Laying blame for Foley
Blaming Republican leadership for the completely inappropriate behavior of ex-Rep. Mark Foley makes no more sense than condemning homosexuals for his behavior. The guy is sick and deserves to be tossed, but it isn’t anyone’s fault but Mark Foley’s. It’s not the Republicans’ fault. It’s not the homosexual community’s fault. It’s not the North American Man/Boy Love Association’s fault. It’s not the Association of Middle-Aged Ugly Fat White Men’s fault. It’s Mark Foley’s fault. Period.
Michael Somers, Highlands Ranch
New wing of art museum
My wife and I had the opportunity to preview the new Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Building last Sunday. I believe it is yet another example of the arrogance of some architects to define a building as a monument to their egos, rather than to facilitate the use for which the buildings are designed.
The Hamilton Building is an interesting intellectual concept and will obviously allow more of the DAM’s collection to be exhibited, and to permit additional traveling exhibitions.
But what good does it do if the building in which the art is shown induces waves of nausea and headaches which prevent the art from being fully appreciated? We were certainly not the only people who felt this way. While talking with the staff of a nearby eating establishment, they commented that many others had expressed similar opinions.
It was ironic to hear one tour guide saying how wonderful Daniel Libeskind’s building is, and just around another corner the next tour guide was informing the tour group about how to avoid the induced vertigo. I can only urge those with balance problems to think twice about visiting this building without some stability assistance. I was glad to get outside to sit where the things around me did not appear to be shifting.
Craig Ruff, Boulder
National and state parks
Re: “Camping vacation falls out of favor; National parks report sharp drop in overnight visits over 10-year period,” Sept. 25 news story.
I realize that The Post’s article focused entirely on visitors to national parks; however, visitation to Colorado State Parks presents a totally different perspective.
While the National Park Service may have seen a decline in visitation and camping over the last 10 years, the same is not true for Colorado State Parks. Not only has total visitation to Colorado State Parks increased over the last several years, but reservations and occupancy of our campsites have also increased. From July 1, 2005, to June 30, 2006, Colorado State Parks hosted approximately 11.3 million visitors.
There are more than 4,000 campsites in Colorado State Parks throughout the state, and on most summer weekends, all of those sites are full. Our campsite reservation numbers have increased steadily over the past four years. Colorado State Parks also responded to the changing needs of our visitors by building cabins to accommodate those who prefer a different type of amenity than camping. We currently offer 57 cabins and yurts, and many are booked year- round.
Colorado is blessed with a healthy and vibrant park system. We offer places to enjoy an affordable family vacation, renew the spirit, and experience the beauty of this magnificent state. We hope that our parks continue to be explored and enjoyed by generations to come.
Lyle Laverty, Director, Colorado State Parks, Denver
Response to terror report
Re: “Bush, Democrats getting worked up over wrong issues,” Oct. 6 Ruben Navarrette column.
Ruben Navarrette applauds President Bush for proclaiming that “we don’t create terrorists by fighting terrorism.” True, but we don’t fight terrorism by creating terrorism, and according to the National Intelligence Estimate, creating terrorism is exactly what we are doing.
We are marching backwards, alienating allies and wasting money on a simple-minded, divisive and politically driven strategy authored by leaders who are no more effective at fighting terror than they are at dealing with hurricane damage or protecting children from congressional pedophiles.
It is long past time for a fundamental change.
John Kelly, Lafayette
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