Letters - Tuesday

‘Puffer’ punishments

I guess the city council was correct; we just cannot spare any officers to help protect us from ourselves.

How about not taking the time to warn “puffers” and doing some meaningful police work? “Puffers” will be punished when the car is stolen and their insurance policy refuses to pay the maximum because of their carelessness.

Better yet, write the owner a ticket when the “puffer” files the police report. I see an income possibility here. Puffers, here is an idea: You know those dummies used to validate using the HOV lanes in Denver? They would make a great “Puffer Attendee.”

Joan Simoff, Colorado Springs

Bruceville on the horizon?

I’m extremely concerned about the future of Colorado Springs, thanks to the “Bruce Believers.” When the city begins to head down the sewer (if we have any), I will allow the bank to take my house, since it won’t sell because no one will be moving into Colorado Springs, and move away.

It would be too heartbreaking to watch what was once a wonderful place turn into the near-slum I expect, all because the city was inhabited by so many self-serving, greedy people. I’m retired, on a low, fixed income and willing to sacrifice by paying higher real estate taxes. I guess none of you has ever heard “you get what you pay for” or you would understand a city our size cannot operate on air.

I suggest the city be renamed Bruceville, and then you can elect him mayor. You all deserve one another.

Karen Holton, Colorado Springs

Just another call center

“It is exciting to have this property on the market. A couple of the biggest recruiting tools for the Colorado Springs area in the early 1990s were facilities like this.”

Did Michael Palmer (Grubb & Ellis) really say this? With a straight face? He also breathlessly predicted the Intel building would now house hundreds — if not thousands — of employees. Hello? Intel, the world’s largest manufacturer of micro-processors, already did employ more than 2,000 people at this facility; well–paid, educated professionals working in a vibrant industry, investing in Colorado Springs and boosting the local economy in a myriad of ways. Intel shut this plant down and quietly closed their doors with nary a whimper from the city’s “leadership,” the EDC or even The Gazette. Now developers are aquiver over the endless possibilities of more call centers, warehouse tenants, support operations, yada, yada, yada.

The men and women who are chartered with leading and managing Colorado Springs are always a motley crew of the same “usual suspects.” They have been blasé about the high–tech manufacturing industry steadily vanishing from this city — along with the thousands of high paying jobs. Yet, they ring their hands foolishly over issues like the Olympic Committee and thump their chests when a new call center comes to town or another Super Wal-Mart breaks ground. This pathetic lack of vision should concern every citizen of this city.

Nero, too, fiddled while Rome burned.

Kay Jones-Hutchins, Colorado Springs

Haggard hard to forgive

Oh Ple-e-e-eze! I am so tired of hearing about forgiveness and repentance regarding Haggard! That’s not the point. Of course we are to forgive him. However, he was the optimum hypocrite! While preaching morality to his church, he was behaving against everything he preached to others!

He should be forgiven — but should never lead a congregation again! Wasn’t part of his severance pay to leave Colorado? So he is deceitful again! He’s not following what he agreed to do! Why are people so simple-minded to believe him and follow him. There are many great churches that could use their support — let Haggard sell insurance or something else. He has no right to minister to others.

Sue Gorden, Colorado Springs

New Haggard ministry

I think it rather admirable that former members of Haggard’s congregational are supporting him with his new venture of the in-home church.

It’s fairly obvious that Ted really misses his former “importance” and would give anything to get that back. So, what’s wrong with that?

Well for a starter, my concerns revolve around the possible collection or generation of income that usually accompany any religious service by the potential New Haggard Ministry.

Please remember that it was the previous supporters of Haggard that provided the male prostitute services and the drugs.

Any monies given to Haggard by former and new supporters should be given back to the New Life Church. He should not receive a dime from anyone that attends his services.

That said, I think the New Haggard Ministry will be a welcome addition to the other flocks of evangelical fraternities in Colorado Springs.

It wouldn’t hurt if Haggard did also attend some evangelical academic training with an emphasis on ethics and hypocrisy.

Kim Polomka, Colorado Springs

Define ‘objective reporting’

There was a day in times long ago when “objective reporting” was a concept that did not require defining for journalists. No, objective reporting was an innate quality integral with how reporters approached reporting the news. And yet today, Sunday after Sunday, we are apparently supposed to be privileged to read David Ramsey’s venomous comments regarding the Air Force Falcons football team’s terrible personality trait of beating up on the little fella and failing to face up to big guy.

Would someone please explain to Mr. Ramsey that young men don’t come to the Air Force Academy to play football with the intention of moving on to the pros. No, they come to the Air Force Academy to graduate as commissioned officers and serve their country. Playing football and other NCAA collegiate sports is of course part of the cadets’ journey but not with a goal of moving on to the “pros” as do athletes at other colleges and universities.

Tell Ramsey to put a lid on his unnecessary venom.

Andrew Ceroni, USAFA Class of 1971, Colorado Springs