Letters: Money maker: Tax fantasy sports

Fantasy sports seems to be the center of a controversy over whether it is gambling or not. Several states have banned this Internet competition. Here is the answer to the “problem” of fantasy sports. Legalize it, regulate it and tax it!

No connection to mayor, governor

Well, Chicago, you got what you voted for in both the mayor and governor. Instead of voting for a man of the neighborhoods for mayor, you opted for the New Trier graduate who is utterly clueless about what it means to grow up struggling against systemic corruption and prejudice in a city filled with it. Our governor and our mayor are members of the millionaire class. Why would any sane person think they could understand, let alone solve, the suffering of the poor?

Edward Juillard, Morgan Park

Shootings mar Rahm’s credibility

For 13 months Rahm Emanuel and the police department hid the video of officer Jason Van Dyke shooting Laquan McDonald to avoid the ensuing controversy. He also persuaded a compliant City Council to award McDonald’s family $5 million before reporters forced release of the damaging video. All so Rahm could get reelected. Now, another officer kills Quintonio LeGrier, 19, for threatening them with a baseball bat. And they killed a neighbor in her house by accident. I wonder what video will show and, if it exists, how long we’ll have to wait to see it?

Why don’t the police negotiate with suspects longer to deescalate the situation? Why don’t they use Tasers instead of shooting first? Why is their no transparency or effective oversight? Why the huge payouts to victims families?

Rahm is no longer credible as mayor. We need someone willing to reign in the police and regain the trust of citizens suffering from crime and overzealous policing.

Tom Minnerick, Elgin

Blame many for Tamir Rice shooting

Cleveland cops thought Tamir Rice’s fake pistol as a lethal weapon. They were in actual fear of their lives. Taking action in the pursuit of that fear is justifiable. It’s called self-defense, i.e. self-preservation. The grand jury determined there was no probable cause to attach criminal liability to these officers for their actions relative to an orchestrated indictment involving murder, manslaughter, dereliction of duty and negligent homicide.

There are four faults here. Each bears responsibility: Those manufacturers’ who make toy guns, which look like actual weapons. The boy who foolishly acted in such a way to place these cops in a self0defense mode. The cops who, by having to use their weapons, should have wounded Rice. Lastly, Cleveland’s poorly managed law enforcement weapons training program.

Earl Beal, Terre Haute, Ind.

Benefits of edible pot

This month patients were able to buy cannabis infused products that include “edibles.” This is a significant milestone as it provides another option for patients who cannot, or choose not to smoke cannabis. Your recent article, “Medical marijuana edibles debut in Illinois, come with risks” (Dec. 19) left out important information on why edibles are so significant for Illinois patients.

Oils are derived from the cannabis plant and infused into chocolate, granola bars, drinks, gummies and other products. This is done in a highly regulated laboratory setting and exact dosing is included on each package.

The diversity in delivery methods will help to relieve symptoms for more illnesses, including nausea, muscle inflammation and spasms, severe pain, autoimmune and nervous system disorders and insomnia. Since Illinois has among the highest standards in the nation, patients can expect the highest quality medicine. However, dosing for edibles and smoking are not the same.

Each time a patient inhales cannabis; they receive a small amount of medicine and experience instant relief. The cannabinoids in edibles are released in waves as it’s digested. This means the effects of cannabis occur over a period of time ranging from 30 to 90 minutes and may last longer because edibles affect everyone differently depending on dosing, body chemistry and tolerance. Dispensary patient consultants are well trained and will work with patients to determine the best strain and delivery method to treat their condition. Edibles are a life-changing treatment that will bring relief to patients where smoking is not an option.

Ross Morreale, chairman,

Medical Cannabis Alliance of Illinois