As a middle-school civics teacher, I want to thank President Donald Trump and his administration.
Thanks for trampling the U.S. Constitution to such a degree that it’s easy for students to see the relevance (and genius) of checks and balances, federalism, popular sovereignty, Republicanism, individual rights, separation of powers and limited government.
Thanks to President Trump and Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Brendan Carr for trying so hard to politically curtail free speech that students question why and how our First Amendment rights are being tested. Middle-schoolers really love it when you try to tell them what they should do or think.
Thanks to President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for making a Latino student of mine wonder, “Can President Trump actually deport everyone?” That question led to a class conversation about the complex and emotional history of immigration in the U.S.
I want to thank President Trump’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for going after “the toughest of the toughest bad guys,” like the president pledged. It’s great that they think its OK to go near schools and upset young families of students who are quickly learning to question authority.
I want to thank the conservative-led, precedent-breaking U.S. Supreme Court. You have facilitated great conversations and analysis in my classroom about the power of the courts and the limits of the law. You can understand my pride as a teacher when students question why the highest court in the land would rule that presidents can no longer be criminally charged with crimes while in office. That’s “suss,” as one of my students said.
Related to Supreme Court, I also want to thank President Trump for his desire to end the birthright citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment. As another one of my students put it: “Why?” Is it like it’s cluttering the Constitution or something?”
I want to thank President Trump and the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for allowing me to dive deep with students about the importance of civil political dialogue. After Charlie Kirk’s assassination, I had students ask why Republicans were making it seem like political opponents were terrorists and “scumbags.” Also, Speaker Mike Johnson, you should ask a middle-schooler for some tips on how to gaslight more effectively. The stunt with not seating Arizona Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva is not fooling anybody.
Lastly, I want to thank President Trump and his administration for allowing civics 101-type topics to become relevant once again. Maybe we’ll soon start to realize why we need civics education — not just for kids but also for adults. Until then, thank you for helping me ignite an interest in civics with my kiddos.
Bob Shaffer, Chicago
Blowing the whistle
In Chicago, which is being invaded by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol thugs, whistles are being distributed, so those at risk can be alerted. The whistles appear to be working. Many folks hearing the warnings run to safe hiding places and are able to avoid being “disappeared” from our public spaces. It’s surreal to be typing those last five words. There is an urgency to this moment.
I propose all of us who exist outside the endangered circle of those being labeled “illegal criminal immigrants” wear a whistle for three important reasons:
- As Mr. Rogers said his mother told him, “Look for the helpers. There are always people who are helping.” The whistles allow us to swell the ranks of citizen watchdogs.
- Our whistles can serve as a visible badge of resistance, similar to the “No Kings” rallies. Like the famous legend of King Christian X and people of Denmark, who wore Jewish stars in protest to the Nazis, we can signal a united front.
- The endangered circle that Trump is targeting continues to widen, so more will need our protection.
My whistle bulk order has arrived. I’m going to pass these out to parents feeling vulnerable just picking their kids up from school.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, Gov. JB Pritzker: How about scaling this initiative up for our beloved endangered city and surrounding suburbs? We could be known as the “City (and suburbs) of Big Shoulders” and loud whistles.
Anyone and everyone can whistle. And we will!
Anita Goldberg, Highland Park
A change in La Grange?
My partner, Anne, and I attended the June 14 “No Kings rallies downtown and in La Grange where we live. But on Oct. 18 we chose to stay clear of Chicago’s masked “bandits” and only participated in the “No Kings” rally in La Grange.
The streets in Chicago where we were standing over the summer were apparently closed to traffic. There were no signs of MAGA supporters “pushing” back at the “No Kings” demonstrators. In La Grange, where traffic was not stopped, it seemed like at least 1 in 8 to 10 cars contained one or more people supporting the Trump administration. They mostly greeted the suburban “No Kings” protesters with a middle finger.
The atmosphere earlier this month at the “No Kings” rally in La Grange was quite different. The number of participants was roughly five times larger that what we remember seeing in June. But most remarkably, in the nearly two hours we participated, we noticed just one counterprotester driving by with the rude single-finger salute. If there were more, they were silent.
What has changed? Most likely, white women have become more energized. There seemed to be many more of them. Perhaps previously silent citizens had a change of heart, which is very a positive sign! However, one can also hope that some of the former counterprotesters have found sufficient cause over these last four months to reexamine their earlier stance. I’ve no proof, but I believe that at least some of the former counterprotesters joined me and Anne on Oct. 18.
Roy Frack, La Grange
Don’t judge Bovino
As a retired police officer, I suggest U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis accompany U.S. Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino on some of his missions. It’s easy for a judge to write words on a piece of paper, but let her see how it works in real time in the real world. It will be an eye-opener for her.
She should visualize trying to do her job in the courtroom while armed protesters scream at her and sometimes throw things at her. It just might give her a new perspective from her lofty chair up on high.
Malcolm Montgomery, Hammond, Indiana
Don’t take clean water for granted
Imagine starting your day in Chicago or one of our Cook County suburbs and turning on the faucet, only to find no water comes out. For many, that seems unimaginable. But for some residents, especially in neighborhoods facing flooding, aging pipes or lead concerns, water challenges are already a daily reality.
On Oct. 17, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago participated in Imagine a Day Without Water, a national day of action that serves as a reminder that water connects us all. It’s a time to reflect on how essential water is to our health, communities and shared future and to recognize that maintaining these systems requires care, investment and partnership.
Cook County is home to one of the most complex and historic water systems in the country. Much of it was built more than a century ago, serving generations of families and businesses. But as our climate changes and storms grow more intense, that same infrastructure faces new pressures. Too often, the burden falls hardest on neighborhoods that have already endured decades of disinvestment and environmental challenges.
At the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, we see every day how collaboration makes a difference. Working with partners across the region, we have reduced pollution, improved stormwater management and expanded green infrastructure. Projects like rain gardens, bioswales and permeable pavement both reduce flooding and make neighborhoods more livable.
Through initiatives like our Green Infrastructure Partnership Program, we are investing in infrastructure that keeps our water clean and our communities safe. These projects do not just repair aging systems; they create good jobs, strengthen neighborhoods and build a more sustainable region.
Still, there is more to do. Expanding green infrastructure can help neighborhoods better manage heavy rain, reduce urban heat and create shared spaces for everyone to enjoy. Above all, this work is about equity and connection. Every family in every community deserves safe, clean water and protection from flooding.
When we invest in water infrastructure, we are investing in people, our neighbors, children and future generations who depend on us to get it right.
As we reflect on the Imagine a Day Without Water, let us recommit to working together and building a Cook County where every resident can count on clean, reliable water. Because water is not just a resource. It is a shared responsibility and a promise we make to each other.
Kari K. Steele, president, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Understanding the beauty and challenges of adoption
November is National Adoption Month — a time to recognize the many families formed through adoption. As an adoption social worker with Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, I have the privilege of witnessing the beauty of adoption every day: the joy of children thriving in loving and nurturing families.
It’s also important to acknowledge a deeper truth — adoption is rooted in grief and loss. When birth parents make the courageous and selfless decision to place their child for adoption, it may come with a heavy mix of emotions, including fear, sorrow, anger and even shame. A person who has been adopted experiences the separation from birth family, a loss unique to each individual. Adoptive parents, too, may face unexpected challenges, from coping with infertility to navigating the complexities that come with raising children.
That’s why education and ongoing support are so critical. Families who enter into adoption with openness, honesty and a willingness to learn are better equipped to meet their child’s needs and help them thrive. Post-adoption services, community resources and spaces for all members of the adoption process — birth parents, adoptees and adoptive parents — are essential in navigating this lifelong journey.
Adoption can be both beautiful and challenging at the same time. By recognizing and honoring that reality, we give children and families the best chance to thrive. This National Adoption Month, I encourage our community not only to celebrate adoption, but also to extend understanding, compassion and support to everyone whose lives are touched by it.
Laurie E. Lawton, director of adoptions, Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, River Forest
Martire makes it clear
Thank you to Ralph Martire on his recent column on the mayor’s tax plan. He is always so good at clarifying government budget issues, which I believe are purposely made murkier than they need to be by politicians. Mr. Martire reminds us of the purpose of government and the basic concept of everyone contributing for the general good.
The city needs to find ways to get more revenue, and I for one think the solutions offered in Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan are reasonable and overdue.
Rebecca Wolfram, Lawndale
Illinoisans are all taxed out
Illinois Democrats should avoid using tax increases as a budget solution. There must be some other cost reductions and efficiencies to address budget issues.
Citizens don’t have the “deep pockets” for more taxes. The companies and jobs they create are leaving Illinois. What good are taxes on companies who simply relocate.
Warren Rodgers Jr., Orland Park
Appetizing news
I woke up Friday morning and immediately went to the Sun-Times website for my news fix. Before I could even read about Chicago’s depressing news, I’m hit with Lee Bey’s story about White Castle. Now I have to run out for a couple of sliders and a hot cup of joe.
Thank a lot, Lee.
Michael Sullivan, Avondale