What’s Speak Out?

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.

I agree with Rep. Lipinski about the Democratic Party moving too far left, but the same can be said of the Republican Party moving too far right, especially its sad embrace of the Proud Boys and similar hateful groups. Those of us in the middle, who would rather see compromise, have fewer and fewer options these days.

— Matt, Orland Park

Congressman Dan Lipinski has “concerns about future.” He was part of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, made up of “moderates.” He claimed political polarization would hurt our future. That’s a politician’s nice way of saying compromise is dead No more across-the-aisle deals/agreements. Now, Biden’s party feels they’re in charge. Their last nail in the coffin would be a GOP loss in Georgia. If that happens it’s bye-bye filibuster/freedom; hello socialism.

— Bob, Oak Forest

Someone must have lost their parrot, as a green parrot has just started coming to my bird feeder in the Chicago Lawn area. Rather noisy little thing. Hopefully the poor baby will be able to survive the winter. He now adds to the two ring-necked doves and banded pigeon that come around as well.

— D., Chicago

If anyone who watched former Mayor McLaughlin’s campaign video has to chuckle. Only a politician, who has been in local politics for 32 years, would make the claim of not being a politician. He won’t take a salary because he is presently receiving his IMRF pension. He can’t take both. His slate includes Chris Kasmer who tried to eliminate voters’ choice during the last local election. Déjà vu all over again.

— Joe, Orland Park

Oh these politicians, they have to break into your regularly programming again. They had the news on from 4:30 to 6:30, he couldn’t do the speech then. They have to take off the programs that most people who are stuck in the house want to watch. I’ll tell you what, I am not watching them and I’m not watching the commercials. I will shut off the television before I listen to them.

— Pat, Palos

I see Lovie Smith finally got fired as University of Illinois football coach. $21 million for winning 17 games, or $1.2 million for each win. He did so well they signed him for $8 million for two more years. Another $1 million per win if they could muster eight more wins. He does, however, get a $2 million buyout to sit on his couch and watch football. I wonder how all those students feel about their student loans now.

— YCM, Orland Park