What government will your action deserve?

I write in response to LTC Cavanaugh’s 12/24 Camera commentary. I respect the colonel and agree that there are strong traditions within the military to avoid political involvement and to act in defense of the U.S. Constitution.

There is statute requiring its members to follow only legal orders and there is training to allow soldiers to distinguish legal from illegal orders. The ranks of the military are full of leaders of integrity. His letter encourages soldiers to follow these imperatives even in the acknowledged grey areas.

I do not, however, share his faith in the military’s reaction to presidential direction which violates norm or statute. Note that recent Supreme Court decisions have immunized the president from nearly every consequence of illegal action; there will be no restraint there on legal or moral grounds.

The colonel appears to underestimate the corruptive power the new president will wield. Trump has announced the appointment to the chain of command of those with personal loyalties and little else to recommend them. He has proposed commissions to weed out politically incorrect senior officers. He is clever enough to direct actions that are close to borderline, at least initially. If a group of officers is faced with an order which they believe is illegal, but accompanied by statutory uncertainty and career-ending consequences for refusing the order, will they all refuse it? Will those who do be around for the next attempt? Are we really sure that a president cannot find and position present sympathizers in key positions to execute his will?

And if a president begins to purge leaders of character from key institutions, how will America react? Will other branches do more than they did in reaction to January 6? What government will your action deserve?

— Tom Thomas, 1976 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, Louisville

Traffic cameras will make Boulder drivers slow down

Regarding a recent letter on traffic cameras, I must cheer it on! It’s not just the photo and the fine that has an impact, but seeing that flash go off for a car in front of you certainly makes you slow down.

— Tracy Ehlers, Boulder

Consider donating to those less fortunate

A November article highlighted the serious concern by non-profit human service agencies in Boulder County about declining public funds for programs serving the less wealthy but still important members of our communities. Meanwhile, our local developers with Longmont’s blessing, continue to build high-end houses and apartments everywhere we look. The next federal administration is sure to cut even more funds for such programs.

Longmont citizens, please consider generously donating to local organizations such as the OUR Center, Sister Carmen Community Center, Emergency Family Assistance Association, Clinica Family Health, and many others that seek to help the hard-working but less fortunate members of our communities in Boulder County.

— David Bishton, Longmont

Let’s ensure liberty and justice for all

No one must be required to leave this country against their will, without giving their voluntary consent, that includes any person suspected of committing a crime. All of us are subject to the same judicial system. Every one of us is entitled to the same consideration under the law as Donald Trump has received.

Let this then be our New Year’s resolution: No one in our community regardless of your standing shall obey any directive that discriminates or retaliates against any person. Rather let each one of us resolve to stand by our pledge to ensure liberty and justice for all.

— Garland Robertson, Longmont

Daybreak: A poem for the New Year

Before it all begins,

The world pauses.

It is dawn,

The not quite night, not exactly day moment,

When all is potential.

Joining together,

Let us wait with trust,

In hopeful anticipation

Of what the New Year might bring.

— Maria Greco Cox, Longmont