As a doctor of internal medicine, it’s my job to understand not only how the systems within our bodies interact, but also how our environment affects those systems. Just as our bodies rely on intricate networks to function optimally, Illinois’ environment depends on wetlands and their broader ecosystems to maintain its balance and vitality.
Wetlands play a crucial role in supporting human health. They help purify our water by filtering out pollutants and sediments. They absorb excess storm water, mitigating flood risks that threaten homes and communities. They also provide spaces for recreation, improving both physical and mental well-being.
In short, wetlands must be protected for human health and the health of Illinois families.
Unfortunately, Illinois faces mounting threats to water quality. Pollution continues to degrade our rivers and waterways, and a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned decades of clean water protections has only made things worse. Illinois has already lost nearly 90% of its wetlands since becoming a state two centuries ago. Without decisive action by our state’s leaders, our remaining wetlands now face even greater risk of destruction.
To address this, Illinois lawmakers have introduced The Wetlands Protection Act (HB3596/SB2401) — a crucial piece of legislation that would restore protections for wetlands across our state. It is imperative that the Illinois legislature acts swiftly to pass this bill and safeguard these vital ecosystems.
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Access to clean water is fundamental to human health. Clean water is critical for hydration, hygiene, preventing waterborne illnesses and sustaining numerous physiological functions. Without strong protections, contaminated water sources will pose a greater risk to public health.
Sensible legislation like The Wetlands Protection Act is essential for securing clean water, protecting food sources, and ensuring the health of Illinois communities. By passing this bill, we can improve water quality, reduce flood risks, and promote the health and well-being of current and future generations. I urge Illinois leaders to vote for and enact HB3596/SB2401, demonstrating their commitment to protecting our state’s natural heritage and a healthier future for all.
Holly Rosencranz , member, Illinois Clinicians for Climate Action
Hang it up, Sen. Durbin
Since 1998, Sen. Dick Durbin has represented Illinois in the U.S. Senate. He has been a good public servant, but he is no longer in touch with the views of his voters. This was proved by him voting, along with nine Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for the Donald Trump-backed continuing resolution.
Durbin is 80, and Schumer is 74. They simply don’t possess the gumption or the skill set to fight Trump and his cadre of grifters, kooks and reactionaries. They have not a clue. What is the point of keeping the filibuster if you are not going to use it? Explain to the American people that you are going to fight against the destruction of our democracy, even if it means a temporary governmental shutdown. We will understand. Is it any wonder that the approval rating of the Democratic Party leadership is as dismal as it is with members of their own party?
Best to step aside, and make room for a new generation who are not afraid to fight. The sooner the better. The stakes are simply too high.
James J. Nawrocki, Old Town
Joint apology
I want to join Sun-Times reader Mark Sikora, of Riverside: “Canada, I’m sorry, too.”
Judy Kemp, Albany Park
Vance’s off-putting stance
I find it hilarious that Vice President JD Vance has decided that anyone protesting the proposed cuts to Social Security is a jobless loser.
Steven Herr, West Ridge
Hollywood keeps stereotyping Italian Americans
In the 1860s, the esteemed Union general Philip J. Sheridan allegedly stated that “the only good Indian is a dead Indian.” The line has become infamous in American history due to its blatant, unfeeling racism. No one except hate groups or white supremacists would use it.
But Sheridan’s insult isn’t really different than Hollywood’s apparent attitude toward Americans of Italian descent: “The only interesting Italians are the evil Italians.” Is this not the idea behind the new film “Alto Knights,” yet another mob movie vilifying Italian Americans?
It’s worth pointing out that this film is one of the few to actually deal with actual, real-life Italian American gangsters. According to a 2015 study by the Italic Institute of New York, out of over 500 (yes, 500!) Hollywood mob movies since 1915, nearly nine out of 10 (90%) feature fictional characters, based on nothing. Yet Frank Costello and Vito Genovese (played by Robert De Niro in “Alto Knights”) did exist.
However, these statistics parallel the media’s obsession with Italian low-lives: Costello and Genovese are treated as symbolic of what passes for “Italian culture” in America — vulgarity and violence — when, in fact, these law-breakers represent less than 0.0034% of the community.
In short: There are more Italian American police officers in our cities, suburbs, and small towns than there are vicious Italian criminals. Fact!
If De Niro railed against anti-Italian stereotypes the way he rails against President Donald Trump, “Alto Knights” would be replaced by “Men of Honor.” In that film, De Niro would play two historical, Italian American role models: Lt. Joe Petrosino, of New York, whose methods of fighting against organized crime are still used today, and A.P. Giannini, who did for U.S. banking what Andrew Carnegie did for U.S. Steel.
But Hollywood’s deeply entrenched bias against Italian Americans, and their history, remains an impenetrable roadblock — even in 2025.
Bill Dal Cerro, Edison Park