Because letter writer Ava Holly Berland (“Reality check for Pritzker,” April 8) has used up all the frying pans with which to bash our governor, I will enter from the opposite direction with a few bouquets in hand and explain why I am solidly behind him.

First and foremost, let’s talk the horrible pandemic that subjected millions of Americans to untold suffering. Texas and Florida were COVID-19 wildfires, where the rates of infection soared due to the irresponsible actions of their respective governors who allowed businesses to remain open, all but sneered at immunization and encouraged people to gather maskless at public venues. Pritzker refused to bow to enormous pressure and do the same. While many denounced him as the devil incarnate, Pritzker stood his ground. The end result? When the pandemic eventually (mercifully) wound down, Illinois had far fewer deaths than those states. I wonder how many apologies he received.

In addition, Pritzker can claim many other successes. I will key into just a few that I am particularly passionate about:

1. Basic human rights, which includes reproductive freedom for women.

2. Standing up to the National Rifle Association in banning assault-style weapons from the streets (and yes, I support the Second Amendment).

3. Signing House Bill 2789, making Illinois the first state to outlaw book bans in public libraries (I am particularly proud of this one).

4. He is likewise a massive supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, even establishing IL Pride Connect — a first-of-its-kind free legal hotline and digital resource hub.

Pritzker can rip out all the toilet seats from his mansions that he wants. For this Chicago citizen, his overwhelming commitment to human dignity and compassion doesn’t just tilt the scale in his direction; it breaks it.

Pritzker has my solid support, should he throw his hat into the next presidential race, as he is expected to do.

— Rob Hirsh, Chicago

Cause of unaffordability

Willie Wilson’s recent critique of Gov. JB Pritzker (“Has Pritzker made life more affordable for Illinoisans?” April 9) regarding affordability misses a fundamental reality: The “inflation tax” squeezing Illinois families is being driven by federal foreign and trade policies, not Springfield’s budget.

The primary drivers of rising costs are federal “trade taxes,” such as the recent 10% across-the-board tariffs. These have caused the prices of imported fertilizer, steel and electronics to skyrocket. For a state like Illinois — a global hub for manufacturing and agriculture — these federal trade wars act as a direct anchor on our economy.

Furthermore, a volatile federal foreign policy has injected uncertainty into global markets, driving up energy costs long before they reach our borders. No governor has the power to negotiate international trade deals; those are exclusively federal responsibilities.

Instead of misdirecting blame, we should acknowledge how Illinois is serving as a shock absorber. While Washington’s policies drive prices up, our state has lowered costs where the state has jurisdiction — by repealing the grocery tax and capping child care expenses.

To blame the state for global economic shifts is a convenient political narrative, but a poor economic analysis. To solve affordability, we must address the source: a White House administration whose foreign and trade policies are making life more expensive for everyone.

— Stephen Hogan, Westmont

Editorial, cartoon enlighten

I want to thank the Tribune Editorial Board and editorial cartoonist artist Stantis for the excellent Easter message and drawing in the newspaper on Easter (“Amid uncertainty, Easter’s message holds,” April 5).

Stantis’ drawing shows Jesus hanging on a cross with oversized bombs and mortar shells flying helter-skelter in the air. Jesus’ pitiful words round out the powerful picture: “Father, forgive them.”

We should greatly appreciate a secular newspaper that helps spread the “good news” of Easter. The happy news is that young people are filling the pews in our gorgeous churches. Newcomers to the faith are being baptized. Fallen-away Catholics are returning. Hardened hearts are softening.

Major newspapers such as the Tribune and the Sun-Times can be a light in the darkness just as churches aspire to be.

Let me conclude this letter with a line from the Tribune’s Easter editorial: “(Easter) is a story that does not change, even when the world does.”

— Kathleen Melia, Niles

Messages rooted in peace

I found it astonishing that the president of the United States would choose Easter, of all holidays, to express sentiments that suggest violence.

For Christians, Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and carries a message rooted in peace. This reflects Christ’s teachings, including in Matthew: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”

In contrast, I found some comfort in the voices of two major faith leaders who continue to call for peace. During his Easter address, Pope Leo XIV urged, “Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace.”

Similarly, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has long warned of global conflict and emphasized that only justice and peace can prevent it. In a 2012 address on Capitol Hill to many members of Congress, he stated, “Peace and justice are inseparable—you cannot have one without the other.”

While such rhetoric from a world leader is troubling, these voices offer a reminder that peace remains the only path forward.

— Ahmed Khan, Kokomo, Indiana

True dangers to pedestrians

I agree with Laura Washington’s column “What’s the fuss over delivery robots?” (April 8) that the delivery robots traversing the sidewalk provide a useful service and can be a fun distraction despite the vociferous critics who are trying to ban them.

I find the robots entertaining to watch and marvel as they make their deliveries. I also find them much safer than bicyclists and scooter riders who zip past dangerously close and without regard for pedestrians on the sidewalks. And don’t get me started about the e-bikes and scooters that are left abandoned haphazardly, dangerously obstructing sidewalks and parkways.

The activists who are clutching their pearls over these robots should address the true dangers to pedestrians and leave the innocent bots be.

— Bill DeMarco, Chicago

Inspiring high school senior

I was so heartened to read the March 29 article (“Student takes on female disparity issue in CPR training”) about high school senior Ashlynn Goldstein’s efforts to include female mannequins in CPR training. Amid all the bad news surrounding us, stories like this remind me the future is still bright for my young daughters.

Keep it up, Ashlynn, and don’t lose your drive to create positive change!

— Lauren Buysse, Arlington Heights

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