Preschool is law’s best friend
Far too often, law enforcement and prosecutors are left to deal with the consequences of those who never developed the skills they need to resolve conflict, follow instructions and succeed academically and in the workplace. Even worse, taxpayers foot the expensive bill that comes with …
Lots of evidence of Medicaid fraud
I write in response to an Associated Press story that stated there is little evidence to support the claim that nearly 10 percent of Medicaid in Illinois and nationwide could be fraudulent. There is plenty of evidence to support my contention that nearly 10 percent …
Who cares what she thinks?
I couldn’t be more disappointed with the May 12 Chicago Sun-Times article on Bristol Palin’s blog criticizing the president’s stance on gay marriage. In what respect is Bristol Palin a credible commentator on politics? Thomas Kosinski, Lincoln Square …
Win big, lose big: Taxpayers lose
As reported in your paper, JPMorgan Chase lost $2 billion-plus on a hedging strategy that did not work as intended. The dictionary defines hedging as “partially counter balancing; to mitigate a partial loss by counterbalancing.” As a former options trader on the CBOE, I often …
Cut benefits for lawmakers, too
Sure we need pension reform [“Pension pain,” May 9]. But are you really going to take the COLA from city pensioners who are not even eligible for Social Security? With cost of living rising every year and jobs as scarce as they are, especially for …
Meter firm’s claim is bogus
When Chicago Parking Meter LLC took over the parking in Chicago, free parking for the handicapped was the standard way things were done. Also when the need to close down a street because of repairs or whatever was also the norm and the meters were …
Support people vs. bankers
President Barack Obama is trying to rally his base by “supporting” gay marriage. He won’t rally me until he orders Attorney General Eric Holder to start arresting Wall Street bankers. George Ochsenfeld, Monee Bank on it JPMorgan Chase Bank lost $2 billion in just six …
Quinn’s plan will help Medicaid
Illinois is facing a financial crisis that threatens the viability of the state’s Medicaid program, the health-care lifeline for the most vulnerable members of our society. For years now, Illinois has failed to adequately budget for the costs associated with this critical program that provides …
Shameful Blago ad an affront to his family
The FM 101.1 billboard ad featuring ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich behind bars is simply overkill. The CTA and the radio station should be both ashamed and mindful that this man has two beautiful daughters who could very well see this mess. Why not let this man …
Retire NATO, leave Afghanistan
As the NATO Summit in Chicago draws near, President Barack Obama should take a good look at what poll after recent poll has stated clearly: Public opinion in this country wants United States and NATO troops home from Afghanistan, sooner rather than later. With our …
Something rotten at Abbott
As detailed in the May 8 Sun-Times, Abbott Laboratories has pleaded guilty to illegal marketing activities regarding its drug Depakote and has reached a settlement with the government for $1.6 billion. In its annual report and proxy statement, Abbott states that effective Feb. 17, company …
A preposterous pension plan
I am writing in response to the May 8 editorial and the column heralding Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s preposterous new pension “plan.” The only words that come to mind after reading this report are …….. How Dare You! How dare anyone suggest that retired public servants …
Diatribe a testament to greed
Star Parker’s column in the May 6 Chicago Sun-Times praising Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget plan was a testament to greed. Wrapped in phrases such as “personal responsibility” and “freedom,” it was really a diatribe on providing entitlements for the rich and taking even more from …
Street fair beef make no sense
Ald. Tom Tunney’s opposition to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s plan to allow the Chicago Cubs to make some money by shutting down Waveland and Sheffield on game days for street fairs makes no sense. Has the alderman been to a Cubs game in the last 20 …
License reform a good idea
Starting and operating a small business is not a simple task. The majority of small- and medium-sized businesses in Chicago face the daunting task of identifying and obtaining the licenses and permits necessary to open the doors. The time it takes equals lost opportunities to …