Violence begets violence So, let me get this straight: We are constantly bombarded with movies, TV shows and video games that graphically depict the murder, mutilation and torture of human beings, and this is viewed as “entertainment” — and people are wondering why we have …
Spend city money on retireee health care, not lawsuits
Where are city’s priorities? It is fascinating that the city of Chicago would settle millions in lawsuits due to police misconduct, but the city has the nerve to consider cutting the health care of non-fire and police retirees? Where are the city’s priorities? Use money …
Don’t ignore the humanity on our streets
Don’t ignore the humanity on our streets I am part of the mass of people who surge through downtown Chicago, Monday through Friday, to and from work. Left foot, right foot, eyes straight ahead. I was barely aware of the people who are perceived as …
Our leaders could learn from airline pilots
Lessons from airlines Top leaders in our country could take lessons from commercial airline pilots. All effective leaders — pilots, politicians and parents — have as their primary goal the safety and feelings of security of their charges. Airline passengers trust their lives to strangers, …
Show integrity, and pay state pensions
Show integrity and pay state pensions For at least 30 years, money that was supposed to go into the State of Illinois’ pension funds was “redirected” to pay for schools, hospitals, prisons and myriad other projects and state agencies. When Bernie Madoff “redirected” his investors’ …
Ald. Burke’s dubious honor
I was delighted with Neil Steinberg’s column on Wednesday, especially where he allows “long-serving” Ald. Ed Burke to assert his status as “longest-serving alderman ever.” But I am confused: Why would anyone want the dubious honor of being alderman longer than anyone else in Chicago …
Answer the call for peace
The buildings in downtown Chicago often light up various colors to show support for and represent different issues and seasons. This has been successful in raising consciousness. Beginning Jan. 13 through Jan. 21, BOMA/Chicago building members have agreed to encourage buildings to light their buildings …
A whiff of hypocrisy at the BGA
Andy Shaw of the Better Government Association, official arbiter of “good” government and advocate for openness and transparency, seems to have no hesitancy in advocating that the General Assembly use the votes of 35 unaccountable “lame ducks” to pass an attack on public employee pensions, …
Let illegal immigrants get licenses
Let illegal immigrants get licenses As sheriff of Illinois’ largest county, I am responsible for providing safe roads. We are all safer when every driver is trained, tested, licensed and insured. That is why I support SB957, legislation that requires unlicensed immigrant drivers to obtain …
Enough obstruction
Enough obstruction Vote out the ones who obstruct the government. First, Mitch McConnell, because he was the one who told the speaker of the House, “Don’t pass any of the president’s bills because we want him to be a one-term president.” And second, vote out …
Where is the church’s message of love?
Where is church’s message of love? I am a regular churchgoing Catholic of Chicago. I was born and raised in Chicago. I belong to Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Chicago. I also attend St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Douglas, Mich. One parish is thriving …
Cardinal George misrepresents church history
Cardinal Francis George should know that pretending stuff didn’t happen is a fun way to pass the time, but his stance on gay marriage is at odds with his church’s previous stance. His church canonized St. Sergius and his husband St. Bacchus in the fourth …
The ObamaCare tax hike
Here is a little-known fact about the Affordable Care Act: As of Jan. 1, the threshold for deducting medical expenses on your income tax return increased from 7.5 percent to 10 percent of adjusted gross income for nearly everyone. Seniors 65 and older get a …
Government for the wealthy
Steven Strauss’ piece comparing today’s America to the Rome of the past was spot on [“America resembling the Roman Republic,” Saturday]. At least the Romans couldn’t give corporations a voice in elections, as our Supreme Court has done. Lincoln must be turning over in his …
