Sunday’s editorial covering Illinois’ economic performance (“Time to sound the alarm on Illinois’ miserable economic performance,” July 14) reminded me of ancient political wisdom: “Why worry? You won’t be here; I won’t be here.”
This thought process resulted in unsustainable spending programs.
Back in those days, one retired at 62 and died at 66. But with today’s life expectations, we discover that you will be here. Now we all worry.
Times are changing. If the powers that be recognize the obvious and make the necessary midcourse corrections, we, who are here, will be better off.
— Ed Rios, Berwyn
Cut the costs of government
The Sunday editorial is right on and timely. We cannot continue to be a high-tax state and expect businesses and people to stay. This is a doom loop that takes us to a terrible place. It seems at this point, we need to reduce the cost of state and local government drastically. We can’t continue to be a welfare state if we want to be a successful state. We are not healthy. It’s long past time to make drastic cuts, not nip and tuck.
I am embarrassed and fearful to be in a state that, compared with others, is near the bottom of many important economic metrics.
— William Solomon, St. Charles
Why I am at ease in Illinois
The Prairie State is my home, and I am proud to live here. It’s not just about binary economic data and statistics. Who am I to argue, anyway?
In a few years, my college sophomore daughter will enter the noble teaching profession. That’s admirable.
I am at ease because she will not be chased from the classroom with Tiki torches and pitchforks when she discusses Harriet Tubman and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. She will be able to wear a Pride shirt, hang a banner and have a full library of diverse titles and subjects in her classroom.
Illinois is a lot more than numbers.
— Lawrence Necheles, Pontiac, Illinois
Op-ed on Gov. Ryan’s downfall
Many thanks to Andy Shaw for his insightful synopsis of recent Illinois political history (“How a tragic 1994 highway explosion led to debilitation of the Illinois GOP,” July 12). The elections usually are a reaction to preceding corruption convictions. Those who ignore history, or who decide they are smarter than others, should find these examples to be a deterrent in the future.
I hope the Tribune republishes his op-ed every two years to remind those running for office that if they choose to bend the rules, they will be prosecuted and/or voted out of office.
— Gerald King, Merrionette Park
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 letters@chicagotribune.com. Provide your full name and your contact information including city.
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