How to get the United States out of Iraq
Like most Americans, I am war-weary and hopeful for a solution in the very near future.
Even at the start of the war, I was aghast at the name chosen for the campaign: “Shock and Awe.” The only shock, to me, involved how the world would view the most powerful nation in the world supposedly treating this pre-emptive conflict like a video game.
After more than 3,000 deaths and more years than we wanted to be in Iraq (by anybody’s standards), we seem to be a nation divided. Almost no one believes we should have gone into Iraq in the first place. Where we differ is how we get back out.
I think one of our characteristics as a nation is that we seek instant gratification, which is not a quality that bodes well for a timely exit by which the whole world will judge us. We must be patient with our elected government, and support them as a whole.
Let your government representatives know how you feel but, please, let’s show some unity and respect for well-intentioned people trying to find the right solution.
David Durst, Louisville
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Two thousand years ago, the poet Virgil wrote: “The descent to the Underworld is easy … but to retrace your steps … there the labor lies.” It’s tragic that our leaders failed to heed this warning when President Bush decided to invade Iraq without a viable exit strategy. Now we face the really hard work of pulling ourselves out of this hole. The collective wisdom of the Iraq Study Group, a majority of our Congress and the American public agree: It’s time to dig ourselves out of the quagmire called Iraq.
Gary M. Wederspahn, Littleton
Melo and A.I.: Heroic duo or bad examples
On the home page of ESPN.com Tuesday morning, Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson were standing side-by-side resting and holding their shorts the same way. They have tattoos covering their arms only to be partially hidden from an arm wrap – what is that for? Both have well-known on- and off-court troubles, and yet they are the biggest attraction in Denver since Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg ruled the ice for the Avalanche. I don’t recall them having significant body art or having issues with the law.
I believe I speak for many parents when I say, “I’m very excited to have my son’s role models be the latest duo on the Nuggets.” Sarcasm aside, I really think the Denver community could find others more deserving of our cheers.
Patrick Story, Golden
Population growth and Amazon logging
Re: “Brazil bets on forest plan,” Jan. 14 news story.
Large-scale logging in the Amazon forests is a symptom of an underlying and widespread world problem. The problem is twofold. The first is the increasing number of poor people in Brazil who need land and territory to survive and greedy loggers who employ rape- and-run logging practices. The second problem is the rapidly expanding number of people in the world, primarily in the United States, consuming vast amounts of forest products from the Amazon to support the “needs” of our lifestyle. The United States consumes 50 percent of the annual output of Amazon forests. These same problems can be applied to all critical world resources, especially oil.
Until we come to grips with the rapid population increases and the rapid rise in consumption of world resources to support expanding lifestyles, especially the United States, we will not solve the problems such as rampant logging in the forests of the Amazon.
Hal Manhart, Montrose
Seeking input on future of the National Mall
The National Mall in Washington, D.C., our nation’s great civic space, is open to all Americans. This 2-mile stretch, from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and from the Jefferson Memorial to Constitution Avenue, holds much meaning and significance to all 300 million Americans.
The National Mall must remain open and accessible to all people, a place where any American can express First Amendment rights.
It tells our nation’s story, represents our democratic government and belongs to all Americans. It is now time to plan for its future, an awesome responsibility.
In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the National Park Service as the federal agency to care for, preserve and plan for the future of the National Mall on a daily basis, a national park with the same status as Yosemite or Yellowstone.
Others care deeply and advocate for this uniquely American space, but the Park Service is responsible for planning its future, providing for its stewardship and responsible for ensuring the dual mission of preservation and visitor enjoyment are achieved.
Around 25 million people visit the National Mall each year, with clear signs of wear and tear as a result. On any given day, 30 to 50 permitted events take place, from picnics to demonstrations of a half- million people. Ten tons of grass seed are planted, nearly 3,000 yards of sod replaced, and each day between 3 and 4 tons of garbage are collected and removed.
The National Park Service needs and asks for your help in planning the National Mall’s future. Please submit your ideas, comments and suggestions at www.nps.gov/nationalmallplan. All Americans have a stake in the outcome of the National Mall Plan.
This is your chance to have input on the space where America and the world come to reflect, honor and celebrate America’s past and the promise for its future.
Mary A. Bomar, Director, National Park Service, Washington, D.C.
Living with the snow
In the 21 years I have lived in the metro area, local governments have strongly suggested that citizens should walk, ride public transportation or drive fuel-efficient cars for environmental reasons. Yet over the past six weeks, those who have endeavored to comply have been severely punished by those same governments which have left sidewalks and bus stops unshoveled and residential streets unplowed. One of my neighbors has finally given up, trading in her small car for a new SUV that can navigate the virtually impassable roads in our neighborhood. I am strongly tempted to follow suit.
Teri Hjelmstad, Centennial
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I’m not saying that Radcliff Avenue west of Yosemite is in bad shape, but I’m planning on entering it to host the Olympic bobsled competition. I’d also offer it for luge competion, but the ruts are so deep, it’s not safe for even those competitors.
The city apparently is out to prove that global warming will clear the snow before any plows are seen on the side streets of southeast Denver.
Bob Birnberg, Denver
Unique therapy for vets
Re: “Elks lodge members transform discarded animal hides into gloves and other apparel for wounded veterans,” Jan. 2 news story.
My father learned to do leather work in occupational therapy in a VA hospital while recovering from injuries he received in World War II. Upon discharge, he returned to his home in Estes Park and started a business there making saddles and other leather goods, called Rogers Saddlery. He had been a cowboy and a park ranger before the war. I spent my early years in that saddle shop playing with the leather and tools.
The Post’s article states that crafting leather “gives them something to occupy their minds and muscles.” I am now an occupational therapist and I would have to add that it does more than occupy, but also aids in the healing process by providing purposeful exercise for the brain and body that results in a useful product, raises self-esteem, gives motivation and can set a vocational path.
I have always admired my father for taking a skill that he learned while recovering from an injury and turning it into an occupation that supported him and his family. My heartfelt thanks go to the Elks Lodge and their work; my dad would have been mightily pleased.
Susan Rogers Livingston, Bayfield
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