Restraining orders are not enough

This past weekend, my friend was murdered by her husband. She is now another name added to a devastating and ever-growing list of women who are killed by the very people they are supposed to trust the most. A restraining order is often treated as the final solution, but in reality, it’s just a warning — one that abusers all too often ignore. My friend’s death proves what so many survivors already know: A restraining order alone does not offer real protection.

We must demand more. More funding for domestic violence response units. More training for law enforcement on red flags and escalation. More tools that allow courts to monitor and restrict known abusers before they act. More community-based support systems that help survivors safely leave — and stay safe. We also need consequences that match the threat. Violating a restraining order should never be treated lightly. There must be meaningful, immediate action the first time an order is breached — not after it’s too late.

How many more women must die before we admit the system isn’t working?

Please, let my friend’s death be a call to action. Not another headline. Not another statistic. Real lives are on the line — and one of them could be yours, your sister’s, or your daughter’s.

C. McCoy, Rifle

On Trump and the moral collapse of a nation

History will not look back kindly on these years, when the richest and most powerful country turned its back on civility, science and honesty and embraced cruelty and greed. I am dismayed at how quickly Trump has dismantled everything great about our country, but I’m even more appalled that he has done it with the blessing of Republicans and about 40% of the public.

Anyone not seeing the parallels between Nazi Germany and the Trump regime is not looking. The same tactics of sowing fear and always having someone else to blame while destroying education and democratic institutions lie at the heart of both regimes.

Trump is either so unhinged or so secure in his power that he feels empowered to attack his own supporters over their fascination with the Epstein files. I hate the fact he is a likely pedophile, but would add to that list a serial liar, traitor, felon, misogynist, racist, bully, narcissist and criminal. I am baffled that anyone who considers themselves a Christian or educated can support this man. May the light of truth shine upon these times.

Peter Westcott, Carbondale

Tailgating and the decline of decency

Growing up in the 1960s in Silverthorne, Colorado, my parents taught me the culture in America was to be courteous, respectful and polite at all times to every individual — stranger, neighbor, visitor or friend — or painful consequences could ensue for being disruptive.

The trend of increase in tailgating drivers that seems worse every passing year was confirmed by the research I did on the subject.

On Wednesday, June 25, after leaving the Glenwood Meadows Mall at midday, I was relentlessly tailgated, despite having my cruise control set at 39 in the posted 35 on Midland Avenue. I should have pulled over to allow the rude driver to pass, but instead I received a speeding ticket going west, down the hill toward the West Glenwood roundabout. Thirty-nine in a posted 25 is a $150 fine.

It was a good day for me, as I made it home safely and didn’t get rear-ended.

The discourteousness and rudeness is part of my everyday driving experience and I blame the erosion of the nuclear family, the lack of driver’s education and the decline in moral values.

I would never want to see my life end as a statistic in driver deaths.

Alan Noland, New Castle

Clay & Moonlight was a community triumph

It is such a joy to reflect on the incredible success of our recent annual fundraising event, Clay & Moonlight! I am still moved by the unwavering support of our community. We celebrated another sold-out event that brought together friends, families and Clay Center supporters who share our vision.

To our generous sponsors — thank you. Your support was instrumental in making this event possible. Your commitment not only enhances our programs but also demonstrates the strength of our community partnerships. We are incredibly grateful for your trust and investment in our mission.

A special shoutout to the Special Events Committee, led by our board member Susan Muenchen, whose leadership elevated our standard of events and has brought us into a new era. The team’s hard work, creativity and passion were evident in every detail, creating an unforgettable experience and a beautiful evening for all of us.

To our amazing volunteers — we quite literally could not do this without you. We are and will always be a grassroots organization. Your time and commitment to CCC makes us stronger, closer and even more dedicated to our mission.

A special thanks to the cup makers — thank you for crafting the beautiful vessels that defined our event. They are more than functional objects; they’re symbols of our shared community and creativity.

Genuine thanks to Doug Casebeer for flying in just for the event and inspiring the crowd before the paddle raise. I am thankful for your ongoing support and inspiration.

To Mark Hardin — the food was absolutely outstanding! Your team even packed up a meal to go for one of our guests who had to leave early. That is exactly the kind of community we are proud to be a part of. Thank you, Mark and Field 2 Fork — you are the best.

To the board and staff at CCC — I hold such deep gratitude for all of you, for all the hours and phone calls, emails and meetings it took to pull it all off. This is not an easy time in our organization’s history, but it is a special time and each of you is a part of it. Thank you.

Angela Bruno, Carbondale

A tunnel idea — and a tribute to my father

I’m writing today as a longtime resident of the valley. I moved here in 1974 at the age of 11. Shortly after moving to Glenwood, a citizens committee was formed to study possible ways to get state Highway 82 off of Grand Avenue. My father, Jan Girardot, showed up and was empaneled as a member of that committee.

Being only 11, I had little interest in such matters. I can tell you that it ended up in a classic standoff with everyone agreeing that something would need to be done, as long as the solution was not built anywhere close to their “backyard.” I have since heard of the formation of at least three subsequent committees — each ending in the same result.

As with many of us, a good part of my life is spent in a four-wheeled transport capsule trying to get from where I make my livelihood to where I spend it. This affords me much time for thought — and for me at least, my thoughts turn to how our valley is going to solve this real bugger of a problem regarding transportation.

The good news is I have a solution! It’s called the Red Mountain Tunnel. It will extend from Cardiff Glen to West Glenwood. And OK, yes, it will be expensive. And OK, yes, it probably won’t get done for a couple hundred years. But trust me, it will get done. And when it does, I ask only that it bear the name of my father — the Jan Girardot Memorial Tunnel.

Oh sure, there will be those who deem me crazy for such talk, but an honest assessment of the geography of Glenwood Springs repeatedly ends up in the inevitability of some colossal engineering project to finally solve this enduring transportation woe.

In honoring the memory of my father, I would be remiss not to mention that a solution involving rail would be the most elegant solution. However, as with many things these days, people will not start to consider such things until economic pressures become great enough.

I am saddened that my own mortality will not make it possible to attend the ribbon cutting of this marvel of engineering, but forever the optimist, I trust that it will get done — and hopefully be named accordingly.

Louis Girardot, New Castle