LETTERS: Collection predators; Medical marijuana's toll; and more

Legal system’s predators

I am amazed at the power that our legal system gives to predators called “collection agencies” and their lawyers. My husband was recently served a court date for a supposed creditor he had never heard of. Research we did, which is difficult because they do not give any information, show it may be a company who bought another company’s debts about 7 years ago. My husband had no unsecured credit at this time, due to recently going through a divorce and having his ex abuse his credit and use his information.

So, they are not required to ever contact him in seven years, when he could require proof of what this debt was and easily dispute it? He’s never been unreachable at any time. But lawyers have found an easy cash cow, and they get away with it. It cost $92 to file an answer with the court, just to state this was not his debt. As well as time off to go to the court, mail certified copies to the lawyer, and eventually a court date? No wonder many don’t file an answer, allowing a default judgment with no proof of a real debt and easy money for the lawyer that they tack on to these false claims.

Having been to the Colorado Springs court two plus years ago, on a false claim, I know beyond any question the judge disrespected me and said exactly what the lawyer said he would. I had $1,900 stolen from my bank account, and only recovered after five months of work with advocates that most people do not have the time or tenacity to pursue. I attempted to file a complaint against the judge, the “system”, and found there was nothing in place to protect us, the courts are for the judges, lawyers, and their “associates” to make large salaries on the backs of mostly honest, middle class people with no money to fight back. This is not the America or the Colorado I try to respect.

Jane Kuehn

Colorado Springs

Decreasing energy production

Considering the rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline, limiting gas production/exploration, reductions in coal production, reductions in nuclear power, and failed government backed wind/solar production, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee had the following news release:

Press Secretary Jay Carney attempted to defend the Obama administration’s dismal energy record when asked about the President’s Jobs Council report that recommends increased energy production on federal lands as a way to create new American jobs:

“The fact of the matter is, on oil and gas production, we have higher oil production in this country in 2010 than we’ve had since 2003. This President is committed to an all-of-the-above approach in our energy development, which means increasing production here at home, a focus on natural gas and its importance for our energy future, as well as investments in clean energy.”

Despite Carney’s rhetoric, the facts show that the Obama administration’s actions are actually causing a decrease in American energy production:

• Oil and natural gas production on federal lands is down by over 40 percent compared to ten years ago.

• Under the Obama administration, 2010 had the lowest number of onshore leases issued since 1984.

• The administration held only one offshore lease sale in 2011. Conducted on December 14th, the administration narrowly avoided making 2011 the first year since 1953 without an offshore lease sale.

If President Obama is truly committed to an “all-of-the-above” energy approach:

• Why is he proposing an offshore drilling plan that keeps the majority of our offshore energy resources under lock-and-key?

• Why did his administration just impose a 20-year ban on uranium mining on one million acres of federal land in Arizona?

• Why did he reject the Keystone XL Pipeline?

Bill Jones

Colorado Springs

Thankful for all the support

I was involved in a major auto accident last week, and I would like to thank all of the first responders on the scene for their professionalism, rapid response, and helpful, supportive attitudes.

Special thanks to Trooper Comer of the Colorado State Patrol, the EMTs, and to the gentleman in the pickup who stopped to give support immediately after the crash, waiting with me until help arrived. Without fail, everyone offered up a positive supportive attitude which helped enormously in getting through a difficult time. I am thankful to reside in a city where this kind of help can be counted upon.

Sarah Bassett

Elbert

Please, get a clue!

The year that medical marijuana dispensaries were approved by the voters of Çolorado, drug-related school suspensions and expulsions rose by 40 percent. Despite numerous school and community sponsored drug education programs, drug use by adolescents of all ages has sharply increased with this law. 

I am personally aware of the horrendous side effects of chemotherapy and other medical procedures. However, the THC medicinal benefits of marijuana are readily available in alternative medications, and are found and regulated at the local drugstore.

Teachers, school officials, and law enforcement agencies are now struggling to deal with the increasingly negative fallout. We are crippling our youth, compromising our schools, numbing our society and handcuffing our cops with this reckless legislation.

Now, of course, the push for legalizing marijuana is on. For those of you that voted for legalizing medicinal marijuana dispensaries and/or are considering voting for legalizing marijuana… please, get a clue!

Ron Johnston

Colorado Springs

‘If I were running things’

Regarding the brave Marines who pissed on the terrorist’s corpse.  Since the terrorists and radical Muslims have absolutely no respect for human life, this incident doesn’t bother me one iota!  What pisses me off is where was the outrage by the lefties and do-gooders when our people were being beheaded or dragged through the streets of Mogadisha? Or worse yet when our men were being treated like animals by the North Vietnamese? 

And lets remember one thing, Osama bin Laden, the man behind the ruthless killing of thousands of Americans and others received more respect at his burial at sea than any of our people.

If I were running things, I would promote each of those Marines one grade and buy them a steak dinner.

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired

Colorado Springs