Some of our favorite letters of 2016

(This letter, published in early June, was notable, first, for its thoughtful tone, but even more for how accurate it proved to be. - Slusher)

In combat, it's Trump voters want

When I was in the Army, our drill instructor told us if we wanted to know the full measure of a man, that there was a way. He told us to look around and ask yourself which of these men you would want beside you when you go into combat.

Sometimes the guy you want beside you in combat is not the same guy you want to have a beer with. Some voters may not want to have a beer with Mr. Trump, but in combat he seems the right choice.

Voters feel that they are at war with 1) the political establishment, 2) the wealthy elite, and 3) the mainstream media.

Their votes gain them no representation. Their paychecks keep shrinking and their voices are never heard. These voters keep losing in their fight against these three.

Trump keeps winning whenever he fights these three. It seems likely that Mr. Trump's combative ways will lead him to victory in November. And it's all because Mr. Trump has given these voters a voice and a hope.

Charles Danyus

Round Lake Beach

(As a candidate, Donald Trump was often criticized for childish behavior, but rarely were such observations this pointed and clever. - Slusher)

No middle-school election

I agree with your endorsement, and you hit the mark with both Trump and Clinton.

Early on in the primary, it became obvious Donald was a 70-year-old seventh-grader. I have been a seventh-grader, raised seventh-graders and loved grandchild who were seventh-graders. They are not to be trusted!

They can be lovable and charming and everyone who lives to be 20 or so goes through it. And it is OK, it is a part of growing up. But God help those who don't go through it but remain suspended there for life as Donald has.

These individuals become a great danger to anyone they have power over. They lack the necessary skills to make informed decisions while having power to rule according to their whims.

Hopefully history has taught us to recognize the absurdity of such a person's behavior. Pay attention folks. This is not a middle school election for class president.

This is a matter of real life and death.

Linda Pekelsma

Gurnee

(With the backdrop of a nasty, nasty election, this writer reminds us of the value of being nice to each other - Davis)

Be mindful of the contradictions in all of us

"Donald Trump is an evil demagogue." "Barack Obama has destroyed America." "Cindy from accounting is a moron."

It is so easy, and oddly delightful, to paint people in the simplest of terms. In fact, it can feels downright pleasant at times. Once we decide the black and white of someone, we don't need to spend time examining the grayness of the individual.

As a high school English teacher I preach to my students about the dangers of extreme language - always, never, everyone, no one. These words roll off our tongues and texts with ease, but rarely does anything "always" happen or does "everyone" believe something.

Of course. seldom do we adopt positive extremes. "My new boyfriend Bill is the sweetest most wonderful human alive." This has its own set of drawbacks - primarily the inevitable fall from grace when Bill forgets their anniversary - but it would at least be an improvement, even if temporary.

We need to be mindful of the contradictions that exist in all of us. That make us all human.

Cindy from accounting may well in fact be a half-wit, but she does bring cookies in every Friday, and she did give Ted a ride home that time his car wouldn't start. Moronic moments or not, Cindy is not all bad … in fact, now that I think about it, she is kind of sweet, even if she is absent-minded.

See, that wasn't so hard. Hop aboard, everyone is doing it.

James Hultgren

Lombard

(I'll admit it, as a Baby Boomer, the first letter that pretty much trashed us all, put me off. I was more than happy to run this rebuttal, which came all the way from Crosslake, Minnesota. - Davis)

Baby Boomers are getting a bad rap

We are writing in regard to the letter writer from Glen Ellyn, Oct. 24.

First, you should read some real history books instead of getting your information from tabloids.

The Baby Boomers built this country - literally. You're welcome.

I was not anywhere near Woodstock. We, like all the people we knew, were working two jobs or working one job and putting themselves through college. A few people, not us, may have smoked "pot." benign compared to what young people are doing today.

The protests, never been near one, were mainly concerned with an unnecessary war that left more than 50,000 young men dead and scores injured. Talk to a vet some day.

There was also a push for women's rights. We still haven't accomplished that completely.

I'm tired of the people who pile on Baby Boomers.

We have as much right to live in this country as you do. So cut it out until you read material that gives you the real story.

I don't belittle you for your youth. Aren't we all in this together?

Dave & Hazel Kaspari

Crosslake, Minnesota

(Not as many celebratory letters on the Cubs championship as I might have expected. But this one nicely used our joy as a life lesson. - Davis)

Life lessons from Cubs championship

What is so important about the Cubs overcoming their legendary "curse" is not so much the win, but the universal human values we can learn from this experience that can lead to being a champion in life.

First, give credit to the Cubs organization. The leadership showed self-confidence. Four years ago the win and loss numbers were inverted. Theo Epstein encouraged all to not lose heart, saying that he had a plan.

Second, Manager Joe Maddon, had the right, inspirational action. He encouraged all to have fun, to live in the moment, demonstrating how precious mindfulness is to the human condition. Living in the now, we are free of anxiety that constricts us from expressing our true, joyful self. The players understood this and it undoubtedly brought out the best in them. Kris Bryant's smile after hitting his first home run of the World Series was like a child opening up a gift on Christmas morning.

Third, the team showed unity. Just about every member contributed to the championship. Game 7 was going into extra innings when a rain delay occurred. Jason Heyward called a team meeting. The consensus was, "Yes, we can win!" It is an example of how unity is possible in diversity. What can we learn from this in our families and communities?

Finally, here is to fortitude. The fans never gave up for 108 years. The climax after the wait made the victory incredibly sweet. What lesson can we learn here about the perseverance it takes to face repeated setbacks and ultimately succeed?

There is much that can be learned from the Cubs victory. I hope these examples will inspire you as you pursue your most cherished aspirations, whatever they may be.

Jeff Lucas

Naperville

(I appreciated the tone and historical context in this short letter. - Slusher)

Civil rights evolve through generations

My mother was a child of the Depression, and passed that on to me. I was a child of the women's liberation movement, and I passed that on to my daughters. My daughters are the children of gender and racial equality rights, and they are passing that on to their daughters. My granddaughters, hopefully, will mature in an environment where the past is resolved and they no longer can conceive of a time where these divisions even existed. I hope to be around to know their children's world.

Susan Neubert

Rolling Meadows

(Obamacare, one of the most polarizing and divisive issues. But here's a letter that tries to look past all that and provide a solid and helpful critique. Wish we got more letters like this on the controversies of the day. - Davis)

Give us ability to 'shop' for health care

So, the Affordable Care Act, aka "Obamacare" is far more expensive than anticipated and collapsing under its own weight? Want to see my shocked face?

Only the Democrats, who rammed this beast through Congress, thought this plan had any chance of being "affordable."

Chief among its weaknesses is the fact that providers cannot sell across state lines. Only marketplace competition and the ability to buy and sell across state lines will drive costs down. Additionally, forcing consumers to "shop" for health care services just like they shop for all non-subsidized goods and services will further reduce costs.

Today users have no skin in the game. When spending OPM (Other People's Money) convenience always trumps frugality and all government programs are about OPM. Until Americans start shopping for health care just like they shop for big screen TVs health care costs will continue to rise.

Reducing costs can be accomplished by making consumers bear "first dollar" accountability. All policies should have a significant deductible which would encourage consumers to shop for bargains in health care just as they do for cars and TVs.

Nothing will raise your health care insurance IQ faster than making you accountable for first dollar spending. And you might be amazed by the deals that are out there. As a self-employed professional I purchased high deductible individual policies for my family linked to a Medical Savings Account. Forced to shop for bargains I found chest X-rays from the local imaging center for $37 years ago that cost $252 at the hospital.

While the ACA does contain some features worth retaining another major flaw in the program are the mandates. Why are childless seniors required to buy policies that contain maternity and pediatric dental benefits? People typically don't like being forced to buy things they don't think they need. Shopping for health care insurance should be no different and will only become more affordable when providers (read: government) understand this.

Martin Dettmer

Wheaton

(Not much more to say than, what a stirring, heartfelt widow's resilience and tribute to her late husband. - Davis)

Forever grateful for Joe's many friends

The details of death are grinding, sometimes unbearable, and so very sad. October 23, 2015, started the same as most days: My husband Joe Middona left for work.

I got the boys ready for school, went to the gym and then helped at Blackberry Creek Elementary School. There was a terrible accident and my favorite plumber, the father of our three young boys, went to heaven.

In the middle of my life, everything changed. I'm sadder than tears can ever tell yet wiser than I ever wanted to be.

My boys and I stand together, present and connected, resilient and brave, and attempt to remake our lives from the inside out. We are digging from the ground up and learning this new reality. Death does not end our story. It transforms our story. That very transformation involves so many people who continue to show us unending love and support. With every breath I take, I'm thankful for these people.

They include: My mother-in-law and father-in-law, Linda and Len Middona, who raised an incredible son and taught him compassion, hard work and love. My parents, Roger and Donna Ronzheimer, whose silent love and support is more than I can see at times yet always there.

Also, Brooks and Gary Ronzheimer, Lauren Czaja, Jessica Humay and Crystal Adams; Marla and Eric Olson. Mandi Brooks. Fuse, the gym; the community of Elburn, Blackberry Creek Elementary and Plumbers Local 130 U.A.

Friends and family who text, call, and always remind me that they are here for me.

My boys Gianni, Gabriele and Vincenzo, who teach me more about life everyday through their kind hearts, their resilience and their heroism.

And lastly, to Joe. Thank you for choosing me. The tears are never-ending because I had the best of the best. For that, I am forever grateful.

Miranda Middona

Elburn

(So true. - Davis)

C'mon, who drives 45 mph in work zone?

Reading the April 11 column by Marni Pyke, by wife and I both had a good laugh over the quote by Dan Rozek, tollway spokesman. Ms. Pyke's article regarded the difficulty in navigating the entry and exit ramps on current tollway construction. Mr. Rozek stated they "are designed for safe access into the 45 mph work zone."

Few drivers adhere to the 45 mph limit. If you try to drive 45 mph, you're passed by like a shot. We'd drive the Elgin-O'Hare extension when that was being improved and do 45-50 mph and we were taking our lives in our hands.

You want to balance the state budget? Ticket speeders on the tollway construction zones who laugh at the "Speed Limit Enforced by Camera" signs. Illinois will be in the black in a week.

Matt Steichmann

Elgin

(A 77-year-old widow smashes the stereotype that the elderly don't wish to support the schools their children long ago departed. - Davis)

This widow will vote for Roselle schools

I will vote yes for the Roselle District 12 Referendum. Here's why.

I'm a 77- year-old widow on a fixed income. Obviously. I do not currently have children in the public schools. I do, however, live in a world in which it is to everyone's advantage to have an educated, thinking, and informed public. For most of us, learning about life beyond home and church began in school.

Public education is the backbone of our democracy. It is available to all regardless of race, religion, economic status, gender or special needs. Education opens our minds and imaginations to wider horizons, new ideas and a love of learning. It provides a base on which a good life may be built a sound base which must remain available to the children of our community.

It costs money to run a school. The state of Illinois has dropped to 49th in the country in support of the educational system. Costs rise. Buildings age. Our needs are very real. District 12 has not increased its operating tax rate in more than 30 years.

District 12 has taken steps to cut expenses: reducing staff for next September, cutting back kindergarten to a half-day program, and a voluntary teacher salary freeze for 2016-17.

The time has come for you to support our children's future. I will vote yes on March 15. I can think of no better way to spend my tax dollars. Remember the quality of Roselle's schools has a significant impact of the value of your home.

Do the right thing. Be proud of your vote for our children and our community.

Donna Benson


Roselle