Hit-and-run deaths of mother and children
Our hearts go out to Frank Bingham, and all his family. What a colossal waste of life, and to many people this horrific event epitomizes a worst nightmare come true: a family torn apart by a random drunken driver.
Through all the articles and discussions, one thing I haven’t seen: Where did this guy get so drunk? I anticipate somebody served this guy the drinks. With a Westminster address, it would appear he was drinking downtown.
I live next door to a sports bar mere blocks from city hall, and routinely witness overserved patrons who, having driven to the bar, drink until loaded and get in their cars and drive. It makes me nuts, and I have to ask: Where was Lawrence Trujillo drinking before he got in his car and allegedly mowed these people down? Who served this guy, and what responsibility do they bear in this unspeakable tragedy?
Eric Lecht, Denver
…
I was appalled, although not surprised, at the statement of Eric Snell’s wife that “As the passenger of a moving vehicle, Eric is a victim of a situation he had no control over.” This statement typifies the state of our society today: taking no responsibility for its actions. Of course Snell had many choices to control or avoid the situation. He could have prevented Trujillo from getting behind the wheel; he could have made him stop at the scene of the accident; and he didn’t have to be a part of trying to hide the truck.
If we all would take responsibility for our actions (and planning well before we take irresponsible actions), our families and our society would be the recipients of a far more meaningful and productive life.
Eugene A. Eggers, Estes Park
…
I am writing to suggest a way that folks can express their feelings regarding this senseless tragedy. It is something that everyone can do easily if they are willing to slow down, relax, leave earlier for their destinations and think about the other human beings in the vehicles around them.
I propose that the 10th of every month, people commit to leaving earlier, turning on their lights to show their participation, slowing down to the speed limit and practicing courtesy with other drivers. Too often these days, people on the roads are aggressive, impatient and reckless – even without being drunk or on drugs.
Perhaps this action by each and every driver can begin to make a difference for all of us. It cannot take away the pain for Frank Bingham, his family or friends. It cannot take away our sorrow and empathy for him or our grief at the loss of three precious souls – Rebecca, Macie and Garrison. It can, however, go a long way to effect lasting change by starting where change happens: person-by-person, one at a time, at the individual level.
Catherine Limón, Longmont
Scholarships for Denver high school students
Re: “At DPS, free path to college,” Nov. 10 news story.
I want to applaud Tim Mar- quez’s commitment to offering Denver Public Schools students the possibility of a college scholarship. It represents a profoundly meaningful and viable approach to addressing the achievement gap and disparate high school graduation rates in DPS. By offering all students the possibility of going to college, regardless of family income or immigration status, and by including the support of school counselors to guide this process, I am convinced that DPS students and families will become more engaged with their education. They will be supported toward academic success in ways like never before. In this way, we are bringing out the best in everyone – giving students and their families a real chance to develop their potential, while also giving school staff and community members a real opportunity to support the success of all, regardless of race or income status. We can also hope that this step begins to erode the insidious belief that some kids are “just smarter” or “more motivated.” Herein, there is true hope for building a stronger community and society.
Robin A. Waterman, Denver
“Milagro Beanfield War”: lesson for Colorado
This year’s One Book, One Denver selection, “The Milagro Beanfield War,” is of great relevance, as it gives Denver residents an excellent opportunity to examine and discuss their use of water, how it is taken from the West Slope and how this affects communities on the other side of the Rockies.
Currently, Denver Water removes more than 10 billion gallons of water a year from the Fraser River and plans on pumping another 5 billion gallons a year to the Front Range in the near future. The taking of more than 60 percent of the Fraser River’s headwaters for decades has adversely affected the river, its fish and the people who live there.
While “The Milagro Beanfield War” is set in northern New Mexico, its story of the fight over water is mirrored in Colorado. As John Nichols writes in his book, “Bookman and Noyes had quietly overseen the transfer of water and water rights from the small-timers in the green northern valleys to the big businessmen and economic developments in the flat plains and deserts of the south.”
The “Milagro Beanfield War” has great potential to open dialogue about the future use of water in Colorado between people in Denver and their neighbors to the west.
John Rosapepe, Frisco
The writer is the West Slope organizer for Colorado Trout Unlimited.
Etiquette for Old Glory
Re: “Kids’ pen mightier than fear,” Nov. 14 news story.
The Post’s article included a picture of an American flag that had been signed by U.S. troops on a flight taking them to Iraq. The flag was intended as a thank you to students at Fraser Valley Elementary School who had written encouragement notes. I strongly object to the signatures written on the flag. Every American should know and observe the guidelines set up to show the respect due the banner representing our country.
One source of guideline information can be found at www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html.
Dick Kutz, Lakewood
Why not vote early?
It seems like there’s a lot of complaining going on about the voting troubles experienced this year, along with a lot of finger-pointing and blame-placing. What I don’t understand is that with early voting starting several weeks prior to Election Day, why there are still people waiting until the last minute to vote, only to complain about it later. It is easier than ever to cast your ballot early, in locations with plenty of machines and ballot boxes, and it’s very simple to request a mail-in ballot that you can fill out at home and mail back to the election officials.
Ken Maynard, Colorado Springs
Campaign no-call list
If there isn’t already a move to enable individuals to request their telephone numbers be placed on a do-not-call list for political purposes, let’s hope there is by 2008. The absurd number of calls we received at our home and on our cellphones was way beyond reasonable. If this is the future of political campaigns, we need to be able to protect our homes and businesses from such harassment.
Robert McElroy, Windsor
Civil rights and politics
Before the election, then-candidate Bill Ritter said that he would sign a domestic partner bill. Now Gov.-elect Ritter says that “the people have spoken.” I would like to remind the governor-elect, the legislature and the voting public that civil rights are not decided by a vote. The discrimination of a minority by the majority is exactly what this is about; therefore, a vote is irrelevant.
Doug Graen, Denver
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