NFL missed 250th mark

The halftime show at Super Bowl X in 1976 was performed by Up with People, a musical ensemble, in a performance titled “200 Years and Just a Baby” to celebrate America’s Bicentennial. I have memories of a halftime show which inspired in 11-year-old me a sense of pride in being American. Fast forward 50 years later, and how does the NFL plan to commemorate the 250th year of the founding of our great nation during the Super Bowl LX halftime show next February? They have invited rapper Bad Bunny to grace the halftime stage with what is likely to be another in a series of cacophonous, cringe-worthy, and unpatriotic Super Bowl halftime ‘performances’ that viewers have had to endure in recent years.

The halftime show is a moment that transcends a sporting event, fostering a sense of community and shared experience — at least that’s what it was back in the day. The fact that 2026 marks an important milestone in the history of our nation seems to have eluded NFL leadership and, as a result, America’s past time will miss the opportunity to play a meaningful and unifying role in celebrating our country’s quarter millennium.

I sincerely hope Bad Bunny has something planned for the halftime show to recognize this important year for our nation, but I won’t hold my breath.

Paula Linhares

Colorado Springs

No choice, just a default

Colorado Springs doesn’t have a choice in housing we have a default.

Why is the single-family home the “predominant and perennially most popular mode of living”? The Gazette’s editorial board (Sept. 25, 2025 – “Don’t herd Coloradans into density zoning”) wants you to think it’s because it’s what people inherently choose. In reality, it’s because it is all that is legally permitted to build in the majority of Colorado.

The editorial cites that “fully two-thirds of Coloradans live in single-family homes.” This statistic, however, is a direct result of zoning laws. Throughout Colorado, “68% of all residentially zoned land — multifamily projects are completely prohibited” (Colorado Sun, July 1, 2025). Zoning, and specifically single-family zoning, is a relatively new development, first implemented in Colorado Springs in 1951. This history is evident in the smaller lot sizes and housing diversity you see in the older, more walkable parts of the city, like the neighborhoods around Downtown and the Westside that developed prior to modern zoning.

The claim that state-level reform will “disrupt the American dream” ignores the reality that for many, that dream is already unattainable. We have a growing demographic gap: our younger population, such as those coming out of college, can rarely afford a single-family home and frequently struggle to afford an apartment. At the same time, our growing, aging residents, often on a fixed income, want to “age in place,” downsize, and meet their daily needs without needing to drive everywhere.

We need more housing supply and diversity to serve all of our residents. The Gazette argues for preserving “long-standing zoning rules,” effectively advocating to preserve an artificial housing shortage. No one is forcing denser housing to be built; any reform is simply allowing for more options. Allowing diverse housing options like three-flats, six-flats, or multiple smaller dwellings on a single lot isn’t “cramming.” It is embracing the free market and giving property owners the right to build what is applicable to their needs. Without allowing this “gentle density” to be built by everyday residents, only large developers will be able to build the in-demand apartments as massive developments, rather than smaller, human-scale projects.

Cully Radvillas

Colorado Springs

Crossing the picket line

On October 8, Colorado Springs Education Association (CSEA) union members are expected to prioritize union objectives over the immediate needs of students and families. Their absence will result in students lacking instructional support and place additional burdens on remaining staff.

Union actions do not reflect the collective interests of all teachers.

During the strike, non-striking teachers will continue to attend to their duties and assume additional responsibilities. Meanwhile, striking teachers will participate in demonstrations, attempting to disrupt operations in D11 schools. In fact, the CSEA president called for a complete closure of all D11 schools in his “President’s Perspective” on September 25.

The actions of the union leaders do not represent the interests of the entire teaching staff.

Before October 8, union members expressed dissatisfaction regarding the loss of pay associated with participating in the strike. Some members have objected to administrative requests for advance notice of their absence, which is necessary to ensure adequate student supervision and safety during the strike.

The actions of union representatives do not represent all teachers.

As a former union member, I attest that the strike was planned and finalized by CSEA leadership. While CSEA claims that all key decisions—including striking and selecting political candidates—represent the voice of all District 11 teachers, the truth is that the union membership was neither solicited nor considered when deciding to strike or choosing candidates.

Nevertheless, numerous educators will maintain their professional responsibilities on October 8. These individuals, including myself, will uphold their commitment to students and educational values while maintaining classroom presence and student safety.

Candice M. Green, MEdL

Colorado Springs