"Weeding Is Fundamental," Off Limits, August 11, 2011
I feel sorry for the people who are trying to open medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado: Seventy-seven pages of new rules, more money to keep track of everything that goes on in a shop. I don't know why the police need everything taped, other than using the tapes to make traffic stops (we have his picture from the pot shop, must be high, pull him over), impound cars and put drivers in jail, which makes more money for the city. The police, of course, will use it as propaganda — it was the devil's weed eighty years ago.
Hell, before I would open a pot shop, I would get a liquor license and open a liquor store — which costs a lot less but destroys more lives and kills people faster than pot ever will. That is my two cents.
William Straight Denver
"Illboard," Jenny An, August 4
I have been a type 1 diabetic since I was thirteen months old, and while I was lucky enough to have top-quality medical care, I still have dealt with complications in recent years, so I understand how frustrating living with diabetes can be. However, what I appreciated most about "Illboard" was the discussion regarding depression, anxiety and other mental-health issues faced by diabetics on a daily basis. It is very challenging to live with diabetes, and Jenny An's article illustrated how much harder it is for those without insurance — though even with insurance, many are spending at least $300 or more on supplies per month.
It is because of the issues she reported and my personal challenges that I started Denver Diabetes Counseling. I work with those living with and affected by the disease, and my focus is on the "head stuff."
I have been a patient of the Barbara Davis Center since I was eight years old. Because of BDC and my doctor there, I was able to live and travel in several countries on my own. I am also one of a very few type 1 diabetics who completed two years in the Peace Corps. I feel like it is my time to give back to them and all the opportunities I've had because of their care and support. I wanted to thank you for putting the word out about how many diabetics suffer from mental-health issues, and let you know there is at least one person trying to provide support and develop treatment in that area.
Jenna Eisenberg Greenwood Village
I was diagnosed with diabetes, type 1, at age 22. I experienced what they call the "honeymoon"period for about a year where I stopped having symptoms, but I became totally insulin-dependent at age 23. I went through the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross denial, anger, depression, etc., but did it very quickly. I basically decided that I should just accept that this is what I've been dealt in life, and I should do the best I can with it. Brian Bradley seems to still be angry about it, and I can't fault him for that, but I know he would be much better off and probably happier if he just accepted the disease. I have.
When I got the disease, my doctor told me I would need to eat right and exercise daily and watch my stress levels. This is good advice for anybody, but I definitely took it to heart. For me, the disease has been really a non-event in that it did not prevent me from doing what I liked: skiing for ten years, wind-surfing and water sports for ten years, polo for ten years, racecar driving for three years, and hockey for the past twelve years. I also still occasionally play full-court basketball. I'm 61 and can do at least 100 push-ups without stopping and 25 pull-ups. I do have to check my blood sugar three or four times a day, take 4 or 5 insulin injections, but it's really no more bother than shaving. I exercise every day in some fashion and believe this to be kind of a fountain of youth for everybody — but particularly important for diabetics.
I know I may have end-of-life organ problems, and I may have a shorter lifespan than a totally healthy person. I really can't dwell on that, because I'm enjoying living now.
Dan Boyle
Denver
