A series of letters published in response to various commentaries highlights important themes surrounding kindness, community, and the spirit of the holiday season. Readers express gratitude, share personal stories, and call for collective action as they reflect on the significance of Christmas and the responsibilities of citizenship.
Celebrating the Light of Christmas
In a heartfelt response to Willie Wilson’s December 18 commentary, a reader from Oak Park, Cathy Rennau, emphasized the message of hope that Christmas brings. She noted that amidst the barrage of distressing news, the light of Jesus, as referenced in John 16:33, serves as a source of strength and resilience. Rennau highlighted Wilson’s call for individuals to demonstrate Christ’s love by listening more than speaking and showing kindness to others during the holiday season.
A Reflection on Immigrant Contributions
Another reader, Bob Chimis from Elmwood Park, brought attention to the cultural contributions of immigrants, particularly during significant holidays like Christmas and Easter. He pointed out that both “White Christmas” and “Easter Parade” were penned by the Russian-born Jewish immigrant Irving Berlin. Chimis argued that such contributions should remind us of the diverse roots of American culture, especially in light of past instances of intolerance.
He referenced the events in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, where white nationalists made derogatory chants against Jewish people, contrasting this with the deep appreciation many Christians have for songs created by Berlin. His message resonated with the idea that, apart from Native Americans, most individuals in the United States are either immigrants or descendants of immigrants.
Promoting Kindness in the New Year
Fred Hausmann from Tinley Park urged readers to embrace kindness as a New Year’s resolution. He argued that kindness is often misconstrued as weakness, while in reality, it is a sign of strength. Hausmann called for a cultural shift towards prioritizing kindness in interactions with family, friends, and even strangers, as a means to foster a more compassionate society.
In a related discussion, Professor Dawn S. Brown’s op-ed on inclusivity in holiday gatherings prompted another reader, Ronnie Jo Sokol, to emphasize the importance of inviting diverse voices to the table. Sokol argued that meaningful gatherings require participation from all members, enhancing the sense of ownership and community.
Addressing Package Theft During Holidays
Concerns about package theft, particularly during the busy holiday season, were raised by Judith Alexander from Oak Park. She proposed that delivery services should ring doorbells when dropping off packages to prevent theft. Alexander noted that while the post office often adheres to this practice, many commercial services do not, making it difficult for recipients to safeguard their deliveries.
Bob Angone, a retired police lieutenant from Austin, Texas, elaborated on the issue, providing practical advice for securing deliveries. He recommended using security cameras, package tracking, and requiring signatures for delivery. Angone stressed the importance of being vigilant and proactive to deter potential thieves, especially during the festive season.
Advocating for Health Access
In health-related news, Erica Salem from the Respiratory Health Association addressed the recent announcement from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services regarding the removal of prior authorization for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. Salem praised this decision as a significant step in improving vaccine access for vulnerable populations, including pregnant individuals and older adults.
She highlighted the critical need for increased vaccination rates, especially among high-risk groups, as current statistics show that only 33.6% of infants under 8 months and 30.6% of adults over 75 have received the vaccine. Salem called for continued efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccines and promote public awareness about their importance.
The collection of letters illustrates a community engaged in thoughtful reflection on current issues, emphasizing the need for kindness, inclusivity, and proactive measures in both social and health matters. As the holiday season approaches, these sentiments serve as a reminder of the values that can unite individuals from diverse backgrounds.
