Opinion Be safe. Stay Strong.
July 30, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3
OPINION
Is Denver becoming a city of anarchy Protests and riots are becoming a regular feature of many major US cities, including New York, Seattle, and Portland. Is Denver joining the ranks of out of control cities? Peaceful protest is enshrined in the First Amendment, “The right of citizens to assemble peaceably.” Nowhere in the Constitution is there a right to beat up those you disagree with, destroy property, loot businesses, or spray paint graffiti on buildings. Yet this is a normal daily occurrence in many American cities. Protests in Portland have carried on for more than 50 days, starting with George Floyd’s death. Demands for police reform morphed into protests against police in general. The “cancel culture” soon followed, with rioters toppling statues without thought or regard to what those statues represent. In Denver, the Colorado Capitol building is covered in graffiti, following the riots in late May, increasing daily since then, with no effort being made to clean up the mess. A Union soldier atop a Civil War monument in front of the Capitol was toppled in late June, despite the Union fighting against the Confederacy to end slavery, an irony apparently lost on the rioters. Vandalism to city-owned property across from Civic Center is estimated at over $1 million. How will Denver pay for cleanup and repair with so many closed businesses, both
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from the virus and from the riots? Businesses and their customers have disappeared, along with a substantial amount of BY BRIAN C. JOONDEPH tax revenue. Last weekend was the sixth annual “Back the Blue” rally in downtown Denver, with speeches and music to show appreciation for law enforcement. This year the party was crashed by Marxist Black Lives Matter and the militant left-wing Antifa groups. Denver police, despite being appreciated, chose to stand aside while these militant groups physically assaulted speakers and threatened Back the Blue attendees. Were Denver police afraid to protect the
right to peaceably and lawfully assemble? Or were they told by their leaders to stand down? Who gave that order? The police chief? The mayor? The governor? Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen walked arm in arm with the protesters. Yet he stood by while protesters beat up those backing his police department. Those who backed the blue were black and blue from the protesters, while the police watched. Deputy US Homeland Security Secretary Ken Cuccinelli commented, “These tyrannical, left-wing anarchists hate free speech. If you do not agree with them, they believe you must be beaten down – literally.” So much for the First Amendment in Denver. If the mob disagrees
with you, they will beat you up. And the police will simply watch the carnage. Conservative writer Michelle Malkin, an event speaker, was attacked at the rally for exercising her right to free speech. For those watching the news, this is the new norm in Portland, Seattle, New York, and other American cities. The mob rules the cities and police are told to look the other way. Yet if you walk through downtown Denver without a mask you could be arrested. Local media seems unconcerned, instead running stories on potential new names for Stapleton or President Trump’s latest tweet. If this violent mob was Trump supporters rather than Antifa and BLM, the media would be covering this nonstop. While
this has become a national news story, local media is largely silent. As are Republican officials like Senator Cory Gardner. Those of us living in the suburbs can rest assured that the mobs will stay in Denver and not venture south where such behavior couldn’t happen. Except is has, with protests boycotting Fiddler’s Green in Greenwood Village over the city’s decision to back their blue, protecting police officers from civil liability. As the virus wanes, our summer of discontent now involves riots and mob violence in Denver. Will Denver officials encourage such behavior or sit idly by while the city is slowly destroyed? Who will want to visit Denver, whether locals or tourists? Anarchy is fine for books and movies, but not for a once safe and beautiful city.
Telephone Town Hall Thursday, July 30 @ 7 p.m. Ask questions and get updates on COVID-19 and other developments in Arapahoe County. Visit arapahoegov.com/townhall COVID community testing event STRIDE Community Health Center will be providing COVID-19 testing each Wednesday in July at Smoky Hill High School in Aurora. Visit stridechc.org Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is here to help The Business Recovery Taskforce will host a two-part virtual series,July 29 from 10 a.m. to noon. The online conference will address cyber security, virtual hiring and more. Get details at arapahoegov.com/ArapahoeCARES
Transportation Master Planning DEvElopmEnt Save the date and join the County online for a virtual public meeting on August 5 at 7 p.m. Learn nEws in briEf more about the master planning process, ask the questions that are important to you, help define the outcomes and shape our future. Visit arapahoegov.com/transportationplan
COUNTS U.S. CENSUS 2020
Have you been counted? There’s still time to complete the 2020 Census. Simply call 844-330-2020 or return the paper form mailed to you by the Census Bureau. Your response helps determine critical public services like healthcare, libraries, emergency response, education and more. Please note that in August, Census takers will also begin knocking on doors for households that have not responded to the Census. Visit arapahoecounty/census2020
ARAPAHOE COUNTY SHERIFF ’S OFFICE
2019 Annual Report The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office has released its 2019 Annual Report. The report highlights some of the accomplishments and goals achieved over the course of last year.
2019 ANNUAL Repor t
View the report at arapahoesheriff.org
arapahoegov.com
