Thumbs up, thumbs down

October 29, 2005

Thumbs up to Del. Christopher B. Shank, R-Washington, for assuring citizens that Maryland will provide a fair share of the money needed for school construction and to redo the U.S. 40/Edgewood Drive intersection. Shank said citizens "can have your cake and eat it, too." Thanks, Chris.

Thumbs up to the Maryland State Highway Administration, for loaning 50 to 100 orange safety vests to parents whose children will be trick-or-treating. If it saves one child from becoming one of the 100 pedestrians who die in Maryland each year, it will be worth it.

Thumbs up to the late Steven W. Szwydek, a 20-year-old from Fulton County, Pa., who enlisted at age 17, fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He died in Iraq when an improvised explosive device was detonated near him.

Thumbs up to the estimated 500 walkers and breast cancer survivors who participated in the 16th annual Step 'n' Stride fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness-Cumberland Valley. Despite a dreary day, they walked many miles and raised more than $64,000.

Thumbs down to the members of the U.S. Senate who voted 54-43 against increasing spending for the federal home heating program. Let's remember this when someone freezes and these "public servants" start shedding their crocodile tears.

Thumbs down to the person or persons who made threats against some African-American participants in Hagerstown's annual Mummers' Parade. It's 2005 and the attitude that some are more equal than others is not acceptable.

Thumbs up to the Smithsburg Middle School Student Council, for organizing a competition between grades and school staff to raise money to donate to the Red Cross for hurricane relief. The total raised was $2,431, with eighth- graders collecting $942.69.

Thumbs down to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, for extending ex-FEMA director's Michael Brown's employment by 30 days so new employees could benefit from his "experience." Are they keeping him around to demonstrate what a bad example looks like?

Thumbs up to Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich, for his pledge that land preservation will not be sacrificed in pursuit of economic development. With today's technology, the governor said, "we can grow appropriately and accommodate the growth." Amen.

Thumbs up to the Pennsylvania State Senate, for approving legislation that would make it tougher for state spending to increase faster than leading economic indicators. We're glad that they've finally agreed to protect themselves from this temptation.

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