Re: “Deportations: Judge questions Trump officials over disregarding weekend order,” March 18 news story<\/p>\n
On Saturday, a federal judge barred President Donald Trump from using a wartime powers act to deport suspected Venezuelan gang members without a hearing.<\/p>\n
On Monday morning, White House border czar Tom Homan said, “We’re not stopping. I don’t care what the judges think.”<\/a><\/p>\n Clearly, the checks and balances that have undergirded our democracy and the rule of law for almost 250 years will not restrain the authoritarian Trump administration. The Republican Congress seems not to care. Will the American people defend our democracy — or is the rule of law dead?<\/p>\n Mark Vanderbrook, Morrison<\/em><\/p>\n It mystifies me why the Supreme Court can’t, or won’t, issue an opinion to the DOJ and others in the Trump administration that says, “You can appeal a district judge’s decision, but you cannot ignore it. No exceptions. End of discussion.” Surely, the justices at least could agree on that.<\/p>\n Jeff Stroh, Denver<\/em><\/p>\n Re: “Columbia student’s deportation arrest should scare all Americans,” March 16 commentary<\/p>\n The Trump administration\u2019s war on illegal immigration has taken an ominous turn; not only are they aiming to deport criminals, they have now gone after legal immigrants who have done nothing wrong but have used their legal right to free speech and protest.<\/p>\n Coupled with this weekend\u2019s blatant disregard of a court order, we see a dismantling of our bedrock government order. Checks and balances are being ignored.<\/p>\n Power is being consolidated in one branch, indeed, in one man.<\/p>\n The slippery slope is turning into an avalanche of the abuse of power. Immigrants today, citizens tomorrow; a dictatorship next week.<\/p>\n Bob Stephenson, Englewood<\/em><\/p>\n As a pet owner, I consider my dog a part of my family. As such, it\u2019s important that they get the best veterinary care possible. Unfortunately, staffing shortages, limited clinic hours, and exorbitant costs lead to less availability, longer wait times between appointments, and sometimes an inability to pay, putting my pet\u2019s health at risk.<\/p>\n Last fall, Colorado voters approved Proposition 129 to expand access to safe and affordable veterinary care by creating a career pathway for veterinary professional associates (VPAs). This new profession expands options for access to high-quality pet care.<\/p>\n Yet, Rep. Karen McCormick has introduced House Bill 1285<\/a> to gut it. If HB 1285 passes, it will restrict VPAs from practicing procedures specifically laid out in Proposition 129, prevent them from directly creating relationships with clients, impose excessive hiring and supervision requirements, and more.<\/p>\nDon’t gut the voter-approved legislation on VPAs<\/h4>\n