Letters: El Chapo to blame for Chicago's drug violence

On Tuesday, a Sun-Times editorial, “If caught, El Chapo should be tried in the US,” brought home the deadly impact in Chicago of Chapo Guzman’s trafficking in drugs. The editorial appropriately cited the death of 7-year-old Amari Brown earlier this month to make this very point.

Guzman is the worst of the worst in spreading addiction and death. His crimes are so widespread that he has been indicted in seven different U.S. jurisdictions — from Chicago, which has been the hub of his activity, to Miami, New York City, Texas and Southern California. The indictments include murder, assault and kidnapping, in addition to illegal drug trafficking.

Children are killed every day on the streets of Chicago because of his illegal activities, and many thousands more people are becoming addicted. Chapo Guzman must be found and extradited to the United States.

Peter Bensinger

Former Administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Former Executive Director, Chicago Crime Commission

Don’t deny Pete Rose the Hall of Fame

I couldn’t disagree more with pessimistic columnist Rick Morrissey. Yes, Pete Rose committed a baseball sin by betting to win on games he played in and managed. He should never be allowed to manage a team again. However, given his achievements on the field, one of the most entertaining baseball players of his generation should not be denied his place in the Hall of Fame. He has suffered the ultimate loss, banishment from the game he loves. Unfortunately, people like Morrissey get to decide who is in, and who is out. I can’t think of a better time to allow fans to have a voice into who gets elected to the Hall of Fame. After all, these are the very people who make the trek to Cooperstown, NY, and pay homage to baseballs greatest players. Pete Rose should be one of those players.

Scot Sinclair

Gurnee Illinois