Rick Kogan’s column about the lemon stand of our youth (“On a July day, pause to remember the lemonade stands of our youths,” July 4) captured a profound sense of nostalgia and caused me to think about the stark contrasts between childhood experiences of the past and those of today. Many people share similar sentiments about the simplicity and freedom of their youth, and the changes in how children grow up today can evoke a sense of loss.
In the past, children often had more unstructured playtime, which fostered creativity, independence and resilience. The open-ended nature of play, the physical engagement with the environment and the sense of community with neighborhood parents keeping a watchful eye contributed to a different kind of upbringing.
Today, increased concerns about safety, health and academic success have led to more structured and sanitized environments for children. While there are benefits, such as reduced risk of injuries and increased focus on education, some believe it comes at the cost of spontaneity, outdoor play and certain life skills.
The shift in childhood experiences reflects broader changes in society, including advancements in technology, evolving parenting styles, and heightened awareness of health and safety. Balancing these modern advancements with the cherished elements of the past can be challenging but is also an opportunity to create new traditions that capture the best of both worlds.
Kogan’s support for children’s entrepreneurial efforts, such as running a lemonade stand, is a wonderful way to encourage their creativity and initiative. While it might be different from how things used to be, it’s a small gesture that bridges the past and present, showing that some values, like community support and encouragement, remain timeless.
— Kathy Posner, Chicago
To stay young, get involved
Amid the chaotic headlines, columnist Rick Kogan and op-ed writer Colin Fleming (“Embrace your freedom this Fourth of July by being a buff”) provided some calm with their July 4 perspectives.
Kogan writes that a lemonade stand can be empowering, and Fleming writes that being a “buff” (enthusiast) provides soulful freedom. The latter is particularly important for retirees.
Here, gerontologists, physicians and psychologists all agree. To stay young of mind, one should get involved. Personally, I support community service organizations such as Reading Power Inc., Optimist International and the University of Illinois Alumni Association.
— Jerry Levy, Deerfield
Let karma take care of them
Denise Crosby offers good advice about controlling road rage (“Staying cool behind the wheel,” July 5). When I experience aggravating drivers, I think: “Let karma do its work — down the road, today or in the future, the authorities or fate will teach this jerk a lesson!” That’s not my job.
— Richard Badger, Chicago
Better way to honor Fourth
I just endured another Fourth of July “celebration” weekend with the sounds of bombs and small arms fire. Some veterans — I was in the Army infantry during the Vietnam War — who have been in war zones make it through the weekend by sleeping in the basement or wearing earplugs or sedating themselves. It’s not a pleasant experience.
“Patriotism” and a remembrance of our history need to be about much more than noise. After barbecues, here’s a group activity that will get you to the heart of this nation’s founding: Read the Declaration of Independence. Have dialogue with others about the words in the Declaration. Then talk about health care in this country, about the fact that more than 15% of children in the U.S. go to bed hungry, about the fact that many Americans live paycheck to paycheck, about our taxes being used to fund wars versus helping we the people, about our infrastructure, about wealth inequality, about the lack of funding for education at all levels, about bribery of our politicians, about special legal and tax privileges for those with wealth and/or connections, about the U.S. having more incarcerated people than any country in the world, about the U.S. leading the developed world in mass shootings.
Do we have equality? Do we have unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?
This country has plenty of noise. What we need is dialogue about our issues and what can be done to make the words of the Declaration a reality.
— Arnold Stieber, Chicago
Penalize users of fireworks
We could avoid tax increases for Chicagoans and perhaps even increase the city’s budget if we were to do one thing: Collect a $500 fine from any citizen setting off illegal fireworks.
This year’s illegal activity/noise was unrelenting — from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. in our area, way past quiet hours. The toll on wildlife, pets and people with post-traumatic stress disorder must be high, and the noise increases every year.
Our tax-loving mayor needs to cut a deal with all Indiana border cities selling fireworks. No Chicagoan should be allowed to purchase fireworks with ear-shattering booms. (Why not negotiate with China on this issue? It would cost Chinese manufacturers less to produce quiet fireworks; plus, Americans love a bargain.)
We enjoy fireworks, but the noise has got to go. What is the point of a law without any enforcement?
— Lisanne Freese, Chicago
Enforce state’s fireworks ban
The July 4 Tribune talks about Illinois residents who favor the illegal use of fireworks in our state (“Indiana’s boomtown”). Timothy Kostka and others who favor this illegal practice should have some consideration for their neighbors and relocate to Indiana to enjoy their noisy fireworks.
Illinois must maintain its ban on illegal fireworks and increase the fines and punishment on those who use them here.
Let’s keep our state quiet and civilized!
— James Pioch, Geneva
Pride Parade is a nuisance
I was so encouraged to see the column by Laura Washington (“After this year’s pandemonium, Pride Parade should move downtown,” July 8) in which she suggests that the Pride Parade be moved back to downtown. I have lived in Lakeview for decades, and the Pride Parade and related events have moved to take over the neighborhood. This year’s Pride Parade blocked off my street, forced major changes in bus routes, blocked us from attending Sunday church services and even blocked access to nearby hospitals and even Lincoln Park Zoo. In short, the parade hindered the rights and needs of anybody who wanted to go places other than to the parade.
In addition, the parade caused massive safety issues for the police and made it dangerous to be on the streets, especially for the elderly and disabled.
By the way, the city of Chicago had to do a major cleaning of sidewalks and buildings on the Monday following the parade to remove urine, vomit, blood and other natural materials.
— Wayne Smith, Chicago
Inspired by a decent driver
How ironic was it that days before Colleen Kujawa’s op-ed (“Small acts of grace summon the good in Chicagoans,” July 5), I experienced an unexpected gesture. After visiting my son in Lincoln Square, I noticed a piece of paper tucked into my windshield wiper. How it stayed in place after a 35-mile drive home remains a mystery. The writer left a note to apologize for side-swiping my car as he tried to avoid being hit by another car. He gave me his phone number and basic insurance information. When I later went to a body shop for an estimate, I shared this story with the employee who exclaimed, “Boy, you sure don’t hear about something like that happening too often anymore.”
I’m still amazed and encouraged knowing there are good people out there.
Thanks, Christopher!
— Larry Bogrow, Mundelein
Publicize acts of kindness
Kudos to Colleen Kujawa for her wonderful, inspirational July 5 op-ed. We grateful recipients of random acts of kindness are always inspired to reciprocate. One good deed definitely leads to another.
I think if the Tribune would choose to feature a “random acts of kindness” page on a regular basis, it definitely would have a positive impact. I’m sure readers would gladly send in their many stories of kindness bestowed on them or by them. This would benefit all of us by counteracting the effect of the abundant and constant stream of negative, depressing news stories.
Why not give it a try? It can’t hurt.
— Jean Kwas, Oak Park
Note to readers: Taking letter writer Jean Kwas’ lead, we would like to hear from you about memorable acts of kindness you witnessed or facilitated. Send us a letter of no more than 400 words to letters@chicagotribune.com. Provide your full name and your contact information including city.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
