In light of his recent antics in front of an audience of Black journalists centering on his behavior and his approach to empathy, rationality and respect for diversity, a provocative question arises: If Donald Trump seemingly deviates from behaviors traditionally ascribed to humanity, what species might he more closely align with, theoretically speaking?
First, it’s essential to recognize that human beings are characterized by a complex set of traits, including empathy, logical reasoning and respect for diversity. These are traits that have evolved over millennia, fostering social cohesion and collective progress. When individuals significantly lack these characteristics, it begs an analysis that might offer a new perspective on their actions and motivations.
It’s been observed that empathy, a fundamental human trait, enables individuals to understand and share the feelings of others. This emotional intelligence forms the basis of moral and ethical behavior. On the other hand, certain reptiles, for instance, operate almost entirely on instinct, with minimal evidence of empathy as humans experience it.
Rationality and logical thinking are markers of human decision-making. Yet, a frequent defiance of logic and reason indicates an alignment with species that depend less on cognitive strategies and more on primal instincts. This could, hypothetically, place Trump closer to primitive species on the evolutionary scale that react to stimuli with a directness unmediated by complex reasoning.
Respect for diversity and equality is foundational for human societies, promoting a sense of unity and communal strength. A disregard for these principles might draw parallels with territorial species that exhibit aggressive behaviors toward those perceived as different or threatening, rather than adopting the human approach of understanding and embracing diversity.
While my theoretical exercise ventures toward satire, it serves to highlight the significance of empathy, rationality and respect for diversity in defining what it means to be human. Trump’s apparent departure from these traits does not, of course, suggest that he belongs to another species. Instead, it prompts a reflection on the values we uphold as crucial to humanity and the importance of these traits in leadership roles.
Observations of behavior that starkly contrast with these values warrant not only public discourse but also a deeper examination of the kind of leadership that society merits — one that embodies the best of human qualities, driving us toward a more empathetic, rational and inclusive world.
— Frank Young, Mundelein
Looking for team players
The Democrats appear to be blessed with six great choices for vice president. All seem very talented, although they each would bring different strengths and advantages to the ticket. I believe each would serve very competently as vice president.
What I want to know, upfront, and what I think presumptive presidential nominee Kamala Harris would want to know from each man, is the answer to the following question: “I have not chosen you for vice president. What will you promise to do to help me and the ticket get elected?”
I am a big believer in hiring great team players.
— Paula M. Noble, Chicago
Journalist a great example
The Associated Press article in the Aug. 2 Tribune, “Russian inmates freed in US deal,” shows in a very powerful way what can happen when countries and their leaders come forward to bring about a desired and united goal.
Journalist Evan Gershkovich is a powerful example of what journalism is and what those who write in this field bring to their jobs each day. He showed great willingness to go into dangerous areas with resolve, bravery and persistence. The willingness to speak truth to power and bring truths into the light is something that shows the heroism of those in this field and how Gershkovich is a true example of that and a genuine hero.
His bravery and resolve were very inspiring to see, and he is a true example of the vocation of journalism and what it brings to each of us every day.
— Mandy May, Skokie
Efforts to free Americans
The return of Americans held in Russian prisons provides us with a broadened view of President Joe Biden’s world, dealing with ageism while struggling to keep his two-year negotiations moving forward, yet unable to publicly acknowledge this was even in the works.
Biden has my respect and admiration. I would like to see him positioned within the new administration to utilize his personal strengths and political know-how.
— Barbara A. Mendelsohn, Niles
Olympians’ back stories
I have marveled while reading Tribune reporter Stacy St. Clair’s articles from Paris highlighting Olympians with a Chicago-area connection.
Of course we all celebrate Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky, but to feature more obscure athletes such as Shamier Little, Peter Chatain and Maggie Shea makes their years of grueling training, effort, sacrifice and pure athleticism no less significant.
Learning their back stories has enriched my experience watching these athletes and cheering them on, with or without a medal.
— Terry Parrilli, Trout Valley
State rental assistance
Thanks to the Tribune (“As federal rental assistance ends, tenants, landlords seek support,” Aug. 2) for bringing attention to the new court-based rental assistance program funded in Illinois’ most recent budget. This groundbreaking program is based on an approach the state developed during the COVID-19 pandemic using federal resources provided through the American Rescue Plan. At the time, I was the lead point person on this program in the White House Domestic Policy Council in President Joe Biden’s administration.
When we designed the Emergency Rental Assistance program at the federal level, we asked states to encourage eviction courts to connect renters and landlords to available resources before ordering evictions. Illinois was a leader in adopting this approach. I was proud to approve the new guidelines for the program at the most recent board meeting of the Illinois Housing Development Authority, of which I am a member appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
The article contains a critique that the program will not be available for applications until early September, six weeks after it was approved by IHDA’s board. I speak from experience and know that this is a remarkably quick timetable for implementation. Although the court-based rental assistance program is based off an existing program, it has some new guidelines and key differences from the program funded with federal resources. New application forms must be created, training must be completed and systems must be set up to ensure that renters and landlords can access these important resources.
We know preventing evictions saves lives. Every day matters. As a member of IHDA’s board, I can assure you that we have every confidence that IHDA staff and leadership are acting quickly to get all of these in place.
— Erika Poethig, board member, Illinois Housing Development Authority, and former special assistant for housing and urban policy, White House Domestic Policy Council
Data centers’ energy use
Millions of gallons of water are used daily to cool data centers overheated by our increasing infatuation with artificial intelligence. This comes on top of a well-publicized strain these centers are putting on power grids.
While Microsoft has a plan in place to be “water-positive” by 2030, I think from a societal standpoint that Congress and/or state legislatures could enact far more meaningful regulations to combat what might be the real urgent threat of AI. They should mandate that any new data center must build its own renewable power supply, and they should mandate that all new capacity must immediately be water-positive.
We can’t let entrepreneurs go crashing on ahead breaking things when what they break is the world the rest of us live in — and then we are expected to pick up the cost of fixing it.
— John Podulka, Wolverine, Michigan
Bravo to police foundation
The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation was founded in 2004 to financially assist the families of Chicago Police Department officers killed in the line of duty. Financed by donations from officers and corporate and civic groups and headed by former police Superintendent Phil Cline, this group has done a tremendous job of supporting police families in their greatest time of need. One of the seldom heard benefits is the education funding for 25 children of fallen officers ranging in age from 4 to 22 covering education from preschool to graduate school.
A much needed cheer should ring out in all of Chicago neighborhoods for the work done by this foundation. God bless the children and families of the fallen.
— John Duffy, Grayslake
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