Lisl Auman plea deal
Re: “Auman takes plea deal,” July 12 news story.
With the recent Lisl Auman plea agreement comes the rehashing of the ideal of justice in Colorado. And while the Colorado Supreme Court failed to address the outdated felony-murder statute, they did initiate the process that led to a more just punishment for Auman. For, as tragic as officer Bruce VanderJagt’s murder was, we as a society cannot create an equally egregious tragedy by using the courts to exact a false sense of justice.
And let us remember who the true victim is in this case: Haley VanderJagt. She has had to grow up without the security of her father’s encouragement, adoration and, most important, his love. No prison sentence or miscarriage of justice will ever right that wrong.
Joshua Junevicus, Northglenn
Cellphones in cars
Re: “Cell headsets fail to make a dent in car accidents,” July 13 business news story.
Your article surprises me a little – I would have thought that headsets would have helped reduce the number of cellphone-related accidents. Even so, I can think of several scenarios where one would be distraught enough that they would totally lose any concentration they may have had on their driving.
Examples include:
I’m sure anyone reading this can think up their own.
If legislation is passed, I would hope that any cellphone user would have to share in the fault of an accident that may have been avoided had they been paying attention.
Wayne A. Taylor, Aurora
Supreme Court vacancy
Re: “Kourlis’ name ‘in hopper’ for high-court seat, Salazar is told,” July 15 news story.
I am disturbed by news reports that Colorado Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Love Kourlis is under consideration by President Bush to replace Sandra Day O’Connor on the U.S. Supreme Court.
This is not a matter of state pride, but a matter of beliefs and convictions. We need Supreme Court justices in the mold of William Rehnquist, Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia. Kourlis would be the next David Souter on the court. She is a social liberal, appointed to all her judgeships by Democratic governors. No wonder Sen. Ken Salazar is so happy about the prospect!
Dan Green, Lakewood
London terror attacks
Re: “Bush: U.K. bombings meant to scare U.S., allies,” July 12 news story.
I agree with President Bush’s comments that the attacks in London were barbaric and the terrorists should be hunted down. I also agree that “The aim of the terrorists is to remake the Middle East in their own grim image of tyranny and oppression by toppling governments … .” However, it is hypocritical coming from Bush, because we went to war in Iraq to topple Saddam Hussein’s government and to install our image of democracy in the Middle East. Bush repeatedly promoted this war by stating we would be safer without Hussein. Is the world safer? Facts indicate that it isn’t and terrorist attacks are increasing worldwide.
Gloria M. Harnish, Wheat Ridge
