I am perplexed by the recent controversy surrounding presidential debates. Commentators and news networks are demanding candidates agree to scheduled debates. These demands are driven by the public's need to learn more about candidates by asking them questions directly and allowing them to compete against each other. Perhaps this process will allow us all to more accurately or honestly judge the ranking of candidates.
But presidential debates are the antithesis of fair and informative evaluations of candidates and their positions. Candidates rarely, if ever, answer questions directly. Rather, they simply launch into a prepared story on virtually any subject they wish to discuss. Replies include unsubstantiated attacks on opponents, pointless anecdotes about individuals meant to support broad policies, flag-waving, and simply childish name-calling.
There is no way to force fact-checking. Even if you try to expose the lies, you will only be drowned out by more lies. For logical thinkers looking for useful information, these arguments are painful to watch.
The current debate format and process actually favors the candidates who lie most often and loudly. Truth and logic have little value in such forums.
I understand why the networks and news media would want this discussion to take place. It gives them airtime and material to fill newspapers. And, of course, each debate can generate hours of political debate programming and editorials. But I think they are completely counterproductive to the process by which we select the best leaders.
If we can manage to not hold a presidential debate this time, then I think that's enough.
— Jerry McGovern, Naperville
Biden shouldn't discuss Trump
Several news outlets have recently recommended a debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. In general, I would argue that debates these days aren't really debates, but candidates giving canned speeches that don't typically respond to questions.
In particular, there are several reasons why Biden shouldn't discuss Trump.
Trump repeatedly discussed Biden until Biden asked him to shut up. The hosts should have cut Trump's microphone in response to this behavior, but they did not. He gave viewers headaches, if not nausea. Trump has no basic decency and will not follow the rules of debate.
It is humanely impossible to respond to half of them because Trump doesn't argue, but instead spews out lies in quick succession. The reality is that you don't have enough time to track all the lies in real time, but not responding makes it seem like you can't.
What do you say to Trump who claims that Biden is behind every court action against Trump or that Biden was on cocaine at the State of the Union? “I didn't do it, I did it too” is not an argument, it's a waste of time.
Mr. Trump is a petulant toddler, and those of us who have children know that debates with children are pointless. As others have said, there is no point in playing chess with pigeons. At some point, the pigeon knocks over his pieces, poops on the board, and walks around like he's won the game.
George Bernard Shaw said: “Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty, but the pig likes it.”
Mr. Biden should not be fooled by Mr. Trump's arguments. Both will get dirty and Trump will love it.
— Carol Harrington, Western Springs
What it means to be an evangelical
In these politically charged times, the term “evangelical” has unfortunately come to be equated and co-opted with conservative white Christian nationalist political movements. This is a horrifying distortion of its true meaning.
I'm an evangelical Christian. It means I am called to evangelize and share the good news, the gospel. My tradition calls me to share in this spiritual awakening in a loving and forgiving God by “doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly.” I continue to challenge myself to live my life to the fullest as an evangelical Christian.
However, being an evangelical does not mean adopting a political party. It does not mean favoring one ethnic group over another. We will not turn a blind eye to wrongdoing, lies, or acts that promote discontent and hatred. Specifically, evangelical Christians do not tolerate any identification with white nationalism. Nor do true evangelicals claim that any human being resembles Jesus Christ.
I sincerely declare that I will not allow my spiritual heritage from the immigrant evangelical church to be used by those who misuse this precious New Testament word.
Is the media listening? May God have mercy on us all.
— Reverend Martin Depp, Chicago
The bear vision is hilarious
The Tribune (“Bears seek key to 'momentum,'” April 14) did a good job of summarizing the Kevin Warren Bears' current vision for Chicago's museum campus. The team CEO intends to breathe new life into the team. Perhaps he can breathe life into Westside as well?
So the Bears are going to fix Chicago. That's the richness that comes from a football team that can't get its own house in order: a losing record, a long string of failing quarterbacks and coaches, and a chaotic effort to build a new stadium.
The whole thing is hilarious and insulting.
— Blaze J. Arena, Des Plaines
Create another NFL team
What about this idea since Bears CEO Kevin Warren has emerged as one of downtown Chicago's biggest proponents of keeping the Bears in Chicago? The NFL will purchase the land and establish a second Illinois team at the Arlington Park location.
New York, Florida, and California have multiple NFL teams. Why not Illinois? The Bears may not want this tournament, but football fans will love it!
— Andriette Parks, Palatine
Pop stars don't need freebies
Was it really necessary to promote Taylor Swift's new album for free on Page One on April 17th? There are hundreds of thousands of artists and arts organizations who would like this kind of publicity but cannot afford the professional help to do so.
— Alan Perez, Oak Park
Does the product have many marks?
The emails I receive and the ads I see on TV offer huge discounts on the purchase of products. 30% off, 40% off and 90% off on select jewellery. If these discounts are to be believed, the seller must provide the date and time period in which the total amount was offered along with the discount offer.
— Richard Schultz, Crete
Submit a letter of up to 400 words to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
