The Soapbox
Welcome home, Haley:
Haley Reinhart, the second District 214 alumnus to make the “American Idol” Top 3 in two years, comes home to Wheeling today. She’ll get a rousing welcome, no doubt, and treat fans to a concert at Arlington Park racetrack. Let’s infuse her with the energy to become the second in as many years from the Northwest suburbs to become the American Idol.
They need your support:
Arlington Park made its spring racing debut with free admission for fans. The Chicago Sky is just weeks away from opening its sixth WNBA season, and the Chicago Bandits will open their new softball stadium in Rosemont next month. They all need a larger fan base so we hope you check them out.
Speaking out:
Sen. John McCain could have remained silent. To be sure, his party’s message is an overwhelming assertion that the bin Laden killing justifies waterboarding. But McCain spoke out passionately against the practice. In an era of great divisiveness, it takes something special to contradict “the party line.” Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin called it “leadership.”
Sign of the times:State Rep. Suzi Schmidt#146;s phone service to her Lake Villa office was cut off earlier this week because the state didn#146;t pay the bill. Kinda makes you want to laugh. Kinda makes you want to cry.Sad milestone:A milestone of sorts was passed this week involving the tragedy at the Muddy Paws Dog Rescue in Deer Park. The building where the bodies of 30 dogs, three birds and an opossum were found last December was torn down. Demolition crews are hauling away the debris, but for many, that won#146;t easily erase that horrific discovery.A salute times two:In line at a suburban convenience store, the soldier pulls out money, only to be told, #147;No, the lady back there#146;s got you.#148; Everyone turns to look, but her back is all you see. She#146;d given the cashier a quiet nod and flash of cash, then tried to go unnoticed herself. It was a sweet act of kindness and gratitude that made the soldier#146;s day. Thanks, lady.Success, but more to do: It#146;s been eight years since 6-year-old Zach Tran. of Vernon HIlls, was killed when a soccer goal fell on him. He can finally rest in a little more peace now that the legislature has required new safety measures. But his dad isn#146;t resting. Too many other states, he says, need similar measures. Thanks for not giving up, Dad.Three cheers for Jay: Addison paramedic Joel #147;Jay#148; Arnier fishing the Fox River near McHenry Tuesday when he heard a woman scream. He saw the baby in her arms, zipped over and was able to revive the lifeless body of 20-month-old Kaitlyn Winoker, who had fallen into the water. Her mom, Trisha Schuler, called him Kaitlyn#146;s guardian angel. Amen to that. Bring on the Heat:OK, LeBron. You dissed us and your hometown to try to create an NBA superteam in Miami. With your two playoff series#146; wins, things may be going according to plan so far, but be warned. D. Rose and his mates have some plans of their own.