Elected officials could really clean up
To our elected representatives, including Gov. Jared Polis and the 17 individuals who believe they are best qualified to lead the great city of Denver as our next mayor:
What has happened to our once-beautiful city and the municipalities that make up the greater Denver metropolitan area? Garbage and debris are overtaking our streets, highways and neighborhoods.
The candidates say they have “a plan” to fix homelessness, affordable housing, and the dramatic increase in crime in our once beautiful city. Still, no one is talking about how our once beautiful metropolitan area is, well, not so beautiful anymore. It’s not just an eyesore; it’s a safety issue.
The amount of garbage on our streets and highways is overwhelming. Our streets are littered with large, dangerous obstacles like fenders, bumpers, tires and furniture.
The people sleeping on the streets are a contributing factor, but certainly not the primary cause of the problem. This is not a Democrat or Republican-caused issue. No, this is on us — the residents, the employers and the many companies operating trucks with no cover to contain its contents. It is, however, on our elected officials to allocate the funds and fix the problem and effectuate consequences on those who are causing the problem.
The situation is out of control and if not addressed soon, will impact the number and quality of companies wanting to come (or stay) in the area, which in turn will impact household income, home values and tax revenues.
Andy Heins, Denver
Remembering a trailblazer
As a young woman and supporter of Pat Schroeder, I was reviled by many of my older associates in the business world who were not her fans. Unfortunately, the saddest lesson came when I proudly planted a Pat Schroeder sign in my front yard supporting her then re-election campaign. I awoke the next morning to discover that a car had driven across the lawn and run over the sign. I continue to admire her many important accomplishments, but never again a political sign in the yard supporting anyone!
Jan Netting, Denver
Cheering the Second Amendment defenders (and their lapel pins)
I would like to applaud the lapel pins worn by republican legislators! The Second Amendment is the only right that is enumerated in the Constitution that gets constantly attacked in the Democrat legislature! I’m glad someone recognizes it as an unalienable right!
James Coleman, Aurora
Gun owner sees need for gun licensing
I am a gun owner, but I do not understand what argument gun enthusiasts would have against requiring gun owners to be licensed like car drivers. They would have to show training and proficiency before being issued a firearm license and before being allowed to own any type of firearm. You may even go a step further and include a psychological evaluation. Seems to make sense to me since driving can be dangerous to the car owner and the public; why not apply similar rules to gun ownership? I do not see this option being discussed. What am I missing?
Jim Kubec, Parker
No reason to delay justice on Trump
So former Vice President Mike Pence believes “history will hold Donald Trump accountable” for his attempt to subvert the Constitution by urging his cultists to “fight like hell” at the Capitol to overturn his election loss.
Knowing that Trump will be condemned for this treason 100 years from now gives me no satisfaction. Real justice requires criminals to account for their crimes when they and the witnesses are still alive. If Pence and his Republican colleagues had honored their oaths and stood up for the Constitution (like Liz Cheney), justice would have already been achieved.
They are no different than Fox News, which lied to retain viewers. The Republicans have lied to retain voters.
David Wolf, Lakewood
