2 weeks Ago By Chicago Tribune
Former Amundsen High School volleyball coach Amy Jacobson, a former television reporter, can’t seem to catch the clue bus when it comes to decision-making. She just resigned from her role at Amundsen after mocking Gus Walz, son of vice presidential candidate Tim Walz. Gus has a nonverbal learning disorder that affects his physical coordination and socialization.
Gus shouted, “That’s my dad!” as Tim Walz appeared onstage at the Democratic National Convention. Jacobson, who co-hosts a morning radio show with Dan Proft on WIND-AM 560, mocked the youngster’s enthusiastic response to his father’s nomination on the air. Jacobson has had egg on her face before.
In 2007, she lost her job as a reporter for WMAQ-Ch. 5 when she appeared at a pool party, accompanied by her two young children, at the home of a man whose wife had been missing for more than two months. I’m curious: What qualified her to coach high school volleyball? — Michael Oakes, Chicago Amy Jacobson chose to resign from her part-time position as a boys and girls volleyball coach for an ill-informed conversation about Tim Walz’s son, Gus.
The following day, she and radio show partner Dan Proft apologized for their comments, indicating they were not aware of Gus’ developmental challenges. I am wondering if the Chicago Public Schools parents involved in pushing her out the door are aware or at all concerned about the CPS employees accused of sexual offenses that have been documented in the Tribune and an inspector general’s report? Many of these employees remain in CPS with access to minors. The selective action of these CPS parents is telling.
Where is the swift action by these parents to have possible criminals removed from schools and the CPS payroll? — Daniel Mackin, Northbrook Many Republican right-wingers attacked Gus Walz after his comment, “That’s my dad!” at the Democratic National Convention. When it became known that he has a learning disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and an anxiety disorder, many apologized, and posts on social media were deleted. An athletic coach recently lost her job over conduct on the radio when the teenager was mocked.
What if; however, it had been a spontaneous remark from someone without these diagnoses, saying he was proud of his dad? This situation illustrates a viciousness, a mean-spiritedness, a lack of compassion and basic human decency on the part of these attackers. Of course, there is no question where these people get their cues; I wish I could un-see former President Donald Trump mocking the movements of a reporter with cerebral palsy. The first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln, who in his 1861 inaugural address called on us listen to “the better angels of our nature,” must be rolling in his grave.
— Elliot Weisenberg, Chicago What a missed opportunity that no Palestinian American was given a speaking role at the Democratic National Convention. Given the immense suffering of the residents of Gaza, the message “Democrats for Palestinian rights” should resonate with every party member. Notably, Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem released an August report, “Welcome to Hell: The Israeli Prison System as a Network of Torture Camps,” detailing Israel’s abuse of Palestinian prisoners.
Examples of maltreatment include sexual assault, starvation, humiliation, punishment for religious worship and denial of medical treatment. Israel is the largest recipient of cumulative U.S.
foreign aid since its founding. If our major political parties are not capable of offering strong criticism of Israel regardless of its actions, how will Israel ever be forced to adopt more humane practices toward the Palestinians? — Terry Hansen, Milwaukee For four days last week, Chicago had the attention of the world. Regardless of anyone’s political views, as a lifelong and forever Chicagoan, I am so proud of our city as the host to the Democratic National Convention.
The vibe around the city those four days was one of excitement and anticipation. Moreover, we had the most beautiful, sunny, pleasant weather every day of the convention. To be sure, there are the hundreds of protesters who wanted their voices heard.
With several minor incidents of disruption and a few arrests, the over-the-top security made sure those voices stayed peaceful. I congratulate our police superintendent, Larry Snelling, for his excellent job in constantly monitoring the security all around the convention areas and in the neighborhoods. Now I think we can finally bury the memory of the 1968 convention.
— Bonifacio Rivera, Chicago Kudos to Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling for last week’s successful convention week. As a Chicago native, I couldn’t have been prouder of the city I love. I had the privilege of working as a Democratic National Convention volunteer, serving as a VIP driver who ferried out-of-towners to their various commitments.
They kindly gave me a pass to attend the convention on Thursday evening where the atmosphere was electrifying. Everyone I encountered during convention week was at their best — kind, considerate and joyful. Following my attendance at the final night of the convention, rather than try for an Uber or take the “L,” I walked back alone to the Ogilvie Transportation Center for my 11:32 p.
m. train to Wilmette. I could not have felt safer.
Congratulations to all the government officials and volunteers who made this wonderful week possible, showcasing our beautiful city. — Jan Peterson, Wilmette The Democratic National Convention has come and gone. It was a party.
A grand time was had by all ...
and it was not 1968! At the same time, it was a missed opportunity for the Democratic Party as it failed to identify achievements that profoundly affect our country. The party that has campaigned on saving democracy ignored the chance to proclaim how it values that concept. Millions of Americans voted for Joe Biden in the primaries, but those votes were canceled to nominate a candidate whom the party thought might have a better shot to win.
Millions of people have illegally crossed our southern border over the last 3 1/2 years, and there was no intent on the part of Democrats to act with any sense of urgency. The recent brakes applied to the influx are, well, it’s election season! Finally, consider the actions of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and vice presidential nominee Tim Walz during the 2020 summer protests: Harris as a U.S.
senator supported a fund to bail protesters out of jail, and Walz as Minnesota governor allowed Minneapolis to burn before calling out the National Guard. Any political party, any candidate will have bumps in the road. These actions, though, to push out Biden, allow a disaster at our southern border and undermine law and order are very telling.
The Democrats say they want to save democracy? They don’t even care about the country. — Anthony Blasco Sr., Lemont I appreciated the Tribune’s comprehensive coverage the day after Kamala Harris accepted her nomination.
As she wisely said, the world’s dictators are backing Trump because “they know he is easy to manipulate with flattery and favors.” One can only wonder how the ex-president was planning to use the classified documents he stole from the White House and what he may have already shared. Too frightening to contemplate regarding this felon who strives for access again to the nuclear codes and buttons! — Joan Ferdinand Keleher, Wilmette Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.
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