Laurels & lances: Podcast, protest, profession
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Laurel: To a new act. For some people, Andy Warhol was right about that 15 minutes of fame. But other people do get another bite at the celebrity apple. A local couple is getting that shot.
It comes via a podcast for Shannon Edwards and Jesse Sally. Do those names sound familiar? You might be remembering their fairly spectacular divorce that, in 2017, revealed a romantic relationship between Tim Murphy, then a Republican congressman from Upper St. Clair, and Edwards. Murphy resigned his seat.
But the two have put their differences aside. Well, aside enough to come together for their podcast on co-parenting, “You Mad, Bro?”
“We decided to take a negative experience and turn it into a positive one,” said Edwards, who is a forensic psychologist.
Though they agree it took a lot of work — and some “kicking and screaming” — to get to the point where they can talk positively about their work raising their daughter together, it’s admirable they put the work into their personal relationship and trying to help others.
Lance: To protests that come too close to home. Literally. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto has been understanding about the protests that have gripped the Pittsburgh area, like the rest of the country. Now they are at his front door.
Peduto was targeted for protests after Pittsburgh police garnered attention with a “low visibility arrest” on Saturday during a protest in Oakland. A protester who was obstructing traffic with his bike — write your own joke about “Bike Lane Bill” — was quickly and efficiently bundled into an unmarked white van.
Protests took place in front of the Peduto home until finally being broken up on Wednesday morning amid noise and harassment of neighbors. Police declared them unlawful.
“This crosses a line that cannot be allowed to continue, causing those committing crimes against residents to face possible legal consequences for their actions,” Peduto said in a statement. On Wednesday evening, the mayor ventured out on his front steps, inviting a conversation. Protesters arrived, the conversation degenerated, police in riot gear cleared the scene and a melee ensued.
The mayor has denounced the arrest tactic police used at the Saturday protest. His critics in the streets have grievances that are larger and deeper than these recent events. The First Amendment guarantees free expression and assembly. But the mayor’s neighbors don’t deserve to be collateral damage.
Laurel: To a grand ambition. Mark Jackson, 18, just graduated from junior firefighter to a full-fledged member of the New Kensington Fire Department. And he’s not stopping yet.
Jackson’s goal is to become a professional firefighter, someone who gets paid to battle flames and save lives.
We need more selfless people committed to the public good just like him.