Original “Scout” a wonderful surprise on stage
My ticket to “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Denver Center at was a Christmas gift; my friend knew it was my favorite book and movie.
When we arrived at the Buell Theatre, I opened the Applause magazine and there it was: Mrs. Dubose was portrayed by Mary Badham — the 1962 movie’s “Scout.” That, before anything started or the lights dimmed, was for me the best, biggest, most wonderful surprise of the afternoon — truly a mitzvah, with 60 years between performances. OmGEE, I would have loved to hug her and tell her how honored I was to have been able to see her.
Of course, I had to show the magazine to the stranger next to me — she was clueless (and younger than I) — and to my friend (older than I), who was also unaware. I read “To Kill a Mockingbird” at least three times a year and always find something new to ponder.
Andrea (Fine) Schaller, Denver
Political statement or show of love in the Church
Re: “Women allege they were denied Communion at Denver-area Catholic church for wearing rainbow-colored masks,” Feb. 14 online news story
Four women allege that the priest denied them Communion at All Souls Catholic Parish for wearing rainbow-colored masks. It sounds rather like the parable of the woman accused of adultery. Perhaps we need Jesus to begin writing the sins of the Catholic Church in the dirt and ask, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Who is making the political statement, the priest or the communicant?
I agree that if the church will not accept everyone, everyone should find another church, but who represents the Catholic Church, Pope Francis or some ideologue who wants to supplant their political beliefs ahead of his Pope?
Philip Arreola, Denver
The final say in public health emergency responses
During the COVID-19 pandemic, health decisions were made by unelected state and county health officials with only a nod from elected officials.
These decisions should be reserved for elected governors, state legislatures, mayors, city councils and county commissions. Elected officials can weigh all the factors: health, economic, spiritual, ethical, etc., and make the correct tradeoffs between public health and well-being.
Going forward, state constitutions and city/county charters need to be amended to clearly state that public health officials are advisors only and that all public policy decisions, including those affecting public health, will be made by the appropriate elected public officials at each level.
Jim Welker, Loveland
Protecting the view from massive homes
Re: “Trophy houses spoil mountain tops,” Feb. 8 commentary
I read this story with great interest because I lived in Evergreen more than 40 years ago.
Here is a suggestion to solve the problems describing a huge home spoiling the view: Marin County, north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, has a long-standing law regarding construction on the ridgelines. All homes must be built below the visually prominent ridgelines out of respect for the views. And I must say, while driving north of the bridge, the view of forests hugging the ridgelines instead of homes is a relief.
That said, residential neighborhoods below the ridgelines are still an endless, ugly hodge-podge of homes. At least the ridgelines remain sacrosanct.
David Ohman, Durango
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