The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Setting an example
High school athletes who are being allowed to participate in their events this fall are doing things the right way - wearing masks when required and practicing social distancing. Coaches are being diligent about everyone following the rules, and we've heard many reports of great sportsmanship. Keep it up!
Skillicorn's rant
Well, we guess that when we pointed out that state Rep. Allen Skillicorn's temperament makes him unworthy of reelection, we also should have mentioned how loose he is with the facts and how heady he is with baseless conspiracy theories.
This week's Clippable Quote
"If you want to make it bad enough, no matter how bad it is, you can make it." - Gayle Sayers.
'Scary safe'
While the pandemic has shuttered several Chicago-area haunted houses, some suburban haunts will open in time for the season with safety precautions in place. Let's hope temperature checks, enforced social distancing, timed admission, mandatory face coverings, hand sanitizer stations and more justify calm for at least some fears.
Treat time
Elk Grove Village and other communities are providing double-sided posters to residents - one giving the green light to trick-or-treaters who are wearing face coverings and one warning trick-or-treaters to stay away this year. We bet we'll see more creative but safe options for Halloween fun.
Public service, not politics
It's sometimes a thin line that separates public service from politics. As much as we may appreciate the sentiment, it seems clear that Chicago's posting of #SayHerName on expressway billboards crosses it.
The time is now
Mail-in ballots are arriving at homes and early voting has begun in person in many suburbs, so don't procrastinate. Not registered? There's still time for that. Find out all you need to know at dailyherald.com/election.
Well-deserved praise
One day after he rescued a 14-year-old boy from a burning townhouse, Lisle police officer Bill Wise received very high praise from his boss. Police Chief Ron Wilke called Wise the true definition of a hero. "Another excellent example of why police are so vital in our society," Wilke said. We couldn't agree more.
Remembering Gayle Sayers
If you saw Chicago Bears running back Gale Sayers play in the 1960s and 70s, you saw poetry on turf as he sliced through the line, made open-field cuts that defied physics, then turned on the jets and blazed to the end zone. He was simply amazing. Sayers' Hall of Fame career was highlighted after he died this week. If you never saw him play, find a video and savor the memory.