Saturday Soapbox: Getting texty

Getting texty:Seen on a bumper sticker this week: "Guns don't kill people; drivers with cell phones do." Also seen, on a Schaumburg municipal sign: "Texting and driving spells disaster." Sad to say, but some people still need this reminder. It's against the law, so stop already.Speaking of distracted driving:Seen in Barrington Hills this week: a police officer driving while talking on his cell phone. Not texting, but still something many people, or cops, are discouraging. How about a headset?If Volo Bog is a top 10 park ...Well, we in the suburbs have several nice parks that could qualify in the national Coca-Cola best-park campaign. Lake County alone is loaded with great "parks," or forest preserves, not to mention other collar counties. We could take over the whole top 10.A healthy choice:A village shouldn't be picking and choosing new medical businesses based on how taxed its paramedics will be because of it. Palatine leaders were correct to approve a dialysis center along Dundee Road, despite the fire department's concerns. Sound judgment prevailed.Vegetation for thought:If the environmental artist Christo can dig posts and drape fabric over miles of Rocky Mountain valleys, what's so objectionable about two retired folks planting native flowers and bushes on forest preserve land where their Des Plaines condo property meets it?Calling Alexi's bluff:Gotta say, Libertarian candidate for Senate Mike Labno kind of put Democrat Alexi Giannoulias in his place. If Giannoulias really thinks Labno is a viable candidate - as he suggested in a transparent bid to split his opposition this week - why not let the Libertarian in on any debates with Republican Mark Kirk? Careful what you wish for ...Ominous signs:And speaking of transparent politicking, consider this sight in a Des Plaines yard this week: A shiny, red, white and blue sign touting Scott Lee Cohen for governor. We'll say it again - to the candidates for governor and other offices: If the major parties don't clean up their campaigns, voters are going to keep looking for alternatives.We got your back:Local sports and music fans in Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights have a dilemma Friday. Crosstown rivals Hersey and Prospect square off on the high school gridiron, while favorite-son crooner Lee DeWyze takes to the Arlington Park stage. Don't worry, fans. The Daily Herald will have reports from both venues.The right way:There are all sorts of small courtesies we can, and should, afford each other on our roadways, and here's just one of them: If continuing straight when approaching a traffic light with limited traffic, especially late at night, please stay out of the right lane if possible. It would be nice to be able to make that right turn on red occasionally.Clang, clang clunker?:We love Schaumburg's Woodfield trolley. as much as everyone else does. But we can't deny there's a tipping point between its cost and its PR potential. Here's hoping the village and Pace can reach an agreement before the line shuts down for good.