Don't punish TSA agents for Homeland Security's transgressions
A friend of mine is a Transportation Security Administration agent. We had a very interesting conversation when I called him to check on how he was doing. He is OK, he said.
But his heart breaks for some of his co-workers: the single mom who just bought a house and now can’t meet her mortgage payment; the co-worker who may be evicted; the co-worker whose transmission went out and now cannot come to work because repairs are too expensive; co-workers who have medical issues; people who wonder if they can afford gas or food and are now looking at food pantries as an option.
Yes, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's actions are abhorrent, and we need to take a strong stand, raise our voices, vote, protest and expect Congress to stand up to the Department of Homeland Security for the inhumane treatment of undocumented immigrants.
But don't forget the plight of TSA agents, who've also being unjustly targeted by the partial government shutdown due to an impasse over funding DHS. These TSA agents have nothing to do with ICE, and yet they are being penalized. We need to find a better solution. These American citizens do not deserve to be the scapegoat in this showdown.
Elizabeth Butler Marren, Beverly
More election guidance, please
Thank you for the 2026 Illinois Primary Elections Voters Guide in Sunday's Sun-Times. It’s a great summary of our choices in this primary election. However, I want more. One suggestion is that you could publish in-depth interviews with the candidates.
Also, when I lived in San Francisco, for every election, primary or general, I would get a thick paper booklet in the mail with statements from each candidate. As long as the candidate submitted the statement on time, within the word limits and without vulgarity, the Board of Elections would print their statement verbatim. This made it so much easier to research candidates. Because it was not produced by a specific party or candidate, it was comprehensive and helpful. Perhaps the Sun-Times could coordinate such a publication for future elections?
Barry Charles Saiff, South Loop
Good news
Saturday's Sun-Times made my day with its front page cover of blues man Buddy Guy. Then, I turned to Page 9 to read an incredible story about John Sharkey, a karate teacher, who was taken too young. He devoted his life to karate with the help of his father. It is good to read heartwarming stories instead of those about war and hate, both downers. Thank you Sun-Times.
Virginia Dare McGraw, Naperville
Foreign fiasco
Donald Trump has opened a global can of worms without a clue about what comes next. Trump doesn't plan past his next Diet Coke. This is what happens when you elect a repugnant, ignoramus president. Thanks, America.
Michael Shepherd, Bellwood