OPINION:
It is tempting to call out Illinois politician Jeanne Ives’ remarks regarding Rep. Sean Casten’s joking comment about “fragile masculinity” as a case of the pot calling the kettle black (“Rep. Sean Casten: ’Small genitals’ not ’sufficient reason to own a gun,’” Web, Aug. 28). Ms. Ives’ tirade suggested that Mr. Casten’s joke reflected on his character and ability to represent voters. But during her losing primary race for governor, Ms. Ives referred to same-sex marriage as a “completely disordered relationship” and said the LGBTQ community was trying to “weasel their way into acceptability.” During the same race she ran a bigoted and offensive TV attack ad that featured actors portraying stereotypes of a transgendered woman, an anti-facist protester, a member of the Chicago Teachers Union and a Women’s March activist.
But the issue is not what she said; it is what she didn’t say. Mr. Casten’s comment was made during a presentation which summarized concisely the multitude of evidence-based issues and actions needed to make our nation safer through reasonable gun control. He gave an insightful accounting of the evidence around U.S. gun deaths. But Ms. Ives’ focus was not on facts or policy; rather than debating the evidence or policy rationale, she chose to waste time criticizing a joke.
Speaking as a Illinois 6th Congressional District voter, my vote goes to the candidate who knows the evidence, understands sound policy, shows compassion and is able to construct meaningful legislation that moves our country forward safely, whether it be on matters of gun control, health care, COVID-19 or the climate crisis.
BRUCE A. LANE
Cary, Ill.
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