Saturday Soapbox: Cook County
Both right and wrong
When Hoffman Estates police officer Vince Pusateri declined to shake Cook County Board Chairman Todd Stroger's hand at Tuesday's disaster drill at the Sears Centre, there's no doubt he was expressing the sentiments of many fed up with arrogance, ineptitude, self-dealing and chicanery under Stroger's reign. At the same time, there's no doubt that Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod is correct in pointing out that Pusateri isn't allowed to voice his personal views when on duty as a village employee at a county-funded event. Still, we can't help hoping the village lets Pusateri off with a gentle reminder of his need to perform professionally and let it go at that. Next time, Vince, we'd suggest you write a letter to the editor -- on your own time, of course.
Here's to teachers
Did you catch American Idol on Wednesday? Perhaps the best moment came in the second half when David Cook went to his hometown and surprised his elementary school music teacher with an on-camera visit. He wanted to thank her for inspiring him to get into music. She responded to his honor sweetly: "It just thrills my heart … it makes my heart sing." Not every teacher who has left lasting inspirations in their students will get such a public honor. But they all deserve it. Why not take a moment, consider the teacher or teachers you consider influential, track them down and let them know? It might make their heart sing.
It's a dogs' world
Some days, it seems the world's going to the dogs. At many local parks and forest preserves, it's literally true. As Nadia Malik's report showed, in increasing numbers, they're setting aside special areas for pets to roam off the leash and even installing special equipment so they can get the needed exercise. This is one case where the world going to the dogs is a positive, not a negative. Go Spot, run!
Why all the Cub anniversary talk?
May 6 marked the 10th anniversary of Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood's 20-strikeout game. The week before that it was the 25th anniversary of manager Lee Elia's infamous post-game profanity-laced explosion. So why all the reminiscing about Cubbie moments? Because championship-starved Cub fans have had little else to look at but these anniversaries, especially the big one coming up this October.
Smarts + skill = special
So their championship wasn't on TV and the school didn't hold a prep rally beforehand. But that doesn't take away anything from the achievements of John Rot and Emma Davis, who took first place in the Illinois State Math Contest. The Larkin High School students bested the brightest from more than 200 high schools in the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics event last month. Some kids are strong, some are creative, and some are smart. And in the end, every student is special.
She paved the way for others
Giddy Dyer will always hold an important footnote in local history. Dyer died a couple months ago at her home in North Carolina. A memorial service will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Hinsdale Golf Club to recognize Dyer, the first woman to serve on the DuPage County Board. Dyer, a Republican, served from 1960 to 1968 and then went on to six terms as a state representative. She served during the dawn of the women's movement and, in Springfield, championed the Equal Rights Amendment. She was a trailblazer, but did so with grace and charm. She liked to say: "A woman's place is in the house -- the statehouse." Dyer was 88. Our condolences to her family.