Going vegetarian for Thanksgiving meal
Each Thanksgiving the president usually “pardons” a turkey as a promotional gimmick. This Thanksgiving, each of us has the same power to pardon a
turkey, but as an act of kindness, compassion, and giving thanks for life, health and happiness.
The 300 million turkeys abused and slaughtered in the U.S. each year have nothing to give thanks for. They breathe toxic fumes in crowded sheds.
Their beaks and toes are severed. At the slaughter-house, workers cut their throats and dump them into boiling water, sometimes still conscious.
The turkeys do get their revenge. Their flesh is laced with cholesterol and saturated fats that elevate the risk of heart disease, stroke and
cancer. Careful adherence to government warning labels is required to avoid food poisoning.
This Thanksgiving, I won’t be reading the warning labels or calling the Poultry Hot Line. I will be joining millions of other Americans in observing
this joyful family holiday with nonviolent delicious products of the harvest: vegetables, fruits and grains. My holiday meal may include a mock “turkey” made
from soy, lentil or nut roast, stuffed squash, corn chowder or chestnut soup, candied yams, cranberry sauce, pumpkin or pecan pie and carrot cake.
Gordon Peterson, Denver
New light rail line in southeast corridor
Re: “Light rail to mall? Bring a compass,” Nov. 21 Diane Carman column.
Diane Carman’s column hit home. Maybe if enough of us who live near light rail avoided Park Meadows until they change their minds, it would speed
the process. They don’t seem to understand the only place where sales come before service is in the dictionary.
Larry McLaughlin, Aurora
…
Two major events occurred last week and were recognized by the media, but the significance was downplayed. The Union Station master developer
selection ceremony on Nov. 15 and the southeast light rail corridor opening ceremonies on Nov. 16-17 are far more than just big days; they’re truly powerful
events shaping a fortuitous future for our region.
Nowhere else in the U.S. have transit and highway agencies joined on a project like T-REX. The Union Station transit hub and “transit village” will
be the nation’s envy. The benefits are economic and environmental prudence, superb mobility, choice and quality of life.
FasTracks is proceeding; by 2017 its huge benefits will be realized. The next vital step has started, with planning for passenger rail from Casper
to Albuquerque and DIA to Grand Junction (the I-70 corridor).
Albert G. Melcher, Former Colorado Highway Commissioner and RTD Board Member, Denver
…
Re: “Train Yourself. And find another way to work,” Nov. 17 Page 1 story.
Two days in a row, RTD has ignored Aurora residents’ concerns. The new, smaller buses that feed the Nine Mile Station are too small, leading to
overcrowding and an unsafe situation. Once again, the 139 bus was full when it arrived at my stop, but my wife and I got on, as did two others there and six
more at other stops. The bus was overloaded, with people standing in the front area by the door. The stopping and starting of the tiny bus was rapid, making
it difficult to stay standing. If RTD does not fix this problem, it will have injuries.
Jim Knoy, Denver
…
It looks like RTD has struck again. We were told this addition of light rail would lessen our commute times. That did not turn out to be the case.
Instead, I have to leave 30 minutes earlier just to get to work at the same time that I did prior to the light rail. I was willing to accept that. But the
straw that broke the camel’s back is the rolling up of three bus routes into the 139. What does RTD send out to pick up passengers but a short bus
(35-passenger capacity). By the time the bus was a quarter way through its route, it was standing room only. About as many passengers were standing as were
sitting. We arrived at Nine Mile park-n-Ride late, so had to catch the next light rail. Once we were on the train, it was smooth sailing.
I have spoken with passengers on the 133 and the 135 and was told similar stories. I hope RTD considers adjusting to this situation or they are
going to lose passengers. I am already considering alternatives.
Jay Redwine, Aurora
Jeffco commission
Re: “One-party rule fades in Arapahoe, Jeffco,” Nov. 13 editorial
I was pleasantly surprised that Jefferson County voters elected Kathy Hartman, a Democrat, as commissioner, defeating Republican incumbent Dave
Auburn. A Democrat hasn’t been elected as Jeffco commissioner since 1992, and Hartman won by 6 percent.
In my estimation, Hartman won, at least in part, because she will bring a new perspective to issues such as the proposed toll road through Arvada
and Golden.
Voters are fiscally conservative and have come to understand that this proposed highway is a waste of tax money and offers no clear benefit to
Denver or Jeffco, while only benefiting a small group of special interests. Jeffco voters elected a Democrat because we realize that sprawl must be carefully
managed or we will suffer serious impacts.
The times, they are a-changin’ in Jeffco.
Rob Medina, President, Citizens Involved in the Northwest Quadrant, Golden
Visit with Saudi king
Re: “Saudi king briefed on nanny case,” Nov. 19 Denver & The West, early edition.
I wonder if Attorney General John Suthers might have asked the Saudis about the madrassa schools in their country which teach hatred of Jews and
the United States? Somehow I think not. Seems we keep trying to appease the rest of the world while apologizing for our way of life.
Frank Krosnicki, Loveland
Sports contracts
After agonizing through the Broncos second-half debacle against the Chargers and another depressing late-game implosion by the Avalanche against the
Dallas Stars, I am beginning to question the contractual arrangements in pro sports. Would it not be fair to have the players and coaches be accountable for
their “late game fall-offs” as far as salary is concerned? In the PGA, if you choke in the late minutes, your pay is vastly affected. Enough of the huge
contracts for the other “ball” sports. Salary should be driven by performance and victory. If you lose at the end, so does your wallet.
Tom Nelson, Pueblo
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