U.S. appears to be heading toward expansionism

At the same time as we condemn the invasion by Russia of Ukraine, our incoming president is talking of taking over the Panama Canal from the sovereign nation of Panama, buying the island of Greenland from Denmark, and pondering making Canada a new U.S. state. His international ambitions seem uncomfortably closer to the expansion of European imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Possibly, it is only bluster, but if the United States wishes to continue to be regarded as a pillar of international freedom, Mr. Trump is certainly sending the wrong message.

— Jim Wolf, Boulder

Shame on our City Council

I am speaking on behalf of the children and families under the rubble in Gaza and Lebanon. The children and babies who were crushed or left to suffocate starve or die of thirst or from their wounds alone and crying in the dark. Can you imagine this happening to your child?

I am speaking on behalf of distant relatives who could potentially be under the rubble. I am speaking for families who have died or are under active threat. This genocide perpetrated by the United States and Israel is not OK. It’s never been OK and has gone on for too long. Shame on the City Council for not voting to support a ceasefire in order to return hostages from Israel and Palestine if they are still alive.

This absolutely is a local issue as there are many locals directly involved who may not be able to be here due to threats. I have been personally threatened but am speaking anyway.

You don’t just have blood on your hands, you are bathing in the blood of my friend’s relatives from this genocide. Shame on you for hiding behind white supremacy and entitlement. I’m appalled at the behavior of this Council towards Taishya and towards the indigenous people of Palestine.

Please represent your constituents. The majority of Democrats want a ceasefire. This willful ignorance created a misstep that I believe cost the Democrats the election. I am speaking for the children under the rubble as a childcare worker, artist and healing practitioner. Shame on the City Council for not voting to support a ceasefire. Ceasefire now, block arms to Israel.

— Eve Partridge Saddy, Boulder