Two 2020 protests not met with “equal justice under the law”
Re: “Assault on Justice,” Jan. 26 commentary
The “Assault on Justice” piece ignores compelling rationales for President Donald Trump’s pardons of the Jan. 6 defendants. One man’s “insurrectionists” are another man’s “fighters for civil justice.”
Of the thousands of rioters that seized blocks of major cities, firebombed federal courthouses, attacked cops, torched police stations, and burned and looted blocks of Minneapolis, relatively few were federally prosecuted (about 120) and/or imprisoned because the Biden/Harris administration supported the political motives for those crimes.
On the other hand, Trump supporters were prosecuted with unparalleled vigor and given the harshest of possible sentences exactly because they were Trump supporters. This is not “equal justice under the law.” It is misusing federal prosecutions to punish political adversaries.
Anybody wonder why Biden pardoned the entire Jan. 6 congressional inquiry panel on his way out the door? Further, the Jan. 6 defendants have served enough time for their offenses, and most would not have been jailed or would be out already were they not Trump supporters. Most Americans know all this, which is why they elected Trump in a landslide, knowing his promise to issue these pardons.
Kevin Amatuzio, Englewood
Rep. Gabe Evans pardon stance
In his successful campaign for U.S. Congress, Gabe Evans repeatedly ran advertisements touting his law enforcement experience and a law and order philosophy. Earlier this week, President Trump pardoned 1,500 Jan. 6 rioters who had besieged our nation’s capitol. These insurrectionists were pumped up on Trump’s false claims of a stolen election. Many of them violently attacked Capitol and D.C. police, injuring more than 150 police officers.
When asked whether he supported the president’s pardons, Evan’s response was that the American people wanted him “to look forward.” The Congressman was good at following instructions and reciting those vacuous Republican talking points, but in doing so, he demonstrated no respect for his brothers and sisters in blue. So much for his support for law enforcement and the rule of law.
But Congressman, I am looking forward — looking forward to working to elect a more honest and responsive representative from CD8.
Eileen McCarron, Denver
A call to bearing witness
Re: “Bear witness to suffering: Americans must heed Martin Luther King Jr.’s call for ‘creative altruism’,” Jan. 19 commentary “Pastor tried to show flat-Earthers the light,” Jan. 19 news story
I read two related articles last Sunday in The Post, both about the importance of bearing witness and the potential to not be believed.
Terrance Carroll tells the story of Jan Karski coming to the “United States to bear witness to the gruesome details of Hitler’s “final solution of the Jewish question,” and Noelle Phillips’ article about pastor Will Duffy attempt to demonstrate to people who believe the world is flat that they are wrong. Duffy and Karski were not believed.
I took three things to heart:
1. These articles bear witness, and I learned from them. Thank you, press. Democracy demands a free press and free speech.
2. We each have better ways to bear witness than Karski did: our phones. What if Karski had been able to show images from inside the Warsaw ghetto?
3. We have many networks in our community to support bearing witness together.
In recent Colorado ACLU trainings — non-partisan protectors of guaranteed civil liberties — I have learned that one of the best things I can do to ensure that the rights of my immigrant neighbors are respected is to bear witness and connect with networks in my community that will also bear witness with me and will respond to violations of civil liberties—rights all people in the United States have by law regardless of citizenship status.
Carol Guerrero-Murphy, Denver
An argument against birthright citizenship
Re: “State, AGs sue over birthright measure,” Jan. 22 news story
Considering all countries, birthright citizenship is not considered the norm. As most Latin American countries do, Mexico and Canada also have unrestricted birthright citizenship. However, few in Asia, Africa, or Europe do, at least without restrictions, like President Donald Trump’s proposal. In those countries, restricted birthright citizenship most often has conditions including, in particular, at least one of the child’s parents must be a resident. This condition is perhaps Trump’s main argument.
Steve Holloway, Lakewood
Seeking stronger immigrant support from governor
Re: “Polis keeps open mind on Trump in address,” Jan. 10 news story
Gov. Jared Polis appears to be trying to walk a fine line on the issue of immigrant protection in Colorado. He has stated that he welcomes increased federal resources to deal with criminal immigrants, providing fuel to the misconception that immigrants are more criminal than non-immigrants.
In fact, immigrants are far less likely to engage in criminal activities than are non-immigrants. The governor knows this. He has provided an opening for Republicans to urge the repeal of recently passed Colorado laws that minimally protect immigrants from federal intrusion into state law enforcement.
A cynic might wonder whether the governor’s future political aspirations are motivating him to misrepresent and abandon Colorado’s clear support of our immigrant community, as reflected in that same legislation. Colorado values our immigrant community: our neighbors, our co-workers, our friends.
Antoinette Tadolini, Brighton
What Dana meant to Denver
Re: “Champion of Denver’s historic preservation dies at 93,” Jan. 25 news story
I want to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions this outstanding citizen of Colorado made to the City and County of Denver and other communities in so many ways. I met Dana Crawford 35 years ago when I was working on a new airport for Denver during the Pena administration. Dana taught me the value and the power of interpersonal relationships in helping to recognize the mutual benefits of achieving results that benefit the entire community.
Her passionate and tenacious arguments were difficult for the best of us to ignore. Never afraid to identify the elephant in the room, her straightforward and compassionate manner was a welcome asset in any and every negotiation. We now acknowledge the effectiveness of her sagacious visions for preserving the history of our community and in demonstrating the value of a Larimer Square, an Oxford Hotel, an old Flour Mill or an iconic Union Station.
Our friendship and many working pursuits in Denver, Idaho Springs, and Trinidad provided me with continuing education in the value of historic preservation. As another great American, John C. Sawhill, past President of the Nature Conservancy and New York University, once said, “In the end, our society will be defined not only by what we create, but what we refuse to destroy.”
Dana has undeniably found and defined the best in Denver’s history.
James “Skip” Spensley, Denver
Editor’s note: Spensley is the former director of the New Airport Office.
Appreciate the photographer’s insight
Re: “Through the Lens,” Jan. 26 feature story
Helen Richardson’s article in Sunday’s paper was just so delightful. I work at DIA, and I see this display and also this young man’s paintings throughout the city, and I just want to say thank you. It was just a breath of fresh air from all the negativity and sad things that are going on.
Lydean Crews, Denver
DIA shuttle staff kept us warm on a bitterly cold morning
On Tuesday, Jan. 21, my phone app said it was minus 4 degrees as I headed to the airport at 5 a.m. My lifetime in Girl Scouts meant I dressed in layers, knowing I might wait for the shuttles that come every 10 – 15 minutes or so.
I was surprised turning into the Pikes Peak lot to see four or five buses parked along the way as I drove to row R, the directions on the sign when entering. I parked near the end of the row and headed to the little wind shelter. It was cold out! Another couple arrived seconds ahead of me, and someone was approaching from the far side at the same time. The bus pulled up immediately. None of us had to wait. I did not get time to put on extra layers before the driver of the bus jumped out and grabbed my suitcase to help me. It was suddenly clear that those parked buses I saw coming in were waiting to pick people up quickly.
I thank the persons who planned ahead, having buses ready to pick up travelers lest they wait in the arctic blast. I thank the bus driver for his quick help and cheerful attitude in the early morning cold.
The people who thought ahead to have buses waiting (something I’ve never seen in many wee morning hour trips to DIA) to protect travelers, and the driver so quick to help, are truly the people who make America great. I thank you.
Ann Hartman, Lakewood
Mayor Johnston’s faith will bring historic change
Re: “City doubles goal for permanent housing placements this year,” Jan. 23 news story
Three cheers for Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s homelessness initiative and his belief that ending the crisis is possible. Like breaking the four-minute mile, which no one thought possible until it was done, homelessness can come to an end with belief and action.
A renter tax credit could help at the federal level, ensuring people experiencing poverty wouldn’t pay more than 30% of their income for housing. Congress could also renew the expanded Child Tax Credit that cut child poverty in half, and fortify the SNAP program to end the struggle millions of Americans have with getting enough food.
We can help by asking our members of Congress to pass these initiatives along with building more affordable housing. These and local actions are part of designing a “system that can respond to the needs of individuals.” Encouraging these efforts at all levels is the way to succeed.
Willie Dickerson, Snohomish, Wash.
Sign up for Sound Off to get a weekly roundup of our columns, editorials and more.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.