Liberty. Freedom of speech. First Amendment rights. Independence. Self-determination. They are components of Independence Day and the resultant celebrations which are important to many U.S. residents, including individuals who inhabit these parts of our world.
Those lofty goals are still a part of what most of us seek to achieve: A better life in our society. It takes work to understand. It takes work to keep society flowing with good intentions. It is why we at The Voice encourage opinions and commentary, to offer ideas for improvement. We encourage the wide range of thought with the stipulation that commentaries are not libelous. Society makes advancement when uniformity of thought is challenged. Tolerance of other opinions offers advancement. Stifling opinions can be crippling. We make choices each day what kind of society we want to embrace.
Imperfect as though were the founding fathers of what came to be the United States, they were advanced thinkers of their time. Many were not understood and even scorned. Each generation must make decisions to maintain the ideals and to live up to the ideals of 244 years ago.
Each of our communities made decisions about canceling parades and made decisions on holding fireworks. It was not one-size-fits-all. That is Americana. Those who truly understand what took place 244 years ago in the colonies and in Philadelphia ordinarily maintain a firm belief in liberty, freedom of speech, and First Amendments rights and obligations. Fear of change can stifle advancement.
The Aurora city government decision to hold a processional to highlight health care workers in the morning on Independence Day is a part of seeking an improved society.
The increase in activism and awareness in the last five weeks are encouraging signs. Those against such activities may try put those expressions in the same vessel as the individuals who, in a short term, caused property damage and confrontation. Such nefarious activities properly have been discouraged and diminished.
Extreme expressions such as defunding the police offer shock value, however, in reality disbanding police/peacekeeping departments is different and more unrealistic than reallocation of some funds for improved causes. Critical thinking is important to each situation.
Important notes to consider:
• Kane County treasurer, David J. Rickert, offers a reminder that first-installment taxes which are paid after July 1 will carry a late penalty. A 30-day delay from the original June 1 due date offered a grace period to those who may have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Wednesdays at the Plaza will return this year in Aurora, however, because of the pandemic and through the State’s Phase 4 public health guidelines, the free Summer concert changes will include moving them from the plaza on Stolp to downtown businesses and will be streamed live on social media. The businesses downtown with ample spaces will serve as hosts.
• Oswego Police Department will post temporary no parking signs at the following sites for viewing fireworks Saturday, July 4 with bus transportation available: Route 71 between Route 34 and Forest Avenue; Franklin Street; Wilmette and Calumet Street; Plainfield Road between Route 71 and Linden Drive; Grove Road between Plainfield Road and Arboretum Way; Bell Court; Woolley Road between Plainfield Road and Colchester. Enjoy!
• Groups of 50 can gather under Phase 4 as of last Friday. The Naperville Park District Board of commissioners will meet at the Fort Hill Activity Center at 7 p.m. July 9 and at 6:30 p.m. July 23.
• To avoid a relapse, we must continue to use masks and keep a physical distance of six feet from other individuals, especially when we are inside. Those who do not take it seriously, are harmful!
Clear and concise, week 26
• Nouns and verbs: Invitation is a noun. Invite is a verb. They are not interchangeable.
• When using the word area, always use a descriptive adjective such as Batavia area, northern Illinois area, or Chicago area.
• The word while should not be used when the correct word is although.
• The word since should not be used when the correct word is because.