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Ukrainian refugees shared the horrors of Russia’s war
I recently returned from Poland where I served on a team of volunteers who went to help with humanitarian aid to Ukrainian women and children who were refugees.
It is so easy to read in the paper how many deaths have happened, homes and lives destroyed, but it is a different matter to see women cringe and cry when planes and helicopters fly overhead even though we knew they were NATO planes. The women told us of soldiers kicking in their doors looking for evidence their husbands were military and if so the husband was called home, beaten and taken away. Some women raped.
Next trucks came and took away their furniture and all their belongings to be sent back to Russia. Ukrainian soldiers had picked up Russian telephones with “requests” from Russian families asking their sons to bring home microwaves and other household items. Often the house was then destroyed.
One ten-year-old told us his grandfather who was still in Ukraine had buried two relatives in his garden that morning. Poland has accepted over three million refugees, they call them “guests” providing homes, food, medical care. France sent in hundreds of boxes of supplies which we sorted and prioritized so that medical equipment could go directly to the front in Ukraine. Why am I writing this to all of you? It is to ask you to support any organization that is helping Ukraine and please let your congressman know we need to help Ukraine stay alive as Russia has every intention of ruining and occupying it. Even NATO countries like Poland should be worried.
Joanie Jones, Denver
Don’t cast out the Benson Center, fix it
Re: “CU has failed to distance itself from John Eastman and Jan. 6,” June 19 editorial
The Post Editorial regarding the Benson Center and John Eastman would be warranted if there existed a pattern of political extremism, alas there is not. Of the nine scholars in residence to date, all but one, Eastman, has acquitted themselves in a manner befitting their academic appointment. Indeed, Steven Hayward, the first Benson Scholar in Residence tweeted out the following on the afternoon of January 6, 2021,
“There is no grievance that is a fit object of redress by mob law. “ Lincoln, Lyceum Address, 1838.
Another Visiting Scholar, Francis J. Beckwith (appointed for the 2016-17 academic year), wrote the following last December:
“Given the civic importance of the post and the singular role that its occupant is supposed to play on campus, I thought it unwise to publicly delve into the transient enthusiasms of the moment during an election year.”
Even the Director of the Benson Center wrote the following (on their website) on January 7th:
“However, this year has illustrated the danger of public figures, including public intellectuals, who make excuses for political violence or make public statements that exacerbate dangerous situations. There has been too much playing with fire.”
It seems that all but Eastman understood their appointment as a Visiting Scholar, and yet the Benson Center is to be threatened with closure for lack of a sufficiently contrite apology? Better still, say no more and allow Eastman to ride off into a sunset filled with many legal expenses. Hardly any honor there.
Orin Ryssman, Fort Collins
As a 4th generation Coloradan and CU graduate, along with other family members, I am very embarrassed that the university has sullied its reputation by not holding Eastman and the Center accountable. The mere fact that one of its employees and organizations was directly involved in the vile effort to overthrow our democracy calls for severe and well publicized action. CU Regents, stand up and protect democracy.
Ken Francis, Durango
By focusing so much on the whole Trump scheme, The Post editorial (supposedly) about John Eastman and CU misses the mark in a number of respects. The University of Colorado can not undo the past; it must live with the embarrassment it caused itself until CU proves itself again a credible place to learn. As a starting point, CU should publicly disassociate itself from Eastmen and his debunked theory; it should be made clear he does not represent the university and that CU supports the right of citizens to choose officials through free and fair elections. .
CU should conduct a thorough review of the Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization. The review must include governance, policies, and philosophies. Then, pose the question: “Is this Center compatible — or can be made compatible — with academic integrity and objectivity?” If no, it must go.
Rich, ex-senators aren’t used to apologizing; Bruce Benson should. He should publicly ask CU and Coloradans for forgiveness. His project, whether deliberately or negligently, made the university and the state laughing-stocks. His tenure as CU President should have taught him more about running an academic program. Benson should now endeavor to repair (inasmuch as possible) the harm done by his project. He should support reforms in his Center and/or donate the funds to do so.
Ralph Taylor, Centennial
Improvements small and large still needed for Title IX
Re: “50 Years After Title IX: 37 words changed world for women,” June 19 news story
Profound thanks to The Denver Post for choosing to do such a great in-depth look at Title IX on its 50th Anniversary. It gives me hope for both Colorado and The Denver Post’s future.
I mention that because it has been my experience as a subscriber since moving here sevenf years ago, that The Denver Post Sports section does not adequately cover women. For seven years I have been looking for more articles on CSU and CU women’s sport teams.
The sports section does give coverage to Olympic contenders that is if they just coincidentally are beautiful. They cover high school girls for state track and state basketball.
I know that you believe your readers only want the information on men’s professional and collegiate sports, and that’s it. You are wrong. We want information on women in sports also. You have the ability to shape this generation’s image of who participates and shines in sports in Colorado.
To date, it’s obvious that Title IX has not entered the Sports Section. I remain hopeful that the fantastic front page 3-part series on Title IX has opened your eyes to the other half of Colorado’s population that deserves coverage in your sports pages. Please. It’s 2022. Your daughters, granddaughters, nieces and neighbors will thank you.
Deborah Hammons, Broomfield
Excellent article and focus on Title IX and the women that have impacted the sports world in Colorado. We should celebrate the growth of opportunities for women in sports.
However, all may be equal, but not equitable in Colorado high school sports. CHSAA believes it’s fair that boys have fall soccer, tennis and golf while girls have spring soccer, tennis and golf. These opportunities are welcome however, girls play in late February, March, April and May while the boys get August, September and October. Every year girls soccer, tennis and golf are played in the cold, rain and snow. Soccer and golf are played on dormant, sometimes frozen, turf until the later part of the season. Boys on the other hand play in pristine conditions, excellent weather, other than heat, hardly equitable opportunities.
A logical fix, alternate every other or every second season for soccer, tennis and golf. Every athlete gets to play two seasons in the spring and two in the fall. Will there be multi-sport challenges here, of course but not for the majority of the athletes in these sports. For some unknown reason, logic has not prevailed or CHSAA believes this is simply too hard logistically to make these three sports equitable and equal. It would be nice if CHSAA would look at the athletes in these sports and truly make opportunities for both boys and girls equal and equitable.
John Gallup, Arvada
I still love riding RTD
Re: “I ride RTD through Union Station to school – something has to change,” June 19 commentary
In response to the article quoting a student RTD rider, which gives us a perspective we may not have thought about before, I use RTD a lot and suggest others make plans to go downtown via public transportation as well. Of course I agree, that I want Union Station and all parts of the city to be as safe as possible. But I don’t think anyone should be avoiding use of RTD nor avoiding going downtown. I have seen Denver almost busy again at times and the lightrail cars a comfortable full level for spring events. I love the lightrail. You can see parts of the city skyline and front range you can’t see any other way.
There has been a huge decrease in the number or people hanging out inside, possibly without tickets, possibly doing illicit things. Of course the weather is warmer, but hopefully a number of factors will have improved for the area as well as for the homeless population before severe cold weather comes again.
I hope you’ll all come see all of Denver, and using RTD through Union Station is a great option!
Kelsy Chabas, Littleton
Unsung heroes of Jan. 6
Well, after seeing the fourth installment of the Jan. 6 hearings, I’m now convinced that President Donald J. Trump’s coined phrase “Stop the Steal” was true! However, it was the true Republican heroes from all the swing states who are the unsung true heroes preserving our great democracy once again.
The state secretaries and election officials from Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Nevada (Republicans and Democrats) did “Stop the Steal.” It was #45, President Donald J. Trump who was attempting/trying to “steal” a fair election from the American people and not the current President Joseph R. Biden.
All the key witnesses for the Jan. 6 hearings are Republican officials or esteemed lawyers who swore under oath that there was, no evidence of voter fraud, no evidence of dead votes, no evidence of non-voters voting, no evidence of recounting Biden ballots, no evidence of voter machine errors.
You must ask yourself if there was evidence why hasn’t Donald Trump and his supporters gone in front of the Jan. 6 Committee and testified showing all the evidence. Why, because he has no evidence, no smoking gun.
Thank God that all those Republican officials who had the backbone to say no to Trump. The battleground states mainly run by Republican majorities are our true heroes today for they stood up for the “rule of law” and fulfilled their oaths to our great Constitution.
Curtis Urban, Pueblo
Threat of noncompliance
We must accept as true when gun-rights advocates warn that many Americans have been and will continue to flout any gun regulations placed on the books. Therefore, the only reasonable response is to remove quasi-war weapons and extended magazines from our society completely. That way, we don’t need to worry about ineffective regulations. Bada-bing-bada-boom.
Brandeis Sperandeo, Denver
Support imperiled species
The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted to approve the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. If passed by the Senate, this bill would provide $1.3 billion annually to states for the conservation of at-risk species and their habitats.
An investment of this magnitude would mark the largest and most important fish and wildlife conservation bill passed in this generation. As someone who has worked on wildlife conservation at the university and state level, I can tell you funds to support imperiled species, especially those not targeted by hunters and anglers, are extremely limited.
This bill — supported by conservation organizations, outdoor-advocacy groups and businesses — offers a major chance to manage species before they become listed under the Endangered Species Act. Please contact your representative as soon as possible, and ask them to vote in favor of recovering America’s wildlife.
Niall Clancy, Laramie
Protect our elections
Re: “Nebraska man pleads guilty to threatening election official,” June 17 news story
I’m extremely grateful to live in a democracy where I have the opportunity to vote for the leaders who will represent me and my community. But right now, democracy is in danger because of the threats Colorado’s election workers are experiencing.
This past week, a man from Nebraska pleaded guilty in federal court to threatening violence against one Colorado election worker. Because of threats she has received at work, the Chaffee County clerk considered canceling her reelection bid this year.
Finally, the Adams County clerk wears a bulletproof vest to work out of fear for his safety. These problems are not isolated to Colorado. A national survey last year found that one in six election workers have faced threats on the job.
Our democracy is not safe as long as our election workers are under attack.
The best way to defeat these threats to free and fair elections is for all of us — left, right and center — to band together. Educate your friends about what’s going on, send letters of support to your local election clerks and administrators, or even sign up to be a poll worker. As Coloradans, let us unite to protect our elections and make clear that we simply won’t tolerate threats to those who make our democracy possible.
Jamie Santa Cruz, Parker
People are the true treasures at yard sales
During the past few years, the world has given us plenty to fret about, and there is likely more to come. Recently, the joys of participating in my community yard sale have given me so much hope. On two perfect Denver days, many friendly people walked into my front yard with a smile. They were on a mission to find a replacement tool, a Father’s Day surprise, some luggage for future adventures, or a possible treasure.
My husband, a long-ago student of physics and architecture, relinquished his antique slide rule for our downsizing cause. An astute professor of math from the School of Mines found the treasure.
A young couple had just purchased their first home and found a large outdoor rug perfect for their patio. One gal, getting ready to hike the Camino in Spain, eyed the versatile, lightweight backpack with wheels, and an at-home worker loved the adjustable office chair for her long days. The gardening crowd snapped up all of the unique planters. Kids got balls and snorkel gear, and, interestingly, they rummaged through the variety of pens, pencils and erasers.
Yard sales can be exhausting but also very inspiring. When stuff is “re-homed” everyone can win by escaping the scourge of inflation, and the emptier landfills are a good thing, too.
Joyce Bundgaard, Denver
Bishops should have no say over women’s reproduction
Re: “Colorado’s bishops should put pressure on Democrats,” June 18 opinion column
I have always had trouble understanding the views on abortion people like Krista Kafer espouse. My life is all about my actions. As such my life is about my family, career and hobbies which in turn are a result of my intellectual ideas and learning and my emotions. This life I revere in everyone.
Kafer equates physical existence with life. I do not. The vast majority of abortions take place when an embryo does not have the ability to either think or feel. The embryo has no life at this point. The majority of later term abortions take place because the fetus, when born, will likely have a very short and tortured life.
Existence begins at conception. Life begins at birth, but this isn’t even the central question.
The question is, does the government at any level have the constitutional authority to enforce a tenet of the Catholic Church which violates the official tenets of Methodists, Presbyterians and Jews when there is no consensus?
The answer should be obvious in America. Sadly it seems we may have a majority on the Supreme Court who believe their religious beliefs overrule the Constitution.
Mark Harvey, Arvada
Krista Kafer swung hard in June 18 column against interference with any pregnancy from the moment of contact of egg by sperm.
With the likelihood that the U.S. top court, as now unusually constituted, is expected to soon vote as she wishes, solidifying control by bishops over women’s reproductive schedules and chaining church even more firmly to state, she can feel victory approaching for her cause — at the cost to the free democracy intended at the nation’s founding.
Ray Traudt, Denver
Don’t forget swamp coolers
Re: “Getting Hotter: Have we become an A/C state?” June 19 news story
I was surprised that only air conditioning and a brief mention of heat pumps were included in this article as cooling options, with no mention of evaporative coolers. Evaporative coolers are less expensive to install and to operate than air conditioners, and work great in our dry climate.
When it gets up to around 100 degrees outside, our house stays in the low 70s inside … on the lowest setting. Plus our inside air is water filtered and the higher humidity is good for our skin and sinus when it’s so dry outside.
Steve French, Denver
OK, really? We all need A/C? And we need to give subsidies to help pay the electric bill? How about swamp coolers? They are less expensive and cost less to operate. In this dry climate they work quite well. They require a bit of maintenance and care but I am sure anyone can easily master the skills.
My point is, in this quest to electrify everything most want to jump to the most expensive, and least reliable source of cool air.
Janet Miller, Brighton
Downtown’s decline
Walking from a public parking lot through LoDo to Coors Field for the Father’s Day baseball game was a sad and frightening and grotesque experience for us. It was discouraging. What has happened? Perhaps Mayor Michael Hancock should take a walk; if he’s not shocked he should be. To be honest, driving home was equally distressing; a general environment of a city in unkempt chaos was almost everywhere we looked. Not to mention the odd person sprawled unconscious in a doorway or on a sidewalk. Buck stops with you, Mayor. Figure it out.
Dave Terrien, Castle Pines
Maj. Gen. Halter’s column is essential civics reading
Re: It’s not the economy; it’s the Constitution,” June 14 commentary
I just read and re-read retired Maj. Gen. Irv Halter’s column and I think it should be read in every civics class in America.
I totally agree that the defense of our Constitution is more important than a gallon of gas. Whatever you think of President Joe Biden and his performance is irrelevant to what is important.
We’ve had bad and good presidents; he may go down as mediocre at best. None of this matters at this point. What matters is who is going to side with the defenders of the Constitution? I hope you choose to stand with those who do.
Vote for the candidates who accepted the will of the people in the 2020 election, whether they are Democrats or Republicans. They are the true patriots. As Maj. Gen. Halter says, it’s “about the Constitution.”
Charles G Largent, Greeley
Choose ballot carefully, unaffiliated voters
Colorado voters have a unique opportunity to neutralize dirty politics in primary
elections.
More than 40% of Colorado voters, including myself, are registered as unaffiliated. Since we can vote in either party’s primary, we can vote for candidates that don’t represent each party’s fringe and instead support candidates more representative of Colorado’s values.
Although party leaders are worried that Democratic PACs are “hijacking the Republican nomination” by spending millions of dollars paradoxically supporting fringe candidates, the independent voters could have the final say — by voting now in Colorado’s primary election.
A strong independent voter turnout will send a message to both parties that we don’t support ideologically extreme candidates.
Jeff Sippel, Denver
Candidates should focus on climate change
Re: “Newly drawn district could tip the balance in Congress,” June 14 news story
I found John Aguilar’s article on the Republican candidates very interesting. One referenced the importance of agriculture in the district and bragged about how smart they are dealing with it. But not a single mention of climate change.
Don’t crops and livestock need water? How would these candidates deal with the huge droughts? How would they deal with record wildfires and record floods like what is now occurring in Yellowstone, or more crop-destroying storms, tornadoes and hurricanes, which impact Colorado even though they may not directly hit Colorado?
Every incident that results in these losses will increase prices. If I were directly dealing with raising crops or livestock, I would want to know this for my survival. Ignoring it will not protect them even if you cut government by 20%, as one candidate said she would do.
Wayne Wathen, Highlands Ranch
Brake, brake, goose
Rush hour and the traffic was stopped; backed up for blocks. Yet not a horn honked nor a car sped around the line. Time seemed to stand still as at least two dozen Canadian geese and their goslings waddled slowly across the intersection to the safety of the opposite sidewalk. Then ever so slowly and cautiously, rush hour began again.
David L Stevenson, Denver
Don’t forget Hockey High
Re: “Denver is the real Hockeytown, USA,” June 15 sports commentary
I liked Mark Kiszla’s column on Hockeytown, USA; however, he left out the icing on this cake. He left out that the Denver East High School hockey team also won a national championship in their division.
Go Angels and go Avs!
Benjamin Honigman, Denver
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