Young climate activists inspiring a new political will in America

It is thrilling to read about the thousands of young people in countries around the world making their voices heard on the issue of climate change.

The marches, the upcoming climate summit and the fact that the issue is being discussed by presidential contenders give me hope that we are moving closer to taking meaningful action to address climate change.

It is also encouraging that the numbers of Americans who are concerned about climate change continues to increase. We need to make sure our elected representatives continue to hear us.

The young activists and their supporters should urge their members of Congress to support legislation to price carbon emissions, such as the bipartisan Energy Innovations and Carbon Dividend Act, which has been reintroduced in the House of Representatives.

The bill, which is supported by economists and scientists, would effectively reduce carbon emissions by 40% within 12 years.

It would improve health, save lives and put money in the form of a monthly dividend into people’s pockets to spend as they see fit, helping low and middle income Americans.

In addition, it is estimated that the policy would create 2.1 million new jobs across America.

In spite of the current federal administration’s refusal to address this critical issue, I have hope that our representatives can set aside partisan differences and work together to find effective solutions to climate change.

The young climate activists have generated political will in the streets. We should work together to continue building political will in Congress.

Sheila Brown, Evanston

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‘CTU needs a reality check’

Once again the Chicago Teachers Union is threatening to strike and once again they are trotting out their favorite line, “it’s all about the kids.”

The kids have nothing to do with it. It’s all about the money going into their pockets.

It’s all about the union increasing jobs and membership. Our city is facing a deficit of over $800 million. A private firm facing the same circumstances would lay off employees and reduce wages and become more efficient, or it would go out of business.

The CTU needs a reality check.

Mike Kirchberg, Little Italy

The time is now for America to heal

How did America’s status quo become so awful?

So filled with hatred and anger? How did our great nation become so divided?

I’m certain everyone has an opinion as to why we are living in a trying time. And I’m equally certain each person believes their opinion to be justifiable, peremptory and conclusive.

Self-righteousness is, in my opinion, hurting America.

Forget politics and religion; it seems these days even sports, movies and books cannot be discussed without a war of words.

When did we forget that other people have opinions that should be heard and respected no matter how much disagreement one feels?

Advanced technology has inadvertently contributed to the problem. Social media giants like Facebook and Twitter are wonderful for communication with the masses, but such a great number of people expressing opinions and beliefs tends to lead to friction.

Especially lately.

Polite discussion becomes heated debate, irritation turns to anger and personal insults (and sometimes threats of violence) are hurled.

When the debate is civil, we sometimes learn a thing or two. It’s time for the rage, ill will and constant bickering to end. Before the partition in America is permanent.

Mike Chiero, Arlington Heights