Letters: Stay cool and rational
January 25, 2013 9:42PM
Updated: February 28, 2013 6:24AM
The bickering, feuding and fussing over concealed carry of guns in the state of Illinois has continued apace over the last year.
Instead of relying on the “intuition” of the Illinois Legislature, the mayor of Chicago and the Illinois attorney general to settle the matter, wouldn’t it be wiser to study the experience of the other 49 states in the union?
Most people agree that machine guns and grenade-launchers should be banned, but maybe allowing concealed hand guns would be a deterrent to crime.
Let’s study the matter rationally and avoid the gratuitous judgement of Illinois politicians.
Louis Lagger
Joliet
If only they listened
Another breach of security within a school. It so happens that this student was bullied many times. It seems the school principal looked the other way, ignoring the pleas of this student, as did his own parents. What is this kid to do?
When no one does anything, he is defenseless. It enters his mind that nobody cares. Therefore, he takes action and becomes a rebel. Knowing he cannot depend on his parents, much less school authorities. He must act alone to protect himself against his enemies, the bullies.
If only the parents and school authorities had listened, he would not have taken steps merely to protect himself. Now, he got the respect of the bullies. Maybe this should serve as a lesson to school authorities to pay more attention to their students. This would eliminate further incidents. If only they had expelled the bully, the tragedy might never have happened.
Put more responsibility on school principals and parents. To the rest of his, he is like a peace warrior.
Parents, get more comfortable sitting down and talking with your kids. Have a talk. After all, you are parents, and you must take time for your kids, showing them that you love them.
Felipe “Phil” Garcia
Joliet
Honor all veterans
Many of our nation’s retailers have been showing appreciation to our military veterans by offering a discount on purchases — perhaps as a thank you for the sacrifices many have made for the freedom we enjoy today.
Yet, recently at a local builders’ supplier, I was shunned for not having the accepted means of identification. You can only imagine how it feels.
Many of us were not issued a picture I.D. — technology that didn’t exist in the days of the Great Wars. We were just given a number and honorable discharge — if you lived.
This identification is deemed unacceptable at the cash register by some corporate mogul’s memo, and valid only four times a year? Have those responsible for this policy forgotten “Tet” was a holiday? Wouldn’t it be nice if your appliances only failed on a holiday?
Can you feel safe, check for IEDs and enjoy your liberty only four times annually? Have many of us who have served now become a veto item on the quarterly spreadsheet?
Sure, many companies have hired and made donations to organizations supporting veterans, and they are greatly appreciated. But, I wonder, is that in thanks, or are they just seeking good press.
I will continue to welcome home our soldiers, to assure they are appreciated and not forgotten. I will shop where we are given some appreciation for our service and I will live with a clear conscience, but wish upon CEOs who make a policy to separate those in service and those who have already given, that their decision haunts them forever.
I encourage all who read this do the same.
Terry Smolik
Army veteran
Mokena
