Congratulations to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson, police Superintendent Larry Snelling and others behind the scenes for a successful Democratic National Convention in Chicago! They planned for every scenario and fostered a creative, vibrant and safe atmosphere for all the delegates and visitors to the United Center and surrounding areas. Mother Nature blessed Chicago with great weather, too.
Bravo!
— Linda Morton, Harvard
Chicago met many challenges
Well done, Chicago! Although I have lived in the Chicago area 31 years and I am actually a 708er/630er, Chicago is my home.
The Democratic National Convention is done — and it was done successfully. The city met all of the many challenges and once again came out as a shining star! People from all over got to see the many reasons why we love and care for this city.
And a special shout-out to the Chicago Police Department for expertly managing the convention and the demonstrators.
— Joe Szczepaniak, Wheaton
Great volunteer experience
As a recently retired pediatrician, relocating to the Chicago area to be near grandchildren, I was thrilled to register to volunteer for the Democratic National Convention. I was less than thrilled with my assignment as bus transportation support at McCormick Place. The mere thought of long days outside in Chicago August heat was worrisome.
I am so happy to report the experience was great, and as one fellow volunteer proclaimed, this undercover loading area was the real scene of the DNC. Months of planning still saw first-day kinks, worked out in real time as they occurred, with smoother sailing as the days flew by. The wonderfully diverse delegates coming off buses were excited, energetic and thrilled to be there fulfilling their role in this democratic process of citizens selecting their leaders. Having witnessed decades of politics filled with older white men, I was thrilled to see faces of women, people of color and all ages representing their tribe, culture, faith or the cause of their passion. Seniors were amazingly represented. My warning of “Big step!” and my extended hand of support were welcomed by delegates of all ages.
As the days passed and delegates met me every morning, I was greeted with hugs and high-fives of recognition. The energy remained despite the long days of convention activities.
I want to extend my appreciation and admiration to the CTA staff with whom I had the privilege to work during these convention days. I caught only a few names, but CTA workers Demetrik, Jack and Mike and event organizers Les, Michelle, Marco and Dana were wonderful, dedicated professionals who safely moved thousands of delegates in and out of McCormick Place. Thank you to dozens of nameless bus drivers, who warmly thanked me for a box lunch and waved as they recognized us volunteers each morning. All the CTA staff members were especially attentive to keeping us volunteers safe and helping us enjoy our experience. They are the pride of Chicago, going above and beyond.
The DNC was an experience of a lifetime, made best by the CTA and event staff and the wonderful volunteers I met.
Way to “do something,” Chicago.
— Sara Guerrero-Duby, Long Grove
Not going back to when?
I need some clarification. A key theme and slogan of Kamala Harris and the Democrats, per the Democratic National Convention, is “we are not going back.” Not going back to what or when? Is it the last 3 1/2 years of the Joe Biden and Harris administration, which gave us record inflation, record illegal immigration, record gas prices and two wars? Or is it not going back to the Donald Trump and Mike Pence administration, which gave us lower inflation, less illegal immigration, lower gas prices and no wars.
— Bill Adamson, Naperville
Impressed by city’s top cop
There was a reason Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling was a top choice for the job as Chicago’s top cop. It was on display on Chicago streets during the Democratic National Convention demonstrations: leadership.
From the start of the day until the end of the day, he was front and center with the front-line rank and file. He was close enough to hear the jeers and vicious insults hurled at his officers. It was obvious from day one, he was in command and on top of the many situations that took place. During my 33 years as a Chicago police officer, that was not always the case for leadership.
Leadership starts at the top, and in the Marines, we had a saying: “Lead, follow or get the hell out of the way.” Snelling gets it.
Chicago’s cops are in good hands.
— Bob Angone, retired Chicago police lieutenant, Austin, Texas
Meaningful flag difference
I just watched the Democratic National Convention, and I was heartened to see the delegates waving thousands of American flags. But I noticed a dramatic difference from Donald Trump events: There was not one single “Kamala Harris” flag at the DNC.
At Trump events, from middle America to the steps of the Capitol, many folks have waved “Trump“ flags rather than American flags. Throughout the country, some folks even raise Trump flags on their flagpoles. Those are conscious acts to replace our nation’s flag on the pole with one dedicated to a single man. I cannot recall any political events in my memory in which people waved flags dedicated to a single individual rather than to something more universal. Only in a cult of personality could people wave and pledge fidelity to the flag of a single leader.
Unlike a sign, which can convey many messages, whenever I see a flag dedicated to a single individual, I see a different message. Instead of seeing that flag as a badge of honor, I see it as a symbol of disrespect for our nation.
I hope that on Nov. 5, American flags will return to all flagpoles!
— Ken Fleischer, Flossmoor
No more balloon drops
It is time for the end of balloons at public events!
This week’s Democratic National Convention was by many measures a great success. The nation got to know the candidates, the issues and the importance of voting in November. There was one glaring misstep for this environmentalist: the balloon drop at the end of Thursday night’s event.
This DNC was supposed to be the “most sustainable convention in history.” The DNC and the city of Chicago worked to lower the carbon footprint in many ways and then dropped pounds of waste onto conventiongoers’ heads. The balloon material was most likely not recycled and should never have been used in the first place.
In the future, let’s celebrate in ways that do not include waste being dropped on people. The same sense of celebration can happen with lights and music or other creative ideas. This world doesn’t need any more waste!
— Jen Packheiser, Oak Park
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