Pritzker’s ‘reckless’ GOP attack shows he’s no national leader
As the founder of Awake Illinois, a nonprofit advocating for ethical governance, I am compelled to condemn Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reckless remarks at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner on April 27. This letter adapts a statement from Awake Illinois, reflecting my personal concerns and outlook.
Pritzker’s claim that “Republicans cannot know a moment of peace” is a direct attack on free speech and civic engagement, endangering the principles that ensure open participation in public life. His call for “mass protests, mobilization and disruption” threatens millions of Americans, including families Awake Illinois represents, with intimidation for their beliefs. This rhetoric risks inciting unrest, and his “peaceful protest” defense does not undo the harm of his provocative words.
This hits close to home in Illinois, where my organization is fighting discriminatory practices. Awake Illinois recently filed two federal civil rights complaints against the Illinois State Board of Education: one under Title VI for race-based teacher programming and another under Title IX for permitting a male in female bathrooms (Valley View School District 365), compromising student safety and fairness in K-12 schools. Pritzker’s inflammatory speech fostered a toxic environment, evident when a speaker likened me and Moms for Liberty to executed Nazi propagandist Julius Streicher, as noted in our X post on April 28. This vile smear wrongly demonizes advocates like me and trivializes the Holocaust, chilling free expression.
Pritzker’s reckless comments and divisive rhetoric in New Hampshire are a critical misstep in his pursuit of national political ambition. As a parent and independent who successfully sued Pritzker in 2021 over his unlawful mandates, I have witnessed his radical governance firsthand. He also champions policies known as “gender-affirming care” — policies other countries have halted and that many parents, including myself, have come to learn are actually mutilation and sterilization of vulnerable kids. He rejects Title IX protections and supports males in female private spaces and sports teams. His veer to the far left, alienating moderates and independents, has exposed the fragility of his national appeal. By doubling down on polarizing rhetoric and failing to unite Illinoisans, he is undermining his credibility as a viable national leader.
I doubt Pritzker will retract his comments, apologize or denounce the Nazi comparison. Illinois needs unifying leadership, not division. At Awake Illinois, our motto, “We Cannot Be Cancelled,” drives our resolve to continue advocating. I invite your readers to join me in forging a future where Illinoisans’ families and freedoms thrive, undaunted by Pritzker’s intimidation.
Shannon Adcock, Naperville
Founder and President, Awake Illinois
Share your views
Submit letters to the editor via email to suburbanletters@tribpub.com. Please include your name, address and town of residence for publication. We also need your phone number and email address for confirmation. Letters should be no more than 400 words.
