Return to principles of the Declaration

In 2026 we are supposed to be celebrating the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In 1776 those who were living in this land wanted to be free from the “Tyranny” that they subjected to by the King of Great Britain.

Those who wrote the Declaration of Independence said that there are certain rights for All — “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” They also said, “That whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish that Government.”

In America today there are similarities to Nazi Germany. The main “principle” of Adolf Hitler was “aim for national rebirth and racial purity; create a police state that suppresses all opposition.”

As Americans we need to return to ideas that were written in the Declaration of Independence.

Nancy Hess, Glenwood Springs

Schools should not close for protests

I am writing regarding the recent closure of the Glenwood Springs High School tied to protest activity.

Everyone in our community has the right to protest causes that matter to them. Peaceful protest is part of what makes this country strong. However, public schools should not be closed, and classroom instruction should not be interrupted, because employees choose to participate in political demonstrations during the workday.

A large share of local property taxes — approximately 59.66% — goes to the RE-1 School District. Whether someone owns a home or rents, those taxes are paid by the public. Taxpayers support our schools with the understanding that those funds provide consistent education for students. When schools close due to organized absences, students lose valuable instructional time while teachers and administrators are still compensated with taxpayer dollars.

There is an important distinction between personal civic engagement and professional responsibility. Teachers and staff, like all citizens, have every right to make their voices heard. This should occur on their own time — evenings, weekends, or personal leave — not in a way that shuts down schools and disrupts learning for hundreds of students and working families.

The district frequently asks voters to approve additional funding measures, emphasizing the importance of educational continuity and student outcomes. Actions that close schools for political reasons make it harder for taxpayers to feel confident that their support is being used strictly for education, not personal politics.

Schools should be places of learning, stability and focus — not venues for political activism that interferes with instruction. We owe students consistency, and taxpayers are owed accountability.

Sincerely,
Marc Adler, Glenwood Springs

Fear is not public safety

ICE is creating fear in our communities, not safety. I am not opposed to immigration enforcement. But the so-called crackdown in Minneapolis has left me heartbroken — not reassured. Not safe.

If left unchecked, it is only a matter of time before this cruelty reaches our valley. Recent events nearby are deeply alarming. On Jan. 21, ICE agents in Eagle County carried out a series of fake traffic stops. Racist ace of spades cards, known as “death cards,” were left in the abandoned vehicles for loved ones to find.

We should not assume our peaceful community is immune. The man in the White House has already targeted Colorado — threatening to cut funding and end federal programs over the state’s refusal to comply with one of his personal vendettas. He has denied disaster aid to rural areas and blocked access to clean water for rural communities.

Public safety depends on cooperation, not intimidation. ICE is casting an indiscriminate net, causing chaos and confusion. When people fear law enforcement, crimes go unreported, emergencies go untreated, and entire communities retreat. Everyone pays the price. When families are afraid to send their children to school, go to work or seek medical care — and when neighbors hesitate to call for help — we are not safer. Trust erodes. Communities weaken.

The facts matter: Non-criminal detainees now make up a large share of ICE arrests. As of early 2026, roughly half of people in ICE detention have no criminal conviction or only a pending charge. ICE’s own data shows up to 73% have no criminal convictions at all, and only about 5% have been convicted of violent offenses. So much for “the worst of the worst.”

ICE wields enormous power and must be held accountable. Our communities deserve transparency, restraint and respect for human dignity.

Fear is not public safety.

Caroline Lorraine Mooney, New Castle

Keep schools focused on teaching

I hereby protest every Garfield Re-1 School District employee who failed our children on Jan. 30 and missed work in order to protest “the shifts in the way immigration enforcement is happening across the country.” GSHS had to close that day as a result of this act and the parents of those kids should get a refund on their real estate taxes for that day!

We do not support our schools financially so their employees can miss work to support their pet causes.

Anna Cole omitted one important word from her statement regarding this subject, and that word is illegal. She and others are not happy with the way immigration laws are being enforced against illegal immigrants (and citizens committing crimes against ICE). That is an important distinction from “immigration enforcement,” as Ms. Cole was quoted.

Our legal immigration process is admittedly onerous, but it is the process we have. If one circumvents that process, they have come here illegally and have committed an illegal act. They can and should face repercussions for that act.

Teachers and administrators — stay In school! They used to say that to the students.

Go teach.

Bill Sanderson, New Castle