Officials must admit scourge of gangs
Colorado law enforcement officials have obviously known for some time of the increasing gang problem in Colorado (“‘Colorado has been targeted,’” Jan. 20). I can recall little significant mention of this issue from elected officials, however, and I’m wondering why. Could it be that Gov. Bill Ritter and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper are ignoring the problem in view of its significance regarding the attraction of future business or conventions?
Elected officials should be at the forefront with regard to protecting Colorado’s citizens from criminal activity. With the exception of U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo and the Rocky Mountain News article noted above, I’ve never heard of the Mexican drug cartel’s direct connection to Colorado.
It is imperative that those we have elected at least start some dialogue pertaining to these deadly organized gangs. If we don’t admit publicly that Colorado has indeed become a hub or “sanctuary” for these activities, how will we deter those who view us as soft targets of the future in their quest to more intensely dominate our state, our cities and our neighborhoods?
Doug Duncan, Aurora
Gangs are no better or worse than they have been for the last 20 years. Only when a bronco is killed does the issue get any press. Put the Kool-aid away, and let the police do their job without all the hooplah.
Posted by TMR on January 29, 2007 07:03 AMYes, let's not make a big issue of the out-of-control gang problem in Denver. After all, it might be bad for business and political conventions. The gang problem is just like the illegals problem, just let it quietly thrive and keep the bulk of the voters ignorant to preserve the political status quo.
Posted by CEB II on January 31, 2007 11:56 AM