Saturday Soapbox: The Bob and Joe Show

The Bob and Joe Show, Part 1:

The relationship between outgoing DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom and departing State's Attorney Joe Birkett hasn't been the most cordial. One of Schillerstrom's final acts was asking for a special state's attorney to advise the county board on Birkett's replacement on the grounds that Birkett's office would be biased.

The Bob and Joe Show, Part 2:

Birkett fired back that he was offended by the insinuation and called Schillerstrom's legal motion “a stinker of a legal pleading.” It's unfortunate that two distinguished public servants have to go out on such a note. Maybe they should follow the path of other once-warring politicians: Talk it out over a beer.

A victory over discrimination:

Gay rights activists weren't the only winners this week when the Illinois General Assembly voted to permit civil unions. Whenever a society ends a discrimination against some of its members, the entire society becomes instantly stronger and more admirable.

People trump politics:

For those who are open about being gay, a payoff: Personal connections with openly gay friends, colleagues and relatives led several suburban Republicans to vote against their party and give crucial support to civil unions.

Slow down, there:

Driving 103 mph in a 45 mph zone, as Geneva Middle School North Principal Lawrence Bidlack is accused of doing, shows utter disregard for safety, and this isn't his first ticket for excessive speeding. Is a man with these lapses of judgment suited to lead a school?

Not at all scandalous:

Maybe things would be better if people actually experienced the new security measures at our airports before complaining. Been there, done that, not so bad. Really, it's about our safety.

Hang in there, Lee:

OK, so sales of the American Idol debut album of Mount Prospect's Lee DeWyze is off to a slow start. But remember, Lee, you have the heart. You have the soul. Be true to yourself and keep singing. Eventually, everyone will be living it up with you.

Early lessons in charity:

Hats off to students, parents and teachers at Fremont Elementary and Intermediate schools in the Mundelein area for again organizing a field trip to the local Target store to buy holiday gifts for less-fortunate children. The participants learn about budgeting and teamwork, but it's the life lesson about helping others that matters most.

A flip-flop for the better:

The U.S. debt commission's proposal didn't get the votes it needed to move to Congress, but we applaud Sen. Dick Durbin for his yea vote and his willingness to do something about the deficit.

The jingling of gold coins:

It's almost cliché now, but very welcome and always needed. A donor in Naperville dropped a gold coin worth $1,000 in a Salvation Army kettle to start off the holiday shopping season. It's a reminder for more of us to spare a little change.

Water over the dam:

Lots of water churns over the Kimball Street dam in downtown Elgin. The city council has decided to study harnessing hydroelectric power at the dam. For a city so green-minded, this possible return to the old days of powering a city with the river makes a lot of sense.