Letters: There is no justification for targeting Tesla cars to protest Elon Musk

Chicago Tribune

25-03-2025

I love my Tesla. I have been driving one for almost 10 years, since as an environmentalist and a Democrat, I am concerned about the future of our planet. I am disappointed that Elon Musk decided to get into politics and at the way he is handling his role. But I am even more saddened that some of my fellow Democrats think it is OK to take their anger out by destroying Tesla cars!
Since when is it OK to ruin someone's private property for any reason?
— Marcy C. Trojak, Kildeer
Infringing on free choice
What has happened to freedom of speech and freedom of choice? Ironic, the same group that is preaching this is denying both.
I do not own nor desire to purchase a Tesla. That is my choice. In no way is it a reflection on politics. People should not be denied that choice due to fear of driving one because of outrageous behavior. This group is contributing to the destruction of our rights and the economy in our country.
— Myrna Silver, Coral Gables, Florida
Past the tipping point?
I am terrified that we are very near or are past the tipping point of becoming an autocracy. If the White House successfully ignores court orders, then we are there already. So far, the White House ignored a federal judge ordering that the deportees destined for El Salvador be returned. One official actually said he does not care what the federal judge says.
Why isn't there an outcry to be heard around the world? We seem to be doomed due to complacency.
— Chris Kurby, Bartlett
Comfort to enemies
According to Steve Rosenberg, BBC News' Russia editor, Moscow believes that a recent telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump went well — for Putin, who made no major concessions while rejecting Trump's plan for a 30-day ceasefire.
Last month, a former U.S. ambassador to China, Winston Lord, said that the big winner from Trump's purge of foreign aid agencies and his threats to our European allies is China.
Russian and Chinese media have expressed delight over Trump's actions.
I'm old enough to remember when giving aid and comfort to our enemies, or at least emboldening them, was considered an act of treason. At the very least, it is a dereliction of duty and a potential cause for impeachment.
— David Frank DeLuca, Palm Bay, Florida
Reminiscent of 1938
Russia invaded Ukraine, an independent and sovereign nation, with no provocation and has managed to control certain areas. Now it seems that Trump wants to broker a deal that would cede part of Ukraine to Russia to end the fighting.
I recall a similar situation at the Munich Agreement in 1938, when British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain allowed Adolf Hitler to annex the Sudetenland (the German-speaking part of Czechoslovakia) in return for no more expansion. This was called appeasement.
Months later, Hitler occupied the rest of Czechoslovakia and invaded Poland, and we all know the rest of the story.
— Heidrun Hoppe, Evanston
What is happening?
What is happening to the United States of America? Are we really going to let President Donald Trump tear down all that's been built in the last five decades?
Is this an overreaction? Or is it a natural response to the administration gutting the Department of Education and other government agencies?
How does Trump have any credibility left? Have we forgotten he disgraced the graves at Arlington National Ceremony? That he insulted veterans, prisoners of war, Mexicans, Black people, people with disabilities, transgender people, women and others who don't serve his bottom line or ego? Isn't he a convicted felon who brags about sexually assaulting women?
If Republicans so overwhelmingly follow Jesus Christ, why do they support a man whose character is the opposite?
What's wrong with diversity, equity and inclusion? Doesn't diversity just honor that we're all unique? Doesn't equity mean we should have access to what we need? Doesn't inclusion say we each matter? If the administration disagrees, can it provide sound arguments?
If the Trump administration is so afraid of people being promoted due to their race, why are so many Trump appointees unqualified? How is Elon Musk qualified when he thinks empathy is weakness?
If the Trump administration cares so much about addressing antisemitism — and it should — why aren't they as vocal about anti-Black racism? Anti-Latinx racism? Anti-Muslim racism? Anti-Asian hate? Anti-LGBTQ hate?
Why are people so afraid of transgender women in bathrooms? If people want to protect women — and we should — shouldn't we be protecting them from men like Trump, who has a history of hurting women?
How much of a threat to our democracy is Trump? Doesn't inciting a violent mob to attack the U.S. Capitol demonstrate he has no respect for America, its institutions or its people?
Who will hold him accountable? Who will protect us in the event of a coup?
Lastly, how do we continue to build a country that benefits all Americans and endures as a beacon of truth and justice throughout the world?
Or maybe, President Trump, why not just resign and live out the rest of your days in peace at Mar-a-Lago? Aren't you exhausted? And do you really not have enough?
— Derek Salinas-Lazarski, Oak Park
Government is bloated
I don't understand all the whining going on about the Department of Government Efficiency. Its stated purpose is eliminating waste and fraud in our government to make it more efficient and cost-effective. The U.S. government spent $6.8 trillion in fiscal year 2024, which comes out to about $20,000 per person, thus making it one of the biggest businesses in the world.
Does it not make sense then to have the richest business entrepreneur in the world, who shapes markets and industries, run such a department? If our private sector operated businesses based on the government's model, these businesses would go bankrupt.
Wake up, people.
— Mike Rice, Chicago
Hoarding of wealth
I do believe that there may be fraud and waste in the federal government that needs to be addressed. But in a large, diverse country such as the United States, the government provides essential services and protections that benefit all of us. Recklessly slashing everything the government does without congressional approval is unconstitutional and most certainly unethical.
With 750 billionaires in this country, we can provide services for all who need them here in this country and abroad too. But instead, these extraordinarily wealthy people, who were able to build their assets in our great nation, are advocating for tax breaks for themselves instead of doing what's right for their fellow Americans. A progressive wealth tax on billionaires and millionaires could generate billions of dollars assuring that all Americans can have decent, affordable housing; good health care; adequate education; and much, much more. The fact that these wealthy Americans would rather preserve their immense wealth instead of making a small sacrifice to truly make America great is shameful and a real tragedy.