Editorials - July 5, 2024

The effects of the pandemic are not going away any time soon and some of the lasting impact is now showing up in our youngest generation. Those who experienced the pandemic as babies and toddlers are now school-age and are showing signs of academic and developmental delays, especially for racially-marginalized and low-income children. According to an article in the New York Times, data coming out of the U.S. education system and corroborated by dozens of interviews with teachers, pediatricians and early childhood experts, the isolation that these children experienced at key stages of their lives is now manifesting itself and surprising many. 

 

These children weren’t at school yet and already spending much of their time at home, so it wasn’t readily apparent how they would be affected, unlike older children who lost in-class learning. The effect of parental stress, less exposure to people, lower attendance at preschools and significantly more time on screens and less time playing has left these kids at a deficit. Resources will need to be made available to schools to ensure that these children can eventually catch up.

 

It is an important reminder how important social interaction and physical play is to the development of future minds. – DS

Democracy, as Winston Churchill once said, is the worst form of government there is, aside from all the others. It tells us little people that we vote, our vote is counted and the person with the most votes will make decisions on our behalf. We vote, they govern. It’s with that in mind that we bring up the Supreme Court of the United States. 

 

The court’s recent, flashy decision grants former U.S. President Donald Trump a certain degree of immunity from criminal wrongdoing if he was working in his capacity as president. And while many people have flagged this as scary, the real issue with this situation is the nature of the court itself and how much power nine unelected people wield.

 

The illusion of democracy, for lack of a better term, is laid bare with these people making decisions that greatly affect the trajectory of the United States, its elections and what the president can and cannot do. Because, of course, these people are hand-picked by presidents and come complete with their own brand of partisan politics. Six of the current Justices are said to be conservative-leaning, three of whom Trump appointed personally, so they form a solid majority. And, as time goes on, it’s clear that political leanings are playing a larger role in the decisions of the court, rather than the impartiality for which courts are supposed to be known. The 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade was a perfect example of a sweeping decision made against the wishes of a majority of Americans (62 per cent wanted legal abortion access).

 

Rather undemocratic for a country that prides itself on democracy, wouldn’t you agree? People can turn out the vote on this issue or in that state, but, at the end of the day, that group of nine - who are never reviewed, removed or challenged, they are there for life - rules all. – SL 

Last week, hamlets, villages, towns and cities across the country reveled in Canada Day celebrations with fireworks and fun activities, uniting people in a shared sense of joy and national pride not seen since the Edmonton Oilers’ playoff run ended last month. Huron County is particularly fortunate to host a variety of fantastic summer parties. Just last weekend, the Multicultural Festival brought together diverse cultures in Goderich, offering a rich tapestry of traditions, cuisines and performances. The sights, sounds and flavours filling the air in The Square provided a vibrant showcase of the county’s cultural mosaic.

 

Meanwhile, in Wingham, the homecoming event organized by Joe and Heidi Carter was a remarkable, resounding success, rekindling community spirit and reconnecting old friends and neighbours.

 

All of this excitement and entertainment followed last month’s exuberant Huron County Pride Festival, which was a successful display of local inclusivity and love. And soon, August will boast the annual furrow-focused fun of the Plowing Match and the enchanting sounds of the Celtic Roots Festival, where attendees can immerse themselves in the lilting tunes and spirited dances of Celtic heritage.

 

Recently, across the Atlantic Ocean at the Glastonbury Festival, legendary Canadian actor Michael J. Fox joined the band Coldplay on stage for a performance. Fox’s appearance resonated with audiences worldwide, reminding us all of the joy that can be found in unity.

 

In a world full of bad news, it’s wonderful to see people finding time to celebrate with each other, creating memories and strengthening community bonds. These events remind us of the importance of togetherness, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual appreciation. 

 

Whether it’s a local festival, a homecoming or a shared moment of musical magic across continents, these events knit us closer, enriching our lives and strengthening the bonds that hold us together. – SBS