Jackson ties the personal to the political elegantly
Every Tuesday, the column written by Jesse Jackson in the Sun- Times inspires readers to join in some political action. Last week’s column, “My Habits Must Change, but Commitment Will Not Falter” ( Nov. 21), is not just an inspiration to action, it is a beautifully written piece that ties the personal to the political. In tying his disease to the greater issue of health care in America, he forces readers to realize that their votes do have consequences.
Today we have put into office a president and many Republicans in Congress who want to further decimate health care to those who can least afford it. Republicans in the House want to cancel the individual mandate for insurance, which will drive up the prices for all who do have it. They want to cancel the tax deduction for families with high medical expenses, which will force people to go without needed care. Jesse Jackson’s life has been dedicated to ensuring rights for all Americans. I thank him for his devotion to civil and economic equality.
Maybe if more Americans read his column, they would think a bit harder before casting votes. The personal and the political are inseparable.
Jan Goldberg, Riverside
All harassment not equal
Let me be clear: I am in no way defending U. S. Sen. Al Franken, D- Minn. What he did was stupid, juvenile, sexist and — unfortunately — all too typical for a bunch of “guys being guys.” That said, I would like to make a case for context and proportionality in the current flood of blame and recrimination for bad behavior old and new.
While undoubtedly true, many of the accusations being made today were considered horseplay back in the day. Norms and expectations were different — just like they were for smoking, diet, clean air and so on. Please understand, I consider that an explanation, not an excuse. In the case of Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, however, there is no explanation or excuse for his al- leged deeds. Preying on children has never been acceptable — and never should be — under any conditions. What he is accused of is way beyond stupid, juvenile, sexist and typical. It is criminal. To equate all current actors and accusations, to brand all men with the same scarlet letter, is wrongheaded.
To each his due, but let’s be fair — “each” is not “all,” certainly not when it comes to someone like Roy Moore.
Kay Catlin, St. Charles
Inmates claim innocence, too
Regarding Russian intervention in the 2016 election, Donald Trump has confirmed he finds Vladimir Putin’s repeated denials trustworthy. He has stated: “And I believe, I really believe that when he tells me that. He means it.” I certainly hope Trump never visits a maximum- security prison. There you can find countless inmates who will repeatedly and emphatically deny they are guilty. They too will “mean it,” despite, in the vast majority of cases, overwhelming facts to the contrary. I’m fearful that if Mr. Trump ever makes such a prison visit, he may grant amnesty to all such inmates. Bill Janulis, Brookfield