Putting things in perspective...

So when the Village Board meets Monday, we'll hear more about issues, inconsequential ranting about self-centered issues and the usual procedural matters.

But the village -- and its residents -- need to sit back and just realize how good things are?

Put aside the ethics argument, stop whining about OTB, stop claiming the whole village is corrupt, and look south.

Way south.

Not to Chicago, not to Springfield, not to Miami.

South to Haiti.





The devastation, as we've seen on the Internet and on TV (especially Sunday's "60 Minutes") we're spoiled, let alone lucky.

It's easy to turn away from the most impoverished nation in the western Hemisphere and blame previous administrations. But for a moment, put aside the faux issues and take some time to address humanity.

Many corporations, organizations and government agencies have coordinated relief efforts or listings of charities.

Perhaps the village can offer a similar service for residents. If nothing else, it could serve as a clearinghouse for collections, or coordinate relief efforts among the village -- school districts, library districts and park district.

I don't think it's a difficult thing to do -- and it might be one issue the entire Board -- or eveb community - could agree on.

If nothing else, they'd realize just how good we have it.