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Tag: Commentary

Ganahl: Retail rescue outed by a rabies outbreak
Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Ganahl: Retail rescue outed by a rabies outbreak

By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Colorado’s animal rescue system has long been regarded as a national leader, rescuing tens of thousands of pets from outside the state each year to meet the growing demand for furry companions. However, a disturbing trend is emerging in the rescue world, where non-profit organizations posing as shelters are flipping animals in a scheme that values profits over the welfare of pets. This "retail rescue" phenomenon, coupled with lax quarantine and vaccination enforcement, has come to light in the wake of the Moms and Mutts (MAMCO) rabies outbreak, which has cost public health agencies over $600,000 to clean up. In August, MAMCO, a Colorado rescue organization, found itself at the center of a rabies exposure crisis after importing ani...
Sloan: Do we all – Democrats and Republicans – like nuclear now?
Commentary, National, Rocky Mountain Voice

Sloan: Do we all – Democrats and Republicans – like nuclear now?

By Kelly Sloan | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice We have not been afforded any authoritative glimpses into the proposed energy policies of either Mr. Trump or Ms. Harris, leaving us with only the conventional jousting positions with which to make comparisons. For Democrats, that generally means concerns over climate change exceeding every other consideration – meaning the minimizing of the use of oil and gas; for Republicans, it generally means strengthening national energy posture – meaning maximizing production of domestic supplies of oil and gas.  Those battle lines seem relatively inelastic and are expected to hold; but an interesting evolution has been quietly taking place on the left side of the aisle, and I’m not talking about Harris’ new-found appreciation of frackin...
Devotional: Don’t be a rebel. Engage in the process and vote.
Commentary, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice

Devotional: Don’t be a rebel. Engage in the process and vote.

By DRAKE HUNTER | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice As we look ahead to our country's future, it's important to recognize the significant role that the government plays in shaping it. While there may be differing perspectives on this role, it's undeniable that the government holds substantial influence over our collective destiny. We must envision the future and assess how our personal governance and contributions impact the well-being of our country. In Christianity, there is a profound belief in the ultimate authority resting in the hands or work of God. There's a strong emphasis on the responsibility of followers to uphold the 'Goodness' of God, often referred to as 'Governance.' Governance works in tandem with preserving goodness; when functioning optimally, it's seen as the Pr...
Gaines: Left-leaning Colorado Trust influencing Colorado journalism
Commentary, completecolorado.com, State

Gaines: Left-leaning Colorado Trust influencing Colorado journalism

By Cory Gaines | Complete Colorado In Stanley Kubrik’s The Shining, Jack Nicholson’s character says to the Overlook’s ghost bartender, “I’m the kind of man who likes to know who’s buying their drinks, Lloyd.” A sound policy, and not just in the bar of a haunted hotel.  I’m the kind of guy who likes to know who’s buying his news, and this seems to get more and more convoluted every year.  A recent (I hesitate to call it an article) story generated by the Colorado Trust, but appearing in the Colorado Sun, is emblematic of the problem. READ THE FULL COMMENTARY AT COMPLETE COLORADO Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice,...
Raisch: When certifying election results, more transparency and better processes will reduce anxiety among voters
Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Raisch: When certifying election results, more transparency and better processes will reduce anxiety among voters

By Michael L. Raisch, CPA, and Colorado Institute for Fair Elections | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice We have all seen an increase in tension between people of different political beliefs over the last few years.  We believe there are some common-sense solutions to help increase trust and tone down the rhetoric that comes out of the election process.  The good news is that these improvements do not require a change in the statute to do so.  The solutions being proposed here require added transparency and a willingness to follow current law. In Colorado, the elections conducted by each county are initially certified by entities called “canvass boards.” Those county-level certifications are then provided to the Secretary of State who relies on them to certify the elect...
Rosinski: Supporting Colorado’s coal communities with nuclear power
Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Rosinski: Supporting Colorado’s coal communities with nuclear power

By Michelle Rosinski | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice As Colorado grapples with increasing energy demands and the urgent need to move away from coal to meet environmental and health goals, the question arises: how can we ensure that this transition provides economic opportunities and stability for coal-dependent communities?  For decades, the American working class has borne the brunt of energy transitions. From coal miners to oil rig workers, shifts in energy policy have often led to job losses and economic instability. As we move toward a cleaner future, it is imperative that we avoid repeating these mistakes.  Nuclear energy, particularly advanced small modular reactors (SMRs), presents a viable solution that can facilitate a just transition away from coal, ensuring...
Daniel: Leave wildlife management to CPW, vote no on Prop. 127
Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Daniel: Leave wildlife management to CPW, vote no on Prop. 127

By Bobbie Daniel | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Proposition 127, currently under debate in Colorado, aims to impose a blanket ban on hunting mountain lions, bobcats and lynx. However, it is important to clarify some of the misleading claims surrounding this measure. First, lynx are federally-protected and are not at risk of being hunted in Colorado. Additionally, “trophy” hunting is already illegal in the state. Although the proposition may appear to promote wildlife preservation, it disregards the critical role that Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) plays in maintaining balanced ecosystems and safeguarding rural communities. This isn’t just a hunting ban—it restricts CPW’s ability to manage these species effectively under the guise of wildlife protection. If passed, the ...
Devotional: Finding God’s design in the wonderment of Buc-ee’s
Commentary, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice

Devotional: Finding God’s design in the wonderment of Buc-ee’s

By DRAKE HUNTER | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice In the early 1990s, I was introduced to a fresh and exciting concept within the military: Total Quality Management (TQM). This wasn't just a new way to lead, but a completely different approach to organizing and managing life in the service. The principles of TQM, such as quality, care and vision, were not just applicable in the corporate world, but also had a profound spiritual significance. They helped me understand Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Fast forward to my retirement in 2005. Living in a small town brought simpler pleasures, but I hadn’t encountered that same buzz of excellence in a long time — until last week when I vis...
Caldara: Taxpayers subsidize Progressive war on affordable energy
Commentary, completecolorado.com, State

Caldara: Taxpayers subsidize Progressive war on affordable energy

By Jon Caldara | Complete Colorado “350 Colorado” is an anti-fossil fuels organization which lobbies to end the state’s oil and gas industry. They organize anti-energy zealots to march, protest and pressure lawmakers. Proud of their role in civil disobedience during Colorado Oil and Gas Commission hearings, they take credit for helping pass the “strictest anti-fracking regulations in the state.” Blah, blah, blah. One tiny little thing here: you are coerced through your taxes to fund their lobbying to make your energy bills skyrocket. In gambling there is a term, “playing with the house’s money.” In politics it’s “playing with your opponents’ money.” Your tax money is used to influence policy that hurts your own interests. READ THE FULL COMMENTARY AT COMPLETE COLORADO Edi...
Ganahl: Remembering our friend, inspiration and Rocky Mountain Voice champion Buz Koelbel
Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Ganahl: Remembering our friend, inspiration and Rocky Mountain Voice champion Buz Koelbel

By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Buz Koelbel was a force of nature — a builder of legacies, a man of unwavering principles and a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing him. As one of the founders of Rocky Mountain Voice, Buz's vision extended beyond brick-and-mortar buildings. He understood that the heart of any community is not just in its physical structures, but in the stories it tells, the voices it elevates and the principles it upholds. To many of us at Rocky Mountain Voice, Buz wasn’t just one of our founders — he was a mentor, a cheerleader and a friend. Buz, along with his amazing wife Sherri, and I met when I joined the University of Colorado-Boulder business school board more than a decade ago. He LOVED his Buffs!  His involve...