Weekly Free Speech Forum established Jan. 6, 1951
75th Anniversary in 2026
College of Complexes
The Playground for People Who Think
sustaining the academic tradition of “One Fool at a Time”
Every Saturday at 5:00 PM CT
Dapper's Restaurant
2901 W. Addison, Chicago, Free Parking The next open dates are:
CTA Route 152 Addison Jan 17, Feb 14, 21, 28
Tuition $3.00 and food/drink purchase Contact the Program Coordinator
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Upcoming Presentations:
October
October 11th
Trump’s Betrayal of the Free World and Ukrainian Victory, notwithstanding
Meeting # 3,839 - Derrick Michael Reid BS JD Esq, Libertarian running for the 2028 US Presidency
The Blue Curtain
After Alaska, Trump indicates NATO US peacekeeping in Ukraine is on the table.
This is so Wrong. After peace by Russian defeat, by Ukraine arms assistance, NATO secures Ukraine giving US an opportunity to withdraw from NATO and EU. EU then controls the Blue Curtain from the Norwegian Sea to the Caspian Sea for containing imperial Russia without US entanglements.
Biography: Derrick Michael Reid BS JD Esq: Reid graduated from UC Berkeley Engineering with 10 years design experience working on Shuttle, F16, and cruise missile navigation. Reid graduated from WSU Law School and was a patent litigator and prosecutor for 25 years. Reid has 10 years of monetary, 20 years of military, and 20 years of geopolitical self education. Reid has 3 years of emulatory combat experience. Reid ran for the US Presidency in 2016 and the US Senate in 2018. Reid is an engineer, lawyer, systems analyst, moderate Libertarian, monetarist, politician, military scientist, patent litigator, social economist, author, geopolitical analyst, combat commander, technologist, social conservative, theist, philosopher, commentator, and Libertarian running for the 2028 US Presidency.
October 18th
The Doctor Will See You Now....
Never hear your name called if you practice Preventive Medicine and Lifestyle Management / Alternative ways of enjoying good health
Meeting # 3,840 - long-time college regular from the past Mike Witort
The speaker will present various alternative medicine therapies.
October 25th
What A Government We Have! What Government Do We Have?
Meeting # 3,841 - Bill Geraci (jer-AW-see) returns to the college
What are the three ways humans have organized themselves? And how have we Americans set up our "experiment"? Are we a democracy? Spoiler alert: It's not what you think! Come find out just how much our Founding Fathers didn't trust politicians!
November
November 1st
Mao in China / Trump in US / and Centrally Planned Economies
MAGA calls for Americans to endure higher prices
Is factory work essential to the “spiritual” health of the working class?
Meeting # 3,842 - college regular Tim Bolger
Mao MAGA asks: how much freedom will we trade when a president says, ‘We set the price’ in the name of national greatness?” Or will we fail like other central planned economies.
Donald Trump’s second-term economic vision has taken on an openly nationalist and state-directed character, drawing comparisons—sometimes tongue-in-cheek, sometimes critical—to Mao Zedong’s rhetoric of sacrifice. Critics have dubbed the approach “Mao MAGA,” highlighting the blend of patriotic appeals, centralized economic control, and calls for Americans to endure higher prices for the sake of national strength. Trump has described the U.S. as a “department store” that sets prices for foreign goods, and has pledged to personally decide tariff levels with business leaders, while imposing steep duties—especially on Chinese imports—to force companies to manufacture in America. Supporters see this as bold nation-building to restore manufacturing and worker dignity; opponents see creeping authoritarian economics and politicized price-setting.
The piece underscores how this program departs from traditional free-market Republican orthodoxy by embracing tariffs as a permanent organizing principle rather than a temporary bargaining chip. It also notes the moral framing from administration figures, who describe factory work as essential to the “spiritual” health of the working class and paint nostalgic pictures of multigenerational manufacturing communities—visions critics argue don’t match modern automated industry. Whether viewed as strategic resilience or managed nationalism, “Mao MAGA” reflects a shift toward a capacity-first economic model that could reshape America’s political economy, testing how much central direction a liberal market order can bear.
November 8th
A Historical Summary Comparing the Mass Displacement
of Cretan Muslims, Pontic Greeks, & Palestinians
Alexandria Keating-Sofiakis, Candidate for US Congress IL-10,
Illinois Green Party (running against Brad Schneider in 2026, write-in)
Meetings # 3,843 - video interview https://youtu.be/xrlVB-iUwZo
Campaign Information: https://www.facebook.com/people/Alexandria-Keating-Sofiakis-for-IL-10/61574599503560/
Illinois Green Party - website - https://www.ilgp.org/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ILGreenParty
November 15th
Aris F. Yanibas, Candidate for the U.S. Congress, 5th, Independent
Says he will "abolish the slave-owner constitution"
Meeting # 3, 844 - an attorney in Chicago for 55 years, and college regular
Aris F. Yanibas is a Chicago-based attorney specializing in real estate transactions and legal services. He received his law degree from the John Marshall Law School and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1970.
The 5th congressional district of Illinois covers parts of Cook and Lake counties, as of the 2023 redistricting which followed the 2010 census. All or parts of Chicago, Inverness, Arlington Heights, Barrington Hills, Des Plaines, Palatine, Mount Prospect, Deer Park, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Long Grove, and North Barrington are included.
The district is the wealthiest district in the state of Illinois.
It has been represented by Democrat Mike Quigley since the April 2009 special election.
November 22nd
Open Microphone on Conspiracy Theories
Why have 82 shooters been identified, sent by 42 groups, who shot from 14 directions, and not one of 214 alleged conspirators been put on trial and found guilty?
Meeting # 3,845 - contact the Program Coordinator Charles Paidock if you would like to be one of the three keynote speakers at at (312) 842-5036, (312) 714-7790 cell, or cpaidock@hotmail.com
Which conspiracy theories do Americans believe?
Ranked in order from "Definitely or probably true" to "Definitely or probably false"
Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone in assassinating John F. Kennedy in 1963 TRUE
Regardless of who is officially in charge of the government and other organizations,
there is a single group of people who secretly control events and rule the world together
Barack Obama was not born in the United States
Voting machines were programmed to change votes in the 2020 election
Many top Democrats are involved in child sex-trafficking rings
The U.S. has been developing bioweapons in biolabs throughout Ukraine
Many top Republicans are involved in child sex-trafficking rings
Vaccines have been shown to cause autism
Mass shootings have been faked by groups trying to promote stricter gun control laws
The U.S. government was behind the 9/11 attacks on New York City
The U.S. government is using the COVID-19 vaccine to microchip the population
The 1969 landing on the moon didn't occur and was actually staged somewhere in Arizona FALSE
November 29th
Max Solomon for Governor 2026
Christian, Conservative, Republican
Meetings # 3,846 -
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Solomon lost his mother at age 14 and then his father two and a half years later. At age 17, he found himself responsible for supporting his six younger siblings.
After immigrating to the United States, Solomon attended South Suburban Community College, earning his associate degree in political science. He graduated with a perfect G.P.A. and received the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship award.
Using the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship award, Solomon attended DePaul University. He earned a B.A. in political science and double minored in religious studies and peace, conflict resolution and social justice.
Solomon went on to receive a master's degree in theology from Valparaiso University and a J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law.
Solomon works as an attorney. He also teaches political science and law-related classes as an adjunct at South Suburban Community College.
Adjunct Professor, South Suburban Community College, present
Member, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
Member, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
Ordained Minister/Legal Counsel, Celestial Church of Christ, United States of American Diocese
Chaplain, Christian Legal Society
Volunteer Attorney, Lawyers in the Classroom, Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago
Member, Screen Actors Guild
Member, South Suburban Bar Association
President, Stonebridge Condominium Association, Hazel Crest
Trustee, Grande Prairie Public Library District, 2015
Campaign Information: https://www.facebook.com/ready2serv/
December
December 6th
Barbie Spomenka Vajic
Republican Candidate for Congress, in the 3rd District
"People First, No Political Career"
Meeting # 3,847 -
Small Business Owner, Serbian-American, Republican, fighting for America First
Illinois's 3rd congressional district includes parts of Cook County and DuPage County, and has been represented by Democrat Delia Ramirez since January 3, 2023. Prior to being drastically reconfigured to a different region in 2023, when it was created largely out of portions from the 4th and 6th districts, the district was represented by Marie Newman from 2021 to 2023, Dan Lipinski from 2005 to 2021, and by Lipinski's father Bill from 1983 to 2005.
The candidate states: "Hello everyone, if you have made a request, kindly inform me. I maintain a book of requests from individuals, and I take the necessary steps to complete the tasks. My goal is to advocate for a better future for Illinois residents, and I am not focused on advancing my own political career. Instead, I am dedicated to building my career. Please feel free to reach out and submit your requests. Thank you."
"I prioritize pro-life values, recognizing America's unique beauty and charm. Americans deserve an improved future, and by seizing the many opportunities available, we can create a better life for all, upholding the America First principle and striving to restore America's former greatness."
"I am currently assisting a few Ukrainian refugees who are seeking help to obtain legal status in the USA. However, some individuals have requested $5,000 from them to facilitate this process. I have advised them not to provide funds to unknown individuals. I am seeking information on free legal services or organizations that can assist Ukrainian refugees in Illinois. If you have any relevant information, please share it with me. These individuals have come to the USA seeking safety, employment opportunities, and a path to citizenship. They aspire to become American citizens and contribute to the country they have grown to love and respect. As someone who is familiar with various resources, I am often approached for guidance. I strive to provide referrals to reputable professionals who can offer assistance in accordance with US laws. Thank you."
December 13th
Chad Koppie
Candidate for US Congress, in the 7th District
"Patriot – Farmer – Aviator – Family Man"
Meeting # 3,848 -
In March 2025, Chad decided to run for the U.S. House, from Illinois' 7th District. Like in previous campaigns, his main goal is trying to ban abortion. He also supports large spending cuts and tax rate cuts.
Chad Koppie is very active in his local community. He was a member of the Kane County Regional Board of Schools and is a board member of the Illinois Forum. He's served as a township trustee and a member of the local school board. Chad believes that education is the key to the future and that means that – in order to improve the educational system – everyday people need to stand up and speak out.
"Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. This absolute power's name is tyranny. And tyranny is a loss of liberty."
Chad has been an ardent spokesperson on behalf of his conservative principles for decades. He isn't some guy who just showed up out of nowhere claiming to be a man of principle but having nothing to show for it.
Throughout his life, Chad Koppie has proven himself to be an honorable man. But he doesn't see a lot of honor in the way most public officials conduct themselves these days. He believes that the federal government has grown too big, too powerful, and too corrupt.
Chad Koppie is a lifetime farmer. He currently lives on an 80 acre farm and currently rents 600 acres that he still farms. A retired jumbo jet Captain with Delta Airlines of 35 years, Chad flew jets out of Chicago's O'Hare Airport domestically then retired as the number one jumbo jet Captain out of New York City's JFK.
Chad feels that he is in a unique position to now focus on serving our country because he understands the middle class values and he understands the blue collar voter.
Chad's family values, duty to God and Country mean everything to him. He grew up in a Christian family and has been married to his one and only wife Teresa.
Here's Chad's new video: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisFamilyAction/videos/970265685128993
December 20, 27
Closed
from the Faculty and Students of the CoC
January
January 3rd
Open Microphone: What is Going to Happen to the World
in 2026?
Everyone will have 5 minutes each to Present their Predictions
Meeting # 3,849 - please contact the Program Coordinator Charles Paidock if you wish to be one of the three (3) keynote speakers to get the conversation going, with 15 to 20 minutes to speak at (312) 714-7790 or cpaidock@hotmail.com
January 10th
College of Complexes Special Program
75th Anniversary on January 6th, 2026
Meeting # 3,850 - established in 1951 - in progress
January 17th
Open
Meeting # 3,851 - contact the Program Coordinator Charles Paidock if you would like to speak at (312) 842-5036, (312) 714-7790 cell, or cpaidock@hotmail.com
January 24th
Demi Palecek, Candidate for IL State Representative, Democrat
“Demi doesn’t just talk about change, she gets to work and makes it happen”
Meeting # 3,852 -
Progressive veteran, community activist, and Democrat running for State Representative in the 13th District (district includes parts of Northside Chicago and the lakefront, such as Uptown, Andersonville, and Lake View.)
What Demi Stands For
Demi Palecek is running for State Representative to fight for the values that matter most to our communities—from healthcare and housing to justice and education. She brings lived experience, legislative insight, and a record of showing up.
Demi Palecek has dedicated her life to service. A member of the Illinois National Guard, she protected our U.S. Capitol - and our democracy - in the wake of the January 6th insurrection. An advocate for our community, she is an IWIL alum and has held leadership roles with the 46th Ward Democrats & Illinois Veterans for Change. With experience in advocacy, policy, organizing, and communications, she will bring ethics, discipline, empathy, and real-world insight to our legislature.
Campaign Website https://www.demiforillinois.com/
January 31st
US Threats to Overthrow the Venezuelan Revolution
Meeting # 3,853 - Stansfield Smith, expert on central and South American affairs
Since September 2025, the U.S. military has conducted several missile strikes on vessels in international waters near Venezuela. U.S. officials assert these attacks target "narco-terrorists" and are part of a counter-narcotics campaign.
The Trump administration has designated the Venezuela-based gang Tren de Aragua as a "foreign terrorist organization" and has repeatedly accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking.
February
February 7th
Marching as a Vehicle for Social Change, a Report on the
"Save America March" to build unity, one step at a time
Meeting # 3,854 -
Ed S. Fallon is an American activist, former politician, talk show host, author and urban farmer from the State of Iowa. He was previously a Democratic candidate for Governor of Iowa and the U.S. Congress, and served as a member of the Iowa General Assembly from 1993 to 2006.
Fallon’s history of marching as a vehicle for social change dates back to 1986, when he organized the Iowa stretch of the coast-to-coast Great Peace March. Since then, Fallon has organized five long marches and walks.
“Our democracy is being supplanted by authoritarian rule,” said Fallon. “We’ll never address the existential threats of climate change and nuclear weapons, or any other pressing issue for that matter, without a functional democracy. Violence isn’t the answer. The approach of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, and Dorothy Day is what will save us.”
“Authoritarianism has been spreading for a while,” added Fallon. “This year, it’s gone from bad to worse. The civility that used to define public engagement is being supplanted by name-calling, lying, and flouting the Constitution.”
February 14, 21, 28
Open
Meeting # 3,855+ contact the Program Coordinator Charles Paidock if you would like to speak at (312) 842-5036, (312) 714-7790 cell, or cpaidock@hotmail.com
College of Complexes
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