Oprah’s plans
On Oprah’s first show of this, her final season, she told 300 audience members that she was taking them to Australia, and John Travolta would be the pilot.
Shame on both of them.
As it turns out, Australia is paying for the trip to promote tourism.
How insensitive can Oprah be with the U.S. economy in trouble?
Why doesn’t she take her audience to New Orleans?
Charity begins at home!
— Claudia Parisi, Tinley Park
Entitled wealthy
This is in response to “How’s a family to get by on $250,000 a year? U. of C. professor’s blog lamenting Obama’s proposed tax hikes on the rich draws firestorm of criticism” (Page 1, Sept. 24).
This article shows that we must raise taxes on the rich for their own moral well-being.
They must be shaken out of the poisoned mentality that a nanny, lawn guy, housecleaner and private school are necessities to which they are entitled.
— Mark Pundurs, Des Plaines
Anti-hunting bias
I am a hunter.
Usually whenever I mention that fact in the Chicagoland area, I receive an instant negative response.
The conversation inevitably turns to: “You kill defenseless animals for fun?”
This response upsets me and along with other evidence leads me to believe that Chicagoland residents have an unwarranted bias against hunting.
Chicagoland residents’ bias presents itself in various ways.
The most obvious evidence of this bias is that very few people in the Chicagoland area hunt. As a result they know little about it, and a large part of the bias against hunting originates from lack of knowledge.
Without understanding common hunting practices, Chicago-area residents cannot form an educated opinion about it.
The bias also manifests itself in the fact that there is very little hunting land in the Chicagoland area. The lack of hunting land causes a lack of exposure to hunting.
This exposure would lead to more understanding of hunting practices, thus providing residents a more complete point of view.
I believe that this bias can be overcome. However, it will take a substantial effort to surmount. I urge Chicagoland residents to make a conscious effort to educate themselves and be more open-minded about hunting.
— Alex Zaug, Niles
Iranian lies
It’s time to call out Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for his lies against the United States and Israel (“Iranian’s speech sparks walkout,” News, Sept. 24).
If ever there was a call for regime change, this is it.
— G.P. Schill III, Chicago
Looking for new faces
Silly me! I’ve been dreading the upcoming Nov. 2 election and the need to choose among the legislative and congressional candidates. But after reading “Democrats punt tax vote till after election; Strategy will keep debate over cuts on voters’ minds” (News, Sept. 24) and columnist Jonah Goldberg’s “GOP’s ante: The pledge” (Commentary, Sept. 24), I have no problem! No incumbent on my ballot will receive my vote. They need a new job, one they can handle.
— Alice Berry, Bull Valley
A life of love and service
Thank you to the people of Chicago and Illinois for the honors and kind words expressed over the loss of our beloved Christopher. Thank you to Gov. Patrick Quinn, Mayor Richard Daley, Fire Commissioner Robert Hoff, the McCaskey family together with the entire Bears organization and the Blackhawks organization. (Chris was with his teams for every win and loss; we are sure that he will send special powers to Jay Cutler for a winning season and continued success to our Blackhawks!)
We send very special thanks to his brothers and sisters of Engine 5, Truck 2 and Ambulance 28; Rev. Thomas Mulcrone; Rev. Thomas Enright; Rev. John McNalis; all at St. John Fisher parish; the Gold Badge Society; Local 2 members and CFD Honor Guard; the FOP Lodge 7; the IAFF and the AFFI; U.S. Honor Guard; UIC; STARTGroup; all the volunteers of the Salvation Army and 5-11 Club; Blake-Lamb Funeral Home; the CFD Pipes and Drums; the Chicago Police Department; all his wonderful brothers and sisters from fire departments all over the U.S. and Canada; and the many officials who attended. Your discipline, honor and respect for Christopher was truly amazing in such trying, difficult conditions. You all were a true inspiration to us. We love you!
Sincere gratitude goes to the neighbors on the Southwest Side and Oak Lawn who so patiently allowed the disruption of Chris’ services to their daily lives and so beautifully honored him during the procession.
Each one of you comforted us with your dignity, love of country and honor to him, which will always be remembered.
Also special thanks to the Village of Lemont, Lemont Fire Department, Lemont Police Department and Lemont High School, a family of people who care about their neighbors. Thank you for caring for us. We will always remember your kindnesses and thoughtfulness.
Christopher lived a life of love and service to his family, friends and fellow men and women. He was a truly compassionate, loving person who also celebrated the life he was blessed with. Chris would focus on a goal and work diligently to attain that goal; a lot of that was just sheer hard work. He loved Chicago and the Chicago Fire Department; above all he loved his family. We were so blessed to have him in our lives and never have to be concerned with what should have been said to each other because we always knew he loved us and he always knew we loved him; we said it to each other every day.
Our family is committed to remembering the wonderful person we were blessed with for 31 years and will honor his memory the rest of our lives. Please join us in doing so by helping a child in your life grow into the best person he or she can become.
— The family of Christopher Wheatley, member, Chicago Fire Department
Cubs mediocrity
I have been a Cubs fan for more than 50 years. In 2010, the team had the third highest payroll in baseball and what did that produce? Mediocrity. There is always talk but no next year for the Cubs.
Let’s face the facts. The Cubs are a disgrace to the fans, a disgrace to baseball and a disgrace to themselves.
It’s time the fans got something for their money besides hot air.
— Walter Gunther, Plano
Another season
Year 1, Cubs 0.
— Eric Rosenberg, Evanston
