In defense of Gov. Polis’ honesty
Re: “Clemency for Tina Peters emboldens the election denialism movement,” May 24 commentary
As usual, the Democrats shoot themselves in the foot. Instead of condemning Donald Trump for involving us in a war of choice with Iran, tearing down the East Wing of the White House for his golden ballroom (he now needs taxpayer money to build), creating a slush fund for his cronies, and exempting himself and his family from any IRS audits, they censure Gov. Jared Polis, who is a fine governor.
Polis will leave his administration having walked a fine line with the Trump administration concerning ICE, and he has attempted to stop Trump from closing federal government programs in Colorado. Polis will leave with no scandals, no self-aggrandizements, no disgrace and no golden ballroom.
Tina Peters, a despicable woman who does not believe in democracy, yet was an election official, was given a harsh sentence (nine years) because she was not contrite at her sentencing. First, Polis reduced this sentence to 4.5 years. It is well known that if you behave well in prison, your sentence is reduced by about half, which means she should serve 2.25 years. She served 2 years. Being a nasty woman is not a crime. Big deal! Shame on Dems for censoring our fine, honest governor.
Gari Westkott, Lakewood
No, I am not happy about Gov. Polis commuting the prison sentence of Tina Peters. However, consider this:
In his letter to Peters, he did not pardon her. And the letter was dated on May 15.
On May 14, it was announced that the federal government would release $47 million in federal funding for Colorado water projects. The Trump administration initially froze $152 million in funding that the Biden administration had awarded the state to address drought.
This was blatant blackmail, courtesy of President Donald Trump. Gov. Polis didn’t have any wiggle room.
Show some mercy on our governor.
Mike Filion, Lakewood
Polis’ name will become a metaphor for failed integrity
I’m with all those who regret voting for Jared Polis. Unlike The Denver Post Editorial Board, the arguments for commutation fall flat with me, as they must with most Coloradans.
No, Jared. Freedom of speech? Even a middle school student would perceive a stark difference between someone who voices a bogus theory and someone who acts on it. And as Secretary of State Jena Griswold and Molly Fitzpatrick, Boulder County clerk and recorder, aptly point out, the courts are well attuned to the need to protect First Amendment rights and were already poised to provide Peters with eventual relief.
At least Polis cannot grant himself clemency for the damage to his legacy. I predict that his name will become a metaphor. There will be more local politicians who fail the integrity test and become treasonous to their constituents. In the future, each will risk being pejoratively described as a “Jared Polis.”
And metaphors have great life and longevity. Just ask Benedict Arnold.
Scott Newell, Denver
Are we better off as a country under Trump?
Re: “Hopefully Democrats won’t regain power for ‘a long, long time’,” May 24 letter to the editor
We all know the Democrats have made mistakes in the past, fair enough — but I would like to know what people now think about Donald Trump‘s commitment to put America First.
Has President Trump delivered on promises to improve the economy, reduce inflation, make groceries more affordable, and keep gas prices low? Just the opposite.
Has he avoided entangling the country in costly, destabilizing foreign wars with no clear strategic plan or likely path to success? Has he strengthened relationships with allies, reinforced confidence in American leadership, or discouraged countries from deepening their ties with China? Hardly.
Were tariffs implemented as part of a carefully designed strategy to strengthen key industries and create jobs? I don’t think so. His erratic, punitive and ultimately unconstitutional approach to tariffs has resulted in an economic mess of payouts to farmers and reimbursements.
And what public benefit comes from using our government to target Trump’s opponents, payoff Trump’s allies, reduce scientific research, attack universities, weaken environmental protections, pardon individuals convicted of fraud or other crimes, or build a ballroom? Do we have to break our own laws in order to address illegal immigration?
Ultimately, are we better off as a country, or is Trump the main beneficiary? Be careful what you wish for. And when someone constantly lies, maybe you should stop believing what they say.
Steve Brown, Denver
Melat Kiros for U.S. House in CD1
We are in this moment in our nation’s history, in part, because congresspeople like Rep. Diana DeGette have failed to meet the needs of the American people. Rather, they offer us “safe” and watered-down laws that are acceptable to their funders – the corporations and special interest millionaires who fund their campaigns and perpetuate the status quo.
President Trump is right about one thing – the system is rigged. Itap rigged to make us think we have a choice, when in fact both parties — Democrats and Republicans alike — accept money from the same corporations and special interests. Itap rigged to keep our legislators dependent on their contributions so they can stay in power and perpetuate the status quo.
This is why I support Melat Kiros for Congress in Denver’s 1st Congressional District and encourage your readers to learn about her before deciding who to vote for in the June 30 primary election. She is serious about reform. Her priorities include getting money out of politics in favor of public campaign financing, and she advocates for congressional term limits.
Importantly, Kiros walks the walk — she is running a grassroots campaign and is not accepting a penny from corporate PACS (unlike Rep. DeGette). She even studies reform and money in politics as she works on her Ph.D. Don’t let her age fool you; what she lacks in experience, she makes up for in intelligence and courage.
Charlene Parris, Denver
David Seligman for Colorado attorney general
I’m incredibly concerned about the many problems facing our state and our country. The lawlessness, corruption, hypocrisy and plain old evil coming out of the White House these days is astounding and overwhelming. We’ve already seen our elected leaders struggle to meet this moment and fight back. Too few people with the power to do something will stand up to the Trump administration and tell them to stop terrorizing our communities, abolish ICE, or use the law in creative ways to defend our communities.
We must elect people who are already experienced in doing that work and using their power. When the primary ballots come in the mail for the June election, I will be filling out the bubble next to David Seligman’s name for attorney general. He’s the only one with experience actually defending people from fanatical immigration enforcement and going after state and federal agencies that violate our rights.
He’s sued over the immigrant detention facility in Aurora, stopped the state from sending our personal data to ICE, and been on the ground, side by side with people who are suffering the worst from these injustices for years, not because he’s running for office but because he knows itap the right thing to do. I hope you will join me on June 30 in voting for Seligman for attorney general.
Christine Soto, Denver
Phil Weiser for governor; Bennet to remain in U.S. Senate
While watching the race for governor in Colorado, I am struck by the performances of the two Democratic candidates, Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser. In the forums where they appeared together, the senator, surprisingly, came off as defensive and almost argumentative, while the attorney general was calm and thoughtful in providing specifics about his plans for leading Colorado. Those areas included housing, education, water rights, the economy, public safety, etc. I felt that Weiser showed that he has the experience and expertise to execute good policies, having done that in his capacity as attorney general.
Meanwhile, Sen. Bennet has a term of office to finish. The outlook for Democrats to take the House as well as the Senate in the upcoming midterms has shifted in their favor lately and should only get better in light of inflation, an unpopular war, and decreasing approval of the current administration and Republicans in Congress.
Squandering his Senate seniority and experience at this time, combined with his decision to appoint a newbie to replace him, should that opportunity arise, seems misguided at best and selfish at worst. His strength is writing policy, not executing it. We need Bennet to stay in the Senate and use his legislative expertise for the benefit of Colorado. That’s what we elected him to do.
Kim Creadick, Highlands Ranch
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