Listen to Greta Thunberg and learn
Re: “ ‘You are failing us’: Climate talks feature plans, frustration,” Sept. 24 news story
I watched Greta Thunberg’s speech. She has every right to be angry at me.
I have decided to do better.
Of late, I have developed a nasty environmental habit related to my phone. Many times I sit in my idling car reading or writing emails. My car is just parked and idling. Not only am I polluting the atmosphere with noxious emissions from my idling engine for no reason, I am wasting gas money.
I am breaking this bad habit immediately. And I am focusing on other bad environmental habits to break.
Thank you Greta!
Ray Hutchins, Denver
Itap unfortunate Trump’s Camp David Peace Summit with the Taliban fell through and spoiled his plans to angle for that Nobel Peace Prize he so covets.
I think this year’s prize should be awarded to young Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, someone who truly cares about something greater than herself, and is passionate about making the world a better place.
John M. Jesse, Glenwood Springs
Overcome your environmental indifference
Re: “Americans’ indifference to climate change is too seductive,” Sept. 22 commentary
Your commentary entitled: “Americans’ indifference to climate change is too seductive” is both timely and troubling. If meant for satire, it failed. If meant for criticism of most American consumers and commuters, it fails to include realistic comparisons of Germany and U.S. in dozens of ways.
In the minor ways we seek to lower our carbon footprint there are many similarities, however, why was no information included about size of the countries and distance involved in commuting? Why no mention of rail service differences — primarily electric and swift in Germany, diesel and not-so-swift in covering very large areas in America? No mention either of why you choose to drive large gas-guzzler autos instead of hybrids or even an all-electric Tesla.
Are readers to feel sorry for you for copying the worst of our excesses, which many of us now hope to overcome? Why not be the example you find worthy in Greta Thunberg instead of seeking sympathy for what you claim as seduction? The recent global outpouring of youth marching to turn things around should be inspiration enough for you. You are in an enviable position to comment and applaud what you see as sustainable in lifestyles.
Just a few thoughts from a reader looking for a mature and intelligent European correspondent at this critical, crisis-point in our mutual history. I’ll look forward to reading your future thoughts.
Elizabeth Case, Denver
Regarding Anna Clauss’ column in Sunday’s paper: I feel your pain, Anna. I, too, have become fatalistic. But I haven’t gone completely over to the dark side. I drive a Prius which after 2 years has about 15,000 miles on it. I fill up once a month. I don’t use plastic water bottles, though they always seem to be on offer, many times for free. I use my bags at the grocery store. I’m careful with water because our mother was careful with water. Itap a habit.
I’m not about to be all holier-than-thou. When we do a road trip, my sister drives. Her car, also a hybrid, is bigger. We can get our clubs and whatever else we need or buy on the way into her car. I still use plastic storage bags.
I’ve been to Germany and was amazed at the lengths the people go to regarding recycling. Three bags in the kitchen: one for garbage, one for recycling other stuff, one for actual trash. They take beer and other bottles that they’ve paid a deposit on back to the store where they bought them and they’re recycled on the spot.
In America’s traffic, I see one huge vehicle after another at the stoplights. Usually, there’s one person in the car. Maybe they have given into fatalism, too. I don’t have children, but I hope that someone else’s can come up with a solution before we destroy ourselves.
Barbara Schmidt, Denver
Biden’s actions are not the same as Trump’s
Re: “Height of hypocrisy,” Sept. 25 letter to the editor
It is incumbent upon all of us, no matter party, no matter viewpoint, to inform ourselves fully before making final judgments.
The letter writer is in error comparing Vice President Joe Biden’s withholding of financial support to the Ukraine to President Donald Trump’s “I would like you to do us a favor … ”.
Biden was leading the charge on behalf of many allies to try to get the Ukraine leader to fire a corrupt state prosecutor (since removed from office). It had nothing to do with Biden personally.
Although these events could look similar if you are only looking at headlines, they are not similar at all. Before we take anything at face value, we must use our intellect and dig deep. Headlines do us no favors as we face these turbulent times.
Judith Pettibone, Denver
Is the impeachment inquiry the right step?
Impeachment is difficult for the country to go through. It is divisive and stressful. It might hurt the Democrats in some states and districts. These things are to be considered. But in a case where a president has shown such flagrant disregard for the law, the Constitution and basic morality, these things can no longer be considered reasons not to go forward with an inquiry and to be willing to take appropriate action, whatever that is.
We cannot allow the gross abuse of this office for personal political (and financial) gain to be swept under the rug because doing something about it is politically difficult for Democrats in swing or red districts. We must do what is right and let the chips fall where they may. I trust the public to see through the bull. They will know that the GOP Senate let him off the hook because they are lackey stooges or afraid of his cult followers voting them out.
RaShelle Toppenberg, Denver
Here we go again. Another partisan attempt to oust President Trump. From the date the American people chose our president, partisans have been trying to oust him.
I absolutely agree that “Congress can’t ignore a clearly impeachable offense” but impeachment and ousting of a duly elected president should never be a partisan effort with trial by the media. If an impeachable event has occurred, it should be treated with the utmost confidentiality and seriousness in accordance with the Constitution in a non-partisan fashion. Impeachment is a serious offense. Glibly throwing the word around every day and attaching it to any and all alleged offenses diminishes the seriousness of impeachment.
The constant partisan search for ways to oust Trump is hurting and dividing America. President Trump was elected by Americans, in accordance with the Constitution, to be our president for four years. The person and office of the president should be allowed to operate under a presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty by a proper impeachment process.
Daniel G. Zang, Lakewood
We have a president who is blatantly self-serving and who considers himself above the law — likely because, for him, this has been proven to be a successful method over his career to date. Impeachment is a contentious process with many pitfalls. However, it is my firm stand that Congress must ensure that our administrations follow the law, not only to the letter, but in spirit.
Allowing any administration to use political maneuvering to avoid being held accountable to our laws will have serious long-term consequences to our democracy and must be countered at any cost.
I call on my Rep. Joe Neguse and Sens. Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner not to shy away from this, but also to ensure that any path is based on fundamental moral right and wrong.
Per Högdahl, Evergreen
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