Articles by David E. Smith
Marijuana: Fostering a Chronic State
By David E. Smith   |   07.23.18
As you know, IFI is very concerned about the move by certain state lawmakers to legalize “recreational” marijuana in Illinois. In 2014, so-called “medical” marijuana became legal in the Land of Lincoln. Over the past four years, state lawmakers and...
Prager University Short Video: So, You Think You’re Tolerant?
By David E. Smith   |   07.20.18
How would you define tolerance? The essence of the standard societal and dictionary definitions boils down to this – tolerance is the ability or willingness to live among and get along with people whose opinions and behavior are different, even...
Special Panel on Radical Islam – 3 Locations
By David E. Smith   |   07.10.18
Illinois Family Institute and local ACT for America leaders are hosting a panel of experts to answer your questions about radical Islam in three locations this weekend. This panel includes: Philip Haney, former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) whistle blower...
PragerU: University Indoctrination
By David E. Smith   |   06.30.18
Dangerous people: taxpayer-funded; indoctrinating impressionable, young minds; all with the goal of undermining Western civilization. If you suppose this describes the henchmen and tactics employed by a Marxist regime halfway around the world, you are wrong. Rather, this commonplace scenario...
The Sad Effect of Sin
By David E. Smith   |   06.14.18
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently came out with a report with staggering information.  Suicide is on the rise.  The report mentions that suicide rates are up more than 30 percent in half of the United States since...
George Barna at IFI’s Annual Banquet in October
By David E. Smith   |   06.13.18
Many of you have heard of George Barna, but I dare say you may not know the depth and breadth of of his life experience and accomplishments, and more importantly, his legacy. As noted by Tim Stafford in Christianity Today, Barna, the Christian community's most-quoted statistician, "...is to evangelicals what George Gallup is to the larger culture."
What Does it Mean to be a Conservative?
By David E. Smith   |   06.13.18
What does it mean to be a Conservative? Historically, issues of faith and family that reflect traditional morals and values – the sanctity of life, heterosexual marriage, and belief in God and in His Word – have been the primary...
When a Christian Should Break the Law
By David E. Smith   |   06.05.18
In the last several years, we’ve seen a strong movement towards unrighteous in our country.  A look at the headlines, news stories, social media and other forms of media, reminds us that this world is not our home.  However, while this world is not our home, we still need to live, work and be an ambassador for Christ.
U.S. Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Colorado Cake Artist
By David E. Smith   |   06.04.18
Earlier this morning, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a historic ruling, striking down the State of Colorado’s decision against Jack Phillips. Though Jack served all customers, the State of Colorado punished Jack for declining to participate in a same-sex wedding.
Illinois House Ratifies the ERA
By David E. Smith   |   05.30.18
On Wednesday evening, the Illinois House of Representatives voted 72 to 45 to ratify SJRCA 4, a completely unnecessary proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution to eradicate sex as a legitimate characteristic on which to base reasonable distinctions. Illinois House GOP Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) and ten House Republicans voted for the ERA, while five Democrats voted against this resolution.
Dog Days of… Spring?
By David E. Smith   |   05.29.18
Recent weather trends plunged us into July-in-Illinois-type heat, making it feel like the dog days of summer, which always take a toll on the donations necessary to sustain IFI.  When the weather heats up, donations cool down. The Illinois Family...
Stop Illinois Funding of Abortion
By David E. Smith   |   05.24.18
The Illinois General Assembly is winding up its work for the 2018 Spring session and will try to adjourn for the summer by Thursday, May 31st. That means that things could move very quickly over the next six days. We...
The March 20 Illinois Election: Commit to Fighting This Battle on Our Knees
By David E. Smith   |   03.13.18
Scripture calls God’s people to pray before battle, to hand our cares and insurmountable odds over to the Father. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God....
Shine Like Stars
By David E. Smith   |   02.26.18
The year that was, 2017, is now fading in the rearview mirror. As we look out on the unfolding expanse of 2018, as far as the eye can see, the culture war rages – a hard-pitched battle between a culture...
Webinar #2 on Legalization of Marijuana in Illinois
By David E. Smith   |   02.14.18
There is a tremendous amount of misinformation about today’s high potency marijuana. Overdose rates have increased in states that have legalized such as Colorado, which legalized ‘recreational” marijuana in 2014.  As a result of legalization, they’ve also seen significant increases...
David E. Smith
Executive Director
David  E. Smith

Dave Smith is the executive director of Illinois Family Institute (501c3) and Illinois Family Action (501c4).

David has 30 years of experience in public policy and grass-roots activism that includes countless interviews for numerous radio, television, cable programs and newspaper articles on topics such as the sanctity of life, natural marriage, broadcast decency, sex education, marijuana, gambling, abortion, homosexuality, tax policy, drug decriminalization and pornography.

He and his wife of 29 years are blessed to be the parents of eight children. They strongly believe that their first duty before God is to disciple their children in the Christian faith, and impress a love of God on their hearts. There is a plethora of research that suggest that parents are the primary influencers in a child’s life. In an ideal world, that’s a mom and dad. Discipleship includes not only studying God’s Word but living a life of faith and walking in obedience to God. Discipleship is also necessary for sound doctrine, love of God and others. We do this in hopes of raising healthy and productive members of society who live to honor God and love their neighbors.

Dave has also served as a precinct committeeman and served as an ordained minister/elder in his local church.

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