Sunday, May 26, 2013
Comment Archives: stories: Columns: Your Turn
Re: “Smoking: Whose choice is it?”
Well said Delqio. I do not know how Ethan can honestly say that, "the state should not be allowed to interfere with our free will, particularly as it pertains to the personal choice to smoke." WAKE UP ETHAN!!!! Your choice to smoke affects everyone around you that is breathing the smoke in. Non smokers should have the right to breathe in clean air, just like you have the right to smoke. I should also have the right to walk outside naked if I choose to, but guess what? I have enough respect for other people to not do this. You should have the respect for other people not to blow smoke in there face. If you want to smoke then do so but do it in your own home and pollute yourself.
Posted by
atrocioustulip
on 08/08/2009 at 1:22 PM
Re: “Military gays: now or when?”
Keep trying these social experiments in the military as well as the rest of the country and watch our country self destruct. It's about securing our nation, not supporting a "life style".
Posted by
USMC Sergeant Major
on 07/23/2009 at 6:55 AM
Re: “Military gays: now or when?”
if DADT is repealed, that's super. A society needs to evolve in order to persevere, and just maybe the next period in our society will be based on the G-B-L civil rights movement. The whole idea of the military is to take groups of diverse individuals and make them the same. We’re all shit when we start, so we try really hard so one day we might become officers who take shit from officers that out-rank us. (doesn’t matter if you’re black, white, brown, male or female) i don't see how your sexuality might affect combat readiness or your performance at any job. And if someone tries to play some bull shit about the discomfort of sharing close quarters with a gay or lesbian, fuck them up the ass with a razor laced dildo. Trying to play off the G-L-B community as a bunch of rabid, horny animals just makes you look like a stereotype following fool. Statistically, the heterosexual population of Philadelphia, PA has committed more acts of sexual violence than the entire homosexual population of the U.S. So while we’re shedding baseless stereotypes, how about we drop all the crap about flamboyant gay men and masculine lesbians? It’s not like a gay man is going to go through the arduous physical and mental conditioning of basic training, just to turn around as soon as they graduate and try to restyle the uniform or Feng Shui the barracks. And you should be happy a lesbian has some extra testosterone, especially what it comes to manual labor or pulling your ass out of a burning convoy. So you can just shove all that Bruno-QueerEye-Hollywood bull shit right up your ass. I won’t deny that stereotypes exist because they are based on partial truths regarding certain individuals, but what pisses me off is when dumb motherfuckers think those few observations apply to an entire population. To say that gays are immoral just makes you look like an opinionated prick. Anyone who has read the Bible knows that they've done enough bad shit to go to hell, so let’s consider some evaluation of your own life before you try to label others.
To fix the issue of sexual discomfort or fear of assault: all we need to do to keep people in check is increase the severity of punishment for sexual assault. if any act of sexual assault is done to a person, those guilty should be shot in the fucking crotch with a 12 gage shot gun in a public square. As extreme as that might sound, i bet you $5, it'll keep the thought from even crossing your mind. As for cases of verbal or emotional harassment, well what can you do? There’s always some backlash felt when a new civil rights policy is put into effect. I fully recognize the anguish a person can feel because of the narrow mindedness of people that disagree with their lifestyle. But if the need to challenge the system becomes apparent, then people should have to fight. Nothing as large scale as integrating new civil rights should be easy to attain. But fighting for it makes it worth preserving. It’s not going to get better over night.
Posted by
little_dirty_birdie_feet
on 07/22/2009 at 11:41 AM
Re: “Military gays: now or when?”
I firmly believe that DADT doesn't need to be repealed. Just forget about it. The gays are an immoral 'minority'.
Posted by
SC Guy
on 07/06/2009 at 7:17 AM
Re: “Military gays: now or when?”
Thank you and well said! Perhaps through events like you mentioned, articles, and one day having strong government leaders on this subject, gays in the military will be a non issue.
Posted by
Koffee Kompanions
on 07/05/2009 at 11:47 PM
Re: “Your Turn: Let's be like Denver”
Gee. Give the kid a break. I'm encouraged that UCCS has such bright, thoughtful students, and so should all of you. It reflects well on the beautiful city of Colorado Springs. (Note: I live in the Denver area). He's right on a lot of levels, and a bit idealistic on others. But to call him names and use caveman-like dismissals because you disagree is, well, silly. I like him. He thinks outside the box. He should be very successful in life.
Posted by
Madre2
on 06/25/2009 at 9:03 AM
Re: “Your Turn: Let's be like Denver”
I suggest that people re-read this article . The author may only be 22 but he gets it. Denver is a very good model of smart urban growth and planning.
Colorado Springs on the other hand is a poster child of bad development practices and poor planning. The eastside sprawl is a tragedy. Our transportation system is a joke . East/West Corridors are insufficient for traffic, Powers is still not complete, Public transit has been cut back, the citizenry refuses to chip in and pay for improvements, affordable Downtown residential projects are rejected by neighborhood associations, parks and other public amenities are suffering and Doug Bruce is regarded as a hero .
It's time to wake up , we're on the Titanic and the band is still playing a waltz instead of reveille.
Posted by
actionjackson
on 06/24/2009 at 8:58 AM
Re: “Smoking: Whose choice is it?”
Well Ethan, look on the bright side; you caused a rocking little pandemonium here. i think Jimmy Urine said it best when he said “…That's what I call entertainment. Causin' problems makes you famous, All the violence makes a statement.” (and I for one thought it was a engaging debate-if not a little torrid but I can’t help it, I’m a scrapper) so f*** those haters. I hope to see another piece from you in the future.
Posted by
little_dirty_birdie_feet
on 06/11/2009 at 4:59 PM
Re: “Your Turn: Let's be like Denver”
Drew i almost entirely agree with your argument here. Expansion and development are a necessity for an economy to be successful. However, i do worry that the renting costs of condos (specifically) will cause a back draft of subsidized housing units and low rent apartment complexes to shoot up all over. A tremendous number of people cannot afford to write a $1700 monthly rent check. With the increase in low income housing, so follows an increase in low income households-and not just people down on their luck. I’m talking about drug dealers, illegals and burdens of the state living off unemployment and bogus disability and social security checks while pumping out 3 or 4 kids. I think this is one of bigger reasons people worry about Colorado Springs becoming too much like Denver. (aside from the loss of natural beauty and clean smelling air) I think that with the expansion of high class, there is a substantial expansion in the lower class. if lots of nice houses go up in your neighborhood; property values and renters rates increase. then the people who can't afford their payments anymore move into cheaper and cheaper neighborhoods. (and by cheaper I do mean tatty and squalid with a meth lab down the hall and 17 illegals in the one bedroom unit next door) Your argument is good in theory, but my big concern is with the lack of planning that you pointed out, will the city planners have the foresight to anticipate how many people will be flushed out of decent homes into crappy ones?
(keep ‘em coming Drew, this is one of the better articles I’ve read in a while)
Posted by
little_dirty_birdie_feet
on 06/09/2009 at 2:48 PM
Re: “Smoking: Whose choice is it?”
::::EDIT::::::::
I apologize for my terrible grammer and spelling on that last one, I am tired, here it is properly written.
::::::::::::::::::::::
Courtney, my comment was not aimed to attack or offend you. I was simply trying to make a point-- just because you’re a medical student doesn't mean you’re the only one well educated on the issue. Am I the only one here who knows about human nature, behavior, and thought processes as I am a psychology major? It's not likely. Just be aware you’re not the only individual who might know the risks. Please don't be offended or take it personally, I would like to assure you I meant nothing personal by it. If we weren’t all fairly educated we wouldn’t bother with this debate. I do respect your choice to pursue a career in the medical field, my studies of neuroscience have given me a great appreciation of the human body.
Barbie, it is quite odd and highly unfortunate you have such an allergy. I personally do not think I should be able to smoke openly in public restaurants and such. I do realize that there are people like you out there and others who also are severely affected by smoke. Believe it or not I do have the courtesy not to force the ill effects of my habit upon those who are against it. Hell, to be honest even as a smoker I absolutely despise the smell and presence of smoke while eating.
My grandpa (who also died from lung cancer due to his chain-smoking, so yeas I feel that pain too) used to smoke while he was eating. I used to hate sitting at the dinner table with him, as while I was trying to enjoy a home cooked meal he would smoke. I commonly lost my appetite. I do entirely understand and agree with your points. You are simply not looking at what I was really trying to say.
You are also misinformed. The masses have not decided on smoking regulation. In the last presidential election, only 18% (roughly) of citizens registered to vote actually chose to vote. If only 18% of voters chose to vote for something as significant as our president, imagine the percentage who voted for smoking. There is also a large group of American citizens who never registered to vote. So no, the majority didn't decide, which brings me to the true premise of my article.
Once again I am forced to state that my piece was not really about smoking. I simply used smoking as a premise to convey my point that Americans are losing their voice and by choice nonetheless. I am sorry if I chose a touchy topic to express my point, but oh well.
Although America is a republic, we do still operate as a democratic state. Fundamentally, democracy requires that people voice their opinions to their legislatures. It is absurd to elect a politician into office without letting them know our opinions. We elect representatives for a self explanatory purpose- to represent us. Oddly enough we elect officials and largely fail to let them know what we want to be represented on.
My whole premise has little to do with smoking, I honestly don’t mind smoking outside or away from the public. I wrote this paper after sitting at the smoking box on my campus, and was constantly listening to people complaining about us having to be separated. Many of those individuals chose to complain about it, but never choose to voice how they feel. So I did it for them in an attempt to make it known that we as a nation need to voice our opinions if we really want a greater society. Whether it is smoking or zoning legislation does not matter. If we want a more productive and equally represented state, then it is on us to stand up.
We have been blessed as Americans to live in a country where we have the privilege to voice our thoughts. What bugs me is people take that right for granted. Instead of playing our necessary proactive role, many people just vote for someone and hope they do well. Apparently, the majority doesn't even vote. Then, when said politician makes a faux pa people generally get angry and blame the politician. How is that politician suppose to know what is best, when the general public won't let him/her know what that politician is representing?
Lets quit beating this dead horse on smoking. It was a facade for a bigger message that apparently most people didn't quite see. I am done with the subject of smoking. That wasn't at all my intention. I’m no longer going to reply to anything on here, and I suggest you do the same. Instead of mindlessly arguing on an internet blog, we should all be out there working for a better society. I wish the Independent techies who run this site would close this to discussion.
On another note, I don't know why people read a liberal paper if they are going to get offended. This is what makes liberals to be liberals. We are free-thinking individuals who speak our mind regardless of the norm. The problem is society is taking things to personally. People have decided to become somewhat too sensitive- or in the words of the Governator "girly-men". Deal with it. If you want to be a liberal, don't be so offended. People like me speaking my mind is what makes being a liberal great. We do this. I am getting tired of being considered a "bleeding heart" because others are oversensitive. No, don’t take it personally I am not trying to offend anyone. I am simply trying to say we need to look at the bigger picture.
Retrospect is a very important entity, much beyond the indolent bickering that has occurred in this blog. Many people don't look at the bigger picture, only how they are affected with their own biases. I am Jungian, and therefore look at the world much differently. I don't expect anyone to see it the same way, nor would I want them to.
To me what I love about about this country is the fact we all can get on the computer and freely reply to someone's opinion with our own. We are a country made up of many different views, backgrounds, and thoughts. I love the fact none of us agree, if we did all agree I would move somewhere else. Society would not fruitfully succeed if we all thought alike.
No I don't agree with Groundhog, Courtney, or Barbie. I do however admire the beauty of individuality. My point is we are all individuals, and therefore should express our individual ideas. Sitting around letting a few elected individuals do as they please is completely redundant to the foundation of this country. If this pattern continues, say hello to an oligarchy or perhaps the dreaded socialist state.
This nation is composed of many individuals. I hope to god that never changes. It will change though if we don’t exercise our rights as individuals. That is my point; I by no means am trying to smoke inside again. I just want to keep the beauty of this country alive.
All of those who disagree, right on. That’s your right, embrace it.
Posted by
IamWhatIam
on 06/08/2009 at 11:07 PM
Re: “Smoking: Whose choice is it?”
Courtney, my comment was not aimed to attack or offend you. I was simply trying to make a point-- just because your a medical student doesn't mean your the only one well educated on the issue. Am Ithe only one here who knows about human nature, behavior, and thought processes as I am a psychology major? It's not likely. Just be aware your not the only individual who might know the risks. Please don't be offended or take it personally, I would luike to assure you I meant nothing personal by it.
Barbie, it is quite odd and highly unfortunate you have such an allergy. I personally do not think I should be able to smoke openly in public resturaunts and such. I do realize that there are people like you out there, and others who also are severely effected by smoke. Believe it or not I do have the courtesy not to force the ill effects of my habit upon those who are against it. Hell, to be honest even as a smoker I absolutely despise the smell and presence of smoke while eating.
My grandpa (who also died from lung cancer due to his chain-smoking, so yeas I feel that pain too) used to smoke while he was eating. I used to hate sitting at the dinner table with him, as while I was trying to enjoy a home cooked meal he would smoke. I commonly lost my appetite. I do entirely understand and agree with your points. You are simply not looking at what i was really trying to say.
You are also misinformed. The masses have not decided on smoking regulation. In the last presidential election, only 18% (roughly)of citizens registered to vote actually chose to vote. If only 18% of voters chose to vote for something as significant as our president, imagine the percentage who voted for smoking. There is also a large group of american citizen who never registered to vote. So no, the majority didn't decide, which brings me to the true premise of my article.
Once again I am forced to state that my peice was not really about smoking. I simply used smoking as a premise to convey my point that americans are losing thier voice, and by choice nonetheless. I am sorry if I chose a touchy topic to express my point, but oh well.
Although America is a republic, we do still operate as a democratic state. Fundamentally, democracy requires that people voice thier opinions to thier legislatures. It is absurd to elect a politician into office without letting them know our opinions. We elect representives for a self explanatory purpose- to represent us. Oddly enough we elect offcials and largely fail to let them know what we want to be represented on.
My whole premise has little to do with smoking, I honestly don;t mind smoking outside or away from the public. I wrote this paper after sitting at the smoking box on my campus, and was constanly listening to people complain about us having to be seperated. Many of those individuals chose to complain about it, but never choose to voice how they feel. So I did it for them in an attempt to make it known that we as a nation need to voice our opinions if we really want a greater society. Whether it be smoking or zoning legislation does not matter. If we want a more productive and equally represented state, then it is on us to stand up.
We have been blessed as americans to live in a country where we have the priviledge to voice our thoughts. What bugs me is people take that right for granted. Instead of playing our necessary proactive role, many people just vote for someone and hope they do well. Apparently, the majority doesn't even vote. Then, when said politician makes a faux pa people generally get angry and blame the politician. How is that politician suppose to know what is best, when the general public won't let him/her know what that politician is representing?
Lets quit beating this dead horse on smoking. It was a fasade for a bigger message that apparently most people didn't quite see. I am done with the subject of smoking. That wasn't at all my intention. Im no longer going to reply to anything on here, and I suggest you do the same. Instead of mindlessly arguing on an interenet blog, we should all be out there working for a better society. I wish the Independent techies who run this site would close this to discussion.
On another note, I don't know why people read a liberal paper if they are going to get offended. This is what makes liberals to be liberals. We are free-thinking individuals who speak our mind regardless of the norm. The problem is society is taking things to personally. People have decided to become some what too sensitive- or in the words of the governator "girly-men". Deal with it. If you want to be a liberal, don't be so offened. People like me speaking my mind is what makes being a liberal great. We do this. I am getting tired of being considered a "bleeding heart" because others are oversensitive. No, dont take it personally I am not trying to offend anyone. I am simply trying to say we need to look at the bigger picture.
Retrospect is a very important entity, much beyond the idolent bickering that has occured in this blog. Many people don't look at the bigger picture, only how they are affected with thier own biases. I am Jungian, and therefore look at the world much differently. I don't expect anyone to see it the same way, nor would I want them to.
To me what I love abouyt about this country is the fact we all can get on the computer and freely reply to someone's opinion with our own. We are a country made up of many different views, backgrounds, and thoughts. I love the fact none of us agree, if we did all agree I would move somewhere else. Society would not fruitfully succeed if we all thought alike.
No I don't agree with Groundhog, Courtney, or barbie. I do however admire the beauty of individuality. My point is we are all individuals, and therefore should express our individual ideas. Sitting around letting a few elected individuals do as they please is completely redundant to the foundation of this country. If this pattern continues, say hello to an oligarchy or perhaps the dreaded socialist state.
This nation is composed of many individuals. I hope to god that never changes. It will change though if we dont exercise our rights as individuals. That is my point, I by no means am trying to smoke inside again. I just want to keep the beauty of this country alive.
All of those who disagree, right on. Thats your right, embrace it.
Posted by
IamWhatIam
on 06/08/2009 at 11:05 PM
Re: “Smoking: Whose choice is it?”
I am sorry but I am a non smoker who is allergic to cigarette smoke. No one has the right to make me sick and miserable just for wanting to go out to dinner. I should not have to wash my hair and put my clothes outside after going to a club because you want to smoke inside. Go outside please! I have no problem with smoking areas outside and away from the doors. You need to think of others. My health is not for smokers to decide. I have no problem if you want to kill yourself with those cancer sticks but please let us non smokers have some peace.
I just like Pokey lost family to smoking. I lost three grandparents to the effects of cigarettes. Massive lung issues and heart trouble. They died horrible suffocating deaths and their last few years were not pleasant. Does that sound worth it?
Don't you think I would have loved more time with them? If they had taken better care of themselves we could still be enjoying each other. Such a waste.
If the majority of the smokers of the world had been polite to the non smokers the laws would not have been needed. BUT...massive amounts of smoke at the dinner table and cigarettes put out in a plate next to mine is disgusting and rude. I have a right to eat out and not smell/see it.
This is not the government trying to control you it is the masses that are tired of it. We just used the law to fix the problem.
Posted by
bitchy barbie
on 06/08/2009 at 11:13 AM
Re: “Smoking: Whose choice is it?”
Ethan- don't you dare call me arrogant. I made the comment that I am a medical student to explain my relative expertise on the matter of smoking related illness. You have no idea who I am or whether or not I am arrogant and the comment you made was unwarranted. Stick to relevant issues if you want to be taken seriously.
Posted by
courtney the brave
on 06/07/2009 at 7:34 PM
Re: “Your Turn: Let's be like Denver”
Loved the article. So true! Thanks. I posted it on my facebook and am sharing it with people in Pueblo. I often hear the same sentiment here--- We don't want to be Colorado Springs. Unfortunately, much of the development will lead to another Colorado Springs. Fortunately, in Pueblo it's taking a lot slower and hopefully, in another 5 years, the principals of walkable and bikeable communities will be the norm.
Posted by
mmurillo
on 06/07/2009 at 7:07 AM
Re: “Your Turn: Let's be like Denver”
You are right on, Drew. The first two comments must be from old fart land-owners :) This city needs to change, and I think a lot of that begins downtown. This city needs something to point at, to be proud of as its soul. Is anyone excited about the sprawling neighborhoods and strip malls on the north, east and south side of town? This city has a whole lot going for it with its colleges, natural beauty, parks...I hope its leaders have enough foresight to change the way it is developing. Although this will make many people bitter, I think we could learn a thing or two from Boulder. Its core is quirky and independent much like ours, but its ALWAYS full of life. I think if we have one part of town really doing it right, other neighborhoods with lots of potential (old colorado city, the developing north end, gog, etc) will catch the vision and start developing the right way. I've seen it happen in other cities that don't have near the potential we have. Just my feelings.
Posted by
colojw
on 06/07/2009 at 2:24 AM
Re: “Your Turn: Let's be like Denver”
Hahaha, It never fails. When you mention one word about the planned and efficient growth of Denver or Boulder you always get the response, "If you like it so much, why don't you move there?" Right, that's the answer. The problem is that most people don't even realize that there is a problem. We can all preach about new urbanism and planned growth until we're blue in the face but step #1 has to be making people aware of the negative aspects of uncontrolled urban sprawl. Obviously everyone in the city experiences the effects on a daily basis but very few actually understand where to place blame.
Nice article.
www.ImproveCOS.com
Posted by
ImproveCOS.com
on 06/04/2009 at 7:22 PM
Re: “Your Turn: Let's be like Denver”
Pretty bitter there john812. Thanks for the non-contribution. People around here tend to confuse "Denver metro" with "Denver city". There's plenty of sprawl down in Littleton area and of course Lakewood and Aurora and it's no different than the Springs. That's metro. But the author is talking about Denver city and in that sense yes the Springs could learn a whole lot. Of course it could be said that Denver - being landlocked by other municipalities all around - had no choice but to learn its lessons as it had nowhere else to go. The Springs on the other hand is free to head Kansas way and there's not another east of this place that will stop it. Hence the fat debacle that will be Banning Lewis - or Highlands Ranch part deux. But I would say that downtown and Westside is already headed Denver's way - and is becoming a fantastic place to call home. Jesusland and Militaryville on the other hand are entirely different worlds. And frankly they should become their own cities. Or rather downtown and Westside should wish them to become their own cities because clearly the passion for community - including funding - is much stronger downtown west. Let them have their little Libertarian fantasy world out east.
Posted by
Zen
on 06/04/2009 at 5:24 PM
Re: “Your Turn: Let's be like Denver”
i had never thought about it this way - and I'm one of "those" people/natives who want everyone else to get out. :( Thank you for the alternate perspective.
Posted by
one of "those" people
on 06/04/2009 at 4:35 PM
Re: “Your Turn: Let's be like Denver”
wow, you two sound pretty bitter... i get what drew is saying and i, for one, completely agree. this town has some major deficiencies that need to be addressed. the blame can't be placed on a specific thing b/c the problems spur from 100 years of city building/planning in the western united states. it's not that we need to be like denver, it's quite the opposite. the idea that there is a single way to plan and build a city is a misconception that has only been realized too late. the majority of western us cities were based on the trials of urban theory tested in los angeles, which is just now starting to dig its way out of that mess. the springs has the potential to be a forerunner in how a modern city (based on modern principles) can correct and refocus development in areas that are in need. This town is not as big nor has the spatial limitations of denver which leaves me optimistic that we can get this town right. but we need to start at the core and work our way to the peripheral.
Posted by
arkiteqt
on 06/04/2009 at 3:55 PM
Re: “Smoking: Whose choice is it?”
I am one of 7 children all now adults. Both our parents smoked as did our grandparents. Not one of these people have or did have lung problems, our grandparents died of other causes. I personally believe that the toxins in our air and water have made the differanc. Look at the rise in breast cancer for instance who is to blame for that. By blaming the people of this country for their ailments it takes the heat off those responsible for the pollution. We are easy targets. Also there appears to be a genetic predisposition to cancer and emphysema.