Carbondale Commentary The views and opinions expressed on the Commentary page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The Sopris Sun invites all members of the community to submit letters to the editor or guest columns. For more information, e-mail editor Lynn Burton at news@soprissun.com, or call 510-3003.
“Let’s act like humans:” – Buckminster Fuller The Standing Rock Sioux (along with many other tribes) are could all use the planet we live on together, but no one person or corcamped out on the plains of North Dakota right now, protesting an poration could own it. I know, I know. I sound like Gandhi, John Energy Transfer Partners (rhymes with Koch) pipeline that’s sched- Lennon, and Soc, all brought up a love child together. You gotta admit though, it would be cool if we all shared our planet’s resources. There uled to be completed this year and to go under the Missouri River. would still be rich and poor, sad and happy, workaholics Yep, you read that right — under the river. Just another and folks like me. There would still be a real estate marexample of mankind’s short-sighted greed taking preceket, but only to buy and sell the house, not the land. dence over logic and common sense. Obviously, the This is brilliant! We should test it out in Carbondale. pipeline threatens the tribe’s water source, their livelihood, We just have to shift our perspective (and retrain our but it also crosses ancient sacred burial grounds, and that’s Anglo-capitalistic dragons). why Earth Justice is now suing the U.S. Army Corps of Someone recently asked me if I felt entitled. My reply Engineers on behalf of the tribe for illegal permitting. was, “Entitled to what?” (My birthday was only a few So, I guess it’s a good thing I recently renewed my days away). But I started thinking about it and yes, I do driver license because I feel a 14-hour road trip coming feel entitled. I think every living thing is entitled to fresh on … And did you know you are no longer allowed to air and clean water, food and shelter, community and show your teeth in your driver license photo? I’m pretty love. There’s no viable reason why some beings should sure it’s because the facial recognition software doesn’t suffer because a company “bought up” the land where work as well when we’re smiling. And this way, the picBy Jeannie Perry they happen to live. It’s ludicrous when you take a menture is more likely to match a mug shot — if you have tal step back and see this planet for the giant-spinning-orb-hurtlingone in the system. Which I don’t. through-space-for-no-apparent-reason that it is. Yet. If we all started acting like we’re on a spaceship together, instead But who can say what will happen when I get to North Dakota and of separated by imaginary lines drawn on a man-made map, I think give those pipeliners a piece of my mind. Anyway, back to the subject. Big business is hijacking our basic it might bring about a path to world peace and understanding — two rights as human beings. Nothing is left untouched. Will it ever end? things we all claim to want. Just think, we could hang out in the galWill we ever be able to stop slapping the lecherous old-man’s hands ley together trading stories and snacks, and focus on brainstorming away from under the skirt of Nature? This quote by Winona LaDuke everyone’s standard of living up to a decent level. We could even take sums up the current situation perfectly: “Someone needs to explain to turns “driving the ship,” since it’s obvious by now that none of us are me why wanting clean drinking water makes you an activist, and why in charge of where this barge goes. In the meantime, I guess I’ll just drive 14 hours to help my fellow proposing to destroy water with chemical warfare doesn’t make a corhumans protect their right to live, love and watch the stars speed by poration a terrorist.” in the night sky. See sacredstonecamp.org. Sounding like Gandhi PS — And yes, I am fully aware of the fact that I will use gasoline Imagine if humans couldn’t own anything natural. No land, no water to get to North Dakota, but the way I see it, there are respectful ways rights, no rainforests. I mean, right away most lawyers would have to (and places) to move/extract oil and then there are irresponsible, pack it in and become travelling elixir salesmen. But think about it, we greedy ways.
OPINION
Honorary Publishers
Ps & Qs
Jim Calaway, Chair Kay Brunnier Bob Ferguson – Jaywalker Lodge Scott Gilbert: Habitat for Humanity - RFV Bob Young – Alpine Bank George Stranahan Peter Gilbert James Surls Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein
Letters
The Sopris Sun welcomes your letters, limited to no more than 400 words. Letters exceeding that length may be edited or returned for revisions. Include your name and residence (for publication) and a contact email and phone number. Submit letters via email to news@soprissun.com or via snail mail to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. The deadline to submit letters to the editor is noon on Monday.
No gutter politics Dear Editor: As former Carbondale elected officials with a combined tenure of 24 years of serving our town on the Board of Trustees, we recognize that polarizing issues and controversies arise, especially during campaign season. One candidate has taken it upon himself to make his feelings known. We would like to take this opportunity to address Ed Cortez’s recent letter to the editor in an upvalley daily. It goes without saying that Carbondale is a unique and treasured place that is filled with residents, workers and visitors who truly care about one another and the health, safety and welfare of the community. Recent reported assaults on two women have rightfully stirred conversation and calls to action regarding safety. We are confident that our leadership on the Board of Trustees will
Sincerest thanks to our
work with town staff to implement appropriate measures in response. Our elected leaders have great responsibility to represent the entire community, do their homework, listen to their constituents and make decisions, which are sometimes very difficult. We understand the tremendous pressure that is put upon our leaders to serve Carbondale, especially when something like a woman’s safety at night is at stake. Collaboration and teamwork are paramount in order for elected officials to effectively address such an important and urgent matter. As recent members of the Board of Trustees, we can’t emphasize enough how important it is for Trustees to respect and honor the differing opinions and styles of other board members and the community members who come before them. Opinions can differ, but it imperative that people respect each other. Personal attacks, vitriolic rhetoric and
consciously manipulating the truth to garner political favor are not only uncalled for in our local political arena, they are out of line and demonstrate a lack of leadership. Carbondale needs a mayor who will be the leader among leaders, one who will listen, collaborate and work for the greater good of the entire community, not one who spews negativity and isolated solutions in a letter to the editor. We understand how difficult it is for someone to step up, stick their neck out and run for office. We also know how difficult it is to do the job once elected. We respect the fact that people are interested in serving their community; we just ask that the candidates for mayor understand the responsibility of this important role and keep the campaign out of the gutter. Remember, whoever is elected will need to serve with sitting Trustees. Solutions to serious issues require input from LETTERS page 19
Correction An article in the Aug. 25 Sopris Sun incorrectly reported that Town Manager Jay Harrington did not set up an agenda item for the Aug. 24 Board of Trustees meeting about street safety and lighting, because he was out of the office due to illness. Harrington's remarks about the agenda, he informed The Sopris Sun, related to a different issue entirely, having to do with a request from Third Street Center Director Colin Laird to put an item on the agenda about town authorization for an Federal Mineral Lease District grant to pay for improvements to the Third Street Center's gymnasium space. The Sopris Sun regrets the error. 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • SEPTEMBER 1-7, 2016
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To inform, inspire and build community. Donations accepted online or by mail. For information call 510-3003 Editor: Lynn Burton • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Kathryn Camp • 970-379-7014 adsales@soprissun.com Reporter: John Colson Photographer: Jane Bachrach Graphic Designer: Terri Ritchie Delivery: Tom Sands CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS board@soprissun.com Barbara Dills, President Debbie Bruell, Secretary Colin Laird • Cliff Colia Diana Alcantara • Matt Adeletti • Olivia Pevec The Sopris Sun Board meets regularly on the third Monday evening of each month at the Third Street Center. Check the calendar for details and occasional date changes. Honorary Board Members Denise Barkhurst • Sue Gray David L. Johnson • Laura McCormick Jeannie Perry • Trina Ortega • Frank Zlogar Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell
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