On Friday, gas and oil lease sales for the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge will take place. Protection of the Coastal Plain has been hard fought. It is the biological heart of the refuge, home to polar bears, the migrating Porcupine caribou herd and hundreds of species of breeding birds. For the Gwich’in people, it is “the Sacred Place Where Life Begins.” President Joe Biden canceled lease sales. Trump reinstated them early in his second term. Congress has jumped on board and mandated four lease sales over the next 10 years to pay for the massive tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. Seismic testing is to begin
Why should we care? Because this land is one of our last great stands of untouched, undiminished nature. It is not only critical to the survival of species and carbon drawdown, but it connects us powerfully to mystery and wonder and awe, and to an experience of something transcendent.
I believe Chicagoans will care if they know that the future of this magnificent land hangs in the balance. We cherish our forest preserves. We flock to Montrose Beach every winter to catch a whiff of magic and mystery with a sighting of a snowy owl. We welcome and nurture habitat for our endangered piping plovers. In Chicago, we understand that nature is critical to the health of our psyches as well as the health of our planet. We may never see the Arctic Refuge, but we know intuitively it is a powerful source of life.
At this hinge point in history, we are choosing whether we bring the last wild places into our future, or destroy them for a few people’s profit on oil we don’t need. Shell, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and Repsol are deciding whether to bid on the oil and gas leases.
Readers can tell their members of Congress that they oppose the fossil fuel extraction in the Arctic. Then, ask them to support the Arctic Refuge Protection Act, a bill that would give lasting protection to the refuge, .
For God’s sake, some places must be left alone.
— Melissa Foster, Chicago
More walkable, bikeable city
I saw on TV that Paris eliminated some traffic lanes and then was able to expand sidewalks to encourage walkers and bikers. The result was more cafes and small businesses, which was the way my neighborhood was in the 1950s in Chicago before automobiles became king.
Nowadays, many people drive to shop and dine because cars changed everything. If we encourage bikers and walkers, our city could change back to more localized businesses, which would result in healthier, happier and safer people.
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People who oppose safer bike and pedestrian lanes are stuck in the auto mentality. Think of how much nicer and safer our neighborhoods would be.
— David M. Steadman, Chicago
EV mileage tax a fair solution
For some time, the question of how to tax drivers of electric vehicles, which pay no fuel tax, for use of the roads has been an issue. Presently, Illinois EV owners (I am one) pay a higher registration fee. But this hits everyone equally instead of assessing on the basis of use.
I would propose a mileage rate on EV drivers. Since they are already being tracked, why can’t the state tap into manufacturer data? I realize that applying that to all vehicles would arouse opposition. But I believe an EV mileage tax would be the most fair solution.
— Peter VandeMotter, Evanston
Don’t demonize EV drivers
Stephen T. White should conduct thorough research before composing a letter (“Gas taxes aren’t enough,” May 21). As an owner of two electric vehicles, I incur an additional $200 annually in registration fees due to an EV surcharge. Furthermore, there are no longer any federal tax credits available for EVs. Consequently, I anticipate additional expenses for my healthcare and that of others, as society is compelled to inhale the gasoline and exhaust fumes emitted by internal combustion vehicles.
Instead of demonizing EV drivers, society should express gratitude for their contributions.
— Dan McGee, Oak Park
Don’t knock city over FIFA
I am surprised by the editorial on May 26 chastising the city of Chicago for not bidding to host this year’s World Cup (“Hold the deep-dish and pass the BBQ. Kansas City is hosting Chicago’s World Cup party”).
Chicago elected to drop out of the bidding in March 2018 because of FIFA’s one-sided demands. FIFA’s request for proposal required Chicago to pay for all of the costs of hosting games with FIFA keeping all revenue from tickets, parking, transportation and in-stadium purchases. FIFA wanted unlimited indemnification from Chicago and specified that any disputes under the contract would be litigated in Zurich under Swiss law. Chicago walked from further bidding when FIFA refused to negotiate. Minneapolis, Minnesota; Arizona; and Vancouver, Canada, also dropped out of the bidding.
The FIFA-related woes of Boston and New York City are well known by sports fans but apparently not the Tribune Editorial Board. Criticizing Chicago and Rahm Emanuel’s administration is easy, as they did plenty wrong, but not bidding on the World Cup is not one of those things.
— Doug Berman, Chicago
No need to add to deficit
Yes, Kansas City is hosting an event that Chicago is perfectly capable of hosting, but FIFA demands a lot from host cities. Essentially, the host cities give away many services for free. This is on a par with cities that host the Super Bowl.
It is is hard to believe that cities would make a profit on these events through visitor hotel nights, sales taxes, restaurants, etc. The economic development numbers associated with these events are suspect and overblown.
Chicago has enough of a financial challenge without adding more to the deficit.
— Jan Pasek, Chicago
Meal deals in the suburbs?
I read an article recently that offers suggestions for many inexpensive places to eat with special prices on set days. Those listed are in Wicker Park, Logan Square, the West Loop, Lincoln Park, etc. As a loyal suburban subscriber for many years, I request that the Tribune feature an article showcasing the same type of special deals at suburban restaurants in areas such as Naperville, Aurora, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Brookfield, Westchester, etc.
It would be nice to have bargain choices that are closer and more convenient. Driving into the city with the hefty price of gas and parking to grab a bargain meal seems counterproductive.
Help a girl out with a meal deal!
— Leath Claeson (Sissy), Naperville
Talent and hard work of wives
On behalf of all fathers, husbands and sons, I apologize to all mothers, wives and daughters for neglecting to appreciate the talent, dedication and hard work it takes to run a household and family.
Since my wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six years ago, I have been her sole caretaker and perform 100% of the household duties. This includes driving to doctor appointments and grocery shopping, as well as scheduling appointments, cooking and keeping track of her medications.
I now understand what all wives have been doing for generations with little recognition, much less payment. I am not complaining or fishing for sympathy but acknowledging what every male should have been taught: Help with household chores and say thank you to your mom, wife or girlfriend.
— John Reichert, LaGrange Park
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Note to readers
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