Today's Opinions
News-Gazette Editorials
Court fight over Ryan's pension
Friday, November 20, 2009
He's back – maybe not in body, but certainly in spirit.
George Ryan, the imprisoned former governor, was a strong presence in the state capital Wednesday. Ryan's lawyer, another former governor, Jim Thompson, argued before the Illinois Supreme Court that Ryan, despite his corruption convictions, is entitled to a state pension. More …
Taxing experience
Friday, November 20, 2009
The cheaters got caught this time.
The continued recession has taken a heavy toll on tax revenue paid to the federal government, but Internal Revenue Service officials have managed to find a new revenue stream – one that will please the ordinary taxpayer. More …
Letters to the Editor
People need to hold officials accountable
Friday, November 20, 2009
It was good to see in a recent Opinions section of The News Gazette two articles about how the people of this state need to start taking some responsibility for their actions.
Both the state and federal government seem to be operating in their own little world, doing what they want to do, and "we, the people" let them get away with it. I have talked with both state Rep. Bill Black and state Sen. Mike Frerichs, and they both say that until people demand accountability from our leaders, nothing will change. When I contacted our U.S. Sens. Burris and Durbin, they acted like they have more important things to do than listen to their constituents. More …
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State pension costs must be reduced
Friday, November 20, 2009
After reading Tom Kacich's column in last Sunday's News-Gazette, I better understand and support the need of tax increases.
What I really don't like is the former state legislators' legacy cost to Illinois after they move on to Washington, D.C. More …
Be considerate of the opposition
Friday, November 20, 2009
I am a true Danville Vikings fan, and I looked forward to the game all week. Our Vikings have earned the reputation as one of the best, if not the best, teams in the conference.
My only disappointment in last week's game was the behavior of some of the fans. I don't understand the reason why anyone would boo another team as they enter the field before the game. Those players have worked hard to get to the playoffs; fans were booing someone's son, brother or grandson. It's hard enough to play at another school knowing that the home team has the advantage of their hometown to support and cheer them on. The last thing they need is for people to display poor sportsmanship. More …
Olympian Road plan hugely destructive
Friday, November 20, 2009
I write in response to the Champaign County's long-range transportation plan, part of which is to extend Olympian Drive in Urbana.
Most people don't realize that this new road would cut directly through many homes and farms. The goal of this road is to increase new bike paths, increase new MTD routes and to help people become more mobile. I fail to see how destroying family homes and businesses is helping them. More …
Gitmo prisoners presumed innocent
Friday, November 20, 2009
I am writing in response to the recent article, "Officials to inspect Illinois prison for Gitmo inmates."
There is strong opposition to bringing Guantanamo Bay prisoners to the Thomson Correctional Center in northwestern Illinois because of safety concerns. I believe that there is a large misconception that should be clarified in order for citizens to make a proper decision on this important matter. More …
Blind tolerance is just blindness
Friday, November 20, 2009
Unfortunately, the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, has been accompanied by acrimony concerning how to define the motives of the shooter, Maj. Hasan.
Though the name-calling on TV is about even, it should surprise no one that, given the present social and political climate, tolerance again has trumped truth. Even if the vast majority of people believes that Hasan should be called a terrorist, it makes little difference because new definitions of "terrorist" will emerge from the politically correct media to render all objections moot. More …