Bullets and ballots

Ms. Tonozzi (6/8/22 letters) states that because “the U.S. government has some of the most sophisticated weaponry and surveillance on the planet” even every man, woman and child with an AR-15 would not be able to stop it in the event it were to “dissolve into tyranny.” 

May I respectfully point out that the very same U.S. government, with all its resources, over 20 years of trying with all the weaponry, spy satellites, etc., was not able to subdue the Taliban, hiding in their Afghan caves with AR-15s (actually AK-47s), but determined to hold onto their medieval values, culture, religion and way of life.  

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This example just came to completion in the last few months, but let’s not forget Vietnam, or the French experience in Algeria, among others — and maybe Ukraine, too, although they’ve gotten more than just assault rifles.

May I also point out that in the last 125 years or so, approximately 100 million disarmed people have been slaughtered in genocides across the globe — 100% of them by their own governments?

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The statement that “no one” is trying to take away the right to bear arms is likewise flawed. Such a sweeping statement of the negative only requires one example to disprove: May I submit “Beto” O’Rourke?

 Commonsense people can sometimes agree on certain things despite the political polarization. Perhaps many or even most 18-year-olds don’t have the maturity required to assume the responsibility for such weapons absent adequate supervision.  Many would support raising the age to 21 or even 25 — but only if tied to an increase in the voting age to the same. A ballot can arguably be as dangerous as a bullet.

Ronald Stevens

Glenwood Springs

Enough, Jankovsky

Sweetwater Lake is a gem that we are fortunate to have in the public domain.

Purposing the property has become a contentious issue and merits further discussion between state and federal land managers, elected officials and stakeholders.

When I heard radio coverage and read the report of the Garfield County commissioners work session (6/8 Post Independent), I was disgusted but not surprised. The lack of decorum and inappropriate language used by Commissioner Jankovsky is unbefitting of our elected officials. I do not refer to “political correctness,” rather to basic respect in communication. Not only was Tom Jankowsky’s “tough guy” intimidation out of place, but he went on to accuse and insult the members of the Eagle Valley Land Trust. 

The EVLT worked long and hard to assure that the citizens will be able to enjoy Sweetwater Lake in perpetuity. The article states that Jankowsky voted against acquiring the property for public domain. His support of the wealthy private sector over public benefit has been his trademark. Whether making Sweetwater Lake a state park is the best use of this public asset is debatable, Jankowsky’s behavior is not. 

Jankovsky is quoted as telling the conservation oriented EVLT they should “feel remorse” for their direction. Tom, look to either side of you and take a lesson from your fellow commissioners; effective elected officials who conduct themselves maturely and respect their constituents.

John B. Armstrong 

Carbondale

Frisch for CD3 nomination

We’ve known Adam Frisch for many years. He’s a responsible business leader, he’s trustworthy, and he has a long record of service to Pitkin County. 

We urge you to vote for him in the CD3 primary. As the only centrist among the Democratic candidates, Adam has the best chance of convincing moderate Republican voters to join him to defeat Rep. Boebert. Let’s get him the nomination!

Dr. Jeannie Seybold

John Seybold

Aspen

Pie challenge

What fate has become of Pie Day, the most revered part of Strawberry Days. Has it succumbed to the apathy of younger generations not prone to bake? 

The Pie King

Mark Rinehart 

Silt

Buerger’s vote pitch

As a Democratic candidate for the State House of Representatives, I am writing to let the voters of HD57 know what I will do in Denver should they elect me.

I will introduce legislation to incentivize more inclusive zoning and prioritization of affordable housing projects. I will work to boost first-time home ownership and create more reliable revenue streams for communities to add affordable housing stock. 

I will work to increase cost transparency in health care and to allow small businesses and individuals to join health insurance pools, while investing in more community health clinics for primary care. 

I will make sure rural Colorado gets our fair share of infrastructure dollars so we can repair roads and invest in public transit, expand broadband, and make our water, electric and communications infrastructure more resilient. 

I will work to enshrine reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights, among others, in our state constitution so they are not subject to the whim of legislators in the future.

I will fight to protect our water, keeping it in its home basins, and fund conservation projects while ensuring the upcoming renegotiation of the Colorado River Compact protects Western Slope interests. And I will always fight for Colorado to lead in lowering emissions, protecting public lands, and embracing zero and low carbon energy.

I will pass policies to make it easier for small businesses to start and succeed, reducing regulatory burden and providing greater access to capital, to diversify our district’s economy, and make sure we have a world-class education system that creates opportunity and a skilled workforce.

And I pledge to always show up and listen even when we disagree, to focus on solving the problems facing our district, and to get big things done in Denver. 

I hope to earn your vote in this month’s Democratic primary.

Cole Buerger

Glenwood Springs