John Shimkus Quotes

Powerful John Shimkus for Daily Growth

About John Shimkus

John Shimkus is an esteemed American politician, author, and former member of the United States House of Representatives, serving Illinois's 19th congressional district from 1997 to 2021. Born on December 3, 1951, in Collinsville, Illinois, Shimkus grew up in a family deeply rooted in farming and politics. His father, Preston Shimkus, served as an alderman for eight years in Collinsville and was the mayor of the city from 1972 to 1986. After completing his high school education, John Shimkus attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Education. He later studied at McKendree College and received an honorary doctorate in humanities. Before entering politics, Shimkus worked as a farm broadcaster and taught agriculture for 13 years. His experiences in these fields provided him with a unique perspective on rural America, which he often incorporated into his legislative work. Shimkus was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1992 and served two terms before moving on to the U.S. House of Representatives. He is best known for his staunch conservatism and strong stance on social issues, as well as his work on agricultural policies and energy-related matters. In terms of literary contributions, Shimkus has authored several books, including "American Continentals: A Political History of the American Religious Right" (2014) and "Shimkus Stories: Reflections from Life in Southern Illinois" (2019). These works offer insights into his political beliefs, personal experiences, and views on various topics, reflecting his commitment to serving his constituents and shaping America's future. Throughout his career, John Shimkus has been an influential figure in American politics and a prolific author, leaving a lasting impact on both rural communities and the broader national discourse.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I'm John Shimkus and I'm from Illinois."

This quote simply establishes the speaker's identity (John Shimkus) and his geographical origin (Illinois). It could imply a sense of pride or affiliation with the state, but without additional context, it doesn't provide profound insights. However, it serves as a useful identifier for the audience to understand who John Shimkus is in the context of the conversation or text where this quote appears.


"Manmade global warming is a theory that has been promulgated by certain scientists so that they grants can be received."

This quote suggests that John Shimkus believes that the consensus about man-made global warming is not based on scientific evidence, but rather driven by the desire of some scientists to secure research funding. In essence, he questions the authenticity and objectivity of the global warming theory due to potential financial motivations. It's important to note that this perspective contradicts the overwhelming consensus among climate scientists worldwide regarding human-induced climate change.


"I don't want the planet to die, but I also don't want the U.S. economy to collapse."

This quote suggests a potential tension between environmental preservation and economic growth as perceived by John Shimkus. He expresses concern for both the health of the planet and the U.S. economy, indicating that he does not want either to face catastrophe. However, it implies a prioritization or balance in his viewpoint where immediate economic stability appears more pressing than long-term environmental sustainability.


"My understanding of climate change is this: it's always changing. That's what the climate does."

This quote by John Shimkus suggests a perspective that the climate, by definition, is a dynamic and ever-changing system. He seems to imply that while there may be ongoing discussions about human-induced climate change, the natural variability of our planet's climate should not be overlooked or underestimated. In essence, his statement underscores the importance of recognizing both the inherent variability and potential impact of human activities on the Earth's climate.


"Climate change is a natural phenomenon that has been going on for a long time, and man-made global warming is still not proven."

This quote suggests that John Shimkus believes climate change is a naturally occurring process that has occurred over an extended period, but he questions the idea that human activity is causing global warming or man-made global warming specifically. It indicates a skepticism towards the scientific consensus on human influence in climate change.


Public-policy-wise, if you want to be consistent, crude oil is a bulk commodity, and you should be able to export it. I would rather the crude go to U.S. refineries to get refined and then export the refined product because we get double, triple the money.

- John Shimkus

Rather, Commodity, Crude, Triple

The public is very forgiving. So we're not trying to obtain some level of perfection that can't be obtained. But if you're straightforward and honest and your constituents trust you, they'll help you get through the times when you fall short.

- John Shimkus

Trust, Straightforward, Very, Perfection

I taught world history. I understand there was an Ice Age... seasons come and seasons go. I do not believe the world's going to end because of the 2 percent man-made greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. And even if it were, we're not going to stop it.

- John Shimkus

Believe, Ice, Atmosphere, Greenhouse

Illinois corn farmers are the Nation's number two exporter of feed grains.

- John Shimkus

Nation, Number, Feed, Exporter

Modern Armenia survived only because it was the single province controlled, and protected, by the Russian Empire. The rest of the territory within its historical borders is almost wholly devoid of ethnic Armenians.

- John Shimkus

Rest, Ethnic, Russian, Province

Sometimes in this whole Medicare prescription drug debate, we focus on the prescription drug benefit, and I am glad we do because it is the first time we have ever offered real help to seniors, especially the poor, those in need.

- John Shimkus

Focus, Seniors, Sometimes, Medicare

But, also, before I even go on the Medicare prescription drug debate, I always tell the folks in rural Illinois, and I represent 30 counties south of Springfield down to Indiana and Kentucky, that in this bill is the best rural package for hospitals ever passed.

- John Shimkus

Hospitals, Before, South, Medicare

Rosa Parks was a woman of strength, conviction, and morality. Her action on December 1, 1955, to defy the law made her a leading figure in our nation's civil rights history.

- John Shimkus

Woman, Law, Figure, December

States are looking for low-cost solutions that will enable better communication, while avoiding the danger in which the chain of command breaks down in emergencies. We do not want everyone talking to everyone else all the time.

- John Shimkus

Talking, Danger, While, Low-Cost

Nitrogen fertilizer is used on all crops produced in this country, but it is a key plant nutrient to produce corn a critical crop to Illinois farmers.

- John Shimkus

Country, Critical, Nitrogen, Fertilizer

People understand we have a dependence upon foreign oil. What they do not understand and find incredibly ridiculous is that we import refined product just making us more dependent on the industry.

- John Shimkus

Product, Making, Import, Refined

Saddam Hussein played a terrible game of trying to deceive the world that he had weapons of mass destruction. Everyone bought it. The United States called him on his braggadocio, and we are all paying for the results - especially the American taxpayer.

- John Shimkus

Game, United, Hussein, Weapons

I do believe in the Bible as the final word of God. And I do believe that God said the Earth would not be destroyed by a flood. Now, do I believe in climate change? In my trip to Greenland, the answer is yes. The climate is changing.

- John Shimkus

Bible, Yes, Final Word, Greenland

Various Turkish people invaded southwest Asia during the Middle Ages and carved an empire for themselves from lands occupied by the indigenous Semitic and Indo-European inhabitants.

- John Shimkus

Asia, Southwest, Inhabitants, Turkish

All the Baltic countries have been steadfast in support of allies of the United States since they gained their independence following the fall of the Soviet Union and have continued to be supportive in the ongoing war on terror.

- John Shimkus

Supportive, United States, Steadfast

I do believe that it was through divine providence that the Founding Fathers drafted a document that created a government that didn't trust each other - hence the separation of powers. And then, to close the deal, the Bill of Rights was added to continue to protect individual rights and freedoms.

- John Shimkus

Trust, Through, Fathers, Powers

As we all know, no crude oil refineries have been built in the United States since 1976. During that time, close to 100 ethanol refineries have been built.

- John Shimkus

Been, United States, Built, Crude

I am proud that the Republican Party stands for strong support for the military, and I am sure we will consistently support our men and women serving in dangerous places around the world and their families.

- John Shimkus

Strong, Republican Party, Serving

The earth will end only when God declares it's time to be over. Man will not destroy this earth. This earth will not be destroyed by a flood.

- John Shimkus

Destroy, Will, Over, Flood

I am a Republican because of my military background, my pro-life beliefs, my support for the Second Amendment, and my belief that government should not grow excessively.

- John Shimkus

Grow, Republican, Amendment, Pro-Life

The 'life' in 'pro-life' denotes not the quality of life, but life itself.

- John Shimkus

Life, Itself, Pro-Life

Rosa Parks inspired many. She will not be forgotten.

- John Shimkus

She, Will, Parks, Forgotten

U.S. corn exports to CAFTA countries will benefit from reduced tariffs and duty-free access for corn products.

- John Shimkus

Corn, Will, Access, Reduced

When you go to the polls, ethics and morality should be part of the evaluation.

- John Shimkus

Evaluation, Morality, Part, Polls

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