It feels like we are now living in a Dali painting

What is happening? It feels like we are living in a Salvador Dali painting characterized by his surrealist dream-like imagery and unexpected juxtapositions. However, this is not a dream but a nightmare. In our scenario, wrong is right, and right is wrong. Lies are accepted, and truth is denied. A good man is vilified, and an evil man is celebrated. Lauren Boebert is a lawmaker, and Liz Chaney is not. Long-held allies are now under threat. Sovereign nations, allies and their positions are now treated like prizes to be possessed. The price of eggs is more important than preserving democracy. The president of the United States is a convicted felon. Justice no longer prevails. Diversity and inclusion are now just words. History has fallen to alternate facts as a deadly riot is now a “day of love.” Hezbollah attacked the Capitol. Hitler was a communist, i.e., a socialist. Soldiers are suckers, and rioters become patriots. American citizens can be deported. Lawsuits now challenge free speech and free press to silent dissent.

The President of the United States is now the lapdog of the wealthiest man in the world. Cabinet posts are now given to the least qualified. The Commander and Chief of all United States armed forces cannot legally possess a firearm. The rule of law is no longer a rule. Being above the law is now a thing. Crime does pay. Authentic Republicans are now labeled RINOs and are afraid to speak.

The melting pocket watches in Dali’s paintings could represent time running out for the grand experiment. The United States Constitution replaces the melting stopwatches in our painting, liquified into a puddle on the floor. The United States of America 1776 to 2025. Rest in peace.

— Jim Davies, Longmont

Council must demonstrate actual leadership on Gaza

After a year of enduring protests sparked by the Gaza war, Boulder City Council has failed to offer a meaningful solution, opting instead to, once again, sever ties with the very community voices they are meant to represent. This decision highlights an obvious and disturbing fact — the council apparently gives little weight to community input in their decision-making. They can finally put to rest the exhausting charade of listening to public comment.

This decision mirrors the council’s dismissive stance when community members expressed outrage over the hiring of a former Aurora Nightshift Duty Commander as Boulder’s Chief of Police. Instead of addressing valid concerns, city leaders apparently chose to ignore dissent and suppress inconvenient truths, reinforcing the perception that the council is unresponsive, defensive and disingenuous toward its constituents.

Rather than avoiding uncomfortable issues, city council members could choose to engage with the community and demonstrate compassionate leadership skills. When a Black college student was unjustly threatened by Boulder Police in 2019 and the incident went viral nationally, the council convened a special community meeting. It was an opportunity for residents to share their experiences and for council members to act on their concerns. A similar approach could be taken with the Gaza war protests. Rather than dismissing them, city council could call for a special meeting to hear from the community, offering a platform for those seeking accountability.

In cities across the U.S., including Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco, ceasefire resolutions have been passed. Protesters are not creating chaos in council chambers over dissatisfaction with city management, increased salaries or traffic concerns — they are pleading for leaders to make a statement prioritizing human lives. City council has an opportunity to respond responsibly, other than “running away” from the issue, and to demonstrate actual leadership by acknowledging these concerns, regardless of personal political leanings.

— Jude Landsman, Boulder