Rekindled patriotism amid threats to democracy

President Trump has unexpectedly stirred in me a long-dormant love of country and flag. For the first time, I feel truly patriotic — but perhaps not in the way you might think.

As our democracy seems to be slipping away, faster than any of us imagined, my love for our nation’s ideals has been rekindled. Who knew our democracy was so fragile? And who imagined that a second Trump term would awaken complacent Americans, motivating “we the people” to defend the freedoms that we hold dear?

Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of our democracy. Any leader who threatens this freedom is profoundly un-American. We have always known who the “bad guys” are: nations where dissent is silenced, where only one party is allowed, and where dictators rig elections. I ask you, America — is our president leading us down that same path?

Our freedoms are under threat. For 250 years, Americans have stood up to defend democracy at home and abroad. Today, we face another such moment. Now is the time for Republicans, Democrats and independents to come together. Now is the time for Americans of every race and background to unite against this threat — just as we always have — in the name of freedom.

This is our time.

Michael Podmore, New Castle

Glenwood Caverns faces ‘nuclear verdict’

The Glenwood Caverns recent wrongful death judgment astounds me. I disagree with such a nuclear verdict, and have no affiliation with the Glenwood tourism business.

My understanding is wrongful death is capped at $1.5 million by state law.

In 1990, my brother-in-law drowned in the Hot Springs Pool. Our family was told at the time there was a cap of $300,000.

During the trial, the jury tried to award more, and was told they couldn’t because of the cap. So they had to reconvene and issue a different decision. Just pennies on the cap, if that matters all these years later.

George Kuersten, Silt

Trump is dismantling America, not defending it

Donald Trump is not defending America — he is dismantling it. He tried to overturn a free and fair election. He undermines our system of checks and balances, attacks judges, bullies the press, and stacks the Supreme Court with ideologues who strip away rights.

This is not democracy. It is a one-man rule creeping in through the front door. Every time Trump cries “witch hunt,” he is really saying he believes he is above the law. That’s monarchy, not America. And this country was founded to make sure we’d never have a king.

The damage is clear: communities divided, elections discredited, freedoms weakened. Trump isn’t protecting the Constitution — he is shredding it for his own gain.

But we are not powerless. On Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at 250 7th St. in Glenwood Springs, the “No Kings Protest” will bring our community together to stand for democracy.

The Constitution belongs to all of us, not to one man’s ambition. If we stay silent, we risk losing the freedoms generations fought to secure. Trump may want a crown — but we are not his subjects.

Perrin Williams, Snowmass Village

Childcare challenges require measure 7A

Anyone who has ever had a child, been with a family member or friend who is welcoming a child, been a grandparent, a neighbor or co-worker of someone who is expecting a child has probably heard this: “We are so excited, but we have no idea what we’re doing for childcare, and the waitlists are so long.”

Living in the Roaring Fork Valley for most of my life and now raising my children here, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges of finding infant or toddler care for my babies. Not only has it been hard to find any spot at all, once your name is on a waitlist and you finally (if you’re lucky) get that call that you have a spot secured, you are not questioning anything about the quality of your option; you are just taking that spot. Sometimes, families have to pay tuition months in advance of their child’s care, just to secure a spot and ensure they will have care when the time comes. It’s like playing the lotto, except when you win, you have to pay thousands of dollars for the next five years as your reward.

Did you know that in Glenwood Springs, there are only two — yes, two — licensed centers that take infants under one? That means there are eight spots for babies, eight for all the infants in Glenwood Springs. When I say it’s like winning the lotto, it really is.

Measure 7A is on the ballot this November. It will create a tax district from Aspen to Parachute to support families with tuition assistance, teacher education opportunities (which lead to higher retention rates), and increased access to high-quality early childhood programs. Please vote yes on 7A this November. Our community is only as strong as its families, and we all rely on the availability of quality childcare to make our community thrive.

Eva Jankovsky, Glenwood Springs