Letters To The Editor, Opinion

Letters to the Editor: Sept. 6, 2012

Slick as black ice
Dear Editor:
A few days ago while trying to negotiate County Road 13 (Flag Creek), I slid off the road and nearly rolled my Jeep. I should have known better, but in the space of a quarter mile the road changed from slightly muddy to as slick as black ice. A Division of Wildlife pickup with Joshua Matijas, Brandon Tyez and Dave Collins happened on the scene and stayed with me and my friend, Bill Costa, until the wrecker arrived. They even gave me the assistance I needed to get out of the car and crowded us into their pickup when it began raining. I appreciated that very much. A lesson I learned: “Don’t drive the Flag Creek Road after even a light rain.” With professional service from Valley Wrecking, my Jeep came through without a scratch.
Dick Prosence
Meeker

Looking for Nancy
Dear Editor:
I roomed with Nancy A. Beard in Denver in 1966. Her parents were from Rangely and I am trying to find her or information on her. Anyone that knows her or might have known her I would like to get in contact with Nancy. Information can be sent to [email protected].
Ginger Morrison
California

Thankful seniors
Dear Editor:
Sixty-plus seniors and workers had a great day up river at Campbell Ranch Aug. 28.
Thanks to Bud and June Striegel of Rangely, the Chuckwagon of Meeker and the Radino Center of Rangely, for the wonderful chicken dinner and outing. The dinner was fixed by Shonia Richardson, Debra Barney and Diana Giles of Meeker. (Chuckwagon) and Tamra Williams (Radino) of Rangley.
Mark Rogers bused the Meeker nursing home residents and helpers. Linda Divine bused the seniors of Meeker. AnaLee bused the Rangely seniors.
It is wonderful to have such a great place as Bud and June’s to enjoy with such a large group of people. Chuckwagon and Radino have enjoyed Campbell Ranch a few times before.
Thanks to all the workers that made such a great day for us seniors.
Doris Walters
Meeker

Dog leash law?
Dear Editor:
Has the town also done away with the leash law? I have seen more dogs roaming the streets this summer apparently just visiting other dogs, following their owners on their bikes, OHVs, or other than I have the previous 12 years of town living. Some of the dogs are friendly, some are not. Either kind, they are supposed to not wander freely, I thought.
Thank goodness for pepper spray.
Bev Devore-Wedding
Meeker

Personhood
amendment
Dear Editor:
While the fate of the 2012 Colorado Personhood Amendment is uncertain, I would like to take this opportunity to point out that for the ethical person, of whatever religious or political persuasion, the pro-life position is the only possible option.
Let me offer the following examples as proof.
1. If you believe that an unborn child is in any sense of the word, human, regardless of development, you must be pro-life since then abortion would be murder.
2. If you are unsure, as to whether or not an unborn child is, in any sense of the word, human, you must be pro-life since abortion in the face of said uncertainty would be, at the very least, criminally negligent for you may be, by your own admission, killing a person.
3. Similarly, if you do not know if an unborn child is, in any sense of the word, human, you must be pro-life. For instance if you are driving down the road and you see a man-shaped coat in the road in front of your car you are both morally and legally required to stop, or at the very least to avoid running over it. Why? You do not know if it is a man or a man-shaped cloak.
On the other hand, if you know for certain that an unborn child is not human, abortion is OK. The problem is of course, you have to be able to prove that beyond the shadow of a doubt. A question even our President believes to be “above his pay grade.”
Simply put abortion in the face of uncertainty is at best manslaughter and most probably murder.
Cordially in Christ,
Rev. Rogers Huck Meredith
Meeker

Support for Caloia
Dear Editor:
I am writing this letter to express my support for Sherry Caloia for 9th Judicial District Attorney.
While reading the April 26, 2012, Glenwood Springs Post Independent, I was appalled that Martin Beeson was quoted stating that he seeks justice for victims (“…to be tough on crime and seek justice for victims…”). This statement can only be one of two things: an outright lie; or the reflection that he is completely out of touch with the actions of his office.
My ex-husband and I were victims in October 2008 and Martin Beeson’s office treated us like the criminals! The “victim advocates” in his office were nothing of the sort; our assigned advocate completely missed the first court date because she “forgot” to attend — and this was more than a full year after the incident (which the other person admitted guilt from the beginning); we were then pushed out another two months before the hearing. I left numerous messages for our DA that “seeks justice for victims,” to no avail; I never received a phone call.
I have known Sherry Caloia for three years. Sherry is amazing; whether as an attorney or friend. It is my firm belief that Sherry is the future of the 9th Judicial District. Sherry has the knowledge, experience, drive and recognition of the changes that must take place in this district. I cannot say enough about my support of Sherry for district attorney.
Danielle (Cerise) Gillman
Glenwood Springs, Colo.

A house divided
cannot stand
Dear Editor:
The words our leaders use matter a great deal; the reason being their words also carry the authority of their office. For instance, if you had a problem that required involvement and the preliminary judgment of a law enforcement officer, the lens the officer sees you through may impact your freedom and life. Forms of negative prejudice can occur in many ways such as skin color, economic, religious and political. Dictators and tyrants use political prejudice all the time, it is their modus operandi; they stir up hate within their country, that later leads to socially acceptable incarceration and or murder. One of the best examples we’ve all studied of this was Hitler; he used hateful words like “rats” and “pigs” on the Jews to justify the imprisoning and later the extermination of millions of them.
So when Joe Biden, the vice president of the United States of America, calls critics of the current presidential administration, which is 49 percent of the people, “pigs,” it matters. Now I do not believe our current administration’s leaders are dictators or tyrants, nor are they resembling Hitler, but I am pointing out that the hate speech in America from its leaders along with other governmental actions has us heading toward some of the same crossroads that Germany came to prior to World War II.
The new media (The Blaze and The Drudge Report) have reported that thousands of people, mostly American veterans, are being locked up for their anti-government postings on forums like Facebook. However, they aren’t being arrested and being charged with sedition, they are being detained indefinably on mental health accusations. They are never given an audience with a jury of their peers; they are just taken. Furthermore, it has come out that the Department of Justice is involved in the monitoring of these sites, and then, when needed, they use state officials to carry out the detainment. Take notice that freedom of speech was never infringed upon when George Bush was in office when the left was screaming for the overthrow of the government. In point of fact Arianna Huffington, the founder of the far left Huffington Post, started out with a website called, and addressed, overthrowthegovernment.org. We don’t see the Occupy Wall Street crowd being locked up until it’s their “blow up the bridge day” like happened in Ohio. The point being, since justice is not applied equally, it makes these veterans and others on the right who are being incarcerated political prisoners.
Obamacare is set to begin next year. Many Americans can’t afford to buy health insurance and along with them there surely will be many Americans who will simply refuse to be obedient and buy insurance out of their sense of rebellion to an ever expanding big government. This refusal can be seen as a protest that could easily involve thousands of people in a city the size of Craig, Colo. Now there are not enough prisons to hold them all and issuing fines won’t make money suddenly appear. So where do these great offenders of society go, these “pigs”? That depends on our leaders. See now why words from people with authority matter? The current administration is unlikely to have mercy on these people based on their past language.
People of America, we need to denounce hate speech and any leaders who speak with the adversary’s tongue. These leaders seek to stir up division, envy and strife among Americans. We need to turn our backs on leaders who view our relatives and neighbors with disdain. President Abraham Lincoln said it best when he warned us, “A house divided cannot stand.” All humans are entitled to keep their humanity and are endowed by their creator to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. No one is a pig because they hold a different political view than you; we are all one nation under God, now is the time for us to unite for freedom’s sake.
Patrick Wayne Germond
Craig, Colo.

One Comment

  1. Beverly R DeVore-Wedding

    Re: Dog Leash Law
    Clarification: if your dog is not threatening other humans, wildlife or me, then I will not need to use means to restrain them.
    However, last week alone I say several dogs chasing deer into neighbors backyards & alleyways, had a few attempted nips at my backside, changed my walking/running routes (usually in the pre-dawn darkness) to avoid a small pack of snarling dogs and saw several little children riding their bikes being chased by dogs that were not kind. No owners in sight issuing any voice or noise commands to even attempt to control them.
    These are the dogs I speak of.

Come say hi!

@ht.1885
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
  • Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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