Editorial: Thumbs

Published 7:02 am Sunday, June 10, 2012

Editorial: Thumbs

To Lindsey Horejsi.

Her dream to make the U.S. Olympic swim team is a testament to perseverance and effort. Horejsi made the cut for the Olympic trials, which takes place June 26 in Omaha, Neb. If you missed the story, perhaps you should turn to the sports page. It has more than just ball sports these days. The story on Horejsi appeared Wednesday. The Olympic trials qualifying time is 1:12.19 in the breaststroke. She did it in 1:11:95 this month at the University of Minnesota. Horejsi is ranked third in the nation for her age group. We are rooting for her to make the team!

 

To Sgt. Timothy Poe.

Lying on national television about being wounded during combat is a disgrace to anyone who has served in combat and to all members of the U.S. armed forces. What a country-crooning con artist! Poe appeared on “America’s Got Talent,” a TV show on NBC that pretty much is a nationally televised talent contest, and said he was wounded in Afghanistan, became a stutterer and began singing to overcome the disorder. All of it was false. Even a photo he provided of him in combat gear was not of him. The true soldier in the picture apparently is livid over the misrepresentation. That NBC even would air such entertainment is a sign of the network’s priorities: ratings over valor.

 

To candidates who run for office.

We applaud the men and women who decided to run for elective office. It’s not easy to be in the spotlight and, at times, to get your every move raked over the coals. There are some people who sure like to complain about local leaders, but they never run for office or do much to contribute to local government, such as serving on a commission, panel or advisory board. Say what you want about candidates that you like or dislike, but be sure in the same breath to honor them for their willingness to serve the public. The debate communities go through during election season has great value to the democratic process. That debate is a lot less vibrant when there is a dearth of candidates.