Students protesting gun violence have learned valuable lessons

As a retired social studies teacher for almost four decades, I could not be prouder of the students around the nation who organized a peaceful march and articulate rally to show their dissatisfaction with lawmakers’ unwillingness to pass sensible gun legislation.

This is why we teach. We try to instill in teens a sense of history and civic responsibility. When the awesome responsibilities of participating in a form of government called democracy is passed on to them, they will be ready to handle it. It is during actions like this one that all of the essay- grading and lesson planning are worth it.

I am also very proud of the fact that the League of Women Voters of Illinois ( of which I am a member) is responsible for enacting the law to require a political science class in every high school in Illinois beginning with this school year. I was lucky enough to spend my whole career in a district that required this class for decades.

As the students have shown, they are ready and eager to learn how our governmental institutions work. Isn’t it ironic that Gov. Bruce Rauner chose this week to veto a sensible gun bill? Hopefully, the students who walked out in favor of such bills will remember to vote in this year’s primary for governor. A better TV ad against Gov. Rauner could not have been written.

Jan Goldberg, Riverside

Put lives first

It’s the 21st century, and people can unlock their phones with facial recognition yet cannot get guaran- teed medical treatment for the flu.

In February, a 38- year- old teacher and mother of two died from the flu because she didn’t want to pay the prescription co- pay of $ 116. Wouldn’t it be easier to cut off this barrier for everyone? Costs pose a barrier for a significant amount of people who have other financial obligations.

If there was a universal health care system, more people would receive life- saving medication. Universal insurance is the key to making sure medical and prescriptions costs do not hinder the right to wellness.

An unnecessary military parade for the sole entertainment of the president will cost $ 30 million. With that money, 937,000 citizens could receive their flu vaccines without worrying about the expense. Shouldn’t the lives of human beings take precedence over a parade?

Nataly Montiel, McKinley Park