Tuesday Letters: Ask Emanuel about City Hall ‘code of silence’

City Hall and Mayor Rahm Emanuel have said the Chicago Police Department observes a “code of silence,” meaning officers cover up misconduct by fellow cops. That’s a bold statement, but I’m sure the city will produce evidence that this code exits — because to just say so would be hearsay and that’s not allowed, right? When the mayor testifies at a trial this week, I hope he also will be asked about a “code of silence” at City Hall — a code that kept the Laquan McDonald video under wraps for more than a year. That’s the video the mayor says he didn’t see, coincidentally while he was running for re- election. So Mr. Mayor, the police department has a “code of silence” and you didn’t see the Laquan McDonald video? I’m looking forward to you saying that under oath so we can put these matters to rest.

Richard Barber, Mount Greenwood

Not compassionate

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s quote in Monday’s paper that if we make the rich richer then we “can afford to be compassionate” says all anyone needs to know about him. Compassion is not about what you can afford, it’s about what the less fortunate need. It’s hardly a surprising take from someone still peddling the selfish and debunked ideology that more economic breaks for the wealthy will lead to more income for the rest of us and more revenue for government. As Sanders and Trump voters have proven, that dog not only won’t hunt anymore, it’s also been put to sleep.

Joel Ostrow, Deerfield

Perpetual war

By the last day of his presidency, Jan. 20, 2017, President Obama will have presided over a nation at war for 2,922 days, longer than any other president in United States history. Only President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served 4,421 days, had a chance to eclipse Obama, and his war tenure was the paltry 1,305 days of World War II. And unlike Obama’s wars, FDR’s war was declared, worthwhile and successful. Obama’s are undeclared, pointless and failed.

America is perpetually at war in the 21st century. This guarantees the next president will steer an America at war for another full four or eight years. That’s not a campaign promise. It’s built into the job description.

Walt Zlotow, Glen Ellyn

Trump and the devil

The devil is in the details. With presidential candidate Donald Trump, the details are beyond scant.

Mary F. Warren, Wheaton

Bogus claim

Donald Trump, in a recent speech to the NRA, said that Hillary Clinton “wants to abolish the Second Amendment.” I don’t know whether or not that’s true, but it doesn’t matter. The president (no matter who is in office) does not have the power to do that.The process to amend the Constitution requires two steps. First, both the House of Representatives and the Senate must each pass a resolution. This process is similar to passing a law, except it requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers. Then the legislatures in three-fourths of the states must approve the resolution within seven years.The founders, with a little clarification in early 20th century, made this process extremely difficult for a good reason. So the next time some politician tries to scare you about what their opponent plans to do, my suggestion is that you take it with a large grain of salt.Steven Stine, Highland Park