Gov. Ritter want to raise taxes in 2008 for Health Care, Education and Transportation. Anyone want to tell me where did the monies for Referendum C go to. This is for all the suckers that voted all the recent tax increases. If you have a choice, keep your own money.
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Gov. Ritter and unions
I wondered how he developed this brilliant idea.
Well maybe he saw how the unions almost put the entire US automobile industry under. Or could it be the way the unions put some airlines in bankruptcy. At United, they even bought, ran the company and hand- picked a lackey CEO. They proceeded to then put this company out of business. That’s a good model.
Well how about the teacher’s union and the disaster that is our public schools? Another good model. In spite of the fact that our children can’t get a decent education, they fight progressive ideas such as vouchers and charter schools. And what a management model to follow- we can’t have math teachers, in short supply, paid more than other disciplines in excess supply; and we must pay teachers according to schooling and years teaching not according to test results or the ability to teach and to inspire our kids. Want to fire an incompetent teacher. It’s almost impossible. One more good union template for effective management of the state of Colorado, Governor.
Maybe the Governor is finding a good model for union-government cooperation from old Europe. That’s worked so well that Germany and France elected conservatives to help turnaround double-digit unemployment and years of stagnant economies. A union-government cooperative spirit resulted in two pieces of the new A380 not fitting together properly. And in France it’s been the strike of the week, doctors this week, transit workers next and then the nurses and museum workers follow. That’s something to look forward to in Colorado.
Governor Ritter seems like a bright man who surely knows these facts. I have to assume then that this is nothing but a payback for big labor’s campaign contributions and an apology for vetoing a terrible pro labor bill earlier in the year.
One term governor? That may be too long.
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Former Gov. Owens on Gov. Ritter’s unions
“Owens assails Ritter’s order on unions” (RMN 11-7-07) struck a nerve. According to the article, Former Gov. Owens states, “the computers are a straw man he’s (Gov. Ritter) hiding behind. He needs to step up and explain why collective bargaining is the way to go...” First of all, using the term “collective bargaining” without adding the qualifier “partnership” is misleading, because it’s never been just about “bargaining". If the quote is accurate and not taken out of context, somebody’s not getting the point about the computer. It’s not a straw man for the Governor to hide behind, it’s “the tip of the iceberg". Even if the two-thirds of the iceberg that lies below water were more realistically a huge pile of melded blocks of ice, the analogy would hold true. Each one of those ice blocks would represent a governmental project, program or issue poorly handled, poorly planned and/or poorly executed. If employees were allowed “their two-cents worth", each block could provide an opportunity for a “partnership” of ideas, viewpoints, and experiences to generally improve the efficiency, productivity, economy and social climate of State work environments. The concept that any employee, whether in the private or public sector, is not worth listening to because of his/her position on the corporate ladder (and Yes, Virginia, the government has one of those, too) should have been eradicated eons ago.
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Roan plateau is a treasure
The Roan Plateau, A Colorado treasure is among the four most biologically diverse areas in Colorado and is the only one of these four areas that is not protected. NOt only is the Roan Plateau home to native plant species and wildlife but also provides open spaces for a wide variety of outdoor activities. These activities are not only what colorado is known for but also a large driving force behind our local economy. The Bureau of Land Management leases 70% of land to the Oil and Gas industries and the Roan Plateau shouls not be added to theis statistic. All 70% of lesed land has yet to be drilled so what is the rush to add the Roan to the List?! As Colorado citizens we should wnat to protect the remaining undeveloped public lands. The BLM’s own environmental impact state says that “Areas of high quality wildlife habitat would be lost or permanently altered.” Opening the Roan Plateau would bring drilling rigs, well pads compressor stations, pipe lines, roads, hevy ruck traffic, and so much more. All of the aspects of drilling are not compatable with the outdoor environment and activities. Where has our local pride gone? Has it too been bought by the Oil and Gas Industry? We as Coloradans can stop this and should before it is too late. Keep the Roan Plateau untouched, support life and this public space to the list of protected Wilderness!
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Homelessness and mental illness
Thank you for drawing attention to the problem of homelessness and mental illness among U.S. veterans in your article Thursday, “25% of Homeless Are Veterans, Report Says.”
Homelessness is just one of the many negative impacts as policy and funding priorities overlook the mental health needs of our heroes. The problems are sobering: • One in every eight U.S. veterans (1.8 million) under the age of 65 does not have any health coverage.
• Each year, about 1,000 U.S. veterans commit suicide.
• More veterans from the Vietnam war have committed suicide than were killed in the war – more than 58,000.
• A Pentagon study in 2006 found that 35 percent of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq have sought help for a mental health disorder. Many who experience symptoms of a mental health disorder do not seek help.
• About 50 percent of returning Reservists and National Guard members have reported symptoms of a mental disorder.
• Soldiers must wait 2 1?2 months for a mental health appointment at VA facilities.
• About 15 percent of all heart attack victims are people with post-traumatic stress syndrome.
• About 700,000 U.S. children have one or more parent who is deployed and must cope with the stress of that deployment. These children also are at risk and many need community-based services.
As the experts in your column indicated, there could be a surge of demand for mental health services building on the battlefield and at home. The mental health toll from this war is enormous and we are feeling it in Colorado. We should make every day Veterans Day and reach out to our friends and neighbors who have served valiantly. It’s time to help our heroes and support them when they return home.
We need to fund mental health treatment adequately, cut the red tape, and integrate these services with general health services to provide these heroes with the care that they deserve. The VA system can’t do it alone. We need localized and community-based services in every corner of Colorado and in every state. We should urge our U.S. Senators to support Senate Bill 31, which will help the community mental health system provide adequate care to these soldiers in their hometowns. We should urge state and local leaders to support similar initiatives across Colorado. This mission will not be accomplished until these soldiers and their families receive proper assistance.
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Paper ballots are the answer
Re: Machine madness As I read the story on the voting machine conundrum and gazed at the associated picture of a huge warehouse of voting machines, I just shook by head.
The story goes on to describe the dilemma the various counties have with voting machines that are probably not going to be certified and ready to go by the 2008 election.
Every time I read these stories, I wonder why we don’t just do away with individual electronic machines.
Wouldn’t it be easier to just have all paper ballots that are read by a scanning machine and not deal with hundreds and thousands of individual voting machines?
This would also address the issue of a “paper trail”
that many voters are concerned about. Using only a paper ballot, whether by mail ballot or voting in person would simplify the entire process.
My observation of the recently completed all mail balloting in Arapahoe and Jefferson county is that they appeared to have been handled very efficiently.
The majority of the voting results were already posted on their web sites by 7pm, election night.
As for the city and county of Denver voting problems, they will apparently occur regardless of the voting system. Denver can’t seem to get its act together, whatever they try.
If the legislation does address this issue, to allow an all mail ballot in the presidential election, they should also give the counties the option of conducting an all mail ballot every year, if they so chose.
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Greenhouse gases
Watching Football Night in America last week it was obvious in one segment that something had gone wrong with NBC’s picture because there wasn’t one even though I could hear Bob Costas talking. There wasn’t anything wrong at all, however; only the latest attempt to convince people to reduce their greenhouse gases, or as I like to call it, devolve back to the Stone Age.
If you will hear me out, though, I believe I have a simple an elegant solution to the greenhouse gas problem. If everyone who really believes humankind is in imminent grave danger from man-made global warming would immediately commit suicide; then except for a little energy expended putting them into the ground their carbon footprint would immediately go to zero, and I could go back to watching football without being subjected to ridiculous and bogus political screeds masquerading as science.
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Voting machine controversy
In your article on the voting machine controversy, you quote Dan Wallach, associate professor of computer science at Rice University, as saying, “You shouldn’t need to trust your people....One poll worker could effectively compromise every single voting machine in the county.” Not only is that not true in Morgan County, it is an insult to hard-working poll workers, who put in long hours out of a sense of duty. I am prepared to listen to an apology whenever Dr.
Wallach wants to give one. I cannot, of course, speak for any other poll workers. I will not hold my breath waiting for an apology.
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Gov. Ritter betrayed tax payers
Maybe Governor Ritter should be renamed King
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Gov. Ritter’s executive order
However, Gov. Bill Ritter chose to circumvent this system and govern via executive order (“Guv backs state unions,” Nov. 3).
We elect our state legislators and governor with the expectation they adhere to this brilliant system. Yes, the governor has the authority to issue such a document, nevertheless it should be used in very rare circumstances, such as emergencies, not to pander to the union bosses.
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No, it affects all of us Colorado taxpayers. It is a little known and less publicized fact that the only growth in unions in the U.S. today is in federal and state governments - all funded by us taxpayers.
We need to put a stop to this right now!
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When will people be held accountable?
Obviously it seems that nobody in Congress has the political courage to to move forward with prosecution of those who are guilty. The Bush Administration is probably the worst ever in the history of the USA. It’s time to get those who lack political courage out of office.
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Noisy neighbors are inconsiderate
Times and boundaries change, and people must be considerate of their neighbors. If I had such noise emanating from a neighbor, you can be assured I would contact the proper authorities in lieu of strangulation. Mrs. Priest’s
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Passage of A through I good for children
The passage of 1B means our kids will play on safer playgrounds, learn in more comfortable classrooms and have continued funding because our facilities won’t impede quality scores. Our teachers and cooks are grateful as well. Clean, cheerful, functional classrooms and kitchens boost their morale.
All this adds up to school readiness for children that could start off on the short end of an achievement gap that never closes, but the children we serve leave us on a level playing field with their more privileged peers.
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Congrats to Michael Mukasey
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Modifications to Title VII
Existing laws need to be enforced and new provisions need to be added to protect our nation’s health, especially in the areas of oil and gas drilling and refining. Also, our water supplies, both surface and sub-surface, need to be protected. We would also add that all vehicle mile-per-gallon standards need to be increased sooner than later.
Finally, we believe that renewable energy from geothermal, biomass, wind and solar means need to increase. We have a choice, either we make positive changes now and prolong our world or do nothing and let our world be destroyed as we know it.
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Election counting problems
This is because they are having trouble getting their machines. How long will this madness go on.
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Homeless veterans
I spent almost fifty years as a sociologist studying and working with the homeless. Each time I got to know someone living on the streets, I found a tragic story -too often related to war. I challenge the reader to talk to a homeless person sometime. Ask whether the person is a veteran and “what it like to be on the streets?” If the person is not intoxicated or disturbed, you may learn something worthwhile learning about his or her life. (Be very careful to pick a safe, public situation, though, frankly, life is far more dangerous for the homeless person on the streets than it will be for you in your short visit there.) When I was a boy, my family went with my father who was an Army chaplain to camps in the South. I remember some good soldiers and I was taken to a few Army funerals. Thus, I hate to hear people say, “If you’re not for the Iraqi war, you’re against the soldiers.” Baloney!!! And as for certain talk jocks who utter such insults, on what I call “hate radio,”
It is time for Americans to frankly recognize what war does to people.
Even more important, we need leaders who know how to pursue peace through discussion and honesty, not those who believe that we can win through confrontation and power. This will become increasingly clear as more nations, friends and foes of today, come to have atomic power.
Until we and our leaders learn to talk and deal honestly, our whole nation, not just the homeless and other disenfranchised people, will become more uprooted and divided.
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Pakistan the most dangerous
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Fair elections need to be implemented
It is time to entice citizens with the country
Where Fair Elections has been implemented, it has been successful. More people from diverse backgrounds are running
Once in office, Fair Elections candidates are free to legislate without regard to who helped pay for their campaign. They work for their constituents, not big money campaign contributors
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Abortion should never be acceptable
I hope that men and women of good character and morals who are saddened, heartbroken and outraged at the slaughter of innocent human lives will always far outnumber those who think that the murder of innocent human lives is nothing more than a “personal choice” that should be “understood” and “condoned.”
Certainly there are times when the murder, the killing
But abortion — the murder of an innocent unborn human life
The abortion of an innocent human life — a little unborn baby — is mankind at its lowest. And any defense of abortion
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Bronco “fans” go too far
I bet the Broncos organization would be embarrassed to have these two goons on their side. I also think Larry Priest’s actions are an embarrassment to the Marine Corps. What do these two “fans” plan to do once the neighbor’s baby is born? Continue to stress both mother and child with this unnecessary noise? What jerks.
I usually don’t feel sorry for attorneys, but I hope this one sues the pants off Mr. and Mrs. Priest.
By the way, is there no Law Enforcement in their section of Adams County? How about a ticket to Larry and Jeri Priest for causing a public nuisance, Sheriff Darr?
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Electoral college comments
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Ft. Collins A.K.A. Grinchville
BREAKING NEWS: Fort Collins (a.k.a. Grinchville) declares “CHRISTMAS TOO CONTROVERSIAL". Elected officials state, “We must protect our citizens from Constitutional freedoms: ie. “...life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness". Personal interpretation, celebration, and enjoyment of this holiday is strictly prohibited! Never fear! The Coloradoan will publish an officially approved list of “shopping sites and public displays". Citizens are encouraged to call city hall and report any “banned activity”
relating to this state censored event.
ADDENDUM: It is reported that all Fort Collins’ Christians are protesting the loss of Constitutional freedoms by boycotting all sanctioned shops, restaurants, and public events in Fort Collins, Colorado. Stay tuned for more breaking news...
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Paul Campos & the Constitution
But like professors Campos and Levinson, I too have fallen out of love with the Constitution. A document can never limit the power of a government, because it is “interpreted” by that same government itself. It is inevitable that, over time, the Supreme Court will, by and large, “discover”
that the Constitution authorizes ever greater power to its host. What we really need are highly decentralized governments, even down to individual communities. Democracy can work only on a very small scale. Mass democracy invariably becomes an engine to allow favored interests (large corporations, government bureaucracies, defense contractors, big banks, etc.) to loot the mass of productive citizens who are just trying to live their lives in peace.
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U.S. now tortures
Now, apparently, so do we.
God bless America.
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Chandler Grafner’s parents want to sue
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Denver Election Commission
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Makes me want to vote Republican
This sure makes me want to vote republican.
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Uneven justice
What has happened to our country when a woman gets 50 hours of community service for the murder of her newborn child (“Woman must get mental health help,” Oct. 27) while several people are facing the possibility of six years in prison for jumping on a police car? (“Five people charged for damage to cruiser,” Oct. 25.)
Pete Hankey, Erie
Posted by denver-admin at 01:13 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBackThis letter has not been edited.
Response to Mike Rosen
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Funding bill for Iraq
First of all, Mr. Bush needs to understand that an efficient Democracy is based upon a well informed public with OPEN debate. In such a system, no one, not even God himself, dictates what is of more importance.
It’s all important, it’s all free speech! Let us do our job; let us (WE THE PEOPLE) decide! Which, by the way, I think we have, just not loudly and persistently enough.
I do agree that we need to listen to the military; but not his hand picked Generals sitting in air conditioning in the fortified green zone. We need to hear from the boots on the ground, the soldiers who are doing the dirty work, many of whom, pay the ultimate price. At ivaw.org is account after account of soldiers who feel betrayed. Not only mislead initially (i.e. WMD, Saddam ties to Al Qaida, etc.) but also little or no care upon their return. Over 100 Iraq vets killed themselves last year, one out of every four homeless people are vets.
Support the troops? Are you listening Mr. Udall!!
We need to support these brave souls at ivaw in whatever way possible! Call Congress and Demand no more funding for the Iraq war!
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Counting Denver ballots
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Mayor stole A thru I
This massive campaign, an “investment” of those who would split up the take, used telemarketing to contact every one of the 470,000 voters in Denver, and this telephone sales campaign identified the gullible and feeble minded, and then stayed in touch with those 50,000 or so suckers until they returned their mail-in ballots, going to their door to pick up the ballot when necessary!
420,000 voted no or were so discouraged they didn’t vote at all. 420,000 out of 470,000! The Mayor has perfected this technique, and now it is glorified in your very biased coverage of the campaign.
In the past one of our daily newspapers would have spoken out about this obvious manipulation. But now that there is no real competition between the papers, the people have lost their watchdog. I think that is the reason for the declining circulation of both papers.
Denver citizens need to organize now to prevent the next assault. We need an early warning system, a citizens grassroots network that can spot these efforts as they begin and mount an organized campaign to see that the election truly reflect the will of the majority of Denver citizens.
Those who are concerned are invited to join
Beltway proposal
Writer Dan Green says “the facts are,” but he is obviously unaware of many facts.
2) Only a small fraction of the southbound I-25 traffic is headed for the mountains via I-70, and that traffic is mostly on weekends, when commuter traffic is low. The “congested central core of Denver” is easily avoided by drivers using I-76 from I-25; drivers coming from Boulder and Longmont face little congestion on week ends by using SH-93 and US-6 to get to I-70 West.
3) The facts from the EIS are that building the western toll highway would reduce future traffic on Wadsworth from 65,000 vehicles per day only to 60,000.
The reason that Wadsworth traffic is heavy, and three times as much as projected for the toll highway, is that commercial development is so dense, especially just north of I-70. Why would Broomfield or north Arvada drivers opt to pay a toll going west to Golden and then back-track to the east on SH-58 and I-70 to get to their Wadsworth destinations?
4) The idea of completing the beltway down the Indiana-McIntyre corridor was addressed in the NW Quadrant Feasibility Study. Although the beltway route east of North Table Mountain would give greater relief to Wadsworth traffic than the route through Golden, neither beltway alignment would reduce future congestion in north Jeffco as well as improving the arterials. Even though they want the beltway, Arvada ruled out the eastern alignment absolutely.
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Gov. Ritter’s executive order
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New energy bill
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FutureGen Project mischaracterized
FutureGen is not just a government program; it is a public-private partnership with 12 companies contributing nearly $400 million to build this first-of-its-kind coal-fueled power plant with near-zero emissions that will produce hydrogen and capture and permanently store carbon dioxide deep underground. The cancellation of Xcel’s IGCC plant, along with other IGCC plants recently, demonstrates that private/public partnerships such as FutureGen are critical to proving IGCC with CCS can work.The project is being designed so that it will have global transferability to help accelerate its adoption.
The FutureGen Alliance agrees that coal is a critical component of our energy future and FutureGen will ensure that coal can be used while addressing climate change concerns. Four sites in Texas and Illinois are being considered for siting FutureGen, and the Alliance is on track to announce the finalist site by the end of this year. Whether the plant winds up in Texas or Illinois, the real beneficiaries of the project will be future generations who will have cleaner and affordable electricity from coal.
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Torture should not be allowed
First, torture is ineffective as a tool for getting accurate information.
Torture victims (and they ARE VICTIMS) tell their interrogators whatever they think those interrogators want to hear.
Second, many of those the US has tortured or has sent to other countries to be tortured are COMPLETELY INNOCENT. Many — if not most, if not almost all — of those tortured by the United States have indeed turned out to not be terrorists or to have any knowlege of terrorist operations.
And, oh yeah, those that are innocent are likely to be tortured MORE, since they do not have the right answers to satisfy their interrogators.
Third, America’s use of torture gives a huge propaganda victory to America’s enemies.
Fourth, allowing the use of torture sets a precedent which will likely lead to US soldiers being tortured by the enemy.
And fifth, most importantly, torture is WRONG and torture is EVIL, even when it is carried out against people who are truly guilty, let alone when it is used against possibly innocent people, many of which have never had a proper trial and often have not even had charges filed against them.
It is safe to say that those who torture are monsters, plain and simple.
And those that even support torture politically are guilty of inhumanity at best.
America USED to be dedicated, as it should have been, to outlawing torture around the world. I cannot believe we have sunk so low as to allow one of the most vile of human acts that can be carried out against another person to be done in our names.
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Governor Ritter’s campaign promises quite obviously changed dependant on his audience, I recall Ritter speaking fiscally moderate and pro business to voters while apparently negotiating behind closed doors with union leaders while he accepted their campaign donations. His decision and the manner with which it was executed were clearly designed to fulfill his union promises and circumvent the legislature from debating it. In doing so, he has completely ignored the voters who depend on the legislature to be their voice.
In a time of precarious economic standing, mortgage woes, rising gas prices and shaky consumer confidence, his act has guaranteed taxes will go up and the business climate and the citizens of Colorado will suffer. Short sighted and self serving politics at its worst!
The Governor’s executive order will certainly be at the forefront of my decision making when voting on all matters that are remotely aligned with his office and his party’s agenda in the future. I encourage all voters to do the same.
In nearly every political campaign I can recall, a common card foes play is their opponent bowing to special interest groups, should Governor Ritter choose to run for re-election, in his case it will clearly be true.
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Climate change
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Paul Campos
The fact that both houses of Congress have to agree in order for a bill to become law again removes the possibility that three or four very large population states could rule the country - a wisely chosen safeguard.
He complains that Constitution gives one person, the president, the power to veto legislation for any reason he likes, but neglects to mention that congress can overide that veto with a 66% vote, another safeguard our founding fathers were wise enough to include.
He says we have no way to get rid of an incompetent president - did he forget the procedure to impeach a president? Its not that long ago that it was tried.
I believe most thinking people will treat this type of political garbage for what it is and let it end up in the proper container.
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Global warming
Man’s impact on our planet goes well beyond the problem of global warming.
Forests and open space are disappearing at an alarming rate. The abundance of fish that our oceans once contained has been dangerously diminished.
Natural resources are being consumed wantonly. Clean water supplies around the world are inadequate. Species of flora and fauna are disappearing every year.
No matter how noble the intent, worrying about each person’s carbon footprint without also focusing on the increasing numbers of people leaving those footprints is insane. Opening discussions on how to “manage” population is extremely unpopular in this age of sensitivity and political correctness. However, sticking our heads in the sand and hoping that the problem goes away is absurd. Nature and the laws of human behavior will eventually resolve the problem of over-population as need outstrips available resources. But, waiting for this natural solution will doom the world to a future of increasing human suffering, conflict, and war.
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Glad marijuana question passed
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Another botched election
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Global climate change & red meat
Mr. Holden also makes reference to red meat and the idea that if “science demands that Americans reduce their hefty consumption of red meat a little, so be it” Well, Mr Holden, it is NOT just “so be it". If I want to eat red meat for every meal of every day of MY life and can afford to buy it, that should be MY choice! I don’t need some nannyist government agency, or special interest group telling me what I can and cannot eat. I think the various bans on transfat have already gone too far.
What about foreign countries? Is red meat to be rationed there, too? Don’t force your agenda on the rest of us.
Now, if Mr. Holden’s concern over red meat is the supposed greenhouse gas emissions of cows, this is the height of hypocrisy. What about all the human greenhouse gas emissions? While cows are bigger, there are a lot more people.
If climate change, despite lack of any real evidence, is actually man-made then it seems to me the real solution is to reduce the earth’s human population, not force inconvenience, restrictions, and expense on the people of the one nation in the world which is supposed to stand for liberty and freedom of choice. But I haven’t heard any of the global warming alarmists suggesting a plan to control population growth, or volunteering to not have kids themselves. Don’t expect to either.
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Gov. Ritter’s climate action plan
As Americans, we have considerable experience with both. For example, the space program and our continuing defense needs. Both involve massive subsidies and a host of “incentives” to do what the nation has decided needs to be done. Arguably, we didn’t have to go to the moon, or anywhere else in space for that matter. But, as a nation, we chose to. Many of us, most importantly a large majority of climate scientists, are convinced that we have no choice but to address climate degradation. Recently, a dozen or so senior military flag officers reported that climate change was now a national security threat. For my money, that takes it out of the category of “let’s continue to sweep it under the rug” as the Carrolls of the world seem to propose.
Pursuing Mr. Carroll’s dubious logic, why not turn over national security to the market place. Thus, our defense would “unfold without prodding,” etc. No, there are certain things, things vital to the Commonwealth of America, that markets do not naturally produce.
National security is one. A clean and healthy environment is another.
And energy security, independence from unstable Persian Gulf oil supplies, is yet another.
Mr. Carroll fails to admit that our current energy, and therefore climate, policy is heavily subsidized, and I thought by now all thoughtful Americans had accepted that. Oil is subsidized. Coal is subsidized. Our air and our water are not free goods. Yet we are treating them as if they were. So much for “markets.” Nuclear is heavily subsidized. The greatest subsidy for oil is our military presence in the Persian Gulf. Include that cost into the cost of imported oil and we would all be paying about $7 a gallon for gasoline.
And that, of course, does not include the incalculable cost of human lives. Our casualties in Gulf War II now well exceed 30,000.
Markets are wonderful for regulating all human activities that generate a profit. But the profit generated by climate change will emerge when Florida is under water. The preamble to our Constitution dedicates its purposes not only to us but also “to our Posterity.” Our posterity will not think much of us if we leave them the kind of world Mr. Carroll is so casually willing to let evolve.
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Endangered species act
At the expense of human life and human progress, the Endangered Species Act has been used to prevent the construction of dams, irrigation projects, power plants, housing complexes, highways, and many other essential forms of human development.
No law that places the well-being of animals above the well-being of humans should stand.
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Gov. Ritter’s executive order
This is what our previous governor failed to do for eight years, he was wonderful for big business, lax to the point of often ignoring them on too many issues for the other groups. Note some of his vetoes.
This executive order, if read completely before spouting off, does nothing but allow workers and management to sit down and talk through their plans an issues. Is that not what good business and good government is all about? If it is not, it certainly should be. All this party politics practiced by the far left and the far right does nothing but cause bitterness and hatred, while accomplishing little other than to be a sop to that groups powerful and narrow sighted thinking.
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Navigating the Campos maze
Reading Paul Campos’ columns is like walking through Farmer Fritzler’s corn maze — you don’t know where you are going when you start and you don’t know how you arrived when you finish. His Oct. 15 piece, “Romney’s odd view of ‘faith,’” in which Campos attempts to debunk Gov. Mitt Romney’s religious beliefs as a significant factor in the governor’s presidential race, is an example.
He premises his argument by equating “persons of faith” to “persons of politics” or “persons of science.” Nonsense. By common usage, the first refers to persons whose belief system stems from a belief in a deity; the latter two mean essentially nothing or whatever Campos chooses them to mean. This is not an apples-to-oranges thing; more like apples to screwdrivers.
In Campos’ maze, we suddenly come face to face with Ann Coulter, whom Campos dislikes — big time. Maybe it’s her beautiful head of blond hair, and maybe not. However irrelevant Coulter may be to Campos’ subject, he sometimes includes her in his columns simply to inject her with a little Campos venom. He invariably tunes logic out here.
All in all, however, Campos’ columns are good reads. He is one of the few lefties who does appreciate logic even if he does begin at the right side of the equation.
Windon H. Davis, Greeley
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBackWould anything be left if left had its way?
It’s disconcerting to hear the liberal left’s point of view in their open contempt for all things American. The latest diatribe by Sandy Levinson against the U.S. Constitution — as presented by Rocky columnist Paul Campos (“An outdated Constitution,” Nov. 6) — is but the latest example.
Apparently, the left will not rest until America has cast off all restraints put in place by the Founding Fathers. Not content with the inroads toward social reconstruction they have so far inflicted on America, they now turn their sights on the Constitution.
Under the guise of “the best American political tradition,” they gleefully ask “whether some of our most basic political arrangements need to be overthrown” (emphasis added). Go ahead, America, they seem to say, pull it all down. Dump 220 years into the dustbin of history.
But what would be left after the dust settles?
Ronald Phillips, Aurora
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (86) | TrackBackTaxes just keep going up and up and up
Oh the Democrats — tax and spend. They raised our property taxes and raised fees for some other services. Now I see where the transportation panel appointed by Gov. Bill Ritter is proposing new taxes and fees to raise as much as $2 billion a year. One fee increase would include an average $100 a year in auto registration fees. Another increase would double the 22-cents-a-gallon state gas tax. Another is to raise the state sales tax by 0.55 cents.
Maybe the next time the four ultra-rich, liberal Democrats (Rutt Bridges, Tim Gill, Jared Polis and Pat Stryker) back candidates and issues, the voters will pay more attention. Everyone gets stuck with the bill — Republicans, Democrats and independents.
The voters gave the politicians a time-out from the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. Where is all of that money being spent? No more time outs for TABOR once the current moratorium expires.
Here in Castle Rock, the Town Council is toying with the cockamamie idea of building a baseball stadium that would be paid for by a sales tax increase. We already have a very high sales tax here, including sales tax on groceries.
It has to stop. We just can’t keep raising taxes.
David Sullivan, Castle Rock
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (47) | TrackBackThree random thoughts
I have three random thoughts that I wanted to share.
First of all, I was wondering if the Rockies hired the same genius that the Denver Election Board used in the last election, or did they hire the whiz kid that the state of Colorado has been using on its computers? It seems so sad that the Rockies threw away some of the goodwill they had just rebuilt.
When is saving energy a hazard to the community? When the four-watt LED traffic signal cannot melt snow off the traffic signal the same way a 75-watt light can. Southbound traffic on Parker Road during Sunday’s snowstorm had no visible lights because of snow buildup, but we saved a few pennies on electricity. I hope no one got hurt.
Finally, why does RockyMountainNews.com let some people hide? A letter to the editor requires a name and city to get printed, and people do respond to that information.
However, the bloggers get to hide behind a “clever” pseudonym without having to be accountable for their babbling. Name and town should be required of all who want to contribute to the discourse of the day.
Jay K. Holt, Aurora
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (26) | TrackBackSad commentary
Bill Johnson’s column of Oct. 26, “When did kids being kids become a criminal act?” is a sad statement on the way society has changed for the worse.
The school used poor judgment — the choice of punishment was more inappropriate than the game the children were playing.
The education system teaches children intolerance and injustice. If the child is found innocent of these charges, then using the standard the school has established for first-time mistakes, the teacher and the principal should be charged criminally for filing a false report.
The police should never have been called, and this child should not be in the criminal system.
As Dorothy Law Nolte said so beautifully in her poem Children Learn What They Live, “If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.”
Al and Sandy Hauer, Arvada
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBackDIA wait times OK
I am writing to express my dismay at The Associated Press story about the alleged delays at DIA at the security checkpoint (“Colorado delegation calls DIA wait times ‘unacceptable,’” Nov. 1).
I fly out of and into DIA from one to three times each month on business and the wait times in DIA are favorable when compared to many other major airports.
I appreciate the courtesy and diligence of the TSA screeners and all of the vendors in the terminal and always look forward to utilizing DIA.
Perhaps those who complain have nothing better to do than complain. If they hate DIA, try Phoenix. They’ll change their tune quickly.
Richard D. Jensen, Alamosa
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBackThanks, Deep Rock
I appreciate Deep Rock Water Co. having a corporate backbone and not using plastic bottles with bisphenol A even though it costs them more to not use them (“Deep Rock pulls its plastic jugs,” Business, Nov. 1).
Deep Rock stopped using the polycarbonate water-cooler jugs out of concern the plastic can release BPA, an estrogenlike compound that has been linked to early-stage prostate and breast cancer and decreased fertility. If only the Food and Drug Administration was so thoughtful and proactive.
Robyn Dino, Denver
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBackA DIFFERING VIEW/Anti-smoking zealots hide behind casino workers
In an editorial titled “Casinos’ shell game” (Nov. 5), the Rocky argued that casinos in Blackhawk should not be allowed to construct semi-enclosed terraces or rooftop smoking patios and decks.
The reasoning was that any partially enclosed area (in other words, any area that is even marginally comfortable, and doesn’t leave smokers freezing out in the cold) constitutes an “indoor smoking area” and is therefore forbidden by the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act.
One of the act’s “principal architects,” anti-smoking crusader Sen. Ken Gordon, is quoted as saying the primary intent of this legislation “was to make sure the people working in casinos aren’t doing it in smoke-filled rooms.”
Fair enough. But there does not appear to be any necessity whatsoever for these employees to go into these smoking areas. And even if they did venture out briefly (perhaps to turn on a heater or change an ashtray), these areas are still open to the outside air, and thus well-ventilated.
The fact is that the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act was never so much about protecting the health of bar and casino employees as it was about a vehemently anti-smoking minority within our legislature who simply cannot abide the idea of anyone smoking anywhere, anytime, period.
We will doubtless see, in the upcoming legislative session, further efforts to accomplish a complete ban in all public places (including outdoor patios) under the guise of “closing the loopholes.”
Since there are only a handful of venues remaining that qualify for an indoor smoking exemption, any additional legislation to further restrict smoking will represent nothing more that a solution in search of a problem.
Mark Herzfeld is a resident of Denver.
Posted by denver-admin at 12:00 AM | Comments (25) | TrackBackI’d gotten used to ignoring Paul Campos’ columns in the Rocky Mountain News in favor of real-world common sense until a colleague told me to read his recent column about overthrowing the Constitution (“An outdated Constitution,” Nov. 6).
Doing so reinforced the wisdom of my decision, as the column showed a childlike ignorance of facts and the very subject on which he was writing.
First he implicitly complains about all the money legislators from “sparsely populated states” steal for pet projects. Well, Bub, let me remind you (and Sandy Levinson, the avatar of your column) of one example of the same thing going on back east on Boston’s Big Dig, a project that is falling apart before its billions of dollars in cost are even paid for ... by taxpayers — even some of us from “sparsely populated states”!
Next Levinson/Campos complains about the Constitution not availing citizens the opportunity to get rid of an incompetent president. I’d ask Levinson/Campos to hark back to the impeachment of Bill Clinton. The Constitution worked fine for that.
Both Campos and Levinson really need to keep close to their hearts the idea that if the Constitution were overthrown, it is most probable that tenured ivory-towered liberals like them would be found out and lose their jobs; or worse, taken out and shot. That’s what they do to dissidents in a lot of other countries that don’t have a founding document like our Constitution.
Stephen Holben, Denver
Posted by denver-admin at 10:00 AM | Comments (11) | TrackBackComplaining DeGette got what she wanted
Poor, poor U.S. Rep. Diana De“Groaner” (“Colorado delegation calls DIA wait times ‘unacceptable,’” Nov. 1). Did ums have to take more than five minutes to get through the Transportation Security Administration special-privilege wait line? Did ums conveniently forget that ums was one of the loudest voices for a federal government TSA?
As a federal agency, with a budget limited by Congress, it has no incentive to serve the public by getting them through wait lines quicker. Granted, TSA has provided jobs for many who could not get jobs elsewhere, and it does provide its famous 19-cent-per-hour raises.
You wanted it, Rep. DeGette, and you got it. Which makes me think your letter wanting quicker TSA transit times is nothing but grandstanding for your personal political benefit. If you truly wanted quicker transit times for the public, you could always increase TSA funding by stealing from Medicare and raising the tobacco tax (as you attempted in SCHIP), or the traditional Democratic Party method: raising taxes.
R. Bashor, Lakewood
Posted by denver-admin at 10:00 AM | Comments (14) | TrackBackFault lies not with ICE
What’s wrong in Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Carl Rusnok’s assertion that “the responsibility for the negative impacts of our worksite enforcement actions lies squarely on the shoulder of those who violate our immigration laws?” (“Study: Kids hit hard by Greeley raid,” Nov. 1.)
Absolutely nothing.
The only blame for the sufferings of family members of those arrested by ICE late last year lies squarely on the backs of the illegals who were arrested.
Are our local law enforcement officers responsible for the “negative impacts” on the children of American criminals?
Not at all. The police, as well as ICE officers, are to be commended, not criticized, for preserving our nation as one of law.
Charles King, Boulder
Posted by denver-admin at 10:00 AM | Comments (26) | TrackBackImmigrants needed
Immigration will be a big political issue this election year. I hope there will be political leaders speaking out clearly for the idea that taking parents away from their children is not a good solution (“Study: Kids hit hard by Greeley raid,” Nov. 1).
We have an economic system that needs and encourages workers from other countries to come seeking jobs and a better life for their families. Workplace raids such as happened in Greeley are a shameful attack on these families.
Is this what we really stand for? What happened to the lamp beside the golden door?
Eric Wright, Denver
Posted by denver-admin at 10:00 AM | Comments (40) | TrackBackLet Iraqis try Blackwater agents
If Iraq is really a sovereign country, which is the fiction maintained by the Bush administration, then why aren’t the Blackwater USA personnel who are accused of murdering 17 innocent Iraqis accountable to the criminal justice system in that country? (“Promises shield guards in killing of 17 Iraqis,” Oct. 30.)
It is outrageous that our government arrogates to itself the authority to give these contractors immunity from criminal prosecution. That they were under contract to the U.S. government changes nothing.
Suppose the tables were turned. What would you think if Iraqis under contract to Iraq’s government were given immunity by that government after murdering Americans on our streets?
We shouldn’t be surprised by the treatment of Iraq as a ward of the United States government. That ugly attitude has been at the center of U.S. policy ever since President Bush decided to go to war.
John E. Cairnes, Limon
Posted by denver-admin at 10:00 AM | Comments (18) | TrackBackSo, airliners fly themselves, do they?
To understand why pilots are flying tired and falling asleep in the cockpit you don’t need to look any further than the statement by Frontier Airlines spokesman Joe Hodas that airliners “literally do fly themselves” (“Pilots asleep on DIA approach, Web report says,” Nov. 2).
If airline management believes that’s true, then why bother allowing pilots to get adequate rest? If anything goes wrong, the airplane will step in and save the day.
Hey, Mr. Hodas, if it’s that easy, why don’t you try it?
Douglas Hoeschle, Littleton
Posted by denver-admin at 10:00 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBackHope for the unborn
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg stated that “hope springs eternal” for women’s access to abortion (“Ginsburg says wealthy will always have abortion access,” Oct. 22).
Is there any hope for the unborn females?
How can you place hope in the death of our most defenseless citizens?
Jay and Dianne Moyers, Centennial
Posted by denver-admin at 10:00 AM | Comments (80) | TrackBackAny regrets now?
Paul Tibbets lived to age 92, which is nearly 62 years and three months longer than the 140,000 Japanese he helped kill (“Forever linked to Hiroshima,” Nov. 2). All his life he insisted he had no regrets about dropping the bomb. I wonder if he does now.
Ben Tucker, Lone Tree
Posted by denver-admin at 10:00 AM | Comments (48) | TrackBackMedia fearmongering is the real threat
What was the point of Thursday’s Business section story about Deep Rock pulling plastic jugs? Was it about how conscientious Deep Rock is about our health, even though their business decision was based on a public alarmed by bogus science? Or was it to inflame the public about how the chemical bisphenol A might cause health problems?
The test that said BPA, oozing from plastics, causes health problems came from a single test done on 14 mice after their mothers were fed BPA for seven days during pregnancy. Numerous other BPA tests involving at least 600 mice do not show any dangers to human health.
It was either a clever ploy for free advertisement by Deep Rock or an effort by the Rocky Mountain News to scare the public, especially if one did not read past the fifth paragraph.
The real danger to humans is the reckless reporting on science and the poor decisions that follow after the public is falsely convinced there is a danger.
Will Volskis, Aurora
Thanks Rockies, Rocky
In his Talk Back to the Media letter of Nov. 3, “Too much Rockies,” Sam Savajian’s questioning of the Rocky Mountain News’ priorities seems odd.
He mentions war, mortgage industry problems, health-care issues and national debt stories that, frankly, are not news anymore. But the fantastic run by the Rockies at the end of the season was definitely “news.”
I wish Savajian would have been happy to pick up the paper in the morning and look forward to escaping, for a brief period, his insatiable, depressing diet of what he thinks is “news.”
Not to worry, Mr. Savajian — I just heard Pakistan has some big trouble. That should carry the headlines for days. Thanks, Rockies. And thanks, Rocky Mountain News.
Robert Heaps, Parker
Posted by denver-admin at 09:50 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBackThe Rocky rocks
Thank you so much, Rocky Mountain News, for your excellent coverage of our wild ride to the World Series, with our amazing young team, the Colorado Rockies.
The Rocky’s writing, photography and layouts were amazing. I loved the daily pullouts for each sport (and in color!) — it was very easy to read and enjoyable.
I look forward to many more of these types of seasons with our Rocks. Thanks for the fun season, guys!
S.M. Engler, Lakewood
Posted by denver-admin at 09:50 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack‘Lio’ creative, funny
First, I would like to say that my interest in your comics pages derives mainly from the fact that it’s the only part of today’s news that makes sense in this day and age. That said, I would like to take issue with the reader who dislikes Lio (“Unfunny funnies,” Talk Back to the Media, Oct. 27).
Lio is creative, funny (a la Calvin & Hobbes, in a way) and gives a fresh approach to the imagination many children possess.
Also, it would make my millennium if you were to bring Willy ’n’ Ethel back. Joe Martin has always been a cartoonist with a great sense of humor and a finger on the pulse of the common folk.
Bob Jennings, Evergreen
Posted by denver-admin at 09:50 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBackAP, Times biased
The majority of Rocky Mountain News subscribers that I know are very unhappy with the paper’s continued, almost exclusive use of Associated Press and New York Times news coverage.
The AP is so biased that they change actual news, insidiously leaving out parts of a given happening to change the total meaning of the story. We disgruntled subscribers go to radio or Fox News to find the true news stories.
We would like Rocky editors to add other news sources to their mix in an attempt to achieve a more balanced reporting.
Jack Richgels, Kiowa
Posted by denver-admin at 09:50 AM | Comments (12) | TrackBackPartiality in war coverage is showing
Do I see some media bias?
Instead of headlining, “GI deaths in Iraq show deep decline,” the Rocky Mountain News chose to go back almost a full year and the headline instead reads, “It’s a bad year for GIs in Iraq” (Nov. 5).
Too bad the really great news doesn’t get the headlines. (Oh yes, in a very small-print clause the Rocky casually mentions “ ... a recent drop in American deaths.”)
Thanks a lot.
John Hetlinger, Broomfield
As a longtime Colorado resident, union member and former state employee, I would like to point out some misconceptions about labor unions and collective bargaining rights in recent statements arguing against proposed efforts to unionize state civil service workers.
It is the opinion of no less than our own U.S. Congress, in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, that the right to join labor organizations and to collective bargaining in the civil service are in the public interest and directly contribute to the effective conduct of the public’s business.
The argument that collective bargaining rights would force thousands of state employees to unwittingly pay dues to a labor union is patently false.
Under Colorado law, joining a labor union is optional and only union members pay union dues.
Labor organizing and collective bargaining rights are about developing a productive work environment that builds employee-management trust (instead of a top-down-only process) that both recognizes and respects the workplace rights of frontline employees.
Furthermore, through collective bargaining, unions help unite management and employees around common workplace goals. Managers gain valuable insight when they involve employees in day-to-day decision-making, rather than simply issuing orders.
Collective bargaining is the best way to engage frontline employees so they have an effective say in efforts at government reform.
Any attempts at reforming state government without the voice and insight of Colorado’s civil service workforce will not be real reform.
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Endorsement for Ron Paul
I see a serious situation happening here in our country and I can no longer remain silent.
I am a person that works hard for others, I find value in the sense of community, I feel passionately about health freedom, I am a strong advocate for peace, I take our constitution very seriously and I am saddened by the violations that I see taking place. I cannot stand by, powerless, and allow corporate and corrupt government politicians rape the freedoms that we hold dear. I strongly believe that this is our last chance to take action. We are heading down a path that I cannot imagine will turn out victorious unless we completely change the way we think, act, do business, and vote. Yes, VOTE. I am a diligent researcher and I read many books and journals in the fields of health care, politics, spiritual science, education and relationships. I am not a perfect person, but I do have a strong sense of what is right. And right now, I am afraid to say that our country is not currently aligned with that ideal.
Yesterday, a miracle occurred. Over 35,000 people agreed with me and offered a small token to a campaign for a man who is not necessarily photogenic. He is not a media groomed politician, he is not backed by the big companies, unions, and special interests of our American power brokerage. But he is a man with principles. He is the real deal. His campaign is not about him, it is about America. It is not about power and control, it is about returning that power to us, the people.
I have heard some say that he cannot win, he is not leading in the media controlled polls, he will split the vote. Well, yesterday he did something phenomenal. 35,000 other Americans from all walks of life agreed with me and offered a donation to this campaign that set a record. Ron Paul is now the one conservative candidate who has received the largest single day of donations during this campaign for the presidency of 2008. That is over 4 million dollars. Even if you don’t think you could support a Republican. Even if you think you want to vote for the pretty guy, or the black guy or the first woman, or the ex-POW or the 9/11 symbol, please, take a minute to study the options before you make a decision this time around, because this may be the last time we do this thing called a presidential election. Make your choice wisely. Stay informed and be careful what you see on TV.
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Give to local animal shelters
Care about animals? Give locally!
Animal rights believers have a religious philosophy which claims all animals are capable of a discernable thought processes. Yet they contradict their philosophy each time they muzzle an animal from speaking in behalf of itself.
Animal rights believers will tell you what an animal...any animal...thinks. Yet they’re quick to reject animal’s well thought out plans, and disallow them a seat at their planning table.
Animal rights believers even refuse animal’s request to be euthanized.
Unless you want someone else to do the thinking for you and all animals, please... do not give to animal rights believer groups like PETA, ALF and The Humane Society of United States. They do not use contributions for the proper care and feeding of any animal.
So here your are; a person who really cares about animals, yet just enlightened on why you shouldn’t give to groups you thought were pretty good.
What should you do? We recommend you find a local animal in need and give directly to its caretaker. That way you can see first hand...the good will your gift has brought.
For example, in the Greeley area you could contact the Weld County Humane Society. Three years ago, we found a real treasure there - in our dog “Aggie May.” A truly delightful Border Collie mix, Miss Aggie is a never ending source of happy entertainment! In short: Care about animals? Give locally!
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Paul Campos & the Constitution
Re: Paul Campos 11/6/07 The Constitution was constructed to create a republic, not a democracy. This is important to protect us from the potential of tyranny by the majority. Campos’ example proves the effectiveness of this as sparsely populated states have the same ability to “steal federal tax dollars” as heavily populated states.
Perhaps we would be better off if we actually followed the Constitution and kept “most of the important political decisions” at the state and local level. Legislation at this level would more likely reflect the will of the people, as opposed to a few elites imposing their will on us since they know what’s best for us.
It seems to me the primary “barrier to legislative action” is the anonymity and lack of accountability currently in both houses of Congress. The line-item veto would prevent needed legislation from being held hostage to legislation that would never stand on its own merits. Legislators would actually be accountable for their particular additions and amendments to legislation.
With government limited on the federal level, incompetent presidents and congresses do not irreparably harm our country. These limitations are important safeguards to preserve our individual freedoms and accountability.
Instead of looking to inferior forms of government outside our borders, we should be proud of our constitutional republic, which limits government powers and has kept us healthy and prosperous over the course of our history. Let’s continue to be the light for the rest of the world to follow.
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Unions don’t increase efficiency
John M Berger of Lakewood w
Can you imagine the CEO of a successful company, such as Toyota, promoting a union to increase “efficiency"! What a joke!
Thanks for your consideration.
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I appreciated Fernando Quintero’s reporting on the impact of the ICE Raids on immigrant and citizen children whose parents were detained at the Swift Plant in Greeley. I was struck by the connections between these families experiences and the stories that I hear routinely as volunteer for an agency that provides legal information to non-citizens held in ICE detention.
Whether non-citizens are detained in workplace raids or pulled over for routine traffic violations, their experience sends a clear message to the immigrant community: their hard work is desired and in demand, but they are also expected to live here invisibly and to accept all the blame for a situation they have not created. (It’s ludicrous to explain the global distribution of resources and jobs on individual families!). While Mr. Quintero’s article offered a view into the heart wrenching experience of these families it also confirmed the ever present blaming and posturing of the anti-immigrant crowd, including enforcement agencies.
Undocumented immigrant workers are to blame for their children’s suffering when they are detained and deported? What a double whammy when the very reason they endure brutal border journeys, dangerous and grueling work conditions, and hostility from the society around them is for well-being of those children. Immigrant families fight like hell to get here and to work here for the love of their kids. I imagine the rest of us would do the very same in their shoes, but I guess it’s easier to blame the families themselves than to accept responsibility for policies that tear families apart.
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What’s good for the goose...
I can’t believe State Department employees are complaining about being involuntarily transferred to Baghdad. Senior Foreign Services Officer Jack Croddy had the nerve to ask, “Who will raise our children if we are dead or seriously wounded?” I don’t recall anyone from the State Department asking who will raise the children of the thousands of US troops who are dying and coming home without limbs. If everyone quits in protest, the State Department might have to outsource to a private rent-an-embassador firm in order to legitimize the US embassy in Baghdad, and that could cost us billions of dollars in contract fees.
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Dennis Kucinich
OK ,chuckle, chuckle, so Dennis Kucinich thinks there could be UFOs..Ask any theologian, and they will tell you that there is no empirical proof for the existence of God. That means all of us who believe in God believe in something that we can’t irrefutably prove. So how about expending some of your ink and print space on the Congressman’s voting record? When presented with the factually unsupported claim of WMD and Al-Qaida networks in Iraq, he voted not to go to war over alarmist fantasy .He consistently voted not to continue funding a war that has been executed badly and cost thousands of (notoriously under supplied and protected) American soldiers their lives while billions have gone to fraud, graft , and corruption and dubious “allies". Kucinich has voted to protect the civil liberties of American citizens and to maintain the checks and balances in our system of government .All the other candidates in the race have voted for the war, for its continuation, for unduly invasive governmental powers and an unprecedented accretion of presidential powers at the expense of the powers of congress (your representatives folks...to diminish their relevance is to diminish your relevance. ) Now when the spotlight shines on their voting records they fudge, hedge and equivocate. They all claim to have been misled on the intelligence , but none of them in their brilliant hindsight have attempted to correct the error,they have continued to hand over American lives and treasure to this monstrous war ; they have continued to hand increasing powers to the chief executive’s office...an office that they are now seeking to occupy .Do the math.
It’s both astounding and appalling that the Congressman can’t get the press’s attention for his voting record, but gets pounced on over this bit of nonsense. When it comes to the issues that matter most in this election, he’s shown a level head. The other candidates have shown self interest and opportunism .I personally find that more alienating than...aliens.
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Sexual abuse in Oprah's African school
I feel a strange mix of fury and elation as I watch Oprah speak about the sexual abuse incidents at her school in Africa. My heart aches for the victims because I understand the devastation of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA). As a psychotherapist who has a passion to work with survivors, I know the road for healing is long and arduous. I am grateful however that the spotlight is shining on this all too common crime. At least one in four females (and one in six males) are victimized sexually before the age of eighteen. Experts think the statistics are actually higher.
The one thing I wish people understood is that CSA is typically not rape (or full intercourse). Instead it is inappropriate leering, touching, voyeurism, etc. The damage comes when the child learns she has no boundaries and she has no voice. Often she is haunted with shame that comes from aspects of the abuse she may have enjoyed (i.e. feelings of specialness and gifts) given to her from a person whom she typically cares for.
It is common for me to see a cluster of symptoms in an adult and question her about CSA. Her answers are almost always “no, except when......” and she goes on to tell me about an uncle, or cousin, or stepfather who did such and such. A big part of healing is coming to understand that what happened to her was sexual abuse and she is not the cause of it. I want people to understand that adult symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, are often connected to something that may have happened to them in childhood.
“There are places in the heart which do not exist yet; and into them, suffering enters, that they may have existence.” -Leon Bloy
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Hippo’s death
Re: “Heavy penalties not likely in hippo’s death,” Nov. 5 Thanks for focusing some attention on the scarce protection afforded to animals used in zoos. By their very nature, zoos leave animals vulnerable to a variety of dangers from which they have no defense or opportunity to escape.
Many animals have paid with their lives while being transferred from one zoo to another. In this year alone, an impala being transferred from the Toledo Zoo to the Milwaukee County Zoo was found dead after a “slow recovery from the anesthesia;” two of the three giant elands sent from the San Diego Wild Animal Park to the San Francisco Zoo were attacked and killed by the third giant eland while the animals were quarantined in a cramped barn; a rhinoceros at the Delhi Zoo died as the result of a heart infection caused by a tranquilizer needle that broke off inside her body during sedation at the San Diego Zoo prior to her being shipped. The list goes on.
Animals in zoos have been poisoned, left to starve, deprived of veterinary care, and burned alive in fires. Many have died after eating coins, plastic bags, and other items thrown into their cages. They have been beaten, bludgeoned, and stolen by people who were able to gain access to their cages. Animals in zoos are far from home, and far from safe.
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CU President using the word ghetto
Evidently beauty is not the only thing in the eye of the beholder these days. The latest uproar over CU’s president using the word “ghetto” and upsetting a member of a racial minority clearly illustrates that now even word definitions are subject to not only “p.c.ness”, but how the listener feels like interpreting the word. This is so reminiscent of the controversy swirling around the word “niggardly” for the last 10 years or so. It is currently a word that sensitivity dictates we not employ – even though the Norwegian root nigle, at least 500 years old, means only stingy or miserly. This speaks to a human character trait present in ALL races! This present hubbub shows us again that as with all of life, if you go looking for an insult, you will certainly find one. However, if you must be offended by proper usage of the English language, remember that sounding off about an alleged insult may result in making you simply sound uneducated – and all to willing to place blame everywhere but on your own poor vocabulary skills.
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Jenna Bush’s book signing
Thank you for the advance alert about the no-no’s for those planning to attend Jenna Bush’s book-promoting-appearance at The Tattered Cover later this month. The list of forbidden things may possibly be missing some items. Recently my daughter was traveling from Boston and was delayed by airport security for a souvenir water globe which airport security confiscated. She was told had it been in a plastic bag (which he declined to provide although they are provided at DIA), she could have kept it. So, those going to see Jenna keep this in mind: leave the water globes at home or keep them in a plastic bag. From all information I have gathered, one can still take a cigarette lighter on a plane so they must be safe at Jenna’s appearance as oppsed to the forbidden knitting needles, fireworks, and umbrellas. It is probably a small inconvenience to sacrifice one’s own safety and comfort by leaving at home one’s water bottle and sharpened pencil and pens; mail your letters and packages before going and remove those sticks and poles from your pockets or purse.
Complete all hygiene and makeup procedures and leave hairspray and prescription containers at home. Waiting in line to see a celebrity can take a long time, so be sure to take your pain reliever before going. I think I will stay home.
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Bombarded by beggars
Hi, I live downtown and have for a long time have wondered why, if panhandling is illegal in (downtown) Denver, why am I still bombarded by beggars everyday, when I leave my home or walk down the street? It is a complete nuisance and safely issue.
I literally had someone pounding on my car as I drove away from my parking space at 16th and Wazee at 10:45 this morning. When I cracked my window to ask the issue he said he needed $16 to sleep at the Samaritan House and wouldn’t take no for an answer. When I told him I didn’t have any cash on me he said he would walk me down to the ATM and wait! He wouldn’t let go of my car until I gave him something. I ended up caving and giving him $1 to get him to leave me alone and he still cursed me as I drove away. I am so sick of this! I know Mayor Hickenlooper has done a lot to help but there is no true police monitoring of this. It is truly unfair to the tax paying citizens of downtown to still be dealing with this issue at this level.
Another issue along the same line is the homeless. At both of my places downtown (18th and Blake and 24th and Walnut...just moved) I had bums sleeping at the doorway (blocking entry and exit), on my sidewalk, in the ally etc. This is private property and still they are allowed to sleep in plain view of the police and are not moved. Why is this being ignored? This makes me feel completely unsafe extremely bothered.
This issue needs to be addressed and taken seriously. I would love to see what downtown Denver is still doing to stop this, or has the City decided enough attention has been paid to it and has walked away??
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Pakistan’s Constitution
To the Editor: Well, golly-gee, Gen. Musharraf has suspended Pakistan’s Constitution. Where do you suppose he got the idea he could get away with that?
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Scientist misuses science
Scientist misuses science in argument
Models embody out best estimates of what we know. They constantly require calibration by experiment. This interplay has been proven powerful by many examples, beginning with the design of functioning nuclear weapons in the 1940s.
Models give us glimpses into variables we can’t measure but the models must always be calibrated and made consistent with good experiments and observations.
Models of climate are very difficult because they involve complex physics.
Because of this they must be used with care.
Science prefers good practice which involves the back and forth between modelling and experiments/observations.
Laboratory experiments are also good but not always definitive for many of the same reasons that models are not always definitive. They may not include all the variables that are important in the real world.
Good experiments/observations rule, but models and lab experiments clarify when used correctly.
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A DIFFERING VIEW/Turnover shows state workers’ lot not cushy
A DIFFERING VIEW
As a state employee, I had no idea how “good” we had it until I read the Rocky Mountain News’ recent editorial protesting Gov. Bill Ritter’s executive order giving unions an inroad to state government (“‘Partnership’ to the past,” Nov. 3).
Wow! Ninth highest paid, are we? How do you explain, then, the fact that more than 50 percent of newer employees quit within three years of hire? Denver’s cost of living is also nearly 10 percent higher than the average U.S. city, so maybe we still aren’t paid enough to make ends meet. And even the Department of Personnel admits that our benefits are currently 15 percent below market. The Rocky didn’t mention that.
I have mixed feelings about unionization, but it seems like any time politicians try to “help” state employees we end up suffering from “unintended” consequences. I think we need some voice, some way to be heard, because the high turnover among newer and younger workers should tell you that we don’t have it as cushy as the Rocky seems to think — and that high turnover will cost the taxpayers dearly in the long run.
Lisa Hakonson is a resident of Lakewood.
Posted by denver-admin at 11:24 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBackOh the irony of the Rocky's Ritter angst
There is something ironic now that the Rocky Mountain News is blasting Gov. Bill
Ritter for his recent "political moves" to push for unionization of state
workers and his "green moves" that will cost the state millions in plain costs
and in jobs.
Of course the business people don't like it. And who really cares about the poor
taxpayer on whose shoulders it will all fall? It seems Ritter just thinks that
is their role - to pay for his pipe dreams.
The irony is that the Rocky Mountain News actually endorsed Ritter in the first
place.
The title of Ann Coulter's latest book says it all: If Democrats Had Any Brains,
They'd Be Republicans. But she also gave a hopeful outlook. She knows that
everyone has memories and said that, down the road, people will remember why
they were once voted out. In this instance, we can't afford them and their pipe
dreams.
Frank Galmish, Denver
Merrifield dangerous
He's baaa-a-ack! Rep. Michael Merrifield of the Colorado House Education Committee, that is ("Merrifield raising Hell again," Oct. 26).
He's still at it - fighting a bill proposing to upgrade high school graduation
standards to include more math, science, etc.
No wonder we are sinking ever lower from the economic power we once were. Our
nation must have more, not fewer, scientists and engineers or we will continue
to fall behind.
It is dangerous that we have people like Merrifield in our education system.
Evelyn Ferguson, Denver
Let's use our own oil
Ostriches ignore reality to their detriment; our leaders who toady to popular
myths advanced by the media follow suit.
It is inconceivable to me that there is not one politician who will lay it on
the line and say that chasing the chimera of an immediate substitute for oil
leaves us open to blackmail and subservience to the governments that control
oil.
Our refusal to develop and refine the domestic oil supply is a surrender to
those who wish us ill.
Pandering to sugar-plum dreams might win elections in the short term, but will result in catastrophe.
Robert Lipton, Lakewood
The Court’s reasons for making constitution changes is that it doesn’t apply to today’s standards or conditions, or what they meant to say was... NOT SO...
The words are very clear as they stand.
Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Freedom of speech means exactly what it says... Freedom to express your opinion, anytime, any place. Webster’s 10th Edition goes even further when it says Freedom: The absence of necessity, coercion or constraint in choice or action... Coercion is exactly what happened when Congress condemned Move On for speaking out.
Amendment II A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. No right to keep and bear arms unless you’re part of a well ordered militia... What could be plainer?
Amendment III No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. Obviously intended to prevent soldiers to take over houses by force, but the fact that it says ANY house applies to taking over houses in Iraq or any other place in the world.
Amendment IV The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. “The people” means what it says, ALL People, including people in Iraq and the rest of the world. So when we knock down doors without due process on suspician alone, especially since we aren’t at war with Iraq, we are violating the amendment.
Amendment V No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. There are NO indictments by Grand Juries for capital crimes these days, only one judge.
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Democratic debates
After watching the current Democratic debates, the candidates make me very insure about America’s future. As a life long Democrat, I see no one that I could support. The front runner can’t answer a direct question, another thinks the war on terrorism is “just a bumper sticker", and another candidate, who stresses hope, says he would sit down and talk with terrorists. Even one of the non-contenders has seen a UFO. I often hear Israel discussed and never in the same breath with suicide bombers and Islamic Fascism.Yes, I do mean Fascism. Those who would argue that this is not the correct historical analogy are challenged to find one single relevant place where the anaolgy fails.
What the Democrats need, if they intend to win the next election, is not a President like Jose Zapatero of Spain, who withdrew troops from Iraq after al Quaeda bombed four commuter trains in Madrid, killing nearly 200 citizens and injuring l,600 more. They need a candidate speaking thus: “ Never give in, never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yeild to force; never yeild to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy". This of course was Churchill, and it is he ,not Chamberlain, whom history has vindicated.
Why can’t they see the burning bush? The threats, much like Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” are available in Osama bin Laden’s multiple fatwas.
Maybe, Chantal Desol, a French philosopher makes sense: “They cannot imagine fighting for a cause because they no longer believe a cause may be worth a fight". I Hope he is incorrect!!
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Disappointed in the Rocky
I am very disappointed in the editorial position the Rocky has chosen.
Clearly, no state employees were consulted. Only those who have no stake in the improvement of government and making State Government more accountable were asked to provide this opinion. No effort was made to gain the full story, but only to gain the most sensational headline.
State workers want to hold their politically-appointed directors accountable. State workers want to have the same voice that workers in profitable and successful businesses have- the voice that lets management know what is working and what is not. This is not about wages. It is about making our government work properly.
I am a taxpayer too, and I am fully committed to making sure no more multi-million dollar computer mistakes are foisted on our State without review. And I would hope that a partnership that gives workers a voice and holds political appointees accountable would be supported by the paper, not politicized for the sole purpose of selling headlines. The efficient operation of our government should be the goal of all Coloradoans, not a political bone to be used by a few ineffectual politicians with an agenda towards privatization, not change.
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Gov. Ritter’s executive order
Last Friday Governor Ritter issued Executive Order D 028 07 which gives state employees the right to choose if they would like to be represented by a labor union and what union would represent them. I have been disappointed by the venous attacks directed against the governors proposed partnership with his employees and labor unions. I have been working for the state for two and a half years. During my tenure I have seen a staggering amount of waste and poor managerial decisions. Millions of mine and your tax dollars flushed away on poorly conceived and incompetently run projects. Nothing burns me more that hearing about the spending limitations of TABOR while seeing bushellfuls of money being carted out the door into the coffers of consulting companies. I have personally been involved in some of these projects and seen my fellow employees completely disregarded and chastised for sounding the alarm over impending problems on these projects. In short, no independent voice for the employees meant no voice at all.
After two and a half years in state government I can safely say that business as usual is not good business for the state employees or the citizens that we serve. We need bold leadership that is willing to work with employees who have the “boots on the ground” experience and knowledge to devise an implement 21st century solutions. Being able to partner with labor unions allows the chorus of state employee voices to be channeled into one.
In the end we will be stronger more efficient and all of us will reap the rewards and benefits.
No one has ever accused government of being overly efficient, and with good reason. Many citizens perceive government services as a joke and something, like trying to renew a drivers license or a call for unemployment benefits, that must be endured. In short, citizens expect poor service from the government and that is unacceptable. Formalizing an employee union partnership is a critical step in addressing many of the issues that have plagued government. We, as state employees, now have the same freedom as those in the private sector, namely whether or not we choose union representation. This partnership finally gives us the vehicle we to make an difference in our jobs and the services we provide. There has never been a better time to be a state employee or a citizen in Colorado because, with Governor Ritters Executive Order D 028 07, everyone in Colorado Wins.
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Letter to Mike Littwin
Dear Mr. Littwin: The sky is blue, water’s wet and we have a Democrat governor in bed with the unions.
So what else is new? Great news if you are a government employee looking for more money for less work (having previously belonged to a union, I know).
Bad news if you are a taxpayer employed in the private sector (known to Democrats as “The Rich").
We’ll see how it shakes out, but it isn’t encouraging. We in this state seem hell bent to tax ourselves back to the Stone Age. I hope a tipping point occurs where government gets back on a budget and we keep taxation at reasonable levels, and I hope it happens before we end up like Massachusetts (where I grew up and left as soon as I could).
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Terrorists will use meat next
I finally discovered how the terrorists will get to the people in this country. With all the meat recall, recently l Millions Pounds of hamburger recall because of E.Coli from Cargll Inc.. From Torino’s and Other frozen pizzas. Because of E.Coli. I believe that this is how the terrorists will get to the people. Did you not wonder why so many meats are being recalled. Maybe even the toys from China are just now being recalled. How many years before anyone discovered this has this been going on?
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No news on Burma
Disappointed.
That is, I am disappointed again and again with the coverage (or lack of it) in the media of certain events.
Iraq is a big deal—no doubt about it. It deserves coverage. And no matter what side of the issue you are on, most of us want to know what’s going on there.
But what about Burma?
The activity of the Burmese government (so sorry, they call it Myanmar now) is as atrocious as anything seen since the Nazis. It’s the kind of thing that would make Pol Pot proud.
Who’s Pol Pot? So sorry again. He was the leader of Cambodia during the late 60’s and early 70’s and was responsible for the systematic killing of one million of his own citizens.
The kind of thing that makes Stalin look like Charlie Brown cartoonist Charles Schulz.
But don’t feel badly if you don’t know about Pol Pot—the media didn’t give that situation much time either.
And how about Tibet?
As the Chinese government prepares their PR machine for the ’08 Olympics, many activist groups such as Amnesty International and the International Campaign for Tibet are screaming for media coverage of China’s atrocious human rights and environmental practices.
But I just don’t see a lot of it on TV. I do know exactly what is going on with Brittany Spears. .
Come on!
I am all for the First Amendment. I think the Constitution is right on when it protects journalists and their sources at all cost. But as the founding fathers intended, with freedom ALWAYS comes responsibility And as the press enjoys a great deal of freedom they should also be held to high standard of responsibility—not just to double check sources and use commas correctly—they need to do a more complete job of reporting. better job of deciding what is newsworthy. I have had enough of Michael Vick and O.J. Simpson. Let the courts deal with them. But how are those Buddhist monks in Burma? Are they still being tortured and killed? Is our government doing anything to help? What about ethnic cleansing and genocide in Dar Fur? What is the status there?
My local news won’t tell me.
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Educate yourself on this political issue
In an article titled “Bush senses echo of Lenin, Hitler” printed in the Rocky Mountain News on 11/2/07, the AP reports that, without a trace of irony, President Bush compared Democratic leaders in Congress to the people who ignored the rise of Lenin and Hitler.
Unfortunately, I, too am seeing a lot of frightening similarities between post-9/11 America and the rise of the fascist dictators in the middle of the 20th century. The “Reichstag fire” was Hitler’s “9/11;”
and the Nazi “Enabling Acts” our “USA Patriot Act.” The “Black Shirts”
in Mussolini’s Italy, and the “Brown Shirts” in Hilter’s Germany are today’s “Blackwater USA.” Is there anyone over the age of 45 who can hear about the NSA (and its widespread warrantless domestic spying programs) without thinking that those are the kinds of things the Soviet KGB and the East German Stasi used to do? And, don’t even get me started on the comparisons between our torture chambers at: GITMO; Abu Ghraib; and, other unknown “black site” prisons, and the torture chambers Stalin’s Gulag Archipelago.
So, yes, there are historical comparisons to be made. In fact, the only comparison left to be made is whether we Americans are going to be like “the Good Germans” of the 1920s and 1930s, who passively watched as Adolf Hitler, and the Nazis, closed down Germany’s open parliamentary democracy, or, whether we are going to stand up against the tyranny and reclaim the Constitutional democratic/republic that our founding fathers created for us.
This is NOT a partisan issue. True patriots on both the right (www.americanfreedomagenda.org
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Rockies gave us a break
This is in response to Mr. Savajian.
Sir I agree whole heartedly that the world is in a horrible state right now.
Energy, healthcare, The war, dangerous governments. The list goes on and on.
However, I believe most people are aware of these problems.
Mr. Savajian, the Rockies brought us together as a community, it was a ray of light that gave people a break from all of the worlds problems. We need a little happiness in our lives in these dark times, and the Rockies showed us that, for a brief moment in time, the City had something to cheer and to be happy about.
Something that could make normal adults dress up like children in purple and silver. To see all the children on Halloween in purple with their little Todd Helton goatees, brought tears to my eyes.
Enjoy it, Mr. Savajian. A little happiness is good for us.
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Howard Dean
Howard Dean says he’s going after everyone except the “hard right". “There’s no reason why there should be a rift between religious people and the Democratic Party". He’s just avoiding people who “beat up on gays and women".
Here’s a little tip for Howard. Christianity is why women have rights in this country, and Christianity is why homosexuality/gays are opposed. The Democratic Party is overtly, while the Republican Party is covertly anti-Christ. Christians who follow the Protestant teachings of the “Reformation” don’t have a chance, and yet they are the ones who established our law system and culture. Even the Jeffersons and other founders had a Calvinist world view at least as they spoke and wrote even if it wasn’t sincere.
The British called the American War for Independence the Presbyterian Rebellion. Horace Walpole a British Parliament member said, “Cousin America has run off with a Presbyterian Parson, and that’s the end of it"!
When you get rid of the people who obey God’s law, and all we have is unfettered hedonism, paganism and democracy, then the ensuing chaos, corruption, violence and oppression will become intolerable. There is liberty in Christ, and there is license without Him.
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Smoking ban becoming ludicrous
If it wasn’t before, this anti-smoking law is in danger of becoming ludicrous! (“Group: Black Hawk smoking rooms illegal,” Nov. 1 and “Casinos’ shell game,” Nov. 5.) Many of the casinos are willing to go to enormous expense to compromise and “protect” their nonsmoking players while not violating the smokers’ civil rights. I am a smoker and a gambler (not sure which is the greatest “sin”), and while it will irk me, I will step outside a few feet for a smoke now and then (probably save me some money)!
But no, the anti-smoking regime is against any amenities, no matter how few, that might be provided to the smoker. They are fighting to find a letter of the law that will prevent such happenings and, if they can’t, will try to change the law again to suit their purpose. I doubt if they remember now why a law was enacted! It has become a political power play.
I would like for the bars, bingo parlors, etc., and especially the casinos that have so valiantly tried to reach a compromise with a law that never should have been enacted but left to the discretion of individual enterprises, to go on strike. Close down completely for six months and perhaps the millions of dollars of lost revenue to the state might convince the powers that be that perhaps the a little secondhand smoke is not quite as hazardous to the public’s health as they once thought it to be!
M. Andersen, Brighton
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (217) | TrackBackBush has lied and violated his oath
Bill Clinton was impeached for lying under oath. Fair enough — he committed a crime.
George Bush lied tens — perhaps hundreds — of times to the American people and Congress.
He solemnly swore to protect the Constitution, but he has trashed: Article 1, Section 8 (going to war without a declaration by Congress); the Fourth Amendment (authorizing wiretapping and searches without a warrant); the Fifth Amendment (holding people for years without charging or trying them).
He swore to uphold the laws of our country. Instead, he has publicly stated that he will obey laws only when it suits him. He authorized torture, breaking a law and contravening the Geneva Convention, to which the United States is a signatory and gaining the contempt of the world for our country in the process. (One of the reasons he gave for invading Iraq was that Saddam Hussein used torture.)
Of course, any hint of impeaching him is a cheap political ploy by Democrats who blindly hate this honest, truthful, compassionate, law-abiding man of outstanding repute.
Allen Peacock, Berthoud
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (73) | TrackBackSaved from disaster, thanks to Bush
Now that the 2007 hurricane season has closed, we can look back at a 2006 and 2007 in which the United States experienced no major disasters from hurricanes. Indeed, these seasons have seen storm activity below forecasts and historic norms.
We should all take a moment to thank President Bush and his environmental policies for this mild weather.
Sound ridiculous? Not if you use the logic of Al Gore and Robert Kennedy Jr.
After the devastating Katrina and Rita hurricanes in 2005, Gore and RFK Jr. blamed the increased violent storm activity on the Bush administration’s failure to address global warming and sign the Kyoto Accord.
Logically, if you blame Bush for roiling the waters in 2005, then you must concede that he calmed them in 2006/2007.
Of course, this is as ridiculous as those people who find no intellectual discontinuity in the oxymoronic notion that any man can simultaneously be an idiot and capable of controlling the weather.
Phil Goodwin, Erie
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (52) | TrackBackLimited abilities in ‘Rosen’s world’
We all had a good laugh at crybaby conservative Mike Rosen’s Oct. 26 column, “Merrifield raising Hell again.” It’s particularly amusing that yet another right-wing extremist thinks everyone should be in their left brains.
Hey, Mr. Rosen, thanks for helping us prove the old adage that “lefties” are the only ones in their right minds! In fact, with high-stakes testing narrowing the curriculum to math and reading, it’s remarkable that there are any art, history or P.E. classes left for all of the crazy flakes out there.
If only Rosen was in touch with reality, he would realize that the right-brained skills of creativity and critical thinking are the ones that contribute to our ability to innovate, invent and dream as a culture. In Rosen’s world there is only room for smart, conformist psychotics or well-adjusted, creative dopes.
Rick Posner, Evergreen
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (29) | TrackBackTwo memorials
We recently visited the Columbine memorial in Clement Park. We found it to be a place not of the despair and terror of that day eight years ago, but of resiliency and strength of our young people, their families and mentors, including the hope and faith in the future of our community and our nation.
We then visited the statue of Danny Dietz, the young man killed in the service of our country in Afghanistan. Had the shooters at Columbine been taught, as this young man was taught, of patriotism and love of our country and its people, the Columbine tragedy might have never happened.
Jeanne Thompson, Littleton
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBackPuritanical lawmakers
Regarding Larry Gauthier’s letter on legalizing prostitution (“Prostitution should be a legal activity,” Oct. 26), I would like to applaud him. I share his opinion on all of the points he made and would also welcome a concomitant reduction in sex-related crimes, etc.
It is unfortunate, however, that some of our puritanical and narrow-minded lawmakers will probably never consider a law of this nature.
It appears that common sense is a thing of the past.
Ursula Hotz, Boulder
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBackHigh cost of textbooks
As a nontraditional college student not living at home with my parents, the cost of textbooks can really hit my budget hard. A lot of the textbooks I’ve purchased have required supplemental texts and CDs that I’ve never used. There has to be a better way.
Sharon Thompson, Highlands Ranch
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
To avert this risk, Congress should impeach both Bush and Cheney immediately!
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Openness needed regarding gifts
The goal of a strong policy regarding gifts to the city is not to squash charity or create endless hurdles to philanthropy. Rather, the goal is to strengthen public confidence in city government.
The best way to do that? Openness. That is what Colorado Common Cause and other advocates for open government are recommending. Many gifts, like food donations to the rec centers, are good for Denver. Indeed, we should encourage local businesses and community members to support city programs. The key is to establish regular reporting so the city of Denver can guarantee that its citizens will have full information about those gifts.
That is the same reason that an independent group (like the Board of Ethics) needs to give its blessing before anonymous gifts are accepted.
There may be reasons to keep the donor of a gift private. But without the Board of Ethics, on behalf of the citizens of Denver, weighing those reasons, there’s no way to know if the anonymity was primarily a way to avoid public scrutiny.
Denver has a strong ethics code, and a Board of Ethics that functions effectively to advise city officials and employees on questions they may have regarding that code. We encourage Mayor Hickenlooper to adopt a policy that will further the goal of open government.
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Everyone must pitch in to save the earth
Over three quarters of Coloradoans support taking action to reduce our pollution but essential life style changes are not being made. It is not enough to verbalize that we need a change. It takes conscientious efforts from individual citizens to make a positive impact realizing our carbon footprints and acknowledging that we can begin to rescue our consumption is a phenomenal place to begin.
Americans as a culture are extremely wasteful and understanding that we must change to ensure our survival can be an example for the human race. Colorado should be the state that supplies solutions to Global warming and motivation to carry those plans to completion. We as a state have already demonstrated bold leadership in transferring our energy consumption to more renewable sources and we should continue our efforts to create a low carbon economy!
It begins at local efforts and trickles up to legislative efforts. Governors Ritter is essentially the voice of all Coloradoans and the public is demanding a solution. Developing a plan to reduce our pollution levels and ensure a simple as adopting the Clean Cars Program or supporting the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act proposed by the Senate.
Now is the time to make a change, the Earth supports and tolerates our existence. It is about time we give back. Do something about this very important issue; make a change for our future as a race.
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Rep. Udall’s H.R. 3119 bill
But in the second paragraph the bill lists 4 major exceptions. All are vague but leave the door wide open for Bush/Cheney to mount a major attack. The bill only says that the President would have to submit a report to Congress the next day explaining why he did this. Then, in usual style, Congress would dither and the war would continue. We would hear, “we can’t leave now, we are already in a fight!” “We have to stay to fix things.” “They want us there.” “We’re saving America from Osama..” On and on it would go as we participate in the next Middle East war with thousands more young Americans dying and tens of thousands of Iranian lives destroyed.
Please urge Rep. Udall to revise his bill and replace the exceptions with: The President MUST submit to Congress any proposal to attack or invade Iran and obtain Congressional approval BEFORE he commences an attack or occupation.
To see the exact text go to http://thomas.loc.gov
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Children being protected not controversial
I suppose it is easier for us to simply pass (ill-informed) judgment on the parents and say that they should have come here legally or that they should have stayed in their home country. But that doesn’t change the fact that their children are suffering. Of course, some argue that “children of illegals are illegals” and therefore not worthy of our assistance. However, under US law, persons born in the US are generally considered US citizens.
It’s interesting that the same people who demand strict adherence to the law regarding “illegal aliens” suddenly feel free to ignore the law when it comes to the US-born children of those aliens.
Bottom line—our treatment of children says a lot about who we are as a country and we should try to prevent the needless suffering of children *even if* their parents have done something wrong.
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Al Gore convicted in Brittish court of lying
Despite an ongoing attempt by the mainstream liberal media to spin it otherwise, Al Gore has effectively been convicted by a British High Court of nine counts of lying to the public. In a recent ruling on the veracity of “An Inconvenient Truth”, Justice Michael Barton found that Al Gore:
1. Lied about the pending sea-level rise of 20 feet due to melting ice sheets.
2. Lied about low-lying Pacific atolls having already been evacuated due to rising sea
levels caused by global warming.
3. Lied about the pending shut down of the Atlantic Gulf Stream due to global warming.
4. Lied about a 650,000-year direct relationship between a rise in global temperature with
a rise in CO2.
5. Lied about the disappearance of the snow on Mt. Kilimanjaro due to global warming. 6. Lied about global warming causing the drying-up of Lake
Chad.
7. Lied about global warming causing Hurricane Katrina.
8. Lied about polar bears drowning because of global warming.
9. Lied about coral reefs bleaching because of global warming.
With a guilty verdict rendered, let the sentencing phase begin. Al Gore needs to do some serious time in the pokey for perpetrating a costly scam on a gullible public.
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Water boarding torture
Where Mr. Thomasson is wrong, is in his suggestion that the so-called “Unitary Executive theory” of Presidential power - endorsed by Judge Mukasey in his Senate testimony - might be legally plausible. In its most extreme form - the form claimed by President Bush - a President with “Unitary Executive” powers, has the SOLE authority to decide what is, and what is not, the law. There are no Constitutional “checks and balances” on the power of a Unitary Executive. Laws passed by Congress can be ignored (with “Presidential Signing Statements") and, Supreme Court decisions (such as those prohibiting warrantless wiretapping) can be treated as a mere “advisory opinions.” We, as a Nation, are sliding down a very slippery slope. In the seven years since the Bush administration took office and began exercising “Unitary Executive” powers, the United States has morphed from a relatively free, small-"d” democratic/republic that valued freedom, justice, and the rule of law, into a more authoritarian quasi-police state that uses “extraordinary rendition,” torture and domestic surveillance.
In his first inaugural address, Thomas Jefferson said: “freedom of religion; freedom of the press, and freedom of person under the protection of the habeas corpus, and trial by juries impartially selected . . . form the bright constellation which has gone before us and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation . . .
They should be the creed of our political faith, the text of civic instruction, the touchstone by which to try the services of those we trust; and should we wander from them in moments of error or of alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and to regain the road which alone leads to peace, liberty, and safety.”
For the sake of the Nation, the next Attorney General MUST be a person who will help us “regain that road” by fighting to restore, protect, and defend, the Constitution, and re-establish the rule of law. As a supporter of “Unitary Executive theory,” Judge Mukasey is, clearly, not the man for the job.
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Morality of torture
But if torture does work, then the question becomes: what conditions authorize the use? Inflicting suffering on a fellow human being offends the moral sense of normal people. But what if that human being has information that would save a single, innocent human life? Then is it right to sacrifice that innocent life to your personal sense of moral well-being? Or are you required abandon you own sense and do everything in your power to save innocent life? The question of whether torture actually works is beyond the scope ordinary experience, analysis or discussion. The community has no choice but to rely on the opinion of experts in the field. Do we have the right person? That is a question of competence that, again, falls outside the public debate on morality.
There is a moral question ordinary people can respond to: Are there circumstances where torture is the moral imperative? If it works: there are.
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Let people mourn
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Meat linked to more diseases
Like heart disease and other chronic illnesses, cancer is a largely self-inflicted condition. The American Cancer Society estimates that 62 percent of all cancer deaths could be prevented by quitting tobacco and meat products, as well as by regular screenings and exercise.
We’ve spent billions of dollars in search of a silver bullet to vanquish this dreaded disease, but we’ve had it all along. It’s the will to improve our diet and lifestyle.
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Englewood animal shelter has caring workers
It is obvious that the Humane Society's Englewood Shelter on South Platte River
Drive could use an increase in funding, but the people who work there are
certainly committed and caring people who really love animals ("Humane Society
vows to stay open," Oct. 26).
On Oct. 10, my husband and I went to this facility to look at the cats. Our cat
had died and we were considering adopting another. I emphasize that we were just
looking at the time. Thanks to Mary, the woman at the main desk, we left with
two of the most wonderful 10-month-old kittens in the world.
We talked with several of the people working at the shelter that day and were
impressed by their dedication to their animal charges.
It is sad that a lack of funding is placing these wonderful people and so many
lost and abandoned creatures in jeopardy.
I encourage anyone with an extra dollar to consider sending it to the Englewood
shelter.
Donna Rogers, Littleton
Resist the DREAM
The next time they try to ramrod this thinly veiled amnesty through, are they going to
call it The Recurring DREAM Act? ("DREAM Act fails to get 60 votes, dies in Senate," Hot Topic, Oct. 25.)
A paragraph from "Mexican visitor's lament: Our best hands are here," Tina
Griego's Oct. 25 column, provides one of the most compelling reasons to resist
the DREAM Act's passage: "She describes a Mexican town's annual Immigrant Day
celebration. In this town, she says, all the boys and most of the girls leave
for the United States, crossing illegally, before they are out of middle
school."
Don Wrege, Boulder
McCallin: loose cannon
After carefully reviewing the audit of the Community College of Denver and
spending a quarter of a century working in the finance field, it's clear to me
that it's time for the Colorado Community College System board to call for the
resignation of its president, Nancy McCallin.
She has done enough damage, and spending $320,000 on her most recent witch hunt
is enough. Former CCD President Christine Johnson is guilty only of making the future brighter for a large
number of young people.
Please - enough of letting this loose cannon continue to fire.
Tracey Hardeman, Denver
A DIFFERING VIEW/Farm Bill’s goal is to put affordable food on the table
Often farmers hear the whine that farm subsidies are government waste benefiting a few at the expense of many. The whine goes to a roar every five years when the Farm Bill comes to renewal (“Farm Bill scandal,” Nov. 2). In fact, the Farm Bill is about food. Food for Americans that is safe, abundant, healthy and affordable.
Most of the Farm Bill’s spending is destined for school lunch programs for needy kids, and food stamps for the working poor.
Americans owe their good health as much to safe, abundant food as they do to medical advances, although we seldom think in those terms. And why should we; we take food for granted.
Colorado agriculture generates $5 billion annually at the farm gate, the third largest contributor to the state’s economic engine, just behind tourism and banking. There are 31 million acres of ranch and farmland with 2.5 million cattle and 5 million acres of crops like wheat, corn, barley
and apples grown in Colorado.
This year Colorado corn growers will supply the raw product to power Colorado cars more than 5 million miles on ethanol, the clean-burning, American-made transportation fuel.
Despite all the squealing about subsidies, a gallon of ethanol is supported by a 51-cent tax incentive to the fuel blender. It’s usually farmers who take the blame, yet not one penny goes to farmers or to the ethanol plants.
Environmental activism is nothing revolutionary for Colorado farmers. Their land is their livelihood and their life. They do whatever it takes to protect it from harm to preserve it for themselves and their children.
Think about this the next time you sit at the table for a meal, or are moved to complain about the Farm Bill.
Byron Weathers, who lives in Yuma County, is president of the Colorado Corn Grower Association.
Posted by denver-admin at 12:00 AM | Comments (10) | TrackBackJay Ambrose’s column of Monday, Oct. 29, makes it clear that he has joined the very group, the “would-be environmental saviors who do not understand the environment” whom he so freely condemns. The column only muddies the discussion of wildfire issues, and tries to create controversy where there isn’t any. Yes, our forests have changed from prehistoric times, due to fire suppression, but also due to the wholesale logging and over-cutting that went on in the last 150 years in some areas and perhaps due to global warming as well.
The real question - which Ambrose ingenuoously ignores - is whether we should thin forests in the backcountry, where building roads would cause erosion that in turn destroys streambeds and water quality. The roads also fragment and degrade wildlife habitat and encourage off-road vehicle use that contributes to the danger of forest fires nnd damages soils and vegetation. We have plenty of data now that suggest that fire can best clean out those backcountry forests.
Everyone agrees that we need to protect human life and property by thinning trees in the wildland-urban interface, where roads already exist, and also that homeowners living there have the responsibility to take reasonable precautions by installling fire-proof roofing, cutting trees close to their homes, keeping woodpiles a safe distance from the house, and so forth. Not much controversy there.
So what is Ambrose really saying? That we should resume the large-scale logging in the backcountry that destroyed watersheds and wildlife habitat and cost the taxpayers millions of dollars in timber subsidies? That we should road our last roadless areas for the profit of a few at great cost to the rest of us? No thank you.
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Judge has a backbone
Vincent Margera is found guilty of two counts of sexual assault on a child. Finally a judge and especially a jury with a backbone when it comes to punishing a famous person.
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Trick or treating etiquette
Here are some things wrong with the current state of Trick-or-Treating on Halloween: 1. Parents on cell phones following behind groups of kids carrying three bags saying “ I’ve got three more in the car. They are too little to keep up.” No Trick-or-Treat, no please, and no thank you. If your kids are too little, take them home and do something fun for them there.
2. Walk. The weather was nice. The gas you wasted could have been used to buy your own candy.
3. People driving from neighborhood to neighborhood. If you feel unsafe in your neighborhood, take it back.
4. Parents in costumes Trick-or-Treating behind their kids. Buy your own treats.
5. Parents Trick-or-Treating with kids in strollers. Kids that young should be at home doing something fun with their parents, not being used as an excuse for the parent to not buy their own treats.
6. Large groups of kids pushing each other for position with no Trick-or-Treat, and no thank you.
7. Kids dressed as armed robbers, complete with realistic guns.
I enjoy Halloween, but I can see why fewer people are opening their doors for the Trick-or-Treating. Adults should not use kids as props so they can get free candy. If adults want to have fun, stay home and answer your door. Throw a party for your kids and their friends and family. Teach your children manners. Next year I may not be so nice.
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Homelessness in Colorado
Thank you for covering the recent Project Homeless Connect event at Invesco Field on October 19th. It is easy to forget how close we all are to this issue. For many of us, the line between the comfort of our home and homelessness is only one paycheck. In a 2007 statewide survey by the State of Colorado, 28% cited the reason of their homelessness was due to loss of a job and 23% attributed it to the high cost of housing.
While Colorado leads many states in the number of services and non-profits dedicated to serving the needs of the homeless population, often the neediest do not have the tools or resources to research and identify potential opportunities. Project Homeless Connect has been trying to successfully meet this need over that past few years.
One of our country’s most fundamental values lay in Thomas Jefferson’s assertion in the Declaration of Independence that man has certain unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This famous maxim was taken from the writings of John Locke who originally coined the phrase “life, liberty, and the pursuit of property”. It is not surprising that the substitution was made with the evolution of the phrase. The happiness that stems from the security and power of possessing our property is an intrinsic part of our history and a growing struggle in our present times. Man should be given the tools and rights to pursue property.
Efforts to solve this issue are not only practical for society as a whole, as Mayor Hickenlooper details in his 10 year plan to end homelessness, but preserving this value is as important and fundamental to our country as the battle to uphold our freedom of religion and freedom of the press.
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Politics never meant to be a career option
I couldn't agree more with letter writer Ed Saltzman regarding the sad state of
politics in our country ("What a sorry bunch of politicians," Oct. 23). While my
55 years pales in comparison to his 71 years, my conviction is just as strong.
Once a politician views an elected office as a career, the goal becomes
re-election rather than putting the needs of the country first. Since
politicians seem incapable of self-governing, it falls on our shoulders as
voters to give them a clear and decisive message: Do what's right for the
country, not your career.
Politics was never intended to be a career. It was intended to give citizens a
chance to honor their country through public service. Once their public service
has ended, they need to go back wherever they came with accolades from a
grateful public. If we remove the second-term option from politicians, we might
actually get candidates that care enough about this country to do the right
thing rather than the convenient thing that will extend their career.
Like Saltzman, I will never again vote for an incumbent. New candidates running
for office will be looked at very closely to see how their views fit my views
and I will vote accordingly. They will certainly have a leg up on the incumbent.
Scott Moen, Larkspur
Term limits the answer for Congress
Hurray to letter writers Ed Saltzman and Joseph Chavez("What a sorry bunch of
politicians" and "Dems should take new look at fiscal votes," Oct. 23).
There is one way taxpayers can get rid of the fat cats in Congress: term limits.
If the president has term limitation, why can't they?
Saltzman and Chavez are right in their statements that the American taxpayer
should wake up and realize that these fat cats are only there for their own
success and to line their own pockets. It's a shame that some are allowed to
stay so long that they die of old age in office.
If the taxpayers would start raising some questions about those who have been in
office so long and we try to get rid of them, maybe we could get something done. I personally am
fed up with the same old story - everyday its the same old news. Nothing ever
gets done.
Oh, sorry - something does get done: The president asks for money for whatever
and gets it, and Congress says, "Oh dear, what can we do? Oh yes - let's argue a
little so the taxpayer will think we're doing something. Then we will take a
break and then go on vacation. And on the way out, we can pick up our Big Fat
Paychecks." Just another day in Congress.
Sharon Nuanes, Centennial
Turkey may have saved Dems' bacon
You have to give credit to the Democrats for being brilliant strategists. Things
were looking a little bleak with Gen. David Petraeus' positive account of the
war progress.
What can you do? If the war goes well, President Bush looks good. We can't have
that. How can we hurt the war effort without looking un-American? Let's see ...
we know Turkey is vital to the resupply of our troops. What can we do to turn
that around? Oh, yes! Let's call them genocidal over something that happened about a
hundred years ago.
We don't have any pressing issues to deal with, so let's pass a House bill that
says the killing of Armenians by Turks in 1915 was genocidal!
Brilliant! We can show how opposed we are to genocide without dealing with the
genocide going on in Darfur, and at the same time strike a blow against Bush by
hurting the war effort!
The American people are so stupid they won't pick up on what we've done.
Look! It's already working. Turkey has recalled its ambassador to Washington and
is threatening to cut logistical support to the U.S.!
We are so smart.
Steve Tanberg, Denver
Teachers unions: free ride on accountability
"Appalling" best describes the Oct. 22-23 Rocky Mountain News articles on sex
abuse by public school teachers throughout the United States ("Society's double
standard for victims" and "Screening teachers as tight as a sieve").
There were 2,570 cases between 2001-'05 and these were just the instances where teachers were punished. Imagine the number of undiscovered abuses!
While our society excoriates the Catholic Church for such matters, it turns its
back on public school sex abuse. I have neighbors and friends who are dedicated,
talented teachers. Yet, collectively, teachers have allowed themselves to be
taken hostage by their unions, whose only goal is to allow a free ride from
accountability of actions in any and all areas of education. As a result,
teachers will not step up to the plate and be counted and tell their union
"enough is enough."
To the teachers I know and don't know, my plea is to stop being silent
accessories; take back your profession from your union!
Richard Eggers, Niwot
Teachers unions: free ride on accountability
"Appalling" best describes the Oct. 22-23 Rocky Mountain News articles on sex
abuse by public school teachers throughout the United States ("Society's double
standard for victims" and "Screening teachers as tight as a sieve").
There were 2,570 cases between 2001-'05 and these were just the instances where teachers were punished. Imagine the number of undiscovered abuses!
While our society excoriates the Catholic Church for such matters, it turns its
back on public school sex abuse. I have neighbors and friends who are dedicated,
talented teachers. Yet, collectively, teachers have allowed themselves to be
taken hostage by their unions, whose only goal is to allow a free ride from
accountability of actions in any and all areas of education. As a result,
teachers will not step up to the plate and be counted and tell their union
"enough is enough."
To the teachers I know and don't know, my plea is to stop being silent
accessories; take back your profession from your union!
Richard Eggers, Niwot
Blaming the hippo
Regarding the Oct. 30 Rocky Mountain News article, "6-year-old Denver hippo dies
after move to Calgary Zoo," never have I been as outraged by a single quotation
in a news story!
The hippo was locked in a crate for 30 hours, and the spokeswoman for the
Calgary Zoo has the nerve to say "She chose to lay down too long and it cut off the
circulation to her legs." What? She "chose"? Talk about blaming the victim!
What was the poor animal supposed to do in the crate for 30 hours -
calisthenics? I think the hippo had very little choice in the whole matter. I
would hope that human beings entrusted with the care of animals would accept
responsibility for the choices they make, and not attribute poor choices to the
animals in their care.
Jackie Kaminsky Hoffman, Centennial
Token nod to seniors
Commencing Jan. 3, our illustrious federal government has decided to increase
senior citizens' Social Security benefits by 2.3 percent. With the cost of
living out of control, that increase is a mere token.
It is time American citizens fight back. Politicians forget who put them in
office.
Barbara Watson, Aurora
Out of luck, eh?
If we adapt a single-payer health-care system in the United States, where will
Canadians go to receive quality health care?
Jim Carr, Broomfield
A DIFFERING VIEW/Three amendments to fix the Farm Bill
As the Rocky’s Friday editorial “Farm Bill scandal” points out, the Farm Bill passed by the Senate Agriculture Committee will continue to fund the richest commodity farmers in a handful of states during times of record profits. Nonetheless, it is not too late for true reform in the Senate version of the 2007 Farm Bill.
When the Farm Bill hits the full Senate floor for debate this week, there will be numerous amendments introduced that that would go a long way to creating a more sustainable and equitable bill.
The Dorgan-Grassley Amendment would set a hard cap on direct payments at $250,000 (down from the $750,000 cap the Senate Agriculture Committee set), while requiring individuals be actually engaged in farming to receive payments. The present program has no effective cap, and concentrates payments to the largest producers, subsidizing their expansion at the expense of family farms. The amendment reduces incentives to overproduce, overbid land prices and overtax natural resources.
The Conservation Policy Reform amendment includes a dozen policy improvements to conservation incentive programs, making them more effective. These provisions include protecting native grasslands from conversion; allowing the enrollment of riparian areas in the Wetland Reserve Program; encouraging cooperative conservation partnerships at the regional and state level; linking implementation of state, local and national conservation plans; ensuring that farmers who are transitioning to organic farming receive adequate technical assistance.
The Wyden-Alexander amendment would give enforcement agencies a powerful tool for fighting illegal timber traffickers by making it a crime to knowingly import, sell, buy or transport wood and wood products from areas protected by international ecological treaties.
Coloradans clearly support Farm Bill reform, according to a recent poll by Zogby International. Sens. Ken Salazar and Wayne Allard should give these amendments their full consideration and support.
Brian Hires is with the Center for Native Ecosystems in Denver.
The DREAM Act would have grown and strengthened our country’s pool of educated youth that will build the future of our nation. For that reason, the Hispanic community will not give up the fight. These young people deserve our country’s support and compassion. They have proven themselves to be productive members of our society by completing high school, and some college or military service.
The drop-out rate in our high schools and the low number of students seeking careers in science should compel us to encourage rather than reject them.
The United States was built by immigrants. Many them were illegal or undocumented ... including perhaps those of some of the shrill voices heard on this topic. Embracing the children of undocumented immigrants who strive toward higher education or military service is the right thing to do.
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Personal liberties
I have to wonder why the Rocky Mountain News (and others, for that matter), won’t use that same reason as the basis in principle for ALL their opinions and positions? Whether the issue is seatbelt laws, the smoking ban in bars and restaurants, and even taxation policies, personally speaking, I’m consistent in my opposition to anything that’s a needless affront to personal liberty. The Rocky Mountain News, in this case, cites personal liberty to keep government out of the business of private business. I challenge the News (and all others) to use the same principled reasoning in all cases.
I won’t hold out much hope, however, of ever seeing such a thing. The Rocky Mountain News editors — and the voters — have consistently been inconsistent when it comes to protecting personal liberty. They’ll either want it protected or they’ll trample all over it, whichever is necessary to advance their preferred agenda.
Be consistent in opposing anything that’s a needless affront to personal liberty (and don’t play games in presuming to define need), and just let the chips fall where they may. Wasn’t that the underlying principle that started our nation in the first place? What a concept!
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Gov. Ritter always raising taxes
Now he wants $500 million or $1 billion, or $1.5 billion or $2 billion in additional taxes per year for roads, etc., etc. The funny part is the tax and fee increases he plans. The Democrats always say they are for the poor and those on fixed incomes, but in reality all of the taxes proposed are regressive taxes. They hit the poor low income the hardest, because rich or poor everybody pays the same tax rate. That’s what I like about the Democrats, tell the people you’re sticking it to the rich, when in reality, they’re really sticking it to the poor. However, all is not hopeless. The auto registration tax could be made progressive if it was based on the value of the car just like the ownership tax is now rather than as a flat tax on any car.
The poor probably don’t rent cars or stay in hotel/motel rooms anyhow, so the hotel/motel/rental car tax would make the tourists pay for our roads. Also the gas tax or sales tax on gas would be OK, if a portion was refunded to Colorado taxpayers based on income level, like the Tabor refunds were. Again, the tourists would pay the tax. Thank heavens we only have a part time legislature, just think of all the tax and spend schemes they could come up with if it was full-time.
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I want my freedom of religion restored
As a Christian I want my freedom of religion restored. I want to be free to mention God and Jesus Christ without being CENSORED!!!!!
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“Liberal” overused and misused
I believe this demonizing of the word liberal began with President Reagan who blamed liberal government for most of our problems (then promptly increased size of government). Along came Rush Limbaugh who convinced millions of meager thinking Americans that liberalism is the root cause of everything from poor test scores of school kids to mushy judges to surrendering in Iraq.
Congressmen Newt Gingrich and Tom Delay brought hate into the fight against liberalism and did well with it—-controlled congress for 12 years.
The word liberal is overused and misused and most who use it cannot explain the term in any definitive manner. What the lib haters will never admit is the simple fact that liberalism built contemporary America. From the New Deal liberal programs of President Franklin Roosevelt that gave help to farmers, that gave affordable electriciy to rural America, that built forests, bridges, roads, court houses, libraries to the mother of all liberal programs, the GI Bill that gave higher education to millions of Americans and still does. Difficult to think of any strictly conservative programs that did for America what liberal programs did. Try to think of one.
So, my fellow Americans, let’s stop the nonsense, I’ll call you Republican and you call me Democrat and we’ll all get along better.
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Better questions for candidates needed
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More money for health care
We know that although the U.S. has the best health care system in the world, it is also the most expensive.
Why not open a Health Savings Account (which is interest bearing) for every citizen in the U.S. Put in $500,000 to start it. The simple interest in one year at 5% is $25,000. This amount is more than enough to pay for a health insurance plan. The balance of the $25,000 per year is enough to pay for co-pays, deductibles and other out of pocket expenses. The initial $500,000 would continue to grow as unspent interest accumulates, as long as the principle is not touched. HSA’s can also be used to supplement retirement income.
This plan would cost perhaps as much as 15 trillion dollars for perhaps 300 million citizens, and would replace Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security (over time) and the current SCHIP program. The trillions saved by eliminating these and other Federal agencies/programs and various State programs/departments that would no longer be needed would likely offset the cost of the program.
Who looses with this? Bureaucrats and politicians as their control over us would wane.
But everyone would have adequate health care.
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Blackwater scam
Eileen Hyatt of Denver writes:
In contrast to the troops who are trying to do the honorable thing, there is no end to the fraud, profiteering, cover-up, and immorality of this war and this administration’s hand in it all. It is impossible to win a war that we know in our hearts is shameful on so many fronts. Is there nothing we are going to hold anyone accountable for? Will we end up in history being another nation of people who allowed ourselves to be so deluded that we followed the leaders to our own downfall?
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Reject ballot questions 1F, 1G, 1H
Denver’s city leaders passing the buck
Harry Truman kept a plaque on his desk that read, “The buck stops here.” It reflected his responsibility to make hard decisions. In the upcoming Denver bond election, however, city leaders have avoided some hard decisions and seem to have adopted the slogan “The buck starts with the taxpayer.”
Ballot Question 1F requests $10.35 million for bonds to fund a variety of building maintenance projects, such as replacing crumbling mortar in City Hall. It has been accompanied by many platitudes from city leaders decrying Denver’s historic cycle of neglecting routine building maintenance and promising to end this policy of neglect. Unfortunately, like the imbiber who promises to start attending AA meetings the next day, city leaders ducked the hard decision to fund these maintenance projects in 2007 and decided instead to ask the voters for authority to issue new bonds. With interest added, that $10 bucket of new mortar for city hall will cost $20 if these bonds are approved.
Ballot Questions 1G and 1H request more than $130 million for bonds to fund a variety of maintenance projects and new construction at the Boettcher Concert Hall, Botanic Gardens and Museum of Nature & Science. The costs of these new bonds should be borne primarily by the people who visit these facilities, especially the many visitors who live outside of Denver. Yet city leaders ducked the hard decision to raise admission prices and are asking for authority to issue new bonds that will be repaid solely from taxes on Denver property owners.
Denver city leaders have failed to make hard decisions about paying for the bonds requested by these ballot questions and instead have too easily passed the buck to the Denver taxpayer. Voters should reject ballot Questions 1F, 1G and 1H.
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More taxes & DNC
If the mayor’s initiatives had included provisions to tax all the surrounding counties (Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas
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How to keep Cinderella Twin Drive-In alive
There has been much anguish in the Englewood/Sheridan/Littleton community concerning the demolishing of the Cinderella Twin Drive-In Theater.
I have a simple solution to the problem that would retain a beautiful part of Americana, while at the same time allow businesses to proceed without any lawsuits from preservationists.
Lakeside Amusement Park, a local entertainment landmark since 1908, has an abandoned racetrack that has not been used for many years. It is old and in disrepair. It is highly unlikely that Lakeside will ever hold a car race there again.
With a little work, the racetrack structures could be removed and the ground graded to accommodate the existing twin towers of the Cinderella Twin Drive-In Theater.
This way, the drive-in equipment could be recycled and incorporated into the existing amusement complex.
I urge all those who consider this a viable option to call Lakeside Amusement Park and advise them of this suggestion to keep the drive-ins of America alive.
Greg Raymer
President, Historic Preservations Inc.
Boulder
Scientist misuses science in argument
I was both amused and annoyed by Kevin Trenberth’s Speakout column of Oct. 24, “Mostly wrong on warming,” in which he criticized Rocky columnist Mike Rosen for his comments about global warming.
He misuses science when he states “ ... we can prove — using climate models — that [global warming] is due to human influences ... ”
Models do not “prove” anything. I have used modeling most of my career and know they can be adjusted to show a wide variety of desired outcomes!
Trenberth prefers to use models instead of physical measurements that show a better correlation between Earth temperature and the solar cycle, and between temperatures and carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere.
He dismisses solar variation by pointing out a 0.1 percent solar intensity fluctuation vs. 1 percent needed for temperature changes. He ignores recent studies that show the sun’s magnetic field affects cosmic rays entering the solar system, which have been shown — in laboratory experiments, not computer models — to affect cloud cover, which thus magnifies the effect of the sun.
No, Mr. Trenberth, science prefers physical measurements over computer models to prove its hypotheses!
Richard Postma, Ph.D. (physics)
Littleton
Free markets no solution when it comes to health care
In response to Dave Schallert’s comparison between health-care costs and Grease Monkey or Jiffy Lube (“Stripping down the price of health care,” Speakout, Oct. 14), imagine that you are one of the “lucky” ones who is the victim of a disease over which you have no control — Parkinson’s, Type 1 diabetes, lupus, cancer, etc. (We have a choice as to whether to own a vehicle or not and incur such expenses associated with a vehicle.)
Imagine that you are a middle-income wage earner in which chronic-care medical expenses will eat up most, if not all, your monthly income. You are not one of the wealthy nor are you a member of Congress. You are a simple middle-class person who has worked all your life, paid your bills and supported your family. Through no fault of your own, you are the recipient of a disease for which no cure exists, or, if one does exist, you cannot afford it in the “free” market.
According to Schallert’s imagination, “too bad, so sad,” you lose in the game of life because of your economic position and the unfortunate fact that you have a disease that was no fault of your own.
There are economic models in which free enterprise works; health care is not one of them.
Cheryl Redmond Doyle, Littleton
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (49) | TrackBackAccurate use of term ‘ghetto’ not racial slur
Perhaps Jim Stewart should look up the definition of the word “ghetto” before he confronts someone for making an offensive remark (“‘Ghetto’ remark offends/CU’s Brown riles only black member of higher-ed board,” Oct. 20).
Here is definition 3b from Merriam-Webster Online: “a situation that resembles a ghetto especially in conferring inferior status or limiting opportunity (the pink-collar ghetto).”
Sounds like University of Colorado President Hank Brown used the term accurately. Attacking people for the innocent and correct usage of a term does nothing to improve race relations. Perhaps Stewart should focus his anger on people who are actually limiting opportunities for minority groups and using terms that are, in fact, meant to be derogatory toward those groups.
By the way, the original usage of the term “ghetto” was the section of the city in which Jews were forced to live. Why does Stewart assume that the term is intended to insult African-Americans? And what does that assumption say about the state of race relations in this country?
Kathy Gould, Centennial
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBackLet the science decide warming strategy
The assertion that global warming has become an issue of convenience is as outdated as it smacks of conspiracy theory. Vincent Carroll claims that liberals are using global warming as moral justification for pushing a broad social agenda down the throats of an unsuspecting public (“Don’t have a cow, man,” On Point, Oct. 17). In the same manner, Carroll himself is using the rhetoric of “personal freedom” to justify the ongoing destruction of the environment and our future.
Government reports on the health of red meat aren’t forcing anyone to change their habits. But if the science demands that Americans reduce their hefty consumption of red meat a little, so be it. Tackling global crises requires some sacrifices from all of us. The Rocky and its editorial content risk becoming irrelevant in the public discourse about global warming as the American people demand real solutions.
Sam Holden, Denver
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (19) | TrackBackRitter gets free pass
I find it interesting that the Rocky Mountain News (“Source of Beauprez ads charged,” Oct. 26) and other media outlets continue to focus on criminal charges against an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who exposed the irresponsible conduct of then-Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter who gave ridiculous plea-bargains to illegal alien felons, rather than on Ritter’s questionable practices.
Ritter has failed to adequately justify his inexplicable conduct and policies in giving slaps on the wrist to violent, drug-dealing criminals who entered and remained here illegally.
From the beginning, there has been a true double-standard in this story — with Ritter getting the same free pass from the media that he gave illegal alien felons.
Anthony J. Fabian, Aurora
Sports glut
I cannot believe that there were 76 pages of sports in the Rocky Mountain News on Friday, Oct. 26. The news section was only 52 pages. Guess that shows us what’s important. Do we really have to know how many times each player spits and scratches?
And as for the scalping of tickets, as long as these fans are stupid enough to pay the price, why not? If the fans would steer clear of them and leave the scalpers stuck standing on the corner or on the Internet holding all those tickets, maybe it would stop.
Patricia Mathes, Denver
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
They must also realize that bank robbers, second-story men, con artists, and all of the other illegally oriented people are just trying to make their lives and those of their families better too.
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Correct phrase is illegal immigrants
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More info. about greenhouse effect
Trenberth’s claim that anything he says can be “proved” by climate models - his own or anyone else’s - are nonsense. The models can’t even “prove” climatic events that have happened, within living memory, such as the steady decline of US annual temperatures from 1960 to 1980, while carbon dioxide increased steadily in the postwar boom. There were crop failures in the American Midwest in the 1970’s, due to cold, and many climatologists forecast a returning Ice Age. The warmest year in American history was 1934 - not Gore’s claims of 1998. (NASA made a mistake.) And hurricane numbers and intensity have declined over the last fifty years - in contradiction to Trenberth’s hysteria.
Trenberth also defends Gore’s ridiculous prediction of a sea level rise of 20 feet - saying merely that Gore failed to put a time frame for this to happen. Trenberth also puts no time frame on it - since it would take thousands of years. Long before then, Earth will be back in another Ice Age. And, as Trenberth knows, Antarctica is gaining ice, not losing it.
This “manmade global warming” nonsense is Trenberth’s rice bowl - a rice bowl that costs the US taxpayer $5 billion each year. No wonder he defends his junk science.
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Global warming
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War needed to be clarified
I seem to remember a resolution by Congress, passed by an overwhelming majority of Democrats and Republicans, that authorized the President to “use all means necessary, including military force,” against the forces of terror. Since then, most members of Congress have used every press conference and photo op to announce that, “we are a nation at war.”
While the words “state of war” don’t appear in the resolution, the intent of Congress was utterly clear. Even Senators like Patrick Leahy recognize this with their question: “If Congress can declare war, cannot Congress declare peace?” (from the confirmation hearings for Attorney General Gonzalez). The answer to that question doesn’t lie in the Constitution, except in the power of the purse.
If Congress failed in its duty to declare war, it was a failure to define the enemy. Was the intent only to defeat Al-Qaida in Afghanistan? Was it to pursue organized terrorists worldwide?
Certainly, I recall no mention of Iraq in any resolution by Congress, though many opportunities to clarify that were evident.
The letter writer was right in blaming Congress for lack of the will to be clear and explicit in defining the war it authorized.
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Endorsement for Bob Murphy
An often made comment in Miss Bertolli’s presentations and on her website is “they (City Council) never balanced the budget.” The City of Lakewood Charter, written by Lakewood Citizens, mandates the City have a balanced budget, which is what the Council has done continuously! This information was confirmed by Larry Dorr, Lakewood City Finance Director.
As to Miss Bertolli’s statement on her website that “Mike Rock doesn’t even live in Lakewood,” she is again wrong! Mr. Rock has lived in Lakewood since he was hired by the city, as required by the City Charter.
I urge Lakewood voters to select Bob Murphy as the next Mayor of Lakewood. Not a 26 year old woman, who continually misrepresents issues, has very limited business experience and has no city leadership experience.
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Colo. Rockies encourage scalping
This arrangement seems to violate the Denver ordinance Section 7-293 that requires the Rockies, their agents and employees to “refuse to recognize, honor or receive any ticket of admission purchased…at a premium over the regular price.” Of course the Rockies have “knowledge of the unlawful purchase of such ticket” since they have the ability to see these tickets advertised by section, row and seat on StubHub. The Rockies clearly sponsor and endorse scalping!
The “Ticket Marketplace” link is now gone, but the Rockies are already culpable and should be taken to task by the Rocky Mountain News and investigated by the Denver city attorney.
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McCarthy moment needed
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Is it too late to avoid bombing Iran?
I do not doubt that George W. Bush considers himself a Christian, but his Christianity comes with a very questionable morality concerning, for example, how many of our soldiers and Iraqi civilian have died for a war with false motives re. “weapons of mass destruction,” etc. It seems obvious that the reason we invaded and now occupy Iraq, was a simple, three letter word, “oil” and the business interests of many of his friends. Otherwise we would have invaded North Korea first.
The complications of our occupation are exemplified by Blackwater, whose employees have been shown to be actually hurting the peacekeeping efforts of our soldiers (even while they are being paid much more).
And It may be too late to avoid bombing Iran (unless Congress wakes up and, for example, at least start impeachment proceedings for lies far more costly than Clinton’s) Why were the Democrats swept in to office, anyway?
This administration may be bringing on an atomic Armageddon —as Christian fundamentalism’s self-fulfilling prophecy would have it.
Christ following Christians and other good Americans must stand up to this deadly modern Crusade -in which America’s atomic power “might makes right” -before its too late.
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We should hear from the victim too
The problem is that we simply do not have all the facts Before rendering judgments based on what little Johnny Boy has to say, what mommy has to say, and what little Johnny Boy’s attorney has to say, maybe we ought to hear from the victim, the police and the district attorney. There is a whole different side here and Johnson’s conclusions are extremely premature and knee-jerk. His use of the term, “outrageous” to describe what the authorities did in this matter is based on nothing more than what little Johnny Boy, his mommy and his attorney had to say, hardly what you’d call an objective perspective, and Johnson bought it, hook, line and sinker. For shame.
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Local and state governments have already seen the light and have laws in place that will mean more wind power, more solar power, and more clean cars on America roads. Now Congress must follow.
Rep. Mark Udall already voted in favor of clean energy this summer, and now has chance to make sure Congress decides on a final energy bill that requires utilities to get at least 15 percent of their electricty from renewable source by 2020 and increase gas mileage standards for cars and light trucks to at least 35 miles per gallon by 2020.
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Letters should not be changed
Although I realize that letters published will be edited for spelling and grammar, why are editors allowed to change letters to be published to the extent that they do - title and content? Either publish the letters to be publis hed as is, ask the submitter if it may be changed or don’t publish it at all.
I think that “Letters and Speakout” policies should apply to both the submitters and to the Rocky Mountain News. I was sorry to see the changes to the title and content in my submission! Even a small change of a word or an omission can affect the meaning of a sentence or paragraph.
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Bush adopts “my way or the highway” attitude
What has set our style of government apart before this President, is that when faced with a majority opposition to what he is proposing, the elected leader is supposed to, for the good of all people, adopt a conciliatory and/or compromising posture and get the legislation passed and move on.
This President does not know how to compromise. He is more like a dictator than he cares to realize. In fact, if he had paid more attention in his civics classes at the posh private schools he attended, he might well understand the meaning of the word “compromise".
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Severance tax piece misses the point
NGOs, on the other hand, use all of Colorado services (including oil, gas and minerals), yet they pay no income, severance or any other taxes.
They are well funded as demonstrated by the forests they destroy putting out their propaganda and based on the average demographics of their home cities (Aspen, Boulder, etc..). Unlike the natural resource industry NGOs employ very few people, so taxing even a marginally-run NGO would not result in large layoffs. Finally, while other contributors to Colorado’s quality of living invest in this state, NGOs do not. If they were required to put their money where their mouths are, all of the citizens could actually benefit from listening to their elitist oratory.
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SCHIP 2.0
The Democrat stated concern is children’s health in “low income” families.
Their actual intention is to create a new federal entitlement that will trap and create a new segment of Democrats. Schip 2.0 would extend coverage to a family of four with an annual income of $61,950. According to the Census Bureau the median income for the group is $48,201. Apparently Democrats think “needy families” include those earning 128% of the median.
President Bush will veto Schip 2.0. Congress will probably sustain the veto and legislation will be passed funding Schip at current levels. So the children of truly needy families will continue to be covered. But that was never in doubt.
The Democrats were never concerned about children’s health care. The lesson is that they are more interested in creating a new, large contingency of “needy” than good governance.
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Things must be far worse in Iraq
They are now having to “require” diplomats and staff to go to Iraq, since few will volunteer. This situation is totaly out of control and some one—the Congress—must being it to a hault. We are only prolonging this disaster by staying any longer, and only for Bush pride, not strategic reasons.
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Citizens need to take back freedoms
I have written letters in the past, unpublished, on the seemingly endless capacity of those in charge to do the wrong thing too often, and the equally endless capacity of those they allegedly are responsible to for allowing let them get away with it.
As a people, Americans (that is to say, residents of the United States in this context) have always paid a great deal of lip service to tolerance and freedoms of things like speech and religion, and for the opportunity to live the great American dream, whatever that means. But is seems that in the years since World War Two we have drifted away from this; away from what our founding fathers conceived as the basic ethos for this country.
With the upcoming elections, we are given a choice, which turns out to be really no choice at all, between what we are told are competing political ideologies, but which are once again just the opposite sides of the same coin, or the verses of a song with the same chorus.
It is high time for the citizens of our nation to take back the freedoms paid for so dearly over the past 2 1/3 centuries and tell the so-called leaders that we are simply tired of everything being about money and power, and that we want the basics of our Constitution to once again control. We don’t need liberal or conservative politicians, we don’t need more government or more laws. What we need is leader that will do the right thing for EVERYONE, all the time.
Protect our poor and helpless, make sure enough food is there to feed the hungry, make sure the elderly and the children get health care, make sure we think three or four times before we commit ourselves and our posterity to wars that only mean something to the self-serving and selfish politicians that started them. For the sake of all that is good in this world, stop worrying about what some spoiled and over-paid actor or athlete is doing and start worrying about our neighbors. AND finally, take some sort of a stand and tell those who would lead us, “Enough already! You want the job? OK, agree to DO the damn job and do it right for a change; don’t just give us empty promises and then go out and ignore us. Don’t be so busy trying to get re-elected that you forget why you are really there.”
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Apathy in the U.S.
While the World Series has completely dominated the major media headlines in Colorado this past week, like a further injection of corporate phenobarbital into the veins of our comatose Colorado population, an disproportionate number of conscious citizens numbering in the mere hundreds attended an anti-war rally on the steps of the State Capital on Saturday.
The World Series isn’t over yet. But whoever wins this sports contest is hardly important.
The real game is already over.
Check your national debt sports fans, and the current war bill for every man, woman, and child, born and unborn, and that’s just the cost of money, not to mention the cost of blood and tears.http://www.brillig.com/debt—clock/ Check the cost of your energy bill this winter and ask yourself why the United States has nearly zero plans for renewable energy, compared to other nations who are already far ahead in implementation.http://www.german-renewable-energy.com/Renewables/Navigation/Englisch/root.html Check the state of education, especially here in Colorado where education comes in 47th in the nation. http://www.morganquitno.com/edrank.htm Last week brain researchers helped to pinpoint the areas of the brain involved in optimism, now shown to highlight portions of the human mid-brain.
Bear in mind, this is not the most advanced part of the brain, the frontal lobes, which is able to calculate cause and effect, and to take into account more complex scenarios that lie further in the future, and can distinguish fantasy from current reality and a likely future.
For example, the mid brain will cheerfully declare “Mission Accomplished", while the advanced frontal lobes perception of “You are now bankrupt” is being ignored. At a brain modification facility where I worked for eleven years, we called this “false transcendence".
In sports, there are winners and losers. And invariably at the start both teams will emphatically declare themselves superior.
In war and world politics, it is the same.
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Military heroes should be on front page
As I made my way through the paper that morning, an article on Page 28 caught my eyes (and by way there were only 39 total pages that day). The title was “Ceremony to Honor Navy SEAL Tugs at the Heart", written by Devlin Barrett.
This story was about an amazing young man, Michael Murphy, whose selfless act saved some of the lives of his team. The article stated that Michael Murphy’s parents were presented the Nation’s highest military award for valor and it was the FIRST given for combat in Afghanistan.
I, and most of your readers, would have preferred that Mr.Murphy’s story be on the front pages that morning. The whole front page was pictures of three pathetic people that were whining because they were not able to get tickets to the World Series.
Thank you Michael Murphy, and the thousands of other men and women, for sacrificing your life so that many of us can go on whining every day about trivial things.
We can only hope that someday soon the Military Hero’s of the world will be thought of more highly by the Rocky Mountain News and make the front page, or at least the Top Stories list.
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Post’s Moore misleads on ‘Scoundrels’
I attended the Oct. 28 performance of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels even after having read John Moore’s scathing review of the musical in the Oct. 19 Denver Post (“Touring ‘Dirty Rotten’ is shoddy, misbegotten,” Oct. 19).
I expected to head toward the exit at intermission, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover how entertaining the production was and how thoroughly engaged I was throughout both acts.
I realize that the job of a critic is deliver an independent, unbiased review, but sometimes I feel critics do a great disservice to an audience that would otherwise attend a performance. The production was professional, and the actors gave 100 percent.
I rarely am influenced by a critic, but rather rely on my own judgment and word of mouth by like-minded theatergoers. Perhaps critics see so much theater that their views over the years become jaded.
Jenene Stookesberry, Denver
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBackToo much Rockies
Recently, I picked up the latest edition of the Rocky Mountain News only to be inundated once again with front pages of sports!
We are in the midst of a bloody war, the president has vetoed a child health-care bill, the mortgage industry is in shambles, our country is in so much debt that not even raising taxes will help — and the Rocky finds it necessary to cover the front page of the so-called “news” section (which, incidentally, has become 75 percent ads and 25 percent actual news) with yet another Rockies photo?
I’m glad the Rockies are doing great; I’m sorry the Broncos are not doing great; but I question the Rocky’s priorities. Whatever became of the Rocky Mountain NEWS?
Sam Savajian, Golden
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBackExcess of Independence
Kudos to Jason Salzman for looking into the omnipresent Independence Institute and asking why journalists are giving this one organization such a big megaphone.
In addition to the mentioned Jon Caldara, Dave Kopel and Jessica Peck Corry, we have institute pioneers John Andrews and Mike Rosen, along with newcomers Amy Oliver and Mark Hillman, all making their voices heard early and often in the local media. Just why the Post and Rocky feel the need to provide so much attention to one organization is a mystery.
It is especially disturbing that the institute is the single most-quoted policy organization in Colorado, according to Salzman. It certainly would be better if journalists looked for good information rather than good quotes.
Doug Hubka, Lakewood
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (38) | TrackBackRTN a cool channel
I am one of the few who still relies on my antenna for television reception. There is a fairly new station called RTN (Channel 39 on my set) that broadcasts a lot of cool old TV shows and crazy movies. It is never listed in the TV Week. When I contacted the TV Week editor, he claimed nobody watches that channel and it’s nothing but a bunch of old reruns. (Ever heard of TVLand?)
Maybe if enough of us were to ask very nicely (for him to actually do his job), he would reconsider.
Darlene Armenta, Arvada
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBackMonumental irony
I think the irony in the Rocky’s Oct. 24 edition was monumental. While the paper’s primary editorial was blasting the Rockies for their computer fiasco (“Stuck online”), the Rocky’s online customer care section was telling me that the delivery of the paper was delayed by “production difficulties.”
Be gracious to others in their difficulties. You may have to explain your own.
Dennis Garrou, Evergreen
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBackThese are ‘comics’?
I was in mourning all day after reading the “comics” on Oct. 4. A character in Funky Winkerbeandied. Elly’s father (For Better or For Worse) had a second stroke and appears near death. I suppose the flag at Camp Swampy (Beetle Bailey) will be at half-staff. Maybe it’s time to rename the “comics” section Days of Our Lives.
I can’t write anymore, I need a tissue to dry my eyes.
Murry Unell, Highlands Ranch
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBackOutfoxed
So now we find out that the Federal Emergency Management Agency staged a phony news conference with FEMA employees pretending to be independent reporters posing obviously predictable soft and gratuitous questions to the agency’s deputy director (“Fake news conference costs director his job,” Oct. 30).
What — was Fox News unavailable?
Paul W. DiSalvo, Highlands Ranch
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (33) | TrackBackWorld-class Post? Ha!
Some time ago, The Denver Post announced with great fanfare that it intended to become a world-class newspaper. The Post recently underwent a makeover and now includes celebrity news and gossip in its local news section. The Post has thus joined the ranks of celebrity worshipers.
World-class newspaper? Ha! The Post is now more like a supermarket tabloid.
Jerry Goad, Golden
Keillor a treasure
Not enough already with Garrison Keillor! (“Enough already with Garrison Keillor,” Talk Back to the Media, Oct. 13.)
I like Keillor. I don’t find him boring. In fact, I consider him a national treasure.
Jim Bernath, Englewood
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBackJoseph M. Beggs of Colorado Springs writes:
The United States of America, the wonderful country in which you and I live, is preparing to attack Iran.
WHY?
**Because they are BAD people in Iran? Well, they seemed OK when the corrupt Shah was in power. We provided him with multiple billions of dollars in the hope that Iran would be our ally in the cold war and provide us with cheap oil. Did the Iranian people tolerate this corruption and “remote control” by the U.S.? Not too well. Must be GOOD people, then…
**Because they have weapons of mass destruction? Give me a break. Haven’t we heard that one recently, just before we attacked Iraq? Don’t think it’s true this time, either.
**Because they are a threat to our allies (Israel, Saudi Arabia, etc.) in the region? Let’s put the shoes on OUR feet for a minute...
If someone had attacked and subdued Mexico without provocation recently, and we were acting upset about it, would we care how we were perceived by the allies of those who occupied Mexico? No, we would be rightfully worried about whether we were next, and we would be doing anything in our power to see that it doesn’t happen to us. Fomenting rebellion in Mexico?...A logical step! Threatening the occupiers and their allies with mass retaliation if they try to attack us?...Hopefully, we would be strong enough to do these things, and more if necessary. In other words, as long as we continue to threaten and intimidate Iran, they will be a major threat to us.
**Because they compete with our other sources of oil in the region? Ah, now we seem to be getting somewhere. Iran is an economic threat to the real allies of George Bush, the Oil Companies, and THEIR ally, Saudi Arabia. In the pretext of defending the interests of the United States of America, George Bush has spent hundreds of billions of your tax dollars to defend the interests of those who put him in power, the all powerful Texas-based oil companies. Dick Cheney has supported these efforts in the name of the people he obviously represents, the Military-Industrial Coalition. And don’t you dare interpret this letter as a lack of support for our troops in the field. If the representatives of the people, so-called, in our Government had half the courage of our servicemen, we would never have gotten into this mess in the first place.
Up until this point, Iran has not attacked us, or our allies or assets, anywhere in the world. But they are understandably worried, after our unprovoked attack in Iraq, about who is next. Make no mistake, Iraq was a relatively small country, with no Air Force and a vastly diminished ground Army when we attacked them. Iran is no such thing. If we attack Iran, our whole world will change. The global anger we are experiencing now is nothing compared to the rage that would be initiated by attacking Iran. And, just the same as we would if the people who invaded Mexico attacked us, in the above illustration, Iran would not rest, I repeat, would not rest, until that attack was avenged. The World War that would ensue if we attack Iran could lead, I’m afraid, to the eventual demise of the most wonderful country that has ever existed, the United States of America.
I am an American Citizen, born in the USA the same as Bruce Springsteen. My father is a Veteran of World War II, and I was honorably discharged after serving our country during the Vietnam Era. When I go to watch my Rockies play, I sing the entire Star Spangled Banner, and right afterward, I yell “Play Ball” at the top of my lungs. Every time! And because I live in this wonderful country, I feel free to write this letter.
If you have the same misgivings I do, now is the time to stand up and be counted.
God Bless our USA!
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Woman’s view on abortion needed
This is especially true when it comes to the subject of abortion. When the second writer, “Dan2” asked about matters such as rape and incest, and ways to increase prevention of these crimes, John II did not answer any questions directly - as is also his habit throughout his postings on the website. Rather he merely rehashed the usual arguments against abortion as such, with the customary underlying assumption that these crimes are really immaterial to the discussion, being after all, in John II’s view, just another part of the woman’s “own fault"; since she would not have become pregnant had she not been asking for it in the first place. And, he merely re-iterated his anti-abortion stance as being the more important position, since for him it is far more wrong to “take human life", or “kill a human being", than it is to be bothered with trivia such as rape and incest.
Might the Rocky Mountain News - more or less in the interest of “fairness", and/or a “balanced presentation” - be kind enough to ask a woman writer to give her views on this matter? It might prove interesting to learn what a woman would have to say about something that is of grave concern to her. And, it might even prove to be a novel and entertaining departure from the usual male chauvinist editorial stance to be found in the News as well.
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Sexual harassment “training” unnecessary
First, such training is a vile condemnation of my character because it implies I have defects for which I need to be punished by taking up my valuable time for ‘training’ before I have ever done anything wrong to anybody.
Second, sexual harassment as a ‘law’ is a violation of a business owner’s right to property because it, like all regulation, interferes with the business owner’s right to run his business the way he wants, i.e. to hire whomever he pleases for whatever reasons. However boorish and smarmy such behavior as requiring sexual favors for a job may be, so long as the business owner does not physically or fraudulently coerce someone it should not be any of the government’s business. Withholding a job is just that.
It is NOT physical coercion.
Lastly, such training is forced political indoctrination every bit as ominous as the kind of ideological indoctrination routinely practiced by Communist and Islamic totalitarian states. When the government, either through regulation or by prosecuting lawsuits, begins prescribing just what appropriate behavior is, it is only a very short step away from dictating what all behavior and thinking must be.
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Rally to protest war wasn’t covered
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Sen. Reid’s Rush Limbaugh letter
Yet, where is the outrage? One would be hard pressed to find anything pertaining to such a letter in the mainstream media. It is reminiscent of Norman Hsu and the Clinton campaign scandal a few months ago, that is, if anyone even remembers it.
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Sad to see “chief executive” is male
I grew up in Denver, and in the course of childhood ills and bangs, was hospitalized in St Joseph’s and Mercy Hospital. I don’t remember what for, but I have a profound memory of a truly life-shaping revelation. Each of these large, complex, enterprises was run by a woman. A Roman Catholic religious.
Despite being of a firmly Protestant background, I wondered if I might become a nun because clearly these women got to DO things the average girl couldn’t aspire to.
Remembering these strong, competent women I was very sad to see that the “chief executive” of the Sisters of Charity now is male. Just as well I didn’t sign up, I guess.
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Over population hurting the environment
The Manchester Guardian reported recently that if the population of the UK kept increasing at its present rate, Britain would be as crowded as Bangladesh in forty years. It can’t happen here? Don’t kid yourself.
Visit the third world and what strikes you first? The swarms of people condemned to a life of hopeless, grinding poverty. There is no way,whatever, to avoid such a fate in this country as long as the additions of people exceed the replacement rate. So, it will not hit until many years down the road, but hit it will. Do we have the right to inflict the disaster on our great grandchildren by our brainless breeding?
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School “reforms” not helping
The only way the public school system and “educators” (I use the term loosely) will get the message that they really don’t have a clue, is for parents to start yanking their children out of the schools and putting them into charter schools, home schools, and private schools; and then to pass the school voucher system.
Maybe when the public school system starts to go bankrupt then they will get the message that they are not doing our kids any favors by the majority of the “reforms” they are continuing to force upon parents.
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More voting info. needed
My specific issue is with the Arapahoe County ballot.
After speaking with a very polite and understanding lady at the County Clerk’s office (per directions to get voting information), the net result was to chase down a “rabbit-trail” to find some information on the 3 ballot issues.
However, there is nothing and no place that we could discover to go to find out about the candidates. Fine — this has nothing to do with political parties; but how do I make a choice with no information on their positions, experience, issues?
Centennial is considering a Home Rule charter and is starting a commission to look into it. “Pick not more than 21” of the 35 names on the list. Guess what? I don’t know any of them by name!
Perhaps they want the list picked by the 20-30 people who may know the names of these people. Who has the biggest local families? Perhaps they don’t want an informed electorate? I hate to say this, but in a contested seat for the CCSD board, I am considering NOT voting for a candidate simply because of an Hispanic surname.
Shame on me — but I have no other information and right now the divisive situation between illegals and not is a factor on how I vote.
Shame on the State offices for allowing this to happen without requiring providing information to the electorate. And despite the fact that some of the candidates have web sites, not all do; and not all voters — I suspect a lot of them — either can’t or won’t make the effort to go try and look them up, especially for all 35 candidates.
This situation is absurd, disrespectful, demeaning, and certainly not becoming on a supposedly intelligent populace like Colorado has.
My Mother-in-law asked me about the ballot and where the information was. After I relayed the information, or lack thereof, her response was, “I guess I won’t bother.”
This ought be an interesting 10% voter response. And we will be blamed for not responding when “they” don’t give us the information with which to make a decision.
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Audit raises questions for Episcopal Church
The audit clearing the Rev. Donald Armstrong, former rector of Grace and St. Stephen’s Parish in Colorado Springs, raises serious questions about the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado (“Church audit of clergyman comes up dry,” Oct. 24).
According to Robert D. Johnson, a certified public accountant, “the six counts against Armstrong had reasonable explanations and financial transactions.” If that is the case, the diocese may be hard pressed to prove its allegations in court.
The Episcopal Church has fallen away from its traditional teachings in recent years and embraced what may be called “another gospel.” Grace and St. Stephen’s is one of many parishes that have not acceded to the radical social agenda of the national church regarding homosexuality.
Ironically, the Episcopal Church appears more concerned about preserving its social agenda than defending its conservative priests. The Colorado Springs parish is a case in point.
Brian Stuckey, Denver
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBackWhere will they stop?
When will people realize that the issue of abortion is a personal issue. Beliefs cannot be forced on people whether it be religious or political. The people who are protesting the construction company for getting the contract to expand Planned Parenthood are close-minded, yet very creative (“Construction exec’s home target of abortion protests,” Oct. 29).
Where will they stop? Will they protest the office supply store that Planned Parenthood uses, the computer shop, or the restaurants that they eat at? It’s just silly. It’s sad when religion causes conflict. Maybe I should be used to it by now.
Mark McCabe, Denver
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (93) | TrackBackWhat they expect
Good grief! Christian neighbors are digging in to support Gary Meggison, builder and renovator of a Planned Parenthood office in the Stapleton neighborhood (“Construction exec’s home target of abortion protests,” Oct. 29).
If aborting innocent children doesn’t offend them, maybe they should go to www.teenwire.com. Here, Christian parents can learn what Planned Parenthood thinks and expects of our children.
Mark Ballentine, Westminster
In its editorial of Oct. 20, “Higher ed’s PR problem,” the Rocky concluded, in exasperation, that in universities there is “little talk of doing things differently” (Rocky’s italics).
But in 1993 the Rocky aggressively attacked high school reforms in Littleton that sought to raise standards, make schools competitive and build accountability into the system by doing things differently (my italics).
Even today legislators and bureaucrats refuse to correct problems of “lower ed” by letting high schools do things differently — and locally. But the Rocky doesn’t condemn the disastrous lack of imagination that has for decades prevented “lower ed” reform.
Where is the Rocky’s anger over legislators’ failure to encourage high schools to redesign themselves at the local level, where change ought to take place? Where is the Rocky’s anger over legislators’ continuing belief that seat time equals learning? Where is the Rocky’s anger over Washington-mandated straitjacketing tests that prevent doing things differently?
Why isn’t the Rocky angry that our public school communities might not make themselves inclusive and competitive in our society? What does the Rocky have against liberty, parental and teacher cooperation and real competition in public schooling?
Is it that the Rocky wouldn’t be the Decider?
Daniel W. Brickley is a resident of Littleton.
Posted by denver-admin at 05:18 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBackWar with Iran
The dissidents of today will be the leaders of tomorrow.
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Bush has failed our children
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Sovereignty of our nation at stake
While most of you go about your daily milieu, our government is seeking to open our borders (as if they’re not already open), create new currency (the “Amero") and give jurisdiction over our seas and ports to the United Nations.
Please get informed and involved. Do you want your children to grow up in the United States of America or in the North American Union, controlled largely by the U.N.?
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Vote no on all Denver bond issues
Lost in all the Rockies hoopla is the fact that Mayor Chickenlooper wants us to approve millions of dollars in bond issues. I wonder? Millions spent on dancing space aliens, blue bears and an exploded erector set called an Art Museum but we need to pony up (again) for necessary infrastructure.
Millions for
A Fire Fleet that has survived on bailing wire and glue (at enormous risk to the citizens of Denver) but nothing in this bond issue to buy equipment or increase the ranks of Firefighters.
I am voting NO all the way across the board on these issues and until and unless the Mayor gives equal voice to the real needs of this City instead of to the
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“Ghettorize” shouldn’t have been a factor
O’Neill
Well, I am offended that a supposed educational leader would rather personalize and trivialize an issue as important as this massive funding shortfall than seek pragmatic solutions.
As to all dedicated citizens and elected officials seeking a solution to higher education funding please continue work the issue and not be distracted by those who would rather than fish for supposed insults to gain press space promoting their “outrage.”
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Bottled-water woes
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Bloggers’ attack awful
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Arrogant judges
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Salazar in line with Hugo Chavez
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Natural gas drilling not the answer
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Museum reneges, so a ‘no’ vote it will be
George Sparks, CEO of the Museum of Nature and Science, states that the project to be funded in part by Ballot Issues G and H in the upcoming bond election will include “a new science education center ... as well as new exhibit halls” (“Museum reaching out to private donors, too,” A Differing View, Oct. 17).
Assuming that these expanded visitor facilities will bring additional visitors to City Park, I must complain that the museum, once again, has gone back on one of its solemn promises made to defenders of the park.
When asking for funding for its parking garage, the museum swore that it would never expand the museum again in the park, depending instead on remote locations to expand its services. This resulted in a design for the parking garage which precluded vertical additions to allow additional parking space in the future. With plans to construct storage space under existing surface parking, there is no more room to provide additional parking in the existing footprint of museum-dedicated space in City Park.
Given the history of the museum’s lack of interest in City Park, lack of oversight by the Department of Parks and Recreation and use of bait-and-switch bond proposals (worded remarkably similar to the language in Ballot Issues G and H), I intend to vote against G and H, and urge others to do likewise.
Tom Morris, Denver
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBackRosen excels at spinning by omission
Local radio talk-show host, Rocky Mountain News columnist, apparent climate expert and a regular on the Colorado Media Matters Web site for his many inaccuracies, Mike Rosen is very good at spinning by omission (“Al Gore’s ignoble Nobel,” Oct. 19).
Rosen invokes British High Court Justice Michael Barton who correctly points out errors in Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth, but conveniently leaves out that portion of the ruling that states the documentary was “substantially founded upon scientific research and fact.” The judge also said he had “no doubt: ‘Al Gore’s presentation of the causes and likely effects of climate change in the film was broadly accurate.’”
Rosen also neglects to mention that many of the global warming contrarians he aligns himself with are scientists affiliated with ExxonMobil, who, according to a FoxNews report on Jan. 3, 2007, spent $16 million between 1998 and 2005 to put out information to advocacy groups that seek to deliberately confuse the public on global warming science.
So the next time you hear the Limbaughs and Rosens of the world prattle on about global warming, remember they are talk-show hosts and are not qualified to give serious opinions on such complicated issues such as global warming.
Cecil Moxon, Northglenn
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (76) | TrackBackRosen is right on
Mike Rosen’s column of Oct. 19, “Al Gore’s ignoble Nobel,” clearly points out the fallacies of Al Gore’s claims about global warming.
Rosen deserves thanks for discussing some of the scientific aspects of global warming which has been occurring on this planet for eons. The climate changes we see today are but pinpricks in the history of the Earth. Before we can do anything about them, if that were at all possible, we will be engrossed in the next climate changes, both warming and cooling.
These changes are natural and inevitable, not man-made. It should also be said that Gore’s absurd claims about global warming do not explain why he should be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.
William C. Iverson, Castle Rock
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (26) | TrackBackAurora incumbents should be voted out
Once again, Aurora is facing another city election. In this matter, the incumbents, especially Ed Tauer and Ryan Frazier should be replaced.
Tauer recently cast the deciding vote that allowed the city to keep in place its surcharges for water usage that seem to really stick it to longtime residents (showing no mercy to Aurora’s senior citizens). This took place as the city continues to issue permits for the apparently endless building and development projects in our already parched community.
Frazier notes his priorities include “water acquisition and development through the nearly $1 billion Prairie Waters Project” and a host of new development without a word about responsible growth.
He talks about “a business climate that allows greater job creation” but never mentions whether these jobs will offer a living wage and decent benefits such as health care.
Aurora needs to attract good employers not more businesses that offer low wages and add to the ranks of the city’s working poor.
As the citizens of Aurora vote this fall, it’s time to give Tauer and Frazier their walking papers.
Thomas Johnson, Aurora
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBackGriego’s fast one
OK, got to admit it, Rocky columnist Tina Griego nearly had me “sucker punched” with “Rockies’ ‘mystical’ streak helps bring us all together,” her effort of Oct. 18.
My first reaction was: Wow! A far-left columnist is embracing the national pastime — maybe there’s hope for her yet. Then, reality struck: The only reason she wrote this “fluff” piece is that a number of Latinos play for the Rockies.
Does anyone think she would have written this column if the team were composed of whites, blacks and a Japanese guy? Not! You nearly had me fooled, Ms. Griego, but not quite.
James L. Sullivan, Thornton
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (21) | TrackBackPonder this scenario
In his Oct. 22 letter, “Questions could mean our survival,” Percy Conarroe expresses his strong opposition to limits on the forms of interrogation used on a suspect we “think” has crucial information on a terrorist attack.
I ask him to consider this scenario: The government “thinks” his son or daughter has critical information about a terrorist attack on an American city. Since he is “not ready to surrender to the jihadists,” what types of interrogation techniques is Conarroe willing to have his child face in order to prove his or her innocence?
David Hirsch, Littleton
Goofball resolution
In defending the timing of Congress’ goofball resolution condemning the Ottoman Empire’s savagery against Armenians a century ago, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi repeatedly pointed out, “There’s never a good time.” If there’s never a good time for something, logic would suggest that it’s not a good idea.
Mark Vlosky, Broomfield
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (13) | TrackBackSpeak up, Mr. Powell
Where is Colin Powell? Now that retired Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez has told the public the truth about Iraq, Powell should feel freer — and for that matter obligated — to do likewise and perhaps prevent yet another war, this time with Iran.
Here’s hoping he’ll add his voice and gravitas.
Grant D. Cyrus, Boulder
Posted by denver-admin at 12:01 AM | Comments (12) | TrackBack