The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
This editorial represents the consensus opinion of The Daily Herald Editorial Board.
This week's Clippable Quote
We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives ... not looking for flaws, but for potential. - Ellen Goodman
We're all rooting for Hamlin
Even non sports fans had to cheer the news that Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin woke up Thursday morning and asked in writing, "Did we win?" Hamlin is still fighting for his life after collapsing during Monday night's game. But he has united and inspired a nation too often divided by tribalism and petty political disputes. In this case, we're all Hamlin fans.
Good faith goes a long way
Arlington Heights trustees signed off on a three-year contract with firefighters reached after just a day and a half of negotiations. Also this week, the Hoffman Estates board approved a three-year pact with police sergeants hammered out in just three meetings. No lawyers were involved in either deal. It's a joy to see what good faith can accomplish.
Tuning in
Adam Kinzinger ended his congressional career this month in a big way - closing out his service as one of only two Republicans willing to serve on the House's Jan. 6 committee. We thank him for his contributions to the committee and to Illinois' 16th District. And we wish him well on his new gig senior political commentator for CNN.
Happy birthday, Virginia
Virginia McCaskey celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday. It's definitely been a rough season for the McCaskey family matriarch to watch. Hopefully the Bears turn things around quickly and bring the George Halas Trophy - named after her father - back to Chicago.
Boost for Wheaton library
Congratulations to the Wheaton Public Library for getting a $750,000 federal grant to refurbish its west plaza. The funding also will allow the library to improve accessibility and expand outdoor programming. The plaza is a great space overlooking Adams Park in downtown Wheaton. It's nice to hear that it will get some needed repairs.
Just for the record ...
While some political opponents may be gloating, the convulsions in the U.S. House this week are not fun to watch for anyone who really cares about democracy. But they are part of our representative democracy. The good news is that our nation's history has proved the familiar saying "This too shall pass."
Hope in cooperation
Economic spats are all too common among the city of Chicago and individual suburbs. A new initiative announced this week offers an encouraging new approach - cooperation. The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership offers the prospect of greater prosperity for the entire region.
Wildlife struggles, human compassion
Alas, a determined rescue effort couldn't save a young bald eagle discovered stranded on the ice Sunday in Waukegan Harbor. The bird died later, probably from eating a poisoned rodent. We all hoped for a happier ending. Still, it's heartwarming to realize so many people care so much about the wildlife around us.