Police Board ruling puts cops at greater risk

When the Chicago Police Board ruled unanimously to fire Officer Robert Rialmo in the tragic accidental shooting death of Bettie Jones, in my opinion, it put Chicago’s cops at an even greater risk than they already face in intense split-second situations.

The police board found that when Officer Rialmo fired his gun in the direction of Bettie Jones, he had the ability to safely reposition himself even further than he already had. Officer Rialmo without question may have had milliseconds at best to decide to use deadly force to try and save his own life which was threatened by an aluminum bat-wielding Quintonio LeGrier, who had already swung the bat once at the officer’s head.

The question of just how far does a human being have to resposition himself or herself without jeopardizing their own well being? In many situations where repositioning is as dangerous as standing ground.

Officer Rialmo is seeking relief from the Cook County Court system to retain his job as a police officer and in my opinion rightly so.

Bob Angone, Miramar Beach Florida

Chip in, bicyclists

Bicycle riders need to contribute to infrastructure too. Possibly some kind of plate fee like vehicles have. There a narrow streets in the City that have no business having bike lanes, such as Rogers Park area. Also these bike people need to obey the traffic laws already in place.

John Peterson, Belmont Heights

Where is the hot dog?

Enjoyed Chicagopedia, but how could you discuss Chicago food without mentioning the Chicago hot dog?

Bill Merrill, Oak Park

Don’t skimp on Brookfield Zoo and Botanic Gardens

It’s imperative for Cook County to immediately and thoroughly fund the Brookfield Zoo and the Botanic Gardens to ensure that these two dynamic, nature havens remain idyllic habitats for flora and fauna including many of the planet’s most exquisite, exotic and majestic wildlife species, plants, flowers and trees, They both have renowned reputations that enable them to allure a wide array of visitors including children, students, senior citizens, tourists and conservationists. Cook County is more green, pristine and animal friendly when the Brookfield Zoo and Botanic Gardens flourish and thrive.

Brien Comerford, Glenview

Different perspective

I recently read “People are dying because antibiotics are overused,” which was posted on Nov. 18 on the Chicago Sun-Times website. As a veterinarian, I wish to provide a different perspective on the author’s claims.

As a veterinarian with 40 years of experience, I think it is important for your readers to know the truth about antibiotic use in the beef industry.

The beef industry promotes the judicious use of antibiotics and continuously works to keep any potential risks extremely low for developing antibiotic resistant bacteria that may be harmful to people. A variety of tools are used by farmers to keep their animals healthy. These include vaccines, nutrition programs, and proper housing. Antibiotics are only one tool used to raise healthy farm animals.

Beef farmers already work with veterinarians and animal health experts to ensure antibiotics are used responsibly. Under FDA guidance since Jan. 1, 2017, medically important antibiotics are no longer used to promote growth in animals, and all remaining uses of these antibiotics in feed and water require strict veterinary oversight. The beef community has significantly invested in educational programs, like Beef Quality Assurance and research to maintain high standards of animal care and health, including continuously improving the stewardship of antibiotics used in cattle.

The Beef Quality Assurance program is a voluntary certification program that provides the U.S. beef industry with a consistent set of animal welfare standards and best practices. Included in these practices is a 14-point antibiotic use guideline, ensuring farmers judiciously use animal health products. Just like many of you, my family purchases our beef from a local grocery store. I certainly care about the beef I feed my loved ones and know you do too. That’s why, as a veterinarian, I can say with great confidence that farmers are committed to caring for their animals and providing families with the safest and highest-quality beef possible.

Ruel “Buzz” Iliff, Wyoming, Illinois