Bush and the Iraq war
Wednesday’s news revealed that the president’s “new way forward” plan for Iraq may include sending as many as 40,000 additional troops to the war-torn Middle East. This, despite the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group and what is now common knowledge that the reasons for the war have all proven to be at the least inaccurate assumptions, and at worst the outright manipulation of the truth. It appears that the president’s solution after long weeks of contemplation is no longer just more of the same, but rather even more of more of the same. But folly on a grander scale is still folly.
The November election made it clear that the American public demands a new approach to the Iraq war. The Democratic Congress must now respond to that demand by putting pressure on the president. Congress cannot be both against the war and continue to fund what has become one man’s stubborn refusal to admit that his grand scheme has become an abysmal failure.
Marty Grims, Lakewood
Snow’s effects on animals, DIA, packages and RTD bus stops
Re: “Ranches struggle to feed cattle,” Jan. 2 news story.
Has anyone stopped to think that these agricultural units of production that some call cattle are living, feeling beings?
The ranchers are understandably very concerned about making sure their cattle are fed. If they are not fed, they may starve to death and cut into the bottom line. That’s what it’s all about, right – the money? Wouldn’t want to lose out on a buck. I’m sure the ranchers thank you, Governor Owens, for authorizing “any means necessary” to make sure their beloved cattle are fed.
Now, governor, how about authorizing any means necessary to make sure these cattle (and all animals deemed “livestock” by law) have adequate shelter from sub- freezing temperatures, blinding snow and wind?
If someone were to subject a dog or cat to such conditions, they would be brought up on animal cruelty charges and chastised by the media for being sadistic. What’s the difference? All animals with a central nervous system and pain receptors feel pain, cold and hunger. Unfortunately, some animals called “pets” are loved and cared for, while others called “livestock” are left out to freeze, starve and suffer.
Gabe Groves, Littleton
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During the recent blizzards, some armchair quarterbacks seized the opportunity to gripe and criticize. Having witnessed the efforts at Denver International Airport, I believe we should be grateful to the administration and employees of Denver and DIA. Sacrifices were made in many employees’ personal lives to help keep Denver and DIA operating. To those employees who worked repeated long shifts, gave up family plans to help others during this holiday season, endured outside assignments in cold, windy and miserable conditions for the safety of our city and airport, or took criticism for long lines leading to the airline ticket counters when they were not employees of the airlines: Thank you.
As a police executive who retired after 30 years, I have witnessed the worst and best in disaster management. This was a tremendous effort, and we should be grateful to Mayor John Hickenlooper and the DIA administration for their leadership. We should appreciate the efforts of the public and private company employees who made our lives easier and safer during these horrendous blizzards..
Michael Lanam, Castle Rock
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I keep reading all the letters of complaint from those who know how to move snow from DIA, and I wonder if they have any idea of the enormity of the job.
I worked at both Stapleton and DIA, and trust me, the folks who do the snow removal have a lot of expertise when it comes to moving snow – and they give up a lot as well. They don’t get to go home when the snow stops falling; they are there for many days afterwards as well. And they have the privilege of sleeping on floors.
Getting an aircraft in and out of the airport safely is of prime importance – but if those passengers who think they know how to move snow on this vast scale want to take the risk of flying in blizzard conditions, then have at it. All they have to do is find an air crew also willing to risk their lives.
Geoff Smart, Denver
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Re: “Delayed parcels coming, really!” Jan. 3 business news story.
I read with great interest the article on how the storms have affected the major shipping companies and how late they are.
I purchased software for my business that was shipped overnight on Dec 19. It is still scheduled to arrive on Dec. 20, according to the tracking website. The problem is with priority. My package was delayed due to the storm, fine. Shipments began again on the 26th; mine was put in the back of the line. The shipping company decided that packages shipped on the 26th have priority over those from the storm, and I can understand that. I do not understand why shipments from the 22nd have priority over those from the 21st, 20th and 19th. Mine will be one of the last packages from the storm to be delivered, even though it was on the truck to be delivered when the storm hit fully two weeks ago.
The companies really need to rethink their procedure and put the overnight packages to the front of the line, with those that were scheduled to be delivered first in the very front.
People waiting in a line would start a riot if they were treated like this.
Brian LeFevre, Brighton
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Why is RTD getting off scot-free for doing absolutely nothing to remove snow accumulation from bus stops? I have dug out my bus stop more times than I can count. This morning , the snow bank around the spot I cleared had collapsed, so I will be shoveling again tonight. It is difficult to get on and off the bus at the downtown stops because mounds of ice and snow have not been cleared from the stops. The bus drivers have been very courteous about positioning the front doors of the bus in the least hazardous spots, and they lower the handicap ramp for less sure-footed passengers. It is unfortunate that RTD’s maintenance crews do not share the drivers’ commitment to passenger safety.
Debbie Bendell, Denver
Murder of Broncos player Darrent Williams
Re: “Player’s death underscores perils of pros,” Jan. 3 news story.
I disagree with the conclusion of this article regarding Darrent Williams’ murder.
For lack of a better term, I think “lifestyle” might be a more accurate factor in the murder of this fine player.
I think that who you party with and where you party contribute much more to these acts of violence than your status as a professional athlete.
I don’t see Derek Jeter, Joe Sakic or Tiger Woods, certainly more famous and better-paid athletes, leading ostentatious lifestyles.
Brad Wilson, Denver
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Re: “Williams’ murder a cowardly gun crime,” Jan. 3 editorial.
Darrent Williams was not killed by the “gun culture.” He was killed by a culture of thuggery and lawlessness that thrives in the inner city. The gun culture, as personified by the majority of residents on Colorado’s Western Slope, is a law-abiding, safe and friendly community. Inanimate objects do not define a culture; attitudes do.
Tim Jacobs, Montrose
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In light of the tragic murder of Darrent Williams, a senseless act that has no doubt left his family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans and others affiliated with the Broncos truly horrified, it occurs to me that one way to honor his legacy is to do as many did following the terrible shooting many years ago of singer John Lennon. That is, support efforts to enact sensible gun- control measures in this country.
There is no reason for violent criminals to possess guns, which they can then easily use to commit mayhem. I would hope that the Broncos officials would speak out on behalf a more sane gun-control policy in this country. Enough is enough!
Tom Conroy, Beacon, N.Y.
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