Jim Dimmick: November election: Our future is at stake

We frequently remember where we were when we hear of a world changing event – like John F. Kennedy’s assassination or 9/11. I vividly remember being in the Boulder Theater on Nov. 8, 2016, for the Boulder County Democrats’ expected celebration, until we heard that Donald Trump was the projected winner of the presidential race.

I shared the depressed mood that followed. I was deeply concerned about a climate change denier in the White House and the impact it would have on humanity’s ability to stop the escalating climate crisis. I didn’t know at the time that our democracy of the people would be endangered by an authoritarian.

I had some remorse that I had not done more to support the Democrats in 2016. I had been very politically active in 2012. But in 2016, I had trusted the polls too much.

In 2020, I’m all in. With the future of our democracy and the future of climate change action on the ballot, I feel a strong need to do everything I can to get Joe Biden elected and to flip the U.S. Senate to the Democrats. Fortunately, I have a found a wonderful support network of friends in Indivisible North Boulder.

Working together, we are active in get-out-the-vote texting and postcards in key battleground states, lots of generous donations directly to key Democratic candidates, making yard signs, and speaking out. I don’t care what the polls are projecting, I’m all in through the election.

In this crucial election, voting is the bare minimum. For the sake of your children, your grandchildren, and all future generations, please do whatever you can to help get Democrats elected.

Jim Dimmick

Boulder

Bill Van Howe: Pac-12 sports: Keep it in perspective

A recent article by Pat Rooney on the Daily Camera sports page included the following, characteristically lengthy statement: “In a sequence of events that can only be described as 2020, if any Pac-12 team that makes enough noise to be considered among the nation’s elite, that team might have to secretly cheer for the coronavirus to further scuttle games among the contenders in the other Power Five leagues in order to gain ground and bolster the credibility of a seven game schedule.”

Can Rooney be serious? How can he, in good conscience, wish for COVID-19 to infect athletes, endangering their lives, for the sake of Pac-12 football rankings?

It seems Rooney needs to develop a higher standard of perspective and maturity. He appears ready to sacrifice student health for the sake of conference credibility. His editor needs to remind him football, like other sports, is just a game.

There are more important things, such as a person’s health and well being. Besides, wishing evil upon a competitor for the purpose of self enhancement shows a severe lack of integrity and a blatant disregard for sportsmanship and fair play.

Bill Van Howe

Lafayette

Sharon Kocina: Supreme Court vacancy: Selection process is flawed

It makes me angry and sad to see how our federal government has (d)evolved.

With Her Honor Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s recent death and the opening of a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court, filling the seat has become a dishonorable process. It used to be that the president nominated a judge to fill the seat, and the nominee was vetted through the Senate hearings.

A decision was not made ahead of time as to whether or not a senator would vote “yea” or “nay.” Senators would listen and then vote. The process now is severely lacking. It is an abomination of what our U.S. Constitution requires.

It has become only a political process. Potential nominees are announced, and we find out way ahead of any hearings as to the vote of the Senate.

I am disgusted and disheartened. My feelings have nothing to do with my political affiliation. I am a process person. As long as a good process is followed, I can accept the result – whether or not I agree with the results. The process is being trampled.

If I allowed it to, I would feel disempowered by the situation. I am choosing to take action. I encourage all who feel similarly to take action also. Write your senators, write letters to your local newspapers, vote!

Sharon Kocina

Boulder

Jack Deeter: Trump’s taxes: Maybe taxes aren’t inevitable

How can it be that The Donald paid only $750 in federal income tax in each of two recent years? Can it be he’s a really poor businessman? How about he cheats on his taxes?

How about the Internal Revenue Service is way underfunded? I call it The Trump Trifecta!

Jack Deeter

Boulder

Brent Bickel: Health department crackdown: Remember this when casting ballots

To the young men and women who had your rights stripped away by Boulder County Public Health last Thursday: Don’t just sit there. Unite and send a message to your Democratic city, county, and state officials by voting to re-elect President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner!

Brent Bickel

Broomfield