We must reclaim our ability to have civil discourse

Mark Wallach and Matt Benjamin’s recent guest opinion (4/29/25) correctly identifies a frightening reality: Our community’s ability to engage in rational discourse has eroded “almost beyond recognition.” Their observation demands our immediate attention and action.

In Boulder, we pride ourselves on progressive values and thoughtful engagement, yet this recent incident involving “wanted posters” targeting council members for simply doing their jobs represents exactly the kind of toxic communication that destroys civic dialogue. When disagreement devolves into intimidation, we’ve abandoned the fundamental principles that make democracy function. We can passionately debate issues without resorting to tactics that threaten or vilify others. This isn’t about suppressing opposing viewpoints — it’s about maintaining the baseline civility necessary for productive conversation.

As residents, we must reject communication that intimidates or threatens. We should demand better from ourselves and each other. Disagreement isn’t the enemy — it’s essential for reaching thoughtful solutions. But without mutual respect, we can’t harness the power of diverse perspectives.

Let’s recommit to engaging with each other humanely, even during heated debates. We can passionately advocate for our positions while recognizing the humanity in those who disagree. Our community’s ability to address its most pressing challenges depends on reclaiming civil discourse.

Boulder deserves better than intimidation tactics. Let’s heed Wallach and Benjamin’s warning and restore the respectful dialogue that makes democracy work.

— Mindy Miller, Boulder

The pros and cons of alternative education

As a CU Boulder student who transitioned from a Waldorf school to a public high school, I’ve experienced both the strengths and limitations of alternative education. These systems foster creativity, autonomy and a genuine love of learning — but often at the expense of preparing students for the structured social environments they’ll eventually encounter.

When I entered a conventional school, I quickly realized that academic fluency doesn’t translate into social fluency. I wasn’t alone. In my research, I spoke with other students now at CU, who described feeling “socially behind” despite being academically prepared. Research shows a clear divide. According to one study, self-directed learning fosters creativity, whereas traditional schools develop social skills through structure and peer interaction. We often frame creativity and conformity as opposing concepts, but what if the key is uniting them?

The University of Colorado Boulder is uniquely positioned to answer this question and spearhead an educational change. By embracing practices that combine creative exploration with structured mentorship, collaborative work, and preparation for social realities, CU can model a hybrid approach that fosters innovation and growth. Such a balance already exists internationally; Finland, for instance, emphasizes student autonomy alongside peer accountability and team-based learning.

Students should not be forced to choose between social integration and imagination. A well-designed hybrid model that respects creative expression while explicitly cultivating social skills can prepare students to excel academically and in every area of their lives.

Let’s move beyond either/or thinking. Let’s build an education system that values individuality without leaving students unprepared for connection.

— Paxton Gude, CU Boulder

Make plans a visit to a distillery this tourism week

Colorado has become a great destination not only for its natural beauty, but for spirits enthusiasts looking to explore the world of American-made spirits. With more than 100 distilleries including 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits up in the mountains and Vapor Distilling in Boulder, distilleries in Colorado are becoming key destinations for tourists and locals alike. When visiting, guests are treated to tours of the distillery or tasting room, samples of locally made spirits and learning more about the distilling process.

National Tourism Week, May 4-10, is a great time to plan a visit to a local distillery along the Colorado Spirits Trail or to seek out a distillery tour in the region or beyond through Destination Distillery.

Colorado distilleries are working with local farmers and boosting agritourism to support more than 40,000 jobs across the state. Show your Colorado spirit by exploring the state’s rich distilling heritage and supporting these unique small businesses.

— Ainsley Giglierano, Distilled Spirits Council, Denver