People who use the slogan “America, love it or leave it” are ignorant of Article 5 of the Constitution, which allows “we the people” to change the government when we are not happy with it.

Twenty-seven times we have ratified changes to the government, including:

The Second Amendment, which gives us the right to bear arms.

The 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.

The 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

If you’re going to “defend America,” it helps to know just what you are defending, because the slogan “America, love it or leave it” is un-American.

And if you don’t like it, you can propose an amendment.

Jim Tomczyk, Forest Glen

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A lingering question in Laquan McDonald shooting

The Chicago Police Board, by firing four officers in the Laquan McDonald case, has spoken. But there is an important point that is not being addressed: Not one supervisor above the rank of sergeant has been fired or disciplined in any way with respect to the McDonald shooting.

During 33 years as a Chicago police officer and over three years as a Marine, it was drilled into my head that leadership always starts at the top. It’s a fantasy to conclude that one lowly sergeant had the sole responsibility to sign off on such a critical investigation, yet that’s the message that’s being sent.

Supervisors are paid handsomely to do their job, but ultimately, it seems going after the low-hanging fruit is the easy way out. There are at least six layers of supervision above the rank of police sergeant, but where were they that night and why were they not held accountable? Until command supervisors are held responsible for the actions of their subordinates, more such incidents will continue to plague an already-beleaguered department.

Supervision is a tough job, that’s why the pay and prestige are what they are. Covering up or running for cover in the face of tough decisions is cowardly, and the good, hard-working men and woman of the rank-and-file deserve the best leadership.

Where were the command officers? That’s a question that must be asked at every incident.

Bob Angone, retired Chicago police lieutenant, Miramar Beach, Florida