LETTERS:Both sides have validity; nuclear power at DIA

Both sides have validity

My wife and I stopped by Buc-ees in Johnstown last week to have a “look-see” for ourselves. After gassing up ($2.52 per gallon) since Buc-ees might be moving onto I-25 at County Line Road, we wanted to see what the controversy was about.

I found a manager and had an interesting, cordial chat. Learning we lived a few miles from the site, he was gracious in explaining the benefits of Buc-ees.

Projections are that Buc-ees would generate $1 million per year in taxes for Palmer Lake.

As Palmer Lake is struggling financially, it seems (I play pickleball at the Glen when the courts aren’t muddy), this money would help budgeting. Would it forestall or eliminate a tax increase? It would seem so.

Other benefits: It would have great entry-level jobs. Buc-ees starts off paying about $20 per hour with hourly increases to weekend workers, up to a $4 per hour. The employees I talked with were pleasant. They do not hire people with visible tattoos or piercings, except earrings. Hair must be a natural color. Vagrants are arrested if they do not leave when directed. EV chargers are free

Downsides: Traffic would be noticeably heavier; I imagine a cloverleaf or something with that effect would have to be constructed. Lights would be visible, which would be detrimental to some Woodmoor residents. And the lights are non-negotiable, especially since Buc-ees is open 24 hours a day. He mentioned it is also a safety issue.

What do I think? I try to see both sides, and both sides have validity. I also need to realize that the land is private property, and the landowner does have rights. So, overall, I’m going to be agnostic. I just pray that whatever happens, we can disagree agreeably.

Bill Crow

Larkspur

Nuclear power at DIA

Re: DIA and nuclear power. I’m glad somebody is looking into nuclear power in the state. Good for DIA.

Sadly, and this is quite frustrating, I contacted Gov. Jared Polis’ “energy czar” in the first year of his first term suggesting that the new governor, with his entrepreneurial spirit, pursue Buckley Air Force Base (now Space Force) as a recommendation for the first nuclear power in the state. They also have high and increasing requirements for reliable base load power, and Buckley could be a model for all Department of Defense bases, especially those in Colorado. Site security on a military base is pretty much a given, and they know how to make it extremely secure. And they could support Xcel Energy with excess generation on hot summer days when the grid is really strained.

The sad part is that he pooh-poohed it, saying we can’t have nuclear power in Colorado.

It’s just too incomprehensible to this sadly blue state administration and legislature that we need power more reliable than wind and solar can provide.

John F Bender, PE

Monument

A compassionate community

By an unfortunate coincidence, my wife and I find ourselves dealing with serious foot injuries, requiring the use of walkers to get around.

This situation presents a challenge for us, but the burden is lessened by the kindness of friends and strangers alike.

From our neighbor Elwyn, who mows the grass and scares the weeds away, to others who hold the door open and offer assistance in any way they can, we are blessed to live in such a compassionate community. And then there is the manager at IHOP, who wouldn’t dream of letting us pay for our meal.

And just this past weekend, a kind lady who was leaving Shangri-La restaurant as we were entering, returned to cover our bill, unknown to us.

We are deeply touched by the generous nature of Colorado Springs residents, and we are proud to call this city home at this time in our lives.

Patrick and Diane Comer

Colorado Springs

Secretive or patriotic?

I found Vince Bzdek’s Sunday column about Palantir interesting. Palantir has rather recently been newsworthy owing to its booming stock valuations, so I wished to learn more about it.

I was glad to learn that Palantir has a pro-Western view. Other well-known tech companies have blatantly thumbed their noses and lost their souls in hostile countries. Apple comes to mind. It has aided China to become a tech-savvy, manufacturing powerhouse.

How ironic, then, that 13 former employees signed an open letter calling Palantir’s work with immigration “normalizing authoritarianism.” Hmm. Is Palantir being secretive or patriotic and wise?

Janice Taylor

Colorado Springs

Attitude and cancer

I was shocked at Robert Kennedy expounding a view that cancer should not be treated with chemotherapy and other anti-science drivel.

Well now, after being Stage IV for 15 years and quite undead, I have something to say about this thimble-ringer.

First, if you don’t take a biopsy of the lesion, you don’t know what it is.

With a biopsy, you find not only if it is cancerous, but also what type of cancer it is, and whether it has metastasized. Only then can a proper battle be staged. I have seen others who tried quackery. They died.

Cancer wants to kill its host. It must be attacked with science. To beat cancer in late stages you would rather die in human trials than be taken by the disease.

That’s the resolution of a cancer warrior.

They studied the genomes of the long-term survivors. We’re nothing special, except in attitude.

John Murphy

Colorado Springs

Backbone of businesses

I was employed by Penrose for 15 years. I just read the article on the editorial page that said nurses pay for their equipment and parking.

A couple of years ago I volunteered at Penrose. I loved it. I could see how money was being spent. I could see how volunteering has changed. I hear they have Peyton Manning to advertise for Common Spirit. They didn’t need me.

Take care of the backbone of your business — the employees. It’s so sad to see big business is more important than employees.

Patricia Rice

Colorado Springs