But even if the prairie dog's numbers were not dwindling so rapidly, I still would defend this little rodent. Like all animals, prairie dogs feels pain and are capable of suffering. We need to learn how to co-exist with wildlife and give them a fair chance to survive. Maybe someday we will not hold the upper hand--then who will feel sorry for us?
Nicole Huntley
Longmont
Prairie dogs have a divine right to life.
Linda Stonder
Littleton
Thin Spinned
Regarding Scott C. Yates's "Spin Cycle," in the April 16 issue:
I applaud your coverage of Amendment 15. Yates is correct when he states that this important case has been all but ignored by the media. However, his story contains a factual error. The Colorado Senate Republican Election Committee that Yates alludes to as funneling money is not a fund of the Colorado Republican Party. The Colorado Republican Party has no control over this fund, nor does the party raise any money for the fund. A quick check at the Secretary of State's office, as Yates correctly suggests Mr. Durham should have made, would have shown the error he made.
Christopher Baker, Executive Director
Colorado Republican Party
On the whole, we found Yates's article an accurate and in-depth account of the Amendment 15 proceedings. But the following items need correcting:
1) The article suggests that Bob Hill is "being paid by Colorado Common Cause and the League of Women Voters." It is important to note that Hill is representing Colorado Common Cause and the League of Women Voters of Colorado and is offering his services on a pro bono basis.
2) The story notes that "PACs, for instance, can receive only $500 from any one individual donor." In fact, PACs (political action committees) may accept no more than $250 from any one person per House of Representatives election cycle.
3) I am quoted as saying, "What this means is that the tobacco companies were essentially laundering money through people such as Durham and through PACs." I believe that I actually said: "Tobacco companies were essentially laundering money through individuals and through PACs." I did not mention, nor infer, that Durham participated in this practice.
Jon Goldin-Dubois, Executive Director
Colorado Common Cause
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