We are in dangerous times. Citizens’ action is needed and required.
The president has called out the National Guard in Los Angeles to quell protests over the objections of the governor and the mayor. Donald Trump is exceeding his authority and has said that he’s willing to use the U.S. military against U.S. citizens. Seriously?
Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon has called for investigations into Elon Musk’s citizenship, and he advocated deporting Musk. I don’t like Musk or Trump, but this is wrong.
The Department of Justice has put forth a fantastical case against Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to further its agenda, regardless of the truth or the impact on this man’s life or family.
Universities are under relentless attack. Bless Harvard for its courage and tenacity. This administration is idiotically slamming the doors shut on the best and the brightest in the world: individuals willing to pay top dollar to attend our most prestigious universities and contribute their knowledge for the advancement of America. Migrants and international students are being seized at immigration offices and off the street by masked government agents. Why are they masked? Because these cowards fear being doxed for their inhumane and unconscionable actions.
The Constitution is the bedrock of America and our individual rights. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy asserted that “this nation was founded by men of many nations and backgrounds. It was founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.”
The current president and his cronies are openly selling out our country to the highest bidders and attempting to destroy our free press and institutions, all while enriching themselves. They are spreading lies and disinformation while attacking the most vulnerable among us.
Rule of law is part of the bedrock of this country. No one, not even the president, is above the law. Our Constitution and the Bill of Rights are worth fighting for and potentially dying for. For centuries, America has been a beacon of freedom; every American has a responsibility to defend it.
Readers should call and write to their representatives and senators; write opinion pieces; protest peacefully; donate to public media and the press; protect their neighbors and co-workers; call out injustice; and stand up and declare: “Enough! This is wrong. This is not who we are. This is not America.”
— Sally Munn, Crystal Lake
What about Jan. 6?
President Donald Trump hasn’t wasted any time in sending in the troops to counter protests of his ever-increasing Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. Where was Trump’s need for speed on Jan. 6, 2021, as the U.S. Capitol was being overrun by his supporters, all of whom he has since pardoned no matter how violent they were that day?
— Kevin Coughlin, Evanston
Worthy of front page
I am very disappointed in the Tribune. The protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles and President Donald Trump’s response of calling up the National Guard without a request from the governor deserve front-page coverage. The story should not be buried on Page 15 (“Trump sends National Guard to LA,” June 9).
The potential for escalation of this could not be more threatening, not only to all immigrants, legal or otherwise, but also to our nation as a whole. The rhetoric from this administration will lead us all into a police state.
— Harry Hofherr, North Barrington
Nation’s core values
This is not a letter about politics, or parties, or how anyone may have voted. It is a letter about common sense and decency, about reality and facts, and about the core values of our country and society.
Over the past four months, we have witnessed an attack by the leaders of our government on the fundamental moral responsibilities we have as people with strong values in the wealthiest country in the world. These actions are being taken or threatened under the false and unsupported premise of eliminating waste and making us safe from heinous criminals. We need to uphold our human decency and ensure that we are making decisions based on facts and true needs.
Just a few examples include:
- Disregarding the fundamental right guaranteed in our founding documents that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness belong to all people and cannot be taken away without a fair hearing.
- Taking food out of the mouths of our neediest hungry children.
- Taking health care and support away from our neediest families and the elderly.
- Eliminating successful education programs for our young people.
- Eliminating billions of dollars in cancer, Alzheimer’s and other health research.
- Eliminating Internal Revenue Service audits of the wealthiest taxpayers.
- Defunding or eliminating programs and removing our involvement in organizations important to us and our standing in the world contrary to the action of our elected representatives and our courts, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, AmeriCorps, the World Health Organization and the Paris climate agreement.
The majority of the people of the United States do not support these changes. Our elected representatives need to stand up to these actions by the administration. Our courts need to enforce their decisions when government officials act in contempt of their direction.
Readers should make their concerns known to their senators and representatives: Write and call them today and continue doing so. Get out in the streets to protest.
Enough is enough.
— Jack Grobe, Winfield
Consider responsibility
Today. we must ask ourselves: Who are we?
I know who I am. I am an American. I have enjoyed the privilege to speak my mind publicly. I have enjoyed the privilege to protest what I have issues with. I have enjoyed the advantage of an education: to learn, read and write, and add and subtract. In short, I have enjoyed the right to be an active participant in our American way of life.
For this, I am grateful beyond words. But let’s take a moment to reflect and think about this privilege. This privilege comes with responsibility.
Generations of Americans, presidents and legislators, first responders and doctors, moms and dads, and grandparents all have helped our grasp of the American way. I think we live in one of the most challenging times in our history. In short, truth is hard to find! We are presented with an endless number of news sources; some are accurate, and many are inaccurate and intentionally misleading.
I am not going to make a big change in this world. But I leave readers with this: Say good morning to your neighbors. Wish them a good day. Make a conscious effort to understand people who disagree with you and try to help each other when the opportunity presents itself.
We will all be happier if we help each other.
— Richard McCoy, Glenview
Northwestern funding
Let’s see if I have this right. The federal government has more than $36 trillion in debt. Northwestern University has a $14 billion endowment, and it cries foul because the feds are freezing $790 million in research funding?
Here’s an idea: Northwestern, fund your own research!
— Bobby Ferguson, Barrington Hills
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