By Herman Brockman OpEd Two Arctic apple varieties have been in the news recently because of their “approval” by the USDA and FDA. “Approval” is commonly used in the media, but the reality is that the USDA “deregulated” these Arctic…
Editorial Page
Racism and Inequality in America
by Clare Howard • • 1 Comment
Inequality is poisoning the American dream. As economic inequality grows, expanding geographic areas of this country lose hope. Hopelessness destroys democracy and poisons faith in the judicial system. Right now, faith in the American judicial system is paper thin: Trayvon…
Lift the ban on public housing for people with non-violent criminal convictions
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
Hedy Elliott Gardner OpEd All across the country people struggle to find affordable housing. People who are low income or on a fixed income find it especially challenging. The demand is driving the cost up so high that there is…
Save the Monarchs
by Community Word Staff • • 1 Comment
By Bonnie Cox The monarch butterfly, state of Illinois insect, is in danger of extinction. Their population is down by 90 percent in the overwintering grounds of Mexico. Some believe the monarch will share the history of the passenger pigeon.…
No responsible government ever, ever sells precious park land
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
So now the verdict is in: On April 14, only three members of the Peoria City Council voted to stop the sale of nearly six acres of Riverfront Park for a private apartment development. The rest voted to proceed…
WOULD THE DEATH PENALTY FOR LITTERING BE TOO OVER THE TOP?
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
By George Hopkins OK, we’re kidding. But such thoughts do cross our minds as my wife and I hike the two miles daily that’s supposed to be good for us. Over the years we’ve found some amazing stuff: of course…
Editorials – HOW “EFFICIENT” ARE HUMAN RIGHTS?
by Clare Howard • • 0 Comments
WHAT’S THE COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF MORALITY? Words that obfuscate: Cut the Illinois income tax surcharge: This really means a tax savings bonanza for high-income earners and a miniscule savings for middle- and low-income earners. Right to work: This really means…
College Adjuncts Paid Below Minimum Wage: UNIONIZE
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
Colleges and universities are increasingly relying on adjuncts rather than full-time faculty. Adjuncts are part-time teaching staff who often have master’s or doctoral degrees. They are usually paid a set amount per course taught. Adjuncts don’t receive health insurance or…
My Freedom to Grow Food
by Community Word Staff • • 1 Comment
By Anne Patterson This spring, I will walk out my door and become even more vigilant about what is happening on my small bio-diverse farm. I’m a little nervous about this upcoming growing year. Normally, I am not. Why can’t…
Letters
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
Trans-Pacific Partnership: Bad for Labor; Bad for the Environment The Trans-Pacific Partnership has rightly received some negative attention in recent months as the Obama Administration pushes for its ratification and implementation. Creating a race to the bottom, the provisions of…