Correction: A graph published in last week’s Basalt Report claimed that Carbondale’s code sets aside 20% of new developments over three units for inclusionary housing. In 2024, that percentage was increased to 25%.
Re: Promoting division
I was saddened to read a disparaging letter about Brian Colley’s work, not because the writer’s opinion differs from mine — but because I have long admired the talent of this young man. I believe he is a master of irony and humor and, above all, kindness. The freedom to express an opinion is a precious thing, and often requires a good bit of courage. That we have amazingly skilled local artists whose works appear in our newspaper is, for me, a real gift.
Kay Clarke
Carbondale
Defending Colley
Anna Green argues that Brian Colley’s cartoons “entrench division.” I see the opposite. When our leaders trade in name-calling and half-truths, poking fun at that behavior isn’t mean-spirited — it’s fair game. Satire simply holds up a mirror. If the reflection looks rough, blame the circus, not the artist.
Colley is more than a cartoonist; he’s an active, engaged member of our community. Like Ms. Green, he values honest conversation. His drawings spark those talks by turning tangled news into one sharp picture. You may laugh, groan or argue back — but you do look, and you do think. That is the point.
Some say the opinion page should avoid controversy or lean “less left.” Yet the press earns its keep by airing every viewpoint, not by muffling the ones labeled progressive. A free society doesn’t punish ideas for sitting on one side of the spectrum; it weighs them, tests them, and lets readers decide. If Colley’s cartoons tilt left, fine — print them. If another artist tilts right, print those too. The answer to speech you dislike is more speech, not less.
Meanwhile, the standard set by many national leaders is to belittle and exclude. If we don’t question that conduct — loudly and creatively — our democracy starts to hollow out. Satire is one of the oldest tools citizens use to keep power honest. Protecting sharp voices today ensures that future generations always inherit a press brave enough to question power. Let’s argue, laugh and keep drawing. Our community deserves nothing less.
Kat Rich
Carbondale
Yes on 7A
As a local small business owner and working mother of two, I am fully in support of ballot measure 7A. Our local working families are the foundation of our community, and every year it is only getting more expensive and more difficult to raise a family here.
Moving away once children are born should not be the choice families in Garfield County have to make, but I see it happening every year. 7A will give some much needed support to families with small children, taking a bit of the stress off of working people to figure out childcare, and benefits the children with quality programs. It’s time to take action that supports having a family and vote yes on 7A.
Izzy Stringham
Carbondale
State of the Union
Republicans are having a hard time coming up with a coherent position on race, both historically as well as currently. The conservatives on the Supreme Court have ruled that universities cannot use race in determining admissions, yet ICE can racially profile people to meet Trump’s deportation quotas.
MAGA is up in arms with people posting Charlie Kirk’s racist quotes, saying it is disrespectful. Apparently, they mean it is disrespectful to remind people what Kirk said, not that what he said was disrespectful.
Trump has made national park exhibits remove a photo of a whipped slave because it makes America look bad. Does that mean slavery or whippings didn’t happen? Or that Republicans don’t think it’s history? Apparently, it isn’t history, as slavery has been revised/minimized on government websites.
Republicans came to power under Abraham Lincoln, but they don’t seem proud of that fact. I want the old Republican party to return. I want a government that recognizes our racist mistakes of the past and tries to correct them in the present and abolish them in the future. I want a government that makes me proud to be an American.
Kate Friesen
Carbondale
No Kings Protest
First off, I appreciate Representative Hurd’s support of renewable energy. But no amount of policy wins matter if we lose our democracy.
Donald Trump has proven he doesn’t believe in the Constitution — only in power. He tried to overturn a free and fair election. He incited a violent mob on January 6. He sent federal forces into American cities to intimidate protesters. He’s vowed to use the Justice Department to punish enemies and pardon his cronies. He’s gutted health care protections, attacked women’s rights and pushed a Supreme Court that has stripped away privacy and individual freedom.
This isn’t conservatism. It’s authoritarianism — plain and simple.
On Oct. 18, Glenwood Springs will host the No Kings Protest at Bethel Plaza, 250 7th Street. We’re drawing a line: no man is above the law. Not in Washington, not anywhere.
Here in western Colorado, we’ve fought hard to protect water, land and community from concentrated power. We shouldn’t accept one man trying to crown himself King of America.
To independents, moderates and anyone who still believes in freedom — it’s time to stand up. Join your neighbors on Oct. 18 in Glenwood Springs and send the message loud and clear: America has no kings.
Perrin Williams
Snowmass Village
Potato Day
Potatoes like free speech.
R.J. Mineo
Crystal Valley
Letters policy: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please, no smearing, cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.