On Saturday morning, I consciously decided to deviate from my typical traffic route when running weekend errands. In doing so, I arrived at the intersection of California and Foster avenues, directly across from Swedish Hospital, just as the emergency response to the shooting of two Chicago police officers commenced. Emergency vehicles were arriving from all directions, and a man, who I believe was a civilian, jumped into action by assisting with traffic control.
At the time, it was unclear to me what was happening. Regrettably, words were exchanged between this gentleman and me as he apparently believed I was attempting to either hit him with my car or circumvent his efforts. Neither was my intention.
On the off-chance this individual happens to read the Sun-Times, please accept both my apology and gratitude for your valiant effort in assisting as vehicles and pedestrians traversed the intersection.
Jeffrey L. Wiseman, Sauganash
CTA dropped ball in handling derailment
My wife and I were among the commuters riding the Yellow Line train that derailed outside the CTA’s Howard Street station last week. We are extremely grateful to the compassionate Chicago Fire Department personnel who patiently got us off the train to safety.
Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the Chicago Transit Authority. When the train went off the rails, about a dozen employees gathered nearby but seemingly had no idea what to do. Worse, given that we were sitting in a now un-air-conditioned train for the better part of an hour on a hot day, one employee argued when we opened the train doors for air. Thankfully, he relented.
Once we got to the ground, there was total confusion. When we asked at least three bus drivers if they were driving the Yellow Line shuttle, we were told only, “I’m waiting for instructions.”
I believe CTA management failed us. Given the time of day and the centrality of the station to the CTA’s system, there should have been senior leadership on the scene to direct employees. There was almost no communication to employees or riders. There should have been a plan.
We are very grateful that no one was injured. We just wish the CTA had been better prepared. CTA leaders should use this scenario for future training.
James McGowan, Skokie
Relatable content
Reader Scott T. Thompson’s thoughts in his recent letter in the Sun-Times’ — “Time flies in Retirement” — are refreshingly insightful. Age, particularly longevity, does seem to impact one’s perception of time. Nevertheless, while Thompson wonders in retirement “how to make the most of the day” this should be an everyday question for the employed, unemployed and retirees alike. I would also like to commend the Sun-Times for publishing reader content driven by human perspectives that are untethered to political viewpoints or civic controversies.
Robert M. Birndorf, Streeterville
Kimmel’s comments no joke
Jimmy Kimmel’s comments about Melania having “a glow like an expectant widow” are beyond inappropriate. They are hateful. I doubt they were ad-libbed. Why didn’t ABC review Kimmel’s material? I am not a Donald Trump fan, but this was just wrong. At the very least, Kimmel needs to apologize to Melania Trump and the president for the so-called joke.
Barb Marion, Orland Park