President Donald Trump’s bashing of Chicago and Police Supt. Eddie Johnson should have come as no surprise to anyone who lives here.
As usual, Trump lambasted and insulted Chicago without offering help or suggestions for dealing with the city’s problems. He came, ridiculed the city and its top cop, grabbed the cash and split.
The one surprise was the response of the other police chiefs who attended Trump’s speech when he attacked Johnson. The audience applauded and laughed.
I had always thought there was a brotherhood among law enforcement officials, that they felt a loyalty toward one another.
That they seemed to agree with Trump’s depiction of our city and police force tells us one of two things, neither of them flattering.
Either they agreed with Trump. Or they were too intimidated to express disagreement.
Congratulations to Supt. Johnson, though, for standing by his convictions and doing what he believed was right for Chicago’s police force and the city.
I am reminded of the old saying: Some people have to tear others down to build themselves up.
Dan Pupo, Orland Park
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End the strike, teachers
Many parents of Chicago Public School students want an end to this strike. But the Chicago Teachers Union, as we see it, has been unwilling to end it.
As parents, we understand that the CTU is working towards goals that everyone can support. We cannot comprehend, however, why the the union cannot come to an agreement on a contract offer that would make progress on many fronts. The strike is greatly affecting thousands of families.
Parents cannot rally in the streets to make their voices heard. They are trying to maintain their own professional working schedules while also scrambling to find childcare and educational experiences for kids not in school.
The CTU is losing the goodwill of many parents who have been deeply supportive of their children’s schools and teachers.
We donate many volunteer hours in support of teachers and schools. We serve on Local School Councils, organize and run fundraisers, and help teachers directly in their classrooms.
We are not against teachers, but we are furious that our children and families are being put in the middle of a power play that the union seems determined to win at any cost.
We teach our children that when they have a conflict with someone, it doesn’t matter who started it — what matters is who ends it.
CTU, be the one to end this strike. Get our kids back in school.
Johanna Yeager, CPS parent
