When neighborhoods of color are disenfranchised, the result is properties are devalued, improvements and services to our communities are never made and many middle-class people inevitably move to the suburbs. Thus, people who can't afford to move out become trapped in an environment lacking opportunity, and struggle to survive. Many neighborhoods on the South and West sides of Chicago, fueled by poverty, are in ruins.
You can't expect a goldfish to survive in a fish tank if you never change the water. Such a situation breeds crime. However, if you treat people with respect and give them the tools and opportunities they need to support themselves and their families, they can be capable of amazing things.
Thankfully, Chicago now has a mayor who understands the value of strong communities and is willing to do what it takes to put an end to a lot of the violence. In light of it all, the city that works must work for everyone, no matter what side of town you live on.
— William J. Booker, University Park
Property tax reform needed
It is truly amazing that the Tribune headline of June 3 states that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s "Think Big" agenda "pays off" while directly below is an article regarding the failure to pass the property tax reform bill advocated by Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi. The property tax reform bill would have allowed the county assessor's office to more accurately assess values to large commercial properties and reduce inequities in the system.
I would argue that this reform bill is more important than expanding access to gambling, legalizing pot and passing tax increases. But then again, more accurate tax values on large commercial properties would severely damage House Speaker Mike Madigan's and Ald. Ed Burke's property tax reduction business.
Perhaps we need Lori Lightfoot in the governor's mansion sooner than later.
— Jim Kranjc, Chicago
Foster virtues, not vices
Regarding some of the legislation Illinois lawmakers passed related to marijuana, gambling and abortion: These laws don't seem appealing to someone who just wants a nice place to live a simple, ordinary life. I feel like "Bedford Falls" could be turning into “Pottersville.” Please, Illinois legislators, encourage virtues, not vices. It's the right thing for Illinois.
— Mary Ann Fogarty, Darien
Doing some things right
Everyone knows the state's finances are a mess and it will take a herculean effort to repair the damage. Many say our Democrat-majority legislature and governor are guaranteed to make it worse. But they have managed some good, such as legalizing recreational marijuana and ensuring a woman's right to choose. Well done, Illinois!
— Len Woelfel, Oswego
Limits of traditional morality
I wonder if the people who oppose abortion in every circumstance really think this through. If a woman is raped and is forced to have the baby, who is going to care for the child? A baby needs a loving environment for his or her survival; she or he needs to feel safe and secure.
Who will raise this child and provide for his or her many needs?
I think women, not men, should decide this question. Men do not know what it is to be a woman. Men should not be telling women what they should experience. This a very difficult issue, and everyone seems to think that they know best.
It may be that simple ideas of right and wrong really do not apply here.
— John K. McManus, Chicago
Protect cats but not babies?
Wow. New York City is going to protect cats from being declawed as a result of pressure from activists and veterinarians stating that the procedure is cruel and needless.
So New York with all its laws that protect abortions is more concerned about the declawing of cats?
At least when a cat is declawed, it isn't being killed. I’m an animal lover, but since when is a cat or any other animal’s welfare more important than a baby’s life?
— John Moravecek, Naperville