We have the power

Dear Editor,

This is my letter to the people of Glenwood Springs. This is a reminder of who we are, and who we are not.

We are not pawns on a chess board. We are each and every one important in the blood of this town.

We are not beyond the challenge of change. We are capable of effecting change in our community, and therefore our lives.

We are not a heartless big city, with rampant crime, and bad feelings. We are a community who values each citizen and shows up when the going gets rough.

We do not have to be a community ruled by power and might. But we can be a community who favors compassion and principle.

I can find no good reason to put Glenwood Gymnastics out of business after 20 years of dedicated service in this valley. These are, after all, the same children that will be attending this new school. As a community, I feel it is our responsibility to put more social pressure on the school board in Rob Jones' name. They have offered him no alternatives even though there are some available. Put yourself in his shoes. If he had a fire, we would all show up! I see little difference.

Please help the school board remember what a great community we have. Do your best. Write a nice letter, or make a call, or sign the petition. Make a difference!

Jennifer Vanian

Glenwood Springs

Don't minimize the holocaust

Dear Editor,

Sue Gray continues to instruct. From trashing the Torah at a public meeting last winter, she now minimizes the holocaust in her letter (Aug. 22) referring to a Hitler who "invaded and occupied other countries, then abused certain segments of the population."

Thanks to Gray's historical revision, we now know that Hitler's intent was not to exterminate every last Jew and Gypsy in Europe, but was simply a case of occupation-related abuse.

I will not be dignifying any future letters from Gray with a reply because in using an unprecedented and appalling euphemism for genocide - abuse of certain population segments - she has placed herself beyond the limits of rational and moral debate.

Judith King

Glenwood Springs

Operation Vacation a big morale boost

I'd like to thank Bob Johnson of Vicky Lee Green and all the contributors to Operation Vacation. I don't think it's possible to describe the impact a hiatus like these you are providing has on the morale and well being of our troops. To someone who has endured the hardships, sweltering heat, bombs, rockets, bullets, and separation from family, this place you call home is truly heaven on earth.

To see this collective demonstration that "support the troops" is not only more than a mere slogan but that it also transcends political viewpoints and personal opinions, speaks volumes about the character of the community and makes me proud to be both a native of Glenwood Springs and a soldier.

Major Brian Delaplane

Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan