Author Archive for contributor

Avoid mythologizing Native American history

BY LIBBY TRONNES For all of you who have been missing local trivia nights, here are some puzzlers. How old was Pocahontas when John Smith arrived in Virginia? How many federally recognized tribes are there in the United States today?…

Editorial | When American democracy is assaulted

S.A. Shepler (c) 2021 Community Word

BY ANGELA WECK Editor’s Note: This message was written Jan. 7, the day after pro-Trump rioters attempted an insurrection and invaded the U.S. Capitol. Yesterday was a day that should have represented the highest achievement of our republic. This day…

Letter to the Editor | Journalists already in danger

One day after the attack on the Capitol in Washington, USAToday posted on Twitter that the newspaper “needs help identifying the people who broke into the U.S. Capitol,” then implored readers to follow a link to view the photos and…

OpEd | History of Originalism, Part 2

BY BILL FEIPEL Originalism became a household word with the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court in October 2020. Originalism: it sounds reliable, stable, comforting. Ms. Barrett identifies its guiding principles as ”First, the meaning of the…

Letter to the Editor | Origins of Originalism, Part 1

BY BILL FEIPEL Advocates of “Originalism,” some of whom have recently made it on to the Supreme Court, tell us the Constitution must be interpreted based on the “original understanding” of its creators “at the time it was adopted” ––…

Letter to the Editor | Vote NO for Kilbride

More than in any other election in recent history, voters this fall will elect leaders whose decisions and actions will directly affect our lives. One may not realize the importance of another significant measure on our Nov. 3 ballot. Illinois…

Letter to the Editor | Vote YES for Kilbride

Please vote yes to retain Tom Kilbride as Illinois Supreme Court justice. Kilbride has a long, distinguished history of service on the court, protecting ordinary Illinois citizens. Kilbride has been endorsed by both Democrats and Republicans, even though big-donor Republicans…