Clarifying U.S. as democratic republic

It is true that some founding fathers did, at specific times, say that the United States is a republic. But if all of the founding fathers and the birth of our nation are studied, then it is seen that democracy was stressed and some founding fathers said that the nation is a democracy.

The United States was founded as a democratic republic; that is, combining the principles of democracy and a republic. It functions more as a republic than a direct democracy. But throughout history, there have been nations which have been republics which have not always included the right of all adult people to vote.

The United States did not prior to the 1920s when women finally got the right to vote.

Some founding fathers wanted only white people who owned land to have the right to vote. Many rights that we take for granted can be lost. That is why it is important to vote carefully.

For what it is worth, the Democratic Party was originally the Democratic-Republican Party. What did that concept mean?

Rich Lorimer

Streamwood

Remember Trump’s failures on COVID

Those of you who think we were better off during the Trump presidency must have forgotten his failure to protect us during the COVID-19 pandemic. He knew in February the dangers of the virus, yet according to interviews with Bob Woodward he callously said (The virus) is ‘deadly stuff’ but (I) wanted to “play it down.”

Taking his usual double-down position, Trump later went on to say, “I wanted to always play it down. I still like playing it down because I don’t want to create a panic.” The panic being his fear of people voting against him in the 2020 election. The terrible result of Trump’s selfish decision-making was that over 190,000 Americans died from the coronavirus invasion.

Trump's actions were disgraceful, an utter life-or-death betrayal of the American people, endangering our lives and disregarding our welfare. He is a selfish individual and a proven liar who should never be trusted again with the welfare of the American people.

Harry Trumfio

Arlington Heights

On licenses for undocumented immigrants

I read with great interest Robert Meale’s letter to the editor regarding the new driver’s licenses being issued to undocumented immigrants. In a state that requires seniors to do driver’s license road tests annually, it’s amazing that they allow individuals who do not have any inalienable rights to get driver’s licenses on a

The Democratic politicians state that the undocumented immigrants won’t be able to to their benefit. It was the same when Pritzker allowed the primary election to go on in March of 2020 (even to the extent of risking the lives of the election workers) during COVID and then “for safety sake” shutting down the state the day after. Anything to get the vote out because they know that unless they do this, the state just might vote otherwise.

If the Democrats were a bit more comfortable with the bills being passed (such as this one), they wouldn’t have to sneak around and pass things like this without knowledge to the general public.

I ask...if undocumented immigrants get these new driver’s licenses, don’t they then become “documented”?

Lillian Fortman

Bloomingdale

We’re hearing a lot these days about a document popularly known as Project 2025, whose complete title is Mandate for Leadership, the Conservative Promise, Presidential Transition Project 2025 put together by the Heritage Foundation with support from 100 conservative organizations, such as the NRA, Moms for Liberty and the Tea Party Patriots.

So, what’s in this 900-page manifesto with contributions from many Trump allies and former administrative officials? According to Forbes magazine and contributor Jeff Raikes, it is “essentially advocating for the end of our democracy and the economic prosperity it drives.” When we hear the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party excoriating his political opponents as “vermin,” when we hear him promising mass deportation of 15-20 million immigrants, when we hear him in the debate lying about abortion, we should consider that with the 2025 document, he has a blueprint to help him execute his promises.

Now, what makes this “blueprint” unique and dangerous is the plan to implement “Schedule F” which will strip federal civil service employees in policy positions (loosely defined) of their civil service protections and make them “at will” employees, thereby ensuring that the wheels of government will be greased to facilitate the President’s directives. The 2025 Presidential Academy and Training is recruiting individuals, even as you read this, to be ready to go on Day 1 to make sure only Trump loyalists are on the job.

By now, you may have heard the list of abolished departments which include the Department of Education, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Federal Reserve, even NOAH. Project 2025 rolls back protections for LGBTQ Americans, weakens Social Security and Medicaid, stops efforts to lower prescription drug prices … you get the picture. Let’s make sure 2025 is not the blueprint for America.

Dianne McGuire

Naperville

During COVID, many experienced engineers of all disciplines were downsized or decided to retire early. These experienced engineers could be utilized to teach STEM courses while adding examples from their years of practice. Now is the time to utilize their hard won knowledge for the benefit of our students. Hiring these engineers would be a win-win for both the engineers and our children. Then the shortage of STEM teachers would be solved.

John Schofield

Schaumburg

The decision the court made will aid Trump in destroying his enemies and the country, ironically, gives President Biden all the power he needs to prevent that from happening.

Will he have the courage to do so, or will he give Republicans the presidency for 12 years. He will be derided forever if he doesn't act.

Kevin Berg

Fox Lake

The recent Supreme Court decision has now created a position of king of the United States. One can only wonder what will be next for Americans from the self-serving justices who are protected by life-time appointment.

Americans pride themselves in believing that no one is above the law and that we are all equal under the law. Many times it has been stated that we are a country that is ruled by law. That is now all changed. What will be the consequences in stating that a president is in fact above the law and what are the protections for Americans — or any other person or country — that registers on the wrong side of a vindictive personality.

Americans have suffered under this Supreme Court that has no shame in accepting millions from individuals who then have business in front of the court. Americans have suffered under this Supreme Court that exhibits such poor behavior that hanging flags with or in ways that send disturbing messages brings no shame.

Americans have suffered under this Supreme Court that has no shame in making decisions to remove laws that provided protection and freedoms that have been in place for 50 years. This Supreme Court is so out of touch with reality and everyday life that they seem to be unaware that these decisions impact individuals lives. One wonders how they lost the ability to feel shame for their actions and empathy for those of us who must live under these misguided decisions. One might have thought that the courts worked for all Americans, but it appears they work for their own interests and the interests of the party that put them there.

Laura Davis

Inverness