Thumbs up, thumbs down
Thumbs up to readers who have already made this year’s Giving Fund campaign the most successful in its nearly 40-year history. Working with Family Centers and Person-to-Person, the Stamford Advocate and Greenwich Time offer readers the opportunity to help neighbors in need during the holiday season. The need has been greater than ever during the pandemic, and generous donations continue to help to fill gaps in homes throughout our communities. To make a donation online, visit givingfund.isecuresites.com.
Thumbs up to Connecticut lawmakers who were sworn in last Wednesday during a ceremony forced outdoors by the pandemic. The al fresco event meant they were surrounded by 500 protesters, including some who were defiant about the presidential election, but the event went off peacefully only hours before the riots in Washington, D.C. As they launch into a new session, and face likely opposition from lobbyists, protesters, one another, and, often, us, it’s worth pausing to note the sacrifices they make to serve the public.
Thumbs up to state lawmakers’ contention that the state Capitol complex is secure, which is more important than ever in the aftermath of last week’s events at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. But it wasn’t just in D.C. — state capitals around the country have been the scene of violent protests over the past year, including in Michigan, where a plot was alleged to kidnap that state’s governor. Connecticut leaders say they are prepared for problems at our seat of government, which is welcome. What is disheartening is that the question needs to be asked.
Thumbs downto uncertainty over whether there will be a winter sports season in Connecticut high schools. State officials had targeted Jan. 19 as a potential starting date for practices, but coaches and athletic directors say they remain in the dark about what a season might look like and how they can best prepare. While the fall season was a challenge, and football never got off the ground because of concerns about close contact, some games were able to be played. But with all competition moved indoors, that becomes harder to plan, especially with many schools still in hybrid or remote-learning mode.
Thumbs up to the state Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, whose leaders say they are not prioritizing a revisit of last summer’s police accountability law. That legislation, which has been the subject of controversy from officers and their supporters, needs to be given time to take full effect before it could be properly judged. Contrary to opponents’ charges, the law was not rushed through, and there are many valuable components. Passed in the midst of nationwide protests over systemic racism in policing and other arenas, it’s a necessary step toward justice for all Americans. It is far too soon to change a law that has only recently passed.
Thumbs up to UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma, who tied the late Pat Summitt for second on the wins list in the sport’s history. With victory No. 1,098 on Saturday, Auriemma is seven behind Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer, who continues to pad her own total as coach of the top-ranked team in the nation. Auriemma, of course, owns 11 national championships, more than anyone else, and appears to have a vintage team assembled again this year. But there’s never a down season at UConn, where going undefeated is the goal and anything short of a title is almost a letdown. This is far from the last milestone for Auriemma.