Grateful for reproductive rights in Illinois
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, it’s important we bring attention to the issue of reproductive health care that affects women from all walks of life. I would like to touch on abortion, which is not just a women’s issue, but is also a fundamental health care issue.
Abortion is important to me because at 16-years-old, I was raped and subsequently became pregnant. Getting an abortion was not a decision that I took lightly. I, like many women, went back and forth and played out every scenario. Some say that women use abortion as birth control, but that wasn’t true for me.
I am very thankful that in Illinois we have a governor who is on the side of women and defends our rights. We live in a state where some Democrats say that they are pro-choice, but subliminally support a pro-life agenda. I am writing this letter because when we are talking about reproductive health care, sharing our stories helps end the stigma around abortion. And I hope I can encourage others to share their story too.
Devetta Henley, Glenwood
Republicans should welcome Central Americans
According to the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies, in 1990, only 9% of adults were nonreligious. Today, that number has quadrupled. The bulk of that increase has come since 2010. (Thank you Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins!)
Since most of these people vote for Democrats, I have a suggestion for Republicans. Most of the Central Americans trying to enter the U.S. are Catholic. They believe in the invisible, pray to the supernatural and are against abortion. In other words, they’re your base! Just let them all in, get them registered to vote and you might start winning some elections again.
As facetious as that sounds, waging a war on diversity, equity and inclusion is even crazier and will simply result in another monumental failure at the polls. If out-of-touch conservatives don’t modify their antiquated perspectives to accommodate real people instead of religious ideals, they are destined to continue being political losers.
Wes Dickson, Orland Park
Mayor Johnson should call White House
Mayor Brandon Johnson called the shipping of migrants to our city as wicked and unconscionable.
Those two adjectives more aptly apply to President Biden’s refusal to continue the building of the border wall. If Johnson has an ax to grind, he should contact the White House.
Donald Nauyokas, Chicago
The newspaper headline stated that he earned a grade of “A” in his first meeting as the city’s mayor with the Chicago City Council. Who gave the mayor that “A” rating? Why, it was humble Mayor Brandon Johnson himself!
Meanwhile, in the real world that is daily life in Chicago, police revealed that Eric Johnson’s pub was robbed Sunday for the fourth time in recent weeks. Police also stated the pub robbery was the first of nine armed robberies across five northwest side neighborhoods in a single hour. Police believe it could be the same crew of four young men, wearing black hoodies and ski masks, who committed similar robberies the previous weekend.
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I don’t feel safe, Eric Johnson told reporters. He’s not related to the mayor, who made defunding the police one of his stated goals during his mayoral campaign. In light of these recent disturbing events, one wonders if Eric Johnson would agree about that “A” rating for the mayor.
Christine Craven, Evergreen Park
People more comfortable if anonymous
Congratulations to the Daily Southtown for finally beginning a letters column to replace the canceled Speak Out. Don’t you think people would be more comfortable contributing if their last name wasn’t published in the paper?
Bill Fischer, Plainfield
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