Letters - Wednesday

CHRISTIAN BASHING
Let's not have a religion test for politicians

The beauty of America is the ability to believe in any religion, or no religion. The recent upsurge of anti-Christian views since Sarah Palin came on the scene is a continuation of some irrational thought in this country.

First, there is to be no religious test to be elected. Second, there is no national government religion and that is guaranteed by the Constitution. Third, Palin has not "imposed" her beliefs on Alaska where she has an amazingly high approval rate, much higher than our current president or congress. Fourth, she doesn't claim the pipeline or current war was God's will, only to pray we are doing God's will. Big difference, not a law, and not a political speech. Fifth, she is not running for president as being portrayed.

Sixth, a vice president does not pass laws, Congress does, currently under Democratic control. Seventh, Christians are not the ones terrorizing the world blowing up or beheading innocent people.

Can we get beyond irrational talk and fears and deal with real concerns facing the country?

Joan Jessop, Colorado Springs

GOVERNMENT SPENDING
Zubeck exposes the City Hall gravy train

Another interesting report from Pam Zubeck, this time on the gravy train at City Hall ("City payroll takes a hit to the tune of $2.6 million"). So, the Director of Internal Support Services position was paying $167,000. Yikes! But it was a key management position, right? Not key enough, I guess, since it was eliminated. And we should not be alarmed, as the occupant landed a lesser $122,000 position. What a relief.

Last May, my son graduated CSU with a degree in mechanical engineering. He had planned to become an automotive engineering professional, but now that entire industry is on the ropes. Instead, he finally landed a position at an energy services firm that pays $40K. That's one-third of $122K and one-fourth of $166K. So for one manager-salary the city could have three or four college graduates, who could actually do some work, thereby enhancing productivity. Think of the ramifications to city government if this example were to be applied across the board.

The city doesn't need a tax increase; the city needs to reduce spending like the rest of us.

Tom Savage, Colorado Springs

SAFETY TAX
Why support Initiative 1A sales tax increase?

It has been asked repeatedly lately, "why should I support the safer community initiative 1A?" - the 1 penny on a dollar proposed sales tax increase slated for the Nov. 4 elections.

As a resident, what do you expect from your government in order to protect you, your family, your property and your neighbors? What is that feeling of safety, that piece of mind worth to you?

I expect things like: 911 calls being answered the first time I call; criminals convicted of violent crimes staying in jail and not released early; jail deputies to not be regularly injured due to jail understaffing; school programs like DARE and school resource officers to not be cut.

Say what you will, it's a fact: county population is up 43 percent since 1990 and tax revenues are down. Something has got to give. You can choose to fund critically underfunded public safe needs. Or, you can choose to do nothing and have more services cut. This is an investment in our community. It's your choice. Vote yes on 1A.

David Vessey, Colorado Springs

GENDER AND RACE
Professor says Palin gets pass for being white

Despite several commentators' assertions to the contrary, Sarah Palin's candidacy has virtually nothing to do with valuing women's lives since she holds women and children in such low regard. In the case of Palin, we see a candidate who says that she believes in children's rights and yet is carrying her infant around as if the child were some kind of trophy. Disability rights activists are, understandably furious to see the way the infant is being used as some kind of poster child even as Palin has no history of supporting social services, education and quality of life resources for people with disabilities. The media frenzy that is flittered around Palin has also failed to address the many ways that her white privilege has made her candidacy possible. Only someone white could get away with having such shockingly thin credentials when it comes to the economy and world policy. It is both cynical and frightening that the Republican Party is using her gender as an excuse to promote a person who is so poorly prepared for the job. It is another case of white affirmative action with a gender twist. It has been a long time since I have seen so many women in my life so upset (perhaps not since the Anita Hill hearings when Hill's veracity, character and honesty were all miserably disrespected).

While Anita Hill had all of the credentials and job experience she should have needed to be taken seriously, Palin has virtually none. The racial discrepancies in how the two were treated are palpable.

Sarah Palin's nomination is certainly not a step forward for women. It is not even a step back. It is a step down into low-level thinking and sarcastic posturing. It is an insult to the principled life that Senator Clinton has lived on behalf of women and children. The public is already seeing through the post-nomination frenzy and is now recognizing that biology is not destiny. Principles are not genetically determined. Life affirming principles come from social movements and working for justice. We are moving way beyond silly talk about lipstick and square eyeglasses. This election must be taken beyond the confines of white snow and retro politics.

Becky Thompson, Professor of Women's and Ethnic Studies, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs

UCCS ENROLLMENT
My campus grows faster than your campus

I read your UCCS enrollment story ("UCCS enrollment sets record," Sept. 18,) with considerable interest this morning - especially the assertion that UCCS is still the "fastest-growing University in Colorado." However, I would like to point out that there is another University in southern Colorado, and that university grew at even more impressive rate.

Before I cite data, I would like to qualify my remarks. My intent is not to disparage the efforts of Randall Langston or any of the committed staff and faculty of UCCS. A 14 percent increase in freshman enrollment and a 4 percent increase in overall enrollment are laudatory achievements and deserve their due credit. Managing enrollment is a difficult profession, and gains like those achieved by UCCS are difficult to come by and require much hard work by all involved. However, completely ignored are the achievements of the closest public university to UCCS outside of Colorado Springs.

Colorado State University-Pueblo increased freshmen enrollment 65 percent over last year. Overall enrollment increased by nearly 12 percent. Other data are just as significant.

For example, the areas we grew the most compared to last year were Colorado Springs, Denver Metro, California, and Texas. Nearly every state is represented in our new freshman class and over two dozen countries. Increases were noted in every ethnic group.

The obvious question to ask is why we grew at such a fast pace. The answer to that question is multi-faceted, but can be broken down into three major reasons. First, the expansion of our athletic programs - especially the addition of football - had a significant impact. Approximately one-third of our new growth may be attributed to it. A second factor is the increased visibility of the University because of the efforts of President Joseph Garcia and his leadership team. The campus is a beehive of activity, with new residence halls being constructed and the recent opening of a new recreation center, football stadium, and other projects as well. Finally, the University established a much more aggressive student recruitment posture this past year, which resulted in growth exactly where those efforts were targeted. Clearly, Colorado State University - Pueblo is the fastest growing University in Colorado, and we intend to maintain that position.

Joseph Marshall, Assistant Vice President Enrollment Management, Colorado State University - Pueblo