Thumbs up, thumbs down
Thumbs up to legislation to expand background checks for private gun sales passing the U.S. House of Representatives and facing a vote in the Senate. It’s been too long a road to get it this far, and it still faces little support from Republicans despite public support. Still, elected officials need to remain steadfast to try to close a loophole that can save lives. Similar measures have been rejected several times in the Senate, including in the immediate aftermath of the shooting that killed 26 students and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.
Thumbs down to whoever hacked through two authorization steps into the Sandy Hook Elementary School security system. The Associated Press reported someone representing a group claiming responsibility that it was “not backed by any nations or capital but instead backed by a desire for fun ... and a better world.” There’s nothing “fun” or “better” about anything that can scare families. It’s also a reminder of how vulnerable security systems can be.
Thumbs down to sobering data about COVID-19 cases in Connecticut. It’s easy to be lulled as vaccination and re-opening efforts move forward, but the number of cases in the state remain daunting. While the data indicates that COVID hospitalizations reached the lowest point (390) since Nov. 3, there are still people dying of it every day in Connecticut.
Thumbs up to continued evidence that the flu has not taken hold in Connecticut this year. Yes, the number of cases recently rose by 10, but that only raised the total number in the state to 88. Compare that 88 with the 11,149 people who tested positive for the flu a year ago. There also were 65 flu-associated deaths last year, while there has been one this flu season. Anyone still wondering about the effectiveness of masks in relation to COVID-19 should consider they likelihood that they have curtailed the spread of the flu.
A catalytic converter, a common target of thieves.
Thumbs down to the rash of thefts of catalytic converters throughout the state. Stealing parts from vehicles is loathsome under any circumstances, but school buses have recently been targeted. DATTCO bus company reports that vandals take about 10 every time they breach gates. A fleet of buses make an easy target, but stealing them puts children at risk. While municipalities such as Middletown, Durham, Cheshire, Windsor and Manchester have been victimized, there has also been a run of thefts in Greenwich. The thieves target the valuable metal used in the converters.