You might have heard this, but those legislative giants in the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill recently to guarantee back pay for all federal employees furloughed in the continuing government shutdown. As of press time, the Senate had yet to undertake voting on the same measure. How benevolent it was of the Republican-controlled House to approve what amounts to more paid vacation time for federal workers. Yes, the House members of the Grand Old Party really have their priorities straight. But we can’t and shouldn’t blame these workers; we’re certain they’re just as convulsed in laughter as we are over how pitifully injudicious their bosses are. Or, maybe not. When you consider the body of evidence inside the Beltway, perhaps being paid to not work is just business as usual. If that’s the prevailing model, there certainly is ample substantiation of achievement on that front.
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We’re pumped about the coming of Grand Park, which will mean more to the city than any of us can possibly measure now. On a recent tour of the facility, which still is under construction but is scheduled to open in the spring, we were in awe of its size and offerings. Everything is first class, well thought out and designed for not just the eventual competitors, but spectators, too. It has to be the finest project of its type in the nation and should prove to be the eventual standard against which others will be judged. Don’t take our word for it, though. See for yourself from 1 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 19, when the free Progress Preview Event is held. There will be free refreshments and giveaways (while supplies last), and visitors will be encouraged to walk to multiple areas of the park to see the construction progress. Parking will be available in the main lot accessible from 191st Street west of Tomlinson