Posted: Thursday, July 3, 2008 12:00 am
Thumbs Up
To us. Well of course to us; it's the Fourth of July. Take time for families, for some fun, and especially for reflection on and celebration of our nation's ideals. We can go back to the serious stuff tomorrow.
Thumbs Down
To the people who aren't careful with fireworks. As we said, it's the Fourth of July. Wisconsin's fireworks law is stronger, but people must still obey it. We realize most people do, and we hope they'll report the others whose private pyrotechnics are a danger to everyone and everyone's houses. Here's a good use for those cell phone cameras which almost everyone now has, photograph the miscreants. Hint: Municipally sponsored fireworks shows are better and safer.
Thumbs Thumbs
To the paparazzi and the surfers feuding on the beaches of Los Angeles. The paparazzi have been obnoxious for years, so a bunch of surfers appointed themselves guardians of the public, or something, and are being obnoxious toward any passerby with a camera in order to - what, protect celebrities from publicity which they want but can't control?
Thumbs Up
To another decrease in Wisconsin's abortion rate. Whether you define it as lives saved or misery avoided it's good news, and both sides in the debate are happy. Each credits its own method for the decrease, of course, but the credit doesn't matter. Results do. Everybody keep doing whatever you're doing.
Thumbs Up
To Runzheimer International for being recognized - again - as among the 25 best small companies to work for. As the old advice has it: Treat others well, and they will respond in kind. Knowing that there remain good places to work for is also a good antidote to all the economic gloom in the air.
Thumbs Up
To Midwest Airlines for cutting executive pay (the CEO is taking a 40 percent cut) along with that of its workers in order to make up for stratospheric fuel costs. When only they pay the price for a slumping business, workers understandably get angry. Midwest isn't in a happy situation but deserves credit for setting an example by making all those who share in the wealth also share the pain.