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.

The commentary by RHS of Oak Forest on the end of the filibuster is a little off base and a little premature. If the Senate decides to end the filibuster it will require a working majority to change the rules. We won’t know who’s going to have the majority in the Senate until after the special election in Georgia. The real threat to our freedom is the Senate is so unbalanced that very soon 70% of the population will be represented by only 30% of the senators, which is a clear danger to democracy and liberty.

George, South Side

Many thanks to the residents on Central Avenue between 147th and 158th streets in Oak Forest who have banners displayed. A joyful and great reminder of the real meaning of Christmas. Thanks again.

Mary, Midlothian

When it comes to giving directions, identifying local landmarks and knowing local roads, I think that many people fail miserably. This lack of basic knowledge makes it harder for police and emergency services to respond. I hear on the police scanner people call 911 and give bad directions. I worked with a woman for five years and she didn’t know any of the intersections that she crossed on the way to work. When she had a flat tire, all she could tell the tow truck driver was “I’m by a Walgreens.”

Joann, Oak Forest

Too many of us know the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. After getting little more than a slap on the wrist for his DUI, Tony LaRussa said it will never happen again. Considering the White Sox organization knew of his arrest before hiring him, I hope they got that in writing and if it should happen again, he doesn’t walk away with a 7-figure parting gift.

Mary, Tinley Park

President Trump has been a tremendous policymaker focusing on America first. If ever there was a need for a presidential line-item veto look no further than the recent COVID-19 relief bill Congress passed offering a paltry $600 to Americans who are suffering while spending billions on other countries and special projects, such as $40 million for the Kennedy Center. Pay your taxes and then watch how the privileged and those in power fritter away our hard earned dollars.

Sue, Orland Park

The COVID-19 relief bill has to be the most corrupt piece of legislation ever passed by a Congress. We need term limits to get these clowns out of office. The Constitution allows for the amendment process to be initiated by the states.

Jim, Tinley Park