Printed letters, Feb. 1, 2012

By Staff
Thursday, February 2, 2012

I have worked at 24 1/2 and Patterson roads for almost 20 years. This Mesa Mall community is the financial force that finances a large part of the city and county’s budgets. All this area expects in return is that the city, county and Grand Valley Transit not intentionally hurt the area.

Homeowners in particular should be able to rely on local government to protect them by not putting Greyhound and associated crime on their doorstep.

Police responded to 84 drug interventions and hundreds of other problems at the current bus station over three years. This element of crime should not be forced onto the Mesa Mall community.

How was a million dollars of tax money spent before you or I heard of this Greyhound plan? If tax dollars bailing out banks was controversial, how can we sit by and watch our local tax money become a bail-out fund to build Greyhound a new station in an inappropriate area? Greyhound does not distribute its profits to our community; Greyhound does not even donate money for drug rehabilitation efforts to counter balance drugs they transport into our community.

Over 500 people, and more each day, have signed a petition opposing Greyhound on 24 1/2 Road. We want to preserve our safe neighborhood.

As a community, we have a reason to support local transit. However, put Greyhound in a safe location on U.S. Highway 6 & 50. Just as homeowners have no right to move into a farming area and then complain about the farming activity, Greyhound has no right to move its incompatible use next to hundreds of homes and businesses.

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/293656087359364/. Also email City Council at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address): county commissioners at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address); city planning, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address): and Todd Hollenbeck, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Tell them if you oppose putting Greyhound next to hundreds of homes, which also puts jobs at risk by hurting local businesses.

Take a stand, you can and do make a difference. We need your help.

JOE COLEMAN

Grand Junction

Singing national anthem ought to be an honor

A recent “Nightline” segment highlighted — or, should I say low-lighted — the butchering of the national anthem by soloists at sporting events and other venues. While those of us who cannot carry a tune may indeed find it difficult, that is not the reason the singing of it has been grotesquely mangled by celebrities such as Steven Tyler and Roseanne Barr.

These show-boaters care only about promoting themselves. For them, the singing of the anthem is just another act, not an honor. While “God Bless America” or “America the Beautiful” may be more suitable (and easier to sing) as our national anthem, the “Star Spangled Banner” deserves respect.

Here’s a suggestion for those responsible for selecting soloists: Stop choosing these tinsel-town, antic-driven buffoons. Select a vocalist from the armed forces, or perhaps someone who isn’t (gasp!) a celebrity, but whose presentation places the focus on the anthem, not themselves, and in so doing, strikes a chord of gratitude in our hearts for the freedom we enjoy and the sacrifices past, present and future, to preserve that freedom.

BILL FORBES

Whitewater

Pro Bowl vocalist sangnational anthem correctly

While most of the participants in the annual Pro Bowl football game don’t necessarily give their utmost effort in this celebratory TV event, one person Sunday night did.

U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Richard Vasquez sang the National Anthem the way it should be sung — the way it was written and was intended to be. It was thrilling to hear such an exceptional performance.

So many so-called celebrities who tend do their own, strange vocal interpretations of this revered anthem should take notice of Sgt. Vasquez. He knows how to do it right.

DENNIS LOWERY

Grand Junction

 

Legislature did wrong thing on concealed-carry law

I think all Coloradans need to thank our Legislature for not allowing us to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Criminals, perverts and just plain crazies already do and they need protection from law-abiding citizens. We definitely need to have more consideration for the criminals.

For the law-abiding citizens to expect the Legislature to do something to help them to protect themselves and others is just strange. After all, law-abiding citizens can call 911 and then simply wait for the police officers to arrive to save them. If it takes too long and you end up wounded or dead, just remember that criminals have civil rights and they need protection, too.

So, if you are waiting for all the paperwork to clear so you can obtain your concealed-carry permit, remember you are a law-abiding citizen and you have no civil rights. I mean, we might stop a shooting and save some poor victim’s life.

My advice is to vote only for the candidates who will support the Second Amendment and not be so concerned with the rights of criminals.

LOVELL SASSER

Mack