Global-warming skeptics haven’t given up
Re: “Global-warming deniers feeling the heat,” March 20 Diane Carman column.
Diane Carman must have forgotten the BBC 4 program, “The Global Warming Swindle,” on March 8, in which there was plenty of skepticism. She failed to mention a number of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scientists who contested the panel summary, the conclusions, and the way the “science” is handled and publicized. If Carman knew what occurs within the IPCC, she would not be quite so smug in her confidence that the report represents the truth.
Being skeptical or disagreeing is not being “anti-green” but rather more thoughtful and less hasty. Capitulation by some does not blunt the truth that we do not know what the truth is on contemporary climate change.
But Carman wants to believe what she believes. Perhaps she should read some of the skepticism. Climate science is very young and the skeptics may be right.
Peter K. Link, Evergreen
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Diane Carman’s observation that the global warming deniers are getting “desperate” was right on. The Intermountain Rural Electric Association has consistently resisted all attempts to diversify our sources of power, and has chosen to invest instead in the debate over global warming. As Carman noted, the IREA paid $100,000 of members’ money for “consulting” on global warming to Patrick Michaels, who has written widely on the subject. His opinions, as well of others of those in his camp, are readily available from book sellers and the Internet. The $100,000 was a thinly veiled gift which will bring us no value, and about which members were not consulted.
Many U.S. states and localities, and entire countries in Europe and Asia, as well as Xcel Energy have seen and embraced the benefits of diversifying our energy mix. Why is the IREA so wedded to fossilized thinking about energy?
Bill Blomberg, Parker
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There are many disturbing things about Diane Carman’s column, but most disturbing is the evident pride and satisfaction she takes in the fact that dissenting viewpoints are being suppressed as a result of political pressure. We have seen this before, generally in counties like China, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Nazi Germany. I would remind Carman that her brand of eco-fascism is just as bad as any other kind of fascism.
Kenneth R. Morgareidge, Arvada
Veterinarians’ monopoly on care of animals
Colorado House Bill 1296 would amend the Colorado Veterinary Practice Act to allow pet owners to decide for themselves and their animals the best treatment of their pets.
Currently, the act states that “No person may practice veterinary medicine in this state who is not a licensed veterinarian.” This means that if my cat gets the sniffles and I take her to my neighbor for a treatment of herbs and snuggles, we are both breaking the law. Imagine that. The threat of jail time for caring for our pets!
As a libertarian, I see this law as putting an unfair burden on caregivers and restricting the options a pet owner has to take care of his or her beloved animal companions.
House Bill 1296 would correct this inequity and allow Coloradans to decide what kind of care their furry companions deserve.
The statewide veterinary industry is strongly opposed to this measure because it has a state-sponsored monopoly on the care of pets. This bill provides protection for animals, assuring that non-veterinarian health care providers do not perform surgery, diagnose conditions, or prescribe drugs.
This bill will give Colorado pet owners the ability to choose what is best for their pets without becoming a criminal.
Brian Travis, Castle Rock
When will the Post Office lower stamp prices?
How wonderful. The Postal “Service” will offer a “forever” stamp to soften our upset over yet another rate hike. But how will buyers of the stamp feel once the USPS finally figures it out and lowers rates?
Rates must be lowered in order to increase usage volume; raising only discourages additional revenue at the margin. The USPS will surely find itself in a competitive death spiral if this keeps up.
But what about the “cost” side? The USPS answer is to close numerous centrally located post offices in small towns, replacing some with slick new facilities on the edge of town, to which walking or cycling is less optimal.
When was the last time you did not have to stand in line for a geological era for postal window service? And try this: go visit one USPS white elephant, a 46-acre parcel across the street east of the Arapahoe County Justice Center. USPS claims it was bought decades ago for a mail distribution facility (it’s far too big for a simple office serving Dove Valley). But traffic patterns in the Arapahoe Road corridor and in northern Douglas County have passed the utility of this parcel by, and the USPS refuses to consider selling or trading the tract.
That’s OK; after a few more stamp-rate increases, the USPS can feel like it got at least these 46 acres for “nothing”; and that’s exactly what USPS customers are due to receive.
Gregory Iwan, Littleton
Death by teen driver
Re: “Teen dies in crash; other vehicle’s driver taken into custody,” March 15 news story.
As we mourn the loss of Samara Stricklen, and once again express our outrage at the tragic results of self-indulgent and careless driving, we may be best served by looking closely at ourselves. In the Denver metro area, it is very easy to witness hundreds of us routinely and blatantly run red lights all day long, demonstrating no regard for and endangering other drivers and pedestrians. Not to mention to rampant speeding and tailgating. Every time any of us indulge in such behavior, we set a clear example of “me first” to our children. If we think it is OK to be so openly selfish, others will do the same. To be taken seriously as a caring, conscious and committed society, and stop the slaughter of the innocent, we need to stop the arrogant ways that we drive. It is up to each and every one of us.
Kelsey Kenfield, Denver
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Re: “Victim’s parents hope crash will wake up drivers,” March 21 news story.
The Post’s article reminds readers that drunken driving and underage drinking are serious problems that cannot be ignored. While those connected to the students involved in the crash and the larger community grieve, it is important to remember that this fatal crash was preventable. The key to addressing the problem of underage drinking is knowing where youth obtain the alcohol they drink. The Century Council, a not-for-profit organization funded by distillers, released findings that 65 percent of youth who reported drinking say they obtain the alcohol they drink from family and friends. Further, study after study shows that kids cite their parents as the leading influence over their decision whether to drink alcohol.
This crash should serve as a reminder to all parents that underage drinking is not someone else’s problem, but one we must all be concerned about. Parents, talk to your teens about the dangers of underage drinking – you could save your child’s life.
Susan Molinari, Chairman, The Century Council, Washington, D.C.
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