The future of “Today” show host Katie Couric
Re: “An open mind on Couric and other resolutions for ’06,” Jan. 1 Joanne Ostrow column.
I was amused by Joanne Ostrow’s comments about the possibility of Katie Couric assuming the “CBS Evening News” anchor’s chair. I am puzzled, though, about her reference to Couric’s “demographic pull.” What pull is that? Polls and surveys aside, I cannot believe Couric would be attractive to any age group. She comes across as superficial, even silly, and is an incompetent interviewer, although Matt Lauer, her “Today” show host, is even worse. Couric sitting in the chair of Cronkite and Rather seems absurd. If she does, indeed, become the CBS News anchor, this would be very good for NBC.
John White, Westminster
Debating the costs of illegal immigration
Re: “Immigration costs spark debate; Initiative to limit services,” Dec. 30 news story.
While putting a stop to the incentives of illegal immigration may cost us in the short term, it will pay off in the long run.
I have no issue with legal immigration. I do, however, have an issue with my teenagers having to compete with an adult for a minimum-wage job. This is a huge problem in our society today. The reason immigrants, legal or otherwise, are the only ones to fill these positions, is because they are willing to accept the low pay. As Americans, our dream is to become educated and leave home and buy a house and raise a family. This is why our urban structure is designed the way it is. This cannot happen for minimum wage and no benefits.
If companies’ only desire is to widen their profit margin, then they will continually hire “illegal.” Those companies should face a strong and harsh punishment.
Illegal immigration is a cancer that we have to cut out of our society and prevent from happening again. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Patricia Odom, Aurora
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The border security legislation recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives deserves the support in its entirety of all of those who believe we should regain control of our borders. Churches, social-services agencies and immigration groups should be helping people to better their lives and improve the form of their governments in their own countries rather than aiding and abetting the violation of our borders and immigration laws. Congress should ignore the opposition of these self-serving groups and also reject the Kennedy-McCain guest-worker proposal that would essentially grant amnesty to the 10 million to 11 million illegals already in this country.
I have no sympathy for those exploitative employers who have no objective beyond obtaining a source of cheap labor. They are nothing more than a reincarnation of the “robber barons” of yesteryear who exploited the cheap labor of women and children and who fought unionization tooth and nail to avoid paying a living wage.
Gordon J. Johnson, Broomfield
The dangers of alcohol vs. marijuana
Letter-writer Leigh Perschon seems to think that parental responsibility goes hand-in-hand with propagandizing one’s children against use of marijuana (Jan 2 Open Forum).
While it’s true that no responsible parent would actively encourage their children to use illegal drugs, there is an interesting double standard at work here. If it is irresponsible for parents to agitate in favor of marijuana legalization, how is it any more responsible for parents not to agitate in favor of making alcohol illegal, given that alcohol has generally proven much more harmful than marijuana? No rational advocate of legalization will contend that marijuana should be wholly unrestricted, even to the young.
The issue is hardly as black-and-white as the anti-drug lobby would have the public think.
Jordan Ruud, Centennial
Who leaked NSA story?
Re: “Jail source in NSA case,” Dec. 30 Linda Chavez column.
In view of the outrage we have heard from liberal Democrats concerning President Bush’s role in the National Security Agency case, we have heard very little in the news about the true facts of The New York Times story. Linda Chavez is right to suggest that whoever is responsible for the leak of classified information to The Times “belongs behind bars.” Where is the outrage for this reprehensible act? A full investigation is indeed called for to determine the source of this leak. Perhaps we ought to start with reporters James Risen and Eric Lichtblau of The Times for their part in the NSA story. In any event, I am confident that the president will order a full investigation and the facts will be known. In the meantime, perhaps Congress should take whatever action is necessary to ensure that such egregious actions against our national security will not be tolerated.
Brian Stuckey, Denver
Racial profiling: problem or conspiracy theory
Re: “Profiling debate rages; Group cries foul,” Dec. 30 news story.
Racial profiling remains one of the most ridiculous conspiracy theories in existence. Many factors play into whether to stop or search a vehicle: the law(s) violated, crimes common in that area, if the vehicle/driver was possibly involved in a crime, how the driver/occupants act, etc. Every traffic stop should be put into context before rushing to judgment.
The person stopped tells only one part of the story. They are free to conclude the “real reason” for being stopped and assume they were singled out from the masses for whatever reason (race, gender, age, etc.). However, the number of equipment citations written to minorities is hardly evidence of racial profiling. This conclusion ignores other potential factors and is far too simplistic. No data exists suggesting a racial profiling epidemic.
The vast majority of law enforcement officers are professional, unbiased and respect the rights of others. It is prejudicial to assume the law-enforcement community is inherently racist.
It is also disturbing that law enforcement has not been included in these “community forums.” It appears these activists are more focused on advancing a political agenda instead of reaching understanding.
Ryan William Gerdes, Laramie, Wyo.
Colorado border signs
Re: “Hither, thither and yawn,” Dec. 30 editorial.
I disagree with your editorial about the proposed new Colorado welcome sign. I like the simple design. Like the pretty girl who wears plain clothes to emphasize her beauty, our fair state does not need a fancy welcome sign. In this, as in many cases, less is more.
Jeffrey Beall, Denver
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I’ve always chuckled to myself as I pass by the brown “Colorful Colorado” sign as I move on to the bright orange and blue “welcome to Utah” sign. But now I find myself dismayed that Colorado wants to adopt the California license plate as our new design. I think we can do better.
Rob Dowse, Golden
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