Letters: Inflation is severely limiting Americans’ freedom

Inflation continues to hurt Americans’ wallets and limit people’s freedom.

When the prices of grocery items rise, people’s choices are restricted. Rather than buying the kind of bread or cheese an individual wants to consume, the person may instead choose the least expensive variety of bread or dairy products available on store shelves in an attempt to save money.

In the same way, when gas prices rise, Americans drive less. People may cut down the number of trips they make and drive only when necessary, such as for trips to work, school or a visit to the department store.

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Because of inflation, people may forgo going out with friends to watch a movie or opt out of an opportunity to have dinner at a nice restaurant with family members. Instead, people remain at home just to save money.

The impacts of inflation reach far and wide, driving people to consume less and to feel unhappy as a result.

I can see the continued negative impacts of inflation on my personal budget and its harsh effects on the economy. People’s choices and freedom have been severely limited, because of inflation.

— Tawsif Anam, Madison, Wisconsin

In answer to letter writer Tom DeCoursey’s question (“Why no outcry from NRA?” Sept. 17), the Republicans didn’t pin any technicality on Hunter Biden.

Biden was indicted by the U.S. Justice Department on suspicion of making false statements on a federal firearms form and possessing a firearm as a prohibited person.

The National Rifle Association isn’t coming to Biden’s defense because his Second Amendment rights weren’t violated. As is true for legal gun owners, the NRA believes a certain segment of our society should be prohibited from owning a gun.

It eventually will fall upon the U.S. Supreme Court to determine if states are violating former drug users’ Second Amendment rights, such as Hunter Biden’s, to own firearms.

— Bruce R. Hovanec, Chicago

The United States and its democratic allies have about $300 billion of Russian assets frozen due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Plus, Russian President Vladimir Putin is charged as a war criminal, and his forces show no signs of withdrawal.

Why not use those Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defensive fight to remain free?

Russia has forfeited its rights to those funds, and I cannot imagine us ever returning them. Maybe use them to rebuild Ukraine once it defeats Russia, but the more immediate issue of stopping the ruthless Russian atrocities and invasion is far more important.

Let’s use the money now!

— Robert B. Hamilton, Wauconda

The Tribune series on the Underground Railroad is informative and enlightening. Perhaps the Tribune could send copies to teachers in Florida to use as a teaching guide.

— Joanne Zolomij, Evanston

I was very pleased and impressed with the stories on the Underground Railroad in Illinois in Sunday’s paper. In the last several months, I have read two books on this topic and have learned quite a lot.

A big omission, I think, is the city of Galesburg, Knox College and the churches there and their role in the Underground Railroad in our state. I hope this topic will be addressed in future stories.

Thank you for beginning to address this topic. I look forward to learning more.

— Ann Hamman, Clarendon Hills

In his letter (“Concerns about Joe Biden,” Sept. 17), Larry Craig writes that “(Joe) Biden is the president, and a lot of people think he is compromised,” and “a lot of people think Biden is bought and paid for by China and Ukraine.”

Fortunately, one of the joys of living in the United States is that guilt and innocence are not a matter of public opinion here.

I have learned from listening to Donald Trump that “a lot of people say” is code for “I am bluffing because I have no facts.”

— Curt Fredrikson, Mokena, Illinois

In a letter on Sunday, Larry Craig writes, “A lot of people think (Joe) Biden is bought and paid for by China and Ukraine.”

Sure they do, and I bet most of them think Donald Trump won the 2020 election, too, and massive vote fraud stole the presidency from him.

The same propaganda mill behind “stop the steal” lies is pushing this “Biden crime family” baloney. And they keep telling us they’re going to have the evidence tomorrow, next week, next witness. They’re like a deadbeat friend who keeps promising to pay back a loan and never does. Time to cut them loose.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. And too many folks keep coming back for more. For shame.

— John Podulka, Wolverine, Michigan

COVID-19 infections are rising and are near the initial peak level in 2020. As members of the public have let down their collective and individual guards, the ever-opportunistic virus has stepped up its game. Make no mistake: If you are unvaccinated and unguarded, you are at a very real risk of infection, potential hospitalization and even an untimely and unnecessary death.

The recently released updated vaccine is not foolproof, but it is expected to be highly effective, particularly, when infected, at preventing a severe outcome. If you’ve previously escaped ever being infected and are not vaccinated, beware, the virus is out there lurking, waiting for the perfect host, and you may be it.

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— Ken Derow, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

It could be helpful and encouraging to would-be recyclers of household goods if the city Department of Streets and Sanitation would affix new labels to the blue carts with instructions and what to and what not to put in there.

The instructions that originally were attached to the blue carts’ lids are totally unreadable now.

— Daniel Morgenthaler, Chicago

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