Sand Creek Massacre anniversary; professional care for pets; ‘vermin’ speech outrage

Lyla Hamilton: Reflect on our own history and the Sand Creek Massacre

As we grieve recent events in Israel and deplore the barbarity of that attack, it behooves us to reflect as well on our own history.

Nov. 29 marks the anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864. Men from Boulder, serving in Company D of the 3rd Regiment of Colorado Cavalry Volunteers, were among those who slaughtered unarmed people who had been promised the protection of the military at Fort Lyon.

Upon returning to Denver and Boulder after the massacre, some men triumphantly displayed body parts of the dead as well as their personal belongings.

In consultation with descendants of massacre survivors, History Colorado Center in Denver has produced a thought-provoking exhibition. A pilgrimage to see it — or to the Sand Creek Massacre National Historical Site in southeastern Colorado — would provide an appropriate occasion to contemplate our own past.

Lyla Hamilton, Boulder

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Michele Van Fleet: Secure professional pet care before the holidays

The holidays are upon us, and securing a pet care provider is top priority.

Leaving our pet family is not only stressful but challenging. Although the industry has grown in our area, it is still taxing to first find availability, and, more importantly, a person you have confidence in and feel secure with.

Last week we had a wedding out of town. I hired someone with good references who was able to stay overnight. Our pet family is safe and secure, but not without stress.

Two days into our vacation I received a text — our dog had some accidents, and the sitter had not turned off the fish tank light since our departure. Our animals were in distress, and I found myself in the depths of a full-blown panic at 1 a.m.

The sitter was not a good fit; she lacked the care and the patience to follow instructions. But, more importantly, she was not a professional pet care provider.

Words of advice for pet owners: We all will find ourselves in need of pet care and without having a family member or close friend available, a professional pet service will be your best resource.

Establish a relationship with a service. Get to know your pet care provider and use their services throughout the year even if it’s once a month. Pet service providers will be sure to provide services to their existing clientele. A mistake I will never make again.

Your peace of mind is as important as the care a certified professional pet service provides for your pets. Enjoy the holiday season and please book ahead of time. Meet your local professional pet care providers. My recommendation is Allison Boggs, errandservicebiz.com, formerly owned by Rhonnie McCauley of Lafayette. Allison, thank you for coming to my rescue!

Michele Van Fleet, Lafayette

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Ellen De Money: Where is outrage against ‘vermin’ speech?

The recent derogatory remarks from Donald Trump labeling liberal Democrats as “thugs living like vermin to be rooted out” (and what, thrown into prison, put in an internment camp?) deeply concern me.

I am a proud liberal Democrat, and like many others in our community, I am your neighbor, the friendly face in the grocery store and the runner on the local trail. Such divisive characterizations trouble the very fabric of our nation.

I appeal to our Republican counterparts to ponder the consequences of endorsing a candidate who employs such divisive language. Despite political differences, we all share a responsibility to uphold values of respect and unity.

Moreover, if you collectively oppose this type of rhetoric, then, where is your outrage? Where are the letters to the editor condemning such remarks? Silence in the face of such divisive language can inadvertently condone it. It’s vital for you to speak up against any language that seeks to dehumanize fellow community members and potentially threatens their well-being.

As a liberal Democrat, I advocate for a balanced budget, urgent action on climate change and women’s fundamental right to make decisions about their bodies without government interference. I also believe that everyone, irrespective of race, sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves equal dignity and rights under the law.

It’s imperative to recognize that these values don’t oppose the well-being of our nation. They symbolize a quest for a fair, equitable and inclusive society. So, I implore my Republican neighbors: Are these principles so divergent from your own that you can disregard disparaging language aimed at fellow citizens?

Let’s engage in civil discourse focusing on our common aspirations rather than divisive rhetoric. Our country merits leaders who do not refer to a people as “vermin who need to be rooted out”.

Ellen De Money, Boulder