The assassination attempt on Donald Trump, dastardly as it was, changes the entire calculus of the race for president. It brings attention, sympathy and dollars to the ex-president’s campaign, starkly contrasting his strengths against the many weaknesses of the current administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Although Biden may still be highly functional at 81, his word stumbles, losses in train of thought and inability to sustain a full 24 hours of activity tell us he is no longer at the top of his game. Neither is the 78-year-old Trump, who constantly displays the type of obstinance and bullheadedness we often encounter when trying to deal with our elderly parents. Their candidacies make the upcoming election America’s greatest horror show.
Trump’s nomination is a done deal. At the same time, Biden’s stubborn defiance to withdraw from the race in response to frantic calls from his own party — claiming he is the only one who can “finish the job” — is arrogant and fallacious. He has zero chances of winning. Even this die-hard Democrat can’t vote for him.
We the people deserve better. We need the choice of a commonsense commander in chief who will unify rather than divide us. Stop the silly talk about pronouns, critical race theory, library books and who uses what bathroom. Give worth to all of us, whether we’re from the bayous of Louisiana, the steel mills of Gary, Indiana, the lobster ports of Rockland, Maine, or the tech centers of San Francisco. End the abortion controversy by simply leaving all decisions about health — for men, women and children — to the doctors who are best trained to administer it. Negotiate true peace throughout the world and make us proud of our status as the “greatest country in the free world” again.
Surely, the Democratic Party still has the time to gift the nation with a candidate like this in 2024. We are all pining for a leader who can bring back the America we all once knew, where all its peoples are free to care properly for themselves and each other.
— Elizabeth Mina, Chicago
Dangerous vision for America
I do not in any way mean to diminish the gravity of an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate, but for any Republican (be it Donald Trump himself, his sons, campaign people, voters or elected officials) to suggest that what Democrats have said or done caused this event to happen is absurd and downright inflammatory.
Dodging a bullet does not make Trump’s actions, convictions or his own inflammatory talk any less serious. His vision for America is a threat to democracy, and we cannot let this incident keep us from telling the truth about Trump and his running mate.
— Judy Weik, Oak Park
Incendiary demagoguery
If one believes those who disagree with their viewpoint are immoral, it becomes acceptable, even commendable, to do whatever is necessary to block the loathsome from acquiring power. If a few innocents go to jail or a scandal must be fabricated out of whole cloth, it’s a small price if it helps provide for a perceived greater good.
With fire and brimstone, Democrats have declared Donald Trump to be an existential threat to our democracy. It was only a matter of time before this demagoguery turned some to violence.
— Scott T. Thompson, Bloomington, Indiana
The alarm over gas stoves
I read with interest the June 24 op-ed by Dr. Juanita Mora, “Chicago must eliminate gas stoves in new buildings for healthier indoor air,” on the indoor air-quality benefits of transitioning away from toxic, harmful methane combustion in the home.
As an advocate for people with lung disease, I’m aware of the mounting body of evidence that links gas stove pollution to asthma and other respiratory harms, so I was surprised to read the July 7 letter from the American Gas Association (“Op-ed misleads on gas stoves,” July 7). This letter attempts to confuse readers on the science of gas stove pollution by cherry-picking a study.
The American Gas Association has a long history of pulling tactics straight from Big Tobacco’s playbook to confuse the science and hide the risks associated with its products. We should not allow ourselves to be fooled, especially when there are healthier cooking alternatives available, including efficient and safer electric induction cooktops — used by everyone from ordinary homeowners to the chefs at world-renowned Chicago restaurant Alinea.
We must trust our health professionals and researchers on the risks associated with gas stove pollution, including the American Medical Association, American Public Health Association and countless physicians like Mora.
The bottom line is we must rely on science, not on industry spin, when it comes to protecting Chicagoans’ health.
— Brian Urbaszewski, director, environmental health programs, Respiratory Health Association, Chicago
Editorial on piping plovers
Shame on the Tribune Editorial Board for turning the joy of the hatching piping plovers in Illinois into an uninformed and unnecessary criticism of Waukegan (“Welcome back, piping plovers! But we have a little advice for you.,” July 8).
Waukeganites are thrilled there are two active nests with piping plover chicks in Illinois — one on Montrose Beach in Chicago and the other along Waukegan’s beautiful beach and dunes. The Waukegan site is being monitored by volunteers and is not in a parking lot but in an area of the beach and dunes well away from those who visit the beach. Waukegan’s beach and dunes are one of the most important avian flyways in the upper Midwest, with as many as 200 species visiting annually.
We all also love the beautiful Illinois Beach State Park and hope in the future piping plovers choose to nest there too.
As the former mayor of Waukegan, I would invite the editorial board to join me for a visit and bird walk at Waukegan’s spectacular beach and dunes. Bring your swimming suit too.
Just a note. There are no more active smoke stacks near Waukegan Beach and dunes. Many industries that at one time were located adjacent to the lake in Waukegan have closed, including the power plant that for over 100 years provided electricity to many Tribune readers living outside Waukegan.
The recovery of the beach and dunes is a wonderful story that deserves editorial support, not criticism.
— Bill Morris, Waukegan
Note to readers: Taking Jean Kwas’ lead in her July 13 letter to the editor, we would like to hear from you about memorable acts of kindness you witnessed or facilitated. Send us a letter of no more than 400 words to [email protected]. Provide your full name and your contact information including city.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].
