‘White Pride’ phrase used by white separatists
Lynn Johnson’s argument that racism works both ways is flawed, convoluted and offensive (Letters, Aug. 19). Although many Americans were not born prior to the 1960s, we are still capable of recognizing that the ethos of our people do not die with our predecessors.

We herald our trials, tribulations and accomplishments because we are proud of how far we have come. Ms. Johnson fails to recognize that the Bud Billiken parade is akin to the South Side Irish Parade; Miss Black USA is akin to Miss Polonia America; and I could go on. But in Ms. Johnson’s own words, what is the use? Ms. Johnson also fails to recognize that “White Pride” is synonymous with white nationalist and white separatist movements like the Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan.

Ms. Johnson, feel free to hang out your Union Jack flag on Guy Fawkes day. But should you choose to put out a “White Pride” sign or swastika, do not be surprised to see a few protests coming your way. Oh and Ms. Johnson, you may want to try and embrace the melting pot of races and cultures that make up this country as a way of celebrating your American heritage.

Elyse Hoffenberg, La Grange

Level-playing field does not exist for all races
Lynn Johnson’s views might make some sense if this were a color-blind society or a level playing field. Neither is the case: U.S. population, 75.1 percent non-Hispanic white and 12.3 percent black; U.S. poverty rate, 8.2 percent non-Hispanic white and 24.4 percent black; U.S. senators, 81 white and one black (Jewish, Asian, Hispanic: 18); presidential appearances, George Bush, people ejected for wearing anti-Bush T-shirts and Barack Obama, people allowed to mingle carrying pistols, semiautomatic assault rifles, etc.

Level playing field? Color-blind?

“Probably 50 percent or more of our current population cannot even relate to the racial problems prior to the 1960s.”

“Probably 50 percent or more” is Ms. Johnson’s speculation, not fact, and doesn’t make any sense anyway. I don’t know about relating to the black experience — having had the advantages of good schools, safe neighborhoods and never being judged by the color of my skin — but I do recall racially motivated lynchings as late as the 1970s, murder at 10-year intervals by truck dragging as recently as September 2008 in Texas and, of course, there’s this course called American History where we all learned about slavery. Ms. Johnson, who’s the “small-minded fool?"

Christine Yoelin, La Grange

Soccer goals secured only after story published
Soccer goals tip over and kill or seriously injure kids. When youngsters climb on them, they can tip, causing the crossbar to come down very quickly. It strikes whatever is in its path. Tragedy can result.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission published the current guidelines in 1995. It documented more than 20 deaths and hundreds of life-changing injuries. The solution? Anchor the goals properly so they cannot tip over when being used and secure them when not in use.

In 2006, when Riverside Brookfield High School unveiled our new $1 million field, no anchors had been installed to counterbalance the  goals and nothing was done to secure them when not in use.

Concerned parents immediately raised the issue.

The athletic director, who was responsible for the plans for the new field, resisted anchors for months. The athletic director finally ordered them to be installed for thousands of dollars, considerably more than if they had been installed during the field’s construction.

Within weeks, they ordered them taken out. The district administration complied. More money was charged to us. The anchors have never been replaced.

In the meantime, RB said sandbags would protect our kids. But even those precautions were neglected as seen in a recent YouTube video. The video also shows how our neighboring high schools secure their goals.

Within 24 hours of the Suburban Life’s visit, RB had properly secured our soccer goals. RB has finally begun to catch up to safety — as well as other local schools.

I thank interim Superintendent David Bonnette. When he became aware of the issue, our kids were protected.

Jerry Buttimer, Riverside

It’s time to fix broken healthcare system
As I’m watching organizing for America’s National Health Care Forum with the President, I felt the need to write on the importance of health care reform getting done this year. These are hard economic times where people are losing jobs and insurance.

Pre-existing conditions must be covered under COBRA, if one can afford it. As an incurable cancer patient, I like many others are concerned about caps on our insurance, as we are getting treatments and medications we need.

The current system is broken. Let’s fix it; now is the time. Every American deserves affordable health care coverage.

Ljubinka Milenkovic Valesh, Riverside

Riverside police don’t need tobacco enforcement grant
The Riverside Police Department has been chosen by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission to receive a grant in the amount of $1,100 to establish a comprehensive educational and enforcement program addressing the minimum-age tobacco law.

“We are pleased to receive this grant to enhance our efforts to reduce youth access to tobacco products. The health of the children in our community is very important,” said Police Chief Tom Weitzel.

A grant of $1,100 for educating retailers? I can save them money. Retailers, check ID’s. There. Done.

Do you really think anyone in government actually cares about anybody’s health? If they did, why not ban the sale of cigarettes in the entire village of Riverside?

The reason? They need you to smoke for the almighty tax buck. They need retailers to sell to minors so the can slap them with fines if they do. They need retailers to sell tobacco so they can buy permits and licenses to in order to do so.

Tom Palka, Berwyn