Before the uber-rich fly off into space, they might want to pay their fair share in taxes

Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Virgin Atlantic’s Richard Branson, multi-billionaires, both have decided their next personal frontier is space travel. They have decided that making money, once you’ve got billions, is no longer as compelling.

Branson went into space for all of 90 minutes on July 11. It’s been reported that he moved up the date for this trip to beat Bezos to the punch.

I recognize that for those who have so much money there’s no longer any challenge in merely making more. And I appreciate the resources and risks required to fly into space.

But I do have one wish for both mega-billionaires.

I wish they would pay their taxes.

Karen Wagner, Rolling Meadows

Showing ID to vote no big deal

Day in and day out, requiring that people show identification before they are allowed to vote seems to be an issue. Why? To even get on an airplane, you have to show identification.

Wake up, people. Do the same when you vote — show an ID.

Joseph Battaglia, Southwest Side

Protecting the Loop

As a retired Chicago police officer, I’m appalled at the crime rate downtown. This is the prime place in Chicago for shows and festivities. It is Chicago’s biggest revenue generator. Mayor Lori Lightfoot should enforce an 11 p.m. parking restriction. If people don’t comply, tow their cars. And based on the crime stats that I’ve scene, I would recommend shutting down the Red Line after 10 p.m.

Gerry Callahan, Edison Park

Fox News attacks on military

Last week, Fox News joined a number of Republican Party politicians in attacking Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His offense: Defending the study of critical race theory among the U.S. military.

Grandstanding Republicans like Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida attacked Gen. Milley as well as Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, for their efforts to promote discussions of race and racism among the troops, and for their attempts to root out white supremacists in the ranks.

Tucker Carlson of Fox News, of course, responded like the irresponsible opportunist that he is, calling Gen. Milley “stupid” and a “pig.” Laura Ingraham of Fox News then called for defunding the military. Are these cynical efforts to damage the reputation of the armed forces, which rely on volunteers and public confidence?

It’s somewhat surprising to see the Republican Party and Fox News, who previously have wrapped themselves in the American flag, now attacking leaders of the military just to score political points with their viewers. What will they try to peddle to the rubes next? That the 2020 presidential election was “stolen” from Donald Trump?

Bob Chimis, Elmwood Park