Soapbox

The Nov. 11, 2021 Durango Telegraph “La Vida Local” page ran the sad story of pin heads, bitter bastards and “schnorrers” raiding Telegraph circulation boxes to grab way more than the single copy they’re entitled to. Lookee, the regular Thursday distribution of the Telegraph is a community-wide event anticipated by all those truly in the know, and those bad SOBs are messing it up.

So how do we prevent further depredations to our community treasure?

I propose that those with the night video cameras used to locate wild game in the woods put those cameras near circulation boxes to track the pigs: Get pictures of the box raiders and then run their pictures in a few issues under the headline “Wanted Dead or Alive.” Then sit back and watch them SOBs react. No more box raids I’ll bet.

– Bob Rosenberg, Durango – Emily Jensen, Karinne Knutsen, Kelly Polites, Jessica Ramirez, Laurie Roberts, Lydia Wacasey and Pam Willhoite

Let’s talk mascots

We are the Los Pinos Anti-Racism Project, a group of citizens from the Pine River Valley working to end racism in all of its forms here in our communities. When we learned about the panel of Indigenous folks speaking in Durango on the issue of Indigenous mascots (scheduled for 12/2 at the Durango Arts Center), we were excited and looking forward to hearing these voices. What a gift.

We were, however, disappointed and angry to hear that after receiving an email from an owner of the Toh-Atin Gallery that vilified the speakers, the Durango Creative District and the Durango Arts Center chose to cancel the panel with very short notice and a series of weak excuses. Because this email was shared with the Durango City Council, it is public record and anyone who is interested may also read it.

We are deeply disappointed in the Durango Creative District and the Durango Arts Center for de-platforming these important speakers. It’s a tough subject, and one that deserves to be discussed openly. We look forward to hearing who will have the courage, capacity and willingness to actually host this event, and we will be there to take in the wisdom the panel speakers have to offer.

Question the election

I have some simple questions regarding election laws: Can someone explain how requiring a photo ID is voter suppression? In as much as the Constitution outlines the states’ responsibilities regarding elections, why do progressives want to blow up the filibuster rule so that they can pass H.R. 1? The fact that New York City is now allowing illegal immigrants to vote in city elections, other deep blue states like California and New Jersey won’t be far behind in allowing non-citizens to vote in critical elections.

– Dennis Pierce, Durango

Time to step down

Rep. Lauren Boebert voted against Build Back Better when her supporters would receive great rewards from the bill. If and when the bill passes the Senate, Boebert will say, “We got money for you and the town of Rifle and the surrounding area” and then ask for donations to her campaign. Folks, it’s all about her and you giving her money. Don’t do it! Check her past records on money handling. Not good, in my opinion. She has a nice police mug shot if you look it up, and I feel so sad that she wants money from the voters in Rifle and Colorado. Time to step down.