I was thrilled to read Andrea Berggren’s op-ed (“Wilmette is changing beach access in a cruel move,” May 27) concerning the sudden fencing of the entire beach at Gillson Park. I was shocked on one of my daily walks to Gillson to find the entire beach walkway covered with 3-foot-tall snow fences occluding any views of the water.
Even worse was seeing seniors on walkers, families with children and dog walkers straining to see through fencing as they walked or picnicked on benches.
As one of the few free beaches on the North Shore, it was always a delight to share the park with many multicultural people coming to the area for rest and recreation from the chaos of the city.
After enjoying Gillson Park for the 30 years I have lived here, I feel both angry and sad that this decision was made without input from Wilmette residents. I am hoping we can change this negative decision.
— Patricia Smith, Wilmette
How can we restore our nation?
Andrea Berggren’s May 27 op-ed regarding new restrictions on beach access at Wilmette’s Gillson Park is yet another example of government not working for the common good of all. From local governmental bodies to our Congress and even the Supreme Court, policies, actions and decisions are geared toward self-serving needs, large corporations, union interests and big money contributors. The framers of our Constitution sincerely worked to create a true democracy that placed the best interest of our country and all who live here as the No. 1 priority.
Sadly, those days are long gone, and we continue moving further away from what’s best for the people. Even when we vote for representatives of our choice, are they really our choice? Gerrymandering, party policies, incumbent powers, lobbyists and big-dollar contributors influence the selection of candidates we get to choose from.
Anyone who has a sincere interest in changing what our government has become, and truly wants to serve our country and its people, is knocked out of the box and cast to the side. If by some small chance they are elected, the incumbents and existing powers limit their influence and committee appointments and pretty much ensure that they are labeled an ineffective one-term representative — “thank you and goodbye.”
The reality and results of it all are that the “haves” will continue to have it and the “have nots” are not going to get it. Corruption and self-serving interests are rampant throughout our leadership, and U.S. credibility and trust have been weakened worldwide.
The question is: How can we change? The answers are yet to be determined. Maybe term limits for all positions, including Supreme Court justices, and very strict limits on campaign contributions could be a start. But guess who has to make that law? Our “lawmakers.”
God help and guide the USA.
— Edward Zak, Indian Head Park
Early childhood education is key
I wholeheartedly agree with Sara Pankenier Weld’s op-ed “We need the humanities today more than ever” (May 28) in which she points out the value of learning about people from different cultures to develop empathy and a more just and peaceful world.
I would add, however, that teaching humanities in college or even high school is way too late in life. From birth, everyone needs to develop emotional intelligence as their self-awareness and social skills are forming. This is why quality, affordable early childhood education and care are so critical. Adequately funding quality early childhood education and care is the best investment we can make to save money on so many of our societal ills.
Far beyond babysitting, a well-trained early education professional can support families in raising children with healthy self-esteem and the kind of understanding and compassion for others that will truly create a more just and peaceful world.
— Leslie Abrahamson, Westmont
Creating well-rounded citizens
Professor Sara Pankenier Weld lectures that humanities classes make good people and good citizens. We should listen.
While science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills are vital — call them the price of admission — the premier seats go to applicants who are well rounded. Just look at any survey of employers, and their No. 1 or 2 desired attribute is “communicates well.”
So it’s logical, and vitally necessary, to invest in humanities classes.
While the list of needs is long, I suggest that these be at the top. Support literacy programs for first and second graders where it can change the arc of a child’s life. Fund humanities classes in our state universities to help our homegrown students be competitive in the marketplace.
I can attest to the latter. When I was interviewing for a job after graduation from the University of Illinois, it was the liberal arts courses that gave me an edge. That was 51 years ago and is all the more true today as competition for jobs increases.
— Jerry Levy, Deerfield
The kind of people to admire
Although Memorial Day has now passed, I remember my father, Army Sgt. Sidney Adelson, who served in the Blackhawk Division during World War II. His was the generation of humble heroes who never spoke of their experiences or bragged of their heroism. He served when called. His humility was a trait that is in short supply these days.
I remember with fondness a man who never cheated others, always paid his debts, never lied or bragged, and was not afraid to admit when he was wrong. Today, some seem to admire those whose behavior stands in stark contrast to my father’s. They have lost their way. They have abandoned the ideals upon which this nation was founded. They claim to be patriots when they are not.
My father was a patriot like all the men and women who served quietly and without fanfare — those men and women whose names will not appear daily in the newspaper but who saved us from tyranny.
Next Memorial Day, vow to remember them and not the false heroes who are not worthy of your admiration.
— Marla Cowan, Glenview
Inspired by bookstore news
Laura Washington’s column “New Barnes & Noble stores in Chicago signal that books are back” (May 27) brought back the visit I made to Barnes & Noble recently at Westfield Old Orchard mall in Skokie. Going up in the escalator brought a wonderful scent of the bookstore, as good as coffee or chocolate. Kindles or e-books don’t have the same great scent as a bookstore itself.
As I went to my favorite sections of the store, such as mysteries and the section on writing, it was wonderful to see so many people of various ages there. Children, parents, couples, young people, so many were there and found a book that suited them. The men behind the counter spoke freely and comfortably with customers, recommending books, sharing on them and talking about the person’s purchase. There was genuine involvement and interest in the customers themselves.
Washington’s column gave me genuine inspiration and hope in sharing that bookstores will be coming to Clark and Diversey in Chicago and to Wicker Park.
The communal experience of browsing is something that gives a sense of community, beyond what an e-book can bring. It was truly wonderful to read of what is coming and all the possibilities.
— Mandy May, Evanston
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