Governmental overreach in Durango
It is ironic to read in the Sept. 10 Rocky Mountain News of the resolution passed by the Durango City Council calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq (“Council seeks Iraq pullout”). Truly, the proponents of this resolution do not live in the post-9/11 world.
Bravo to Mayor Doug Lyon for his dissenting vote.
If I were a Durango resident, I would ask my City Council why it needed to indulge in this self-absorbed, misplaced exercise in governmental overreach. As a Colorado resident, it is embarrassing to read of another Colorado municipality joining Boulder in this silly, pointless, disrespectful endeavor. As an American citizen, it is disheartening to hear of more symbolism over substance in the West’s decades-long conflict with the death cult of radical Islam.
I look forward to my next visit to Durango — the city must be in great shape if the City Council has time to luxuriate in foreign policy matters.
Michael Fisher, Centennial
what eles would you expect from a liberal run city? the republic of boulder just had to be first and now durango and there is talk that telluride wants to get on the band wagon too.
well goodie for all of them.
Posted by on September 18, 2007 06:22 AMWho cares what some city council resolves. Little fish trying to act like big ones. Let them enjoy their little moment in the sun.
Posted by on September 18, 2007 07:47 AMWhen 70% of the population thinks the war was a huge mistake, you are bound to have these kind of message votes.
Posted by Not a Kool-Aid drinker on September 18, 2007 08:43 AMWho cares? Why is this an issue? Is it because those who support Bush's handling of the war are so unsure of their position that they must jump on any and all that present an opposing argument? I don't know of any clear thinking person who does not find some fault in the handling of this issue whether it is Bush's fault or just the circustances that exist in Iraq that cause the confusion. I think the initial invasion to remove Sadam from power was rightminded. I do have questions as regards the ensuing actions and if they are a force for progress or not.. In any case, if Iraq does not want what we have to offer nor do the people want to stand up themselves to insure freedom of choice will rule, do we have the right to force the social and political changes that may or may not insure that result or be accepted by the people of that country?
Posted by Allen Campbell on September 18, 2007 09:05 AMJust think about what your politicians aren't doing whenever they spend time on symbolic, nonbinding resolutions: they are not raising your taxes, they are not spending your tax dollars on unneeded projects, they are not thinking up new restrictions to place on your business or your property. If anything, I think we should encourage our politicians to have more debate and voting on insubstantial resolutions.
Posted by karen on September 18, 2007 10:53 AMKaren, good one. Never thought of it that way.
Posted by Sharon B. on September 18, 2007 12:05 PMYour point is well taken. The Durango resolution is nothing less than a show of contempt for the troops and a disgrace to the nation.
Posted by Brian Stuckey on September 18, 2007 02:00 PMBrian:
----and therefor what. Hang them for treason? Bannish them from the country? Jail them for seditious actions? and why? for exercising their constitutional rights of free speech and opposition to government action?
The Zealousness which you and others show in supporting anything and everything Bush has done is much too close to what happened in Germany when Hitler first plotted to take over the reins of power. All who apposed him were debased and subjected to scorn, at first, then slowly but inevitably, political action increased and ultimately became the rabid mob rule that brought the Dictator to power. No need to go into what the result of that was. History is full of that.
Do not let yourself believe any politician, which is what every president is, is the second coming. All have and, will always be human beings who became politicians, with all the faults and mistakes that make up that segment of society. None are right all the time in everything they do. Read history, when people instill the virtues of gods in the leaders who rule them, the result is almost always tyranny.
Posted by Allen Campbell on September 19, 2007 07:03 AM