I have never been an admirer of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, although I do agree with his “Dreamers” initiatives. He is a far-left Democrat, and I am a conservative libertarian. What I do admire is that he knew when it was time to step out of the limelight, much like U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney.
It too bad other politicians do not realize when it’s time. I am talking specifically about Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
— Bob Brauer, Petersburg, Illinois
Durbin’s stewardship
The accolades rolling in upon Sen. Dick Durbin’s retirement are well earned. An often overlooked but central contribution is his support for United States public lands. Here, he followed in the footsteps of his mentor, former Sen. Paul Douglas, who led the way for the protections the Indiana Dunes now enjoy.
Our public lands are a mainstay of the ecological health of the nation and the planet. It’s here where wildlife finds secure homes, the natural networks that sustain clean air and water do their work, Mother Nature’s drawdown and storage of the excessive amounts of carbon we are dumping into the atmosphere is centered, and sacred spaces for Native Americans alongside citizens of all stripes survive. Durbin has consistently, usually quietly, stepped up to preserve these places. He’s gone to bat behind the scenes for them in communications with federal agencies. He’s a longtime supporter of the vast wild places of Alaska. One area that stands out is the spectacular Red Rock Canyon country of Utah.
Durbin is the longtime sponsor of America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act, which delineates all the wild U.S. public lands eligible under our laws for wilderness protection in that state. These are U.S. lands, belonging to us all. With the support of most Utahans, not to mention Americans across the nation, his bill has led to the formal legislative protection of healthy landscapes that may otherwise have been despoiled. He provided key support behind the scenes for President Barack Obama’s designation of the Bears Ears National Monument which set the precedent for collaborative management with the Native American tribes in the region. A precedent that has now been duplicated in other areas.
At the moment, the White House is leading the charge for thinking of these national treasures only as sources of profit for the few while ignoring the necessary foundation for life they provide for all of us equally, not to mention the plants and animals with which we share the planet.
If you’ve ever been inspired by the natural beauty of one of America’s beautiful special places, you’ve unknowingly gained the benefit from some of Durbin’s quietest yet most effective work.
— Clayton Daughenbaugh, Berwyn
Benefits to capitalism
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who will have served 30 years in the Senate when he retires, said, “The threats to our democracy and way of life are very real.” An April 24 editorial (“Cutting candy from SNAP won’t fix bigger problem of growing dependency”) states that the number of Americans dependent on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs has more than doubled statewide — 6.8% to 15.1% — and nationally — 6.1% to 12.5% — over the last 25 years.
Given that time period of growing dependency correlates with 86% of his time in office, the senator should start worrying about such growing threats to the capitalism that has made ours and all other strong democracies flourish.
— J.D. Colwell, Chicago
No results required
I see that our state’s lieutenant governor, Juliana Stratton, immediately tossed her hat into the ring for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Dick Durbin. It should be an easy transition to go from one do-nothing position to another.
Lieutenant governor and senator are the two easiest jobs you could ever have in politics. No blame ever hits their doorsteps for high crime rates, low public schooling test scores, union bargaining, the economy or any other kitchen table issues. Can someone tell me one important thing that Stratton or Durbin has delivered to the taxpayers of our state?
If Stratton wants to win my vote, I will need her to show some honesty and admit that her current office is unnecessary and should be eliminated to save the taxpayers money.
Thank you to Durbin for his service, but it’s time to let somebody else get a chance at a high-paying job where no results are required.
— Steven Fortuna, Naperville
Views of Native people
We would like to express support of HB1237, now in the Illinois Senate, pertaining to the usage of Native American names, logos or mascots in K-12 public schools in Illinois. Included in the bill is a reasonable transition period for the schools and an exception if a documented relationship is established with a federally recognized tribal nation.
This important legislation, developed in collaboration with Native advocates and allies, represents a significant step in addressing the needs of all communities across Illinois.
HB1237 promotes inclusive education for all Illinois students by setting standards for schools that use Native imagery. It requires Native-led curriculum, engagement with tribal nations and educational programs designed to foster understanding. The bill encourages a shift from stereotypes to respect and cultural awareness, benefiting all children by fostering accurate historical representation and a respectful learning environment.
This bill calls for schools to do better — not to impose an absolute ban but to move toward education, respect and cultural understanding. It affirms that how we represent Native people, especially to young minds, has lasting significance.
This legislation is the result of decades of advocacy by Native people and allies and underscores the belief that all children, Native and non-Native alike, benefit from inclusive education and environments that promote dignity and respect.
— Andrew Johnson, citizen, Cherokee Nation, and executive director, Native American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois
Failing Crimo’s victims
By skipping his sentencing, Robert Crimo III, the Highland Park parade killer, was allowed to inflict a second indignity on the victims and their families. Though his victims were not allowed to dodge Crimo’s bullets, Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti allowed him to dodge his victims’ statements.
That was wrong.
A criminal defendant has a constitutional right to be present at all stages of his trial, including sentencing. There are certain circumstances — such as if he flees or is disruptive — that he can be sentenced “in absentia,” without being physically present in the courtroom.
But the fact that he can be sentenced without being present does not mean he in turn has a right to be absent.
If Crimo’s victims wanted to address him — instead of an empty chair — they should have been allowed to do so. Case law is replete with examples of judges issuing orders forcing the custodial defendant to sit in court.
This case was no different.
Under Illinois law, victims have the right to make a statement in court at sentencing. If any of those victims wanted to address the depraved killer, they should have been allowed. Just as Crimo had no “right” to end innocent people’s lives, he also had no right to avoid his own sentencing.
One function of our justice system is to provide closure. Here, the system failed those victims who wanted to address the killer by giving him a “right” he does not possess.
— William Choslovsky, Chicago
No free will for Crimo
It is appalling that Highland Park Fourth of July parade shooter Robert Crimo III was allowed to refuse to face his victims in court. He is a confessed criminal. As such, he should have lost his free will.
The judge should have demanded that he be in court. Something is wrong when a confessed murderer has more rights than his victims.
— Jackie Nussbaum, Wilmette
Play their statements
Why did this cowardly, pathetic excuse for a human being, Robert Crimo III, get to opt out of his sentencing hearing? I hope all the victim statements were recorded and will be played on a continuous loop during his incarceration.
— Ed Lawlor, Chicago
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