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

This week's Clippable Quote

"If my voice could reach throughout our country and be heard in its remotest hamlet, I would say `Be of good cheer. The republic will live.'" - Samuel Tilden, reflecting on his bitter defeat in the 1876 presidential race against Rutherford B. Hayes.

Adding context to that quote

The 1876 election was one of the most disputed in U.S. history. Samuel Tilden, who won the popular vote, never formally conceded and he was much less conciliatory in the rest of this speech, which for the most part focused on his disgust with the process.

Pandemic theater

Creativity, innovation and flexibility are words to live by amid COVID-19. One of the latest examples is Wauconda High School's fall play, which premiers online this weekend. A traditional main-stage musical wasn't doable, so this project features the work of 62 students in a mix of live scenes, student recorded scenes and Zoom performed outside and filmed. Break a leg, kids.

The 1% view, Part 1

Are we the only ones who are struck by the irony of Gov. J.B. Pritzker demonizing billionaires in his response to the failure of the so-called "Fair Tax" proposal?

The 1% view, Part 2

Speaking of that, are we the only ones who are struck by the irony of Gov. J.B. Pritzker complaining about billionaires trying to buy elections?

Take a breath, reset and reevaluate

The past few days have been an emotional wringer. It's OK to turn off the noise of TV pundits. It's OK to take a break from Twitter. It's OK to block Facebook trolls. And it's OK to cut toxic people out of your life to preserve your mental well-being.

Conscience or pragmatism?

Three top Illinois Democrats - Gov. Pritzker and Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth - at last have stood up to call for embattled House Speaker Michael Madigan to give up his leadership positions. It's a victory for ethics, perhaps, but isn't it curious that it followed one day after an election when Democrats nationwide fared worse than expected?

The wait continues

While a spattering of school districts have made the decision to follow state health guidelines concerning winter high school sports, many are still waiting on legal guidance. Meanwhile, the IHSA and the governor's office still aren't making any progress. The clock is ticking. Everyone involved deserves resolution and a plan moving forward soon.

'A very dark path'

The numbers don't lie. The state's pandemic toll reached 10,079 deaths and 465,540 cases Friday. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the state is "heading down a very dark path." The prospect of a new lockdown grows daily. Our best hope: Wear a mask. Wash your hands often. Keep your distance from others.

Let's do it together

We have every confidence the governor is concerned and compassionate about the impact of "further statewide mitigations" health officials plan if the COVID-19 numbers don't improve. We're not so positive about how seriously he has involved those most affected in the decisions. He has tough calls to make. He shouldn't make them alone.

We need a little

Holiday music is 24/7 as of Friday on WLIT 93.9-FM, in past years the trigger for an annual grumble about pushing the seasons. But this year, we'll take it. We could use a little Christmas cheer and good will to all.