Letters to the Editor

IMPALED BY RAILIt would be interesting to know how many other state capitals have so far been subjected to the indignity of dismemberment in the way that the proposed 40-train corridor will affect Springfield. Apparently the Illinois (Chicago) Department of Transportation is willing to allow the quality of life in Springfield to take an expeditious […]

WHICH WAY?And just what is it that United Way is supporting these days? [See “Boy Scouts leave United Way,” by Amanda Robert, Aug. 20.] They never did contribute to the Girl Scouts of America organization. I have a co-worker who pulled his funds because of the decision by United Way to pull its Boy Scout […]

DON’T CUT COPSHow in the world can Mayor Davlin threaten to cut police funding when we need them more than ever? A town these days cannot function without a strong police presence. A few years back, I attended the Citizens Police Academy and they talked about gangs in Springfield. If you think they don’t exist […]

RUSSIAN IMMIGRANTThis is a fascinating topic to a third generation Russian-origin immigrant. [See “Shadows of the Motherland: Russian Orthodoxy in downstate Illinois,” by William Furry, Aug. 6.] Thank you. From illinoistimes.com GOAT LOVERSWoohoo! Love Thornridge and love our goats! [See “Goat invasion: A growing breed of livestock preserves an old way of life on a […]

NEW URBANISM HERE If you want to see what a new urbanist philosophy can do for a city similar in size to Springfield, it’s worth a trip to Madison, Wis., or closer to home, Normal, Ill. [See “New urbanism the Springfield way,” by R.L. Nave, July 30]. Older neighborhoods within walking and biking distance of […]

SECRETS OF SUCCESS May God continue to bless Ms. Costa [see “Building a new life after prison: RaeLynnn Costa is making a comeback, with the support of Project Return,” by Amanda Robert, July 16] and the churches that are following Matthew 25: 44-45. The article points out the secrets of success when it comes to […]

SECRETS OF SUCCESS May God continue to bless Ms. Costa [see “Building a new life after prison: RaeLynnn Costa is making a comeback, with the support of Project Return,” by Amanda Robert, July 16] and the churches that are following Matthew 25: 44-45. The article points out the secrets of success when it comes to […]

GARBAGE IN GARBAGE OUT I would like to use your paper to broadcast an apology to someone I hope reads your paper. I mean, doesn’t everyone? Some months ago I was chatting on break with a younger male worker. I had recently read an astounding story online that I shared with him. “Hey,” I said, […]

DON’T SEGREGATE DISABLED I was troubled by the article by Amanda Robert “New nonprofit plans fitness center for the disabled.” This concept flies in the face of the integration people with disabilities have fought for for generations, and perpetuates a stereotype we have battled all our lives. Going back to well before the Americans with […]

STATE SOLUTION Yes, Gov. Pat Quinn can veto the budget, but that won’t happen. It would be better to take back the Illinois General Assembly members’ initiative money ($500 million this budget) and use it to balance the budget. Then he can (they don’t need members’ initiative money) have the laws changed to keep the […]

NOT THE HOLIDAY INNThe June 18 article by Dusty Rhodes, “Tougher than Guantanamo” about the state prison at Tamms was well presented and was an interesting read. However, there is a much larger issue that should be considered in this discussion. I think the recidivism rate for those few individuals who find themselves institutionalized for […]

HANDGUNS IN NATIONAL PARKS That was a great cartoon, “The national park disservice,” on page 30 of the May 28 IT.  The cartoon was referring to the recent signing of a bill by President Obama allowing guns in these parks, and even loaded ones in some instances. If this is any indication of the future, […]