Click here to subscribe today or Login.
Diamonds to all clubs, organizations, agencies and businesses who joined in marking “Earth Day” this year, either by staging events held earlier in the week or participating in events today. The notion of setting aside one day each year to focus attention on the environment is now — believe it or not — 47 years old. It began in 1970, and while many things have changed, including the tone of debate regarding environmental issues, it’s hard to argue that we are not better off by paying attention to our ecosystem, how we use it and how our actions can impact it.
Coal to those responsible for what looks like a muddled mess in the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. On Tuesday, union Vice President Dan Duffy criticized a directive apparently barring officers from accessing reports not their own. On Wednesday, word of an investigation of a social media post regarding the directive came out. It’s hard to comprehend the rationale for such an order, and no clear explanation has been given. But even putting those issues aside, the job of a police officer is tough enough without such avoidable distractions.
Diamonds to Duvon Smith, the New Jersey native and Plymouth newcomer who took it upon himself to become a one-man litter patrol for his adopted hometown. While too many people seem to think anyplace outside is their personal dumping ground, Smith has spent hours doing the exact opposite, picking up bags full of detritus tossed carelessly by others. Diamonds also to borough council President Gary Kochinski for proposing Smith be given a part-time summer job that would pay for his efforts. “I think he sets a pretty good example for everybody everywhere,” Kochinski said. Yes, absolutely.
Coal to those who run social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter for letting threats and even terror become part of their brand, and to a culture that has engendered such postings. This past week saw one man commit a horrendous murder live on Facebook, and locally residents saw Holy Redeemer High School attendance plummet following an apparent online comment regarding bringing a gun to school. Social media should be a way to connect and collaborate, not an outlet that brings out the worst in us.
Diamonds to the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority for maintaining 55 miles of train track, much of which is still used by local businesses. Trains may seem quaintly antiquated to some (they aren’t), and arguments can be made that they shouldn’t be run by government entities, but this effort not only supports area businesses, it keeps right-of-way stretches available just in case service from Wilkes-Barre to New York City is ever restored. And that would be a boon for everyone.
Coal to all those last-minute tax filers. Seriously, it’s the same date every year, give or take a few days. Why is it so hard to get the job done in the three months before April 15 arrives? Even a week ahead of the last day would be a big improvement for the worst procrastinators.
— Times Leader