Is there hope to regain city’s fading stature?
Chicagoans are leaving the city for myriad predictable and understandable reasons. Whether our beleaguered, beloved Chicago will be able to prevent its lamentable decline is anyone’s guess.
Survival is the primary goal for all living beings. Furthermore, all biological creatures hoping to succeed, thrive, and perhaps even prevail understand that they must distance themselves from toxins and pursue nutrients.
Personally, though I was born and raised in Brooklyn, I’ve enjoyed a fulfilling life in Chicago for over half a century. Nevertheless, the current pathetic departure scenario should remind reasonable citizens of the following age-old profound wisdom: To all things there is a season; all business relationships come to an end; the only thing permanent is change; and suffering is optional.
While I find it sad to experience its demise, I also maintain some hope because I know that one’s history does not necessarily imply one’s destiny. There may yet be hope that Chicago can reclaim much of the stature that it has lost. But then again, I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer.
I would like to spend a good part of the next half century living in, and enjoying, Chicago, wouldn’t you?
Leon J. Hoffman, Lake View
Teacher strike precedent?
Without knowing it, perhaps the Chicago Teachers Union established a new holiday — National Strike Day. On April 1 of every year, anyone with a grievance at work can go on strike. The holiday will be a great way to celebrate April Fools’ Day.
Thomas Mackin, Rogers Park