Thumbs up, thumbs down
Thumbs up to Danbury and Norwalk hospitals on receiving approval to provide new clinical trials for treating breast cancer, gynecological cancer and radiation oncology. Now part of the Nuvance health network, the hospitals have opened seven clinical trials for new treatment standards since obtaining the distinction from the nonprofit research organization NRG Oncology. Yale New Haven, UConn Health and Hartford Hospital are the only other hospitals in the state conducting these clinical cancer trials. The hope is that eventually the work can lead to early detection of ovarian cancer.
Thumbs up to the return to Ukraine of a large painting from 1911 that had been stolen by the Nazis in World War II and ended up in a Ridgefield house where it was enjoyed for decades without the owners realizing its history or value. David and Gabby Tracy learned the “Secret Departure of Ivan the Terrible Before the Oprichina” was authentic only when they put their art collection up for sale before downsizing and moving to Maine. The 7-and-a-halffoot by 8-and-a-half-foot canvas came with a house David Tracy had bought in 1987; the couple was pleased to have the painting returned to Ukraine. Last week a ceremony marked the formal transfer of the painting to the Dnepropetrovsk Art Museum.
Thumbs up to the governor for supporting an end to Connecticut’s religious exemption for vaccinations. The debate on vaccines is not a debate at all — they are safe and effective. The danger comes when people choose not to vaccinate themselves or their children and put other people who cannot be vaccinated at risk. The trends are worrisome for a number of diseases that had been all but eradicated, including measles. Ensuring that as many people as possible are immunized can help turn those numbers around.
Thumbs down though to Gov. Ned Lamont hiring a relative for a job in his administration. Charles Lamont Wolcott, who is the son of Lamont’s cousin, resigned days after Hearst Connecticut Media reported that he was hired as a “bodyman” for $52,000 a year. Given the nature of the work, it falls into an ethical gray area, but the governor should have known it would have an appearance of nepotism.
Thumbs up to the people whose tips to police led to the arrests of two men and possibly prevented mass shootings. Brandon Wagshol posted a Facebook threat to commit a mass shooting, while Jeremy Hugh Rogers allegedly sent a Facebook message of himself wearing a ski mask and holding an AR-15. In both cases, people who saw the messages did the right thing by contacting authorities.
Thumbs up to President Trump’s announcement that the Food and Drug Administration will develop guidelines to ban flavors used in e-cigarettes. The FDA has been slow to initiate such policies, but hopefully will see this one through. The convenient retort from the industry is that e-cigarettes can help traditional smokers kick the habit, but companies keep marketing their products like candy companies.
Thumbs down to eligible voters in 25 towns throughout the state who did not bother to cast ballots on Primary Day last Tuesday. On many Election Days, long lines are sometimes offered as excuses for not voting. The dearth of voters in cities such a Bridgeport, New Haven and Hartford suggest we should call it what it really is – apathy. That said, thumbs up to all the people who did take the time to participate in this defining Democratic process.