Letters to the Editor 8/12/10


SHARE THE TRACKS
While the author of “Slower than a
speeding bullet” [by James Krohe Jr., Aug. 5] makes salient points about
the competing concerns of passenger versus freight rail, he overlooks
the fact that freight and passenger rail have successfully coexisted on
the same infrastructure for more than 150 years. Development of
high-speed rail in Illinois and the nation requires a sensitive balance
between public and private interests. This is not unachievable. In many
cases, high-speed rail investments will add double and triple tracks, as
well as new sidings and signal improvements, which over time will allow
freight and high-speed passenger trains to operate at the best speed
for each use.
The cooperation of freight railroads is necessary
to achieve the biggest environmental benefits for our nation, relieving
highway congestion, improving air quality and reducing fossil fuel
dependence. Sure, we’d all love trains that took us from origin to
destination instantaneously. But for better or worse, America has not
yet made the financial commitment to the very high-speed rail service
now common in Europe and Asia. That’s all the more reason why Illinois
and the United States should commit to building the incremental projects
now that can boost speeds, mobility and the economy quickly and
affordably. To say we should wait for “real” high-speed rail is like
refusing to buy a Ford today because someday you hope to be able to
afford a Lexus.
Kevin Brubaker
Environmental Law & Policy Center
Chicago
KIDS NEED ADULTS
It’s
a shame it seems these changes are not allowed to have the time to see
if they are going to work [see “Shakeup in juvenile justice,” Aug. 5].
Also, unless the funds and time are implemented to make the necessary
changes then we’ll continue to just spin our wheels. When are adults
going to wake up and realize that our kids need our time and undivided
attention? We need to monitor what we, as adults, are feeding their
psyche, such as media, friends, the quality of their education and
interaction among peers while at school including the level and quality
of guidance at school.
It’s hard to parent. I have eight
children (four of my own and four stepchildren). We have our own issues
but I realized early on that our children need us to be accessible to
parent and guide them at all hours. I have had countless times I needed
to check up on my kids and to send them the message that I was holding
them accountable to be upstanding citizens. All children and teens these
days are pulled in several negative directions by our society. It has
been hard to compete. However, we seem to be succeeding.
It does
take a village to raise a child. The child is influenced by everything
within the society. We need to get back to smaller schools with smaller
class sizes and more availability from the adults responsible for the
children. We have to get back to the point where it is honorable to have
a stay-at-home parent who can stay on top of things. In addition, we
have to stop being afraid of teaching our children morality both in the
home and at school. Among these things, mentoring needs to take a front
seat. As individuals, we need to get past our own prejudices and step up
to care for those children who have had adults violate them in the
worst ways or have otherwise failed in their responsibilities as
parents.
From illinoistimes.com
SAVE HISTORIC HOUSE
To
me this house looks beautiful! [See “Historic stagecoach stop to be
burned down,” by Jackson Adams, July 29.] I can’t imagine why anyone
would even entertain the thought of burning it down. As time goes on we
lose more of our historic buildings through natural disaster. Fires,
floods and tornadoes wipe out things more than we like. Humans should
not add to the loss, but instead try to figure out ways to preserve our
history. Fundraisers, donations, volunteers to restore the building is
what this house needs. If the owners don’t like the house, why not sell
it to someone who cares? This is tragic!
From illinoistimes.com
In the Apr. 5-11 Editor's note on auctions, is Editor Farrar suggesting that elected officials in local and state governments might actually have information that is best not shared with the general public?