Constructive protests

I'm a firm believer in the right to protest. It's one of the many privileges we have, living in the U.S. People living in other countries aren't so lucky. I would like to organize a protest for those of us who are contract workers, looking for affordable health care yet too young for Medicare. I am grateful that President Obama gave me options, though expensive, despite my having preexisting conditions. However, I'm getting off point.

The current protesters have been heard. They need to do something more constructive than talking and wasting police time. Now is the time for true action. How about walking the streets of a tough urban neighborhood from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., to show gang members they need to stop murdering children now?

How about the overpaid professional athletes, instead of stopping play, giving a couple of days' pay to social welfare, health care and educational programs in underserved communities? Celebrities, too. How about walking the talk and truly helping people instead of attracting criminals who look for any excuse to loot and incite violence? It's about time.

Connie Arkus

Schaumburg