Letters: The Rev. Michael Pfleger's political stand is ironic and hypocritical

Chicago Tribune

03-03-2025

Regarding the op-ed 'Why is St. Sabina flying the US flag upside down? America is in distress' (Feb. 26): Does anyone see the irony — or is it hypocrisy — in the Rev. Michael Pfleger criticizing President Donald Trump and comparing his administration to Nazi Germany? Unlike the good father, at least Trump was elected by those he serves.
Pfleger is best at street theater, and this is another example. Fortunately, Trump doesn't care, and if allowed, he will do more to help the St. Sabina community — such as reducing crime and increasing opportunity — than our one-party city and state can or has.
That's the biggest irony. One thing that approaches an autocracy in American government is the Democratic Party's stranglehold on Chicago and America's largest cities, which explains their common suffering.
— William Choslovsky, Chicago
We can't stand aside
The Catholic Church is alive! Finally, a Catholic priest has addressed the destruction of democracy.
For weeks, Sunday sermons in Catholic churches have tap-danced around the inhumane issues of the day, and have encouraged parishioners to 'Gaudete' — to have hope, to love one another. Each of these approaches is good, but they aren't getting to the heart of the matter when the soul of America is in jeopardy. By enumerating the many merciless changes in our government since January, the Rev. Michael Pleger is not making a political pitch. He is only summarizing the events that are changing the lives of so many people and asking everyone to respond to them.
Many churches serve all groups — regardless of religious affiliation — with food, shelter, housing and care for those in need. But Pfleger admonishes us that this is not enough. We cannot stand aside and silently witness the despicable treatment of immigrants, the poor, the homeless and government workers. We need to get our government officials involved.
Pfleger's plea is a call for church and state to work together to preserve the spirit of our nation so that our flag can fly honorably in the sun. Together, we can.
— Mary Ann McGinley, Wilmette
Desecrating grounds
Last Sunday was the anniversary of the raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima, 80 years ago by United States Marines. Many of the Marines on Iwo Jima died in combat serving our country.
How could the Chicago Archdiocese allow the Rev. Michael Pfleger to desecrate sacred parish grounds built on American soil and off the sweat of immigrants?
Did he consider the men of faith from St. Sabina Catholic Church who died serving our country, from World War II to Afghanistan?
He can hang his flag upside down at his home. St. Sabina's belongs to all of us who worship Christ and the American flag.
— Patrick J. Madden, Tinley Park
Spread act of protest
Bravo to St. Sabina Catholic Church and the Rev. Michael Pfleger for flying the U.S. flag upside down in front of their church as a symbol of emergency in order to proclaim that America is in distress. I think that is such a beautiful and perfectly apt act of protest by this church — and I wish many more churches and institutions and people would do the same thing.
In my mind, I can imagine upside-down flags flying all over America in protest — planting a flag, so to speak, and saying that what is happening in our country is horribly, unconscionably and heartbreakingly wrong, and we do not support it!
— Victoria Young, DeKalb
Priest failing at duty
I don't need another person, especially a priest, creating an anti-government climate. A church is supposed to be a nondivisive setting. Perhaps the Rev. Michael Pfleger should be told by his superiors to either refrain or to step down. Why is he concerning himself with political issues? Isn't a priest's main goal to lead lost souls to the Lord and not cause the flock to go astray?
Pfleger might want to read Matthew 22:21 and take more time to pray for the pope's health instead of inciting anxiety and confusion in his followers.
— Christopher Gomez, Chicago
US flag outside church
Why does St. Sabina Catholic Church even have an American flag on its property?
— Marty Malone, Chicago
Recall power needed
In response to the op-ed by state Rep. Kam Buckner regarding a city charter for Chicago and mayoral recall, the urgent need for mayoral recall in Chicago cannot be overstated ('A city charter is the reform Chicago actually needs, not recall powers,' Feb. 23). Without this mechanism, residents are left powerless against serious misconduct.
At Recall This Fall, I highlight, with the counsel of former Gov. Pat Quinn, that some Midwestern states allow voters to recall their mayors, while Illinois remains stuck in the past. The Illinois Constitution provides a pathway for home rule municipalities to adopt recall ordinances, yet Chicago has failed to act. This must change immediately for the good of all Chicagoans.
Some, like Buckner, dismiss recalls as disruptive. However, recalls are crucial for holding elected officials accountable. When leaders betray public trust, voters must have the power to demand change. The push for a recall is about ensuring transparency and integrity in our government. Let Illinois HB1084 have its day in court by allowing hearings and a vote in the General Assembly.
Implementing a recall mechanism would not cost taxpayers extra, as elections can align with existing schedules. Rather than being disruptive, it could unite Chicagoans in a demand for better governance, prioritizing citizens over powerful interests such as the Chicago Teachers Union or Cook County Democrats.
A recall law sends a strong message: Mayors must serve the public diligently or face the consequences. Just as shareholders can remove a failing CEO, Chicagoans deserve the right to replace ineffective leadership.
Now is the time for action. We must assert our right to recall our mayor and regain control over the future of our city.
— Daniel Boland, executive director, Committee for Chicago Mayor Recall
'Progressive' incorrect
I think it is wrong to label Mayor Brandon Johnson as a progressive. His policies are not progressive in the sense that I understand the word.
Labeling Johnson progressive is far too positive and actually demeans the concept.
— Allen Schwartz, Chicago
Dangerous conflation
The editorial about the puppet at the Chicago Cultural Center opens up a new, and dangerous, conflation ('Antisemitic fears in Chicago coalesce around a controversial puppet,' Feb. 19). The Tribune Editorial Board indicates that 'blood on your hands' is an antisemitic trope. I could find no instance online in which that expression was particular to Jews or Judaism.
As an non-Jewish, American taxpayer, I do have the blood of 48,000 Palestinians on my hands because I helped pay for the bombs that killed them all and that maimed many, many more.
I would suggest that the many Jews and gentiles who oppose the war in Gaza, as well as the 23 aldermen who didn't sign Ald. Debra Silverstein's letter, might not like being labelled antisemitic.