The Editor's Notepod, Sun., May 31, 2009

Southington: it seems fairly hard to see why the group home on Thunderbird should get too many feathers ruffled in its present format. Nothing, of course, is ever guaranteed, and even a group home for elderly pacifists who never drive more than 5 mph can still produce horrible disasters, but you have to play the odds.

Southington: There is or should be no excuse for designing any new building without its meeting all the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Design, planned as a part of the whole construction process, is a relatively minimal change from the former thoughtless way of building. But dealing with any old structure causes some incredible issues, both in terms of cost and aesthetics, and it makes sense to figure out acceptable compromises.

State: Measures on pooling health care which have now emerged from the4 legislature. These seem helpful and are certainly needed; almost any improvement would be highly welcome. It's to be hoped that the governor does not feel impelled to veto them. Some Republicans are worried and say they don't know how we can afford such a plan. But how can we as a culture continue not to afford adequate health care for people?

State: Legislature heads for special session, which will begin as soon as the regular one terminates. Seems to me that makes sense, since the state never seems to be able to get the business done on time.