Protests: Where are our leaders
Re: “Thousands march on Labor Day,” Sept. 2 news story
We just witnessed another Denver protest — vibrant in spirit, modest in size. Where are our state and national leaders?
In March, Bernie Sanders and AOC drew 34,000 people in Denver. A march on May 31 drew what I’d estimate at 4,000 to 8,000 — still a strong showing, yet a fraction of what a moment like this could become. That same weekend, Sen. Elizabeth Warren was in town helping Sen. John Hickenlooper raise money. If either had announced a 15-minute stop at the protest, we could have shattered records. They did not show up. So, we’re left asking: where are our incumbent leaders, and the candidates for state offices?
This isn’t about social-media praise or dramatic Senate speeches. Who watches C-Span, anyway? Real leadership isn’t a talking head at a distant podium. Real leadership appears in person — where the people are, where fear is felt, where listening begins.
Our leaders must show up. Stand with us, not merely endorse our causes in general terms, but stand in the frontline of our shared struggles, willing to be counted among the people they serve. They should be one of us–accessible, accountable, present in our streets, schools, and communities.
How long must we wait for that message to our leaders to sink in? If a 15-minute appearance could move the needle, schedule it. If not, document the failure to show up.
Show up in person. The people are ready to see you — face to face, without filters, ready to be heard and held to account. We want to save our Democracy.
Timothy Brown, Denver
Where was Kirkmeyer when Community Development was cut?
Re: “First batch of special session bills head to Gov. Jared Polis,” Aug. 25 news story
Colorado State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Republican Senator in the Colorado legislature, made the statement that “all we’re doing is making it harder for small businesses to survive” regarding the budget bill passed in the special session last week. I’d like to alert Kirkmeyer of Trump’s Office of Management and Budget threat to shut down the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, under the Treasury Department, which has been a lifeline for small businesses. So perhaps, you will direct some of your displeasure about the plight of small businesses to the White House.
Jeannie Dunham, Denver
China’s growing global economic influence
Re: “Xi says global governance has arrived at a ‘new crossroads’,” Sept. 2 news story
While most Americans are properly focused on the dismantling of the federal government under the leadership of President Trump, it is equally noteworthy that China is establishing new partnerships, currency relationships, trading pathways, political connections, and banking systems that are outside the influence of the United States — especially outside the reach of U.S. tariffs. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, led by China and the coalition of countries commonly known as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China), portends a time when the U.S. dollar will no longer be the global currency but instead will be the Chinese yuan. I wonder if that will make America great again.
Dan Sage, Centennial
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