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Some repercussions of 48 Dear Editors, Regarding Colorado’s proposed Amendment 48, here are a few thoughts. Experts estimate that between 40 percent and 80 percent of all fertilized eggs are flushed out of a woman’s system naturally, before implantation, and between 10 percent and 20 percent of all implanted eggs are also flushed out. Amendment 48 is attempting to declare a fertilized egg a person before the egg is implanted in the womb and a pregnancy is begun. This amendment allows for no exceptions, and the legal and health consequences are not being addressed. If it passes, women in the midst of a miscarriage will be afraid to seek medical help for they may be accused of trying to end their pregnancy. Women suffering an ectopic pregnancy may be denied treatment. Birth control pills will likely be declared illegal. In vitro fertilization could be banned. Women and girls who have been raped or have suffered incestuous attacks will have no access to emergency contraception and will be forced to undergo pregnancy and childbirth, no matter how young they are. How many of us would insist that our daughter or grand-daughter or niece or friend bear a child resulting from a rape? It is the woman or girl and her family who will endure the life-long emotional scars of that incident. Would we feel worthy of making that choice for her? Another painful reality is that rapists and abusers are being granted visitation rights all over the country. If a woman is forced by law to bear the child resulting from a rape, there will be women afraid to report that rape because by doing so, they will be identifying the father and will be endangering themselves and their families with the possibility of the rapist’s continuing involvement in their entire lives. There are women who would not choose emer gency contraception or birth control in any case. This is their choice. Let’s keep it that way. Vote No on Amendment 48 and let women and families make their own choices regarding birth control, family planning and emergency contraception. – Carol Elston, Bayfield4 A clear choice in candidates Dear Editors, With all the attention the national political scene commands, it’s easy to overlook what is going on locally. I believe that our immediate interests are first dealt with right here in La Plata County. Whether growth & sprawl, oil & gas development, roads & traffic, local economies, affordable housing, water rights and even the air we breathe, our daily quality of life is at stake. In light of this, the choice of county commissioners should not to be taken lightly. Fortunately for the local electorate, we have a clear choice in candidates. Peter Tregillus has been involved in countywide transportation issues, housing, job training, land use planning and community organizing. He is a superb grant writer having raised more than $16 million for La Plata County. He has the vision and foresight to be a responsible steward of the county. He understands difficult issues and is known for finding workable solutions to complex problems. His resumé of professional experience that he presents to us voters is unmatched, even by current commissioners. On a personal level, I have known Peter Tregillus for 20 years and have never ceased to be amazed at the depth of his compassion and dedication for the welfare of this community. Whether it’s to help fostering children (and pets), assisting elderly neighbors, or sharing the wealth of his garden, Peter is generous with his time and talents. I am proud to call him my friend. Peter Tregillus has the clarity and intelligence that the position demands and can balance the needs of competing interests for the best possible outcome. I urge everyone to “Vote for Pedro” for La Plata County Commissioner. – Lynne Schaefer, Durango A few questions for John Dear Editors, Some questions for John McCain following his visit to Durango: n Why did you oppose the Roadless Area Conservation Rule when so many of us here in Durango value our national forests, especially the Hermosa Creek Roadless Area? nWhy do you want more of the West Slope’s water to go to Arizona and California when our farmers, fish and wildlife rely on that water? nWhy are you running such a negative campaign, attacking Senator Obama’s character, instead of focusing on the economy? We’re ready for change in La Plata County. We’re ready for change in Colorado. We’re ready for change in America. We can’t afford four more years of Bush’s policies. It’s time to vote for Barack Obama. – Brian O’Donnell, Durango Sign up for a shift Dear Editors, I was pleased to see the number of Obama supporters out showing their passion for Barack Obama on Friday. If all these people are that passionate for Obama, then I am asking them to please head to the Democratic Headquarters and sign up for at least (one) 3 to 4-hour shift between now and Election Day. If you think that this election is a sure thing, you are wrong. Polls in mainstream media tend to be very unscientific and inaccurate. Please channel the same amazing, sparkling, positive energy we saw last Friday for the good that Obama represents and head down to 1021 Main Avenue to sign up for a shift. The volunteer hotline is 970-426-8071. – Brigid Korce, Durango Saying good-bye Dear Editors, As I heard the news of the death of my friend James, I was extremely shocked and saddened by the horrific accident that took place in Zion. Knowing James for almost eight years, he was one of a handful of individuals I have met and who influenced me since moving to Durango. We had a realistic relationship that continued to grow stronger over the years. We had conversations about a broad variety of topics, but most of them, of course, led back to somewhere he was excited to climb next. I loved how enthusiastic he would get when he talked about where he had been or where he was heading. I was actually jealous about how much traveling he was always doing and how much fun he was having. I took on a mortgage in Durango, and he took on anything that went vertical. He was living life to the fullest. One great aspect of James was his ability to openly communicate. He would listen closely to what was going on in my life and gave me advice that I will always carry with me. So much quality time was spent together. Whether it was dumping in La Plata Canyon, listening to and burning CDs, having him lead me on my first ever winter ascent of Engineer Mountain in a crazy blizzard (I am not a climber), after-work mountain bike rides, or munching some of my mother’s matzoh balls she made for everyone while James helped me rehab a broken tibia. My heart goes out to his family, girlfriend, Jamie, friends in Durango and the climbing community that knew James. I will always carry with me his incredible thirst for life and his positive energy. I never thought that this would be my way of saying good-bye to an unbelievable soul, but I know you are in a safe place now. You will be truly missed out here on the farm and in Durango. May you rest in peace, brother, and we will always love you!!!!! – Peace, Randy Nusinov, Krysten Cornwell and Haley the dog, via e-mail Tasteless and offensive Dear Editors, Your Retooned is very tasteless and offensive. I have never read your paper and now I am sure I never will. – Cindy Bernard, via e-mail Offensive cartooning Dear Editors, The two coffins draped with the flag were highly offensive to me, a longtime resident and proud mother of a Marine who grew up in Durango. Surely you can find less hurtful ways to express your opinions. – Ani Gannone, via email Take off the sheets To the Editors, Racism is alive and thriving in the 21st Century as this election certainly proves. Although the Republican leadership seems to have given up in favor of Barack Obama, the rank and file Republicans are filled with hate and ignorance having never bothered to learn the facts. While McCain/Palin are doing more for Obama’s campaign than Bill and Hillary have done, most Republican voters cannot get past Obama’’s skin color. Let me remind them that Obama is half white. Like many Americans in this huge melting pot, he has a diversified heritage. Obama’s white grandfather served in WWII. It is shocking and pathetic in this day and age to hear people say they won’t vote for Obama because of his skin color, never mind his abilities or qualifications. Rather than vote for the most qualified, ordinary Republicans are going to vote for the dead guy and the bimbo because they are white. How frigging ignorant. Surely, even the blind (not color blind) can see the mess eight years of Republicans have caused and know it’s time for a change. Barack Obama, whether he is white, black or green, can provide these changes. It is time to take off the sheets and come together for the good of the nation. – Doug Quinones, via e-mail
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