Local VA facility delivering

In the midst of the national political controversy over the recent inefficiencies and undeserved bonuses awarded to employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, I am here to report on my personal observation of the local VA operations.

During the 44 years since I left active duty in 1972, I did not apply for any VA treatment or benefits – only those delivered by other federal departments for my 27 years of military service. But in 2015, my family members pressed me to apply for VA recognition of my progressive loss of hearing from battlefield detonations I suffered during the Korean War 65 years ago. I reluctantly agreed.

I have been administratively and medically tested and treated within the new and large Colorado Springs west-side VA facility on Centennial Boulevard. It is a fine and well- designed building and grounds as any in the city, and the staff has invariably been courteous, efficient and very accommodating.

From my observation, it obviously attends to the needs of hundreds of younger and older military veterans, not only from those afflicted during the recent Middle Eastern wars, but also vets back through the Vietnam War in which I also served, and those few still living in the area who served in WWII.

I have also spent some time while in the facility silently observing the treatment, necessary bureaucracy and manner of handling vets by the paid VA staff supplemented by a surprising number of volunteers. I also have questioned vets who have used VA local services.

I here wish to report to the local federal taxpayers that the VA within El Paso County is delivering its service to vets as well as I can imagine or expect.

David Hughes

Colorado Springs

Scientific proof that God exists

My letter is written in response to Larry Green’s, Dec. 28 “Atheism and absence of belief” letter.

I am enough of a realist to know that a simple response by me to Larry’s letter will not change any avowed atheist unwilling to be objective on this subject, but for those readers who may find themselves just “wondering,” may I suggest a marvelous book by Lee Strobel, “The Case For A Creator.”

The author, Strobel, was an atheist himself and set out to find “proof” there is no God. His strategy was to interview many scientists to substantiate his belief there is no God. He interviewed a whole host of scientists including astrophysicists, biochemists, geneticists, evolution experts, biologists, journalists, astronomers and more.

What he found was exactly the opposite of what he was trying to prove. He came to the logical conclusion, along with the scientists he interviewed, that science has proved through standard scientific deductive reasoning that God does exist.

He starts with the Big Bang, walks through Darwin evolution and ends with a quote from Sir John Templeton, “faith does not imply a closed, but an open mind.”

Enjoy the book; I sure did.

Steve Sinn

Manitou Springs

The best leader we can hope for

Much has happened since the race for president began. So much in the world and much within the campaign itself. I occasionally question my choice for the GOP race. The world is such a dangerous place. I wonder who is best to deal with this mess. It’s not just national security. It’s Obamacare, our runaway debt . it’s everything.

I can’t go with Donald Trump. He’s like a seventh-grade bragger and bully. I can’t go with Ted Cruz, since in the Senate he has shown no leadership. He has done whatever it took to “make a statement,” seeking attention for himself. He is hated by Democrats and Republicans alike. How can he lead them? Marco Rubio is such a fine speaker and seems to be honest. Yet I can’t see what he has really accomplished inside or outside of politics.

I always come back to Ben Carson. His entire career has centered on working complex problems in an environment where there is no room for error. Carson is able to think 12 steps ahead of himself when approaching problems, making sure he thinks things through well.

National security included, I think Ben Carson is the best choice for president. He unites people. He will surround himself with the best, and he will be the best leader and problem solver we could hope for.

Jack Meyer

Colorado Springs

Time to reject Trump’s candidacy

Bill Press’ column “Time to Summarily Reject Trump’s Campaign . ” was spot on. It is unfortunate that many Republicans seem to prefer the nonsense of Donald Trump to the electoral wisdom of Lindsey Graham.

Come on Republicans . get real. Dump Trump! If you do, the “Grand Old Party” may have a chance at the Presidency. Not hoping . just saying.

Bob Armintor

Colorado Springs

Protect birds from feral cats

What a heartwarming story! (The article about all the feral cats on the west side.) Feral cats are one of the biggest reasons for a serious decline in our songbird populations, all over this country.

I live on the west side, not too far from this colony and have noticed a reduction in the birds in our trees. I encourage house finches to nest on our porch; this last summer was the first for no birds in about six years. Now, I know why!

Some communities work to “extinguish” colonies of these pests by sterilizing as many as can be captured. No more kittens and eventually, the colony starts to go down in numbers.

If you love a cat, keep it indoors! It will enjoy a much longer life and will not be hunting birds for food and just for the “sport” of killing – cats are just that way – it is what they do.

Indoor cats live several times longer than outdoor felines.

Matthew Parkhouse

Colorado Springs