Plan for victory in Iraq
Re: “Bush gives victory plan,” Dec. 1 news story.
“The time of war is a time of sacrifice,” said President Bush in his plan-for-victory speech. The ones who have sacrificed are the men and women who have died or suffered terrible injuries and their families. What have we, the general public, been asked to sacrifice? Not even a tax to help pay for the war. No, we will pass that on to our children and grandchildren.
Perhaps the administration is afraid that by asking for a tax, more Americans will actually ponder the reasons for going to war and will demand an actual plan for completing the mission, not just more clichés delivered to a military audience.
Gloria Gabossi, Golden
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Upon watching President Bush’s address from Annapolis, followed by the Democrats’ response, I gleaned from Bush pride, optimism, progress and achievable goals. From the Democrats I heard despair, pessimism and a murky worldview. Which message should my son, serving in Iraq, hear from our leaders as he prepares for his next mission?
Danny Veith, Denver
Bike-ride regulations
Re: “New limit on size of state’s bicycle events,” Dec. 2 Open Forum.
Letter-writer Larry Augustein states he chooses not to participate in bicycle rides like Elephant Rock because of the large numbers. It’s great that cyclists have the freedom to participate or not in large events such as Elephant Rock. It’s obvious by the numbers many enjoy it or participate to support charities.
If the State Patrol decides to enact stricter limits, many in the cycling community won’t have a choice to ride in events such as Elephant Rock. Only the chosen few.
Jon K. Dukeman, Larkspur
Celibacy in the church
Re: “A clash of religion and sexuality,” Dec. 1 Cindy Rodríguez column.
I can’t believe that intelligent people would think that allowing priests to marry would in any way alleviate the sexual abuse problem in the Catholic Church. These men prey on young boys. Do you really think normal sexual relations with adult women will satisfy their obviously twisted desires? The Catholic Church holds fast to celibacy because it’s believed to be a gift of the highest order from God. None of the church’s teachings are arbitrary. There are deep, spiritual explanations for all of them, if one is inclined to delve into them. Cindy Rodríguez says that the church isn’t budging, and I, for one, am glad. I want a church that challenges me to come up to its level, rather than one that comes down to mine.
Kathy Cain, Yampa
“Aida” in Arvada
Re: “The Disneyfied insult of ‘Aida,”‘ Dec. 1 theater review.
Like critic John Moore, my wife and I attended the “Aida” production put on by the Arvada Center on Nov. 29. It was superb. Moore justifiably lauds the cast, choreography and costumes, but he castigates the script and lack of reverence for historic/regional considerations. What a stick in the mud!
Many kudos to everyone concerned with Arvada’s production. Everyone! It was fabulous. Who could believe that a regional theater center could so well exceed what we’ve seen on Broadway? We hope to see many more of these wonderful gifts to our community.
Will and Michele Darken, Littleton
