Their Hearts’ Desirée

Perhaps Desirée Rogers [Her Next Act, by Marcia Froelke Coburn, November] never fully understood her position as social secretary: to coordinate, plan, and organize social events for the White House, for which she was handsomely paid an annual salary of $113,000. Historically, the social secretary remained tastefully behind the scenes. How many former social secretaries can the average person name? The average American expected Rogers to work at White House social functions and not to be a guest at such events.

The article stated that her goal was “to make the White House the people’s house.” However, comments such as “I am always associated with the best” only kept “the people” at arm’s length.

In the article, she [says], “In this country, there is a bias against people who have a certain look or style.” I beg to differ. There is a bias against public servants with an attitude of arrogance and condescension.

BRUCE E. DEMPSEY Chicago

Desirée Rogers is so awesome—in achievements as well as looks—that ordinary folk hesitate to comment on her. She is royalty, does not suffer fools, and clearly is uncomfortable if not in a leadership position.

And that’s why her tenure at Johnson Publishing may be as short as the one at the White House. Being White House social secretary was prestigious, but the limelight had to be shared with too many others.

Rogers is ignoring her true calling, which is to be an entrepreneur. She was bred and educated to be one. It has to be her show and run the way she wants it. In that role, she would be an inspiration.

HOSEA L. MARTIN Chicago

CHICAGO ASKS, FACEBOOK RESPONDS

“Where do you go for great Mexican food in Chicago?”

EVERYWHERE!!! The city’s full of amazing Mexican. Too bad I can’t get any of it out in Central PA. WOW! I miss my “sweet home Chicago”!
—STACEY SMITH BAKER

I know this isn’t high cuisine, but when I want decent Mexican food on the run, I like Qdoba.
—PHILIP J. WAYNE

Cesar’s, Home of the Killer Margaritas!!!
—CAROLYN MOODY MILANI

Nuevo Léon, HANDS DOWN!
—CRISTINA MORALES KRUSE

La Sierra, which also has really good Ecuadorian food. Very friendly service, low-key atmosphere, BYO.
—JILL CHUKERMAN-TEST

New Rebozo in Oak Park is the jam. Oh my God!!
—JENNY SPIREK-PANATTONI

For tortas you have to go to Doña Torta Chilanga on Cermak and Leavitt! The tortas are named after Mexican soccer teams! The best in Chicago, hands down!
—JOSE OZUNA
 

ON HOW THE UNITED STATES GOT GOOD MEXICAN FOOD

[You say it’s] because of Rick Bayless that Mexican food is where it is. Rather, it is because of the popularity of Mexican food that Rick Bayless is where he is. What Bayless has done is bring it to your comfort zone, and he does a very good job imitating what is already being done in Mexico.
—ALEXGA31

For our selections of Chicago’s top Mexican food, go to chicagomag.com/mexicanfood.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. Write to Feedback, Chicago magazine, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1100, Chicago, IL 60611. Send e-mail to letters@chicagomag.com. Send a fax to 312-222-0699. Correspondents must identify themselves; names may be withheld on request. Please include a daytime telephone number for verification. Chicago may edit or condense letters.

FOLLOW US AT TWITTER.COM/CHICAGOMAG
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY AT FACEBOOK.COM/CHICAGOMAGAZINE