Letters to the Editor

TALL MUSICIANS I was pleased to see Tom Irwin get the recognition he richly deserves [see “The ballad of Tom Irwin,” by Scott Faingold, Jan. 19]. His weekly columns have been consistently informative and funny. It’s always nice to see a fellow member of TMOS (Tall Musicians of Springfield) get some well-earned ink. And yes, […]

QUINN, GAMBLING KINGGov. Pat Quinn recently rattled his sword in support of a casino in Chicago and four other sites in Illinois. He also touted the feds giving the OK for Illinois to begin selling lottery tickets online. Then he said with enthusiasm that video poker would be ready to start later in 2012. Quinn […]

COSTLY PRISONS When do longer prison sentences and harsher punishments become counterproductive and financially irresponsible? For the past four decades politicians have built their careers on the get-tough-on-crime mantra. Since the 1970s, the states have doubled or quadrupled their prison populations. It is not uncommon for a low-level drug crime to receive a prison sentence […]

LEGACY THEATREThank you for highlighting the arts in Springfield [see “Upbeat arts in a down economy,” Dec. 22, by Scott Faingold]. However, one story you seem to have missed is the purchasing and renovation of The Legacy Theatre at 101 E Lawrence. Granted, I am biased because of my involvement with the theater, but it’s unfortunate that […]

WHY VICTIMS SUE Bishop Thomas Paprocki [see “Holy warrior,” by Bruce Rushton, Dec. 8] claims that child sex abuse victims sue bishops because of the devil’s influence and because “the most effective way to scatter the flock is to attack the shepherd.” He’s dead wrong. Victims sue bishops because they continue to ignore and conceal […]

CHALK QUESTIONSHow can it be illegal for anyone to chalk a sidewalk? It will wash off; it is not permanent or damaging [see Cap City, p. 8]. The news report about the recent Occupy Springfield chalking of U. S. Rep. Aaron Schock’s office begs several questions. Can kids not use chalk on sidewalks anymore? If […]

JOY IN BEAUTY In his 1912 tract, “The Gospel of Beauty,” Vachel Lindsay wrote, “The things most worthwhile are one’s own hearth and neighborhood.” Lindsay specifically highlighted children in this neighborhood, wishing them artistic inspiration and industry. As such, I was so pleased to see your recent article about a visit by Lindsay’s granddaughter, Louisa […]

STATEHOUSE FUN A recent opinion in a local paper stated that members of the current legislature need to retire. I agree, but the voters have had the ability to retire them long before they make that decision on their own. Much of the fault in government is that the people have trusted these same people time after […]

IMMIGRATION VS. JOBS Regarding “Three strikes and you’re in: Immigrants as the solution, not the problem,” by James Krohe Jr., Nov. 10: In the first decade of the 21st century (2000 through 2009), employment levels only increased by 3.2 million, while the non-institutionalized civilian population grew by 28 million. As a percentage of population growth […]

GOOD PEOPLE I am the aunt of Jade Ostermeier [see “How did Jade and her baby die?” by Bruce Rushton, Nov. 10]. I think there should be a retraction and an apology given to Marc Fagan and Brenda Fagan and their brother who is in prison in Iowa. They had nothing to do with the […]

FAREWELL TROUT LILY I would like to add my voice to those who are bidding a sad farewell to the Trout Lily Cafe. I know of no other place that has served the community the way this unique cafe has. It provided us with so much more than food and drink. It was a gathering […]

BESTS OF SPRINGFIELDThanks for an engaging, colorful, well-written “Best of Springfield,” which reminds me of all the good folks in Springfield striving to be better than good enough, and sometimes succeeding. Thanks also for the tribute to Audrey Caitlin Barker. She was a gem, a Springfield original whose creative menus indulged our passions and stimulated […]