The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.

From Trump's acceptance speech

"If the left gains power, they will demolish the suburbs." Uh, no, Mr. President, they won't.

Billboards on the White House lawn?

We could vent about the affront to the grandeur of the people's house, but we'll try instead to stick to the subject: There are a lot of things to criticize about the left, but demolishing the suburbs isn't one of them. Isn't going to happen.

Dear Mr. President

We are the suburbs. We are diverse, welcoming, secure, confident and unafraid. We are the suburbs and we aspire to greatness. We also weren't born yesterday; we recognize a sales job when we hear it.

Keep playing hard, having fun

The IHSA announced earlier this week there will be no fall state tournaments for high school sports. While disappointing, that doesn't mean student-athletes should not continue to compete to the best of their abilities and create memories for a lifetime. Compete, have fun, and make the best of it.

Beautiful upgrades to Cantigny

Cantigny Park in Wheaton has completed garden renovations as part of its ongoing Project New Leaf, and we're impressed with the results. The latest improvements to the 500-acre retreat include a new rock garden, a new fountain and a new walkway of trees. Cantigny is a suburban gem that keeps getting better.

Filling a need

COVID-19 has forced schools to start the year with remote learning, leaving many students and families in a lurch. But businesses and public spaces transformed into "pandemic pods" - unconventional learning areas with desks, chairs and Wi-Fi - are helping pupils follow their school e-learning schedule. Quick thinking that addresses a need.

Dist. 211's windfall

A problem for Palatine Schaumburg High School District 211: What to do with $17.7 million from the sale of property. The board had a point this week in delaying by a 5-2 vote a decision until the money actually changes hands. But when the time comes, the two members' idea deserves consideration: Let taxpayers share in the windfall.

This week's clippable quote

"If you believe it'll work out, you'll see opportunities. If you don't believe it'll work out, you'll see obstacles." - self-help author Wayne Dyer.

Mask care a must

Now that most people are used to wearing face coverings, the question is what's the proper way to care for a mask? Here's some sound advice "Treat your mask like your underwear," said Jade Flinn, a nurse educator for the Biocontainment Unit at Johns Hopkins Medicine. "You want to change it every day." If it's a cloth mask, make sure to wash it daily.

Rallying, not dictating, support

GOP legislators want to vote on Gov. J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home order. "I'm not here to criticize the governor amid this crisis," state Rep. Dan Ugaste of Geneva said, "but ... the state Legislature needs to be part of the decision-making process." We agree.

Remembering Jerry Bratcher

The former Palatine police chief, who died Wednesday, is best remembered for heading up the investigation into the traffic Brown's Chicken murders in 1993. He brought innovation to policing in the suburbs, and the community is better for his service. We wish comfort to his family,