Actually, this one’s for Abby (Wambach) and Hope (Solo) and the rest of the U.S. Women’s World Cup team that advanced to Sunday’s final against Japan.
Against the backdrop of two lockouts (NFL and NBA) and Major League Baseball’s All-Star break, the female footballers easily stole the sports show this week. But they also provided a comeback story for the ages and inspiration for female athletes — and no doubt many boys too.
The U.S. team’s stunning come-from-behind win over Brazil last Sunday was a sports classic — men’s or women’s — that had everyone talking. The women followed that up with a win over France on Wednesday and on Sunday hope to win their first title since 1999’s memorable Rose Bowl clash against China.
Regardless of the outcome, the U.S. team has provided inspiration to not just thousands of young women who dream of playing on a big sporting stage, but a nation of sports fans as well.
Right move on city’s rec centers. The Denver City Council on Tuesday approved a plan that increases fees to use recreation centers beginning Sept. 1. Instead of charging the same flat rate for all centers, the new formula creates different rates depending on the type of center used, small, medium or large.
Rather than complain about the skyrocketing costs, we’d like to commend the council for taking what appears to be a common-sense action to address a department whose financial situation had been deemed “not sustainable” while keeping the centers affordable for youth and the elderly.
Cold-blooded killer belongs behind bars. Nearly 21 years ago, Jennifer Reali shot a woman in cold blood. Then, according to a witness, she “walked over to where Dianne [Hood] was lying. Dianne was begging for her life, and she took very careful aim and shot her again.” Reali was convicted of first-degree murder, but was up for parole this week thanks to a misguided commutation of her sentence by former Gov. Bill Ritter. Fortunately, the parole board declined to free her and she’ll have to wait five more years for another hearing.
As opponents of capital punishment, we believe first-degree murder must be punished with life in prison or the judicial system will lack moral credibility. Reali may no longer represent a threat to society, but that is no consolation to the loved ones the victim left behind.
Short Takes is compiled by Denver Post editorial writers and expresses the view of the newspaper’s editorial board.
