Tag Archives: current-events

April 14, 2013 · 5:25 pm

Connecticut Governor Posed In Embarrassing Picture

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Remember when you used to look at the kid’s page in the newspaper and there would be a picture puzzle and the question would be what is wrong with this picture?  Well this is a picture released by Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy to announce, celebrate and commemorate the UCONN Women’s National Championship Basketball Team visiting his office.

Is there something wrong with the picture or is there something else wrong in the Governor’s office?

For starters the lamp that normally would be on the desk is on the floor and the Governor’s chair found on the right is perfectly set for gazing into outer space out the window.  Note, if the governor actually sat at the desk as it is set up all the doors and drawers of the desk would be facing the visitors to his office and not accessible to him.  On the other hand if he sits on the side of the desk with the drawers his back is to the door and his writing area is blocked by other items on the desk. 

It is obvious to even the casual observer Governor Malloy has done little or no work with this desk set up.  Is there any wonder why the Connecticut state budget and economy are in such a shamble?  

Here is some advice to the Governor:  Turn the desk around, put the chair at the desk so you can work, pick up the lamp so you can see what is happening and put note in the drawer that says debit to the left, credit to the right.

Oh there is one more item for the Governor to consider, OSHA and the State Fire Marshal would never approve of the lamp cord running across the direct path of foot placement.  It’s time for the Governor to get his act together, the State is in a financial malaise and there is work to be done.  The voters must consider we have a man in the office that can’t even set up his desk to work.   Sad isn’t it?

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February 27, 2013 · 11:55 am

Political Opportunism Coming For Your Money

coinsThere are several proposals before the Transportation Committee in the State Legislature to re-establish tolls on Connecticut highways.  They were a common sight in the state until a tractor-trailer slammed into cars waiting to pay a toll on Route 95 in Stratford.

The accident was horrific news reports of the day recalled the words of state police Sgt. Harold DeSanty, “The six people were incinerated”.  Their remains had to be taken to Farmington Medical Center for positive identification through dental records.

The immediate reaction in the State Legislature was a burst of emotional outrage much like we have seen recently in response to the tragedy in Sandy Hook.   Suddenly, we were told there was no economic need for tolls on Connecticut roads and the lives of all citizens were at risk if they were not removed.

Now thirty years later we are seriously considering re-establishing tolls as a source of funding for maintenance of infrastructure.  This entire episode points out so many flaws in political thinking it is hard to include all that is wrong.

Wrong is the idea that every tragedy requires some kind of government action, some headline grabbing emotional reaction to address the actions of a single situation or person.  Yes, Connecticut took down all tolls in 1983.   Have you all read about the continued carnage in Massachusetts as the death toll piles high at toll booths along the Mass. Pike?  I didn’t think so.

Taking down the tolls may not have been a bad idea but using a tragedy as the reason was merely political opportunism.  A tragedy even of horrific proportions used for politics is opportunistic and wrong.

Putting tolls up can be a good idea as is the case with HB 6052, a proposal for tolls to finance the completion of Route 11.  This is a long stalled project that would now be completed and the tolls would be removed after paying for the completion.

Such is not the case for HB-6050 and others designed to re-establish toll roads in Connecticut.  HB-6050 provides for “Gateway Tolls” on major highways along state borders.  These are inequitable and unfair to many Connecticut taxpayers.

Take for example an Enfield resident that happens to work in nearby Springfield.  They could be paying $5.00 daily to commute only 5 miles to go to work. ($1250 annually) While a person driving from Willimantic to Hartford could drive 40 miles on Connecticut roads daily and pay nothing.

Suddenly all the political rhetoric of 30 years ago is forgotten or debunked as irrelevant and out of date and we have a new crop of politicians twisting the facts for fundraising.  Like most taxes tolls are only likely to go upward once they are in place.  Just as any trucker about his toll to cross the George Washington Bridge when he drives from New Jersey to Connecticut, and get ready for a rant when he tells you it is now $105!

Our local police will tell you to lock your car at night to protect your selves from petty thieves.  I am warning you now the thieves looking for the petty cash in your car are in Hartford sitting in the legislature.  Legislators already took the money that was supposed to be for roads and used it for other things, now they want more.

Tell your legislator, NO TO THE TOLLS!

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February 17, 2013 · 7:04 pm

Good People And Bad Apples

???????????????????????????????There comes a time when standing up for what is right and just may not be popular, but it is the right thing to do.  President John F. Kennedy wrote about such individuals in his Pulitzer Prize winning book “Profiles in Courage”.   Kennedy chronicled the acts of integrity and bravery of eight U. S. Senators that suffered criticism and losses in popularity because they desired to do what was right at the time.

Today in our community there are a lot of men and women that serve their neighbors bravely and are having their integrity and character besmirched by association.  They are not U. S. Senators they are local volunteer firefighters, providing serve to their community for all the right reasons.

Make no mistake; this is not a defense, excuse or vindication for the alleged moral misconduct that may have taken place at the department or by “bad apples” within the department.  If proven guilty, their actions are abhorrent, not only to the standards of our community but also to the moral and ethical standards of our fire department.  These allegations are repugnant and repulsive not only to the citizens of Coventry but especially to our friends and neighbors that serve as members of either fire department in town.

Does it take a special dedication to serve on a volunteer fire department?  You bet it does, there are hours and hours of special training, drills and loss of family time, and it takes real dedication and commitment to do the job right.  The value to the community is enormous and members deserve to be recognized for their contribution and not denigrated and stigmatized by the guilt of association when a “bad apple” begins to rot.

The Opining Quill is not a fire fighter and has not always supported the all the goals of the fire departments in the past.  In fact, the Opining Quill opposed the construction of the newest fire house and the alteration of the fire study prior to the presentation to the public.  Those are honest differences of opinion and I stand by those opinions but, I will not stand with those that choose to vilify and ridicule the dedicated morally upstanding citizens that do serve on our volunteer fire departments.

I have heard the term “brotherhood” negatively tossed about when listening to folks talk about our local fire fighters.  Is there “brotherhood”? There better be or we don’t have a good department.  These individuals are called upon in times of need to work together as a team depending on one another to ensure the job is done and everyone returns home safely to their families.  Call it a “fraternity” or “brotherhood” but without that level of trust lives are at risk and it could be yours.

It is precisely the trust of “brotherhood” that makes the current allegations so painful to so many members of our departments.  When the betrayal of trust comes from members in a leadership position it is all the more painful to endure.  The pain is exacerbated when guilt by association is weighing heavily on the minds of members.  Some fire fighters may choose to lessen the pain and walk away, and frankly I can understand. They have been unfairly criticized, denigrated, abused and vilified by their neighbors.  I am hoping that they reconsider such action and believe the vast majority of Coventry citizens will continue to hold them in high regard.

Today I am asking my fellow citizens of Coventry to join me by standing in support not for “bad apples” but for fine men and women dedicated to serve as fire fighters in Coventry for all the right reasons.  Let them know you appreciate their service and you value their contribution to you and to our community.

Now is the time to show your own “profile in courage”, now is your time to stand up.  When we as citizens call upon our fire fighters in times of need, they have always responded.   Now they have a need.  They need to know that you support their efforts and believe in their character and integrity.  Please stand up and join me here on the Opining Quill by writing a comment below to show them your support.

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February 14, 2013 · 1:26 pm

The Hand Of Justice Or Public Scandal

Old State HouseHartford, CT

Old State House
Hartford, CT

In every society there is some form of justice, some more equal than others.  In America we like to believe we have the most impartial justice system in the world and that justice shall prevail.  There is some measure of punishment within every system, and some measure of compassion within ours.

The criminality and our perception of the criminal are not always as equal as our dream of justice.  One need only remember back to the announced verdict for O. J. Simpson to see glee and disdain at the results of justice.

To be sure, there are no perfect members of society among us and transgressions of societal standards are abhorred by decent members of society.   It is justified to feel that horror but it is wrong to celebrate in the failure of humanity.

Society will never be strengthened with a glow of pride or announcement, over the moral failure of a weaker neighbor.  To be sure their moral failures are not to be glorified or justified, it is proper that we be mortified.

The shadow of public shame for moral failure falls from a perpetrator upon the innocent, the friends, family, and at times the victim.  The humiliation of association is increased when there is an atmosphere of public scorn and wagging tongues of gleeful gossip.

There is weakness in humanity and weakness in society, however we are a stronger community when we recognize the failures and trust that justice will prevail without a tongue flogging in the public square.  We no longer have the public stocks and dunking seats of old New England punishment and we need not bring them back in modern form.

Our justice system has ample time and space to handle our transgressors.  The guilty will be dealt their hand of fate within our system.  We can only weaken the strength of ourselves and our community with scandalmonger about neighbors.

There is some measure of weakness in all of humanity, we must recognize and deal with it.  As a civilized society we have chosen a judicial system away from the court of public opinion.  We must abide by and trust in our system to protect us and to provide some justice in times of transgression.  It is not for us to judge our neighbors lest that we be judged.

Human failure is found in every community, how the community responds to it says more about the community than the moral failure of our neighbor.  One or two criminals can be an anomaly to a community or a reflection of a community, but it is the reaction of the community to their criminality that will decide the issue.

I say we are stronger when we take individual responsibility for our own emotions and own rejections of a moral breakdown without fostering an atmosphere of a public hearing outside a courtroom.  At a time when your neighbor fails step back and let the hand of equal justice prevail.

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January 29, 2013 · 8:56 am

It’s Time To Pick Up “The Can” And Get In The Game

Kick-the-CanThe problem of illegal immigration has been kicked down the street so far it can no longer be avoided.  Political pundits rightly point out that the law breaking Latinos have become a political liability for Republican politicians.  Actually the numbers make it an issue for both parties.

For decades American politicians from both parties have failed to properly secure our borders, particularly our border with Mexico. Our elected representatives in Congress have kicked the can of responsible government down the street when it came to the issue of illegal immigration.  Now the number of people in this country illegally has become a major issue, it can no longer be ignored.

For the politicians it is not about people, it is all about numbers, after letting so many people violate the law for so long and failing to enforce regulations and law we are now overwhelmed with the problem.  Unfortunately it is a political pattern we are repeating.

We have become a country of lazy citizens abdicating our responsibility to elected leaders and putting our heads in the sand to ignore their activities.  We listen to their rhetoric and blindly follow, lacking the education or the will to understand and participate in our own government.

Our problem is not illegal immigration, our problem is poor political leadership weak of character and strength in the skills of real leadership.  Our leaders are afraid of the voters, with spines of wet noodles they pander and placate when faced with real responsibility.

They could not say, “no” to illegal immigration instead they turned away and failed to act responsibly.  Now a price will be paid as they pick up “the can” they have kicked down the street.  But the game goes on and this time the stakes are even higher.

We are kicking “the can” of fiscal responsibility so far down the street we a placing our nation at risk financially.  We are risking the future for instant gratification we expand government to answer our needs and willfully remove our own responsibility.

Our leaders bury us in a mountain of debt as we sit silently by ignoring the problem and trusting that what they do will be right.  We have allowed our country to be run without a budget, surpassed our limits for debt and we have kicked “the can” of financial responsibility down the street.

The day is coming when we must pick up “the can”, the game will be over.  We will have a choice to make, either we will hear the word “no” or we will have gone so far down the road of self-destruction as a nation, we will not recognize American as the land of the free, full of economic opportunity.

We as citizens allowed illegal immigration, and we have allowed financial irresponsibility. The only question that remains is how much longer we will vote to continue down the path to our own national destruction.  Our rights as citizens are being eroded, our financial future is at risk and our very foundations of government are being questioned.

It is time to pick up “the can”.  America, it is time to get in the game.  Citizen participation in a Republic is a responsibility; apathy is the road to destruction.

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January 19, 2013 · 8:21 am

Why We Fail To Correct Our Mistakes

u s capitol_building_jef_120622_wgWhy is it that the United States Congress is the object of scorn and low approval and yet incumbents enjoy such a high rate of re-election?  Could it be the answer is found within our own Declaration of Independence?

Much has been written about the power of the incumbency, the financial advantage wrought and wrung from the power of the office.  Money is tossed at the feet of elected officials by powerful and motivated special interests funding massive campaigns to preserve a position of privilege.

There is ample evidence and little doubt that the incumbent members of the U. S. House of Representatives and U. S. Senate have stacked the deck to their own advantage when it comes to re-election campaigns. Public service has morphed from a temporary devotion to public service into a financially rewarding career.

Our founding fathers three times rejected the idea of term limits while writing our Constitution, deciding more frequent elections would better maintain the will of the people.  Times have changed and the motivation for public service is not altruistic, today we most often see it as a life career choice.

So why do we allow the incumbents of an institution we are dissatisfied with to continue to represent us?  The answer is not simple; however, there are some things to consider.

Unlike our forefathers that lived in a society of self-reliance and personal responsibility today there is far greater dependency on government and an abdication of personal responsibility.  We see this change manifested in liability lawsuits and generations dependent on government financial support for everyday living.

These societal changes are also reflected in a reluctance of accepting responsibility for shortcomings that in the past would have been seen as personal responsibilities.  Hence, when Congress fails to perform well, the disappointment is rarely directed at the person for whom you voted, but rather for the other members of Congress.  In this way the abdication of self-responsibility aids the incumbents.

Change can be difficult, after all we know what we have in Congress and to some degree even mild disdain is easier to accept than the unknown of a potential replacement candidate.  Did our founding fathers recognize this human trait?

Apparently their understanding of this human frailty was apparent as they thought about the relationship with England and considered a change to sever the ties and move to independence.  It is within our Declaration of Independence we find these words, “Experience hath shewn, mankind are more disposed to suffer when evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed“.

The insight of our founders did not extend to modern day incumbents or the evils we seem to find sufferable.  One must consider just how dysfunctional Congress must become before we hold our own Congressman accountable for his contribution to our suffering.

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January 9, 2013 · 10:58 am

Report of Smokey Haze Emitting From State Capitol

Connecticut_State_Capitol,_February_24,_2008Today at noon the Governor will give his annual State of the State message.  We can expect more spin than a merry-go-round as the ship of State flounders rudderless in the fog of smoke and mirrors.  Last year we were told the need for shared sacrifice and given the largest tax increase in Connecticut history.

Now we can look back and see where we are headed and how successful our path has been.  Perhaps the best way to evaluate our situation is to look at the opinions coming from around the country.  These are not the words of political foes looking for a political advantage these are actual measurements.

1.       Barron’s rated Connecticut’s debt situation as the worst in the nation in 2012.

2.       The Institute for Truth in Accounting ranked Connecticut’s financial status as the worst in the nation with a $49,000 debt burden per taxpayer.

3.       Conning Inc.’s State of the States Municipal Credit Research Report for 2012 rank Connecticut last.

4.       TopRetirement.com designated Connecticut as the worst state for retirement.

5.       May 5, 2012 was Connecticut’s Tax Freedom Day the latest date in the nation according to the Tax Foundation

6.       The Connecticut Council for Education Reform says we have the worst Achievement Gap in the nation.

7.       The Cato Institute Fiscal Policy Report Card gave Governor Malloy an “F”.

It is no surprise that Connecticut is also near the top of the list for states people are leaving.  Is there some lesson in history we can apply here to figure things out?  You bet there is, just look at our cities.  Our once vibrant hubs of economic opportunity have seen citizens and businesses flee the burdens of taxation and culture of dependency.

What we have done to our cities is drive away financial opportunities, and increased a culture of dependency all the while increasing the size and scope of government.  We have ignored the trends of other states to open the doors of opportunity to attract business and instead blindly continue down our own road of lost opportunities.  What we have done to our cities is now becoming a slow erosion to our entire State.

Today we will hear from the Governor, and our Democratic leadership in the General Assembly will pass out rose colored glasses to party members within the Assembly. Shortly after the Governor speaks we will have applause and platitudes as members seek to curry favor with false adoration.

Some of the blame for our misfortune rests within ourselves as we have re-elected the same majority that has created and continued our journey down this road.  One can only wonder how bad things must become before we realize the fallacy of our ways.

 

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January 5, 2013 · 8:22 am

State Representative Poked With Quill

Stephen D. Dargan

Stephen D. Dargan

There’s nothing like the knee jerk reaction of a politician to bring forth shallow thinking and poor legislation in reaction to most anything.  Sometimes it seems they are in competition to pander to the least common denominator of thoughtless emotional reactionaries among us.

Legislation can have long term and unintended consequences.  Take for example the reaction to a truck accident on Route 95 that resulted in the removal of interstate tolls.  Now the same legislators are spending a great deal of time and effort debating the placement of gateway tolls on the very same highway.

For years our legislators debated the death penalty just when they seem to have the votes to eliminate that punishment we had the Cheshire home invasion crime.  Suddenly some of those staunch supporters were swayed by the heinous event to delay the change for a year to exempt the perpetrators and leave them eligible for the death penalty.  How would those same legislators react to the Newtown shooting if the perpetrator were captured, would they suddenly be calling for the death penalty?

Today we have Democratic State Representative Stephen Dargan reacting to the tragedy in Newtown.  Mr. Dargan is not a new legislator he was first elected in 1990 so he should have some understanding about the importance of his actions.  His latest knee jerk proposal is to reverse a 20-year old decision by state lawmakers to exempt personal and confidential information concerning gun ownership from exposure under the state’s Freedom of Information Act.  This would allow the name and address of every gun owner to be published.

Representative Dargan said he his intention was not to cause acrimony between citizens it was, to quote Mr. Dargan “to get a broader discussion going on gun issues and mental health in the state”.  The proposal has nothing to do with mental health unless of course we are going to talk about the mental health of Mr. Dargan.  Planning for a broader discussion while sponsoring a narrow, ill thought, poorly conceived bill for consideration is irrational, disingenuous or incompetent and not what Connecticut needs.

His proposal is as rational as a published list to include the name and home address of each State Legislator with an asterisk to indicate gun ownership for family protection or a target to indicate the occupants are not protected.

His same irrational thinking could be extended to heroin.  In the name of protecting every neighborhood from the actions of drug induced crime we could publish the names of every person legally using heroin.  Oh, so you think that would make those homes, many of which are occupied by our weakest elderly citizens, targets for criminal drug addicts?

Knee jerk legislation is dangerous, emotions are not the seeds of wise legislation and pandering is no replacement for rational thinking.  Mr. Dargan should stop and THINK about the consequences and logical extensions to his proposals before he takes action.  Knee jerk headlines may provide him with political exposure to enhance his career but they will do little toward the public safety for the citizens of Connecticut.

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December 17, 2012 · 9:04 am

A Time To Trigger Action

AP Photo

The President pauses during his speech at Sunday interfaith vigil in Newtown CT. AP Photo

A vigil to remember fallen children of God was held in a public high school with prayers and words from numerous religious leaders.  Make no doubt it was a sad occasion where tears fell upon the floor.

While the messages of condolence and prayer were spoken from leaders of Muslim, Jewish and Christian congregations, in the words of world religions we are all children of God.  Twenty Eight of God’s children perished on Friday in what can only be described as a horrific tragedy.

Yes twenty eight died but only twenty six of the twenty eight were being remembered.  Are not all of them God’s children?  Is the pain any less for a parent to lose a child based on the cause of death?  Was the mother of Adam Lanza any less of a victim on this day?  Does her family hurt just a little less?

In every religion represented at the vigil we are reminded about life, and the imperfections of mankind.  We are taught a responsibility to watch over and guide the weak and frail among us.  Our role on earth to propagate, nurture, and protect the children of God is well documented in all faiths.  I can recall no readings of scripture that would tell us to consider the souls of one more important than another.

It is our responsibility as children of God to forgive, as well as too remember and so it is, that a vigil and prayers would be appropriate for the young and innocent as well as all the other children of God found among the dead.

The deaths of twenty eight people may not have been from the movement of a trigger finger as much as the mental misfiring of a synapse.  In the eyes of religion there can be innocence where mankind sees only questions, revenge and hate.  It is not for us to judge.

President Obama delivered a speech much of which was words of scripture and yet neatly scripted were words of political overtones calling for change.  On this solemn and somber occasion reaction in newsrooms suddenly turned to gun control. At a time set aside as vigil for the departed the spotlight of reflection and commentary turned toward the impending political actions of a President, it was a message for another day.

When the day comes to talk of change will we face the root cause of our societal problems that foster outbreaks of violence, and suffering or shall we deny reality?  Can we continue to mainstream God’s children with mental challenges hoping they will not someday act out to harm themselves and others?  Can we put aside political correctness and deliver meaningful care and treatment for the mind?  Can we concentrate more on treating the triggers in the mind than regulating the fingers on the trigger?

Too often we see death not from the gun in the hand but from the hand on the gun.  The guilty shall be those responsible to care for God’s children and fail to act appropriately.

The innocent are not only the little children of God.  Innocence can be found among the ashes of dreams in the minds of the ill.  Forgive them for they know not what they do.

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December 16, 2012 · 6:43 pm

God, Country And A Newtown Tragedy

Today is Sunday a traditional day of worship for Christians as they gather in congregations to pray and practice their religious beliefs.  This Sunday in churches across the land Christians have taken notice of the recent events in Newtown, Connecticut.

People of every faith have turned out for vigils and turned to religious leaders for comfort, guidance and solace.  It is times like this that the strength of religion is most apparent in our nation.

The tragedy of Friday morning and resulting sorrow has struck at the inner fabric of emotion across our land.  Once again the false facade of political correctness is taking a back seat to inner belief, as a nation stands on the religious foundations of our great land.

Many elected leaders are casting aside their pandering practice of political correctness to attend religious services, vigils and some have even invoked the name of God in their remarks.  The concept of separation of church and state within our government was intended to protect religious practice and yet somehow we have gone full circle to give it new meaning to erect a wall to stop the practice of religion.

It is rather ironic that in this season of Christian celebration we are stimulated by sorrow to seek the lord for comfort and solitude.  It is precisely this time of the year when we find on a daily basis examples of public policy set to limit religious beliefs and practice.

As a matter of public policy we have removed the cultural traditions and practice of singing many Christmas carols in our schools, or even the mention of Merry Christmas.  What is ironic or sad is our reaction to the sorrow and tragedy by our elected leaders.

In a time of tragedy the power of prayer suddenly becomes politically correct and the objections to elected leaders taking part are muffled.   It is reflection of our weakness as a nation to not to stand up for and protect the practice of religion at all times and not only in times of convenience.

Our nation was founded on Christian values, shared by other religions.  We are indeed a nation of diversity and yet we protect and honor that diversity within our Constitution.  We are a melting pot of world cultures and as people we need not fear the practice of religion, we need to protect the rights of those that chose to practice their faith as part of our culture.

The right to practice religion is just as sacred as the right to be an atheist.  It is no more right for a government to advocate a single religion than it is to advocate an atheistic set of values on our nation.

While we have allowed pray to be removed from our schools I cannot help but think that last Friday that policy may have been also tossed aside at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.  The practice of prayer at that time did not harm our society but may have offered some a feeling of strength at a time when they most needed it.

The Opining Quill urges all readers to address your emotions stimulated by the events of Friday in your own way.   The victims, families and friends will be in my personal thoughts and prayers in the coming days.  In this time of sadness and sorrow our nation remains, one nation under God and it is in God we trust.

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