The Land of Lincoln is one of only seven states to impose harsh restrictions on the sale and possession of fireworks.

October saw a former Chicago Public Schools CEO plead guilty to wire fraud and several other instances of criminal charges and civil lawsuits against public officials, as well as crony deals between businesses and government.

People who support popular opinions have little to lose from having their support for those ideas known. It’s the people who are challenging the status quo – like the NAACP during the civil-rights movement – who have to be concerned about harassment and retaliation for their views.