Kudos on pot bust; not so much on legalization in our state
Re: “Feds make dozens of arrests and seize millions in assets,” May 25 news story
Bravo and gratitude to the law enforcement leaders who led the huge marijuana grow houses bust this week — 183 homes raided. There are still those of us in Colorado that support our previously clean and healthy lifestyle in our beautiful state. As is known, we are now at the bottom of world opinion with this black market scourge of marijuana, its accompanying purveyors of crime and destructive effects on our society.
This all goes back to a close election where voters were ill-informed and those of us opposed had no idea all this influx was in the offing. Why should we be hostage to this cartel-like invasion? I can see why some reluctantly are leaving Colorado.
Is this the price society has to pay so that a small minority of the population can get high on marijuana? Money seems to be the driver.
Barbara St. John, Wheat Ridge
Tired of smear politics
I am so discouraged by our present mayoral runoff campaign. Both candidates are trying to smear the other and I really don’t have any idea what their visions are for maintaining/improving quality of life in Denver for the broad range of residents. I would like to hear what both of them are hoping to do so we don’t turn into another San Francisco, which is quickly losing the things that made it special and liveable.
Lynn Buschhoff, Denver
Helping the homeless
Supporters of this initiative should not insult the intelligence of the voters who defeated this measure. They think if the initiative had been worded differently, it would have passed. In my opinion, this is absolutely untrue.
As a native of Denver, I have seen the deterioration of my downtown area, along the Cherry Creek path and grassy embankment. The citizens of this city are not heartless, uncaring people. We object to seeing our beautiful city being overrun by individuals with no place to be; sleeping on any available sidewalk or piece of grass; relieving themselves against homes in nearby neighborhoods; congregating with grocery carts (obviously stolen) full of belongings.
The solution is extremely complicated. My church feeds the homeless many times per week, a humanitarian act born out of caring, but this doesn’t solve the underlying problem. Instead of throwing money at the problem, set up a work program (partner with the National Forest Service) for them so they can gain self-respect. If they need mental health care, establish a round-the-clock mental health clinic. If they are physically ill, get them medical care. Find them a place to sleep other than camping along the Platte River or at city parks, the state Capitol and Civic Center.
Elaine Little, Denver
Proud of legislators
I witnessed an event last week that inspired me to get more involved in local politics myself. I was present in Broomfield on Thursday when Gov. Jared Polis signed several bills into law. He shared the stage with state Reps. Matt Gray and Edie Hooton, sponsors of those specific bills. Each bill was the culmination of hard work aimed at improving the lives of those among us who historically have not had a voice in the halls of government.
I am bursting with appreciation for their strength of character and for pursuing important civic and statewide matters with conviction. Gov. Polis ran on a platform that was openly value-specific and without the varnish of platitudes. He’s been true to his word. How refreshing!
Tom Parson, Broomfield
