The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Takeout for now
Tightened restrictions to prevent COVID-19 spread in DuPage, Kane, Kankakee and Will counties is a blow to restaurants. Give them a hand by ordering takeout - and picking it up in a safe way, with masks and with curbside or drive-through service, if possible.
Long lines a good sign
Nobody likes to wait in line, but take heart in the number of people who have turned out for early voting. It means we have engaged citizens who want their voices to be heard. No matter your political affiliation, you should be part of the process. Democracy is not a spectator sport.
Pick your voting options
What is your strategy to vote? Are you voting by mail, planning to vote early in person, or are you doing research ahead of a personal tradition to cast your ballot on Election Day? No matter how you do it, be sure to vote. There are important federal, state and local races and issues that must be decided and your vote is critically important.
Bleating hearts?
Tuesday evening in Schaumburg, a man ranted at a Walgreens cashier who told him he had to wear a mask or leave. On his way out, he yelled that customers who were wearing masks were just "sheep." If complying with public health guidelines based on proven science and doing our part to curb the spread of a potentially fatal virus makes us sheep, ewe can sign us up.
This week's Clippable Quote
"Perhaps imagination is only intelligence having fun." - Harvard intellectual George Scialabba
Municipal income taxes?
The Illinois Policy Institute points out the original language in the progressive income tax amendment proposal would have prohibited local income taxes, but that changed by the time legislators OK'd the referendum question. Hmmm. Wonder why?
Advance on the election
Our Editor John Lampinen takes part in a panel discussion of the election at 7 p.m. Tuesday in a free program of Northwest Suburban High School District 214 Community Ed. To check in on the discussion, register at www.ce.d214.org/decision-2020.
Decision time for sports
A decision on the fate of winter high school sports is expected from the IDPH and the IHSA next week. While we know how badly student-athletes and coaches are champing at the bit to start the winter season, we also trust in those two agencies to make the decision with the ultimate priority being health and safety.
Remembering Chief Charles Wernick
Retired Northbrook Police Chief Charles Wernick, formerly of Long Grove, has died at 74. Described as "a cop's cop," Wernick was an early leader in the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force and was known for connecting with all parts of the community. Our sympathies to his family.
Remembering Monsignor Meyer
In a long and successful life, Monsignor Charles R. Meyer left his mark through local service and as a renowned scholar. Among many honors, Meyer was recognized by Pope Benedict XVI for his long service to the St. Mary of the Lake and Mundelein Seminary, where he was a senior professor emeritus. Monsignor Meyer died last week, two weeks after his 100th birthday.
Remembering Joel Daly
Joel Daly set a standard for excellence in broadcast journalism at ABC 7 Chicago that would make him a household name for generations of Chicagoans. Daly, who died this week at 86, retired in 2005, but his Hall of Fame legend will live long in memories of Chicago-area viewers. We mourn his passing.