Editorial Page

Parsing Language: Accurate or Inflammatory

I assume that in a paper the size of the Community Word the Managing Editor must double as a reporter. I do believe, however, that person should keep news articles and editorials separate.  In the September issue, Clare Howard attempted…

Voter suppression is Illinois must end

As an authorized registrar, I recently volunteered to register voters at Kroger’s. I asked customers whether they are registered to vote. One man responded, “I can’t.” At first I assumed he meant he was in a hurry. Having second thoughts,…

Why raise the minimum wage?

Raise it to stimulate the economy. Raise it for economic justice. Raise it to tell Springfield and Washington you want public policy based on honest analysis, not partisan brinkmanship. Raise it to tell WalMart you’re tired of subsiding its profits.…

Roundup-ready weeds: Brought to you by Monsanto

by Herman Brockman The big ag pesticide/transgenic crop companies have undying faith in the “solve a problem created by our technology with yet more of our technology” principle. An example in the news of late (see, e.g. http://bigstory.ap.org/article/decision-could-boost-use-popular-weed-killer) is Dow…

Why legalize recreational marijuana?

Illinois has legalized medical uses of marijuana as part of a pilot program, but recreational marijuana remains illegal in the state. Colorado, on the other hand, legalized medical marijuana in 2000 and recreational marijuana eight months ago. Colorado has not…

IGNITEPeoria! — and keep the fire burning

Must local arts and entertainment be another attraction used to promote potential visitors to be valid, to have value? This month’s arts festival IGNITE Peoria! at the Civic Center on Saturday, August 9 seems to be an admirable endeavor: part…