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player ready...Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you there’s something you’d like to comment on in Elgin or beyond, send an email to [email protected]. Please include “speak out” in the subject line.
Influence peddling: Does anyone wonder why members of Congress are allowed to vote on legislation that could be influenced through large campaign donators? Example: the pharmaceutical industry is a large contributor to both parties and we still wonder why Congress restricts Medicare negotiations?
Priorities screwed up: Millions of Americans are completely ignoring the destruction of our fragile planet due to climate change and/or the erosion of our civil liberties by right wing extremists. Yet many of these same people are totally obsessed with the future of Britney Spears. How is that even possible and what will it take for this country to get its priorities straight? I fear that it’ll require more than prayers this time.
I’m confused: Chicago White Sox pitcher Dallas Keuchel was just awarded the American League Gold Glove for pitchers. This despite the fact that he was left off the playoff roster because he just can’t pitch well anymore. What a joke.
Don’t pay big bucks: Why are people spending $500 or more for pedigree dogs or cats? Could be because they do not know many pedigree dogs and cats are available to acquire for a reasonable price at animal welfare shelters? I have seen standard poodles and other pedigree dogs and cats at shelters.
Casino bucks will save city: Chicago has five proposed locations for casinos. They should build all five. That would solve the city budget problem, the pension shortfall problem and part of the unemployment problem. It would attract more tourists who would spend money at hotels, restaurants, museums and all the other wonderful attractions the city has. Property taxes would go way down and the city would be rolling in dough. Problem solved!
They saw the light: The parents in the state of Virginia have spoken. Republicans won an upset victory over a heavily favored Democrat. The parents finally realized that the educational system was indoctrinating their children rather than teaching them. Now that this has been exposed, the parents in the other states must follow through. Maybe we can even figure out how to undo the damage that is already done.
How it’s supposed to work: I, for one, salute the Republicans who voted for the infrastructure bill. Also the Democrats who voted against it. That’s how it’s supposed to work. As a former union steward, I learned a successful contract means neither side is completely satisfied. Congress works for the people, not the party.