There was a time in very recent history when Denver was known as the Queen city of the Plains, with incredibly low crime rates, wonderful parks and open space, a thriving downtown, safe streets, no gangs, great schools, respected police, and most of us held the government in esteem. Sure, there were minor problems and sure people from time to time would speak out, but by and large whether they were Democrats or Republicans (and there used to be Republicans in Denver) people respected the city, the state, and the system.
Now let me tell you a joke.
On a Native American reservation, a fat cat blow hard U. S. Senator arrives to solve the problems of the native people. When speaking to their leader the senator asked what kind of help did he need from the federal government?
“First,” the man replied, “We need clean water.” The senator immediately went into a huddle with his aides and briefcase carriers and minions and started screaming into his cell phone that he needed water filtration systems and he needed it now.
He went back to the native man and said, “All of this is on the way. What’s your second problem?” The Indian man said, “Medical care.” Again, the senator retreated into the huddle with his little delegates from D.C., starts screaming into his cell phone and demands loudly medical care, and staff and his traveling companions from D.C. gazed on him with adoring eyes.
He returns to the chief and says, “By the end of the week there will be doctors and nurses here and next year at this time there will be a hospital. What’s your third issue?” And the chief responded, “Cell service.”
Now, can you find the elephants and the giraffes and butterflies in that picture? Of course. How many years now did Webb, Peña, Ritter, Hickenlooper, Owens, and Hancock tell you next week this time there’s going to be clean water, doctors, and all will be well. Are you starting to understand? Are you just so conditioned to being lied to by a combination of the media, Republicans and Democrats, bureaucrats, and law firms? Have you finally had enough?
There is a pending election but like most they will promise you fresh water, medical care and, of course, cell service.
- Peter Boyles
