Aldermen, stop pushing ordinances that do nothing to fix Chicago’s big problems

As an African-American woman and life-long Chicagoan, I think I can say that the majority of the Black community is not losing sleep on the subject of renaming Lake Shore Drive for DuSable.

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The Outer Drive would be renamed for Jean Baptiste Point DuSable under a measure endorsed by a Chicago City Council committee.

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Here we go again.

Chicago aldermen spending time and resources to come up with yet another questionable city ordinance that they feel is good for the residents of Chicago. Another ordinance that allows them to pat themselves on the back and feel good about being “woke.” See, they say, we’re giving the Black community what they so desperately need. 

They want to change the name of Lake Shore Drive to honor Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Chicago’s first permanent non-Indigenous settler.

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Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th) says, “This is important to the Black community.” But has she taken a poll in her ward? Can she with a straight face say that her constituents contacted her because they’re desperate for this name change?

As an African American woman and lifelong Chicagoan, I think I can say that the majority of the Black community is not losing sleep on the subject of renaming LSD to honor DuSable. It is not the issue that most concerns young and old residents of the city, no matter what ethnic group you identify with.

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I do not think it’s the reason so many African Americans are fleeing the city for the suburbs. Escalating crime and gun violence, jobs, inadequate schools in communities of color, environmental injustices — these are some of the things concerning citizens. Also, we are still in a pandemic and businesses and schools still aren’t fully opened. Requiring the residents and businesses that will be impacted by changing the name of Lake Shore Drive to spend their own money to make changes to addresses and licenses is not, as has been said, a “$20 fix.” 

Were public hearings held to listen to residents and businesses impacted by the change? Do these aldermen just want to oppose anything Mayor Lori Lightfoot puts forth? The mayor’s alternative plan to complete DuSable Park, create an exhibit honoring DuSable and renaming the entire Riverwalk for him is admirable and should be applauded. 

In this instance, city government not working is not the fault of the executive branch. It’s the legislative branch introducing ordinances that do nothing to address the problems the city continues to face.

Kim Foster, South Loop

American privilege

It’s mind-boggling that any American is refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccination when it’s so readily available and free of cost. I have friends in Japan who would take the next plane and fly to any state — no matter the cost — to get vaccinated because the vaccine rollout in Japan is proceeding inexplicably slowly. They are desperate to get vaccinated.

Despite the fact that COVID-19 ravaged our country, we still live in one of the most privileged countries in the world. We need to cooperate and take advantage of the hard work by scientists, manufacturers, health care providers, front-line essential workers, public workers and officials who’ve been toiling earnestly and for months to get this vaccine available.

The rest of the world looks at us with envy. Get your shots now!

Jane B. Kaihatsu, Park Ridge

What racism?

Sen. Lindsey Graham says systemic racism isn’t an issue in America because Barack Obama and Kamala Harris were elected.

As Trevor Noah said, “America can’t be racist because it elected two Black people who half the country hates for reasons they can’t quite put their finger on.”

‘Nuf said.

Bob Chimis, Elmwood Park

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