In the wake of Tropical Storm Irene, three distinct sounds rose up into the still late summer air: chainsaws, generators - and whining.
Chainsaws were put to a practical use, clearing away debris left by the storm, while generators kept homes and businesses connected to the 21st century.
But the whining? The whining came from too many people with a too-important sense of themselves and too little awareness of the difference between an inconvenience and a true crisis.
Yes, hundreds of thousands of people lost power, some for a few hours, others for a few days. If your family has a person with a severe medical condition or a new-born child, that could be a matter of concern.
But in virtually every town in the region, arrangements were made for people to take shelter, or to take showers, obtain water and even food. Those who feel they must remain connected to their various PDAs and notebooks could even charge up their devices.
And, crucially, the weather cooperated; it has been one of the most pleasant weeks of all year.
As one veteran observer of the foibles of Connecticut residents noted perceptively this past week that what happened in the wake of Irene was a temporary inconvenience.
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But that hasn't stopped a constant buzz from a vocal minority demanding that they get their power back NOW!
In Madison on Friday, police had to be called when some of the residents of one of the tonier precincts in that tony town unleashed verbal abuse on a CL&P crew demanding that their power be restored immediately and making ludicrous references to how much the good people pay in taxes.
Elsewhere, some other self-important people have castigated utility crews, including some of from out of state who left their homes and hearths to help out the residents of Connecticut.
Instead of a well-deserved "thank you," unfortunately some of the visiting crews found themselves on the receiving end of another greeting that ends in "you."
In some parts of the state, police officers have been stationed at staging area for utility crews to ward off would-be abusers.
And all because of why exactly? Because they are missing the latest episodes of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"? Or because they can't get the latest breaking news on the foibles of LiLo?
A scant hundred miles or so north of here, residents in southern Vermont and portions of New York's Adirondack Mountains are coping with real problems. Rampaging creeks have washed out roads in both areas and isolated communities.
While not rising to the level of a crisis, the devastation suffered in those two areas should put the whiners of Connecticut to shame. Should be probably won't.
Like spoiled children, they are throwing a tantrum.
Make sure to go to Mill's site and read his entire write-up...maybe someone should email this commentary to our narcissistic part-time mayor and disgraceful state senator who are still criticizing CL&P and Governor Malloy over the response to the hurricane.
04.25.22 (RADIO): WSHU Latino group call on Connecticut lawmakers to open a Danbury charter school
06.03.22 (OP-ED): KUSHNER: "Career Academy ‘a great deal for Danbury"
On September 26, 2007, ten plaintiffs filed suit in response to an arrest of aday laborers at a public park in Danbury, Connecticut. Plaintiffs amended their complaint on November 26, 2007.
The amended complaint states that plaintiffs sought to remedy the continued discriminatory and unauthorized enforcement of federal immigration laws against the Latino residents of the City of Danbury by Danbury's mayor and its police department.
Plaintiffs allege that the arrests violated their Fourth Amendment rights and the Connecticut Constitution because defendants conducted the arrests without valid warrants, in the absence of exigent circumstances, and without probable cause to believe that plaintiffs were engaged in unlawful activity. In addition, plaintiffs allege that defendants improperly stopped, detained, investigated, searched and arrested plaintiffs. Plaintiffs also allege that defendants violated their Fourteenth Amendment rights when they intentionally targeted plaintiffs, and arrested and detained them on the basis of their race, ethnicity and perceived national origin. Plaintiffs raise First Amendment, Due Process and tort claims.
Plaintiffs request declaratory relief, damages and attorneys fees.
On September 26, 2007, ten plaintiffs filed suit in response to an arrest of aday laborers at a public park in Danbury, Connecticut. Plaintiffs amended their complaint on November 26, 2007.
