Through the years, “Saturday Night Live” has poked fun at presidents. But can anyone remember Richard Nixon going after Dan Aykroyd? Or Gerald Ford pouncing on Chevy Chase? Or George Bush commenting on Dana Carvey’s negative portrayal? The answer is no. Presidents and presidential candidates have always known the humor is in good fun and not worth serious attack or comment. But last week Donald Trump lashed out to complain about how he is being portrayed on “SNL” by Alec Baldwin, after spending the week before going after a Miss Universe contestant. Should a person running for the most stressful and important job in the world be this petty and thin skinned? I think not.
Ken Karlson, Wheaton
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Trump bites hands that feeds him
Since when is it ever a good idea to take on the media in the midst of a presidential campaign? That might work in a third-world country, but it’s not likely to succeed in a true democracy, certainly not ours. Did the Trumpster really believe that any reputable news organization would retreat to the sidelines and allow itself to be demeaned by a second-rate huckster posing as a legitimate politician?
And how stupid is it anyway, especially someone with a Wharton School of Business diploma, to challenge the people who made his success? Trump is attacking the very same folks who surrendered billions of dollars in free ad space to the Donald J. Trump crusade to make America great again. In paging through Trump’s book “The Art of the Deal” I don’t recall a single chapter dedicated to biting the hand that feeds you. On the other hand, there are more than a few chapters dealing with intimidation and, of course, litigation.
Bob Ory, Elgin
Thanksgiving is for family
The electronics retailer hhgregg will not be open on Thanksgiving. Some other stores have followed suit. Congratulations to those courageous, selfless businesses. Perhaps it will discourage people from leaving their family holiday festivities just to save a few dollars on underwear or gym shoes. Life is ephemeral. Don’t waste it, especially not for a pair of pre-ripped jeans. There is hope
Leon J. Hoffman, Lincoln Park
Cashing in sick days does CPS no favors
So letter writer Gary Lopatka retired from teaching and “sold” back 200 unused sick days that he had picked up in 39 years of teaching? He writes that this “saved” the Chicago Board of Education $20,000. But he was paid for all of those unused sick days at his final, high rate of salary. He was not paid at the salary he was earning when he showed up at work 39 years ago with the sniffles.
J. Farrell, Oak Lawn
