Lobbyists’ and citizens access to lawmakers
Re: “Spell out rules for lobbying,” Jan. 1 editorial.
Perhaps the best thing that could be done regarding lobbyists is to ban lobbying entirely. Lobbyists are representatives of powerful interests seeking favors and/or state funds for projects for which taxpayers foot the bill. Also, the concept of “representative government” is a sham when lobbyists have greater access to elected representatives and senators than do “we the people.” Two personal experiences will illustrate the point:
Reading on a Monday in the ’80s about a bill on education coming up for a vote the following Friday, I stopped by then-state Sen. Ted Strickland’s office and asked to speak with him. The woman at the front desk ruffled through a desk calendar and said that Strickland was “very busy” but could see me in two weeks. As I turned to leave, a lobbyists brushed past me and called the woman by her first name and asked to “see Ted” that afternoon. She told him to come back at 1:30. As the lobbyist rushed out, I asked the woman at the desk why I had to wait two weeks to speak with Sen. Strickland and a lobbyist obtained an appointment that afternoon. Fixing me with a smile, she declared: “That is how the system works.”
On another occasion, I found my state representative and asked if I could talk with him. He said he was going to lunch, so I offered to buy him lunch to discuss another education bill. He said he was too busy … until a lobbyist came along and they went out to lunch.
Perhaps a law should be passed to give priority to constituents, and require that senators and representatives make time for constituents. Town meetings are few and far between, and are a sham. I know. I have been there and done that.
Richard Becker, Broomfield
Remembering President Gerald R. Ford
Dear President Ford:
Admittedly, I laughed along with many others in the ’70s when Chevy Chase, et al., launched or enhanced their comedy careers on “Saturday Night Live” and other shows by doing exaggerated pratfalls and stumbling that supposedly, in some way, emulated some of your “experiences.” Ironically, however, I also knew that this was a “bum rap,” since you were in all probability the most athletic president in our history.
You could golf in your 80s (how many of us can say that?), were an avid skier and an excellent swimmer. All of which pales by comparison to your football career, where in your senior year you were the MVP playing both offensive center as well as defensive linebacker at the University of Michigan.
However, let me just say that more important than your athleticism would be the characteristics you exhibited while serving the country in the Navy, in Congress, as vice president, and as president. Not the least of which would include integrity, honesty, morality and tolerance. Would that we had today in Washington politicians who encouraged dialogue, discourse and bipartisanship such as you did during your political career.
Most of all, Mr. President, you were a good man, along with being the right man at the right time when we greatly needed one in 1974. I know that you will rest in peace because you, sir, have earned that privilege.
Richard LeFevre, Edwards
…
With the passing of our 38th president, Gerald R. Ford, history has hopefully come full circle for the American public to finally realize why Nixon’s pardon was ultimately in the best interest of the country, then and now. Despite his critics and detractors, President Ford actually did us all a huge favor by taking decisive action as he did, even though it cost him the 1976 election. How many politicians do you know who would ever do that? A rare few, if any. But then that’s what defines true and effective leaders, and separates the selfish from the selfless.
Let’s review: Not only was the nation caught up in the vortex of Watergate and Nixon’s involvement in it, but it was also slowly emerging from the ugly quagmire of the Vietnam War, which cost the lives of 58,000 U.S. military personnel – not to mention a worsening economy. In a nutshell, things were a real mess. Amazingly, President Ford possessed the forethought and wisdom to see that the country didn’t need to endure yet another painful, protracted and divisive issue to muddle through. Enough was enough, and he understood that.
For someone who had the presidency dumped in his lap and never ran for the job, Gerald R. Ford more than proved himself a capable and memorable leader. America desperately needed a uniter to help it move forward at a critical time in its history, just as Lincoln was in his time.
May he rest in peace and God comfort his wife Betty and their family at this difficult time.
Martin M. Kettula, Denver
…
Several decades ago, in his book “Tough-Minded Management,” Author Joe D. Batten proposed that what the times called for was a combination of “courage and candor” (and I would add “compassion”). He also postulated, “Have you ever noticed that the truly competent people take their job seriously, but not themselves?” President Gerald R. Ford embodied both precepts.
Bruce A. Eller, Lyons
Iraqi Christians’ plight
According to Denver Catholic Archbishop Charles Chaput, the plight of Iraqi Christians has become apparent. It is reported that the United Nations has turned a blind eye to the Iraqi refugees, who are now being forced to “fend for themselves.” The massive numbers of Christians fleeing Iraq are a cause for concern, especially in view of Islamic persecution against them. Yet, where is the outcry? The mainstream media have been virtually silent on this issue. The time has come for the world to speak out against the Islamic persecution of Christians in the Near East before it is too late.
Brian Stuckey, Denver
The death penalty
Re: “Botched Fla. execution,” Dec. 22 Open Forum.
It is a fallacy to say that “we as a society are responsible for death.” As a society, we have the responsibility to enact laws to protect innocent members of the society from violent acts. As long as there are violent people among us, we have the right to enact laws to penalize their violence, the death penalty being one of those laws.
When any person knowingly commits any crime, he or she chooses the penalty along with the crime. The fact that almost every person who violates any law believes he or she will never be caught and penalized does not change the fact that choosing to commit the crime includes choosing to bear the penalty for that crime.
It is unfortunate that the execution was mishandled, but nevertheless, in choosing to commit the crime, Mr. Diaz chose the death penalty for himself.
Chris Cordell, Lamar
Pay truckers a salary
I recently ended a 10-year adventure in truck driving. For the last six, I worked for TSN, Inc., of Frederick. I left a larger, reputable company and took a substantial pay cut to work for TSN. Why? Because I was paid a salary instead of per mile. While I still had to deliver loads on time and confront all the adversities of weather, I received the same paycheck every two weeks and with a lot less stress. From the looks of the situation, the company was not hurt by that approach.
Want to make the highways safer? Pay all truck drivers a salary.
Dan Eberhart, Denver
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