School choice measure could harm homeschool families

As homeschool parents in Colorado, we oppose the so-called “school-choice” ballot measure, Amendment 80.

Although the language of the measure is left intentionally vague, part of it could be read to demand that state government further regulate homeschool families, as well as private and charter schools, in the name of the government’s vision of a “quality education.”

As homeschool parents who best know our children and their unique needs and interests, we care passionately about providing a quality education to them. To accomplish that, we need freedom, not the threat of bureaucratic controls.

The measure also is unclear as to whether it requires the government to provide universal preschool or tax-funded vouchers for private schools. We deserve serious public discussion about such important matters, but the ballot measure threatens to send such issues to the courts.

Ari and Jennifer Armstrong, Westminster

Christine Emming, Lakewood

Laura Mezoff, Monte Vista

Esme Celeste, Superior

Jennifer Dentry, Morrison

Stoking fears, telling lies, damaging communities

Re: “Trump cites Aurora as city to “start” mass deportations,” Sept. 14 news story

When former President Donald Trump thrust Springfield, Ohio, into the limelight, it was dishonest and hurtful to the city. This has been a Trump campaign tactic all along.

Tell lies to make people angry and hateful toward others. Then you have created a “problem” that “only you can fix.”

“I’ll build a big beautiful wall and Mexico will pay for it.”  These are grandiose promises, not real solutions. “Concepts of plans” will not replace the hard work of a long-term solution.

Trump used Springfield as a place that “needs” his “fix,” a promise of removing millions of undocumented immigrants from our country.

But here is the real Springfield. Yes, they are overwhelmed with immigrants fleeing a dangerous situation in Haiti. Schools and agencies are strained. But most Haitian immigrants are in Springfield legally and are filling jobs in local industries, and were welcomed by many employers. They have helped build a new economy for Springfield. And no, they are not eating pets.

On the flip side, Trump’s remarks have caused the town to experience bomb threats and other online threats. Schools have been targeted, including elementary schools.

Springfield was also in the spotlight when the media chose to amplify the death of a young student who was on a school bus that was hit by a mini-van driven by a Haitian. JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, chose to call this tragedy a “murder.”

Stoke fears, hate, dehumanize, target and run on a platform of simple non-solutions to long, complicated problems.