LaHood, Duckworth see safer world after ISIS leader’s death, differ on Trump’s role

Darin LaHood
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) praised decisive action by President Donald Trump for directing a U.S. military operation that killed the leader of ISIS. (WJBC file photo)

By Howard Packowitz

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) agree ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s death makes the world a safer place.

LaHood and Duckworth also commended the bravery of U.S. Armed Forces for bringing al-Baghdadi to justice.

Only LaHood, in a social media post on Sunday, praised President Donald Trump for taking decisive action.

Duckworth, a Democrat and Iraq War Veteran, issued a statement saying she’s concerned about the potential consequences of the special operation.

Duckworth said she’s troubled the President chose to ask permission, then thank, the Russian and Syrian governments ahead of Kurdish allies who have stood side-by-side for years with the U.S.

Duckworth wants a briefing as soon as possible from the Trump Administration about details of the operation. She also wants to work with the Pentagon to plan a new way to fight against extremism in the region.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…