Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you there’s something you’d like to comment on, send an email to ksorensen@tribpub.com. Please include “speak out” in the subject line.
Mankind going backwards: Observing the war crimes committed by the Russian army in Ukraine on the nightly news I’m reminded of Nazi atrocities in World War II. What’s more, watching the mass murder of innocent civilians, I can’t help but question if mankind, with all its technical advances, has taken even one positive step in the evolutionary process?
No role models in Hollywood: The Chris Rock-Will Smith fiasco provides yet another example of why it is in all of our best interests never to look to Hollywood for role models!
Now for the rest of the study: Reverse the emphasis and see if any CNN viewers change their views after watching Fox! Let’s see who’s open-minded.
Greedy oil companies: I’m tired of hearing from the Republicans that Biden is responsible for high oil prices. If that is true, why haven’t the oil companies drilled for more oil and get it out of the ground to lower prices? There are thousands of drilling permits that the oil companies have and are not being used. That is because the oil companies are greedy and don’t want prices lowered to make less profits. The pressure needs to be put on oil companies to drill and get that needed commodity into the market to ease the price pressure.
Musk will fix it: Now that Elon Musk has purchased a large share of Twitter, maybe freedom of speech has a chance to make a comeback. Some of the people who are banned from Twitter may be able to express an opinion again.
Where are they? Until the silent majority decide to make themselves heard by casting their votes, we’ll continue circling the toilet with the same brand of leadership regardless the party. Wake up, America.
Savings overrated: President Biden told us our fuel savings with an electric car will be $80 per month. If you don’t already own an electric car, like 95% of car owners, that means it will only take 700 months or 58 years for savings to pay for your electric car. The batteries are only good for 10 to 20 years so you will also have to replace that expensive battery at least three times.
We always lose: Shrinkflation, inflation, call it what you want. While manufacturers and retailers blame supply chains and rising costs, I have no doubt the majority of consumer product suppliers will report higher and even record quarterly profits. No matter how politicians or the media spin it, it’s all about they win, we lose, and the reported 5% wage hike is still lagging far behind the eight ball.
Old geezers rule: I’m surprised that only three Republican senators announced they will vote for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for the U.S. Supreme Court. Are all Republicans that afraid of not kissing up to former President Trump. Trump will not run in 2024 and forgo his daily golf routine in Florida. He’s just another old geezer just like the 29 70-year-old and 80-year-old geezers living out their lives in the U.S. Senate.
No donation from me: Whilst doing my taxes, I was asked if I wanted to donate $3 to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. These bums can pay for their own campaigns and conventions. I’d rather take my $3 and buy a candy bar. At least I’d know that my money would be going to a good cause.
Both sides rank worst: Our current president and vice president are close to being the worst. Probably because the previous administration set the bar so low, it’s impossible to go any lower. The current leadership of the Republican and Democratic parties need to go. They’ve proved that they are unwilling or unable to chart a different course for our country. This is what decades of sewing apathy reaps.
Emotional ESO concert: We had the pleasure of attending another fine concert by the Elgin Symphony on Sunday. To me the highlight occurred when the orchestra, led by a guest conductor from South America, opened the program with a stirring rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem. It was a beautiful moment. Thanks to the men and women of the orchestra for making the effort to learn this piece, and for the great music you always bring us.
