Welcome to our weekly column in which a topic of interest, piece of news, relevant opinion, or general request for feedback is presented. We’ll offer the topic du jour and accompanying question, and you have the opportunity to respond with your thoughts.
Simply fill out the form below. A collection of each week’s responses will appear in the following week’s column. To read last week’s responses, scroll below this week’s topic.
Publisher reserves the right to edit responses for clarity and publish online and/or in our print publications.
Please let us know your thoughts!
This week’s topic is:
Simone Biles: Olympic Expectations, Pressure & Mental Health
Earlier this week, renowned U.S. gymnast Simone Biles, age 24 and expected gold-medal contender, pulled herself out of Olympic competition—in the middle of the team all-around competition, and later the individual all-around—because of the “twisties.” Biles did not feel “on” and, to observers, her performances up to that point in these Olympics did seem off. Supporters, including past and present Olympians, lauded the decision as a difficult but necessary one, especially as a means to assuage her mental and physical health, which seemed to be affected by the incredible pressure of the Olympics, among other factors. Critics, on the other hand, decried the decision as “letting her teammates down” and “weak.”
Our questions to you:
What are your thoughts on the Simone Biles situation, the pressures that athletes face, and self-care?
Please share your thoughts by filling out this form.
Last week, we asked you about the Congressional Redistricting and you responded! Here is a sampling of reader responses. To read more, click here.
Long term politicians become jaded and will self-serve. But People just want fair boundaries based on population and geography and keeping communities together. Gov. Hogan's independent commission is committed to fairness. But the Democrat leaders of the General Assembly have now created their own commission and will, like in the past, seek to draw districts that are the most gerrymandered in the country. Enough!
Voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around!!
Debbie Yatsuk, Annapolis
There is no way that the Democratic Party will let go of the strangle hold they have on this state. They purposely arrange the districts, like the crazy quilt that makes up Anne Arundel County in such a way that I do not know what district I am in and the person representing me doesn't even live here.
Maria Museler, Annapolis
It's not a matter of fair. Until all states play by the same redistricting rules, gerrymandering will happen in favor of whichever party is in the majority.
Cindy Davis, Annapolis