Dart to the rowdy disruptions that have targeted members of Congress as they hold town-hall type meetings to talk with constituents about the various health-care reform proposals being discussed on Capitol Hill.
Honest disagreement and protest marches in the street are one thing, but shouting, intimidation and bullying at public meetings derail discussions this country needs to have about a critically important issue. Whether a manifestation of populist anger or concerted orchestration, these melees make you wonder what those doing the disrupting find so threatening about civil discourse. Perhaps they’re afraid that if people actually hear clear explanations about the proposals on the table, they’re going to dismiss the more ludicrous distortions being circulated. They might come to realize that health reform won’t encourage or sanction euthanasia of the elderly, slash existing Medicare benefits or drive current private insurers out of business. While some are trying to further polarize and politicize the issue, there’s a growing effort among some Democrats and Republicans in Congress to craft a plan that can win bipartisan support.
Let the discussions be lively, but if you’re afraid to let the opposition have its say, you’ve already lost the argument.
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Laurels to another turn of the wheel in Historic Salisbury Criterium bicycle races. Thursday marked the seventh year these events have been held here, and they keep getting bigger and better. More spectators, more participants, more local sponsors and volunteers pitching in to help make it happen. This year, the weather even cooperated, with a break in the typical August heat and humidity that helped cool off cyclists and the hundreds of spectators clustered on sidewalks to watch them. Along with offering good fun, the Salisbury event ó part of the multi-venue Giordana Crossroads Classic ó served a good cause, raising funds for Prevent Child Abuse Rowan.
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Dart to the mosquitoes, mold and mildew that are plaguing gardens and gardeners as we enter the final stretch of summer. Perhaps we ought not complain. An onslaught of insects and powdery mildew is the result of all the rain we’ve had, and after enduring years of severe drought, few of us are going to complain about that. Still, as you will find by reading today’s Home & Garden page (6D), many of us are complaining, or at least seeking solutions. With its heat and insects, August can be a trial, but don’t get too bugged out. This weekend brings one of the surest signs that summer will soon be over: Back-to-school sales and the tax-free buying spree.