Find these editorials and more on The Inquirer Editorial Board's new blog, "Say What?" (http://go.philly.com/saywhat).
Happy Fourth of July
By the time the cracked Liberty Bell pealed for the last time, to commemorate George Washington's birthday in 1846, Americans knew they had created something truly special - a democracy that worked for everyone.
Well, everyone except for blacks, and Indians, and women. But all the rights of citizenship would eventually be extended to them, too. And today, this nation admits its past ill treatment of those groups, as well as others that have suffered from prejudice and inequity - and it has tried to make amends.
Indeed, the fact that America has never stopped the hard work of trying to improve its democracy, 233 years after its founding, is all the more reason to celebrate the Declaration of Independence.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Those words from the Declaration continue to inspire freedom fighters the world over. They are words that should not be cast aside when this nation is confronted with extraordinary circumstances that test our national security, or our commitment to be a welcoming beacon to immigrants from other countries.
The Fourth of July is a good time to remember that. It is also a good time to remember all of the U.S. servicemen and -women, both here and on foreign shores, who are battling to preserve the interests of a nation that two centuries ago declared it would not be ruled by tyranny.
Independence Day is always big in Philadelphia, where the United States was born. This year's Sunoco-sponsored Welcome America events will feature what is being billed as "the largest free concert in America," starring singer Sheryl Crow.
Whether you decide to brave the crowds downtown, or escape to the Shore, or stay home and grill a few burgers, take time to reflect on what Independence Day really means.
Take a moment to think about what this country has gone through in the past. Think about what it is going through now, fighting both a two-front war and a recession. Then think about what should be done, and what you can do, to ensure its endurance.
Be smart about cards
Maybe the third time will be the charm for SEPTA's long-delayed "smart-card" fare system, but Philadelphia transit riders have every right to be peeved as they're left waiting on the platform.
It will be fall at the earliest before transit agency officials award a contract for a new electronic system to replace tokens and paper tickets on buses, subways, trolleys, and trains. Installing the $100 million system will take a few years beyond that.
The latest delay in the deadline for bids - pushed back until Aug. 18 - revolves around the esoteric, but critical, concept of whether SEPTA will own the rights to the system under intellectual-property rules. For years, though, SEPTA has been stymied by its pursuit of the latest doodads, and flexibility for fare collection. With that mind-set, there's always reason to wait for the next innovation.
No quarrel with transit officials' present goal of allowing passengers to pay for their rides with a credit card, prepaid SEPTA fare card, and even a cell phone. It would be great, too, if SEPTA riders could easily transfer to PATCO trains under the fare system.
The new fare system also might resolve the understandable gripes of riders who complain that male and female stickers on passes are discriminatory.
But how many years has SEPTA been beaten up in the media and around the office water cooler with stories of riders' confused search for tokens? Too long.
The SEPTA ticket-booth operator who isn't allowed to make change or sell tokens has become an unwitting symbol of the Philly apparatchik. It's time to retire that image.
Other cities have managed to install more flexible transit-fare systems already. At this point, SEPTA has the right design in mind. Agency officials just need to get the project moving.
Can limit foreclosures
A program to stave off mortgage foreclosures in Philadelphia is a real success story that other cities should copy.
About 1,400 foreclosures have been averted and an additional 700 sheriff's sales postponed, common pleas court officials reported. It works by requiring lenders and homeowners to meet with a volunteer court mediator to try to work out lower payments.
More lenders should participate in a similar, though voluntary, national program called Making Home Affordable. The results in Philadelphia so far are a credit to housing advocates, the mayor's office, and especially Common Pleas Judge Annette Rizzo, who helped devise the program.
Some schools must close
A decision to close a neighborhood school typically sparks a passionate community fight to save it. This time, the school won a last-minute reprieve. But perhaps it shouldn't have.
Schools chief Arlene Ackerman last week reversed a recommendation to shutter the William Penn High campus at Broad and Master Streets. After hearing protesters, she declared that it was the morally responsible thing to do.
But saving William Penn comes at a very high cost. Starting in September, the mostly vacant building will house only a senior class. When those students graduate in June 2010, the school will be closed for two years for renovation or new construction.
Like it or not, district officials must be free to close schools with small populations to get the best and broadest use of limited education dollars.
With more seats than students in the city's school system, the district still needs to close another school, or schools, in place of William Penn. There will be an outcry against any closure then, too, but Ackerman cannot afford to act out of sympathy.
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