Increasing air travel is a ‘fly now, pay later’ situation

Recent Boulder Camera headlines: “DIA set passenger traffic record in 2022 as new projections chart big growth ahead. Traffic reached 69.3 million and is on path to hit 100 million in less than a decade, report shows.” By about 2031-32!

From Boeing: “The CMO forecasts a market value of $7.2 trillion for new airplane deliveries, with the global fleet increasing by 80% through 2041 compared to 2019 pre-pandemic levels.” By 2041!

From NOAA: “By 2050, up to $106 billion worth of coastal property will likely be below sea level. The U.S. mean sea level is projected to rise 10 to 12 inches in the next 30 years.” By 2048 to 2053!

Projections vary and can be wrong either way. But it does look like a “Fly Now, Pay Later” situation, my fellow lemmings. Meanwhile, do continue to use only reusable fabric bags to carry home all that food packaged in plastic clamshells, bags, bottles, containers, jugs, jars, boxes, trays etc. I’m told it helps.

— Bill Schwarz, Louisville

We spend more money to end lives than save them

First the disclaimer, I am in complete support of continuing to provide military aid to Ukraine at whatever levels they need to defend themselves against Putin. That being said, the earthquake that hit Syria and Turkiye has put on display one of the factors of our society that I fight against. The Biden administration has promised $85 million to help with rescue and relief efforts after the quake, but compare that to the billions upon billions of dollars that have gone into military aid for Ukraine.

It is the same as my argument about guns in this country, large chunks of or population have become obsessed and addicted to the tools designed for the express purpose of ending life as quickly and efficiently as possible.

These scales have been unbalanced for far too long, and it constantly feels like we spend far more of our resources on means to end life than on means to save it.

— Anthony Smith, Loveland

At Super Bowl, national anthem is misunderstood

Prior to the Super Bowl on Sunday, Chris Stapleton performed the national anthem. Now, being uninformed about pop culture today, I didn’t even know who he was; but he represents a growing culture of misinterpreting, and thus mis-performing our national song.

The song is an anthem, not a funeral dirge; it is a celebration of victory at Fort McHenry in the War of 1812; it is a proclamation of pride in the flag and in America’s exceptionalism. It should be performed with joy and enthusiasm.

Too often performers seem to want to drag it out as long as possible and add as many extra notes and flourishes as they can. Please! Keep it to about 90 seconds, keep it on key, and show some pride and joy.

America is not perfect, and maybe your view of its stature today is not the best, but the mournful and morose performances of its national anthem do not help, and may be part of the problem.

— Bill Hughes, Loveland

It’s important to recognize our health and safety

During my long-term substitute teaching assignment at my favorite “high needs” middle school a student reacted with negative drama (can there be positive drama?).

I immediately gave the basketball timeout hand sign, asking if the class had read or heard of the recent terrible Turkey and Syria earthquake news. I told them I had to turn my 70-year-old head to avoid seeing the heartbreaking rescues and recoveries. I encouraged the class to please think about their situation before dramatizing it. Unbelievable and unforgettable that the 8th-grade girl walking out gently said, “Mr. Mike, I’m sorry.”

— Mike Sawyer, Denver