Losing the possibility of caring for others

The Art of the Deal in America began with the perhaps mythical exchange of a basket of beads for the island of Manhattan. As the First People of the Americas were to learn in the many treaties they signed, it was more truthfully the Art of the Steal with winners and losers, the holy mantra of Donald Trump.

Losing in a deal (or opinion) is worse than death. His predictable response is to swiftly unleash an army of lawyers to reclaim the high ground, “I dare anyone to oppose my thirst for power.”

Elon Musk is, I believe, equally a capitalist grifter operating at the highest level. His billions have risen from tapping into taxpayer dollars. Tesla got its start from government subsidies, and buying a Tesla rewards a tax break for those who can afford one, and, newly from Trump, it has been given a contract for armored Cybertrucks. The company could not survive in a peaceful, global free market economy. The big rockets and dreams of space travel of Space X are federally funded by NASA and the Pentagon.

That these two egomaniacs, aided by media moguls destroying people’s right to privacy, are ruling over the governing of the United States, claiming it is their Constitutional right, frighteningly resembles the mind-numbing omniscient rule of Big Brother in George Orwell’s “1984,” right down to the double-speak, shifting alliances, and omnipresent face on television. What is lost in that world is the possibility of love and caring for others.

— Robert Porath, Boulder

George Orwell prefigured our modern America

I am sure that “Animal Farm,” by George Orwell, is on the hit list of the book banners. It portrays what is happening right now, here, in real life.

The pigs take over, ruled by Napoleon. Executions follow. Just as Trump and gang have executed thousands of people’s livelihoods.

One noble character is the gentle horse Boxer, who is the hardest-working animal on the farm. He labors like no other to build the new windmill that all the animals will depend on for their survival.

But the pigs pack him off to the knackers to be slaughtered. They do not want the project to happen. And no animals have the smarts or courage to confront Napoleon.

So, who in our lives is being shipped off? Who are our hardest and most defenseless workers in modern America? The field workers. The laborers who provide you with your fruits and vegetables.

When a boy in Denver, I sought employment through a government agency. The man flipped his rolodex telling me what was available. Crop work in Weld County came up. I said ,“I’ll take it.” He told me, “No, that work’s not for you, son.”

You and I know we took huge western lands (5 states) from Mexico through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. And the labor force we depend on is now under sadistic assault. This explains my umbrage when today I received a letter inviting me to send word to the president thanking him for “being strong.”

Resist.

— Bruce Allen, Louisville

Community members share in tragedy together

When community members share in tragedy and crime, we are all affected and honestly, traumatized too. We are still wondering what happened to this wonderful young woman. Every day until that final sad news, many of us prayed and worried about Megan Trussell. What happened to this lovely young woman?

We are not being nosey, but need closure too. Is it possible to finally know what happened?

Some final words would be comforting to our anxiety of not knowing. Thank you for your consideration.

— Donna Baase, Boulder

See ‘Citizen Ruth’ at BIFF

My column on Sunday, March 2 failed to mention that Ruth Wright will be honored at this years Boulder International Film Festival with a film tribute, “Citizen Ruth: Environmental Warrior.”

The film will make its world premiere at 4:30 p.m. March 16 at First United Methodist Church.

Tickets can be requested at BIFF1.com or the Visitor Kiosk at 13th and Pearl.

— Jim Martin, Boulder