Congratulations to Chicago for a job well done at the DNC

Congratulations to Governor JB Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Police Commissioner Larry Snelling and everyone behind the scenes for a successful Chicago Democratic Convention! You planned for every scenario and created a creative, lively and safe atmosphere for all delegates and visitors to the United Center and surrounding areas. Mother Nature also blessed Chicago with great weather.

Bravo!

— Linda Morton, Harvard

Chicago has overcome many challenges

Way to go, Chicago! Even though I've lived in the Chicago area for 31 years and am technically a 708/630, Chicago is my home.

The Democratic National Convention is over – and it was a resounding success. The city rose to the occasion and once again emerged as a shining star! People from all over the world were able to see the many reasons why we love and care about this city.

And special thanks go to the Chicago Police Department for their expert management of the convention and the demonstrators.

— Joe Szczepaniak, Wheaton

Great experience as a volunteer

As a recently retired pediatrician who moved to the Chicago area to be near my grandchildren, I was excited to volunteer for the Democratic National Convention. I was less enthusiastic about my job as a bus transportation aide at McCormick Place. Just the thought of long days outside in the Chicago August heat worried me.

I am so happy to report that it was a great experience, and as a colleague put it, that covered loading area was the real showplace of the DNC. After months of planning, there were a few issues on the first day that were resolved in real time as they arose, and then things went more smoothly as the days went by. The wonderfully diverse delegates who stepped off the buses were excited, energized, and thrilled to be there and to play their part in this democratic process where citizens elect their leaders. After decades of witnessing politics that starred older white men, I was thrilled to see faces of women, people of color, and people of all ages representing their tribe, culture, faith, or cause of passion. Seniors were amazingly represented. My warning of “Big move!” and outstretched hand of support were welcomed by delegates of all ages.

As the days went by, I was greeted each morning by delegates who greeted me with hugs and high-fives. Despite the long days of congress activities, the energy remained.

I want to express my appreciation and admiration for the CTA staff I was privileged to work with during these days of convention. I only caught a few names, but CTA staff Demetrik, Jack and Mike and event organizers Les, Michelle, Marco and Dana were wonderful, dedicated professionals who safely transported thousands of delegates in and out of McCormick Place. Thank you to dozens of nameless bus drivers who warmly thanked me for a boxed lunch and waved every morning when they recognized us volunteers. All CTA staff went out of their way to keep us volunteers safe and help us enjoy our experience. They are the pride of Chicago and give it their all.

The DNC was a once in a lifetime experience, enhanced by the CTA and event staff and the wonderful volunteers I met.

This is how you can “do something”, Chicago.

—Sara Guerrero-Duby, Long Grove

Not back to when?

I need clarification. A central theme and slogan of Kamala Harris and the Democrats at the Democratic National Convention is: “We are not going back.” To where or when? Is it the last three and a half years of the Joe Biden and Harris administration that have given us record inflation, record illegal immigration, record gas prices and two wars? Or is it not the return to the Donald Trump and Mike Pence administration that has given us lower inflation, less illegal immigration, lower gas prices and no wars.

— Bill Adamson, Naperville

Impressed by the city's top cop

There was a reason Chicago Police Commissioner Larry Snelling was the first choice for the job as Chicago's top cop, and that reason was evident on the streets of Chicago during the Democratic National Convention demonstrations: his leadership skills.

From the beginning of the day to the end of the day, he was in the front line with the troopers. He was close enough to hear the boos and vicious insults hurled at his officers. It was clear from day one that he was in command and in control of the many situations that arose. During my 33 years as a Chicago police officer, that has not always been the case for leadership.

Leadership starts at the top, and in the Marines we had a saying: “Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way.” Snelling gets it.

The Chicago Police Department is in good hands.

— Bob Angone, retired Chicago Police Lieutenant, Austin, Texas

Significant flag difference

I just watched the Democratic National Convention and was delighted to see delegates waving thousands of American flags. But I noticed one dramatic difference from the Donald Trump events: There was not a single Kamala Harris flag at the convention.

At Trump rallies, from the middle class to the steps of the Capitol, many people have waved “Trump” flags instead of American flags. Across the country, some people are even flying Trump flags on their flagpoles. These are deliberate acts to replace our nation's flag on the pole with one dedicated to a single man. I can't recall any political rallies where people have waved flags dedicated to a single person instead of something more universal. Only as part of a personality cult could people wave the flag of a single leader and pledge allegiance to him.

Unlike a shield, which can convey many messages, I always see a different message when I see a flag dedicated to a single person. Instead of seeing this flag as a badge of honor, I see it as a symbol of disrespect for our nation.

I hope that on November 5th the American flags will return all Flagpoles!

— Ken Fleischer, Flossmoor

No more balloon drops

The end of balloons at public events is announced!

The Democratic National Convention was a great success in many ways this week. The nation learned about the candidates, the issues and the importance of the November election. There was one glaring misstep for this environmentalist: the balloon drop at the end of the event Thursday night.

This DNC was supposed to be the “most sustainable convention in history.” The DNC and the city of Chicago worked in many ways to reduce the carbon footprint and then dumped tons of trash on convention-goers' heads. The balloon material was most likely not recycled and should never have been used in the first place.

Let's celebrate in a way that doesn't involve throwing garbage at people. The same festive feeling can be created with lights and music or other creative ideas. This world doesn't need more garbage!

— Jen Packheiser, Oak Park

Submit a letter of 400 words or less to the editor here or email [email protected].