Letters to the editor 12/15/22

click to enlarge Letters to the editor 12/15/22
Dusty Rhodes, right, with fellow election judge, Judy Large. One benefit of being an election judge is making friends with someone from the other party.

We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to editor@illinoistimes.com.

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REWARDING WORK

As an election judge, I am appreciative of the article "Election integrity up close" by Dusty Rhodes (Dec. 1). She succinctly captured the work by the office of the Sangamon County Clerk and election judges to assure free and fair elections. As one who was part of a transport team returning the materials to the county, I want to add that the process was secure and well-organized. All those sworn to assure a fair and accurate vote take their responsibilities seriously. Working on Election Day is long and tiring, but extremely rewarding work.

Larry Colvin
Springfield

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COOPERATE MORE

As a Democrat, I would like to see more cooperation and compromise in our state Congress ("Dems fail to include GOP in SAFE-T Act reform talks," Dec. 8). This type of behavior is unprofessional and isn't representative of the constituency.

Dennis Sklenka
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes.com

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KARMA

Oh, boo hoo. Need I remind Republicans of the Contract with America with the Newt Gingrich Congress, and every Republican majority since then? This was especially true during the Obama years, when they expressly stated they'd obstruct everything. These are people for whom Donald Trump is acceptable – for whom the embrace of Nazis and fascists and white supremacists is not a deal-breaker.

Don Hanrahan
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes.com

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MAKE INSURANCE RESPONSIBLE

Thank you for addressing the gun problem ("Gun control starts at home," Dec. 8). I have been following this issue for over 30 years. Things have only gotten worse. 

I drive a car. Cars can be dangerous. They can maim and kill people. Therefore, cars must have: a title; a registered VIN number; a license plate, renewable every year; and insurance. Car drivers must pass a written test on rules of the road; pass an eye exam and take a driving test.

Cars are a necessity for many of us, yet I have never heard anyone complain about this. So what if gun ownership had the same requirements? What if insurance companies did the background checks instead of the overworked police? What if insurance companies had to pay for the damages done with guns?

I have written to all of my elected officials with this idea. I have joined gun control groups and suggested this. I have called into radio shows with this idea.

Not a single politician acknowledged my letter. Nor did any gun control group – I even included a $1,000 check with one of my letters, thinking that would get their attention. It didn't. I called in to a radio show discussion and they didn't even respond, just hung up. They did listen to a man who was sure that giving gun safety lessons to every child would solve the problem.

If anyone has any other creative solutions, I would like to hear them.

Sarah H. Thomas
Springfield

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NOT FOR EVERYONE

I could not agree more with Scott Reeder's observations or comments in his recent column.

I got the same instructions from my dad that he got from his, which are evidently instructions that people quit giving out some years back. When I see people not being safe with guns, I'm forced to start thinking, the Second Amendment is good, but maybe that person shouldn't have a gun, or a knife. Maybe a tactical spork. It's infuriating for those of us who did learn to handle guns the right way. Anyway, thank you for the common-sense and right-on-target editorial.

John Crist
Rock Island