Horses and riders need stronger protections
Re: “Car crash that killed horse sparks calls for change from equestrians,” Dec. 26 news story
The horse-and-auto issue is not new, and it is not problematic for just Arvada horse riders. As a rider myself, I see it as a problem for all horse riders in Colorado who come in contact with the general public.
I own and ride my horse in Watkins, just east of Aurora. People disobey signs, speed, and encroach on the riders in their cars. UPS, Fed Ex and other delivery trucks scream down back country roads with total disregard. Perhaps they are unaware that horses spook, can jump out into traffic, run off with their rider, and cause serious injury and even death when they feel threatened.
Either people don’t care about the rider or do not understand the need to make way for horses. The Colorado rule for trails is that “everyone stops for horses.” There needs to be an education of all Colorado auto drivers, bike riders, motorcyclists and hikers and stronger protections for both the horse and rider.
Kathy Ryan Morgan, Aurora
Camp Hale designation honors service members
I am writing to express my deep appreciation for President Joe Biden’s steadfast commitment to conservation as a core American value, and especially his historic declaration of Camp Hale as a national monument just over one year ago. As a representative of the VoteVets Foundation in Colorado, we are grateful for the president’s dedication to honoring our state’s veterans and preserving our natural heritage.
President Biden’s designation of Camp Hale as a national monument holds profound significance for Colorado’s veterans. A former training ground for the 10th Mountain Division during World War II, Camp Hale is not only a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of our service members but also a cherished part of our state’s history.
Across the country, President Biden has already protected nearly 1.5 million acres of public lands through national monument designations. He is on pace to become the greatest conservation president in modern American history, but only if he keeps up the good work.
The president’s broader conservation efforts, such as his commitment to renewable energy development on public land, mean less dependence on foreign oil and a more serious approach to tackling the threat climate change poses to our country.
We’re also looking forward to the president building upon his record of success in Colorado – working alongside Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper – to protect the incredibly beautiful and wild Dolores River Canyon Country in western Colorado. Places like this provide veterans with an important place to visit and heal.
Marc Gonzales, Colorado Springs
Editor’s note: Gonzales is a veteran of the United States Navy.
“Rage against the dying of the light”
Re: “A prayer for us all,” Dec. 21 letter to the editor
I agree that acceptance is a road to serenity, as long as it is “words of wisdom” that I’m accepting. I am not willing to sit back and watch my country become a dictatorship. Cloaking the overthrow of democracy in the guise of fate is cowardly. I, for one, will not acquiesce. As Dylan Thomas said, I will “rage against the dying of the light.”
John Amari, Denver
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