. See Ya!!

a 7 full months into this Trump disaster, Americans are feeling it more and more. Clearly, he has no idea what he is doing and his lies to the country are only going to get worse as we enter the 4^th quarter and the 2025 Holiday season. Take a look at how Trump tariffs and economic uncertainty are really stretching the fabric of America.

· Health insurance

The Trump regime’s Big Betrayal of a Bill will increase the number of uninsured Americans by over 10 million heading into 2034, and by 2026, millions of others will face higher premiums due to the tariffs and the potential ending of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA), also known as Obama Care. The ACA premiums are projected to rise by a median of 18 percent throughout the country in 2026, which amounts to an 11 percent increase…and that my friends is “backbreakingly insane”. Leading insurance analysts are reporting that some insurers have cited the impact of tariffs on drug pricing as being responsible for 2 to 3 percent increases in premiums in 2026.

Clearly if GOP members in Congress do not extend the tax credits seen as part of the ACA, then in 2025, roughly 22 million people could have crippling increases to the cost of care and could face affordability barriers if the credits are allowed to expire.

· New cars

Borrowing costs for new cars have increased this year. According to an auto industry analysis from last month, August 2025, the average APR for a new car purchase in July was 7 percent, up from 6.6 percent in December 2024. This means about $400 dollars more over the lifetime of a typical five-year auto loan…based on an average price of just over $37,000.

On top of rising borrowing costs, anticipated tariffs could increase the average price of some bestselling new U.S. made car models by 14 percent, or roughly $5,286, based on branding projections from industry experts from Spring 2025. These price hikes could be even higher if Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on imported semiconductors & chips does take effect. Candidly, if loan rates stay at the YTD rates, consumers will end up paying more to purchase and/or finance a new car…and this includes the same models bought just a few months ago.

· Cookout basics and other items

Summer technically ends on September 21^st, but many say that when kids are back in school…summer is over, grills, humidity, family trips in the SUV have turned into Fall apple picking. One thing for sure, the prices of cookout items took a move north from Memorial to Labor Day…across the country. Ground beef & sirloin steak prices hit record highs during the centennial month…reaching $6.25 & $13.55 per pound, respectively. Those increases represent a nearly 13% deeper dig into American’s pockets since January 2025.

The Trump regime’s 50 percent tariffs took effect on August 6, 2025, against products from Brazil...the country that is responsible for more than 20% of beef imports to the United States. The regime also increased tariffs against New Zealand and Australia, 2 other major sources of beef imports. Trump’s incompetence is even a danger to even our summer celebrations.

· Products for children

VP Harris said it on more than 1 occasion…Christmas would be more expensive with Donald Trump back in the Whitehouse…Trump tariffs are hitting children’s products hard, from toys to baby strollers to clothing. The price of toys has climbed by 3.7 percent in only four months since Trump announced increased tariffs against Chinese products back in March. This is on the heels of warnings from toy company leaders about the impact of tariffs on imports from China and other major toy-producing countries. Prices of some top-selling essential baby products; like strollers, car seats, cribs, highchairs, and baby monitors all have increased by more than 20 percent since April of this year. Clothing and shoe prices are predicted to increase by nearly 40 percent in the short term. This on the heels of parents who just faced the increases on “back-to-school” items across the country.

So, clearly the big concern now just a few days into September as I said earlier is how the Trump tariffs will affect Holiday expenses; I have said for years that the holiday spending season starts with Halloween and does not really relent until January 5th…this year the time frame won’t be any different, but Americans…just like VP Harris said will have to spend more “real money” now that Donald Trump is back in the White House. I feel bad writing this, but America, we have to stop lying to ourselves…Trump and his Regime have to go…the sooner the better. So, Progressives let’s make our voices heard and let the GOP, Maga and all those who voted for this carnage know we are here; Chins Up & Shoulders Back…it’s time to fight Progressives!!

Thanks for your attention. Chews Views post here often and of course follow our show on WCPT-AM820 in Chicago, WARR-1520AM/103.5FM in Warren County, North Carolina; Facebook Live, You Tube, Apple, Spotify & iHeart Radio podcasts.

Stratton spoke about her campaign for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), who announced in April that he would not seek a sixth term in office. Stratton, who was first elected as Illinois lieutenant governor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, announced her Senate campaign just one day after Durbin’s announcement. The field of Democratic candidates has since grown to six, including two sitting members of Congress, Reps. Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi.

“I launched my campaign for United States Senate because I saw a need,” Stratton told Chew. “And I believe that I’m the one to fill that need. And what that need is what I hear from people all across the state, when I’m traveling and asking them, what’s most important to you right now? What are you looking for from your leaders in Washington? And they say to me — they look me in the eye and say, ‘I’m looking for a fighter, someone who’s going to stand up for me, someone who’s going to fight back against this administration and defend our rights and deliver for us.’ And I am happy to be able to look them back in the eye and say, ‘I am that fighter.’ And I will continue to do what I have done for the last six and a half years as your lieutenant governor. I will keep fighting for the people of Illinois.”

The lieutenant governor touted what she and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker have achieved together in office, citing their success in raising the minimum wage, passing “common-sense gun legislation,” and protecting the right to an abortion.

“We have done so much to uplift the communities of Illinois,” Stratton said, “and I’m really proud of the big coalition that I’m building right now all across the state, people who are joining my campaign because they are looking for a fighter. They’re looking for someone who knows how to deliver. And I look forward to bringing the blueprint of what we’ve done in Illinois to Washington, D.C.”

Turning her attention to what the Trump administration has been doing on immigration and access to health care, Stratton said it’s important that the opposition “mobilizes and protests and lifts up their voices and heads to the street to make it clear that we are not going to tolerate this. We’re not going to tolerate people being snatched off the streets and being stuffed into cars by masked people who don’t have any markings of any official capacity. We’re not going to tolerate them stripping away health care for millions of Americans. We’re not going to tolerate rolling back our fundamental rights, like we are seeing every single day.”

Below is the full transcript of the interview. (Please note: The transcript has been edited for clarity.)

Richard Chew: This is Richard Chew with “Chew’s Views,” and we have the opportunity again to speak with our wonderful lieutena­nt governor, Juliana Stratton, here in the state of Illinois. And there is so much going on, as there always is, but I’m so proud to have the lieutenant governor with us again. She’s got a lot to talk about, but we’ve also got her limited schedule and busy schedule.

But thanks so much, Madame Lieutenant Governor, for being a part of a team, including Gov. Pritzker, that’s protecting Illinois residents and citizens. You guys have made it clear and unapologetically clear that you are making certain that the citizens and the voters of the state of Illinois are protected and feel a sense of safety and certainty with all that’s going on right now coming from the Trump administration. So thank you for that, as we start.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton: Well, thank you so much for having me, Richard. Always glad to talk to you, and thank you for saying that. Gov. Pritzker and I made it clear from day one that we would always stand for our people, and we would always fight for what’s right for the people of Illinois, and certainly right now, with the current climate and the chaos that we see coming out of the Donald Trump White House, it’s more important than ever that we continue to provide steady leadership, and it’s my honor to do so.

Richard Chew: Well, we’re also excited for you — since the last time we talked — and we had the WCPT anniversary, which you were so gracious as to call in and talk with us on — big changes have taken place. The big conversation right now is that you very quickly threw your hat in the ring, and that being for the Senate seat that’s going to be vacated by current Sen. Dick Durbin. What’s your life been like these last few weeks, since you made that announcement?

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton: Well, it’s been exciting. Number one, I launched my campaign for United States Senate because I saw a need, and I believe that I’m the one to fill that need. And what that need is is what I hear from people all across the state, when I’m traveling and asking them, what’s most important to you right now? What are you looking for from your leaders in Washington? And they say to me — they look me in the eye and say, I’m looking for a fighter, someone who’s going to stand up for me, someone who’s going to fight back against this administration and defend our rights and deliver for us. And I am happy to be able to look them back in the eye and say, I am that fighter, and I will continue to do what I have done for the last six and a half years as your lieutenant governor. I will keep fighting for the people of Illinois.

And it’s not just that. It’s also delivering. I mean, look at what we’ve been able to do. I’ve been on this show a few times to talk about what we’ve accomplished here. Under the Pritzker-Stratton administration we raised the minimum wage. We passed common-sense gun legislation. We have protected the right to an abortion. We have done so much to uplift the communities of Illinois, and I’m really proud of the big coalition that I’m building right now, all across the state, people who are joining my campaign because they are looking for a fighter. They’re looking for someone who knows how to deliver, and I look forward to bringing the blueprint of what we’ve done in Illinois to Washington, D.C.

Richard Chew: And the country’s going to benefit from fighters like you and from Gov. Pritzker, who are not just not afraid but emboldened and encouraging by saying, this is what I stand for, this is what I will do, and this is what I won’t tolerate. And you’re out there doing this every day. And I get this from people that listen to my show and listen to our station: They want that so bad right now, lieutenant governor. I can’t even tell you how — I shouldn’t say this because you know this — how passionate people are right now about folks stepping up and fighting. And three very quick examples: Sen. [Alex] Padilla in California, Congresswoman [LaMonica] McIver in New Jersey, if I’ve got that right, and Comptroller [Brad] Lander in New York, all stepping to the mic, all saying, this is unacceptable what this administration is perpetrating on the United States of America. And so, what you’re saying about what your successes have been, those are documented and those are true, and people — not just in Illinois, I can assure you, but people across the country — want to see more of that from someone like you and so many other folks that are fighting.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton: Well, look, Richard, what we’re seeing right now is not normal, and we cannot normalize it. And it’s important not just that elected officials raise their voices, but everyone mobilizes and protests and lifts up their voices and heads to the street to make it clear that we are not going to tolerate this. We’re not going to tolerate people being snatched off the streets and being stuffed into cars by masked people who don’t have any markings of any official capacity. We’re not going to tolerate them stripping away health care for millions of Americans. We’re not going to tolerate rolling back our fundamental rights, like we are seeing every single day.

And what I want to just say is, not only are the people of Illinois demanding it, the people of Illinois are taking to the streets. I mean, we saw what happened on “No Kings” day recently, when millions of Americans took to the streets, including right here in Illinois. I happened to be in Rockford, where I think that they probably were anticipating a few hundred and we ended up with 2,000-plus in the street. I think the “Hands Off” protests that have been happening every weekend in not just big cities but small towns all across the state.

So you’re right. It’s not just those of us who are elected who are raising our voices. The people of Illinois are making it very clear this is the leadership that we’re looking for. We want people to fight just like we are in the streets, raising our voices. It’s time out for trying to go along to get along. We have to make sure that there’s real courage and leadership in Washington, D.C. And that’s what I intend to bring.

Richard Chew: Well, and you’re bringing it now. And I think this is one of the reasons why your campaign is and will continue to be such a strong one, because you have delivered. And obviously it’s been a team effort between you and Gov. Pritzker and other statewide officials, which is what you bring to the table. You won statewide election more than once, and I think that’s one of the reasons why you’re going to stand head and shoulders — and it’s not knocking anybody else that’s running, because the great thing about what’s happening with this transition is that we have a fantastic bench.

We have been labeled as not having anybody waiting in the wings, and maybe there’s some folks that have stayed longer than necessary. I won’t say too long but longer than necessary in this environment. But we’ve got a great bench. Representative Robin Kelly is a great — she’s a great leader, and others that are stepping to the races in terms of the congressional races. All of them are great leaders. All of you guys are. And that’s one of the things that I just keep repeating. And I have a smile on my face when I hear you guys talk, because I say, you know what? Our folks are leading here in Illinois — you, Mayor Johnson, and the list goes on. So that’s something that I hope everybody remains excited about with this upcoming race.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton: Yes. It’s a great example of how democracy works. As we yelled in the street at the “No Kings” march, this is what democracy looks like. And we see the Trump administration and MAGA extremists who are trying to roll back all the progress and what we’ve done to protect democracy. They’re trying to roll back voting rights.

Look, I think about myself as someone who’s not the typical politician. I didn’t have a plan early on in my life that this is where I would end up. I saw a need, and I knew that I needed to step up to meet that need, and that’s how I ran for state rep. You may recall the story that I was caring for my mom. I was her primary caregiver. She had Alzheimer’s. And it was hard because I cared for her while being a working mom, had my own career, plus I was a mom to daughters, three at the time, and I just think about how hard it was when [then-Gov.] Bruce Rauner and my former state rep tried to cut senior services and health care for seniors like my mom. And I was angry. I stepped up because I said, you know what? This is unacceptable that you would strip away health care from our most vulnerable.

That was 10 years ago, Richard. Here we are, in 2025. I’ve lost my mother since then, and here we are in 2025 and the Trump administration, MAGA extremists and congressional Republicans are once again stripping away health care from millions and millions of Americans, including 3.4 million Illinoisans who are on Medicaid, who are at risk of losing, potentially losing their health care coverage. That includes 1.5 million children in Illinois, and not to mention all of the people that are employed by hospitals, over 400,000 Illinoisans who are employed by hospitals and health care systems. This is an example of the kind of reckless damage that is happening through the chaos coming out of the White House. We need somebody going to be a stopgap, who’s willing to jump into the ring and go to the mat fighting for the people of Illinois, and that’s what I’m going to do as the next United States senator.

Richard Chew: I oftentimes use a phrase, standing in the void, standing in the doorway, and that’s exactly what is needed right now.

Ask you a couple quick questions, as we keep moving forward and try to stay on point. It’s Juneteenth. Happy Juneteenth is the phrase. And what does Juneteenth personally and, I’ll say, professionally mean to you? And what has it meant to you over the years?

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton: Well, we know Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day. And what I think about a lot on a day like today is I think about my ancestors, William and Daniel Stevens, who — my great, great grandfather, who’s William, who was enslaved, and when the Emancipation Proclamation went through, was signed, and then, of course, we know that Juneteenth is because everybody didn’t know that they were free until that message got to Galveston, Texas.

But I think about my ancestors who took a plot of land that was given to them by the man who owned them, and they took that land, and they farmed that land and they fed their community, and they built a church because they knew faith was important, and they built a store and a school because they knew education was important and economic progress was important. And now we see, generations later, their descendant, me, this Black woman on the South Side of Chicago who is the first Black lieutenant governor of the state of Illinois and now running to be the next United States senator for the great state of Illinois — the state, by the way, of Abraham Lincoln, who signed that Emancipation Proclamation. Just think about that narrative and what’s possible when we really focus on serving our communities the way my great, great grandfather did.

That’s the legacy that I have inside of me. It’s the legacy of my mother, who was a public school teacher, came from a union household, who taught adult literacy to adults who had never learned how to read. That’s the gift that I’ve taken from my father, who was a Navy veteran who faced discrimination in his own efforts to serve our country, but who also was a physician in community hospitals, safety net hospitals like Roseland and Saint Bernard and Provident on the South Side of Chicago, because he understood that access to quality health care for everyone, regardless of your zip code, is so important. That’s what’s inside of me, and that’s what drives me every day, to care for not just my family but to care for our community, to care for the people of Illinois in the way that they deserve.

And that’s why I do what I do. And Juneteenth, to me, means always honor that legacy and recognize that there’s still much more work to be done, but we have to also acknowledge the progress that we’ve made.

Richard Chew: I think that’s a big part of how we go forward. And as we go forward and we wrap up, Lieutenant Governor, again, I thank you for being with us. I look forward to having you back again in a few weeks. How can folks find you? How can they get involved, and let you have this last couple of moments just to wrap us up there?

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton: Absolutely. Well, I look forward to people getting involved. They can certainly go to julianastratton.com and find out how to get engaged with my campaign, and of course follow me on social media. I look forward to continuing to engage with people, not just online, but I look forward to coming to your community and getting to know you personally, because all across this state, we have such fantastic communities, and people are raising their voices to your listeners. I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can and hopefully earning your support.

Richard Chew: Absolutely. Thank you, Lieutenant Governor Stratton, for being with us this morning, this afternoon, this day. Keep strong. We’ve got your back, and we want to keep pushing you and propping you up. So have a great rest of the day.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton: Thank you for having me.

Follow Me, Richard Chew at ChewsViews on Instagram, X, Bluesky, Threads, LinkedIn and on WCPT-AM820, Facebook Live, YouTube, TuneIn & iHeart Radio. 6-8AM; 773-763-9278 and Richard@wcpt820.com!!

The Republicans in elected offices on all levels are at fault…that does not mean Democrats can’t fight and they should…but the elected Republicans have the numbers, the votes and responsibility to stop the Trump Administration and do it now…if their constituents don’t demand it and are willing to go along with this…its because they are either too weak, have convinced themselves they are too busy…or even worse, it is what they believe should be happening. It's their craven need to see violence be inflicted on other human beings and even worse on fellow Americans.

All of you who support what Donald Trump and his entire administration are putting in place and support the threat of Trump having Marines on the streets of Los Angeles are showing how disgusting you are capable of being…no human being who is trying to survive and be at peace should be treated like the people in Los Angeles are being treated. No, MAGA, your boy Donald is not deporting criminals, thugs, rapists and illegals. He is terrorizing human beings and specifically Americans. Magats who are sitting by and not calling your GOP elected officials to get them to move to stop Donald Trump…you are showing the worst in yourselves. Your so-called patriotism, Christianity, privilege and “it’s them, not me” is not strength…it’s weakness!

Maga…you disgust most of Americans and you know it and you seem to actually enjoy the “own the libs” statement. Hey Maga and GOP, when are you going to direct you “deportation obsession” towards white Europeans who are here illegally? Because you really don’t care about getting rid of criminals, thugs, rapists and illegals…your sick obsession just wants to get rid of brown and black people…just admit it…”Free your mind and your behind will follow”!! Your racist obsession is tearing our country further apart and when it comes to your doorstep or that of your family…going to your Christian place of worship won’t help you…and it shouldn’t.

Stop lying to yourself Maga; you know this is wrong and those of you who support this should be kept awake at night for your complicity and unwillingness to “Protect the least among us”. Your behavior is disgusting and you know! America, fight back against this, now!

That’s this weeks Chews Views Substack review. Pass it on to those who you know care about democracy. Follow me on YouTube, Facebook Live, Instagram, Apple & Spotify Podcast and catch me Daily show, 6-8AM/CST on WCPT-AM820.; Heartland Signal.com and ChewsViews Media Group.

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Donald Trump has been on a “retribution tour” set on destroying the country at every turn. He is using the playbook of the folks at Project 2025, The Heritage Foundation, Ultra-Right Wing White men and most certainly oligarchs.

This effort has been on the table since the end of World War II. Mostly led by white men in America, who have shown the capacity for intense racism, sexism, nationalism and privilege.

The country also saw a rights revolution, with legislators and judges extending the promise of the Declaration of Independence to more people than ever before and cementing the U.S.’ status as the moral leader of the “free world.” Using the constitution as our script to successfully move forward.

These efforts were part of making the country more equal, financially richer, better educated and the beacon of success…across the globe. WWII showed the world we could rally to help our allies stave of dominance from a dictator and the dictatorship marching through Europe.

Even with the bias, discrimination, sexism, poverty, civil rights issues etc. of the 60’s and 70’s…America still was working to move forward. But the election of Ronald Reagan and his coalition of southern whites who were dead set against the progress of the Civil Rights movement were determined to roll back the achievements of FDR’s New Deal and the civil rights movement. Conservatives pursued a path of judicial power to enact these changes, however Democrats’ ability to win presidential and state elections and lead social movements, from gay marriage, transgender rights or Black Lives Matter, proved too dangerous of a threat to these conservatives that did not want to wait for the courts, especially SCOTUS to give them the “Immunity” they needed to get a Trump 2^nd Term.

Trump’s 2^nd term as this article is titled has been a disaster for the country and the world. No Donald Trump, you have not achieved anything you sold your MAGA followers on; as you tried lying to the crowd in Warren, Michigan yesterday. Donald Trump, you lied during the campaign and have been lying since your inauguration…to your base and the biggest problem is they know it but chose to be ignorant to it. Why?

Because…

Your goal is not to “Make America Great Again” because if it were, then you would acknowledge the success of FDR and the true strength of the 20^th Century…that was diversity, equity and inclusion. In all areas that allowed, frankly forced our country to move forward and succeed, we did it by being inclusive of all the talent and brainpower from all our communities, natural born and immigrant.

The problem is that our country has been led back to a post enslavement time by a coalition of Mediocre white men and some white women who recognize they are mediocre and without the privilege they have coasted on for decades if not centuries then they can’t compete. That’s the real reason for all this Havoc and Chaos.

Here are just a few of the Chaos numbers:

· 46% of toy companies in the U.S. say they expect to go out of business within weeks.

· 128,000 federal workers LOST their jobs in the last 60 days.

· 40% of cargo ships leaving China for the U.S. were empty this past week.

· Shoes are expected to go up 87% this year.

· Apparel is expected to go up by 65% this year.

· U.S. Exports are expected to drop 18% this year.

· Tourism to the U.S. is down 20% this year.

· All foreign goods up at least 10% on the U.S. dollar alone.

So why do I say that Trump’s 1^st 100 Days have been a Flat-Out Disaster…because based on the numbers, they have. Not the bluster and B.S., but the numbers. Not because of the Democrats not doing enough, but because this was the plan all along. Destruction of the centuries of hard work, sacrifice, vision, belief and American progress; led by an executive order obsessed, mediocre, representative of the worst of America…not it’s best. Donald Trump, your administration, MAGA voters and the GOP of elected officials in all offices…this is on you. Wake Up America and Stop Lying to yourself. We won’t be great again unless we get rid of this cancer…AKA the GOP and Trump World.

That’s my Truth. This is Richard Chew, host of Chews Views Radio Show; 6-8AM, M-F on WCPT-AM820 in Chicago, Facebook Live, TuneIn & iHeart Radio, YouTube, HeartlandSignal.com, ChewsViewsMediaGroup.com; email me at Richard@chewsviewsmediagroup.com or richard@wcpt820.com.

I’m excited to see the young guns and new political voices stepping up to make their case about how, Specifically Democratic leaders and elected officials need to do more.

Well, last week I had a young man on my show, Chews Views on WCPT-AM820 (6-8AM), Jackson Franklin who is running for U.S. Congress in Indiana against Victoria Spartz. It was a great interview with Jackson, and he is on the right track about how he is pushing hard against big corporate money in politics. I suggested that he make sure he is open to the right donors, even if they are large money donors, as long as they have the right interests in place. I also suggested, matter-of-factly that he make sure that his coalition, team and the people around him truly reflect what he says is his platform to change the narrative, effort and successes for Democrats. In other words, don’t just have a bunch of “young white guys” be the optics of his campaign.

Over the weekend, James Carville and David Hogg had a little back and forth about the future and direction of the DNC, Primarying Democratically elected Democrats and how he, David Hogg is going to use $20Million from his “Leaders We Deserve” PAC to support primary challenges to what he calls “ineffective” Democrats. Carville thinks it’s the most insane thing he has ever seen.

Not to go through all the pieces of this, but to shed some light on what I see. I agree that “ineffective” Democrats need to step up, hard and fast. But David Hogg, I hope you and the young guns see this, read this and take it to heart. Although I would never resort to name calling as James Carville did with/to you…I would say you and the young guns need to be more willing and actually listen to those who have accomplished the things you are trying to accomplish; Getting Democrats elected to offices we need; Locally, Regionally, State-Wide and Nationally.

You, to the best of my knowledge, have not been in the driver’s seat to actually getting someone elected. I’m not going to attack you or call you names like Carville did. I would rather make these suggestions:

1) Stop Making this conversation about Age – Yes you have done that, maybe not intentionally but it has still happened. As smart as you present yourself to be, realize that many people twice and three times your age hold tremendous sway (they/we are not dead yet). You don’t like it when older folks tell you to “wait your turn young man” …and older people don’t like it when you try kicking them to the curb. Remember this David Hogg, many of the people you have pissed off in the Democratic party who could be your best allies are old enough to have fought in wars that put us a position to make it possible for you to do what you currently are trying to do…so, use their experience to make your cause more effective and long-lasting.

2) Go after Republicans not Democrats – How powerful would it be if you directed that $20Million Dollars at “piss-poor republicans” who are in “Purple Districts” and help the Democratic candidates in those districts/states win those seats so that we can take back the house and senate, then we can change the narrative. Replacing a Democrat with another Democrat, without increasing our numbers in those states and districts is tantamount to running in place. Illinois House Representative Lauren Underwood has it correct right now; Get the Republicans who are in vulnerable districts and states to vote the right way and with Democrats.

David Hogg, use your PAC’s leverage to pressure “ineffective” Republicans rather than cutting off the legs of Democratically elected Democrats!

3) Talk to the constituencies in the districts and states of the Democrats you are going after…rather than just launching into “Take Down” mode. Help them become effective and hold the seat, while taking down awful Republicans.

David Hogg, you have a brilliant future and Ken Martin selecting you as a Co-Chair of the DNC is a great opportunity for you to do great things. But make sure you are actually listening to those you don’t want to listen to. They have, meaning the “older democrats” a lot to offer you in your effort to succeed on many fronts. Take a lesson from Magic Johnson when he was a rookie with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was the number 1 draft pick for the Lakers, just off the NCAA championship as a star and soon to be even bigger. What did he know? Kareem Adbul-Jabbar was the captain of the team, a championship winner and someone who he could learn from. That learning from the veteran while helping him improve, allowed Magic and The Lakers to be unstoppable; David Hogg, you could learn a lot from Magic Johnson…Humble yourself so you can succeed Young Gun!!

Hey Progressives, Check Out my show ( https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views/) Chews Views on WCPT-AM820, 6-8AM, Monday-Friday; Facebook Live, YouTube, iHeart & TuneIn Radio, Spotify and Apple Podcasts; websites include, www.heartlandsignal.com, www.chewsviewsmediagroup.com...773-763-9278!

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One of the most challenging aspects of retirement planning is anticipating your future life. There are so many unknowns to consider, such as what age you'll want to retire, what your financial obligations will be, and what type of lifestyle you'll want.

Given those variables, it may be tempting to create a generic retirement plan and then consider it done. However, in order to ensure you stay on track, it makes sense to review your retirement plan on a yearly basis. Below are five reasons why an annual review is so important to your Financial Lifestyle.

1. Life changes:

A change in employment, income, or family makeup can significantly alter your finances and retirement planning. Reviewing how these changes affect your plan will help you avoid surprises down the road.

· Changing a job: Whether you lost your job or are embarking on a new career, you'll need to address your retirement accounts. Explore whether to roll over your account from a previous employer to another brokerage firm or keep your funds where they are.

· Getting a raise: Once the celebration is over, decide whether you'd like to use some of that bump in pay to increase your retirement investment rate.

· Having a baby (or watching kids graduate): Kids have a big impact on finances at every age. Your ability to save for retirement may ebb and flow with the demands of your family life. Your annual review of retirement accounts is the perfect time to reflect on current and future financial obligations.

· Divorce or death: These are very painful life events. But they happen. Planning for your future significantly changes when your partner is no longer with you. Such a life change may require a retirement plan overhaul.

· Caregiving: Being a caregiver isn't just a physical act, it often has financial implications for you as well. Caregiving situations arise when you bring children into your life, when your spouse or parents need nursing care, or even when your friends require short- or long-term care. Explore how this situation will impact the vision of your retirement and your financial commitments.

There is no right or wrong way to deal with these life changes. But it's important to engage in conversations that account for these changes as you manage your retirement funds.

2. Determining beneficiaries:

As you accrue retirement assets to improve your Financial Lifestyle, one sensitive area of planning is deciding who will be the beneficiaries of your estate. You may find yourself reassessing that from time to time based on life changes. If so, remember that there are several places where you may need to update this information:

· Will

· Investment funds such as your IRA and 401k

· Home or property assets

· Insurance policies

· Family trust

There are many reasons why someone would need to update or change a previously designated beneficiary. Getting in the habit of regularly reviewing that information will keep your documentation consistent with your personal wishes.

3. Lifestyle choices:

One of the most exciting and intriguing aspects of planning for retirement is dreaming of your future lifestyle and most certainly your Financial Lifestyle. As a thirty-year-old, you may anticipate a retirement filled with international travel. But when you revisit the idea at age fifty, you might decide you'd rather save for a vacation home where you can make memories with grandkids. There are a few other reasons to review how you anticipate your personal life to go during retirement.

· Changes to your health: are you in good health and do plan on living in a place where you can have an active lifestyle? Or, have you experienced a change in your health that has affected how you imagine you will live your retired life?

· Moving to a new location—perhaps you planned on becoming a snowbird in Arizona but have since decided you'd rather move abroad for part of the year. Will this lifestyle change increase or decrease your planned expenses?

· Pursuing a new interest—do you have a new hobby that you would like to engage in once you're retired? For example, perhaps you would like to visit every baseball stadium in the U.S. Or you're interested in volunteering and serving a community that you're passionate about. Will these interests cost money to pursue, or can you enjoy them on your existing retirement budget?

Checking in once a year and examining how you would like to live your retired life also allows you the space to reimagine—and replan—your future.

4. Financial unpredictability:

Planning financially for retirement is challenging. Some years it may feel like you're a little behind, and other years you might be confident you're on your way to a well-funded post-work life.

Taking the time to reevaluate where you stand financially may feel a little cumbersome, but it will help you avoid surprises later. Take the time to review the following questions once a year.

· Are you maxing out your retirement accounts?

· Do you have the opportunity to get a retirement match from your place of work? Even if you stay with the same job, your benefits can change from year to year.

· What age do you intend to retire, and how much should you have saved by then based on your anticipated lifestyle?

· What are the fees associated with the financial products that you're invested in? Will those fees eat up your retirement over time?

· Have you reviewed your various insurance plans, and are you clear about the coverage?

5. Account access:

In our increasingly digital world, we accumulate vast numbers of logins that we have to keep track of. To make sure you're never locked out of your retirement accounts, log in at least once a year (if not more often) and update the password credentials. Be sure to record the new information in a safe place or use a password manager. Regularly updating your passwords is also a good way to protect yourself from fraudulent activity.

In closing just remember preparing for retirement is an ongoing process that lasts until you actually retire. Making sure your Financial Lifestyle is in parallel to your general lifestyle is critical to having balance and that's a good thing. Your plans don't have to be set in stone and revisiting your strategy each year will ensure you make the most of your time and resources.

Stay focused and in the fight my Substack Progressives because we are Stronger Together!! Take a Deep Breath and Make Your Life Count!!

So now what? Time to get back up again and fight for those same beliefs and ideas that took 75 Plus Million of us to the polls on November 5^th…to vote for Democratic Presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Devi Harris. Let’s talk about those 75 Plus Million Americans who voted for big and little “D”, Democracy; not fascism, not racism, not sexism; religious freedom, not punishing Dogma, Patriotism and not Nationalism.

Let’s talk about those who voted for better roads, bridges, rails, clean water, high speed internet, $35 Insulin, Technology and Innovation for city folks and the most rural of us all; the expansion of The Affordable Care Act, protection of Medicare, restoring manufacturing to American communities, improving the minimum wage, real energy towards “inventing, making and buying it here in America, building a more fair tax system, increased housing for Americans, protection of all our borders, reinvigoration of NATO, support for our foreign allies in Ukraine, Isreal and Palestine, keeping our sacred obligation to Veterans and Military families, standing strong for racial, gender, youth equalities and yes a woman’s right to choose by improving our Reproductive Rights commitments.

The Biden/Harris list of accomplishments is very robust and the goals for the future that Vice President laid out were about moving our entire country forward; while leveraging the successes she affected as President Biden’s second in command. The problem is, the other 76 million plus Americans voted for racism, fascism, nationalism, religious dogma, white male patriarchy and their list ends pretty much there.

No, it was not really about the price of eggs, gas, rent, foreign affairs, “the border” (we have 4) inflation or jobs. It was about “the ism’s”. Stop lying to yourself America; when 52% of White women and over 70% of white men vote for what they say is to make America great again…but now we see that 34XCF is not only going back on campaign promises and assertions but also is too incompetent to handle the most basic of items…yet alone the more complicated issues. Maga, the 34XCF is going to continue to act like a buffoon, tell you lies and continue to blame everyone, and everything think that happens on someone else and something else…and you that are in this cult will continue to drink it down like warm milk.

You got bamboozled Maga and you are going to feel the pain of 34XCF’s incompetence for the next 4 years…you will not be spared, preserved or given a pass because you are at the center of the problem. Your willful ignorance and blind arrogance along with a dose of white privilege is at the core of this travesty…Buckle Up Maga…you are already in FAFO phase.

Chews View

s SubStack will be back next week, Stay Tuned!! Follow my show on WCPT-AM820, Facebook Live, Twitter Stream, iHeart and TuneIn Radio, Apple Podcast, Spotify and https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views/.