With dwindling game, big cats will seek our pets

I’m not opposed to banning sport hunting of the big cats, because the proposed ordinance does leave out justified retribution for domestic incursions, of which there will be many. This is primarily due to the dwindling wild game populations, which is in turn being caused by the Refrigerator Perry movement of the cattle industry turning most of the winter habitat into hay fields. These hay fields then become enormous stacks of fodder behind elk-proof fences, easily penetrated by desperate rabbits. While the deer and elk peer longingly at the alfalfa from the forest depths the bunnies pop the bale strings and gorge from underneath, becoming wonderful targets as they bask in the sun on the drifted snow. The end result is spontaneously aborted fawn fetuses, starved out game and depopulated prairie within smelling distance of the haystack.

For those on whose shoulders lie the protection responsibilities when these big cats run out of rabbits and deer to eat, keep in mind the old timers held “painter” (panther) to be the finest of meats. The dog lovers whose dozen or so lion hounds have run their lives since birth can shift over to bears, although raccoons are a nice diversion. The rest of us can glory in the hamburger: America’s greatest copyright infringement.

— Tom Anthony, Longmont

New housing project is unrealistic for Boulder

Before the city of Boulder marches forward with the proposed housing project at 2206 Pearl, I ask the city staffers and the Boulder City Council members to think about who actually would be willing to plunk down $2,500 a month for a 300 sq. ft. apartment. I am going to assume utilities are included in this monthly charge.

Perhaps it is a young adult who currently has a job in town paying $25.00 per hour. This person is lucky to work 40 hours per week so at the end of the month pulls down (after taxes and contributions to health insurance) $3,300. (That is $4,000 minus 15%.)

After squeezing in Boulder lifestyle necessities such as a bicycle, skies, hiking boots, etc., the tenant creatively arranges a bed, a couch and a small TV. As living in this space is a bit tight the tenant is encouraged to spend time outside.

Now let’s see what $800 a month will be spent on. A wise young person may try to save $100.00 a month. This young Boulderite knows owning a car is not possible, as there is nowhere to park it at 2206 Pearl. A bus pass is provided by their employer.

$700 a month for groceries, an occasional meal in a local restaurant, perhaps a concert a month, a piece of clothing now and then. Yes, I guess that is possible. Travel much further than the RTD pass … probably not.

And isn’t the Boulder housing goal to create integrated neighborhoods?

This proposal seems more like an expensive dorm for recently graduated college students (or people in that age group) who will stay here for a year or maybe two to enjoy the Boulder lifestyle. But not the lifestyle offered in the magazine by that same name … you don’t live that way on $700.00 a month.

— Michael Deragisch, Boudler

What kind of world do we want to live in?

An important issue is access to abortion — the killing of an unborn human being that is nonproductive, inconvenient and dependent.

We all come into the world dependent and nonproductive. If we live long enough, we will again be nonproductive and dependent. Either all humans are entitled to the right to life because they are made in the image of God or none are. What we say about our children today, they can say about us in the future. What kind of world do we want to live in?

— Michele Wagoner, Louisville