Re: “Make public broadcasting great again by shaking it up,” May 18 commentary<\/p>\n
I agree with Adam Clayton Powell III, quoted by Llewellyn King, that \u201csome of the old rigor about [PBS and NPR] being even-handed may have \u2018fallen away,\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Full disclosure: I raised my kids on Mr. Rogers, am a nightly watcher of “NewsHour,” and love British drama. My Friday nights are devoted to PBS; the car radio tunes in NPR.<\/p>\n
However, I am also a Democrat for Life — a position I see as seeking middle ground in the abortion tug-of-wars. While I\u2019d love to see NewsHour present a more centrist position, they continue in their all-or-nothing pro-abortion stance. Lately, this includes digs at Catholic hospitals.<\/p>\n
That said, I can\u2019t help but also notice their increasing concern to zero in on humiliating aspects of the Catholic Church. While the “CBS Evening News” with John Dickerson showed actual enthusiasm for the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the NewsHour Team was quick to direct interview questions to priestly sexual abuse — serious, yes, but hardly appropriate to bring out at a time of celebration.<\/p>\n
There is guilt and innocence on both sides among the many groups making up our population, and so, no need to demonize some at the expense of others.<\/p>\n
While King makes a good point suggesting more original creative material from public broadcasting, our present material could be made fairer and more attractive by presenting a greater range of our population in a more sympathetic light, thus drawing back previously alienated viewers, whose support could enable new programming.<\/p>\n
Frances Rossi, Denver<\/em><\/p>\n Surely, I will not be the only person writing about Mr. King\u2019s commentary on PBS needing to be shaken by its lapels.<\/p>\n Yes, most of the wonderful scripted dramas come from the BBC or ITV. However, what about \u201cNewsHour,\u201d \u201cFrontline,\u201d and \u201cNature?\u201d Plus, PBS airs \u201cNOVA,\u201d \u201cAntiques Roadshow,\u201d all of Ken Burns\u2019 specials, \u201cFinding Your Roots,\u201d and \u201cThe American Experience.\u201d The list goes on.<\/p>\n I would rest my case, except all organizations can get better. So a little lapel shaking can\u2019t hurt, but to compete with the big guys like Prime and Netflix to produce wonderful scripted dramas is probably asking for more shaking than PBS could tolerate. Sometimes, it is best to stay in one\u2019s own lane, especially when it is done so well.<\/p>\n Judith Pettibone, Denver\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Congress is debating the budget bill, and some Congress members are unhappy with the bill. It is tax cuts and increased spending. Negotiations seem to be adding more to the debt — a Republican bill that is adding to the debt, and Moody’s has already downgraded our standing.<\/p>\n Does anyone remember when Republicans would always try to pass a balanced budget amendment? It appears we no longer can call a Republican conservative; they are now the big spenders.<\/p>\n Written by an R. who still likes to balance a budget.<\/p>\n Norma Anderson, Lakewood<\/em><\/p>\n Editor’s note: Anderson is a former state senator.<\/em><\/p>\n Re: “Blame sanctuary policies or immigration policies?<\/a>” May 18 letter to the editor<\/p>\n Ross Kaminsky misses the whole reason for sanctuary cities. In our government, there has been little to rectify our lack of clear laws by either of the parties over the years. Immigration comes up when they want to use it as a football to blame each other while real humans seek a better life.<\/p>\n The reason for sanctuary cities is protection! Protection from the games, lies, and harassment while they go through the inefficient process we use as a path to citizenship. Some take more than 10 years. We all know this country depends on immigrant labor. It’s not a political punchline; it’s reality. The fact that President Donald Trump’s main argument against sanctuary cities is that we are harboring criminals doesn’t bear out in real numbers. Fear sells. Masked ICE agents kidnap people off the streets without transparency, due process, or proof that they need to be deported.<\/p>\n Strong-arming innocent people isn’t a strong American value. After the first four years of his administration, Trump used the tried and true repetition method of convincing his followers using blatant distortions, racism and outright lies. Trump cannot point to crime stats; in fact, they would prove the opposite to his immigrant-crime claims.<\/p>\n Both Kaminsky and Trump lack credible crime statistics that prove all the drama and torture people are going through. I’ve seen Trump sidestep that, and his believers will post their gullible opinions again, without proof. Come on, if you have good evidence\u00a0of criminality, post the proof!<\/p>\n Sue Cole, Centennial<\/em><\/p>\n Re: “Soccer stadium, Park Hill open space move forward<\/a>,” May 13 news story<\/p>\n Denver Mayor Mike Johnston\u2019s announcements about a women\u2019s soccer stadium and the Park Hill Golf Course acquisition are exciting developments. But while the city celebrates these high-profile and high-priced projects — with Park Hill alone projected to cost up to $300 million \u2014 it continues to neglect long-standing commitments to other neighborhoods.<\/p>\n At a time of tightening budgets, Denver will be asking voters to approve another general obligation bond, even as projects from the 2017 and 2021 bonds remain incomplete. Communities like the parkless University Hills North have waited for years for a simple 1.9-a<\/a>cre<\/a> park<\/a>. These residents, who lack a political spotlight, have been consistently overlooked.<\/p>\n Equally troubling is the disrepair of the historic Wellshire Golf Course clubhouse. With its 100th anniversary approaching in 2026, it deserves restoration, not neglect. These are not optional improvements; they are long overdue and must be honored.<\/p>\n City leadership cannot continue to shift focus to flashy new developments while sidelining past commitments. Denver\u2019s strength lies in all its communities, not just the ones with media buzz or political capital.<\/p>\n I urge the mayor and City Council to prioritize equity, accountability, and follow-through. Deliver on what\u2019s been promised. Reinforce public trust. Finish what\u2019s already been started before launching the next big thing.<\/p>\n Kendra Black, Denver<\/em><\/p>\n Editor’s note: Black is a former Denver City Council Member for District 4.<\/em><\/p>\n Re: “Polis’ vetoes hit and miss in a session marked by compromise<\/a>,” May 18 editorial<\/p>\n In vetoing newly passed union-friendly legislation, Jared Polis’ fat-cat libertarian roots are showing. Upon leaving state government, his ambitions for political life are national, most likely a 2026 run for Michael Bennett’s Senate seat as Bennett seeks to be the next governor, or perhaps a bid for the Democratic nomination for president in 2028. Colorado Democrats need to view his credentials for either closely.<\/p>\n Robet Porath, Boulder<\/em><\/p>\nRemembering the good ol’ GOP days<\/h4>\n
Don’t saddle immigrants with ‘blatant distortions’<\/h4>\n
Denver needs to finish what it has started<\/h4>\n
Review Polis’ credentials as he focuses on his next run<\/h4>\n
Cheers to protecting and restoring our forests<\/h4>\n