What's on your mind? Speak Out messages are edited first before appearing in print and online.
Sad, upset about amnesty bills
My sadness today knows no bounds as I sit here attempting to voice my opinion of how the government, news media and the so called educators are forcing us to be in the mindset of selling our country to the illegal aliens. The Amnesty of 1986 was supposed to be a "one time only" amnesty. Yet since 1986, Congress passed a total of seven bills for illegal aliens. Starting with IRCA 1986, section 245 (i) of 1994, section 245 (i) extension and so on and so forth until the Life Act Amnesty of 2000 reinstatement of 245 (i) amnesty to 900,000 illegal aliens. And if, we, the average American citizen, don't scream from our rooftops that this is not what we want, I assure you, it will happen again.
Obama's ratings continue to decline
With regard to Todd Wessell's sour grapes article, "Maine Township Dems Blew Chance At Victory", he stated "President Obama---the party's biggest draw---is enjoying high approval ratings." According to Rasmussen Reports, which has proven to provide the most accurate and reliable of all polls, Obama's approval rating on the date of Wessell's writing was 55%; down from 65% the day he was inaugurated. In addition, Obama's Presidential Approval Index (Strongly Approve - Strongly Disapprove) was +2; Strongly Approve: 35%, Strongly Disapprove: 33%. On inauguration day, Obama's Presidential Approval Index was +28; Strongly Approve: 44%, Strongly Disapprove: 16. As I write this on April 22, Obama's approval rating is 54%, two days in a row. Clearly, our new president's power grab is not setting too well with a growing number of Americans. Many seem to be emerging from the fog of the mainstream media's and Obama's own brainwashing. Richard R., Des Plaines resident of 20 years.
(Ed. Note: That was the point of the column. Obama's ratings may never be higher than what they were in early April. Only time will tell.)
Democrats in Maine need some leadership
I have been a registered Democrat in Maine Township for 20+ years and have totally given up hope on Laura Murphy. During non-election time there is no party activity. When there is activity it's only near election time and everything they do is negative. We need a leader who has a track record of winning and who can build bridges. If Laura Murphy really cares about the Democrat Party she should show true leadership and step down. We need leadership like State Senator Dan Kotowski who has proven abilities in running campaigns and coordinating outreach efforts. His popularity is high and he truly represents the people. He can serve as a bridge to open up our party to get more people involved. Preparations for the next election cycle are around the corner. We need a leadership change now or we will not be prepared for gathering signatures this fall for 2010 elections. If we are to win, we need change now.
People need to take care of their dogs
Five dogs? Anyone who has dogs---no matter if one or however many---should make sure to keep them quiet and fed. Keep your yard neat and make sure the dogs have all the required tags and shots. God bless you. I have one and it is a job and if they get sick it is like having a child with no insurance.
Casino will have a 1,000 more problems
To the person who thinks the casino is great for Des Plaines. I live in Park Ridge, which is down the block from the proposed site for the casino. I'm not worried that my family will go to the casino. I don't want the undesirables to drift through my town down the block from my daughter's high school. I don't worry that my family will be spending their hard-earned money there. The already hooked and desperate losers will be taking care of that. And to compare a casino to the problems at the Allstate Arena is absurd. The arena has an occasional show or function. Your casino will be a 24/7 operation with a thousand more problems. Go ahead, get behind your casino, but put it well into your town. Wake up. The casino site is down the block from Maine South High School. The feeder streets are all through Park Ridge. What are people worrying about? People are worrying about the safety of their children and the quality of life. If you want it, put it in the middle of your town. Good for you, you own your home free and clear. Well, not me. And I have children I'm trying to raise in a safe environment. Don't put this here at the expense of your neighbors.
Worried I will walk right into a pothole
Fix our roads. I am tired of hearing that there is no money to fix our roads. I can't walk to the mailbox without worrying I may trip and fall. Stop spending our taxes on wasteful things and start running things right. We live in the best country in the world. Let's keep it that way.
Chicago rats will continue to go after cheese
These Chicago rats will continue to pursue the cheese at the other ends of the alleys.
How in the world can he declare victory?
How do you declare victory when you drop a lawsuit that you never would have won and when you've wasted millions of taxpayer dollars? Seems like Mayor Johnson is either delusional or thinks the people of Elk Grove don't know any better.
Good teachers worth every cent they get
Good teachers are worth every penny. Especially when it comes to IT related curricula.
Give everyone food stamps for lottery tickets
Dear editor: You wrote, "It might also tell you that people who are in need of help gravitate toward easy money things like the lottery and gambling." The point is that easy money doesn't exist, except food stamp money that goes for lottery tickets. Maybe we all could get $20 of food stamps and convert the savings into Little Lotto winnings.
Here's a place for bowlers to go
For all bowlers who were in leagues at the Palatine bowling establishment that is closing, try River Rand Bowl. It's close by, friendly atmosphere and many other amenities and the "pots" can win you some money.
Claims we are all in for a long ride
"City hall is now being called union hall": For the past 12 years I've had flooding problems in the 2d ward. Mayor Arredia has done nothing but talk. My taxes have increased and city services are the same. Now we are going to have a union mayor and city hall is now called "union hall". We are in for a long ride. God help us." Help, the sky is falling the sky is falling. Sit down have a cup of coffee and relax. You still have the lowest taxes anywhere.
Sounds like a Nick Blase Democrat
This is for the person carrying Alpogianis' water; You sound more like a long time Nick Blase Democrat than a long time resident.
What are they doing to help man in prison?
What efforts are Burris, Durbin and Schakowsky making to get James Willson freed from the Moroccan prison? I hear nothing from them in the media. I wish the Journal & Topics Newspapers would have a weekly update from this famous "three" and their efforts.
Kudos to bank for recycling event
It is about time a bank did something other than just take our money. Hats off to Liberty Bank of Park Ridge for stepping up two years in a row to support the recycling of old electronics. The bank supported the event run by the Park Ridge Chamber and the Park District. A certified recycling company took four large truckloads away last year and another eight truckloads were safely removed this year. It would be nice to see more of this kind of corporate support for environmental and other community causes.
Never saw anyone washing in library
Apparently the person who is upset over the Mt. Prospect Library doesn't read the library's bulletin sent in the mail. It is the library that schedules the family activities (social events). The library has set up the computer networks for surfing and homework for the children in the Kid's Department. Furthermore, I've lived in Mt. Prospect many years and have been to the library numerous times. I have never seen anyone shaving or washing up in the restrooms. I bring my daughter to do her homework there often and I'm able to relax and read in the adult section. There is no more distraction at our library than any other ones. In fact, the family programs they sponsor are both entertaining and fun (and social), and educational. If you don't like the community center feel, stop coming to our library.
City employees should be thankful they have a job
This is regarding the recent Speak Out About Des Plaines Public Works not having a contract. I think public works employees should be grateful that they still have jobs and are getting paid overtime for the hours they work instead of "threatening" residents of Des Plaines by asking us who are we going to turn to the next time it floods. The last time I called them during the flood, they came to my house. They shrugged their shoulders and said there's nothing we can do and there's a lot of people flooding. I'm sure if you don't want to work without a contract, there are many, many people out there who would be happy to take your place.
Nice to see movies returning to theater
It's great to see that the Des Plaines Theater will be showing English/American movies this summer. Reminds me of when I used to go there years ago. Just make sure they are movies worthy to see. Remember there are theaters all around us (Park Ridge, Elk Grove Village) that are showing first run movies at prices of $5.50. Don't blow it. Wouldn't it be nice to walk over and get a soda or some ice cream afterwards? Oh, I forgot, all the places that serve ice cream are gone. Phooey.
Re-paint striping and put it in English
I agree with the Speak Out about painting new striping on the Lake Park bike path. It is a little old and faded, but the only language it should be in is English. Last time I looked I lived in America. Learn the language where you've chosen to live or leave.
Great teachers being forced to leave
Just learned that we are losing good---no, make that great---teachers because Des Plaines Elementary Dist. 62 is looking to re-staff K-3 with ELL (English Language Learners). I understand the needs of Bilingual learning, but it should not be at the expense of the rest of the kids. I have no problem making this a future hiring guideline, but that is not what is happening. Teachers are being forced to change schools and grade levels to meet these new requirements.
People in cars getting out of hand
We all know the library parking lot needs to be patrolled to keep commuters from dropping their cars all day, and to generate revenue for Des Plaines. Please, use the officers to also patrol for people who are just sitting in their cars, some of whom are behaving improperly. It's getting out of hand and could be dangerous, too.
Party lacked ideas; leader should resign
After reviewing the results of the election and reading the article by the editor of the Journal & Topics Newspapers, I think that it is time for Committeeman Laura Murphy to resign from the position. She ran a very negative campaign. Clearly they had no new ideas that they were going to bring to the township. This is not the kind of person we need leading our party. I wish we had term limits in politics.
Elected officials really don't know everything
"Get rid of the waste in town and let the government of Des Plaines be a serious government that we all can respect." It will never happen because you have aldermen on ego trips micro-managing the city manager and department heads. Nothing gets done because they think they know everything and they don't.
Keep your nose out of other peoples' lives
Re: Using food stamps, they help up line at store: What's wrong with America? It's people like you passing judgment on something you have no clue about. Mind your own business. More and more people are ending up in the same situation and are hoping that Lotto ticket will get them out of despair Have you got nothing better to do than whine?
Need regulations regarding tree locations
Des Plaines has all kinds of ordinances that pertain to private homes. Some state rules telling where garages, fences, play sets, pools, gazebos, etc. go. But there are none for planting trees. A tree can be planted so close to a property line that half the tree is on someone else's property. When a tree falls on a neighbor's house, the owners of the house on which the tree falls have to endure all the damage costs. The tree planter says, "Well it fell on your house. You have to take care of it. It is your problem." Something is wrong with this.
Laments decision to build on open space in Mt. Prospect
Norwood Builders bought the parking lot and the lot with the beautiful trees across from the Mt. Prospect Library. They killed the trees and built rowhomes. They haven't built on the parking lot yet and that property is their responsibility to keep clean. Village of Mt. Prospect officials should make Norwood maintain the property properly. I wrote Mayor Farley a letter saying, the majority of citizens of Mt. Prospect wanted a park in that location and he responded if I could prove "the majority" wanted a park, he would reconsider. We members of Save Central Park proved that the majority of citizens wanted a park with the referendum. Mayor Farley would not reconsider his position and insisted on development of the property. Mt. Prospect Public Services responded to my letter about the trees by sending me a pamphlet on trees since I liked trees so much and said they didn't have plans at that time for the trees in question but to rest assured that they would save as many as possible with the development.
City should aggressively pursue Littelfuse site
Des Plaines needs to aggressively pursue the Littelfuse site for the police station. Not only is it well-located, but also portions of the existing, very high-quality building could probably be retooled for police use for far less than a completely new building, and there is ample room for future expansion. The rest of the site could be sold off for other development. Don't let this opportunity pass a second time.
Henry completely apolitical
Henry is terrified by neighbors cooking out. The smell of one of his long lost buddies is being grilled. This is making him shake like a leaf. Also, Henry the Rooster and I are pleased to hear all the wonderful folks in Des Plaines understand we have no political stance. Even the editor's comments give us a chuckle.
(Ed. Note: Good, then you have nothing to squawk about).
Why shouldn't sign be in one language?
Park District signs only in English---ya, so? What else are they suppose to be in? We have Hispanics, Polish, Russian, German, Indian and many more. Should we put signs up for every language or do you just want to discriminate against one group?
Still waiting for Miner work to get done
When are they going to get done construction on Miner Street at the Des Plaines River Bridge? We waited an extra year to get the Riverwalk done. This screwed up traffic every morning and evening.
Village could be spending more wisely
Reading about the fests in Mt. Prospect got me thinking, what does the village spend on all these fests? The overtime has to cost a fortune with all the police, public works and fire department people who make these fests work. Couldn't the village think of better ways to spend the money like help the homeless and unemployed maybe?
Why have so many left Maine West?
Why are so many teachers leaving, transferring and being told to leave from Maine West? It's not normal. It appears that High School Dist. 207 needs to see what's really going on and why people are leaving or being told to leave or transfer.
He ran parades alone for years
In remembering Rich Gravesmill, let's remember that he alone ran the 4th of July parades for years. It's only in the last couple of years he joined the Special Events Commission and turned it over to them. Just a reminder of the facts.
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