Clowns To The Left Of Us, Jokers To The Right.

by Mark Smiley | Jun 2, 2021 | Travel

Here We Are Stuck In The Middle

by Danny Foster and Bob Graham

Imagine, if you will, living in a time when you cannot express your political opinions, or any opinion for that matter, without being attacked, canceled, or dismissed. Imagine a time when loud demagogues control the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, and if you don’t walk in lockstep with the “leaders” of the Party, then you will be marginalized and called a racist or a socialist or an insurrectionist. Well imagine it no longer, this is America 2021, and pragmatism and thoughtful dialogue have left the building. We are all reaping what we have sowed by allowing the loudest voices to control our public discourse and policy. As much as we would like to blame the screeching voices on the Left, or the tin-foil hats on the Right, it is us, the majority of adults in this country, who are to blame. We are guilty of not standing up to the demagogues in the Democratic and Republican parties.

Danny Foster

The demagogues on the Left are no different than the demagogues on the Right. Sure, they have different political ideas, but their tactics are essentially the same. Viciously attack those whose opinions are different and embrace tribalism in its most visceral form. Nothing says “anti-fascist” like throwing bricks at your political opponents. There is great danger in assuming one’s side of an argument is free from fallibility or not otherwise open to question. We can only learn from each other if we are able to exchange ideas openly — without being shouted down by those with whom we disagree (after all we were both politically polarized, but through thoughtful discussion we have brought each other to the Center). When Rep. Ilan Omar and the rest of the Squad have become the loudest voices in the Democratic Party, and Reps. Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor-Greene have become the loudest voices in the Republican Party, it leaves a wide gulf of unrepresented opinions in the middle. And on behalf of the Silenced Majority, let us just say that both Parties are collectively bumming out a large percentage of this country and we must stop being silent.

Common sense and maturity have long since abandoned the Parties and created a seemingly binary world. But it doesn’t have to be that way. A recent Gallup poll indicated that 40% of Americans consider themselves politically independent, the highest percentage ever recorded, while those holding themselves out as Democrats or Republicans has dramatically dropped in the past few years. That is because the majority of Americans are fed up with the extreme positions and tribalism sweeping our city councils, state legislatures, and the U.S. Congress. But unless the political mod-erates on both sides start exerting more political muscle and shutting down the polarizing rhetoric, the extremists will win. And we cannot let that happen.

We must refuse to let the fringes of these parties control our political dialogue. We should not be cowed into silence because we believe we will be attacked. If you are a Democrat, you shouldn’t be scared to say that you respect the police and that the De-fund the Police Movement is a terrible idea. Supporting our police doesn’t make you a bad Democrat, it makes you a grown-up. If you are a Republican, you shouldn’t be scared to say you are in favor of reasonable gun restrictions. That doesn’t make you a bad Republican, it makes you a good citizen. After all, 62% of all Americans favor a ban on semi-automatic weapons.

Bob Graham

What can you do? Don’t be afraid to state your opinion, even if your opinion is not the politically expedient one, and listen respectfully to those with whom you disagree. For example, when we see a tent city pop up in our neighborhood, we must treat the occupants of that tent city compassionately, but we also must strongly advocate for its immediate removal. And we shouldn’t feel guilty about saying this because tent cities are inhumane, dangerous, and the quickest way to decimate property values. Denver doesn’t want to be another San Francisco, Seattle, or Portland. Sure there are several local politicians on the Denver City Council who embrace homeless encampments to score political points, but at what cost? Don’t forget that over 80% of the voters in Denver voted to maintain the camping ban, not end it. So why are we all afraid to say it? Because so many are scared to be labeled insensitive, or even racist. If simply defending reasonable positions marks you as a bigot, then civic discourse becomes impossible and there is no way to compromise. You are entitled to your opinion and the Silenced Majority supports you.

We have enormous respect for Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Democratic Senator Joe Manchin who have demonstrated true profiles in courage. Rep. Cheney had the guts to call out Donald Trump’s lie about the election being stolen even though it would have been much easier for her to toe the Republican line and Sen. Manchin has the guts to oppose extreme positions in the Democratic Party which has put him at odds with the Progressive wing of his Party.

Disagreements become insults when politics becomes a statement about who you are as a person. The children have been driving the bus long enough and they are steering us into on-coming traffic. It is time for the Silenced Majority to say Enough is Enough and take the wheel. (We’re sorry if this editorial “triggered” you, grow up.)

Danny Foster and Bob Graham have been law partners in Denver since 2000; danny@fostergraham.com, bob@fostergraham.com.

A simple guide to finding the best grill for you

by Mark Smiley | May 26, 2021 | Travel

May 29 is Back to Barbecue Day, the official kickoff of grilling season.

(BPT) – The sound of the sizzle, the smell of foods cooking outdoors, the undeniable taste – it’s time to get back to the barbecue. For many people, a grill becomes a second kitchen. For others, it’s their primary way of cooking all year long.

“We need it more than ever after a year like this,” says Steven Raichlen, grilling authority, author and host of television’s “Project Fire.” “Grilling brings joy. Unleashing your inner pyromaniac is fun. Building a fire is fun. Waltzing the food from hot spots to cool spots is fun. Grilling is an interactive sport. Every grill session is different and that alone makes it joyful.”

More than just cooking good food, Raichlen says grilling is a bonding activity that focuses on a simple pleasure that everyone enjoys.

“It’s fun and uncanny how grilling brings people together. No one gathers around the stove to watch a pot of stew simmer. Light your grill, people congregate and you, the grill master, become master of ceremonies,” he says.

The appeal of grilling transcends generations, and many people are now shopping for new grills so they can enjoy cooking outdoors. The problem is there are many types of grills, different sizes and varying price points, so it’s difficult to know which is right for your needs.

Saturday, May 29, is National Back to Barbecue Day, one of the busiest shopping days of the year for new grills. For a grill buying guide, visit BBQ Outlets at www.bbqoutlets.com/grill-buying-guides.  If you are looking to buy a new grill, the experts at the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association share some important things to keep in mind:

Types of grills to consider

Gas: For people who want convenience. Just like your kitchen stove, it can be ready to cook in 10 minutes, and it’s easy to regulate cooking temps.

Charcoal: For those who love being hands-on with the nuances of outdoor grilling. Some say charcoal provides the best flavor experience. Good for low and slow cooking and high heat searing.

Traeger

Pellet: For people who want the most in flavor. Wood pellet grills are among the most energy efficient and burn clean. Pellets come in varieties such as hickory, mesquite and oak, providing a truly flavorful cooking experience.

Electric: For people who love simplicity. Electric grills are designed to produce constant heat and operate without an open flame. Ideal for apartment or condo dwellers since they don’t require charcoal or propane.

Kamado: For people who love cooking all styles and seasons. Kamado grills’ excellent insulation is ideal for both grilling and smoking. They can use wood and charcoal and are ideal for roasting and baking.

Questions to ask before buying a grill

What do you love to cook? Many grills come with extra features ideal for certain foods, like rotisseries if you love a roasted chicken, side burners if you love soups and stews, or ample space for pizza stones if you frequently crave the ‘za.

How much time will you have to cook? If you’re hard pressed for free cooking time, consider the convenience of gas or electric grills. Love to pass the time cooking? A charcoal, smoker or kamado grill may be best for you.

How much space do you have? If you have a big backyard, consider a larger grill perhaps with a kitchen island to create a focal point for relaxation and entertaining. Premium portable or more compact grills are ideal for condos and apartments.

Once you have your grill at home and ready to go, it’s time to get cooking. Raichlen shares one of his favorite grill recipes below. Find more recipes, cooking tips and pledge to grill out at www.whyigrill.org.

Pamplona of Pork

Ingredients2 pork tenderloins, each 1 to 1-1/4 poundsCoarse salt – sea or kosher – and freshly ground black pepper3 tablespoons Dijon mustard1 roasted red bell pepper, stemmed, peeled, seeded and sliced into 1/4-inch strips (see note below)3 ounces thinly sliced smoked ham, sliveredOne 5.2-ounce package Boursin cheese or other soft garlic and herb cheese, crumbled4 strips thin-cut baconVegetable oil for oiling the grateYou’ll also need: Butcher’s string; 1 or 2 hardwood chunks or 1-1/2 cups hardwood smoking chips. If using the latter, soak in water to cover for 30 minutes, then drain. Directions1. Set up your grill for indirect grilling and heat to medium-high, about 400 degrees.2. Meanwhile, cut a deep pocket in the side of each pork tenderloin. Season the inside of the pocket with salt and pepper and paint with mustard. Stuff the peppers, ham and cheese into the pocket. Season the outside of the tenderloins with salt and pepper.3. Lay four 10-inch pieces of kitchen string on and parallel to your work surface. Lay a strip of bacon on and perpendicular to the strings. Top with one of the tenderloins. Lay a second strip of bacon on top of the tenderloin. Bring up the ends of the strings and tie. Trim the ends close to the knots. Repeat with the remaining tenderloin.4. Brush or scrape the grill grate clean and oil it well with vegetable oil. If using a charcoal grill, add the wood chunks or chips to the coals. On a gas grill, place in the smoker box or under the grate directly over the burners.5. Indirectly grill the tenderloins until nicely browned and the meat is cooked through to 145-155 degrees or as needed, about 40 minutes.6. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes. Remove the strings, then, using a sharp knife, preferably with a serrated blade, slice the tenderloin crosswise into 1/2-inch medallions. Transfer to a platter or plates.Note: The pepper can be prepared at a previous grill session. Heat the grill to high then roast the pepper until the skin is blackened and charred, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Alternatively, roast the pepper over an open flame on your gas stove or the side burner of your grill. Cover and refrigerate for up to a day if not using immediately.