NWA EDITORIAL: Thursday's thumbs

It's Thursday and another chance to fire off a few thumbs about some of news developments in our neck of the worlds and elsewhere:

When we heard Donald Trump had been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, our first reaction was that someone was pulling our leg. But no, he's among 312 candidates nominated in 2020 (211 individuals and 107 organizations). A Norwegian member of Parliament offered one nomination, citing the recent agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and the president's drawdown of American troops internationally. A Swede also says he nominated Trump, citing peace talks involving Serbia and Kosovo. Whatever points Trump deserves for peace efforts, one couldn't blame the Nobel committee if they deducted some points for figures who have also sown their share of chaos. And, for those wondering, we think the committee erred in 2009 when it gave Barack Obama the prize just nine months into his presidency.

Speaking of ill-advised nominations, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas was on President Trump's list of potential Supreme Court nominees for a second term. Granted, Trump's release of a list is a political stunt, so some of the names on it are more than likely less than serious. We hope so, anyway. Cotton says he's honored but still happy representing the people of Arkansas. He's never been a judge and has not really practiced law to any great degree. Beyond that, his public life has been staunchly partisan, an ingredient that should be avoided in the Supreme Court recipe. We suspect Cotton will keep his eye on other public office.

On Wednesday, our editorial page featured a cartoon poking a little fun at the popular practice of hanging covid-19 masks on cars' rearview mirrors. It makes sense, after all, to keep them handy during the day (and hopefully not reuse them without washing from day to day). Call it strange timing, but the next day we got a press release from the AAA urging drivers not to hand masks or anything else on rearview mirrors, because they present a safety hazard. They can partially block a driver's field of vision, increasing the risk of a crash. Imagine going to all the trouble, for health reasons, of keeping a mask handy only to end up in the hospital because of a car wreck. Keep the masks handy, but it sounds like good advice not to create one's own distractions from driving.

Some folks suggest people in public office can stay too long and there's some merit to the discussion, but as long as voters appreciate a legislator's representation enough to send him or her back time after time, who can argue? With news this week that Springdale's Kathy Jaycox will step down from the City Council, it's worth noting she's served in the position for 22 years. A lot of people can't stand the idea of running for public office or can't stomach it for long once they get in. Serving more than two decades is an achievement. Kudos to Council Member Jaycox for her contributions to the city of Springdale's progress.