Mitchell right on target about Chicago violence

Mary Mitchell’s column was the most direct and truthful article that I have ever read about violence in Chicago ( Ald. Ray Lopez’s candor about gang violence sets powerful example — May 11). She couldn’t have said it any better.

She writes, “Yes, all lives matter. But all deaths are not honorable.” I agree. It’s difficult for me to feel compassion for those who choose the thug life. They know what comes with the turf. But a young man like Blair Holt ( killed while trying to shield a friend from gunfire) was not supposed to die that way. Also, kudos to rookie Ald. Lopez, who has shown more courage than those in office for decades. Janette Lopez, Belmont- Cragin

Deputy gov a waste of money

Besides not submitting a balanced budget in more than two years, why did the governor invent a deputy governor position for Leslie Munger? We don’t need a lieutenant governor, let alone a deputy governor. Seems like another waste of tax dollars.

Mike Rice, Jefferson Park

Roskam picks party over people

Rep. Peter Roskam voted party over people yet again and subsequently got the ball rolling to remove affordable health care for about 24 million Americans. Support for pre- existing conditions and Medicaid is strong in the 6th District, and he just stripped away protections with a vote that supports high- risk pools. These pools have never worked in the past, as they are woefully underfunded, leaving many without adequate care and ballooning costs. The White House and Congress have made it clear that they are in the business of simply rolling back any of President Obama’s accomplishments, like the ACA, vehicle emissions standards and Energy Star ( the latter two of which are leaving even corporate executives scratching their heads), rather than governing our nation.

Government is not, and should never be, run like a business, based solely on financials. There is human collateral involved in every decision, from immigration to health care to education. However, Congress seems to have left its humanity behind, and it is time for those of us who still value empa- thy and concern for our fellow Americans to step up. Get civicly engaged. Even if you have never been active before, join a protest, write a postcard, call your representative’s office. Remember, this country is built on “We the people,” not “We the corporations.” I’ll see you at the finish line in 2018. Leslie Sadowski- Fugitt,

Downers Grove