Editor’s note: We asked readers to submit what their hopes are for the new year. We published a selection of those letters on Wednesday and Thursday. Here is the remainder.
Kids are our future
There are many things to hope for, but as a retired teacher and an active volunteer, I will stick to one topic: our children. It is they who are the real hope because they are the future. It’s a trite saying, but it is true.
I read about scores, failures, schools, behavior, video games and everything else that makes us worry about our youngest and most precious resource. So let me tell you my hope.
I hope that schools will remain child-centered with hands on books, crayons, music — and yes, even chalkboards. Technology has overtaken the art of teaching. Children look at screens to learn to read. Or Chromebooks. (I am not even sure what those are.)
We used to gather children in little groups to talk about books and stories, to share ideas, to draw a picture of the story, to act out the story. It was so real and so authentic. They were excited to read! There are teachers who still embrace this approach. I applaud them. Children had quiet time doing “seatwork,” which helped them build independence. Now they need to be entertained almost constantly.
I hope that all parents will put down their phones and devices occasionally.
I hope that children will not be sitting in front of tablets and looking at screens for lengths of time. I do know parents who monitor it all. Bravo to them. My hope is that more parents will do the same for their children. I hope that all parents read to their children on a regular basis. Take them to the library. It’s free! Also, remember it’s OK to say “no” to the child. They are not going to go through life getting everything they want. Help them understand that and learn how to cope.
My hope is that teachers who are dedicated to children will be respected and honored instead of criticized. There is too much pressure to increase scores and deal with behavior issues. Teachers are torn between knowing what is good for children and following administrative orders. My hope is that teachers will stay strong and stay committed to making schools child-centered, warm and caring. Not just in the early years but through all grades. No one said it’s easy. But it matters greatly.
Lastly, I hope that every child in the world feels loved, safe and nurtured.
That is a tall order, but hope is just that. Hope.
— Cynthia Marks, Palos Park
Our nation restored
My hope for 2026 is that my country be restored to what it was before 2025. A country led by a person who somewhat resembles the 14 other presidents I’ve experienced in my lifetime; men with civility, humility and maturity above the level of an angry child who must resort to name-calling for lack of better reasoning and vocabulary skills. A country presided over by a person who knows and understands the Constitution as the law of our land and adheres to it. A country where high-level government positions are filled by people with experience and qualifications.
I hope for a country where people who storm and desecrate our nation’s Capitol with the intent of killing our vice president and other government officials are not regarded as patriots and absolved of criminal activity, while our landscapers and nannies are hunted down and arrested.
I hope for a country where I am not reminded daily, by the pictures in the media, of the stories told by my father of his family fleeing Russia during a time when armed Cossacks stood on the street corners as he walked to school. A country where I do not see money wasted on armed boats patrolling the peaceful Chicago River on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
My fundamental hope is that the sycophantic members of Congress will have used their holiday break to strengthen their backbones and return to work rested and clearheaded to remember the oath they took to uphold our Constitution. I hope they will see that the current White House occupant, who operates only with egoism, should return to Mar-a-Lago permanently, thus sparing me of daily reminders of the King Midas myth.
— Lenore Bernstein, Northbrook
America’s polarization
My hope is for the depolarization of America in 2026. Yes, our political leaders have given some of us reason to be resentful, cynical and even depressed. Still, one’s preference for the United States leadership should not lead to the elimination of relationships with families and friends.
I hope that we become less hypersensitive to others’ political opinions. Many of us believe that this administration is deeply flawed. Still, this should not mean that anyone who has a differing view than you on governmental policies should be erased from your contacts list or no longer be invited to family get-togethers.
My hope is that, whether you lean left or right, your politics do not let you lose sight of the importance of bonds with friends and family. While seldom a good idea, if you do elect to discuss politics with those close to you, endeavor to maintain respect and a dialogue with those who do not share your views.
I hope for Americans’ goodwill toward fellow Americans.
— Terry Takash, Western Springs
Hopes for government
I hope that in 2026, we will have a president who values honesty. Who exhibits empathy and compassion for all Americans. Who is not petty or vindictive. Who supports our allies and confronts our adversaries. Who understands what constitutes fact-based science and what is dogmatic nonsense. Who supports a strong democracy as our heritage and our right.
I hope that in 2026, we will have a Department of Justice that respects the law and rejects the whims of the president. I hope that we will have a Congress that addresses the fact that America is rapidly losing its status as a world leader in science, education and social justice. I hope that we will have a federal government that recognizes that diversity, equity and inclusion are strengths, not weaknesses. One that respects civil rights and acts to revamp our immigration system. One that realizes that a country ruled by one man is not a functioning democracy.
I hope that in 2026, we will find a way to effectively address gun violence. I hope that everyone recognizes that hatred in whatever form only leads to violence and discord and that acceptance gives everyone a chance to thrive.
I hope that in 2026, we will be a country that allows everyone to live and work freely and without fear and that everyone everywhere has a happy, healthy and prosperous year.
— Doug Steinman, Morton Grove
Ceasefires and a ban
My hopes for the new year include a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, Ukraine and the United States Congress. Also, a permanent ban on assault weapons and presidential pardons. Additionally, I would like to see an overhaul of our outdated Constitution that currently allows lifetime appointments for Supreme Court justices but has no retirement age for ailing presidents.
And lastly, I’d like to see a cap on expressway tolls, property taxes, Cubs tickets and a head of lettuce.
— Bob Ory, Elgin
Make it more sensible
I wish that:
Senior citizens would be invited to test the functionality of all websites. Everyone would drive as though the driver in front of them asked for patience, as if they are a new driver. On a child’s birthday, the child would give a gift to their parent(s). Signs would make sense (I’m reminded of the sign, “Trucks entering and leaving highway”). All computer monitors in any customer service setting would be low enough for you to actually speak face to face with the customer service representative. Waiting room chairs in health care settings would be high enough so that it’s easy to rise from them, and health care workers would walk beside you and not in front of you so that you can actually hear them while they speak. Postage stamps could be purchased at each register, not only the customer service desk, so that you need not wait in two lines. Soups and coffee would be served hot. Exit doors in all bakeries would open automatically. Newly hired food service workers would be served a meal so that they know how to serve others, as many food service workers have never been served a meal. When a friend confides in you, you ask, “Do you need an ear, a hug or a resource?”
And I wish that everyone would have a joyous 2026!
— Theresa M. Gargano-Adamski, Wilmette
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
