Days of testimony from convicted liar Michael Cohen: What did we learn? We heard that Donald Trump is no choir boy and is a tough and sometimes ruthless businessman who uses crude language. Voters knew these things in 2016 when they elected him. What did we learn about the Russian collusion theory? Nothing. All we have seen is political posturing and a further attempt to diminish Trump’s legitimacy. Congress has some tough issues to deal with such as immigration, government debt and health care. So, instead of wasting time on these political sideshows, how about debating those real issues? The media can also do a public service by calling out Congress on this point.

— Dan Schuchardt, Glen Ellyn


Collective concern endangered

As I listen to Michael Cohen testify, I am reminded that we are a tribal nation, looking only after our own “tribe” and not for the justice, dignity or peace for all Americans.

Cohen has called President Donald Trump a cheat, a liar and a con. He has offered abundant evidence supporting these facts and the fact that as president, Trump has been looking out for only himself and not for the welfare of our beloved country.

A perusal of the preamble to our Constitution reveals that this behavior of a president is not what the Founders of our country had in mind when our Constitution was adopted. Yes, at the time of its adoption, women could not vote and owning slaves was legal, but collectively, we had a sense of justice, of right and wrong.

President Trump’s supporters may say, “Yes, President Trump is a liar, a cheat and a con but he is our liar, cheat and con, so leave him alone.”

This is very sad.

— Donna Davis, Woodstock

Cohen’s lesson to Republicans

During Michael Cohen’s testimony, it became evident Republicans were eager to paint Cohen as dishonest and unworthy of trust on the subject of his relationship and work with Donald Trump. Cohen made clear that his loyalty was the source of his dishonesty for more than 10 years. The Republican Party should indeed learn from this example as Cohen recommended.

— Christopher Cudworth, North Aurora

Runoff rivals, keep it simple

To hold down a fundraising race and avoid obligations to big donors, mayoral runoff candidates Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle could agree to a limit on contribution amounts. They also could discourage independent expenditures in their race.

Instead of spending big money on an ad barrage, they could get their messages out through media interviews and debates, which could be made available online along with their position statements.

— Richard Barsanti, Western Springs

Why democracy suffers in Chicago

The poor voter turnout in Chicago's Tuesday election is a disgrace. Why didn't Chicago vote?

1) It's freezing cold, icy and dark outside. We had the major holiday season and cold and flu season over the past several months. If Chicago's election were in April as is the case for other Illinois municipalities, voter turnout would increase.

2) By election rules, Chicago is the most antiquated major city in America. Unlike other big cities, there are no term limits for mayor. This deflates people's optimism about the impact of their votes. Plus, the signature requirement for citywide candidates is the highest in America and almost double that of New York City, another disgrace.


3) Then, after candidates bust their buns and gain the signatures, that's when Chicago's democracy is horribly subverted by the Chicago Board of Elections. The board implements a process called “petition challenges.” It turns democracy and jurisprudence upside down by allowing rampant petition challenges by accusers without evidence to substantiate their claims.

It's time for the Chicago Board of Elections to be appointed by City Council or elected by the people.

— Roger Romanelli, Hillside, formerly of Chicago

A lift from a federal lawmaker

With all the rancor in politics, it’s nice to know that a congressman can stop and offer a ride to a pedestrian navigating winter conditions. Recently I slipped on ice and fell walking to the Libertyville Metra station. Once I was ambulatory again and walking in the street, an SUV stopped, and the driver offered me a ride. U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider drove me to my destination.

— Carol Cooper, Libertyville