As delivered at the U.S. Senate on Oct. 4, 2018 Editor’s note: The Colorado Sun has also invited Sen. Cory Gardner to share his comments on Kavanaugh’s confirmation. Our vote on the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh has left this body and the American people deeply divided. But I think it has also united every American […]
Opinion Columns
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Carman: Colorado jurists worry about the future of the U.S. Supreme Court
In the past 50 years, ever since Jean Dubofsky has been a lawyer, Republicans have dominated the U.S. Supreme Court. Since 1969, Republican presidents have appointed 13 Supreme Court justices. Democrats have appointed four. But Dubofsky, who was the first woman named a justice of the Colorado Supreme Court in 1979 and famously led the […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Bad money vs. bad money — how a Denver ballot measure could be a blueprint for getting money out of politics
Driven by a bizarre confluence of Colorado and federal law, the money rushing into Colorado’s election has taken on a particularly unhealthy role this season. Coloradans are faced with a choice between the Anadarko-backed posterboy and a candidate that buys political offices like tech stocks. The state and country can do something to change this […]
Posted inEnvironment, Opinion, Opinion Columns
EPA regional chief Doug Benevento: Trust-but-verify technique proves Rocky Flats is ready for the public
Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge earlier this month opened to hundreds of visitors who came to enjoy the spectacular scenery, wildlife, and recreational opportunities the site offers. The transformation of this property is a marvel and an achievement to be celebrated. The refuge is located on lands that once surrounded the Rocky Flats industrial plant, […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Armstrong: Amendments Y and Z discriminate against members of Colorado’s minor parties
Gerrymandering undermines democratic institutions. Unfortunately, the Colorado ballot measures intended to fix the problem, Amendments Y and Z, however well-intentioned, are the wrong solution. The measures blatantly discriminate against members of minor parties — 58,219 active voters as of last count — by excluding them from participating in proposed redistricting commissions. Such discrimination is wrong, […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Nicolais: Another day, another active shooter
A few weeks ago, I woke up to a SWAT vehicle outside my hotel. In Montrose for a trial, my morning began with a police escort to the parking lot due to an active shooter in the Holiday Inn Express lobby. Gilbert Garcia attempted to check in during the early morning hours of Wednesday. When […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: “Beethoven, glocks, and insecurity”
The latest small erosion of the American way of life came recently through an unlikely channel: an email from the Colorado Symphony. It explained that the Symphony, along with other venues in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, is implementing TSA-like entrance procedures, including wands and bag checks. The email recommended arriving an hour […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Coping with a sudden death in the workplace
The loss of a loved one shatters our reality — even more so when it is unexpected, without warning. Not surprisingly, there are many resources devoted to helping folks cope with the loss of a loved family member, but what do you do when the loss is in the workplace? There are often uncomfortable yet […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Ryckman: Why I’m optimistic about local journalism in Colorado
These are exciting times for those who care about local journalism in Colorado. Sure, there has been a lot of concern about the cutbacks in legacy newsrooms and soul-searching about whether to continue giving money to hedge-fund owners who line their pockets while laying off journalists. But something else is happening in Colorado, and that […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Carman: “Code of silence” around Tailhook, Kavanaugh is keeping justice at bay
Let’s start with the facts. Walker Stapleton’s running mate, Lang Sias, had to have known what he was getting into when he flew his commanding officer to Las Vegas in a fighter jet to attend the Tailhook Symposium in 1991. Reports going back to at least 1985 had described the dubiously branded “symposium” as “a […]