Foreclosure crisis was entirely predictable

So, foreclosures are still hot and people are concerned. Why?

What else could anybody expect when you take poorly educated, illiterate, marginally employable people - many of whom don't even speak the language of the country they live in - and combine them with immoral opportunists who saw an opportunity to rape an industry (real estate)?

Let's remember too that the vast majority of these foreclosures were triggered when the interest rates on the ARMs increased. Then let's make sure we fully understand that these increases were triggered by the Federal Reserve Bank, Alan Greenspan and Ben Bernanke.

Shouldn't these august pillars of all that is wise and known in the financial universe, as well as the Senate Banking Committee, have had some idea of the ubiquitous existence and volatile variables of these types of mortgages and developed some perspective of the impact their rate increases could have? Anybody who has even one eye open can watch the impact of these foreclosures washing through this nation's economy, and all of those culpable must be recognized.

Stephen Holben, Denver

Governor's drilling stance shortsighted

How impressive for Gov. Ritter and Sen. Salazar to have a photo op with their helicopter on a mountain top and sour a deal that county officials have been working on for a very long time ("Governor takes heat for stand on drilling," July 26). It is only money, jobs and much needed energy for the state and nation. And what is better than to please a bunch of half-hearted greenies living in crowded cities that might vote for them than to work with all the people of the state for the real good of Colorado and the nation.

Let's leave the landscape alone for prairie dogs and coyotes that few people have ever seen or probably will see. No, it is better not to develop our own energy sources and go to foreign hot spots with wars and try to get that very expensive energy. Yes, one has to be impressed how our elected leaders are serving us riding around on helicopter photo shoots.

Frank Galmish, Denver

Ritter doesn't get 'of, by, for the people'

It would have been wonderful when Gov. Ritter had his "spiritual experience" on top of Moffat County's overlook of Vermillion Basin if he had had a "spiritual reawakening" as to how he could assist in visioning his children's and grandchildren's availability of fuel for their vacation as well as making it an affordable commodity for them.

Quite obviously, his "spiritual experience" did not originate from perusal of our forefathers' vision, "Of, by, and for the people," but more likely guided by pressure from underground objectives "Of foreign interests; by government bureaucrats, lobbyists and misguided environmentalists; and for terrorists' success." This philosophy denigrates a return to an independent democracy that our national fathers implemented.

A governor's position proposing drilling can be very constructive and productive for a state's tax benefits and employment. A governor's position requesting reversal of the community's drilling can be very counterproductive to a state's tax benefits and work hardship on employment.

Don Urben, Littleton

New hotel's slogan irresponsible, not cute

Regarding the July 20 story " 'W' stamps brand downtown," I find that the "hip" "W" hotels have a "hip" slogan : "Whatever/Whenever." Yet another company in America has adopted a slogan that gently but insidiously undermines any sense of ethical behavior and promotes the rampant narcissism that infects our society. This slogan is not cute. It is irresponsible.

Dyanna Ivy, Centennial

DCPA has long history of unfair dealings

Regarding Joanne Kelley's July 27 article, "Caterers dishing up resentment at DCPA": It comes as no surprise to those of us in the event rental business. The DCPA as been handing out exclusive deals to certain rental companies for years. These exclusive deals have not only blocked out certain rental companies but also forced caterers who were using the DCPA into using a select or chosen rental company regardless of price or who they wanted to use.

What has happened to the free market and freedom of choice? We have fought for years about the exclusive deals being issued at the DCPA and the harm it has caused. It is not the fact that they issue the exclusive agreement to a certain company but they do so without offering any other companies the fair opportunity to bid on the work. They have been using exclusives on rental companies for more than 10 years. Now, the DCPA has issued the same type of deal to an exclusive caterer. These deals seem unfair and unjust!

Unless the DCPA is benefiting somehow from these exclusive deals, it seems rather shortsighted to limit patrons of the DCPA to one choice of caterers and one choice of rental companies. I, for one, feel it is time for someone to ask what's in it for them?

Barry Reynolds, general manager, Butler Rents, Denver

Waiting for apologies from the naysayers

I don't usually find articles from the business section interesting, but the July 11 story on Ford's hydrogen-powered shuttle bus - "Ford touts hydrogen as fuel alternative" - amazed me because of the relatively short time it has taken for manufacturers to bring this technology almost to the showroom.

The news also caused me to remember a State of the Union speech a few years ago, when President Bush spoke of encouraging hydrogen technology in both vehicle engines and fuel-cell power sources. I recall the derisive laughter from the commentators and pundits, as they wondered how he could waste the country's time with such fantasy. I (and he) are waiting for the apologies.

Jim Kiel, Aurora

AMA policies end up denying Americans care

Regarding the story "AMA critical of in-store health clinics":

It would appear that the American Medical Association is determined to deny Americans medical care any way it can - first denying us drugs from Mexico and Canada, then conspiring and raising medical insurance to unaffordable levels. Now, the AMA simply wants to put the local (affordable) competition out of business.

The AMA is attempting to fault Walgreen's in-store health clinics for a possible conflict of interest directing its patients to the Walgreen Pharmacy after their Walgreen Clinic visit. This is the apex of duplicity and disingenuousness because the medical industry defines collusion. Further, if the patient's insurance company chooses to waive or lower their client's co-pay during an in-store clinic visit, this is strictly between the patient and the insurance carrier. The AMA has no place even voicing an opinion, much less an objection on this matter.

Robert J. Pietlock, Denver

Neighborhood's plight is heartbreaking

I appreciated John Rebchook's July 18 article about southwest Denver, "Lien times for SW Denver/Neighborhoods hit hard by recent foreclosure crisis." I'm a Denver native who grew up in the 80219 ZIP code. My parents still live in the same house off Florida and Utica streets. Even though I don't live there anymore, it is the part of Denver that I think of as home. When I visit, I find it truly heartbreaking to see what used to be known as Denver's suburb in the city becoming so run down.

I'd like to applaud the woman who said that part of what the 80219 area needs is an emotional investment in the community and homeowners who will give some TLC to their property. But, I also believe this needs to be paired with the city paying more attention. Increased zoning compliance, crime prevention, school improvement and economic reinvestment would be a blessing to SW Denver. The decline in property values is sickening for those people like my parents who've spent decades working hard to maintain their investment.

Jerilynn Martinez, Denver

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