Actor Robert De Niro is the latest entertainment wonk who knows just what’s best for the country. He spoke at Brown University to students and an administration that couldn’t find anyone suited to address the university’s graduation class. The stuff De Niro offered up follows the same pattern on college and university campuses across the country that promotes civil disobedience through vocal vitriol. De Niro implored the newly minted graduates to “work for change, work to stop the insanity.” This is a guy who called the president a “punk.” Yes, this overpaid “talking head” who excelled at being a punk in his movies is the best that Brown could find to speak to the graduates. De Niro should just go back to playing the same repetitive character parts he has for decades and just shut up.

Tom, Evergreen Park

U.S. intelligence has intercepted Russian communications that indicate its belief that members of President Donald Trump’s inner circle have been financially compromised. There have also been rumors that Trump turned to Russian banks for financing after his multiple bankruptcies made him unattractive to U.S. lenders. What does the average Fox-watching, well-informed Trump voter make of this?

William, Oak Lawn

Well, Cubs fans, it’s looking like the Cubs are the lovable losers again. Can’t even compete with the worst team in baseball. Wait another 108 years.

Folks who preach the righteousness and the values of the free market should read their history books, as well as their economics books. The U.S. practiced a free-market, laissez-faire capitalism at the turn of the century, resulting in abject poverty for most and incredible wealth for the few. This seems to be all right with the conservative right wing, and today’s growing income gap, along with decreasing environmental protections, portends that may be our future once again. American capitalism, a blend of the free market and government regulation/control, and a respect for morality and human dignity, is what’s right for America.

Denny, Orland Park

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