I recently ran into an old platonic female friend from high school who I hadn’t seen in years. At first, it was just a hug and a peck on the cheek as we exchanged pleasantries and caught up.
Then, out of nowhere, she began talking very positively about Donald Trump, and I thought, “Uh oh, this could get ugly.” I decided I would tread carefully since I disagreed with every word coming out of her mouth.
Suddenly, she asked me my opinion. I felt obliged to offer it truthfully, but being a progressive, I knew it wouldn’t go well.
We used to go to parties and attend high school sporting events together, because we hung out with many of the same people. We even double dated a few times. In fact, I knew her entire family and always thought very highly of them.
After I spoke my mind during our recent exchange, this woman was so stunned and bewildered. She actually said, “How could anyone in their right mind be a liberal?” Knowing it would be impossible to explain in any sort of meaningful way, I threw the questions back at her. I specifically asked if she thought the 2020 election was rigged and stolen. She said, “I don’t think I know.”
Shortly thereafter, we parted ways, because at that point, there was no way to proceed. As we both drove away, I’m sure we were thinking the same thing: How in the hell did that expletive expletive become such an expletive expletive?
Wes Dickson, Orland Park
More military families will get assistance with Fisher House’s 100th home
Chicago, and its surrounding community, have a long history supporting our military. Most recently, North Chicago has served as the home of the nation’s first fully integrated Veterans Affairs and Defense departments health care facility, serving both veterans and active-duty personnel.
That care facility is named for a man whose hand I had the distinct honor of shaking recently: Captain James A. Lovell.
Capt. Lovell, who also served as a captain in the Navy, played a pivotal role as commander of Apollo 13 — making that mission one of triumph, not tragedy. While his lifetime of service ended just a few days ago at the age of 97, his dedication to our country is something we can draw inspiration from.
Capt. Lovell was at the facility in late July to help us dedicate the 100th Fisher House built there. This is a place I hope will help carry his — and the Chicago community’s — legacy of service.
Since 1990, Fisher facilities have provided free lodging to military families receiving care at military and VA medical centers. With the opening of this house, we’ll be able to serve more than 1,400 families every night nationwide, ensuring they can stick together in difficult times. After all, a family’s love is good medicine.
The 100th house belongs not only to us but to the staff, volunteers, donors and neighbors who create a spirit of unity and a web of support that stretches far beyond our walls.
I’m humbled that Capt. Lovell was there at the dedication of our 100th house. Because of my uncle, Zachary Fisher, who created the organization, and the enduring commitment of the American people, Fisher House is now 100 homes strong — and growing.
This milestone is a powerful reminder: Our nation’s gratitude lives on in our choices, investments and care.
This is our mission and our promise. With continued support, it’s a promise we’ll keep today, tomorrow and for generations to come. To get involved and help make an impact for military and veteran families, visit fisherhouse.org.
Ken Fisher, chairman and CEO, Fisher House Foundation
‘Big Beautiful Bill’ helps my small business
Changes to the federal tax code are blowing into the Windy City, and that is good news for some small businesses like mine. Passed as part of Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” pro-growth policies build upon the previous tax cuts legislation passed through Congress in 2017.
The legislation makes the 20% small business tax deduction permanent and locks in lower rates for pass-through small businesses that were set to expire. (These are enterprises in which business revenue is taxed as the owner’s personal income.)
Beyond tax savings, which can be reinvested back into job creation and worker benefits, the law provides what Main Street needs most: certainty. With tax savings now locked in, entrepreneurs can plan for the years ahead — making long-term investments that will help to shape communities for decades to come.
But what truly sets this law apart is the restoration of full and immediate expensing for capital equipment. This provision is a game changer for my company.
We’re now moving forward with a $645,000 investment in new machining equipment that will allow us to take on more complex projects, many of which have recently been reshored from overseas. These new capabilities are about staying ahead of the curve in a fast-moving industry.
With these new machines comes new jobs. To support this expansion, we’re planning to hire five team members: three skilled machinists, a shipping specialist and a receiving specialist.
There are roughly 230,000 small and mid-sized manufacturing businesses like mine across the country. If even a fraction of them take similar steps in response to this law, the impact on American manufacturing, job creation and technological competitiveness could be enormous.
In fact, a similar provision in the 2017 law, which expired years ago, preceded the single largest monthly purchase of metalworking machinery since the 1990s.
By restoring immediate expensing and providing lasting tax relief for small businesses, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” lays a solid foundation for a true manufacturing resurgence.
Nicole Wolter, president and CEO, HM Manufacturing, a power transmission components provider in Wauconda, and partner, Job Creators Network Foundation