Here are previews of some editorials we're working on. Let us know what you think. The best comments will appear alongside them in the print edition.
--The death of 14-year-old Destinee Parker from a case of the H1N1 flu virus is tragic. The Montebello Middle School student was part of a loving family and had ambitious plans to pursue a career in art. It's also frightening -- Destinee is Maryland's first youth to die of the swine flu without having an apparent underlying illness. Her story is bound to increase the anxiety among parents and the public at large for the spread of the virus during the flu season this fall and winter.
It is, however, important to remember that although our familiarity with the seasonal flu has made it seem less dangerous, it too is a killer. In fact, about 1,000 adults -- and three youths -- died from it last winter, far more than have been killed so far from the swine flu. This virus has some characteristics that are different from the seasonal flu -- it appears to affect the young more than the old, for example -- but it is too early to conclude that it poses a new and unfamiliar danger.
Still, the attention a case like Destinee's inevitably draws is invaluable if it persuades people to take steps to prevent the spread of H1N1, steps they should be taking every year anyway to prevent the spread of seasonal flu. Our best hope is that her death might encourage more people to be vaccinated, to stay home when they're sick, to wash their hands frequently and, if necessary, to wear face masks.
--Mayor Sheila Dixon's attorneys have succeeded in splitting the charges against her into two trials: one on accusations that she stole gift cards, and one on charges that she committed perjury in failing to report gifts from developer Ronald Lipscomb. Maybe this development will help her chances, maybe it won't. But one thing's for sure: It's not good for the city. This development drags out Ms. Dixon's legal woes and keeps the city in limbo even longer.
