News - Sandwich thrower may be “not guilty” but behavior toward police is unacceptable (Letters)

Protester throwing a sandwich is inexcusable Re: “Man who threw sandwich at agent found not guilty,” Nov. 7 news story Although I can understand and appreciate the frustration the sandwich thrower felt, there is no justification for throwing any object at the police. As a police officer, I have been spat upon, had feces thrown at me, and worse, bottles and rocks. I cannot excuse the sandwich hurler. The jury certainly reacted to the fact that no injury or harm was sustained. Recall how outraged we were when the Jan. 6 protesters threw objects at the U.S. Capitol Police. It was wrong in both instances. Philip Arreola, Denver SNAP: Donating to food banks instead of Christmas gifts Recently, the conversation in our house turned to Christmas, and the buying of gifts came up. This year, we have decided to forgo the exchange of gifts and to donate the money to local food banks or charities. After discussing our intent with our gift recipients, they all heartily agreed to do the same. With the suspension of SNAP benefits, some 600,000 Coloradans who depend on this benefit to put food on the table will be at risk. These are our family, friends and neighbors. We are asking that you and your family consider doing the same. Can you possibly donate all or a portion of the money you spend on Christmas gifts to a local food bank or charity? A half or a quarter of what you spend? Even 10%? With the purchasing powers of food banks, your money will go a long way to helping others. Make someone else’s Christmas merry this year. Janice Hall and Gary Romansky, Morrison Let’s work to fix capitalism Given the results of the NYC mayoral election, it is worth mentioning that capitalism has lifted more people out of poverty than any other economic system. However, we find ourselves with at least 40% of working families seriously struggling to make ends meet and afford food, housing, health care, etc. That many people can not be making poor life choices, so blaming them does not work for me. The top 10% control more than half the wealth of our country. Capitalism is broken. I would much prefer that we fix capitalism to rebuild the middle class, especially among the young. If we do not act promptly, those struggling economically will steer us toward a different system with consequences that many of us will not like. John W. Thomas, Fort Collins U.S. attorneys speak truth to power Re: “Justice Dept. strips Jan. 6 references from court paper,” Oct. 31 news story Kudos to the two U.S. attorneys in the Washington, D.C. office who wrote the truth in a sentencing memorandum. The attorneys referred to a “mob of rioters” on Jan. 6, 2021, in the document. For writing the truth, the two prosecutors were put on leave and locked out of their government devices. The document was stripped of all references to January 6 and President Trump’s involvement. We are often advised, “if you see something, say something.” I’m assuming the two attorneys knew the risk they were taking when writing the document, yet stood strong for historical accuracy, upholding our laws, and not being cowed by a bully administration. Good models for us all. Stand up. Fight back. Mariann Storck, Wheat Ridge Air Force Academy status is distressing Re: “Under review: Air Force Academy’s accreditation,” Nov. 10 news story As a spouse, mother, aunt and sister-in-law of six USAFA alumni, I am distressed and disgusted to read that this great institution is under threat of losing its academic accreditation due to the machinations of the Secretary of “War” and his foolish campaign against intellectualism and scholarship. Despite their claims of opposing subjective “DEI” values, it is very clear that the intent of this administration is not to improve the Academy’s educational standards, but rather to destroy any semblance of meritocracy and drag everyone down to their level of abject mediocrity instead. Stephanie Logan, Centennial Sign up for Sound Off to get a weekly roundup of our columns, editorials and more. To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.