Political reporting is a bit overblown

Colorado politics is a violent thing. At least, according to the Rocky Mountain News, it is.

Like an enthusiastic fisherman who claims he once caught a fish this big, the Rocky might have slightly exaggerated its coverage of Colorado politics.

In its March 12 editions, the Rocky reports on "fierce battles yet to come at Capitol" and how - although "political veterans" are bored now - there are " . . . some of the fiercest battles . . . yet to be fought."

We are warned that "the biggest fight of all could happen Wednesday . . . " And, as if written by Homer himself, we are told of a defeated party that "has wrung its hands, lamenting the damage done by the other side of the aisle."

We even learn of a legislative bill that, believe it or not, "blew up."

Who needs C-SPAN with political reporting like that?

John Patrick Ritter, Highlands Ranch

Advantage Campos

Rocky media critic Dave Kopel correctly identifies Paul Campos and Ann Coulter as two of a kind ("Coulter and Campos: Two sides of the same coin," On the Media, March 10), but Campos enjoys quite an advantage locally since the Rocky publishes his political baloney once a week, while it seldom - if ever - runs any Coulter commentary or anything similar.

With leftist liberals such as Campos and entertainer Garrison Keillor (whose snide political remarks hitting on conservatives are so unnecessary) taking over the Rocky opinion pages, any hope that the joint-operating agreement would result in preserving two politically independent major newspapers in the Denver market seems dim indeed.

Percy Conarroe, Longmont

Ease up on Stantis' 'Prickly City'

Rocky reader Rusty Campos ("Drop 'Prickly City,' " Talk Back to the Media, March 3) needs to step back and take another look at artist Scott Stantis' Carmen and the Coyote. He has to keep in mind that Stantis is a conservative. This is a person who sees Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter as intellectuals, George Bush as a war hero, Condoleezza Rice as a diplomat and Dick Cheney as a senior statesman.

With this view of the world, and the performance of this crew, it's a wonder he even cracks a smile at all, let alone tries to brighten someone else's day.

Lighten up. If you really want to see a sorry sense of humor, go over to The Denver Post and take a look at Bruce Tinsley's duck (Mallard Fillmore). Sometimes Stantis is even funny.

Sam Domenico, Golden

Ax 'Sweeties,' 'Lio'

I am an avid reader of the Rocky Mountain News Spotlight comics section.

There are two strips I would like to see removed: Diesel Sweeties and Lio. I am a big fan of Mark Tatulli's Heart of the City strip, but not Lio.

Tom Guidera, Littleton

Full disclosure

In the interest of full disclosure, Rocky Mountain News editor and publisher John Temple should have revealed in his March 11 column, "View from Mile High not so down," that Time magazine reporter Bob Diddlebock, whose reporting on Denver Temple criticizes, used to be a reporter for the Rocky.

In the interest of full disclosure, I know this because when Diddlebock worked there I, too, worked at the Rocky.

Brad Thompson, McMinnville, Ore.

Teen's tale appreciated

I want to thank Rocky Mountain News writer Gary Massaro for his article highlighting the work of Excelsior Youth Center ("Teenage girl with troubled past cooks up new approach to life," March 1).

I was especially touched by Javier Manzano's picture of Kiki Lewis. That beautiful face made my day! I wish that young lady all the blessings and luck this world can offer her.

Thank you, Massaro, Manzano and the Rocky Mountain News, for showing us the good in this community.

And please, please be brave enough to continue with these types of features. There is more good out there than most papers and magazines care to acknowledge.

Ellen Busch, Parker

Not-so-dearly 'Departed'

Several weeks ago, after the initial release in Denver, I saw The Departed. Several people of all age groups walked out before the end of the picture. I am guessing they wanted to escape the violence, the murders and, above all, the saturation of the F-word.

And yet, this film won (over better-acted films such as The Queen) the coveted Academy Award as Best Picture of 2006.

What message does this send to millions of moviegoers across the world? Is it that we, as a nation, are what we are.

Wrong award for the wrong film.

Art Knott, Denver

Omission disappoints

I was disappointed that the Rocky's recent coverage of the Academy Awards made no mention of Sherry Lansing, the recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. She is a great humanitarian and gave a very moving and gracious acceptance speech.

June Jones Paulding, Lakewood

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