Praise from Chicagoland

A corrupt political system

Regarding the Christian Schneider column, “What makes a campaign contribution ‘dirty?’ ” if a corporation was looking for a new key officer, would candidates be permitted to raise outside money to campaign for the position (Dec. 24)? Would they remain eligible if they exercised undue influence with voting board members?

We the people have allowed interested parties and factions to corruptly take control of their own selection. A constitutional convention is reported to be high on the Republican’s to-do list. Let’s make sure a convention’s agenda includes tight control of election processes to ban self-interested money’s participation in corruptly coordinating with candidates.

Petitioning elected officials (lobbying) is not extended to the selection process for officials.

Judges will be missed

G.F. Bird Milwaukee

Thanks for the positive story about the retirement of Judges John DiMotto and Jeffrey Kremers (“2 judges retiring; Walker to fill posts,” Dec. 27).

They set a high standard for their replacements. Both of them served on numerous judicial committees and taught at continuing education seminars throughout their judicial careers.

They will be missed.

Roderick Cameron never operated and employed no one.

Meanwhile, we see no commitment from Foxconn to make such a huge plant environmentally friendly. Instead of planning for expansive solar panels and wind towers, we have planning under way for a new substation so that coalfired power plants can provide the large amount of electricity needed for the plant.

Instead of unveiling plans for stateof-the-art water preservation and control of runoff, Foxconn will get exemptions from state wetlands and stream protection rules, not to mention from providing an environmental impact statement.

There are no “if’s,” however, about Gov. Scott Walker’s hope to ride Foxconn to re-election in 2018. And if it all doesn’t pan out, there will be another “IF” — I’m Fooled — that we can all share.

Is Sullivan qualified?

Jim Carlson

Milwaukee

In regard to the article, “Abele appoints former state senator Sullivan to lead parks department,” should not County Executive Chris Abele have appointed an individual to the position of County Parks Director who has education, training and extensive experience in the field of parks and recreation (Dec. 21)?

Don Carlson subject themselves to the kind of shaming that is piled on these accusers?” Simple answer — money. (At least two of President Donald Trump’s accusers had been offered six-figure payouts by a woman’s rights attorney if they testified against him).

We now see the term “sexual assault” slowly becoming weaponized. Lives and careers can be ruined. That is wrong.

Sexual assault charges should be taken seriously. But such accusations must not become a watered-down tool used to target those one may not like or with whom they disagree — years later. Keep common sense in the equation. Every claim should be thoroughly investigated. Every accuser and accused should be allowed their day in court. We must not allow the public and media to be the judge and jury in such cases.

Thanks to Meg Jones

Regarding the article, “Searching for Answers,” thank you, Meg Jones (Dec. 27).

This is the type of article that keeps me paying for an annual Journal Sentinel subscription. It was fascinating, educational, clearly written and, in its own way, entertaining. Nicely done.

A journey of faith

Amy Hemmer

Hartland

Barbara Holt

Milwaukee

It was another holiday treat from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel continuing its fine tradition of publishing the classic 1897 editorial, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” by Francis P. Church of The Sun newspaper of New York City.

Those who reject the belief in a divine supreme being or who harbor serious doubts are to be respected because their convictions are based on reasonable doubts. Nevertheless, an alternative way to consider the compelling message from 1897 would be to consider substituting the word “God” for “Santa Claus.”

One only has to carefully read that letter to appreciate the path of logic leading to an understanding of something that cannot be seen. It certainly takes a monumental leap of faith to believe in something that is not only not seen, but is far beyond the limits of our human intellects to comprehend. Many have taken that leap; just days ago we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ who is more than simply a historical person to a third of the world’s population.

Therefore, in 2018 doubters are encouraged to reread the “Virginia” letter and consider embracing a faith journey that will proactively expand their influence to improve our society.

Peter M. Murray

Occasionally, I travel from my home in Chicago’s suburbs to Wisconsin for day trips and overnight stays in Milwaukee’s central business district.

While I understand that residents from Wisconsin and Illinois have a slight tension between them, I have been pleased with my treatment in Milwaukee. Over and over again, the people of southern Wisconsin have shown themselves to be friendly and welcoming.

While the driving habits of people from both states receive commentary within groups of people with juvenile predispositions, and raucous sports club fans snub their noses at rival jerseys, there is a commonality between both urban areas that should supersede superficial disdain.

Of course, better train service would be widely appreciated, especially a link between airports. A regular, waterbased transit network would be nice. Also, a discount for residents of both areas, joint promotional advertising and, bureaucracy willing, a second Smoke Shack restaurant somewhere in Chicagoland.

Happy New Year, Milwaukee. Thanks for your Midwestern hospitality.

Willis Lambertson Lake Barrington, Ill.

Please email your letters to jsedit@jrn.com, or mail them to Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, P.O. Box 371, Milwaukee, Wis. 53201-0371. Letters should be about 200 words.