U.S. spying on citizens
Re: “Bush gave agency OK to eavesdrop on citizens,” Dec. 16 news story.
Thank you for your story regarding the National Security Agency eavesdropping on Americans’ phone calls. As a telecommunications professional, I want my fellow Americans to know what this means: Anytime you use a cellphone or make a phone call where microwave technology is in use, your conversation can be monitored by the NSA. As this article clearly states, the Bush administration has done away with your civil rights or any expectations of privacy.
Anytime you use the phone, be careful about discussing income taxes or any politically oriented activities your church or gun club might be working on. Big Brother is listening in.
Frank Ohrtman, Denver
Expanding opportunity
Re: “Expanding opportunity for all Coloradans,” Dec. 11 Perspective article.
It has long been known that a healthy birth, good education and job skills yield positive economic gains for a person’s future and for society, referred to in a recent report by The Bell Policy Institute as the “cycle of opportunity.”
High-quality pre-kindergarten programs give children this opportunity for a strong start. The policy report provides several effective strategies that legislators should consider to improve Colorado’s economy. One important action is to fully fund the Colorado Preschool Program so every eligible child can attend. Research shows that when the commitment is made to serve children early, the economic and social gains benefit everyone in the state.
Colorado legislators increased funding for the state’s pre-K program by 38 percent for the 2006 fiscal year, allowing 1,300 more children to be served. But there are still a significant number of children left out.
Libby Doggett, Executive Director, Pre-K Now, Washington, D.C.
Bush’s speeches on Iraq
I just do not get it. I have heard and listened to the president’s recent speeches over and over and have not heard him admit to any mistake he has made. He has simply restated what any free-thinking American already knew: He is responsible for sending our troops into Iraq because of faulty intelligence. What this president does not have the courage to do is tell the country that he had faulty intelligence in one hand and good intelligence in his other hand and chose to lay out as credible the scenario that fit his long-held desire to invade Iraq. I believe he simply does not have the courage to allow “We the People” to see the facts – for those facts might blind us to his “truth.”
Tom McMurray, Crestone
Broadband access
Re: “Broadband access for all communities,” Dec. 11 guest commentary.
For those of us who decry ever-rising prices and poor service, thanks to the Rev. Patrick L. Demmer for keeping an eye on public utilities.
As usual, the little people complain after action is taken because we are seldom at the table when decisions are made. Where are Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and the “black leaders” on this one?
Terri Garrett McCarley, Denver
