Why Jen Loves Cemeteries - and the News!
- Jen McMillin
- Feb 11
- 6 min read
As I sit here, I’m just now realizing how few people ask me why I love cemeteries the way I do. I wonder why.
No.
I know why.
They don’t ask for the same reason that I love them.
They are honest places.
Our cemeteries, for their beauty, are hard places of truth. There aren’t flowery words of praise and sweet music.
They are places of authenticity. Names, dates, rows, and sometimes even the lack of a stone. The end of their story. A final act of human kindness - to place them back into the soil they loved, created, benefited from — a place they, hopefully, chose themselves.
Even the most famous of all of us end up in the same place, still neighbors in a form. Even if you are cremated, your ashes eventually will mix with the world you inhabited. The baby taken too early. The veteran sent home after his duty was complete. The elderly hated relative. They and their stories are all there, among happier endings and memories.
And all together, a community cemetery tells you the honest truth of the families who lived there. A story I desperately want to know for each of the places I care about. In a cemetery, I can find the truth, without gilding, for the most part.
These places are also the last bastions of authentic patriotism I have found. And why I am filming today at Ponting Cemetery in Christian County.
This is the America that I want. I don’t want that plastic, shiny America that forgot how she earned her scars.
I want a community of people who support each other, and learn from each other, even the negative lessons. I want families of every color who have enough wealth to support their own community when times get hard.
That’s not the America I live in.
But it was for the people in this cemetery, the first ones buried in the 1860s. It was for Abraham Lincoln when he was born 216 years ago. America was filled with opportunities for, at the time, mostly white men to take charge of their destiny and create a “good life” for him and his family.
Today, there are very few opportunities for anyone to do that, even a stereotypical “white man” American. American wealth is tied up in corporations and the ultra wealthy instead in our communities where it belongs.
How do we get it back? Or, better yet, to answer the question posed to us on social media yesterday, how do we stop this madness? What do we do?
We have to remember that every last one of us in America are responsible for electing Donald Trump and his administration. The neighbors in red hats, yes, but also every American who didn’t participate. Who says that they “aren’t political.” Every employer who discourages staff from running for local office.
We, the American communities, are responsible for this current mess.
Now that we acknowledge the issues - what do we do?
We figure out how to be better Americans. For me, that is the work I do at Sunshine Strategies and adding in family-friendly news to sift through the ridiculous amount of information coming to light each day. You and your family are going to have to figure out what it looks like to be a “better American” for you, but I do have a few ideas.
First, i’ve put together a family guide to democracy - a non-partisan handbook of real-life actions you and your family can take to be political in a kind and positive way. I’ll share a link on my social media, and post on SunshineStrategies.org for you to download.
And next - we’re going back to class. As a mom and political nerd - I know what I’ve used to help teach Eric, Charlie, and now Lizzo about how to be the “loyal opposition.” Now, I’m going to share it with you all.
If you have a specific topic you’d like me to cover - please email me! Otherwise - I hope you enjoy and we learn a lot together!
___________________________________
Now - time for the news!
Welcome to the latest episode of "Sunshine Strategies Radio," your trusted source for news affecting Central Illinois families. Today is February 11, 2025, and we're recapping the key national, statewide, and local events from the past week.
National News
In the past week, the Trump Administration has undertaken several actions that may impact Illinois families:
1. Dismantling Government Accountability Mechanisms
President Trump has dismissed multiple inspectors general and officials responsible for ethics and whistleblower complaints. Additionally, enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act has been paused. These moves could affect government transparency and integrity. citeturn0news11
2. Imposition of Tariffs on Canada and Mexico
The administration imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. While these tariffs have been temporarily postponed, they may lead to increased prices on goods imported from these countries, potentially affecting household expenses. citeturn0search6
3. Recognition of Only Two Genders
President Trump announced that the federal government will officially recognize only two genders, male and female, and plans to abolish Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mandates at the federal level. This policy change could influence federal programs and protections related to gender identity. citeturn0news13
4. Legal Efforts to Reinstate Funding Freezes
The administration has requested a federal appeals court to lift an order preventing the freezing of federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance. If granted, this could impact funding for various programs that benefit Illinois residents. citeturn0news14
5. Pardons Related to January 6 Capitol Attack
President Trump has pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. This action has significant legal and political implications and may influence public discourse on justice and accountability. citeturn0search4
These developments encompass changes in government oversight, economic policy, social issues, legal actions, and political decisions, all of which could have varying effects on families in Illinois.
Presidential Pardon for Former Illinois Governor
On February 10, President Donald Trump pardoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who had been serving a 14-year sentence for political corruption, including attempting to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat. This pardon follows Trump's commutation of Blagojevich's sentence in 2020. The decision has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a gesture of leniency and others expressing concern over its implications for political accountability.
Statewide News
Clean Slate Bill Proposed to Modernize Record-Sealing System
Illinois leaders have introduced the Clean Slate Bill, aiming to modernize the state's record-sealing system by replacing the outdated petition-based model with an automated system. This legislation seeks to remove barriers for over 1.5 million Illinois residents with old criminal records, fostering economic stability across the state. citeturn0search9
New Illinois Laws Taking Effect in 2025
Nearly 300 new laws have taken effect in Illinois this year. Notably, starting July 1, many hotels in the state will no longer be allowed to provide customers with single-use plastic soap and shampoo, a move designed to reduce waste. Hotels with fewer than 50 rooms have until 2026 to comply with this regulation. citeturn0search11
Local News
Weather Impact: Freezing Rain in Central Illinois
Central Illinois experienced significant freezing rain on February 5, leading to hazardous driving conditions. Illinois State University closed early at 4:30 p.m. that day due to the anticipated icy weather. citeturn0search1 Residents were advised to exercise caution on the roads and stay updated on weather forecasts. citeturn0search0
FedEx Facility Closures
FedEx announced plans to close three facilities in Central Illinois later this year, affecting locations in Effingham, Springfield, and Urbana. Employees at these facilities have been informed of the upcoming closures. citeturn0search8
College Basketball Highlight
In sports, the Illinois State Redbirds secured a narrow victory over the UIC Flames with a final score of 81-79 on February 5. This win adds momentum to the Redbirds' season as they continue to compete in the Missouri Valley Conference. citeturn0search3
Health Advisory
Increase in Flu Cases and Respiratory Illnesses
The Illinois Department of Public Health has reported a rise in emergency department visits and hospital admissions due to the flu. Residents are urged to be vigilant, seek testing and treatment promptly if experiencing flu-like symptoms, and consider vaccination to protect themselves and their communities. citeturn0search14
Weather Outlook
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its outlook for February, indicating an active weather pattern for Central Illinois. Residents should stay informed about potential weather developments and be prepared for varying conditions throughout the month. citeturn0search4
That concludes this week's episode of "Sunshine Strategies Radio." Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, stay safe and informed.
Sources:
Comentarios