Soapbox: MLK service more than a photo op

Kudos to the Rev. Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Church and the Rev. James T. Meeks of Salem Baptist Church. They used Martin Luther King Jr. Day to do more than get their congregations on their feet singing gospel songs (though there was plenty of that). They added a critical discussion of racism today. Meeks shared a personal racial profiling story and Hybel called for more equity in education funding. Meeks added that the meeting of the state's largest black and white congregations should lead to them having dinner in each other's homes. Let's everyone follow suit -- open your heart, your mind, your home to someone different from you. See if it doesn't enrich your life -- and society.

Computer castoffs can find a home

Here's a riddle. What's better than a teenager who takes time to make life easier for those in need? Answer: One with computer skills. For that, turn to Eagle Scout hopeful Warren Savich of Palatine, who will be collecting computer castoffs at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Palatine from noon to 2 p.m. today. He'll refurbish the donations to give to people in need. He's working through Palatine Township to find families who could use his new creations.

To get an answer, first you gotta ask

Arlington Heights Trustee Helen Jensen said this week she suspects if residents were asked about slot machines at Arlington Park racetrack today, they'd "have no problem getting their support for slots." She might well be right. But why not test that theory? Putting questions of public interest to a referendum vote isn't a perfect way to gauge public sentiment, and it doesn't exempt elected officials from making hard decisions themselves. But it's certainly a way to find out what people are thinking. And given the ramifications, it's worth asking.

Techno-cheating

Perhaps the old-timers were right when they saw calculators as the end to a math capable population if not civilization. Now, we discover the modern version of the calculator is being used not just to calculate, but to cheat. Several Glenbard West honors math students were caught with the answers to a test stored on their calculators. Maybe these kids need more vocabulary training so they might learn the meaning of "honor." Next time, let them take a test with just a pencil. Then we'll find out what they really know.

Keep Martin Luther King Day intact

Kenneth Arnold, a candidate for the GOP nomination in the 8th Congressional District said this week he'd like to push to rename Martin Luther King Day "American Martyrs Day, " -- and include notables like Robert F. Kennedy, Rosa Parks and Sitting Bull on his list of Americans who suffered hardship or death to promote higher ideals. The idea has its attractions, but in the end doesn't get our support. King was the central figure of a cause and struggle so great it changed the course of history for a huge group of people and the nation as a whole. And, it cost him his life. For that, you get your own day.

Getting the message?

Chicago Blackhawks coach Dennis Savard ripped into his team for lack of effort after Thursday's game. Chicago Bulls coach Jim Boylan has also had occasion to criticize his team's uninspired play. When we get chewed out by our bosses, we sure get the message and respond by doing a better job. You would hope the Bulls and Blackhawks similarly respond to tongue-lashings from their bosses, although, unlike most of us, they don't risk losing their jobs and their huge salaries if they don't improve their performance.