Follow the lead of Pope Francis in combating climate change

Climate change is a matter of life or death for the United States and the world, and action is urgent.

Four years ago this week, Pope Francis published Laudato Si’, which addressed humanity’s relationship with God’s creation. As a person of faith, this document motivated me to get serious about my responsibility to help care for the planet.

Last week at a meeting with energy executives, the Pope said we are in a “climate emergency.” I’m concerned that our country is doing too little to avert the worst consequences of this emergency. We mustn’t pass this problem along to future generations because of our neglect or narrow self-interest.

I urge Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth to follow the House of Representative’s lead after their recent vote on the Climate Action Now Act, and support keeping the United States in the Paris Climate Agreement. This is the best way to celebrate the anniversary of Laudato Si’.

Laura Bohorquez, Downers Grove

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If Trump is re-elected, respect the outcome

“Trump will do anything — unethical or even illegal — to win again in 2020,” says the headline of Phil Kadner’s June 19 column.

Kadner, usually thoughtful, calm and reasonable, is being grossly unfair in claiming President Donald Trump will do anything to be re-elected in 2020.

Kadner asserts Trump would use false or manufactured data to smear his opponents, declare a phony national emergency, abuse executive privilege, even “suspend the next election,” and use the power of government to cover up his actions.

He gives examples of the possible “horribles” if Trump believes his re-election is in danger. And if Trump is re-elected, why, Kadner asks, should voters “accept the outcome.”

I am no Trump fan.

But he is the president and, if re-elected, he will continue in office. What Kadner is doing is setting the stage to unlawfully overturn Trump’s assumed re-election.

Dennis Dohm, Oak Lawn