It's so exciting to see that HITS horse jumping competition is going to be opening up at Balmoral Park this spring. It will be a giant economy boost to the Southland, and a fun outing for families throughout the Chicago area. It will be a welcome change from the unsavory gambling and Standardbred racing industry.

Beverly

About 29 percent of GOP voters still believe that President Barack Obama was foreign born. About 52 percent of GOP voters believe that Donald Trump won the popular vote. Both of these things are easily disproven, but GOP voters show much resistance to actual fact, preferring a right wing narrative. Explain to me again how conservative voters are informed voters.

William, Oak Lawn

I agree with one recent contributor from Oak Lawn, who suggested that a curfew should be put in place in the neighborhoods that are plagued by frequent gang activity, gunfire, and violence. People sit in cars at three in the morning with known gang members, then can't figure out why they get shot or shot at. The problem, though, is that many people don't want to follow laws, guidelines or recommendations, even if it means a safer neighborhood for themselves and their families. The “you can't tell me what to do” attitude is highly problematic and very prevalent in society. It doesn't seem to be doing them much good, though.

There was once a time not long ago when folks on television knew how to be presentably dressed. Now, what is considered “classy” is a boldly striped suit with a checkered shirt, and a tie of a color that is totally uncoordinated with this ensemble mess. Throw in a few tattoos, a facial piercing, and a goofy hairdo and there you have it... a modern sartorial disaster.

Evergreen Park

In 2013, former GOP Sen. Chuck Hagel was under consideration for the position of defense secretary. Hagel was subject to unprecedented requests for financial information from GOP Sen. Jim Inhofe. When asked Monday about information requests for President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees, the same Inhofe said a different standard would apply for Trump's nominees because it was Trump. Double standard, anyone?

William, Oak Lawn

Speak Out allows readers to comment on the issues of the day. Email Speak Out at speakout@southtownstar.com or call 312-222-2427. Please limit comments to 30 seconds or about 120 words and give your first name and your hometown.