Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you there’s something you’d like to comment on in Elgin or beyond, send an email to ksorensen@tribpub.com. Please include “speak out” in the subject line.
Not always the left’s fault: The hosts of Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” reacted Wednesday 12/8/2021 to the Christmas tree outside their building being set on fire, blaming the leadership of the “left” and a “crime surge.” It turns out it was a 49-year-old homeless man. This is a typical example of accusations some media sources do to promote their own political agenda not facts. What’s next, all drunk drivers are assumed to be affiliates of the opposing political party?
New job for Trump: Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz suggested recently that if the Republicans regain control of Congress next year, Donald Trump should become the next Speaker of the House. I think that’s a swell idea provided the job includes cleaning the bathrooms, mopping the floors, collecting the trash and sleeping on a cot in the boiler room.
Why wait to be fired? Doesn’t Nagy realize he has had it as coach of the Bears? Does he know the fans have had it with him? Show some class and quit before you’re fired.
Religion vs. law: I listened to Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s oral argument on abortion and couldn’t believe her comment that since there are safe haven laws in all 50 states, there is no need for abortion. Besides the other arguments against this, please tell me who will be adopting all these babies. Orphanages and foster care are overburdened as it is. Some of the children in the system get abused and become mentally and emotionally damaged. Barrett needs to recuse herself, as her religious beliefs are getting in the way of reality.
Economics history lesson: Ten years ago, the U.S. average price for a gallon of gas was just shy of $4. Today that same average is around $3.50 with a lot of ups and downs in between. The USA remains the top producer and consumer of oil despite claims otherwise. Baby Boomers will remember when mortgage rates were double digit and peaked around 16% in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Today a 30-year fixed rate can be had for 3%. I think the economy, while not perfect, is recovering well from the pandemic.
Facts are facts: In 2019, when Trump was in his third year as president, gas prices were lower, unemployment reached a super low of 3.7%, and the raised standard deduction lowered taxes for all tax filers. These are positive things for America and, no, I am not a supporter of Trump. It’s best to take a balanced approach to everything.
