The Soapbox: Brief thoughts from Daily Herald editors on suburban topics of interest
This editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.
This week's clippable quote
The essence of America - that which really unites us - is not ethnicity, or nationality, or religion. It is an idea - and what an idea it is: that you can come from humble circumstances and do great things. That it doesn't matter where you came from, but where you are going." - Condoleezza Rice
Poised to be a 'powerhouse'?
Supporters say Amtrak's new high-speed train service from Chicago to St. Louis inaugurates a new era in rail transportation in Illinois. We can hope. But does cutting a half hour off a five-and-a-half hour trip really qualify as, in their words, a powerhouse?
Plus, those complications
And, the line's success depends on much more than just the 110-mph trains. Schedules, track use, maintenance, on-time service and more all come into play. It's going to take a lot to make that half-hour savings worth the project's $2 billion price tag.
And, just sayin'
For the record, high-speed trains in Europe reach speeds of 220 mph. Now, that's the kind of powerhouse we should be striving for.
Kane County Pride
Kudos to the Kane County board for issuing a Pride Month proclamation for the first time in 186 years. On June 27, the county's LGBTQ+ community felt welcomed and supported, although the support was not unanimous. Despite that, we praise the board members who did vote for the proclamation, which represents kindness, recognition and respect for LGBTQ+ residents.
A swimming success
Let's hear it for Lavon Bayler of Elgin who, at 90 years old, notched her 10,000th mile swimming at the Taylor Family YMCA. She's a model of commitment and determination. Don't just ask us. Fellow swimmer Kim Kolaczewski will tell you she's "my inspiration." Kolaczewski, by the way, is a mere 68.
Golfing green
With amenities like milkweed gardens, no-mow areas, houses for bats, bluebirds and ducks and more, Arrowhead Golf Course in Wheaton and Hoffman Estates' Bridges of Poplar Creek are among 2,000 courses worldwide working toward certification for environmental sustainability. Congrats to them both for putting even more green in golfing.
Two reasons not to use sparklers
At the risk of sounding unpatriotic, we advise against using sparklers to celebrate the Fourth of July. First, sparklers are dangerous. They burn at about 2,000 degrees and can quickly ignite clothing. Second, we're in a drought. Sparks and parched lawns don't mix well.
Happy 4th!
It's going to be a very busy weekend in the suburbs with all of the Fourth of July festivities. Make plans now to see multiple fireworks and parades, catch an outdoor concert or movie, go on some carnival rides, dig in to food truck fare and much more this weekend. Check out our list of events at dailyherald.com/entlife/.