As a first-time attendee of the Summer School (“The American Midwest,” The Rockford Institute’s Fourth Annual Summer School, 2001), I can sincerely say that I had one of the best times of my life—intellectually, spiritually, and socially.  Having strong family roots in the Midwest, my regional pride and knowledge of this beautiful section of the country were increased immensely.  I was even inspired to take a two-day drive through the “Driftless Area” of southern Wisconsin and northwestern Illinois to think about what I had learned and to pray that “Progress” will not ruin this area as it has so many others.

Of particular interest was our visit to the Ditzler farm (see “For Keeps!  A Christian Defense of Property,” Views, April 2001).  To say that I was outraged by the way this family has been treated would be an understatement.  People who were trying to preserve the beauties of nature on their land get their motives and character traduced by the now pathetic Chicago Tribune and their property seized and ruined, with nary a word from any national environmental organization.  This evil alliance of the land developers and local and state governments must be fought before all of the open spaces in Illinois are destroyed.  Thank God for Chronicles, which, unlike so many so-called conservative publications, has consistently fought the squalid suburban sprawl that is destroying the United States.  I would even urge liberals to attend the Summer School, because I think they would find some points in common.  Not all conservatives are pro-big-business, anti-environment, and pro-interventionist.

If you love Chronicles, you will love the Summer School.

        —Alan M. Stock
Barrington, IL