Recent events in Naperville both heartening, saddening
The League of Women Voters of Naperville was both heartened and saddened by the speakers at the Feb. 6 Naperville City Council meeting, who addressed Councilman Josh McBroom’s recent migrant housing proposal and the recent racially-charged post by a now-resigned member of the city’s Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission.
One of the foundational policies of the League of Women Voters is our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy, which articulates a commitment “to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging for all people. The League … respects and values the richness of our community and our members.”
Therefore, we were heartened by the city proclamation at the beginning of the meeting that recognized Black History Month. This proclamation was made in order to “foster a sense of unity and appreciation for the diversity that enriches our community.” It was a welcome reminder of the city of Naperville’s commitment to DEI.
This proclamation was followed by a series of speakers, most of whom were representative of the strong and powerful diversity in our city. The League was heartened to hear many positive and powerful individuals speaking out against bias and racism. We were happy to hear about real and practical ways to help new arrivals to our country who are frightened, tired, hungry and traumatized by their journey to northern Illinois. The League of Women Voters, along with many other Naperville community members as witnessed by the speakers, hold the position that society should provide for the basic needs of people.
Unfortunately, we were saddened by the all-too-public events that forced those speakers to remind all members of council, and the community as a whole, that compassion and caring, as well as DEI, are not givens. We were saddened by the few speakers who consider DEI a lie.
The League respects and rejoices in the richness of our community. We support DEI in our city and value all of the organizations and individuals who represent those values.
Susan Craighead
President, League of Women Voters of Naperville
McBroom list proves migrant supporters are hypocrites
All those lambasting Naperville City Councilman Josh McBroom and his proposal about creating a migrant housing list for residents are ignoring the fact that it was supported by the City Council but not by those mouthing support for the migrants. That was his point.
The hypocrisy of those “migrant supporters” was proven since none of them even inquired about signing up. If you wanted to prove migrant supporters are not hypocrites, then why didn’t you sign up? He was merely asking these migrant supporters to “put up or shut up.”
Bill Voda, Warrenville
Join with us in discussing, trying to change prejudice
Times often call us to assess our lives and consider how we might make changes for the good. These times now seem more urgent and complex than ever before. Our hearts break at local and worldwide division, suffering, hatred, violence and war that the news makes vividly present to us. And yet it is perilously easy to fall into disbelief, apathy and hopelessness.
We members of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville recognize our own faith’s call as well as democracy’s ideal of justice and peace for the whole human family. Yet sincere goodwill alone has not brought the effect that everyone desires: a safer, more just and welcoming world that respects differences and values our common humanity.
Despite good intentions, each of us may cling unknowingly to attitudes and behaviors that keep this vision from moving closer to realization. How can we increase our sense of empowerment? We believe it requires knowing practical steps within the capability of ordinary people of goodwill to address hard issues without adding to the toxic divisions that trouble everyone.
We would like to work with our neighbors of all faiths, beliefs and life experiences to forge new tools for thinking, listening and working together. A beginning step might be to consider how we can talk about instances of prejudice without avoidance or anger but with openness and empathy.
Would you like to join us in developing such a communication resource? If you are interested in this project, please leave your contact information and any comment at the Inclusive Justice Initiative link on our website: www.stapostle.org.
We are grateful for the work already undertaken by others in our community and welcome the chance to join together with fresh insight and broader cooperation.
Jane Barnes, parishioner, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, member of Inclusive Justice Initiative
Rev. Peter Infanger, pastor, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Naperville
Picking a president a little like picking your poison
What a mess. We have an ex-president who is expressing his selfish attitude again while trying to get reelected. He knocks out a good border bill because he can persuade a lot of weenie congressmen to forget why we elected them and then makes the stupid remark about telling Russia’s Vladimir Putin to attack NATO countries that have not paid 2% of their gross domestic product to defense.
It’s not all about you, Donnie.
Then we have a current president who’s seeking reelection but should be in assisted living. Don’t get upset about the personal question, just answer it if you can. He’s same president who, when speaking to the families of 13 Marines killed in Afghanistan, likened their deaths to that of his own son, who died of brain cancer. I wish one of the mothers would have slapped him in the mouth.
What a country. Pick your poison.
Charles Brown, Naperville
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