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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.

Believe what you want: The U.S. majority believes there would have been no Russian invasion of Ukraine with Trump as president! Tell this to the Kurd’s population that Turkey overran and killed followed by how Trump denied any responsibility. As usual, listening to him is like listening to a broken record!

Trump and GOP disagree: The split is very real and unconditional, Trump and the GOP are now living separate lives after his comments regarding the genius of Vladimir Putin following the Russian dictator’s invasion of Ukraine.

Blackhawks are a joke: What happened to the Blackhawks, who were once the toast of the NHL? They have become the laughingstock of hockey. Sex issues to deal with, disowning the once base of Chicago hockey, Bobby Hull, hiring managers who don’t know to win. Put away your skates, the ice has melted.

Reconciliation Day: Regarding Juneteenth, I’d keep the date, but I’d change the name to Reconciliation Day and broaden it. I’d add to it the release of the Japanese from internment camps and the release of the Jews from concentration camps and actions that still need to be done yet. I’m sure with a little thought we can come up with more. Each year we could have a person given an award for a special effort to reduce all forms of discrimination.

China shows its true colors: In times of crisis you really find out who your friends are. While most nations in Asia rallied to support Ukraine, China denounced sanctions against Russia and blamed the U.S. for provoking Russia.

Trump and Putin sittin’ in a tree: So, let me ask all you Trump lovers and supporters, how does it feel to support a former president who loves and adores and thinks Putin is a genius? Where does your loyalty lie, to Putin or the people of the United States? But I guess Trump answered that one. How can you support a person who only cares himself and no one else and then criticizes a current president, thereby undermining him. Trump and Putin are two peas in a pod.