Republican theatrics divert attention from real threats to American liberty

During a recent hearing of the House Coronavirus Subcommittee, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, again staged his signature theatrics: ranting and bullying. This time, his target was Dr. Anthony Fauci. Jordan repeatedly insisted that Fauci name a specific date by which Americans would get back their “liberties and freedoms.”

When Dr. Fauci appropriately attempted to reframe the issue as a public health crisis in which many people have already died, Jordan pressed on: “You don’t think Americans’ liberties have been threatened the last year, Dr Fauci? They’ve been assaulted.”

Unlike Jordan, Fauci responded like a responsible adult: “I don’t look at this as a liberty thing, Congressman Jordan, I look at this as a public health thing.”

Jordan’s behavior is typical of Republicans who have politicized a public health crisis by implying that the advice of America’s medical experts somehow limits the freedoms of American citizens. This is irresponsible nonsense. This is precisely the type of thinking that has contributed to the hesitancy of many Americans to get vaccinated, which will only prolong the crisis.

Republican theatrics in Congress have diverted attention from the real threat to our liberties: the fact that more than 300 pieces of legislation have been introduced and/or passed in 43 states to limit voting rights, particularly among people of color. Republicans are, once again, showing us exactly how desperate they are to hold onto power.

I suggest we ignore Jordan’s theatrics and focus on the real threats to our liberties and freedoms.

Bob Chimis, Elmwood Park

Second-guessing cop unfair

It’s easy to second-guess the shooting of Adam Toledo, especially if you watch only 10 seconds of video. Some media outlets, including the Sun-Times, published a photo of Adam with his hands up. That seems to imply a certain narrative. Why? I have noticed that many commentators in the media don’t seem to be focused on the officer having less than a second to react — and action is faster than reaction. The same media also has not focused on why a 13-year-old was out in an alley at 2:30 am. Facts matter.

Richard Barber, Mount Greenwood

Put yourself in cop’s shoes

It’s easy to sit back, watch videos and write articles about the shooting of Adam Toledo. But put yourself in the officer’s shoes in that sad moment. I think your editors would have done the same thing.

Ahmad Siddiqi, Lombard

Why did he shoot?

Even as we pray for Adam Toledo and his family, as well as for the police officer who shot the 13-year-old boy, we have to ask why he was shot after he obeyed the officer’s command to “stop, show me your hands.” Adam had tossed the gun and raised both hands. I believe the overwhelming majority of officers are dedicated, brave professionals, But I also believe that many times — too many times — officers shoot when they do not have to. Could somebody with experience in the policing profession, perhaps Supt. David Brown, please tell us why?

Steve Lindsey, Matteson