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.
No guarantees: I understand Donald Trump is considering another run for president. If I donate to his campaign, how can I be sure that none of the money I send in won’t go to Stormy Daniels or some other porn star of his liking. I’ve been told there are no guarantees in life, but in this case am I asking for too much?
Repeating history: What the president of Russia is doing is the same thing the leader of Germany did in World War II. He’s trying to force his way in, and why is that guy, Putin, getting away with this? Why doesn’t the whole world stand up to him because of his threats about having nuclear stuff? This man is a nut, just like Hitler was. You want to see another world war, you’re going to see it unless somebody does something to that man.
Ukraine pandering: As an American of Ukrainian-Polish ancestry, I find the opportunistic behavior of Illinois politicians during the current Russian invasion of Ukraine sickening. Suddenly, in this election year, they have discovered the Ukrainian Village area of Chicago! Protests over the invasion have provided a perfect opportunity to exude a phony appearance of concern in front of a large gathering of potential voters.
Paying double: I compared this year’s heating bills to last year’s and found that my home used the same amount this year as last. Only difference being this year’s cost was double. This is crazy. Seniors are going to have to decide between food and heat. Oh wait a minute, food costs have almost doubled as well. Joe Biden, are you listening?
Politics at work: It always kills me that when doing income taxes, you have to declare your jury duty pay as income. That $17.20 is big income and if you don’t declare it, then the IRS may come after you because you are scamming the IRS! And then there’s newly-indicted Mike Madigan, who has been a crook for well over 30 years. Any wonder why people despise the political class?
Where’s the benefit? As 50 United States, each contributing labor, funding, skills, resources and commitment, we have achieved a standard of living and opportunities which are sought by people worldwide. To those who see division as a way to suppress those of different perspectives, what do you envision? If divided, how will our community life, our infrastructure, national parks, educational system, health care and national defense be maintained? If we citizens have the will to respect the needs and provide more equal opportunities to all Americans, we will have a more stable society.
