Cow town? So what?
Re: “Cow town or Wow town?,” Sept. 29 features section.
Pity Denver! When gold busted, silver crashed or oil fizzled, Denver was bolstered by cows and crops. Colorado’s farmers and ranchers established Denver as a commerce center for cattle, as well as wool, potatoes and other products. For 100 years, the National Western Stock Show has saluted the industry and the city that were mainstays in the building of the Rocky Mountain West. Denver enjoys a booming post-Christmas economy – courtesy of those who come to take in the Stock Show.
Denver assures tourists that the state is its beautiful backyard but tends to forget that much of the vistas, wildlife habitat, fishing streams and picturesque cows are maintained by ranchers and farmers, who shop, dine, and celebrate in the Cow Town that wishes it weren’t.
So what’s wrong with being a Cow Town gone fancy? Sure beats a Snob Town in my books.
Roberta Moellenberg, Idalia
Columbus Day parade
Re: “Mayor’s note heats Columbus Day spat” Sept. 30 news story.
I’m betting that the American Indian Movement of Colorado and Sons of Italy-New Generation are about the only people offended by Mayor John Hickenlooper’s letter to them that he’s “sick and tired of this entire costly, frustrating and potentially dangerous situation that does nothing but generate ill will.” Must we spend our time, energy and money every year dealing with these ideologues? Denver would be much better off if we would just give both groups some money on the condition that they move their parade/protest and associated indignation somewhere else. Centennial could use some excitement.
Dan Danbom, Denver
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I have always been puzzled by the fact that Leif Ericsson has never been honored in the U.S. by a national holiday in his name. He is indisputably the first European to set foot upon North America. Ericsson founded Vinland around 985, presumably in Newfoundland or New England.
If we were to change Columbus Day to Leif Ericsson Day, this would end the controversy over Christopher Columbus’ behavior. Whether he was a slave trader or not, he certainly cannot be called the discoverer of America.
John White, Westminster
Helping the world
Re: “Engineering’s soft side,” Sept. 30 news story.
It was a pleasure to read the story about the Colorado School of Mines and CU-Boulder engineering students who are working to improve the lives of the poor in developing communities around the world.
What a fantastic program! It’s nice to see what we know in our hearts: that there is good in this world. (And that it can make the front page.)
David Velasco, Highlands Ranch
State ballot booklet
I have a master’s degree in taxation, so I’m used to reading dull tax law that often winds in spirals of mind-numbing logic.
When I read the official state ballot information booklet, I expect it to be readable. If my eyes glaze over before the explanation registers in my brain, I vote “no.”
This is both a “no” to the issue and a “no” to the lack of clarity. I vote “no” on behalf of people who have less education, time and patience than I do.
If you can’t say it clearly and briefly, you are wasting our time.
Jane Ringer, Englewood
