Re: Assault
Recently, we witnessed an unthinkable crime, and rather than coming together to support the victim and seek justice, too many have chosen to indulge in rumor, accusation, and finger-pointing. I am both disgusted and appalled.
There are people here who seem to revel in the chance to spread gossip, as if violence and trauma are topics for casual entertainment. I wonder, to those who are eager to whisper details about this victim: have you considered the unimaginable toll such an experience takes? Do you imagine yourselves invulnerable, believing that something like this could never touch you or those you love? Because, as much as we want to believe in our small-town safety, the reality is that bad things can and do happen. I pray that none of you will ever have to find out what that really feels like.
And to those who claim the police are withholding information, accusing them of incompetence or even malice — these are the very people who put themselves on the line every day for our protection. Dismissing them as “roid ragers” or questioning their motives shows a profound lack of understanding. I truly hope none of the police critics ever find themselves in a desperate situation, in need of those same “worthless” officers. The work our law enforcement does isn’t perfect, but it’s far better than the chaos that would ensue without it.
The recent community meeting was supposed to be a time to show compassion and solidarity, a chance to unite and let the victim and their family know that they are not alone.
Instead, it turned into a spectacle — an opportunity for some to seek out gory details, to accuse, to point fingers, and to act as though this horror was nothing but fodder for their curiosity. Shame on us as a community for forgetting what empathy means.
There is no dignity in what we’ve shown lately. Until we choose respect and understanding over rumor and suspicion, we are failing ourselves, our community, and — most importantly — the people who need us most. I pray we do better.
Eliza Sutton
Carbondale
Downtowner
Thanks to RFTA and the many folks who have worked to get a wider bus service in our community.
As a senior at Crystal Meadows, I am grateful for the free Downtowner on-demand rides that we have enjoyed since July.
As the hours of darkness lengthen and the deadline for this pilot program nears (end of December, 2024), I hope the service is proving popular and useful to Carbondale. For me, night driving is a challenge, so calling the Downtowner for a ride is key to enjoying all that our town has to offer.
I encourage you to use this free ride because it is a “use it or lose it” program. And yes, you can bring your well-behaved dog!
Save gas, emissions, and money and call the Downtowner.
Brenda Buchanan
Carbondale
The economy
It’s the economy, stupid… or is it the stupid economy?
Thoughts about the economy and consumer price impacts… corporate profits reached an all-time high in 2024, U.S. stock markets have reached record highs, the U.S. is a net energy exporter (including the importation of crude oil and the exportation of refined petroleum products along with natural gas in liquid form). The U.S. is energy independent albeit affected by global markets and corporate decisions. Will “drill baby drill” affect pump prices especially in our “free market” economy?
As recently reported, “The American Economy is the Envy of the World” (The Economist, Oct. 19, 2024), record corporate profits undoubtedly affect consumer prices, a primary cause of higher inflation. Shrink-flation (same price for less product) to recent record high stock markets and shareholder returns are more affected by actions of the free-market private sector than government or officials. In our region, especially Glenwood Springs, monopoly-by-default (having just one supermarket in a town) also affects what shoppers pay. Fuel prices are affected by the global oil markets, corporate greed and possibly “isolation/rumored price collusion” in our local markets.
The president and federal government, from agencies to elected representatives, may have less control of our economy through policies, tax rates, structure and interest rates than the private, free market. Tariffs on foreign goods affect what consumers pay. Proposed increased tariffs will be passed through to consumers who must pay more for goods with foreign content. Achieving 100% U.S. manufactured goods is admirable although achievability and immediacy would be a real and impractical challenge. Continued and expanded government subsidies are yet another “twist” in economic policy, the prices we pay and who and how those in the business profit.
Those with money can make even more money, from corporations, executives and billionaires, but what will be the realities for consumers in a now uncertain future?
Will the USA continue to be the most powerful country in the free world or will it be “the end of the world as we know it?”
Greg Jeung
Glenwood Springs
Thanks
We at 5 Point Film Festival would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who attended and supported us at our In The Field fall benefit on Oct. 26 at Spring Creeks Ranch. The entire 5 Point Film team feels incredibly lucky and grateful to have such strong support from our wonderful community.
The enthusiasm and generosity from our guests made the event a success and has energized us as we start to work on our 18th flagship festival, taking place April 24-27, 2025 in Carbondale. We’re excited to roll up our sleeves and create an unforgettable experience for our community.
A special “thank you” to our amazing sponsors and donors whose support made this event possible: Spring Creeks Ranch, JP Morgan Private Bank, Field 2 Fork Kitchen, El Dorado Spirits + Legends, Partake Brewing, SIX Productions, Bethel Party Rental, Sopris Liquor & Wine, The Valley Hopper, Premier Party Rental, No Fine Print Wine, Robyn and Dr. Tito Liotta, Bobby Almazan, Michael and Julie Kennedy. Donors included: Blazing Adventures, Bodegón, Botany Houseplant Store, Bristlecone Mountain Sports, Buck Aspen, Contour Body Aesthetics, EcoFlight, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Kat and Pete Rich, Lakota Links, La Raza Restaurant, NRS, Pollinator Chocolate, Proudline Fishing Expeditions, Red Hill Animal Health Center, RJ Paddywacks, Snowmass Tourism, Stio, Spring Pilates Carbondale, Tiny Pine Bistro, Two Leaves and Bud Tea Co., The Gant.
We truly appreciate your partnership and commitment to our mission at 5 Point Adventure Film Festival and we hope to see everyone at the 18th flagship festival.
With Gratitude,
Aly Sanguily
5 Point Film Festival
Thank you, Garfield County
To those in my adopted and cherished home,
Last week was, to say the very least, disappointing. While my heart is broken, after all, I was so excited to have the opportunity to serve this place and the people I so love on an expanded level. I will continue to serve my hometown of New Castle with passion, persistence and determination.
I have spoken with Mr. Will and we have had a good discussion including talking about accountability and how we both believe it is imperative that we hold our leaders accountable. To that end, I told him if I saw him making decisions I needed him to hear about, I would come bang on his door. His response was, “I expect you to.”
This is constructive.
This is what it should be.
For now, meeting so many of you and getting to know you has been an utter joy these last many, many months. You have enriched my life to say the very least. You have challenged me, encouraged me and helped me see things in different ways. You truly are my why.
One of my Council colleagues texted me last week to check in on me, see how I was doing. He reminded me to be proud of my efforts and to get ready, because we still have work to do. Yes, we do. The silver lining to this is that I get to continue serving alongside six of the most wonderful people on Town Council and with a staff that I truly enjoy.
Thank you Garfield County for sharing your heart, your energies and your time with me.
Caitlin Carey
New Castle
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