southtownstar

Thursday, May 23, 2013

letters

Forum: Democratic double standard

Seeing President Barack Obama and four former presidents at the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Texas reminded me of the media and Democrats harping at Bush because he hadn’t vetoed any legislation during his presidency. Query: How many pieces of legislation …

Forum: Oppose change in refinery assessment

We would like to inform the taxpayers of Lockport Township High School District 205 and Will County School District 92 of a potential change in Illinois law regarding oil refinery tax assessment that would have severe financial ramifications for the taxpayers and students of the …

Forum: Backs Cullerton’s pension bill

If we are to have an honest dialogue about Senate Bill 2404, the pension reform legislation sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and supported by the unions representing a half-million workers and retirees affected by the bill, we need to work with facts, not …

Forum: Let them starve

There are approximately 100 prisoners at the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba who have chosen to voluntarily starve themselves rather than continue living at the prison. If they feel they cannot handle incarceration and prefer to end it all, that is their right. Maybe some …

Forum: Hoarding an official disorder

On Wednesday, after 13 years of revisions, the new DSM-5 will add “hoarding” as an official psychiatric disorder. The addition to “psychiatry’s Bible” will likely lead to increased treatment options for hoarders beause insurance companies often grant coverage based off DSM “codes.” As the 31-year-old …

Forum: Immigrants must adapt

In regards to the May 5 column by St. Xavier University professor Reza Varjavand, I commend him for his comments on the customs of Muslim women. He should send a copy of his column to all the mosques in the Southland. I am a firm …

Forum: Chief cites value of preschool

As a police chief, I know that one of the most powerful weapons in the arsenal we have for fighting crime is making sure that children don’t get into trouble in the first place. I’m part of a growing consensus among law enforcement leaders that …

Forum: Crestwood water lawsuits

After reading about the 100 or so lawsuits filed against Crestwood regarding its use over many years of a polluted well for drinking water, I hope the people who live there realize that they’re suing themselves. If they win their lawsuits, who will eventually pay …

Forum: Replace historic scoreboard

Whether Cubs owner Tom Ricketts likes it or not, he is saddled with a legal contract with the rooftop owners. I know what I’m about to propose will make the Wrigley Field faithful cringe, but do we really need that antique scoreboard in center field? …

Forum: ‘Puppy lemon law’ a joke

The Illinois Senate has passed a “puppy lemon law,” are they serious? You can return your sick puppy to the pet shop for a full refund. Then what happens to that puppy? Come on, people, pass a law against selling these pets in stores. All …

Forum: Madigan the one constant

Governors and state legislators come and go, but House Speaker Michael Madigan is a permanent fixture, and one mostly responsible for the state’s fiscal mess. State and Cook County workers canvass the neighborhoods year after year getting out the vote for Madigan, even though he …

Forum: Thanking our moms

On this Mother’s Day, our family will honor my mother who turns 95 today. It is hard to fathom being that old! It seems difficult for my mother as she battles dementia and the decreasing ability to understand and remember. So I have been remembering …

Forum: Stay out of Syria

I think that our government should stay out of Syria. Helping rebels would just be helping America’s worst enemy, al-Qaida, which has been linked to some Free Syrian Army groups. Our government and military has had enough to deal with for years in Iraq and …

Forum: Help stop fracking bill

The Fracking Regulatory Act, House Bill 2615, which allows the oil and gas industry to engage in hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in Illinois with very weak regulations, could be passed soon by the Illinois General Assembly. This law will not protect us, our environment or …

Forum: Nurses are health care’s heroes

National Nurses Week (May 6-12) is celebrated annually, giving us an opportunity to recognize nurses and nurse educators who have touched our lives and inspired us in pursuing such an honorable profession. This year’s theme, “Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care,” established by the …