A disappointing decision

As Colorado Springs prepares for July 2026, many residents may not realize that one of our most successful Independence Day traditions, “Fireworks From Your Front Porch,” has been eliminated.

When I contacted community leaders about the decision, I was told that budget reductions and rising event costs made changes necessary. While fiscal responsibility is important, the timing of this decision is disappointing. The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood. If there was ever a year to invest in a community-wide celebration that brought residents together, this is it.

The previous model allowed families across Colorado Springs to celebrate from their own neighborhoods without fighting traffic, paying admission fees, or traveling to a single venue. It was accessible, inclusive, and uniquely representative of our community.

Instead, residents are being directed to a series of separate events across the region, including a fireworks show at Ford Amphitheater. While those events may be enjoyable, they are not a replacement for a city-wide celebration visible to all residents.

Equally concerning is the lack of public discussion surrounding this change. Residents were given little notice, no opportunity for meaningful input, and few details about why alternatives were not pursued.

The 250th birthday of our nation and the 150th anniversary of Colorado should be remembered as a time when communities came together. Colorado Springs should reconsider this decision and restore a celebration worthy of these historic milestones.

Erin Lewis

Colorado Springs

Campaigning on the negative

Wouldn’t it be nice to turn on the television and see something really positive from the two Democrats running for Colorado’s governor, but we are being bombarded by two candidates telling us about how they have sued President Donald Trump and what they plan to do if elected to stop him.  Bennet even went as far as to call President Trump the worst president this country has ever had.  Obviously, he is delusional and has forgotten the mess that Joe Biden created.  

But, how can you run a campaign on a negative?  The people of Colorado expect so much more from their governor than so much negativity.  The two are trying to outdo each other with their “we’re going to get Trump” mentality.  How does any of this help the citizens of this once beautiful state?  We don’t want to hear this vitriol several times a day when we turn on the television.  We want to know what these two will do for Colorado’s citizens.  

Suing Trump is not going to make life easier or safer for us, quite the contrary. The negative ads are becoming nauseating and should turn off any intelligent voter in the state.  After many years of Democrat governance, it is time for a fresh start.  Maybe it’s time for a Republican governor!  What a concept.

Barry S. Oswell, LtCol, USAF (retired)

Colorado Springs 

An iconic scene

As we observe the century mark of Marilyn Monroe’s birth, it may be noted that she and another movie icon, Clark Gable, appeared together in the last scene of the final film either of them made: “The Misfits.”

Gable plays a down-on-his-luck leader of a band of men rounding up wild horses for dog food in the Nevada desert, motivated by the dire need for money and a sense of lost purpose. He brings Marilyn’s character with him, not realizing that she is deeply compassionate and cannot stand the animals’ suffering. The pain she feels for the horses is unbearable, compelling her to confront the others and exposing her empathy and moral conviction. Her dramatics sobered him and reformed his heart, causing him to question his actions.

The final scene was the two of them together in the front seat of a pickup, driving away in the moonlight, both changed by their experience. That is perhaps the most iconic scene ever shot in movie history.

Fred Stewart

Grand Junction

Time for a change

At a Thursday forum in Glendale (hosted by First Bank/PNC and Land Title Guarantee), Democrats Michael Bennet and Phil Weiser and Republicans Barbara Kirkmeyer and Victor Marx gathered to debate Colorado’s issues (problems).

The candidates received the questions in advance. What? Bennett said, “I’m deeply worried about the direction Colorado is headed.” They basically all said the same thing. Jared Polis and the Democrats have been in power for the last 8 years, and they are why we are headed in the downward direction we are. Wake up, Colorado! Time for a change.

 Lindsay Clewe

Monument