Vaccinated soldiers are critical for national security
Re: “Democrats tried to pass a woke defense bill,” Dec. 29 commentary
I nearly spit out my morning coffee when I saw yet another guest commentary by Rep. Lauren Boebert. It wasn’t that long ago that The Post ran an op/ed from Congresswoman Boebert that was filled with misinformation.
This time she’s ranting about the recent defense bill that requires our military to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.
She’s outraged that soldiers are required to get a proven COVID vaccine just like they’re required to get up to 17 other vaccines before they can serve.
I’d like to hear from Reps. Joe Neguse, Diana DeGette or Jason Crow about the National Defense Authorization Act. Perhaps they can explain why the COVID vaccine is a matter of national security.
I don’t know about you, Congresswoman Boebert, but I don’t want our fighting forces sick in bed when we need them.
Kathleen O’Brien, Denver
I’m the first to advocate for diverse opinions in the editorial pages. But Lauren Boebert does not deserve any space in a mainstream conversation. Your newspaper has lost credibility by publishing her column.
Matt Bergles, Denver
My U.S. Representative wrote an opinion piece for Wednesday’s paper. She began it by seemingly bemoaning the vitriol in the current U.S. government and then followed that with almost endless vitriol (woke this, leftist that, etc.).On behalf of many of the residents of the 3rd District, I sincerely apologize for sending a major part of the problem to Washington.
Steve Caplan, Durango
Much damage and injury; little consequence
Re: “Majority of protest cases dismissed,” Dec. 26 news story
A year and a half after the protests here in Denver, you can still see what was left behind. There are still boarded-up buildings. Now we find that out of 389 protest-related prosecutions, most were dismissed. The remaining 81 cases received deferred judgments, home detentions or other gentle slaps on their wrists.
What did this protest accomplish? A statue of Christopher Columbus got knocked down, a Civil War monument was beaten up and 16th Street was left looking like a war zone. Seventy-five police officers were hurt, one broke an ankle after falling off a step, KDVR reported.
For those of us who live in the Capitol Hill area, it was days of being terrorized by dumpsters on fire, helicopters flying overhead. What did we learn from all of this? I only speak for myself, but I see that protests have lost their value unless there is a large amount of property damage, and worse of all, people who do the damage will ultimately get away with it.
Oh, yes, taxpayers will pick up the bills for the damage.
Did this protest accomplish anything?
Joanie Jones, Denver
It would be difficult to be a Denver Police officer who tries to protect citizens and their private, city and state property, only to be supported by a “non-punitive” city judicial system.
As law-abiding citizens, we respect and obey police officers for the service and protection they provide. Obviously the Denver judicial system does not share these values.
Why would anyone want to locate a business, visit or live in a community that does not support law and order and responsible behavior? This will further the isolation of the City and County of Denver by the citizens of the surrounding metropolitan areas who value police protection and a responsible judicial system.
Bill Sievers, Greenwood Village
Collective bargaining would lead to better care
Re: “Dems eye new union rights,” Dec. 27 news story
I am an ER nurse at the University of Colorado and a member of UCHealth Workers United/CWA Local 7799. I am proud to be on the front lines of this pandemic for almost two years caring for my community in Denver and Aurora. My colleagues and I have had a front-row seat to the shortcomings of individual action.
Just like infectious diseases require collective action solutions, working together for the collective good is how we improve our workplaces. Entering into collective bargaining agreements have historically been the best way to keep workers safe. But currently, Colorado law does not extend collective bargaining rights to my colleagues and me.
A poorly managed pandemic response and poor staff-retention strategies have health care workers across the country distraught and burnt out. The upshot of this crisis is a mass nurse exodus, whether to lucrative travel contracts or from the bedside altogether.
Gaining collective bargaining rights would allow us to try to fix these problems and would be a huge win for Colorado health care workers. We could gain access to a seat at the table when the decisions regarding working conditions, pay, staff ratios, benefits and retention strategies are being made. A safer workplace in the hospital is a safer environment of care.
I urge Colorado legislators to pass the collective bargaining bill to give Colorado health care workers fighting the pandemic on the frontlines a better chance to gain the workplace protections they deserve.
Macon Fessenden, Denver
Incarceration is necessary tool for civil society
Re: “2021 has left us stranded up a pole without a ladder,” Dec. 26 commentary
In response to Krista Kafer’s whimsical article, I have chosen one of her nuggets of dissatisfaction and discontent in the Denver area during 2021. I agree with everything she said about crime, especially her sentence, “Less incarceration, more crime, there’s got to be a connection there somewhere.” I would like to add that a precocious 10-year-old could have made the same comments, including Kafer’s comments about Denver’s other woes.
Obviously, the worst harm caused by all of Kafer’s stated problems is to all of the victims. However, after two years of listening to our leaders give their version of our problems, I have noted an important secondary harm inflicted on nearly all of us: the insult to our intelligence.
Virtually all decent people would agree that if an individual can’t behave well in civil society, they need to live in a cage for an appropriate amount of time. Their brains are wired differently from ours, and we can’t figure out how to rewire them, as is demonstrated by the high recidivism rate for offenders.
Hopefully, someday in the near future, we can either learn how to make them moral or at least make them appreciate the connection between their behavior and the consequences.
The “wokeness” that is being spewed at us daily from our leaders who reside in “Alice in Wonderland” is infuriating. It doesn’t make us decent folks feel safe, and it doesn’t make us happy.
Richard Chervenak, Broomfield
“The Hill We Climb”
My stocking contained a beautiful hardback copy of Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem “The Hill We Climb.” Inspired by both it and a recent political argument that I had almost costing a friendship, I read it again and was struck by its lyrical beauty and the sense of hope that it offers, just as it did when she read it on that sunny day in January.
As inspiring as that moment was, “inspiration” has no value whatever unless accompanied by “perspiration.” It is truly sad that we aren’t undertaking the challenge that she lays down here.
We continue to be driven by media-supported selfishness and anger. Anger is the algorithm, and we are willingly victimized. We have the ability to start anew and put our nation first, but the report card is out, and we get a collective “F.”
Let’s try to shut up and listen and try to understand our fellows’ viewpoints. Let’s expect that of our “civil servants” and expect it of ourselves. Let’s learn to compromise and transcend our need to act like 4-year-olds. Let’s do our best and get the job done.
Our Democracy only works if We the People take responsibility.
John G. Zeck, Littleton
DPS needs police support
Re: “Marijuana? Graffiti? Denver schools limit calls to police,” Dec. 27 news story
The Denver School Board wants to limit contacting the police when students break the law. Principals are supposed to handle this: graffiti, marijuana, destruction of property, assaults on other students. Just how is a principal supposed to handle this? Lecture the student, over and over again? How is the student expected to understand there are consequences to behavior? Be interesting to see how it all works when they’re out in society as adults. Geez, don’t they realize this harms kids, not helps them.
The DPS guide says, “apply the discipline matrix in anti-racist and trauma-informed manner.”
Who is writing this progressive nonsense? They removed school resource officers last year and accomplished two things: 1) Keeping students from interacting with the police and understanding their function, and 2) Taking away some safety from the school (does anyone remember school shootings, maybe like in Aurora this year?)
Parents should be telling the board to do their job and provide schools with a safe environment for learning and not be promulgating their goofy progressive agenda.
Michael Scanlan, Arvada
Study the homes that survived
Re: “Marshall fire: Investigators focus on single neighborhood,” Jan. 3 news story
The picture on the front page of The Denver Post appears to show two houses with little to no damage in the midst of a devastated neighborhood where all other houses are burned to their foundations.
Before one cubic yard of concrete is poured, or one board-foot of lumber is laid in
reconstruction, those working to rebuild the destroyed neighborhoods should investigate and understand exactly why those houses
remain standing and apply those lessons learned.
Daniel Krygowski, Golden
Attend that Broncos game, fans
Re: “Broncos Country, refuse to attend final home game of this lousy NFL team,” Jan. 3 sports commentary
It would be unfortunate to have the Bronco fans stay away from the last game, as columnist Mark Kiszla suggests. Colorado is known for its support of its sports teams. We really don’t want to change that.
We must all have hope that a lot will change with the Broncos over the next year and we need to hang in there. I remember when we won our first Super Bowl. A lot of years had gone by and a lot of games before that happened. We will be great again. We don’t need to push it. It will happen. Believe.
Life long Bronco fan,
Dea Coschignano, Wheat Ridge
Mr. Kiszla, you’re a mean guy.
Peggy Caughlan, Fort Collins
Praise for Doc PJ
Re: “Meet Doc PJ, who finds peace in a daily winter uphill climb,” Jan. 2 news story
Thank you for publishing the story about Doc PJ, who lives a simple life and does his part to make the world a better place. After reading so many stories about death and destruction, it was rejuvenating to read about Doc PJ. And thank you to Doc PJ for being part of the solution.
Margo Sobocinski, Denver
Thank you for sharing critical information for survivors
Re: “Grieving young adults find support sitting around virtual dinner tables,” Dec. 18 news story
I am grateful for your article.
My best friend died suddenly on Oct. 3. One of her brother’s death followed on Oct. 11.
I forwarded this article to her daughter, and she subsequently sent to her cousin, his daughter. I believe the information about The Dinner Party may provide a critical lifeline for them.
I encourage all of your readers to inform themselves about this organization, and to share with their families and friends. You never know when you are going to need it.
Thanks to Aggie Fitch, The Dinner Party’s communications manager, and to The Denver Post for providing this possibly life-changing information for survivors.
Myra Louise Bender, Denver
Teach disaster survival
Re: “Nations avoid big, fast cuts on coal,” Nov. 14 news story
So following COP26, you report United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ warning about the threat to our planet if we warm beyond the 1.5 degrees Celsius target, bringing weather catastrophes to many everywhere.
Educators who plan curriculum changes need to start designing disaster survival education to be included in required K-12, trade school and college courses. “Life support” courses for adults will be needed on topics like:
• “How to safely live in your home without electricity, clean water, functioning toilets and central heating.”
• “Recovery management after catastrophic storms and flooding.”
• “Extended Home nursing and medical care when Hospitals and EMT services are overwhelmed.”
Building disaster resilience involves preparation and teamwork based on common knowledge and skills shared between neighbors and within communities. It’s time we got started!
Marshall Vary, Broomfield
Avoiding disaster
During a recent temporary job, my office sat along highway 93 in Golden; my view looked west, straight up to Lookout Mountain and those communication towers. I wondered what consequences would come from extreme destruction or damage to that equipment if ever a wildfire consumed that area.
Despite what some may believe, wildfire is not only a problem to mountain residents, although we do bear the brunt of this threat. However, the mountain areas provide service to the lower elevations, such as water runoff and access via the I-70 corridor. Disruption to any of this, even temporary, could represent a severe dent in our way of life.
For these and other reasons, Colorado should be very concerned about wildfire mitigation, prevention and forest restoration. I commend the recently-approved federal infrastructure bill and our local officials for their efforts to influence approval of the Build Back Better Act.
In the case of my own mountain community of 1,200 acres, our HOA budgets for mitigation and applies for supplemental grant money every year, but receiving it is by no means a guarantee. We have many residents who eagerly mitigate on their own or sign up to share the cost through grant programs like those made available through the Colorado state bills passed in 2021. And yet, we were not approved for any of it because there is only so much to go around. Without this, the best we can do, it seems, is to keep raking up pine needles and have our go-bags ready.
Gary Rauchenecker, Golden
Our future looks bright
Re: “ ‘Families of color playground night’ isn’t segregation,” Dec. 26 commentary
The article by Mattison Nunez is a wonderful example of the value of our young people and demonstrates a very mature understanding of today’s complex issues concerning race. Bravo Mattison! Excellent article. So well written!
Deborah Curlee, Golden
Evolution will prevail
Re: “Accusations may not line up with reality,” Dec. 28 commentary
A recent letter writer opined something to the effect that reality is what it is rather than what one wants it to be. I couldn’t agree more with this sentiment. As large parts of our population reject common-sense solutions to limiting the spread of COVID through the best means available, what sort of reality are these vaccine deniers living in? Appears to me it is a sort of reality that is fantasy. One reality is undeniable. Evolution waits for no living thing to adapt to changing circumstances that threaten one’s very existence. Evolution will prevail, and it doesn’t respect fantasy.
Donald Tarrence, Denver
Fund mental health for youth
Re: “Health leaders ask state lawmakers to use $150M,” Nov. 17 news story
The physical isolation, uncertainty, and grief of the COVID-19 pandemic have intensified the youth mental health crisis. Alarmingly, the leading cause of death for Colorado youth ages 10-24 is suicide.
At the same time, our dedicated mental health workforce and community partners are burning out and cannot meet the growing needs of the children in our state. We are consequently in a perpetual crisis, and as a result, young people are not getting the mental health care they need early enough, leading many to dangerous situations.
In partnership with families, health care providers, advocates and schools, government officials have a responsibility to children, families, and our communities by prioritizing mental health policies and funding that will support youth mental health.
Soon the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force, under the leadership of Sen. Brittany Pettersen and Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, will recommend how the state should spend $450 million in existing federal funds for mental health needs. I strongly encourage this task force, which is meeting next on Jan. 5, to allocate one-third of those funds for youth mental health. As a pediatrician who has seen this crisis unfold firsthand in the last few years, I know this funding is necessary to ensure families can receive the care they need in the right place and at the right time, preventing future tragedies.
Kaitlin Whelan, Denver
Broncos need an overhaul
I have followed the Broncos from 1960 on. The current version of the Broncos has a losing philosophy. They play “not to lose” instead of “playing to win,” and it is not the fault of the players. The coaching staff and management of the team should look around at the other NFL teams and watch how they play.
Even the worst teams take the field to win and it shows in their play calling and strategies on the field. This Bronco team — under a lack of effective leadership, starting with the head coach — always helps the other team by a lack of aggressive play, especially on offense.
There is no imagination in the game plan. Their same philosophy sets the tone for the entire game. The Broncos run the ball on first down, run the ball on second down, then pass the ball on third down. This is not a winning formula.
This is not playing to win, but nothing more than hoping not to lose. The Broncos need an overhaul, beginning with the lowest coach on the hierarchy through the team president, Joe Ellis.
Alvin Vasicek, Mesa, Ariz.
Biden’s facts, lies about pandemic
Biden facts.
Joe Biden, the candidate, in October 2020: “I’m going to shut down the virus,” and, “220,000 Americans dead. … Anyone who is responsible for that many deaths should not remain as president of the United States of America.”
President Joe Biden, Dec. 27, as 401,595 Americans have now died from COVID-19: “There is no federal solution. This gets solved at a state level.”
Biden lies.
Don Gallo, Golden
Simpler, less expensive way to address speed-limit signs
Re: “Denver sets 20 mph default speed limit,” Dec. 21 news story
Indeed, 20 is plenty.
Kudos to 11 of the 12 City Council members on their “yes” votes to advance the common-sense law to lower our speed limit on residential streets to 20 mph. The change is long overdue in our densely populated county.
Why, however, do we need to “get rid of” 2,700 to 3,500 existing signs at the cost of $1.2 million to $1.5 million? Again, using common sense, we could keep the existing 25 mph signs in place and open up the bidding process to contractors who are able to make much smaller zero signs to affix over the number five. This has got to be a considerably less expensive and most certainly less wasteful solution.
I’m no senior city planner, and I suspect Mike King isn’t really much of one either or he would have thought of this simple, cost-cutting, anti-waste solution before I did.
If nothing else, Denver can cut a check to me for $500,000 tomorrow, give me five years, send a zero template, a truckload of black and white reflective spray paint and a pair of overalls and I will personally paint/upgrade every 25 mph speed limit sign in the county delivered on time and way under budget. I’ll consider it my “side gig.”
Have a ladder, will travel,
Loren Miller, Denver
A few days of promise, at least
The belief that flipping from one calendar year to another somehow gives us all a fresh start like shaking an Etch-a-Sketch is a lovely one, but never the reality. Most recently, Jan. 6, 2021, proved this to be truer than true, as we are still wrestling with the consequences (and will for years to come).
Artist Henry Moore said, “I think in terms of the day’s resolution, not the year’s.”
As a curmudgeon, I frown on the gaiety of New Year’s celebrations but understand the compelling human desire to start all over with no costly penalty strokes, knowing they will come, but, please, give us all a few days first.
Craig Marshall Smith, Highlands Ranch
Help for health care workers
We must love and honor our health care workers. And if that seems like an overly sentimental statement for a letter to the editor, that’s OK. It’s urgent.
These people are working day and night. Because they are human beings; their emotional highs and lows are wearing. They need relief. Do what you can to join them.
Reevaluate your habits and find ways to start improving your health today. Reevaluate your thinking if you’re choosing not to vaccinate. For some this is an extremely conscious lifestyle choice that was made long before this pandemic. For others, it’s a political sticking point. I urge those of you in that position to consider the health care worker who is exhausted and needs our support. Do whatever you can.
Susan Niedringhaus, Golden
Population doesn’t need boost
Re: “America would be more happy with more people,” Dec. 27 commentary
I don’t want to be the one to burst the professor’s bubble, but whenever there is an economic downturn of any degree, economists and politicians immediately start screaming for more production, more jobs, more stuff! Surely, the professor must be aware that the Earth and its environment are essentially a closed system and therefore cannot sustain exponential growth of any kind.
The human race has exceeded the carrying capacity of the Earth, hence the presence of such things as climate change, water and food shortages, ozone holes, rising seas and dying reefs. Unless Elon Musk succeeds in moving vast numbers of humans to Mars or some other planet, our global problems will only become worse as we push for endless economic and population growth. It quite simply defies mathematics and science to claim otherwise. “Sustainable growth” is an oxymoron. Do the math.
Michael Cicerchi, Denver
If it were the 1930s or just following World War II, I wouldn’t be surprised to see an opinion piece calling for a growing population. But with the climate crisis caused by humans, adding more humans means a greater climate crisis.
Even a writer who is an economist should understand that with limited water, an increased population means less water per person. A greater population means less healthy air, more congestion and has lead to increased housing costs and more homeless people. A greater population has not led to increased equality but just the opposite. The gap between rich and poor has continued to rise.
Mother Nature is telling us via the climate crisis that 8 billion people are creating more pollution than the environment can handle.
Let us honor the decision of empowered women who make the choice of smaller families and all work for the increased quality of life, which will result from a smaller population.
Don Thompson, Alamosa
The days of “go forth and multiply” are long gone for our overpopulated Earth. The opinion column by Economics Professor Tyler Cowen is seriously flawed. We have too many people using too much of our world’s resources, including fresh water. Climate change is real, happening now, and continues to produce catastrophes rather than mere disasters. We’ll be very lucky to level out methane and carbon dioxide emissions in the next decade. Growing the Earth’s population is insanely harmful.
Rearranging the existing population is another story. Yes, adding more newcomers to our economy is possible because our whole history is one of successful immigration and assimilation, different peoples at different times. This would add to the professor’s push for a growing, dynamic society.
R.K. Paull, Highlands Ranch
Darwin would approve of Fauci
Re: Dec. 3 political cartoon
A recent cartoon showed a stern-looking Charles Darwin with the caption “1859 Survival of the Fittest” juxtaposed with a smiling Dr. Anthony Fauci. In fairness, Darwin understood very well the importance of intelligence, rationality and thoughtfulness to the survival of the species. He’s often misrepresented by people who believe only the physically strongest survive, but this is a simplification. His theory of evolution encompassed intellect and social cooperation as critical aspects for species’ survival. If he were alive, he would applaud Dr. Fauci for his efforts during the pandemic because scientific progress, compassion and cooperation are how the human race will continue to evolve for the better of our species.
Casey Mulqueen, Centennial
In defense of Rep. Schiff
Re: “Adam Schiff is unfit for Congress with all his lies,” Dec. 23 letter to the editor
I’m kinda surprised that The Post ran such a false claim letter, that Rep. Adam Schiff was deliberately altering documents.
Made me look into it, and it was immediately debunked in an Newsweek fact-check article that it took me less than a minute to find. Truncating a text or other statement generally is not “altering documents,” despite the stupid claims by Donald Trump Jr. and others.
Just because it is on the internet does not make it true!
Rich Urbanowski, Lakewood
The letter tearing into Adam Schiff is not supported by evidence from reputable news agencies. If one backs away and looks at the larger picture, they will see the GOP is doing everything in its power to delay and deflect attempts to get to the truth about Jan. 6, from fighting the formation of an investigative committee, defying subpoenas, resisting release of documentation and records, and refusing to testify, including pleading the Fifth.
Part of the effort to hide the truth is to attack the process and anyone on the investigative side. Adam Schiff’s latest book clearly reveals his courage and integrity to seek truth, and attacks on him will undoubtedly get worse as the supporters try to draw attention away from the investigation of the attack on democracy.
Ronald Puening, Centennial
It’s in our interest
Re: “We are paying for COVID, one way or another,” Dec. 23 letter to the editor
The letter writer rightly points out someone bears the cost of “free” vaccines and test kits. As taxpayers, we all do. What he misses in his observation is the cost to taxpayers of not providing Americans by taking steps to slow the spread of COVID. It’s in all of our interest to spend money on preventative measures in order to avoid the much greater cost, both monetary and humanitarian, to the country.
Douglas Hoyt, Wheat Ridge
Where is MLB concern for the fans, employees, businesses?
Re: “Hurry up and wait: Divergent views from Manfred, Clark point to lengthy lockout,” Dec. 3 sports story
I am a lifelong supporter of Major League Baseball and a past stadium employee of the Colorado Rockies.
As a middle-class American, it grieves me to see the petty arguing over amounts of money most average fans will likely never see in a lifetime. The average Major League player already makes more in a single game at the league’s minimum salary than my spouse and I make for a month’s work.
Owners counter by treating small-market fans as pawns, painting us as victims; their positions make clear they have little to no concern for these fans.
During a lockout, amongst the bickering over millions of dollars, it is not the players or owners who will bear the brunt of this stoppage but the many faceless team workers and small business owners who rely on baseball’s steady operations for daily survival. It is clear in the stalemate in which baseball finds itself, there exists nearly no concern for those who will bear this cost.
I can no longer, in good conscience, support either side in this dispute or support the league or its teams with money my family works hard to earn to keep food on the table, our lights on, and a roof over our heads. I am saddened that either side would show so little concern for fans, employees, and the neighborhood businesses that depend greatly on the league’s game day operations.
Each day that goes by is further alienation of many more fans like us.
Daniel J. Kiewel, Great Bend, Kan.
Hikers losing ground
The beloved set of Colorado’s fourteeners is a large piece of what makes Colorado unique. Whether for recreational exercise or to see a sight that few have seen, everyone should be able to climb these mountains. Fourteeners should be made public for all people. There are a few fourteeners in the state that are entirely private or have parcels of private land on them. Just recently Mount Lindsey has been added to the list.
As reported by Denver7 reporter Meghan Lopez, “Mount Lindsey trail closed to public over liability concerns,” following a ruling from the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, on a case involving an injury on a different property owned by the Air Force Academy.
I am a high school senior, and I have hiked fourteeners with my dad and brother many summers. I was fortunate enough to have climbed Lindsey during the 2021 summer, just before it was shut off from the public. The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals needs to re-rule on their decision and the state of Colorado needs to find a way to grant public access without infringing on property owners’ rights. Perhaps a lottery system for hikers or some kind of statewide permit can be issued or applied for so that mountains can be accessed and property owners can stay protected.
Ryan Parker, Timnath
Accusations may not line up with reality
Re: “Democracy heal thyself,” Dec. 19 commentary
An opinion writer recently told us that there is a lack of trust in our institutions, elections and Republicans are at fault. Opposing his assignment of blame are the long lessons of history. We were clearly given a constitutional republic with democratic institutions, in our founding documents, not a pure democracy. Through our inattention and self-gratification, we have generally ceded limited government to an unrestrained, unelected, centralized authority managed by three million federal employees.
Yes, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris did make campaign promises to stamp out the pandemic, unify our country and restore its standing in the world. So far trust has not been earned on these issues complicated further by increases in the cost of living and escalating crime rates. But the mid-terms are just ahead, so in short order, we’ll have a better handle whether professor Seth Masket’s assignment of blame was too narrow.
Certainly the offering of opinion is a good thing but more credible when supported by facts. Truth is about recognizing reality … not what some want it to be.
Forrest Monroe, Aurora
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