As a proud Democrat and resident of Illinois, I was deeply concerned by the recent memo from the National Democratic Redistricting Committee projecting that Illinois could lose two congressional seats after the 2030 Census — the most of any state except California.
This should alarm anyone who cares about representative democracy, especially Democrats. Every decade, our most Democratic states — New York, California and Illinois— keep losing congressional seats, and unless we take serious action, this trend will only accelerate.
The root cause is clear: the cost of living, and most of all, housing. People aren’t moving to Texas and Florida because they prefer the politics; they’re moving because they can afford to live there. We’ve made it far too difficult to build housing in our cities, driving families out in search of something affordable — often to red states where representation is then distorted by gerrymandering.
Here in Chicago, recent proposals to upzone parts of Western Avenue and Broadway are a start, but we need to be bolder. We should allow four-flats citywide, pursue deeper upzoning near transit and work with Springfield to require every municipality in Illinois to legalize more housing where demand exists.
If we don’t act soon, Illinois will continue to shrink relative to faster-growing (but more exclusionary) states, and the Democratic Party will find itself increasingly fighting uphill battles in Congress — outnumbered not because of the popular will, but because we failed to keep people in our states.
Let’s make housing a priority — not just as a local economic issue, but as a national Democratic imperative.
Alec Schwengler, Lincoln Square
NASCAR, illegal fireworks are both noisy nuisances
The slavish attention to race cars taking over Grant Park is part of the broader pattern of obeisance to whatever is not just showy but over the top. This is not necessary noise, like sirens warning us to clear the way for fire trucks.
If we are honest with ourselves and each other, we will admit that nobody likes to be jolted awake by yet another skyrocket screaming through our nighttime neighborhood; the myriad noises of NASCAR are nothing if not part and parcel of the same auditory abuse as fireworks.
To keep trying to have it both ways isn’t working. We must acknowledge and then stop our worst impulses, which inflict terror on our elders, pets and other creatures, and simultaneously demand peace and quiet for ourselves and our families.
For starters, let’s increase the fines for people using M-80s and other high-powered fireworks. If anyone ends up injured, and a vehicle was used to escape the scene of the crime/explosion-celebration, seize every bit of their smelly airborne garbage. And don’t stop there: Repeat offenders must be jailed and their vehicles impounded, and NASCAR must get out of town.
Maja Ramírez, Avondale
Chip on shoulder
Like all civic-minded Chicagoans, I am glad that the Chicago Fire’s proposed stadium at The 78 will be paid for by the team’s wealthy owner. That sets a good example for other local sports moguls.
But I am less happy that the team president, Dave Baldwin, last month described the stadium’s design as “harkening back to ‘the City of Broad Shoulders’ and its ‘rich industrial manufacturing heritage.”
Apart from its industrial and architectural history, Chicago also has a rich literary heritage. If one takes the time to actually read Carl Sandburg’s poem “Chicago,” one will see that he defines Chicago as “City of the Big Shoulders,” not “Broad Shoulders.”
If one is going to sling cliches, one should at least get them right.
Bill Savage, Rogers Park
Helpful service while getting Real ID
I recently returned from applying for a Real ID at the Secretary of State’s office at Clark and Lake streets. The place was crowded with long lines wherever you looked. I started the process with some dread. As it turned out, each state employee I dealt with at each stage was calm, civil, courteous, helpful and friendly. I cannot speak too highly of the efficiency of the process and the quality of the secretary of state’s staff. They epitomize the best of public service at a time when public servants are being belittled, and their contributions to society disrespected.
Michael Gorman, River North
Support for detention center is appalling
Some “Americans” are cheering for the new “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention facility. How loud would they cheer if it went by a more accurate name — “Alligator Auschwitz.” What has happened to the good people of America?
Martin Nicholson, Niles
Blame in Texas tragedy
The 100-plus people killed, including 30 children, and at least 160 others missing in a Texas flood makes me sick. Imagine the panic and suffering in which the youngest victims died. I wonder how climate change deniers, especially the Republican elected officials charged with keeping our children safe, feel about having this blood on their hands.
Jim Arneberg, Hoffman Estates
Alternative to taking a knee
Could this be our new Pledge of Allegiance?
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the shattered states of Trump, and to the evil empire for which he stands, one nation, divided under his highness’ rule, with imprisonment and injustice for all.”
John Oaks, Burr Ridge
Aftereffects of Trump vote
That the 49.9% who elected the current president will be among those most adversely affected by the passage of his Big Bad Bill is pure poetic justice.
Richard Wetzel, Old Town
Point of pride
The Chicago Pride Parade is a celebration of the LGBTQ+community. Most importantly, it brings a voice to all those who never had the ability to celebrate who they were.
Terrence Camodeca, Orland Park