War on Religion Sparks National Debate
An editorial arguing that the United States faces and must resist a war on religion. It cites historical phrases, the First Amendment, and Jeffersonian views, urging daily faith practice and robust defense of religious expression against government restrictions. The writer cites FDR and Reagan and invites reader feedback.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
God
Eisenhower
Congress
Lincoln
St. Paul
Los Angeles
Corpus Christi
San Francisco
Europe
Thomas Jefferson
Danbury
Jefferson
England
Church of England
Henry VIII
FDR
Ronald Reagan
Voice of the Reader letter criticizes Congress and press
James D. Peacock of Marion writes from Oak Park criticizing Congress and the press. He notes personal financial strain as a non-union state employee and engineer, urges accountability, and calls for draining the swamp while praising SIU Carbondale. He emphasizes loyalty to his career and frustration with long-term officeholders.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Oak Park
SIU Carbondale
SIU
Chicago
SIU athletic contracts spark fan distrust and past recalls
Readers recall a former SIU coach’s success followed by large multi year deals and roster changes. The post questions big salaries, lingering power, and fear of repeating booms and busts. Criticism extends to Ameren rate hikes and rebates, urging voters to oust perceived deceivers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
MWC
SIU
Civility in Politics: A Call to Respect and Cooperation
An reader letter laments 1980s style rancor on the right and today's polarization. The writer urges respect for opponents, notes trust erosion from toxic rhetoric, and proposes a House Senate sensitivity session to restore civility and bipartisan problem solving.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
House
Senate
Ruling class has emerged and the framers' vision questioned
A speaker argues that the Constitution grants flexibility but not a ruling class. House terms should be short to enable citizen input, while Senate terms ensure continuity. Long tenure in Congress creates an unwinnable advantage, portraying professional politicians as a ruling class aligned with donors and unions, with the media amplifying the system.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
House
Senate
Congress
Smart grid bill sparks taxpayer ire and high bills
A reader voices anger at Senate Bill 1652 passed in a veto session, alleging Ameren gains unfettered power to raise electric rates for a decade. The letter questions energy savings claims, cites a high bill compared to usage, and accuses legislators from both parties of bowing to corporate interests under the banner of a “smart grid.”
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ameren
Letters to the Editor Policy for The Southern Illinoisan
The paper outlines submission rules for letters including 250 word limit signed with telephone number for verification. No news reporting, contact numbers for local and Williamson County regions provided, and editors may edit. libelous or personal attacks are rejected.
Officials contact list for Midwest representatives
A compiled roster provides phone numbers for U.S. Senators Mark Kirk and Dick Durbin, U.S. Representatives Jerry Costello and John Shimkus, and State Senator David Luechtefeld and State Representative Jerry Costello. It includes office lines, district numbers, and email/web references for constituent inquiries and legislative outreach.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Harry Mosley
Carterville
Thesouthern
Gary
Metro
Thesouthern.com
Gufst
Akkl
Illinois
James D. Peacock
Marion
Carbondale
Murphysboro
de Soto
Williamson County
Voice of the
Southern Illinoisan PO
Gary Metro
U.S
Mark Kirk
Kirk
Dick Durbin
Durbin
Jerry Costello
Costello
John Shimkus
House.gov
Shimkus
Gary Forby
Yahoo.com
David Luechtefeld
Midwest
Brandon Phelps
Gmail
Mike Bost
Mike
Bost
Hotmail
John Bradley
Jerry F. Costello I
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