The Tribune reports on how the legal system is failing people who have been wrongly accused of crimes and how some unscrupulous attorneys have turned the system into a gravy train for themselves. We taxpayers are paying for this.
It reminds me of the case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce in the Charles Dickens classic “Bleak House,” in which the lawyers make a fortune by cheating those who were supposed to get the money. The system is truly a scandal, and I’m glad the Tribune wrote about it.
What can be done?
— Helen E. Baker, Chicago
Corrupt cops don’t pay enough
I would like to commend the Tribune for the well-documented article on these settlements. I think it highlights the cozy relations between the city and various connected law firms. If these firms were paid a set fee per case instead of hourly billings, I think it would incentivize these lawyers to settle quickly, thereby saving the city money.
It also shows that corrupt police officers never pay a heavy price for their crimes: two to five years in prison and some even getting to keep their pension, such as former Cmdr. Jon Burge.
— Anton R. Iberle, Evergreen Park
Conversion therapy’s effects
At the risk of free speech and the First Amendment, there is a higher calling among those providing talk therapy: Do no harm. As a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois, I follow the position of the American Counseling Association, which states: “There is no credible scientific data to support (conversion therapy’s) effectiveness. … Extensive research has demonstrated that conversion therapy is a harmful and damaging practice for clients, often resulting in psychological trauma and distress.”
National associations of psychiatrists and other medical doctors, psychologists, social workers and school counselors also oppose conversion therapy. The recently released majority opinion of the U.S. Supreme Court presents conversion therapy as a subject of “fierce public debate” and calls it an “ideologically charged issue.” This is a incredible stretch, as it appears the professional and scientific evidence on conversion therapy — like climate change — proves the opposite of the conservative and regressive opinion.
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— Susan Langan, Winnetka
Grateful to Illinois leaders
I would like to respond to Chuck Wellek’s letter “Refusal to change course” (March 31) regarding property taxes rising far faster than inflation.
As a former Chicago Public Schools teacher, I’m sorry that he begrudges my CPS pension benefits. And being that I am his sister, I’m also saddened and sorry that he felt the need to “change course” and move from Chicago to Arizona.
As for me, I’m thankful to our leaders for not changing course.
— Susan Wellek Woldenberg, Lincolnwood
Foreign language benefits
The Tribune makes excellent points regarding the need for increased foreign language requirements for Illinois high school students (“Illinois shouldn’t retreat on foreign language education,” March 27). The movement to get rid of the requirement is short-sighted given the many benefits of second-language acquisition.
As a language teacher for over 35 years and as an administrator of a university foreign language department, I have seen firsthand that learning a second language brings students directly into a world that is new to them, improves their overall communication skills, increases their understanding and empathy for other cultures, and so much more. And as the editorial points out, without a requirement, elite schools are still likely to provide this important resource for their students while other students are left behind.
Technological substitutes for firsthand encounters with human beings who are different from us do not exist. I applaud Illinois for making, and I hope keeping, this requirement.
— Clara Orban, Chicago
Put money into research
As the $100 billion Artemis II project zooms toward the moon on a mission to take a giant step for humankind, it’s time for a more earthly moon shot. Let’s challenge Congress and the president to fund $100 billion in research to find a cure for breast cancer and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
The time is now for an all-out battle against these diseases, which ravage so many people and cause anguish for their loved ones and friends.
— Mark S. Renz, Oak Lawn
Proper term for a Canuck
With the Artemis II mission heading for the moon, flight crew member Jeremy Hansen now becomes Canada’s first citizen to travel to the moon. How should he be termed?
America has its astronauts; Russia its cosmonauts. For Hansen, I propose “Maplenaut” in honor of the maple leaf, an official symbol of that great land to our north.
— Patrick Riley, Chicago
Art Institute’s new building
I agree with Laura Washington’s op-ed regarding the Art Institute’s proposed new building (“Bring glittering downtown institutions to the city’s neighborhoods,” March 29). When I visit the Art Institute now, I feel rushed to see everything, as my visits are infrequent.
Separate buildings not only open the art to more people but also allow us to truly view, ponder and enjoy it all
— Judith Bishop, Niles
New day for college players
College sports are simply another professional league. Many people who watch the NCAA tournament have placed bets for years on what was supposed to be amateur athletics. The NCAA, schools, administrators, brands and sponsors all made money while the students had a work schedule that was insane while seeking a degree, and they were restricted from sharing in the money windfall.
The times have officially changed. NIL, or name, image and likeness, allows the players to earn up to seven figures while in college. Teams have players who have professional experience, are older, and can leave and go to another team each year. Some players will still receive their degrees, and a few will go to the big leagues, but most will now be able to get their share of the money in the NCAA.
Some greedy and power-hungry people don’t like it. I love it! A new day is here.
— Dwayne Springs, Gurnee
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