Cheers & Jeers
Cheers: Jefferson-Morgan graduate Colby Simkovic was an inspiration to many in the 19 years he was given on this earth. Despite a decade-long struggle with a rare brain tumor, Simkovic strove to do good, making his mark with the Colby鈥檚 Stars Foundation, a nonprofit that helps children battling life-threatening illnesses. Simkovic passed away in 2021, but his family continues to carry on his legacy, bringing back the Kicking Cancer鈥檚 Butt Kickball Tournament on May 21 in Rices Landing. The fundraiser is the hallmark event for the foundation, and the pandemic forced its cancellation the past two years. While the tournament is a bittersweet reminder of a life lost, carrying on with the foundation鈥檚 incredible mission is certain to keep Simkovic鈥檚 memory alive.
Jeers: This is entirely unsurprising in an election season, but America鈥檚 high rate of inflation has been seized upon as an issue, with promises to bring it down. What has been almost entirely lost in the debate is that inflation is not a uniquely American issue right now 鈥� it鈥檚 a worldwide phenomenon. Canada is experiencing 5.7% inflation, a 30-year high for our neighbors to the north. Britain鈥檚 inflation rate is 7%, and Germany鈥檚 is 7.3%, its highest rate in 40 years. A recent analysis by the Brookings Institution pointed out that inflation across the globe is being driven by, among other things, 鈥減ent-up demand, persistent supply disruptions and surging commodity prices.鈥� Right now, the misery of American inflation has plenty of company.
Cheers: California University of Pennsylvania is due to merge with Edinboro and Clarion universities on July 1, with the combined institution going under the name Pennsylvania Western University. Some students and alumni have been worried, though, about how each university鈥檚 athletic teams would be handled. Many of those concerns were laid to rest last week when the NCAA gave approval for each school to retain individual programs and teams. This means the Edinboro Fighting Scots, Clarion鈥檚 Golden Eagles and Cal U.鈥檚 Vulcans will continue competing under those names. Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, president of Clarion University and interim president of California and Edinboro universities, said, 鈥淭his approval reflects the confidence in our campuses to successfully operate these programs and the important role that a strong intercollegiate program plays on a college campus. It also recognizes the impact that our student athletes have on our campuses and in our communities.鈥�
Jeers: Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill McSwain passed through Fayette, Greene and Washington counties last week, trying to drum up excitement for his bid in advance of the May 17 primary. McSwain鈥檚 campaign took a big hit earlier this month after former President Trump issued an 鈥渁nti-endorsement鈥� of him because, as a federal prosecutor in the Philadelphia region, he didn鈥檛 further Trump鈥檚 baseless claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Nevertheless, McSwain supports the idea of doing away with no-excuse, mail-in ballots in the commonwealth, even though there is no evidence they are anything other than perfectly safe and secure. McSwain said voting in person is a way to see neighbors and be part of democracy in action, which is a fine sentiment, but what about individuals who would like to vote but can鈥檛 on Election Day due to job duties, or they have to care for a loved one who can鈥檛 be left alone? If McSwain and his fellow Republicans want to do away with mail-in voting, they should answer these questions.