One quote that did not make it into your cover story on Sam Zell (“Here’s the deal,” July 25) was published in a 1997 Tribune article, delivered to students of Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management. One student asked: How about the social responsibility of business?
“Crap,” Zell replied. “I think the No. 1 responsibility of a corporation is to provide jobs. It’s not to build schools, it’s not to support the Lyric Opera and all of that other crap.”
There is probably a place for a grab-it-and-keep-it-all approach to business, but I am glad not everybody follows his advice on this. If they did, the Millennium Park that everyone seems to be so fond of (as well as a lot of other civic treasures) would still be just a hole in the ground.
DAVE MERCER / Oak Park
Robotics rehab?
In “I, cyborg” (Aug. 1), Ronald Kotulak asked, “Would (computer chips) be used to control the behavior of sex offenders and others?” If voluntarily implanted [in offenders], their victims might gain some peace of mind, the offenders would have a chance of a new start, and I and my fellow law-enforcement officials should have an easier job. These are not lobotomies. This is striving to better oneself in the 21st Century.
CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER MAJA RAMIREZ / Chicago
Get on and go
I loved Michael Austin’s story about the bicycle as a time machine (“The 10-speed time machine,” Aug. 1). The time is now!!! We need more people to stay out of their cars and get on their bikes. Chicago is the best place to bike-more bike racks, more lanes, and now the fantastic Bike Station in Millennium Park.
KATHY SCHUBERT / Chicago
Early losses
Thank you for your insightful article about the early stages of Alzheimer’s (“Twilight journey,” July 25). One of the most heart-breaking aspects of this disease, even in the early stages, is that it robs its victims of the capacity to initiate activities they once pursued vigorously and this, sadly, includes the small activities that go into building and maintaining relationships. When a parent loses the drive to con-tact or inquire about his or her children, this loss is stunning and especially hard to accept. Your work has helped those who have not yet personally encountered dementia to better understand the impact it has on its victims and those who love them.
JULIA BRENNAN / Sea Cliff, N.Y.
Clearing the air
Two quotes from “Nowhere to go but up” (July 11):
“The naysayers need to take a deep breath and start asking what they can do to help.”
-Developer Mary McAuley
“There’s been a total metamorphosis [of Evanston], but it’s happening so quickly and so much that the town is getting upset. People want us to take a deep breath.”
-Ald. Arthur Newman
Obviously the people of Evanston don’t need zoning help, they need oxygen.
WILLIAM ROONEY / Wilmette
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