Schools’ zero tolerance policies often tone deaf
By John W. Whitehead Just when you thought the government couldn’t get any more tone-deaf about civil liberties and the growing need to protect “we the people” against an overreaching, overbearing police state, the Donald Trump administration ushers in even more strident zero tolerance policies that treat children like suspects
Offer stands: Coffee treat for League of Women Voters
February 15, 2020Dear editor; I write to comment on the letter in The Voice, January 23, at thevoice.us/remarks-follow-resignation-from-lwv. From their letter: “The League (of Women Voters) was begun as a nonpartisan political and membership organization, and it remains so today.” The letter was signed by five officers of various chapters
Problem: Insurance health care authorization
February 14, 2020Dear editor; Charles Darwin wrote that “A man who dares to waste one hour of life has not discovered the value of life.” No one knows the truth of this better than someone struggling with a serious illness, for whom every hour of life is hard-won. But all
A piece of the shattered vase should return to the rest
By Marjorie Logman As a Christian I have been looking at Christianity in America. I see a vase representing Christianity that has fallen and shattered into pieces. Unfortunately, many of the pieces have decided they are the whole vase and it has brought division. The White Evangelical Movement piece that
Consistent journalism the vision in the face of change
Jim Nowlan and I go back a long way, and I can’t think of anyone I know I respect more. That being said, I have a much less dystopian view of the future of newspapers, and particularly community journalism, than the one Jim shared in his piece, two weeks ago
Ask Grandpa: On the best man for the wedding day
Grandpa,My fiancé has known his best friend since they were kids. They even went to the same college together. They both work in the (same profession) but not the same company. My fiancé has asked his friend to be the best man at our wedding. I am trying to fix
We can get along after presidential election best U.S. view
By John W. Whitehead Listen: We don’t have to agree about everything. We don’t even have to agree about most things. We don’t have to love each other. We don’t even have to like each other. And we certainly don’t need to think alike or dress alike or worship alike
Concerns of debt, direction in Aurora
February 9, 2020Dear editor; I was thinking about all the times I have approached Aurora City Council. They are bent on developing a “Something’s Happening Downtown” and making Aurora famous. It is their methodology that bothers me. Going deep in debt, embellishing crowd sizes and successes, producing bogus statistics and
All over except the shouting? It continues, unabated
It’s all over, but the shouting in the impeachment, and that is taking place and will continue to take place. The shouting will be from our accidental president, Donald Trump’s proclaiming, “I’ve been completely exonerated! Not guilty! I did nothing wrong!” These will be his opening remarks at all of
Ask Grandpa: On finding happiness: Zoo at home, busy schedule
Grandpa,I live with my boyfriend and his mother. I am (several) months pregnant. He owns quite a few snakes, rats, lizards, a dog, and has chickens in a coop in the back yard. I can deal with the chickens and even the large dog, but I hate the fact that
Ask Grandpa: Participation in various ways focus of 3 letters
Grandpa,I thought of you yesterday when I won my County Assessment Complaint. The administrative panel was organized, did its research in advance, and most importantly, gave its decision at the conclusion of the hearing. The panel members were taking seriously my concerns. I can now let go my grudge on
Interfaith dialogues require improved vetting, harmony
At the 2020 World Peace Day Interfaith Prayer Service January 5 held in Naperville, representatives of many faiths came together to celebrate multiple faith traditions. Representing Chicago’s large Muslim community was the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) executive director Abdullah Mitchell. CIOGC is the umbrella organization for
Mavis Bates candidate for Kane Board
January 24, 2020Dear editor; I am excited to announce that I am a candidate for Kane County Board member, District 4. I am running for Kane County Board because I believe we can do much more to make our lives healthier, safer, and more successful. We must do everything in
Suggestions: National parks designations in the Illinois
There are 61 national parks. California has nine. Illinois has none. In the past couple of years, the Arch in St. Louie and the Dunes in northwestern Indiana both have been designated as national parks. Illinois had better rattle its tin cup in Washington, D.C., because it appears to be
Ask Grandpa: On tombstone inscription and made up story
Grandpa,I saw a photograph of a tombstone with the inscription, “So remember me, and I will remember you.” The lady who owns the photo said it was her husband’s favorite quote from scriptures. I have searched through my concordance and cannot find it. My concordance only covers the KJV. Is