Thumbs up, thumbs down
Thumbs up to all Connecticut residents who take the time to raise the nation’s colors to mark Flag Day on Tuesday. It’s a commonly overlooked
tradition, having been established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. But it is not a federal holiday. Thus, it remains up to Americans on whether to commemorate the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777. Old Glory has evolved somewhat in those 245 years, as have attitudes toward it. But given the strife in the nation and the world, it’s an appropriate time to honor America’s most enduring symbol.
Thumbs down to unruly behavior at some state parks that has led to a temporary alcohol ban. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced last week that seven recreation areas would not allow alcohol for the rest of the summer after reports of property damage and trespassing and complaints from the surrounding communities. The locations include Beach Pond Boat Launch in Voluntown, Billings Lake State Boat Launch in North Stonington, Gardner Lake State Park in Salem, Lake Waramaug State Park in New Preston, Paugussett State Forest and George Waldo State Park in Southbury, Quaddick State Park in Thompson, as well as Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown and Middlefield.
Thumbs down to yet another wrong-way death on Connecticut highways. This time it was on Route 15 in East Hartford, but it’s been happening on
freeways across the state this year. According to state data, 14 people have died in wrongway crashes on state roads in 2022, already higher than any time in the past three years. The No. 1 cause remains driver impairment, though the most recent incident remains under investigation. State police can’t be everywhere — it’s on everyone to ensure not just that they’re driving safely, but the people they’re with are taking precautions, as well. Don’t let people leave the house or the bar and get behind the wheel if they’ve had too much to drink. The consequences are too severe.
Thumbs up to progress toward a gun safety bill in Congress. U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, has made the issue his hallmark
for the past 10 years, since the Sandy Hook shootings. In the face of heavy resistance, Murphy appears to have helped put together a package of reforms that, while falling fall short of what activists might have hoped, may take real steps toward a better future. It’s more than we might have expected a week ago. It’s a fragile deal, and requires the continued cooperation of 10 Republicans in the Senate along with all 50 Democrats, as well as House approval, but it could be the first step toward real gun safety. We’ve certainly waited long enough.
Thumbs down to homophobic acts in advance of Darien hosting its first Pride celebration over the weekend. The Darien Pride Committee reported the theft of lawn signs and a complaint to a business about the display of a Pride flag, as well as some ugly rhetoric. The acts serve as evidence of the need for such events to expand discussions about inclusiveness.