I am glad that Sun-Times recent letter writer Larry Vigon appreciates the convenience and comfort of driving his car.
For my part, I am regularly grateful that I can leave my car at home and let a friendly CTA driver do the work for me. I love that I don’t have to worry about parking or refilling my gas tank, I can read, daydream or people watch; and when I get to my stop, I get a little exercise, as well.
Riding the bus affords me the opportunity to exit my own bubble and see a diverse cross section of students, workers, young parents and seniors, all of whom I might not see in the course of my day otherwise. And best of all, I don’t worry much about “catching some virus,” because I am free to wear a high-quality mask and protect myself and others
Nava Cohen, West Ridge
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. To be considered for publication, letters must include your full name, your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be a maximum of approximately 375 words.
We’re all Americans when disaster hits
Wyoming Republican Sen. John Barrasso said on “Face the Nation” he expects there will be “strings attached” to any emergency disaster funds for the California fire recovery. I don’t recall President Joe Biden doing this for aid sent to Florida, Georgia, North Carolina or any other Republican-led state.
Republicans are making a bed I hope they can lie in when the power shifts again. Both parties need to recognize we are all Americans.
Warren Rodgers Jr., Orland Park
Singing the praises of Bronzeville high school choir director
As a disciple of Mr. Andrew Duncan since 1969, I’d like to share my gratitude that the late Wendell Phillips High School choir director has been made known, recognized and honored as father of the tiers in a recent Sun-Times article.
This petite man with a wooden baton could silence a room and demand attention without a word. His entry was enough.
When he did speak, his soft calm voice would turn your attention onto his students. He’d share with you that despite odds or finances, many went on to higher education and became Ph.D.’s in education, educators in health care, social workers, chefs, lawyers, choir directors, blue collar workers — all, if you notice, those who serve. Personally, I went into advertising and marketing and have at no cost assisted young entrepreneurs with their business plans and goals.
Many fellow choir alumni have volunteered in a multitude of organizations and in some capacity offered service. The motto of our high school aka “Wendell Phillips Academy,” is “Enter to learn, Learn to serve.” This was instinctively embedded into the minds of Mr. Duncan’s “kids” — a term he called us even in our 40s and up. He beamed with pride when we gathered for reunions and encouraged conversation about our lives.
Not all were successful or path driven, I’m sure. But those willing to sit on the rising tiers daily in room 315 never fell through the cracks.
So, thank you for the opportunity to salute Mr. Andrew Duncan, my hero and a hero to many whom I love and miss dearly.
Sharon Lawson, Class of 1973, Chicago