Death of ex-President Ford
I grew up in Alexandria, Va., and attended T.C. Williams High School with President Ford’s youngest son, Steve. Gerald R. Ford, who was then vice president, was our graduation keynote speaker. He told us that just as Steve was “kind of embarrassed by the fact that his old man was the vice-president … [he] was embarrassed by the silly pomp and puffery which some people think should go with the office.”
Ford concluded his remarks to the Class of 1974 by saying that “our generation will be the ones to carry on the patterns of peace that are just now being started.” Some 30-plus years later, my generation still seeks the “patterns of peace” that Ford so eloquently invoked.
Maxie Witkin, Lakewood
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The death of former President Gerald R. Ford presents us with the opportunity to reflect on his public service and the legacy of his presidency. He was apparently a man of high character, dedication, loyalty, and a willing public servant capable of leading this nation out of the disgrace of the Nixon years. But one has to wonder about the lasting effects of his pardon of Richard Nixon.
Granted, if Nixon had not been pardoned, it would have been a difficult time for most Americans. We want our leaders to be ethical, honest, law-abiding and worthy of this high office. At the same time, had Nixon been prosecuted – probably impeached – it would have demonstrated that no one is above the law nor free from the consequences of breaking the laws of this nation, not even a president.
Did President Ford’s pardon of Nixon really “heal the nation,” or did this act contribute in the long run to a more cynical, politically divisive nation? Was the nation, but especially its political leaders, deprived of an important lesson?
Phillip Bugg, Colorado Springs
Reform of North High
Re: “Reforming Denver’s North High School,” Dec. 28 Open Forum.
The letter by Julieta Quinonez and Kristin Sharp thanking Michael Bennet, Denver Public Schools superintendent, for “taking bold steps to improve North” merits a reply from a community member who, along with scores of others, feels left out of the the so-called reform movement.
First, Bennet’s decision to compel teachers at North to reapply for their positions is simply using the fine teachers and staff as scapegoats for problems that have existed at the school for decades. Second, the meetings held this summer and fall were poorly advertised and seemed to be primarily for those who agree with Padres Unidos and other organizations that dramatically improving CSAP scores will somehow lead to “college preparatory education,” whatever that means.
Without addressing the persistent problems of chronic absenteeism, tardiness, lack of motivation, drug use, teen pregnancy, poverty, etc., North High will emerge from this latest “reform movement” much as it has been. And, without creating a broad-based coalition that includes the present staff and faculty, the effort will flounder.
I’m a retired DPS teacher and the parent of a 1994 North High graduate. Throughout my teaching career, I was well aware that basic reforms such as well-paid teachers, small school and class size, adequate teaching materials, disciplined and studious students and parental involvement are essential to educational progress. Further, test scores are secondary to high school students being skilled at doing effective research.
I will thank Mr. Bennet and Denver Public Schools when he rescinds his firing of North’s fine teachers and launches a truly broad-based community effort at school reform.
Ed Augden, Denver
Rise in cities’ murders
Re: “Killings surge as more end disputes with a quick draw; Gangs, guns reason for murder increase,” Dec. 28 news story.
This article is misleading in that it implies that gun control would reduce gun violence. Statistics and unbiased research over many decades in many countries clearly show a statistically significant correlation between the increase in legal guns and a decrease in crime. Increased gun control is also almost always strongly correlated with greater crime.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloom- berg has been on a legally questionable interstate gun-control crusade despite these well-known statistics. A better article would be to statistically look at the success and failure rates of different approaches towards curbing per-capita homicide to inform readers as to which approaches to date are most effective.
Michael Thau, Centennial
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There have been 579 homicides in New York City this year. For 30 years, I taught 120 or more students a year. So, let’s see, that’s about five years’ worth of people dead. Someone tell me: Why do we kill each other?
And dimes to doughnuts, most of the the killers were men.
Peace on earth is a delightful piece of fiction.
Craig Marshall Smith, Highlands Ranch
Snow removal in St. Paul
Recently, a reader asked why they can clear snow in St. Paul, Minn., but not in Denver.
I just moved here from St. Paul, and yes, they do clear snow often, and they do it reasonably well. But here’s why: They have a confusing, ditzy, inconvenient – yet efficient – system. The two- to three-day procedure involves the moving of all cars parked on both sides of all streets so that the plows can get through. Cars not moved are ticketed and towed. No “Minnesota Nice” from the parking police.
This is my first winter in Denver. There are certainly things I miss about Minnesota, but the snow removal method is not one of them. However, if Denverites are willing to do all the vehicle-moving it involves, I’m sure St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman would share the plan.
Do Minnesotans sled and drink cocoa during a snowstorm? No way. Do they scramble and vie for parking spaces anywhere they can find them so as to completely clear their own streets for the oncoming plows? You betcha!
Maria Girsch, Denver
District attorney’s censure
Re: “DA should heed censure,” Dec. 28 editorial.
It is discouraging to read about the public censure of District Attorney Carol Chambers. Our legal system is hopelessly clogged with lawsuits of dubious merit pursued by greedy lawyers whose conduct is almost never challenged by the judges of our courts, but let one DA inquire into the legal propriety of one questionable lawsuit and she is hauled into court and reprimanded. As long as ridiculous contradictions of reason like this keep plaguing our justice system, it is no wonder the public’s faith in that broken system continues to dwindle.
Anthony J. Fabian, Aurora
Mallard Fillmore cartoon
I suspect you often get mail about Mallard Fillmore. I’d like to suggest that you take still another look at it. The strip is almost never funny and is often mean-spirited. Look at Thursday’s strip, a caricature of Rep. Nancy Pelosi and an assertion that the GOP has reached out to the other side of the aisle and that the Democrats won’t. The assertion is untrue and the speculation without basis. This is often the case with the strip, which indulges mostly in simple ad hominem attacks.
David Steiner, Thornton
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