The Soapbox
Altruism is alive and well:
It’s one thing to offer help to someone you know and love, but there’s something even more virtuous about sacrificing for the benefit of a complete stranger. The seven employees at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood who donated kidneys in recent years are saintly and an example to all of us.
A goal of safety:
A Vernon Hills family’s push for a law requiring that soccer goals be tip-resistant is moving forward. Their 6-year-old was killed when a goal landed on him in 2003. It’s a good reminder for parent volunteers as outdoor soccer leagues start up: Take extra care to ensure those goals are anchored well.
The money game:
Making profits as high as 20 percent, two teams of students from Prairie Ridge High School in Crystal Lake claimed top places in an investing competition against 764 other teams from Illinois. Maybe we should put them in charge of the state’s finances.
Keeping perspective:
Yes, April showers will bring May flowers, but really? The past couple of weeks have been ridiculous. But with flooding in southern Illinois and the devastating tornadoes even further south, we can’t complain too much about our squishy suburban lawns.
Heading off track?
Metra’s eager to clean up after a variety of woes attributed to former CEO Phil Pagano. But authorizing two no-bid contracts for up to $725,000 — one to a firm already paid $500,000 and another to a consultant charging $275 an hour — is not the way to get squeaky clean.
Game of chicken:
The village of Carpentersville says it can no longer afford part-time crossing guards it has used for 25 years. Problem is, Carpentersville-based District 300 and Barrington-based District 220 have their own financial issues. It’s time to quit playing chicken and find a cooperative solution for a perhaps slimmed-down program — or the kids lose.
Remember motor-voter?
The 10-year-old law that allows Illinois citizens to register to vote at driver’s license facilities was only “temporary.” Legislation to make it permanent is only a House vote and governor’s signature away. In light of the local election turnout, it’s obvious voters need all the encouragement they can get to enter the process.
Makes you think:
Police in Kane County found 7 kilos of heroin in a vehicle this week – that’s 15 pounds, worth $2.1 million. When there’s a bust like that, one can’t help but wonder how much more is being driven around undetected.
And speaking of dope(s):
In seemingly every big suburban drug bust recently, the alleged mules have been tripped up by simple traffic violations: driving too slow, not signaling for a turn, not having a driver’s license. You’d think distributors would take better care with their valuable stuff. They say prisons are not filled with geniuses, and thank goodness for that.
A modern fairy tale:
The traditions of royalty are older than the hills, but Prince William and the new Princess Catherine have the stuff to bring the British monarchy into the 21st century. We offer the couple our best wishes.