Peoples Gas pipeline strategy is full of hot air
I am writing in response to the letter from Peoples Gas in regards to its pipeline replacement project.
Yes, temperatures dropped precipitously in the last week, and yes we need reliable sources of heat. Yes, we should be thankful to work crews who work so hard to keep us comfortable during inclement weather.
But that’s not a reason to support Peoples Gas pipe replacement program. Whether it’s the polar vortex, extreme heat, flooding and wind storms, we are already experiencing the negative impact of climate change.
We need to start developing a plan to transition away from gas to electricity. We need to think out of the box and look for alternative energy sources and equipment, such as electricity powered by the sun and wind, battery storage and energy-efficient heat pumps and geothermal systems.
It does not make financial or environmental sense to replace all Peoples Gas pipes. Replacing pipes in the whole system will substantially drive up gas rates. Instead, Peoples Gas should be working on a plan to replace only leaky pipes and to transition its work away from traditional methane gas delivery.
Mardi Klevs, Third Act Illinois, Evanston
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Cultural Center art is imitating reality
Israel backer and City Council member Debra Silverstein labels the figures of Benjamin Netanyahu and the United States on display in the Chicago Cultural Center as antisemitic.
I disagree. They plainly show criticism of Israel’s efforts to kill or remove Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. The wholesale destruction of almost all buildings in Gaza and the killing of more than 47,000 Palestinians, including women and children, deserve condemnation.
The role of the U.S. in supplying weapons and materiel to support Israel’s campaign, likewise, soaks us in the blood of the Palestinians. The statues appear to be a fair commentary on what is happening in that troubled land and our part in making it so troubled.
In truth, I suspect Silverstein is really embarrassed and upset that people are pointing this out. She would like to erase the inconvenient facts, and her calling it antisemitic is one way to try to stop the conversation. But the facts won’t go away; they are recorded daily (and sometimes more often) in our news outlets and social media.
If she were more interested in peace and human rights, she would have urged Netanyahu and the Israeli government to stop before the ceasefire.
Frank L. Schneider, East Lake View
Snow has never stopped Chicagoans
I applaud Chicago’s public at large for submitting names of behemoth snowplows for a recent contest. It demonstrates that residents have a creative and resilient nature even during snowstorms and adverse conditions. Way to go Chicago!
Richard J. White, Elmhurst
Time to sign off X
The "critical mass" effect of social media platforms is well understood. We are drawn to platforms where our friends, colleagues and the public figures we follow are active. However, I believe it is time to reconsider continued support and legitimization of X.
By maintaining an X account, businesses, governments, nonprofits, politicians and individuals inadvertently contribute to the platform's legitimacy and value. This directly enriches the owner of the platform, who is now using that wealth and influence to advance a distinct political agenda.
X has also become a great source of misinformation. Like other corrosive social media platforms, the algorithms prioritize engagement, often amplifying sensationalized content and conspiracy theories.
If it is accepted that merely having and using an account adds to the legitimacy and value of the platform, account holders should ask themselves whether they agree with that political agenda and its mire of misinformation.
Attempting to counter this political agenda and misinformation by posting is a losing effort and a waste of time. I would urge all individuals, corporations, local government entities and public figures to seriously consider leaving the platform and exploring alternative avenues for communication.
Daniel Di Frisco, Evanston
Trump’s appeal doesn’t mean he’s fit to lead
As a successful small businessman for 28 years, I've often wondered what Donald Trump was really all about. So I collected observations:
He's a master of manipulation, a la the Machiavellian method: Get loved by one's constituency, but keep fear in those who oppose you or fail to be loyal.
He's high-energy for a senior citizen, never apologizes (like Ronald Reagan and the Iran-Contra affair apology), never admits he's wrong and very often confuses lies with truth and vice versa while also fabricating stories to back his cause ( ..." they're eating cats and dogs"... in Ohio).
He vacuums money into various accounts "faster than a speeding bullet" but is oblivious to science, written ethics and transparency.
Finally, he shows no fear, publicly talking about two assassination attempts. Also, Donald is great at getting attention and keeping it with his loyal base, to the frustration of the non-loyalists.
But would I want to work for/with Donald, sign a contract with Donald or refer anyone to Donald?
A big, fat NO.
Mike Pavilon, Lincoln Square
Trump’s Jan. 6 pardons were ‘unforgivable’
While spreading fear without any evidence there are many criminals among immigrants, Donald Trump, with last week's pardons of well over 1,000 proven criminals, has unleashed perhaps the greatest one-day influx of criminals in history.
Long after many of Trump’s executive orders are reversed by subsequent administrations and/or found illegal, his one enduring act of last Monday will be his unforgivable pardons.
William P. Gottschalk, Lake Forest