Isn’t it wonderful how the news media have been praising George H.W. Bush now that he has died? If I recall this same media were quite critical of him during his presidency and unsuccessful campaign in 1992. In fact, some of the critiques during the ’92 campaign were vitriolic. So, what has changed?
We would like to believe that the media have come to realize that he was a pretty good president and a very decent man. On the other hand, could it be that by stressing his decency they are yet again able to attack President Trump? Maybe I’m a bit cynical, but I tend to think the latter explanation is more likely.
— Dan Schuchardt, Glen Ellyn
A moving tribute
Scott Stantis’ poignant editorial cartoon has moved me to tears. After 94 years on this Earth and serving his country, George H.W. Bush has been called back home to the heavens above, where Barbara and Robin are patiently waiting. As good as it gets.
JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater, Fla.
What a difference
I tend to be a Democrat and I never once voted for George H.W. Bush, but I admire the guy for what he did when he was young. Soon after he turned 18, Bush joined the Navy and asked to be a combat pilot. This was early in World War II, and military service was thought of as the solemn duty for every young American male.
Bush was from a wealthy, politically powerful family. Despite wartime patriotism, many young guys from his class managed to sidestep their military duty or at least wrangle a cushy assignment. Not Bush. He flew 58 combat missions, was shot down over the Pacific, and won the Distinguished Flying Cross. Contrast his youth with that of our current president, Donald Trump,who was a draft dodger during the Vietnam War and never served a day in the military.
— R. Conrad Stein, Chicago
Reclaim the GOP
As I sat in front of the TV and listened to George H.W. Bush’s legacy, I became increasingly depressed about what has happened to the Republican Party. For some reason, we have turned over leadership of our party to an immoral teenager who can’t open his mouth without lying. I call on my fellow Republicans to take back our party. Please, let’s find a statesman like G.H.W. Bush to lead us.
— Charles Dill, Sleepy Hollow
Juneau better than that
Your front page headline about the earthquake in Anchorage, Alaska, states that Anchorage is the state capital. Juneau, which is located in southeastern Alaska, has been the capital since statehood in January 1959.
Whoever does proofreading needs to learn the state capitals before going to press.
— Marlene Steiner, Ketchikan, Alaska
Aim higher with MAP
Regarding Dawn Rhodes’ report, “College financial aid in Illinois expands” (Dec. 4): We desperately need to expand college financial aid in Illinois, but we should not celebrate the Aim High grant program. The longstanding Monetary Award Program (MAP) remains badly underfunded. Last school year, nearly 100,000 eligible students did not receive a MAP grant because state funding ran out. Furthermore, a full MAP grant has not covered tuition and fees at a public university or community college for a student since 2002.
Illinois made a commitment to low-income students that we must keep. Instead of creating new merit-based financial aid programs, we must first fully fund MAP.
— Jessie Gotsdiner, Policy Associate, Women Employed
Chicago
Treacherous cycling
Wednesday’s commute may have been clear for the majority of people with no snow on the road, but as a bicyclist mine wasn’t. Eight days after the storm there are still piles of snow blocking the bike path I use in Warrenville, Naperville and Aurora, at intersections to almost every parking lot and road. Literally every 50 yards, the plows pile up obstructions in the pedestrian way. This problem is regionwide, and it is time for it to stop. Major corporations and state facilities are the main offenders on my daily commute. It is time for the plows to stop this practice and respect the pedestrian way.
— Kenneth Corrigan, Chicago