Speak Out: Taxes, trade

An article claimed former Gov. Bruce Rauner didn't accomplish anything. No kidding. House Speaker Michael Madigan's Democrats were against everything Rauner tried. Gov. J.B. Pritzker's doesn't have to worry until elections in 2022 but his Democratic Senate is up for reelection in 2020. They will probably pass his agenda. They want him to look good. I wonder how much they will support him if he keeps plans to raise taxes on gas and other items. . . . Their constituents will be really upset if he even raises one more tax on an already overtaxed Illinois.

Oak Forest

It is heartbreaking to read of the postponement of Argo Community High School's commencement due to threats. I search for the cause of such incidents, and find myself always returning to the diminishing sense of community and increasing isolation. I can't help thinking that the closing of Blue Island's Jebens Hardware after 143 years. It is another example of changing patterns. It was surely a neighborhood meeting place, as well as a useful business. Mega stores and the internet are here to stay, I suppose. But when a community loses its local businesses, houses of worship and service organizations, something of real value is gone and cannot be quickly replaced. A cell phone is a poor substitute. Assets such as good schools, scouting, music, local businesses, and park districts offer people a better quality of life but we must help them. I believe we need to vote with our feet to instill a sense of a healthy community. Young people will be shaped by such choices.

Let me see if I understand this: President Donald Trump is aiding farmers with an additional $16 billion to the previous $11 billion to offset the financial damage of the trade war between the U.S. and China, which Trump initiated. What I'm really confused about is, we, the consumers are paying the $27 billion and we will be paying higher prices on imports. Is this one of those smart strategies that I just can't comprehend?

Pat, Tinley Park

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