The American Dream…

I received an email the other day titled “The American Dream”. It was a picture of President Obama signing a letter. The letter said, “Dear America, I quit.” I envisioned an “American Dream” as perceived by some of my right-leaning associates and their emails.

It goes like this: In 2000, George Bush is elected President. He inherits a budget surplus. In 2001, we are attacked by Al-Qaeda. 2 weeks later, with a coalition from around the world, we attack Al-Qaeda, kill Osama bin Laden, and Al-Qaeda collapses. Iraq and Iran, seeing the resolve of the allied partners, come to peace talks and the region achieves stability. 2002, the budget surplus increases. President Bush moves forward with new environmental plans to wean us off foreign oil. 2003, budget surplus increases, Bush and the Republican house and senate pass health care reform that exceeds that of the other industrialized nations. 2004, Bush re-elected. Public education is fully funded. 2005, budget surplus increases, Bush works with auto industry to create new standards in mileage efficiency. 2006, budget surplus continues, Social Security and Medicare are solvent thanks to bi-partisan support of Republican house and senate leadership. 2007, budget surplus continues to grow. Credit card companies lower interest rates under pressure from Bush administration. Housing for the poor and needy is addressed by congress. Poverty and homelessness are eradicated. 2008, budget surplus at all time high. Terrorism worldwide continues to decline. Wall street hits new highs. Banking, housing and insurance companies enjoy record profits, while lowering rates to help all Americans. 401K and retirement savings accounts flourish. George Bush and Dick Cheney enjoy highest approval ratings of their 2 terms.

Jan. 20, 2009, Barack Obama becomes the first black president of the United States.

Jan. 21, 2009, the economy collapses, housing plummets, war breaks out in Iraq and Afghanistan. Banks fail, unemployment soars. Auto industry files for bankruptcy. Budget deficit becomes largest in history. What were we thinking? Please, please bring back the good old days of the last administration. Please? At least that's what some would have you believe.

Craig S. Chisesi

Rifle

Here comes ‘FRED'

Well, well, well … here comes “FRED” (Forensic Recovery of Evidence Device)! If you read the article in the March 3 issue of the Post Independent, you will understand by the names at the end of this letter, the opinions are an issue of respect and pride. We find it commendable that out of the entire Western Slope, the Garfield County Sheriff's Department has the leadership and personnel to establish this computer lab which will include the latest technology in fighting cybercrime.

Until now, this could only be accomplished by the FBI or CBI in Denver.

Due to the tremendous backlog of cases, this process could take months or even years. The ability to analyze the computers of today's criminals is both a reactive and proactive tool of successful law enforcement. The most pressing of these crimes is child pornography.

Recently, we have had numerous cases that would not have been solved without these new tools. We believe anyone who is concerned about their family's safety, should acknowledge the foresight of our Sheriff's Department for developing both the human and technological resources to provide the necessary means for these crimes to be solved. We think it's time to recognize a job well-done by Sheriff Vallario and all of his staff. We would also like to thank the Garfield County Commissioners for their unanimous support in helping to protect everyone in our county. In addition, as taxpayers, we would like to thank the Sheriff's Office for returning $2.1 million to the county's general fund.

Thank you for your time,

Tom and Jane Ashworth

Rifle