The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor

Bonehead of the day award goes to Northbrook activist

Northbrook's free speech zone. (Google maps)

Northbrook’s free speech zone. Come to count the deaths. (Google maps)

In north suburban Northbrook, a triangle of grass where Shermer Rd. and Walters Ave. intersect in downtown has become a free speech zone, following a fight years ago over whether religious messages can be posted there on such holidays as Christmas.

The dispute was settled by allowing free expression, which brings us to today’s bonehead award:

“Coronavirus Death Scoreboard To Be Unveiled In Northbrook”

As reported by Northbrook Patch:

NORTHBROOK, IL — With the number of coronavirus deaths in the United States rapidly approaching 200,000, Lee Goodman, of Peaceful Communities, is looking to make a statement regarding the deadly disease. On Friday, the “COVID Death Scoreboard” is set to be unveiled at Triangle Park, corner of Shermer Road and Walters Avenue.

“This display is a reminder of the continuing need to take precautions. Schools and businesses are reopening, but the disease is still spreading and people are still dying,” Goodman said.

Well, not so much anymore in Northbrook. None in the eight weeks since July 21. As the Patch reported, of the 42 earlier deaths, the bulk (residents and staff) were in nursing homes, of which there are seven. The age breakdown is: 80+ (28), 70-79 (6), 60-69 (6), 40-49 (1) and 30-39 (1).

In other words, no children and no young adults. Yet children and their young parents will be constantly reminded of death and dying–exactly the kind of fear that we, as a nation, don’t need to be fueling.

The news of the death tally prompted a flood of comments on a Facebook page, Reopen Illinois Schools. They’re worth reading. They range from noting how Goodman is a serial protestor (true) to some very angry ones about the damage this will to kids. As Kati Byrne Spaniak (my daughter) noted: “We cannot be scaring our children like this. This perpetuates the idea that our children will die if we send them to school.”

Well, you know, we have to make sure that the kids know how dangerous the world is and our work isn’t done until we’ve scared the hell out of every last one of them. All, of course, in the name of peace. Way to go, Lee.