What is happening in America I just wanted to write this email to let Dave Donelson know I support his decision to walk out when they were condemning ICE, if that is what happened. I am super disappointed with my fellow Americans’ understanding of what is happening in America. I hope you con tinue to stand strong and do what you believe. There are plenty of us out here in Colorado springs that believe the same way but to be frank, I am tired of being yelled at for my views. Thank you sir, and God speed. Francis Xavier Grindinger IV Colorado Springs Protest had no place In her letter to the editor, the Rev. Deborah Tinsley stated that she was surprised and appalled by City Councilman Dave Donelson walking out of the MLK Proclamation discussion during the council meeting. Dave didn’t walk out because of the MLK Proclamation discussion. He walked out because the “Faith Leadership Table” chose to protest ICE activities during this discussion. That offended him and he walked out. Dave fully supports Dr King and the MLK Day proclamation to honor him. Don’t doubt that for one second! I know Dave personally. We both support Dr King, his work and his beliefs. If this “Faith Leadership Table” wants to protest ICE, they should get on the City Council’s agenda. In that way, more citizens will be aware and can bring their viewpoints in person, by email, and by phone. This protest had no place and in no way related to the proclamation honoring Dr King. I was surprised and appalled by these “faith leaders” who had the audacity to dishonor Dr King by making such a rude and uncalled for appearance during the council meeting on Tuesday. How dare you! Do not call yourselves “faith Leadership” and dishonor a great leader like Dr King in such a manner. Bilile Nigro Colorado Springs The welfare addiction The framers of our Constitution designed a government that supported and protected those “unalienable Rights of Life, Liberty and pursuit of Happiness found in the Declaration of Independence. “Happiness” means achieving success and dreams through their own efforts and merits. The Colonies were adamant in having autonomy to govern their own states. Personal responsibility, respecting the law and upholding moral values was imperative for an orderly society. However, in the 1960s the War on Poverty instituted a welfare state resulting in the massive bureaucracy and spending we have today. If any of those programs were temporary, they quickly became permanent and grew. Those receiving benefits began depending on them, and the Democratic Party became its major advocate.These programs have become an addiction in a major portion of society. Today we have a massive administrative state that has proven to be bloated, inefficient, wasteful, and fraught with fraud throughout. The current spending of these programs will eventually bankrupt the country if not reasonably reduced. Under the Constitution, the Executive branch administers them. There is no fourth administrative branch of government. Recently, we hear many states wailing about reduced federal funding, including our own. The federal government has no constitutional obligation to fund the states. As with any withdrawal from an addiction, some pain is associated with it. Individuals will feel it as they adjust to taking responsibility for their own lives. People working gives dignity and worth to their lives and value to the country. There will always be people in need, but there are numerous religious and private charities that can help with temporary needs. And states will need to operate within the limits of its own economy. Democrats want to continue enlarging these programs, keeping people dependent on them. Most Republicans desire to limit or reduce some. Getting off some of these entitlements is best financially for the country and people caught in them can find purpose. Ted Cox Colorado Springs No action on athlete safety The Center for SafeSport has a new CEO, the Winter Olympics are around the corner, yet Congress has still failed to take the steps needed to fix a broken system. In 2024, the Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics and Paralympics released a comprehensive, bipartisan report detailing deep structural and governance failures across the U.S. Olympic, Paralympic, and grassroots sports system. The report was the result of an extensive investigation that included tens of thousands of documents, surveys, focus groups, a public hearing, and interviews with hundreds of stakeholders. In total, we received testimony and input from more than 800 individuals. It was a thorough, methodical examination of the entire ecosystem. The final report was unanimously approved by all commissioners, including Olympians, Paralympians, former government officials, and sport governance leaders. The findings were clear. Athletes in the United States remain exposed to unacceptable levels of risk physically, emotionally, and financially. Seventy percent of surveyed athletes said they felt unsafe or unsupported when reporting abuse or misconduct. Nearly half reported experiencing or witnessing emotional abuse. More than seventy five percent earned less than $25,000 annually, even while actively training and competing for the United States. Paralympic athletes reported even greater disparities. These are systemic failures, not isolated incidents. Governance failures sit at the center of the problem. Commercial success routinely outweighs athlete safety. The U.S. Center for SafeSport lacks true independence. Athlete representation is limited, and meaningful oversight mechanisms are weak, leaving institutions protected while athletes absorb the risk. The Commission translated its recommendations into fully drafted legislation, a modernized Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act. Congress has it. The Senate Commerce Committee has it. There has been no action. Kevin Brown Morrison ...read more read less