thedenverpost--2020-04-17--How and when to ask about Nazis, and setting the stage for National Popular Vote faceoff

What ’ s The Spot ?
You ’ re reading an installment of our weekly politics newsletter .
Sign up here to get it delivered straight in your inbox .
I ’ ve covered Gov .
Jared Polis closely since the moment he announced his run for governor , and I ’ ve never seen him overcome by emotion in the way he was yesterday .
By now you ’ ve probably seen what happened .
At a press conference about coronavirus , Charles Ashby of The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel asked Polis the following : “ We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I know I ’ ve seen some stuff going on statewide , about neighbors reporting on other neighbors for not following the orders , seeing a lot of rebellion out here against your orders , which have been called tyrannical , against local health department orders , being equated to Nazism .
How do you react to that ?
What do you say to those people who are clearly getting frustrated with this stay-at-home order ?
” Polis , who is Jewish , choked up and said : “ As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holocaust , I ’ m offended by any comparison to Nazism .
We act to save lives — the exact opposite of the slaughter of 6 million Jews and many gypsies and Catholics and gays and lesbians and Russians and so many others.
” It was quite a moment .
Watch it here to see for yourself .
Evidently , Ashby caught some blowback for his question .
He tweeted later : “ I can not believe the people who emailed me criticizing my question to @ GovofCO about OTHERS who equated stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sorry he had to answer it , and I regret it saddened him , but it had to be asked .
Thanks Jared Polis for your courage to respond.
” Here ’ s my take : One can debate whether Ashby ’ s question was sufficiently artful for this particularly sensitive subject matter .
If I ’ d been asking the question , I probably would have identified House Minority Leader Patrick Neville by name , since he ’ s the one who in March suggested officials implementing stay-home orders have a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ashby knows who ’ ve made the same comparison .
But there ’ s nothing wrong with asking about it .
Neville is one of the most prominent Republican leaders in the state , and while his Gestapo comment was clearly extreme , the general sentiment — that stay-home orders are a form of tyranny and should be lifted or at least partially relaxed , despite the clear science that says such action , taken now , would kill more people — is , at this point , a pretty mainstream opinion among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t lose sight of that .
The Neville remark was important to highlight , as was the governor ’ s response to it , but the underlying story is more significant , I ’ d argue .
I think that ’ s what Ashby was trying to get at , and Polis did regain his composure to speak more broadly to the question .
Here ’ s his full transcribed response .
As a Jew , I ’ ll also say : I don ’ t think there ’ s anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modern-day behaviors and Nazism .
The problem is that way too often , the comparisons we hear are in no way apt .
We can , and should , debate the pros and cons of the many government mandates handed down here since early March .
But let ’ s be clear : The Nazis killed millions of people .
Polis is tasked with trying to keep people alive in a state with a underresourced health care system and limited testing infrastructure .
In this week ’ s Spot , we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Senate primary and Saja Hindi writing on the campaign to defend Colorado ’ s inclusion in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact .
And finally , a scheduling note .
The Spot is going to take a break next week as several members of our team take furloughs .
( We ’ ll be back April 30 . )
Despite incredible reader response to The Denver Post ’ s coverage of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on every aspect of our lives , the media industry is one of many that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it .
To support the important journalism we do , you can become a Denver Post subscriber here .
You can send tips , comments and questions to me at aburness @ denverpost.com or to the other Post reporters below .
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has resumed staffing guard stations at Chatfield and Cherry Creek state parks during times of high use , four weeks after closing visitors centers and removing personnel from entrance gates in response to the novel coronavirus .
Here ’ s why .
One person , one vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado advocates for electing the president of the United States by popular vote believe the idea is , well , popular .
A statewide coalition announced the official launch of its “ Yes on National Popular Vote ” campaign earlier this week , pointing to support from both sides of the aisle , with even President Donald Trump previously expressing support for the idea .
Last year , lawmakers passed a bill that allows Colorado to join the interstate compact , pledging the state ’ s Electoral College votes for president to whoever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , 15 states and the District of Columbia with a combined 196 Electoral College votes have joined the compact .
In order for it to go into effect , the compact needs to reach at least 270 votes .
But Colorado opponents of the measure , led by Mesa County Commissioner Rose Pugliese and Monument Mayor Don Wilson , are seeking its repeal — the first time a law has been challenged via ballot since 1932 .
Pugliese told The Denver Post that not allowing voters a say in giving away their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s authority .
A national popular vote would put the selection of president in the hands of the most populous states in the country , she and other opponents say .
On the other hand , supporters “ think it ’ s vital for our democracy to have this one person , one vote concept in presidential campaigns , ” said Sen. Mike Foote , D-Lafayette .
The group hopes the compact will have enough votes to count presidential votes this way in 2024 .
• The city of Aurora will furlough 576 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic proves the need for some of their bills , but it could also ruin them , Colorado Public Radio reports .
That old account again It was Sept. 12 , 2016 , and Ali Murray was unsure .
Gov .
John Hickenlooper ’ s scheduler was preparing to tell the Colorado State Patrol which of Hickenlooper ’ s recent flights on a state airplane would be paid for by taxpayers .
But , as she wrote to a colleague in the governor ’ s office that day , there was one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governor and First Lady took state plane to Aspen for a dinner with Jane Harman and others .
He did not speak at the dinner , but they did request his presence , ” Murray wrote in an email , obtained by The Post in a records request .
“ Not sure how to handle payment on this one ?
” The Hickenloopers had used a state plane July 29 , 2016 , to fly to the Aspen home of Harman , a wealthy former congresswoman , and back to Denver that same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Aspen Security Forum — she ’ s a trustee at the Aspen Institute and hosts an annual dinner for the forum ’ s speakers — and decided “ having the governor appear would be appropriate , ” she said in an email to The Post .
Contradicting his scheduler , Harman says Hickenlooper made brief remarks at the private dinner .
Hickenlooper ’ s office paid for the day trip by sending $ 943 in taxpayer money to the State Patrol .
The money came from a federal fund set aside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hickenlooper and a predecessor routinely spent on nonessential expenses .
The same pool of federal money paid for Hickenlooper ’ s nearly $ 6,000 government plane trip to a resort town in Idaho that year , for a finance conference he spoke at .
The federal dollars had been used to buy a state plane in 2003 , so Hickenlooper ’ s office reasoned they should also be used to pay for flights on that plane .
Most flights were used to conduct state business , records show .
The Post began researching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund late last year , when it became apparent the governor ’ s office used it to pay for his ethics defense .
Through interviews and records requests , details about trips such as this have been revealed in the months since .
Revelations about the use of the federal fund drew bipartisan attention in the General Assembly earlier this year .
With budget writers staring down a massive shortfall , this may be the year they stop supplementing the old account , which was meant to help the state ’ s economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the General Assembly gave the governor ’ s office an additional $ 562,240 to cover expenses that are traditionally paid for out of the federal fund , because it believed the fund would run out of money that fiscal year .
But it didn ’ t .
In fact , there is currently about $ 935,000 in the account , according to a Department of Personnel and Administration spokesperson .
Ads : The National Republican Senatorial Committee will spend $ 6.4 million on TV to boost Sen. Cory Gardner , Politico reports .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ week after Coloradans elect a Democratic candidate .
Endorsements : Senate candidate Lorena Garcia was endorsed Tuesday by the Denver chapter of Democratic Socialists of America .
Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff was endorsed Wednesday by Arvadans for Progressive Action .
• For all their cooperation , there are still apparent disagreements between Colorado and FEMA , including on the issue of ventilator purchases , which has become surprisingly political .
• Vice President Mike Pence is speaking in Colorado on Saturday .
• Polis has asked Congress to consider financial aid to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegation has gone virtual , and it ’ s dealing with all the technological advantages and disadvantages that come along with that , CPR reports .
• Political commentator Eric Sondermann , writing for Colorado Politics , made the case for Trish Zornio in the Senate race on Sunday .
Three days later , she dropped out .

For people, policy and Colorado politics
What’s The Spot? You’re reading an installment of our weekly politics newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered straight in your inbox.
I’ve covered Gov. Jared Polis closely since the moment he announced his run for governor, and I’ve never seen him overcome by emotion in the way he was yesterday.
By now you’ve probably seen what happened. At a press conference about coronavirus, Charles Ashby of The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel asked Polis the following:
“We’re hearing a lot of reports around here, and I know I’ve seen some stuff going on statewide, about neighbors reporting on other neighbors for not following the orders, seeing a lot of rebellion out here against your orders, which have been called tyrannical, against local health department orders, being equated to Nazism. How do you react to that? What do you say to those people who are clearly getting frustrated with this stay-at-home order?”
Polis, who is Jewish, choked up and said: “As a Jewish American who lost family in the Holocaust, I’m offended by any comparison to Nazism. We act to save lives — the exact opposite of the slaughter of 6 million Jews and many gypsies and Catholics and gays and lesbians and Russians and so many others.”
It was quite a moment. Watch it here to see for yourself.
Evidently, Ashby caught some blowback for his question. He tweeted later: “I cannot believe the people who emailed me criticizing my question to @GovofCO about OTHERS who equated stay-at-home orders to Nazism. I’m sorry he had to answer it, and I regret it saddened him, but it had to be asked. Thanks Jared Polis for your courage to respond.”
Here’s my take: One can debate whether Ashby’s question was sufficiently artful for this particularly sensitive subject matter. If I’d been asking the question, I probably would have identified House Minority Leader Patrick Neville by name, since he’s the one who in March suggested officials implementing stay-home orders have a “Gestapo-like mentality.” Maybe there are others Ashby knows who’ve made the same comparison.
But there’s nothing wrong with asking about it. Neville is one of the most prominent Republican leaders in the state, and while his Gestapo comment was clearly extreme, the general sentiment — that stay-home orders are a form of tyranny and should be lifted or at least partially relaxed, despite the clear science that says such action, taken now, would kill more people — is, at this point, a pretty mainstream opinion among Colorado’s conservative elected officials.
Don’t lose sight of that. The Neville remark was important to highlight, as was the governor’s response to it, but the underlying story is more significant, I’d argue. I think that’s what Ashby was trying to get at, and Polis did regain his composure to speak more broadly to the question. Here’s his full transcribed response.
As a Jew, I’ll also say: I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with drawing parallels between certain modern-day behaviors and Nazism. The problem is that way too often, the comparisons we hear are in no way apt.
We can, and should, debate the pros and cons of the many government mandates handed down here since early March. But let’s be clear: The Nazis killed millions of people. Polis is tasked with trying to keep people alive in a state with a underresourced health care system and limited testing infrastructure.
Moving on …
In this week’s Spot, we’ve got Justin Wingerter writing on the Democratic U.S. Senate primary and Saja Hindi writing on the campaign to defend Colorado’s inclusion in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
And finally, a scheduling note. The Spot is going to take a break next week as several members of our team take furloughs. (We’ll be back April 30.)
Despite incredible reader response to The Denver Post’s coverage of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on every aspect of our lives, the media industry is one of many that has taken a big financial hit because of it. To support the important journalism we do, you can become a Denver Post subscriber here.
You can send tips, comments and questions to me at aburness@denverpost.com or to the other Post reporters below.
Top Line
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has resumed staffing guard stations at Chatfield and Cherry Creek state parks during times of high use, four weeks after closing visitors centers and removing personnel from entrance gates in response to the novel coronavirus. Here’s why.
Capitol Diary • By Saja Hindi
One person, one vote for president?
Pandemic or not, Colorado advocates for electing the president of the United States by popular vote believe the idea is, well, popular.
A statewide coalition announced the official launch of its “Yes on National Popular Vote” campaign earlier this week, pointing to support from both sides of the aisle, with even President Donald Trump previously expressing support for the idea.
Last year, lawmakers passed a bill that allows Colorado to join the interstate compact, pledging the state’s Electoral College votes for president to whoever wins the national popular vote. So far, 15 states and the District of Columbia with a combined 196 Electoral College votes have joined the compact. In order for it to go into effect, the compact needs to reach at least 270 votes.
But Colorado opponents of the measure, led by Mesa County Commissioner Rose Pugliese and Monument Mayor Don Wilson, are seeking its repeal — the first time a law has been challenged via ballot since 1932.
Pugliese told The Denver Post that not allowing voters a say in giving away their electoral votes is overstepping the legislature’s authority. A national popular vote would put the selection of president in the hands of the most populous states in the country, she and other opponents say.
On the other hand, supporters “think it’s vital for our democracy to have this one person, one vote concept in presidential campaigns,” said Sen. Mike Foote, D-Lafayette.
The group hopes the compact will have enough votes to count presidential votes this way in 2024.
More state and city politics news
Gov. Jared Polis recruited private engineers to analyze Colorado cell phone location data.
State regulators levy a record fine for the fatal Firestone explosion.
The city of Aurora will furlough 576 city employees indefinitely.
Democrats say the pandemic proves the need for some of their bills, but it could also ruin them, Colorado Public Radio reports.
#COSen 2020 • By Justin Wingerter
That old account again
It was Sept. 12, 2016, and Ali Murray was unsure.
Gov. John Hickenlooper’s scheduler was preparing to tell the Colorado State Patrol which of Hickenlooper’s recent flights on a state airplane would be paid for by taxpayers. But, as she wrote to a colleague in the governor’s office that day, there was one flight she was unsure of.
“Governor and First Lady took state plane to Aspen for a dinner with Jane Harman and others. He did not speak at the dinner, but they did request his presence,” Murray wrote in an email, obtained by The Post in a records request. “Not sure how to handle payment on this one?”
The Hickenloopers had used a state plane July 29, 2016, to fly to the Aspen home of Harman, a wealthy former congresswoman, and back to Denver that same night.
Harman was hosting powerful attendees of the Aspen Security Forum — she’s a trustee at the Aspen Institute and hosts an annual dinner for the forum’s speakers — and decided “having the governor appear would be appropriate,” she said in an email to The Post. Contradicting his scheduler, Harman says Hickenlooper made brief remarks at the private dinner.
Hickenlooper’s office paid for the day trip by sending $943 in taxpayer money to the State Patrol. The money came from a federal fund set aside for “essential government services” that Hickenlooper and a predecessor routinely spent on nonessential expenses. The same pool of federal money paid for Hickenlooper’s nearly $6,000 government plane trip to a resort town in Idaho that year, for a finance conference he spoke at.
The federal dollars had been used to buy a state plane in 2003, so Hickenlooper’s office reasoned they should also be used to pay for flights on that plane. Most flights were used to conduct state business, records show.
The Post began researching Hickenlooper’s use of the federal fund late last year, when it became apparent the governor’s office used it to pay for his ethics defense. Through interviews and records requests, details about trips such as this have been revealed in the months since.
Revelations about the use of the federal fund drew bipartisan attention in the General Assembly earlier this year. With budget writers staring down a massive shortfall, this may be the year they stop supplementing the old account, which was meant to help the state’s economy back in 2003.
In 2018, the General Assembly gave the governor’s office an additional $562,240 to cover expenses that are traditionally paid for out of the federal fund, because it believed the fund would run out of money that fiscal year. But it didn’t. In fact, there is currently about $935,000 in the account, according to a Department of Personnel and Administration spokesperson.
Ads: The National Republican Senatorial Committee will spend $6.4 million on TV to boost Sen. Cory Gardner, Politico reports. Ads will begin July 8, a week after Coloradans elect a Democratic candidate.
Endorsements: Senate candidate Lorena Garcia was endorsed Tuesday by the Denver chapter of Democratic Socialists of America. Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff was endorsed Wednesday by Arvadans for Progressive Action.
More federal politics news


thedenverpost--2020-04-17--More Coloradans applied for unemployment last week than in all of 2019 as coronavirus’ toll deepens

More than 104,000 Coloradans filed for unemployment last week , a single-week record that eclipsed the number of claims filed in all of 2019 .
And that ’ s with a significant chunk of people — the self-employed , freelancers and gig workers without other sources of income — still unable to tap into benefits as the state ’ s labor office works to turn on a new system that will connect them with support .
Thursday ’ s claims data was just the latest in a string of jaw-dropping weekly reports from the Colorado Department of Labor of Employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures being enforced to fight it continue to put a stranglehold on what just a few months ago was a soaring economy .
Between March 15 and April 11 , more than 231,610 people filed initial claims for unemployment in Colorado .
It ’ s a sliver of the 22 million people that have filed nationwide but already approaching the 285,000 initial claims filed in all of 2009 during the depths of the Great Recession .
Ski season has already come to an abrupt end , costing thousands in that industry their jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while doing their best to adapting to the new normal of no sit-down business , have shed jobs en masse .
The hotel industry is in tatters with demand for rooms practically nonexistent and countless retailers have been forced to sell online or not at all .
Many workers who have not been laid off are working diminished hours , dealing with paid furloughs or having their pay cut .
Unemployment insurance is the catch-all program meant to prop them up .
State labor economist Ryan Gedney was asked on a news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims total to continue increasing .
At this point , he said he doesn ’ t have enough data to project out what could happen next .
It ’ s possible claims totals in prior weeks had been artificially depressed by people waiting to file or being prevented from filing by an overloaded online system .
“ I don ’ t think 100,000 ( claims ) is necessarily going to be representative of what we ’ ll see on a week-to-week basis , ” Gedney said .
“ Again , we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state ’ s numbers haven ’ t yet felt the impact of the pandemic unemployment assistance or PUA program , the federal expansion of unemployment benefits launched by the CARES Act stimulus bill .
The program opens up benefits to self-employed people and independent contractors for the first time .
It also extends the state ’ s 26 weeks ’ worth of regular support to 39 weeks and provides an additional $ 600 per week to people receiving benefits .
As of Thursday morning , Colorado labor officials still did not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s filing system will be ready to accept claims from the expanded pool of eligible workers or approve the $ 600 per week in expanded benefits .
But that date is “ very close , ” according to Cher Haavind , the department of labor ’ s deputy executive director .
“ A very small group of states has been able to stand up that PUA program and actually pay that benefit , ” Haavind said during Thursday news call .
“ So we do thing Colorado will be one of the few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time.
” Jeff Fitzgerald , the state ’ s unemployment insurance director , emphasized during the call that the pandemic assistance system will not use COBOL , the aged coding language that the state ’ s core unemployment system uses .
A story published by technology news site The Verge this week highlighted Colorado ’ s reliance on COBOL as a driver for the claims bottleneck at the outset of the pandemic rush .
No matter how Colorado compares to other states when it comes to launching the pandemic benefits , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and families waiting on support .
“ It ’ s very frustrating , ” Jack Dempsey , a freelance photographer who lives in Thornton , said of the state ’ s system not be ready to accept his claims .
Dempsey is the team photographer Colorado Mammoth professional lacrosse team that is on the verge of missing its entire season .
He also typically covers many other large sporting and corporate events that aren ’ t happening this year , including the NCAA basketball tournament .
After a few “ banner months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now supporting his wife and daughter with his savings while putting some expenses on credit cards .
He considers himself lucky .
“ We ’ re in a position where we ’ re not relying on that money today but I know there are thousands and thousands of people who are and for them to be waiting this long to get this implemented is just horrible , ” he said .
Dempsey has also applied for a disaster loan from the Small Business Administration and a loan through the already-tapped-out Paycheck Protection Program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from either of those programs .
“ I feel like we ’ re being lied to on the government level every day , ” Dempsey said .
“ If they would just be straight up it would make a lot people feel better instead of giving us false hope that these things will come through and then they don ’ t. ” The Associated Press contributed to this report .

More than 104,000 Coloradans filed for unemployment last week, a single-week record that eclipsed the number of claims filed in all of 2019.
And that’s with a significant chunk of people — the self-employed, freelancers and gig workers without other sources of income — still unable to tap into benefits as the state’s labor office works to turn on a new system that will connect them with support.
Thursday’s claims data was just the latest in a string of jaw-dropping weekly reports from the Colorado Department of Labor of Employment as the COVID-19 pandemic and public safety measures being enforced to fight it continue to put a stranglehold on what just a few months ago was a soaring economy.
Between March 15 and April 11, more than 231,610 people filed initial claims for unemployment in Colorado. It’s a sliver of the 22 million people that have filed nationwide but already approaching the 285,000 initial claims filed in all of 2009 during the depths of the Great Recession.
Ski season has already come to an abrupt end, costing thousands in that industry their jobs. Restaurants, bars and coffee shops, while doing their best to adapting to the new normal of no sit-down business, have shed jobs en masse. The hotel industry is in tatters with demand for rooms practically nonexistent and countless retailers have been forced to sell online or not at all.
Many workers who have not been laid off are working diminished hours, dealing with paid furloughs or having their pay cut. Unemployment insurance is the catch-all program meant to prop them up.
State labor economist Ryan Gedney was asked on a news call Thursday morning if he expects the claims total to continue increasing. At this point, he said he doesn’t have enough data to project out what could happen next. It’s possible claims totals in prior weeks had been artificially depressed by people waiting to file or being prevented from filing by an overloaded online system.
“I don’t think 100,000 (claims) is necessarily going to be representative of what we’ll see on a week-to-week basis,” Gedney said. “Again, we’re only looking at four weeks here.”
The state’s numbers haven’t yet felt the impact of the pandemic unemployment assistance or PUA program, the federal expansion of unemployment benefits launched by the CARES Act stimulus bill. The program opens up benefits to self-employed people and independent contractors for the first time. It also extends the state’s 26 weeks’ worth of regular support to 39 weeks and provides an additional $600 per week to people receiving benefits.
As of Thursday morning, Colorado labor officials still did not have a firm date when the state’s filing system will be ready to accept claims from the expanded pool of eligible workers or approve the $600 per week in expanded benefits. But that date is “very close,” according to Cher Haavind, the department of labor’s deputy executive director.
“A very small group of states has been able to stand up that PUA program and actually pay that benefit,” Haavind said during Thursday news call. “So we do thing Colorado will be one of the few states to actually do both at the same time.”
Jeff Fitzgerald, the state’s unemployment insurance director, emphasized during the call that the pandemic assistance system will not use COBOL, the aged coding language that the state’s core unemployment system uses. A story published by technology news site The Verge this week highlighted Colorado’s reliance on COBOL as a driver for the claims bottleneck at the outset of the pandemic rush.
No matter how Colorado compares to other states when it comes to launching the pandemic benefits, the wait is already weighing on many self-employed people and families waiting on support.
“It’s very frustrating,” Jack Dempsey, a freelance photographer who lives in Thornton, said of the state’s system not be ready to accept his claims.
Dempsey is the team photographer Colorado Mammoth professional lacrosse team that is on the verge of missing its entire season. He also typically covers many other large sporting and corporate events that aren’t happening this year, including the NCAA basketball tournament. After a few “banner months” to start 2020, he is now supporting his wife and daughter with his savings while putting some expenses on credit cards. He considers himself lucky.
“We’re in a position where we’re not relying on that money today but I know there are thousands and thousands of people who are and for them to be waiting this long to get this implemented is just horrible,” he said.
Dempsey has also applied for a disaster loan from the Small Business Administration and a loan through the already-tapped-out Paycheck Protection Program but isn’t counting on support from either of those programs.
“I feel like we’re being lied to on the government level every day,” Dempsey said. “If they would just be straight up it would make a lot people feel better instead of giving us false hope that these things will come through and then they don’t.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-04-17--Ask Amy: Voyeur son may be reoffending from home

Dear Amy : I raised my son as a single parent .
He was a very bright student studying abroad when he started practicing voyeurism .
He graduated to taking photos of unsuspecting women in compromising situations .
He was arrested for this four times .
I got him the best lawyer I could in hopes that he ’ d have a chance at living a promising life .
The attorney ’ s fees were enormous ( and I am not rich ) .
While awaiting trial , he was arrested again .
After receiving a five-year prison sentence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by allowing him to stay in my home .
It has not been easy .
He is rude , disrespectful , and does not contribute to the household .
He has made no effort to reimburse me the over $ 10,000 I spent in legal fees .
Sounds bad , right ?
It gets worse .
I recently upgraded the wireless network in my home .
The system comes with security software .
My son boldly asked if I was blocking porn !
Call me naive , but I decided to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the sites the software had blocked , and … he is right back into the same stuff that got him locked up .
He now subscribes to a secure cloud server that allows you to upload and share pictures .
I just discovered this site this morning .
As a condition of his parole , he is required to attend group counseling for sex offenders .
( He barely escaped having to register as one . )
NONE of this appears to affect this behavior .
Somehow , against all odds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job that pays well .
I am at the end of my rope .
I just want him to go away .
I realize I can not help him but feel that abandoning him completely would kick him right over the edge .
Dear No Trust ( fund ) : You need legal advice , and quickly ( I am not a lawyer ) .
No , you should not trust your son .
Yes , he needs to be out of your house .
From your description , I infer that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegal “ video voyeurism ” — the same offense that landed him in prison — and that he is consuming and also perhaps sharing this illegal material from your home .
Now that you know about this , and because your son ’ s behavior puts you and others at risk ( including the employees at his workplace ) , you are ethically bound to act on your knowledge , and report him .
If you are correct that he is reoffending , you should notify his parole officer .
You might also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his case previously and tell him that you believe your son is reoffending — and that now you need legal advice for yourself — on how to protect yourself from your son ’ s actions .
Your son obviously needs much more intensive treatment than he is receiving , but — above his needs — the public should be protected from him .
You can continue to try to advocate for him , but you should assume that being in your home is actually enabling him to reoffend .
Dear Amy : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 restrictions in our community .
I hate to complain , but every day I look out my window and see kids riding their bikes , walking closely together , sometimes playing together .
I ’ m sorry , but I want to scream at them that they are going to spread this virus and potentially kill someone !
Do you think it would be OK for me to — basically — yell at them about this ?
Dear Upset : This is an extremely stressful time for everyone .
You are feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are watching the world go by .
You also have a lot of time on your hands .
By all means , you could yell at these children — and , who knows , maybe it would make a difference to them and to you .
But I observe that one aspect of our national confinement is the temptation to police and scold others .
( I would resist . )
These children could be siblings ( and thus , in a family group ) .
You must assume that they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — in charge of them .
Dear Amy : I really liked your essay where you described the tiny “ silver linings ” you believe may be revealed from this pandemic .
I want to stay optimistic , and so I will continue to look for them , myself .
Dear Making It : A lot of us are confronted with some overwhelming challenges .
Little , light , and lovely moments can be sustaining .

Dear Amy: I raised my son as a single parent. He was a very bright student studying abroad when he started practicing voyeurism. He graduated to taking photos of unsuspecting women in compromising situations.
He was arrested for this four times. I got him the best lawyer I could in hopes that he’d have a chance at living a promising life. The attorney’s fees were enormous (and I am not rich). While awaiting trial, he was arrested again. After receiving a five-year prison sentence, I attempted once again to help him, by allowing him to stay in my home.
It has not been easy. He is rude, disrespectful, and does not contribute to the household. He has made no effort to reimburse me the over $10,000 I spent in legal fees. Sounds bad, right? It gets worse.
I recently upgraded the wireless network in my home. The system comes with security software. My son boldly asked if I was blocking porn!
Call me naive, but I decided to try to trust him. I clicked on one of the sites the software had blocked, and … he is right back into the same stuff that got him locked up.
He now subscribes to a secure cloud server that allows you to upload and share pictures. I just discovered this site this morning.
As a condition of his parole, he is required to attend group counseling for sex offenders. (He barely escaped having to register as one.) NONE of this appears to affect this behavior. Somehow, against all odds, he was able to land a job that pays well.
I am at the end of my rope. I just want him to go away. I realize I cannot help him but feel that abandoning him completely would kick him right over the edge.
— No Trust(fund)
Dear No Trust(fund): You need legal advice, and quickly (I am not a lawyer). No, you should not trust your son. Yes, he needs to be out of your house.
From your description, I infer that you believe your son is again trafficking in illegal “video voyeurism” — the same offense that landed him in prison — and that he is consuming and also perhaps sharing this illegal material from your home.
Now that you know about this, and because your son’s behavior puts you and others at risk (including the employees at his workplace), you are ethically bound to act on your knowledge, and report him.
If you are correct that he is reoffending, you should notify his parole officer. You might also choose to contact the lawyer who dealt with his case previously and tell him that you believe your son is reoffending — and that now you need legal advice for yourself — on how to protect yourself from your son’s actions.
Your son obviously needs much more intensive treatment than he is receiving, but — above his needs — the public should be protected from him. You can continue to try to advocate for him, but you should assume that being in your home is actually enabling him to reoffend.
Dear Amy: I am currently more-or-less housebound due to COVID-19 restrictions in our community. I hate to complain, but every day I look out my window and see kids riding their bikes, walking closely together, sometimes playing together.
I’m sorry, but I want to scream at them that they are going to spread this virus and potentially kill someone!
Do you think it would be OK for me to — basically — yell at them about this?
— Upset
Dear Upset: This is an extremely stressful time for everyone. You are feeling trapped — you are trapped — and you are watching the world go by. You also have a lot of time on your hands.
By all means, you could yell at these children — and, who knows, maybe it would make a difference to them and to you. But I observe that one aspect of our national confinement is the temptation to police and scold others. (I would resist.)
These children could be siblings (and thus, in a family group). You must assume that they have parents who are – or should be — in charge of them.
Dear Amy: I really liked your essay where you described the tiny “silver linings” you believe may be revealed from this pandemic. I want to stay optimistic, and so I will continue to look for them, myself.
— Making It
Dear Making It: A lot of us are confronted with some overwhelming challenges. Little, light, and lovely moments can be sustaining.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-04-18--Gov. Jared Polis orders essential workers to wear masks, directs more oversight over Colorado’s seni

Gov. Jared Polis orders essential workers to wear masks, directs more oversight over Colorado’s senior care facilities

Colorado will tighten oversight on nursing homes and senior living facilities to combat rising coronavirus outbreaks among the state ’ s most vulnerable population , while essential workers such as grocery store clerks and employees at meatpacking plants will now be required to wear masks .
Gov .
Jared Polis announced the new executive order at a news conference Friday , putting some regulatory weight and additional resources — including the National Guard — behind a deepening crisis in facilities across the state .
Nearly half of Colorado ’ s coronavirus deaths have been tied to residential health care facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 outbreaks at senior living facilities , long-term care centers and factories .
Meatpacking plants have been hit especially hard with worker deaths reported at multiple facilities and more than 100 people have tested positive for COVID-19 at the JBS plant in Greeley .
“ We really need to up the bar , ” Polis said during a news conference .
“ We know that you all want your parents , your grandparents , to have the very best protection and we want to do our best as a state to provide that.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes additional mask requirements for workers and screening requirements for those who come into the facilities , the governor said .
The National Guard has been called in to conduct testing at three of the state ’ s largest facilities , though the governor didn ’ t identify those by name .
Under Polis ’ s executive order , all senior care facilities will have to submit an isolation plan for infected residents and staff by May 1 for the state to review , he said .
By early May , the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Anthony ’ s North Health Campus in Westminster for facilities that can not accommodate isolation requirements in their own spaces , Polis said .
“ While many facilities have complied , others have short-circuited some of those needed temperature checks and questioning of people coming into the building , ” the governor said .
When Polis on April 3 introduced the mask recommendation to all Coloradans , it was just that — a strong recommendation .
The new executive order mandates that workers in grocery stores , health care facilities and essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who come in contact with customers or goods must also wear gloves .
The governor ’ s announcement comes as Colorado has confirmed 391 deaths related to COVID-19 , and more than 9,000 people have tested positive for the respiratory illness .
There have been 1,755 people hospitalized since the outbreak entered the state last month , but only 858 people were in Colorado hospitals with symptoms of the illness as of Thursday afternoon , state data shows .
At least 203 people since Thursday afternoon either went home or were transferred to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rehabilitation facility .
As the state builds capacity to conduct extensive contact tracing to monitor the disease after the stay-at-home order is lifted , Polis said cellphone tracking data “ in the aggregate , what it does , it gives us a sense of what level of social distancing we ’ ve achieving.
” The Denver Post reported this week that cellphone data from a variety of sources is actually being gathered and filtered for the governor by a team led by at least seven people , several of them high-level corporate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Polis ’ s statewide stay-at-home order is set to expire April 26 , and he and other top health officials have said they still need more testing and contact tracing to be able to contain the virus as restrictions are gradually relaxed .
The governor on Friday pushed back on comments made the previous day by Scott Bookman , the state ’ s COVID-19 incident commander , who told reporters , “ The state won ’ t reopen until we have the capacity to make everyone safe.
” Polis refuted that quote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true ” that he could wait to reopen Colorado until we can “ make everybody safe.
” “ If any state , if any country , were to wait until we could keep everybody safe , ” Polis said , “ we ’ d have to be closed forever.
” “ Our public health officials are wonderful , ” the governor said , “ but they ’ re not always accustomed to having every word examined as I am , running for office.
” While the economy continues to tumble , financial help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as gig workers on Monday will now be able to file for unemployment .
In addition , $ 4.8 million from the state ’ s COVID-19 Relief Fund is being distributed to counties around the state , the governor announced .
And four days after the state released much-anticipated data on how the new coronavirus is impacting different racial and ethnic populations , the governor announced a coronavirus health equity response team to address inequities in the access to care .
The team will be lead by Web Brown , Colorado ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed communities of color have been hit disproportionately hard by the COVID-19 outbreak , with higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths for Latinos and Hispanic residents along with African Americans .

Colorado will tighten oversight on nursing homes and senior living facilities to combat rising coronavirus outbreaks among the state’s most vulnerable population, while essential workers such as grocery store clerks and employees at meatpacking plants will now be required to wear masks.
Gov. Jared Polis announced the new executive order at a news conference Friday, putting some regulatory weight and additional resources — including the National Guard — behind a deepening crisis in facilities across the state.
Nearly half of Colorado’s coronavirus deaths have been tied to residential health care facilities, and the state on Friday confirmed 100 outbreaks at senior living facilities, long-term care centers and factories. Meatpacking plants have been hit especially hard with worker deaths reported at multiple facilities and more than 100 people have tested positive for COVID-19 at the JBS plant in Greeley.
“We really need to up the bar,” Polis said during a news conference. “We know that you all want your parents, your grandparents, to have the very best protection and we want to do our best as a state to provide that.”
The new order for elder-care facilities includes additional mask requirements for workers and screening requirements for those who come into the facilities, the governor said. The National Guard has been called in to conduct testing at three of the state’s largest facilities, though the governor didn’t identify those by name.
Under Polis’s executive order, all senior care facilities will have to submit an isolation plan for infected residents and staff by May 1 for the state to review, he said.
By early May, the state plans to have 200 isolation beds at St. Anthony’s North Health Campus in Westminster for facilities that cannot accommodate isolation requirements in their own spaces, Polis said.
“While many facilities have complied, others have short-circuited some of those needed temperature checks and questioning of people coming into the building,” the governor said.
When Polis on April 3 introduced the mask recommendation to all Coloradans, it was just that — a strong recommendation. The new executive order mandates that workers in grocery stores, health care facilities and essential food production jobs wear masks. Those who come in contact with customers or goods must also wear gloves.
The governor’s announcement comes as Colorado has confirmed 391 deaths related to COVID-19, and more than 9,000 people have tested positive for the respiratory illness.
There have been 1,755 people hospitalized since the outbreak entered the state last month, but only 858 people were in Colorado hospitals with symptoms of the illness as of Thursday afternoon, state data shows. At least 203 people since Thursday afternoon either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care, like a rehabilitation facility.
As the state builds capacity to conduct extensive contact tracing to monitor the disease after the stay-at-home order is lifted, Polis said cellphone tracking data “in the aggregate, what it does, it gives us a sense of what level of social distancing we’ve achieving.”
The Denver Post reported this week that cellphone data from a variety of sources is actually being gathered and filtered for the governor by a team led by at least seven people, several of them high-level corporate executives with information technology companies in Colorado.
Polis’s statewide stay-at-home order is set to expire April 26, and he and other top health officials have said they still need more testing and contact tracing to be able to contain the virus as restrictions are gradually relaxed.
The governor on Friday pushed back on comments made the previous day by Scott Bookman, the state’s COVID-19 incident commander, who told reporters, “The state won’t reopen until we have the capacity to make everyone safe.”
Polis refuted that quote and said it’s “not true” that he could wait to reopen Colorado until we can “make everybody safe.”
“If any state, if any country, were to wait until we could keep everybody safe,” Polis said, “we’d have to be closed forever.”
“Our public health officials are wonderful,” the governor said, “but they’re not always accustomed to having every word examined as I am, running for office.”
While the economy continues to tumble, financial help is on the way for some, as gig workers on Monday will now be able to file for unemployment. In addition, $4.8 million from the state’s COVID-19 Relief Fund is being distributed to counties around the state, the governor announced.
And four days after the state released much-anticipated data on how the new coronavirus is impacting different racial and ethnic populations, the governor announced a coronavirus health equity response team to address inequities in the access to care. The team will be lead by Web Brown, Colorado’s director for health equity.
The data showed communities of color have been hit disproportionately hard by the COVID-19 outbreak, with higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths for Latinos and Hispanic residents along with African Americans.


thedenverpost--2020-04-18--NBA players to receive 25% less in paychecks starting May 15

Commissioner Adam Silver said it remains impossible for the NBA to make any decisions about whether to resume this season and that it is unclear when that will change .
But in a clear sign that at least some of the 259 remaining regular-season games that were not played because of the coronavirus pandemic will not be rescheduled , the league announced Friday it will withhold 25 % of player pay starting with their May 15 checks .
Silver , speaking after the league ’ s regularly scheduled April board of governors meeting — one that took place through video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in New York — said all options remain on the table for trying to resume play and eventually crowning a champion .
“ I think there is a sense that we can continue to take the leading role as we learn more in coming up with an appropriate regimen and protocol for returning to business , ” Silver said .
“ There ’ s a recognition from ( owners ) that this is bigger than our business ; certainly , bigger than sports.
” The salary decision was made in concert with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying it would “ provide players with a more gradual salary reduction schedule ” if games are officially canceled or the rest of the season is totally lost .
Players will be paid in full on May 1 .
The cutback in salary has been expected for some time in response to the NBA ’ s shutdown that started March 11 , and has no end in sight .
Silver said the league will weigh several factors as it continues to try to save the season , among them whether the infection rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ availability of large-scale testing and progress on the path toward a vaccine .
“ All these team owners are in this business because they love the game , ” Silver said .
“ They love the competition , and I know from my conversations with players they feel the same way .
But when you ’ re dealing with human life , that trumps anything else we could possibly talk about .
That ’ s really where the conversation began and ended today.
” Team owners and NBA officials heard from Disney chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his company ’ s response to the pandemic , as well as from Dr. David Ho of Columbia University .
Ho is an expert on viral epidemics and worked with the NBA when Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV in 1991 .
Silver said Iger shared that he ’ s been often asked about a return to normalcy .
“ To steal a line from Bob , when he was asked by several people about particular timelines , he said from his standpoint ‘ it ’ s about the data , and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The NBA playoffs would have started Saturday .
If none of the 259 outstanding regular season games are played , the league ’ s players would lose about $ 800 million in gross salary .
Taking 25 % out of checks on May 15 — and , presumably , checks on June 1 and June 15 should play not resume by then — would amount to players across the league missing $ 40 million in each pay period .
The reduction in pay is in anticipation of what the Collective Bargaining Agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a “ Force Majeure Event ” — the legal term for unforeseeable circumstances , such as an epidemic or pandemic .
Per the CBA , players could lose 1.08 % of their annual salary for each game that is canceled .
Silver said the shutdown means “ revenues , in essence , have dropped to zero .
That ’ s having a huge financial impact on team business and arena business.
” There were 10 players known to have tested positive for coronavirus as of late March : four from the Brooklyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Los Angeles Lakers , Christian Wood of the Detroit Pistons , Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics , and Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz .
More players have tested positive since , Silver said .
“ For privacy reasons , we ’ re not reporting ” any other positive tests , Silver said .
Silver said there is no cutoff date in mind for a decision to be made about playing some games or calling everything off .
“ All rules are off at this point during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country is in , ” Silver said .
“ If there is an opportunity to resume play , even if it looks different than what we ’ ve done historically , we should be modeling it .
… We don ’ t have a good understanding of exactly sort of what those standards are that we need to meet in order to move forward … because the experts don ’ t necessarily , either.
” The NBA is still listening to ideas from those pitching so-called “ bubble ” scenarios as a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought to a site or sites to finish a season in a way that theoretically could minimize exposure risks .
Sites such as Las Vegas , Los Angeles and the Disney complex near Orlando have been mentioned as possibilities .
But Silver said the league isn ’ t actively pursuing any such “ bubble ” plan yet , again citing so much uncertainty in so many areas .

Commissioner Adam Silver said it remains impossible for the NBA to make any decisions about whether to resume this season and that it is unclear when that will change.
But in a clear sign that at least some of the 259 remaining regular-season games that were not played because of the coronavirus pandemic will not be rescheduled, the league announced Friday it will withhold 25% of player pay starting with their May 15 checks.
Silver, speaking after the league’s regularly scheduled April board of governors meeting — one that took place through video conferencing and not the usual in-person setting in New York — said all options remain on the table for trying to resume play and eventually crowning a champion.
“I think there is a sense that we can continue to take the leading role as we learn more in coming up with an appropriate regimen and protocol for returning to business,” Silver said. “There’s a recognition from (owners) that this is bigger than our business; certainly, bigger than sports.”
The salary decision was made in concert with the National Basketball Players Association, the league saying it would “provide players with a more gradual salary reduction schedule” if games are officially canceled or the rest of the season is totally lost.
Players will be paid in full on May 1. The cutback in salary has been expected for some time in response to the NBA’s shutdown that started March 11, and has no end in sight.
Silver said the league will weigh several factors as it continues to try to save the season, among them whether the infection rate of COVID-19 comes down nationally, the availability of large-scale testing and progress on the path toward a vaccine.
“All these team owners are in this business because they love the game,” Silver said. “They love the competition, and I know from my conversations with players they feel the same way. But when you’re dealing with human life, that trumps anything else we could possibly talk about. That’s really where the conversation began and ended today.”
Team owners and NBA officials heard from Disney chairman Bob Iger during the call to discuss his company’s response to the pandemic, as well as from Dr. David Ho of Columbia University. Ho is an expert on viral epidemics and worked with the NBA when Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV in 1991.
Silver said Iger shared that he’s been often asked about a return to normalcy.
“To steal a line from Bob, when he was asked by several people about particular timelines, he said from his standpoint ‘it’s about the data, and not the date,’” Silver said.
The NBA playoffs would have started Saturday. If none of the 259 outstanding regular season games are played, the league’s players would lose about $800 million in gross salary.
Taking 25% out of checks on May 15 — and, presumably, checks on June 1 and June 15 should play not resume by then — would amount to players across the league missing $40 million in each pay period.
The reduction in pay is in anticipation of what the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its players describes as a “Force Majeure Event” — the legal term for unforeseeable circumstances, such as an epidemic or pandemic. Per the CBA, players could lose 1.08% of their annual salary for each game that is canceled.
Silver said the shutdown means “revenues, in essence, have dropped to zero. That’s having a huge financial impact on team business and arena business.”
In other matters Silver discussed Friday:
MORE PLAYER POSITIVES
There were 10 players known to have tested positive for coronavirus as of late March: four from the Brooklyn Nets including Kevin Durant, two from the Los Angeles Lakers, Christian Wood of the Detroit Pistons, Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics, and Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz.
More players have tested positive since, Silver said.
“For privacy reasons, we’re not reporting” any other positive tests, Silver said.
NO DEADLINES
Silver said there is no cutoff date in mind for a decision to be made about playing some games or calling everything off.
“All rules are off at this point during the situation we find ourselves in and the country is in,” Silver said. “If there is an opportunity to resume play, even if it looks different than what we’ve done historically, we should be modeling it. … We don’t have a good understanding of exactly sort of what those standards are that we need to meet in order to move forward … because the experts don’t necessarily, either.”
RETURN-TO-PLAY SITES
The NBA is still listening to ideas from those pitching so-called “bubble” scenarios as a way to resume play. Teams would be brought to a site or sites to finish a season in a way that theoretically could minimize exposure risks.
Sites such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles and the Disney complex near Orlando have been mentioned as possibilities. But Silver said the league isn’t actively pursuing any such “bubble” plan yet, again citing so much uncertainty in so many areas.


thedenverpost--2020-04-18--Amid coronavirus pandemic, Lockheed Martin is hiring 400 new workers in Denver area, plans for more

Work at Lockheed Martin continues during the coronavirus outbreak — and so does hiring .
The aerospace and defense giant recently hired 400 people in Colorado and has more than 500 additional positions to fill .
“ These are challenging times and we ’ re fortunate to continue hiring great talent to advance our critical national security and defense missions , ” Armando Castorena , vice president of human resources for Lockheed Martin Space , said in a statement Thursday .
Between March 23 and April 10 , Lockheed Martin had 148 new employees start work and 252 applicants accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , spokeswoman Lauren Cole wrote in an email .
The company has 500 open positions in the area and is expecting about 400 college interns to come on board this summer .
The open positions include jobs in communications , cyber security , finance and engineering , Cole said .
Lockheed Martin has about 8,300 employees in the Denver area .
Castorena said the current situation requires creativity while hiring employees , but added that Lockheed Martin has some of the most advanced technology in the world to do that .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safety standards and social distancing guidelines when interviewing and hiring people .
Lockheed Martin is reviewing the need for new employees to work on-site on a case-by-case basis .
and is encouraging people to work from home when possible , according to the company ’ s website .
In March , the U.S. Space Force ’ s Space and Missile Systems Center awarded a $ 240 million contract to Lockheed Martin to develop a prototype payload for its Protected Tactical SATCOM .
The system will connect warfighters with the next generation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to jamming .

Work at Lockheed Martin continues during the coronavirus outbreak — and so does hiring. The aerospace and defense giant recently hired 400 people in Colorado and has more than 500 additional positions to fill.
“These are challenging times and we’re fortunate to continue hiring great talent to advance our critical national security and defense missions,” Armando Castorena, vice president of human resources for Lockheed Martin Space, said in a statement Thursday.
Between March 23 and April 10, Lockheed Martin had 148 new employees start work and 252 applicants accept offers for jobs in the Denver area, spokeswoman Lauren Cole wrote in an email. The company has 500 open positions in the area and is expecting about 400 college interns to come on board this summer.
The open positions include jobs in communications, cyber security, finance and engineering, Cole said. Lockheed Martin has about 8,300 employees in the Denver area.
Castorena said the current situation requires creativity while hiring employees, but added that Lockheed Martin has some of the most advanced technology in the world to do that. He said the company is committed to following all the safety standards and social distancing guidelines when interviewing and hiring people.
Lockheed Martin is reviewing the need for new employees to work on-site on a case-by-case basis. and is encouraging people to work from home when possible, according to the company’s website.
In March, the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center awarded a $240 million contract to Lockheed Martin to develop a prototype payload for its Protected Tactical SATCOM. The system will connect warfighters with the next generation of satellite communication, which is more resistant to jamming.


thedenverpost--2020-04-17--Suspect in Fort Collins stabbing arrested

A man who was stabbed Thursday in Fort Collins staggered into a restaurant , where employees called for help .
@ @ @ @ @ a.m. in the 1200 block of Magnolia Street , according to police .
A suspect @ @ @ @ @ .
Police identified the suspect as Travis Spain , 38 , according to a news @ @ @ @ @ to the Larimer County jail and held on suspicion of first-degree assault .
The victim @ @ @ @ @ with serious injuries .
“ I appreciate the rapid response of our community members who @ @ @ @ @ officer who arrived within one minute to provide life-saving care to this victim , ” @ @ @ @ @ the release .
“ Their quick assistance made a significant difference in the outcome of @ @ @ @ @ information on the incident is asked to call Detective Dustin Wier at 970-221-6895 , or @ @ @ @ @ Stoppers of Larimer County .

A man who was stabbed Thursday in Fort Collins staggered into a restaurant, where employees called for help.
The stabbing happened about 10:30 a.m. in the 1200 block of Magnolia Street, according to police. A suspect was quickly taken into custody.
Police identified the suspect as Travis Spain, 38, according to a news release. Spain was taken to the Larimer County jail and held on suspicion of first-degree assault.
The victim was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.
“I appreciate the rapid response of our community members who called for help and the officer who arrived within one minute to provide life-saving care to this victim,” Lt. Adam McCambridge said in the release. “Their quick assistance made a significant difference in the outcome of this incident.”
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Detective Dustin Wier at 970-221-6895, or send a tip to Crime Stoppers of Larimer County.


thedenverpost--2020-04-17--New York Liberty select Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu with No. 1 pick in WNBA draft

NEW YORK — Sabrina Ionescu was the No .
1 pick in the WNBA draft Friday night , going to the New York Liberty in an Oregon sweep of the top two picks .
Ionescu set the NCAA record for triple-doubles and was the first college player to have over 2,000 points , 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists in her career .
Ionescu was one of three first round picks for New York , which also had Nos .
9 and 12 .
Ducks teammate Satou Sabally , one of three juniors to forego their last year of college eligibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Dallas .
It ’ s the third time in the history of the draft that the top two picks were from the same program .
Dallas also had the Nos .
5 and 7 picks .
It was a WNBA draft like no other because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The league held it virtually with players in their own homes instead of being in a central location , Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced selections from her home in New Jersey , holding up the jersey of the player being chosen .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience for the players , sending them a care package with hats of all 12 teams , a WNBA sweatshirt , confetti and a few other items .
Coaches and general managers were spread throughout the country and world , so they set up virtual war rooms instead of gathering in their own team facilities .
While the draft was held Friday , its still unclear when the league will actually start its season .
Engelbert reinforced on a conference call earlier in the day that there was no timetable to when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were a variety of scenarios in play , but the most important factor was the health of everyone .
Training camp was supposed to begin next weekend with the regular season opener originally scheduled for May 15 .
The league held its usual conference call with all the teams starting before the draft started broadcasting on ESPN to eliminate any chance of a pick not being in on time .
Engelbert announced the WNBA , along with presenting draft partner State Farm and the players ’ union , will donate $ 20,000 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Direct Relief to help get protective gear and medication to health-care workers as quickly as possible .
The league also honored Alyssa Altobelli , Gianna Bryant and Payton Chester before the start of the draft .
Engelbert announced their names as jerseys were shown on the screen with each of the three players on them .
The teenagers were among the nine people who died in the helicopter accident on Jan. 26 , including Kobe Bryant .

NEW YORK — Sabrina Ionescu was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft Friday night, going to the New York Liberty in an Oregon sweep of the top two picks.
Ionescu set the NCAA record for triple-doubles and was the first college player to have over 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists in her career. Ionescu was one of three first round picks for New York, which also had Nos. 9 and 12.
Ducks teammate Satou Sabally, one of three juniors to forego their last year of college eligibility and enter the draft, went second to Dallas. It’s the third time in the history of the draft that the top two picks were from the same program.
Dallas also had the Nos. 5 and 7 picks.
It was a WNBA draft like no other because of the coronavirus pandemic. The league held it virtually with players in their own homes instead of being in a central location, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced selections from her home in New Jersey, holding up the jersey of the player being chosen.
The WNBA tried to create a draft like experience for the players, sending them a care package with hats of all 12 teams, a WNBA sweatshirt, confetti and a few other items. Coaches and general managers were spread throughout the country and world, so they set up virtual war rooms instead of gathering in their own team facilities.
While the draft was held Friday, its still unclear when the league will actually start its season. Engelbert reinforced on a conference call earlier in the day that there was no timetable to when the season will begin. She said there were a variety of scenarios in play, but the most important factor was the health of everyone.
Training camp was supposed to begin next weekend with the regular season opener originally scheduled for May 15.
The league held its usual conference call with all the teams starting before the draft started broadcasting on ESPN to eliminate any chance of a pick not being in on time.
Engelbert announced the WNBA, along with presenting draft partner State Farm and the players’ union, will donate $20,000 for each of the 12 first-round picks to Direct Relief to help get protective gear and medication to health-care workers as quickly as possible.
The league also honored Alyssa Altobelli, Gianna Bryant and Payton Chester before the start of the draft. Engelbert announced their names as jerseys were shown on the screen with each of the three players on them. The teenagers were among the nine people who died in the helicopter accident on Jan. 26, including Kobe Bryant.


thedenverpost--2020-04-17--Colorado working on its own financial rescue program for overlooked businesses

With the doors closed on two key lending programs from the U.S. Small Business Administration , struggling business owners will have to look elsewhere for support until more federal funding kicks in .
Businesses and nonprofits in the state should try to access as much federal stimulus money as they can , said Betsy Markey , executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade , repeating a recommendation she made earlier this month .
Colorado appears to have done well in that regard , she said .
The state is home to 2 % of small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses have claimed about 2.4 % of loans approved under the Payroll Protection Program , which stopped accepting new applications on Thursday after it ran through its $ 349 billion in funding .
Denver , Aurora , Broomfield are just some of the cities with fund programs to provide assistance .
Enterprise zone administrators are also looking at providing support , though limited , to businesses in rural regions .
The state keeps a list of grant and loans programs on the COEDIT website .
Markey said Thursday the state was looking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those who were slipping through the cracks or having trouble accessing federal funding .
The Governor ’ s Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth plans to ask the Colorado Economic Development Commission to approve $ 2.5 million from the state ’ s Strategic Fund to use as seed money for what it hopes will grow into a larger $ 25 million assistance fund .
Under the direction of Boulder venture capitalist Brad Feld , the Energize Colorado Gap Fund will ask foundations , corporations and wealthy individuals to provide money that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forms of loans and grants .
That ’ s small potatoes compared to the more than $ 6 billion that Colorado banks processed under the Payroll Protection Program .
But Markey said at the maximum of $ 10,000 per loan , the program could help at least 2,500 borrowers who otherwise might not receive assistance .
Smaller funds are also popping up .
Greenline Ventures , an investment management firm based in Denver , has launched the Greenline Emergency Microloan Program designed to assist minority , women and veteran-owned businesses in the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25,000 .
After a six-month deferral period , the loans will carry an interest rate of 2 % and they come with no fees .
“ Our goal is to provide funds to these businesses as quickly as possible to help them retain employees and meet their obligations and stay in business , ” said Patrick Vahey , president of Greenline Ventures , which specializes in investing in underserved communities .
Vahey and his partners have put up $ 300,000 of their own money initially and plan to boost that to $ 500,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its investors and raise money from them to keep the loan program going .
They are meeting daily to screen applications .
“ It is favorable and inexpensive money , but we do want to get paid back , and we hope to , ” Vahey said .

With the doors closed on two key lending programs from the U.S. Small Business Administration, struggling business owners will have to look elsewhere for support until more federal funding kicks in.
Businesses and nonprofits in the state should try to access as much federal stimulus money as they can, said Betsy Markey, executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, repeating a recommendation she made earlier this month.
Colorado appears to have done well in that regard, she said. The state is home to 2% of small businesses in the country, but those businesses have claimed about 2.4% of loans approved under the Payroll Protection Program, which stopped accepting new applications on Thursday after it ran through its $349 billion in funding.
Denver, Aurora, Broomfield are just some of the cities with fund programs to provide assistance. Enterprise zone administrators are also looking at providing support, though limited, to businesses in rural regions. The state keeps a list of grant and loans programs on the COEDIT website.
Markey said Thursday the state was looking at ways to boost its own safety net for those who were slipping through the cracks or having trouble accessing federal funding.
The Governor’s Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth plans to ask the Colorado Economic Development Commission to approve $2.5 million from the state’s Strategic Fund to use as seed money for what it hopes will grow into a larger $25 million assistance fund.
Under the direction of Boulder venture capitalist Brad Feld, the Energize Colorado Gap Fund will ask foundations, corporations and wealthy individuals to provide money that can be provided to struggling enterprises in the forms of loans and grants.
That’s small potatoes compared to the more than $6 billion that Colorado banks processed under the Payroll Protection Program. But Markey said at the maximum of $10,000 per loan, the program could help at least 2,500 borrowers who otherwise might not receive assistance.
Smaller funds are also popping up. Greenline Ventures, an investment management firm based in Denver, has launched the Greenline Emergency Microloan Program designed to assist minority, women and veteran-owned businesses in the state with loans of $5,000 to $25,000.
After a six-month deferral period, the loans will carry an interest rate of 2% and they come with no fees.
“Our goal is to provide funds to these businesses as quickly as possible to help them retain employees and meet their obligations and stay in business,” said Patrick Vahey, president of Greenline Ventures, which specializes in investing in underserved communities.
Vahey and his partners have put up $300,000 of their own money initially and plan to boost that to $500,000. Greenline also plans to go to its investors and raise money from them to keep the loan program going. They are meeting daily to screen applications.
“It is favorable and inexpensive money, but we do want to get paid back, and we hope to,” Vahey said.


thedenverpost--2020-04-17--PACs and billionaires continue to fund Colorado’s U.S. Senate candidates

Powered in part by billionaire investors , business titans and a few famous musicians , John Hickenlooper topped the U.S. Senate race ’ s fundraising battle during the first three months of 2020 .
Hickenlooper , a Democratic former governor , raised about $ 4.1 million and had nearly $ 5 million on hand to begin April .
Incumbent Sen. Cory Gardner , a Republican from Yuma , raised $ 2.5 million last quarter and had $ 9.6 million to spend when an unexpected and unprecedented March came to a close .
As has been the case since Hickenlooper announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first three months of 2020 came from wealthy individuals who live outside Colorado , including at least 10 billionaires who gave the maximum amount allowed by law .
They include Netflix CEO Reed Hastings , LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman , Kind Bar founder Daniel Lubetzky , Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf and former Disney CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg , along with several others .
Also making maximum donations to Hickenlooper were director Steven Spielberg and his wife , along with director J.J. Abrams .
Eagles drummer and singer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Satirist Tom Lehrer donated $ 2,600 .
“ Nearly 35,000 donors chipped into John ’ s campaign to change Washington last quarter , including a soap maker , a violinist , 10 truck drivers , 17 ranchers , 35 veterinarians and 175 teachers , ” said Ammar Moussa , a Hickenlooper spokesman .
The first quarter of 2020 marks the second straight quarter in which Gardner was beaten in fundraising by Hickenlooper .
Of the $ 2.5 million the incumbent took in from January through March , $ 242,080 came from political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from other fundraising committees .
Oil and gas PACs continue to give to Gardner , as they have in prior years .
PACs for the American Gas Association and American Petroleum Institute sent $ 2,500 his way last quarter , and Halliburton ’ s PAC contributed $ 3,000 .
Among tech companies , Microsoft ’ s PAC gave $ 10,000 and Dropbox Inc. ’ s gave $ 2,800 .
In pharmaceuticals , a PAC for Johnson and Johnson donated $ 5,000 , Merck ’ s PAC sent $ 3,500 , Sanofi ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Novartis handed over $ 4,500 .
Walmart ’ s political action committee donated $ 4,000 to Gardner .
Casino businessman Michael Gaughan and his wife each gave $ 5,600 .
Cleveland Browns owner Susan Haslam gave $ 2,800 .
Four owners of Mineral Resources Inc. , a Greeley oil and gas company , each gave $ 2,000 .
Fred Humphries , Microsoft ’ s top lobbyist , donated $ 5,000 .
Oil and gas billionaire Bryan Sheffield gave $ 5,600 , and Sam Zell , another billionaire businessman , gave $ 2,600 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to keep our momentum strong on the path to November , ” said Casey Contres , Gardner ’ s campaign manager .
“ What ’ s clear from Senator Gardner ’ s Q1 fundraising numbers is Coloradans want a common sense conservative who delivers results , not a liberal socialist bent on changing America as we know it .
Our campaign ’ s cash on hand advantage will allow us to have the necessary resources to defeat the far left in 2020.
” Hickenlooper is one of several Democratic contenders hoping to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is expected to win Saturday ’ s Democratic state assembly and find his name on June 30 primary ballots as a result , raised $ 421,533 last quarter and had $ 805,675 to begin April .
His first-quarter fundraising was propelled overwhelmingly by small donors who live in Colorado .

Powered in part by billionaire investors, business titans and a few famous musicians, John Hickenlooper topped the U.S. Senate race’s fundraising battle during the first three months of 2020.
Hickenlooper, a Democratic former governor, raised about $4.1 million and had nearly $5 million on hand to begin April. Incumbent Sen. Cory Gardner, a Republican from Yuma, raised $2.5 million last quarter and had $9.6 million to spend when an unexpected and unprecedented March came to a close.
As has been the case since Hickenlooper announced his candidacy in August, many donations in the first three months of 2020 came from wealthy individuals who live outside Colorado, including at least 10 billionaires who gave the maximum amount allowed by law.
They include Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, Kind Bar founder Daniel Lubetzky, Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf and former Disney CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg, along with several others.
Also making maximum donations to Hickenlooper were director Steven Spielberg and his wife, along with director J.J. Abrams. Eagles drummer and singer Don Henley gave the $5,600 maximum. Satirist Tom Lehrer donated $2,600.
“Nearly 35,000 donors chipped into John’s campaign to change Washington last quarter, including a soap maker, a violinist, 10 truck drivers, 17 ranchers, 35 veterinarians and 175 teachers,” said Ammar Moussa, a Hickenlooper spokesman.
The first quarter of 2020 marks the second straight quarter in which Gardner was beaten in fundraising by Hickenlooper. Of the $2.5 million the incumbent took in from January through March, $242,080 came from political action committees and $376,650 was transferred from other fundraising committees.
Oil and gas PACs continue to give to Gardner, as they have in prior years. PACs for the American Gas Association and American Petroleum Institute sent $2,500 his way last quarter, and Halliburton’s PAC contributed $3,000.
Among tech companies, Microsoft’s PAC gave $10,000 and Dropbox Inc.’s gave $2,800. In pharmaceuticals, a PAC for Johnson and Johnson donated $5,000, Merck’s PAC sent $3,500, Sanofi’s donated $5,000 and a PAC for Novartis handed over $4,500. Walmart’s political action committee donated $4,000 to Gardner.
Casino businessman Michael Gaughan and his wife each gave $5,600. Cleveland Browns owner Susan Haslam gave $2,800. Four owners of Mineral Resources Inc., a Greeley oil and gas company, each gave $2,000. Fred Humphries, Microsoft’s top lobbyist, donated $5,000. Oil and gas billionaire Bryan Sheffield gave $5,600, and Sam Zell, another billionaire businessman, gave $2,600.
“Every day, our grassroots supporters continue to keep our momentum strong on the path to November,” said Casey Contres, Gardner’s campaign manager. “What’s clear from Senator Gardner’s Q1 fundraising numbers is Coloradans want a common sense conservative who delivers results, not a liberal socialist bent on changing America as we know it. Our campaign’s cash on hand advantage will allow us to have the necessary resources to defeat the far left in 2020.”
Hickenlooper is one of several Democratic contenders hoping to face Gardner this November. Andrew Romanoff, who is expected to win Saturday’s Democratic state assembly and find his name on June 30 primary ballots as a result, raised $421,533 last quarter and had $805,675 to begin April. His first-quarter fundraising was propelled overwhelmingly by small donors who live in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-04-17--Colorado nears 400 coronavirus deaths as number of outbreaks at senior care facilities and factories

Colorado nears 400 coronavirus deaths as number of outbreaks at senior care facilities and factories reaches 100

At least 391 people now have died from complications of the novel coronavirus in Colorado , as positive cases — and recoveries — from the respiratory illness continue to rise .
There have been 1,755 people hospitalized since the outbreak entered the state last month , but only 858 people were in Colorado hospitals with symptoms of the illness as of Thursday afternoon , state data shows .
At least 203 people since Thursday afternoon either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care , like a rehabilitation facility .
More than 9,000 people have tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness causes by the virus — though health officials have said this number only represents around 30 % of actual positive cases in the state .
Health officials also confirmed 100 outbreaks at contained facilities such as nursing homes , long-term care facilities and factories — seven more than the previous day .
A total of 43,307 people have been tested around the state , as top health officials say it ’ s necessary to drastically ramp up testing before a stay-at-home order can lifted .
Testing ticked up for the fourth straight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lagged far below the April 11 peak of 2,687 .
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what ’ s reported up from Colorado ’ s counties ; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day , they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state .

At least 391 people now have died from complications of the novel coronavirus in Colorado, as positive cases — and recoveries — from the respiratory illness continue to rise.
There have been 1,755 people hospitalized since the outbreak entered the state last month, but only 858 people were in Colorado hospitals with symptoms of the illness as of Thursday afternoon, state data shows. At least 203 people since Thursday afternoon either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care, like a rehabilitation facility.
More than 9,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus — though health officials have said this number only represents around 30% of actual positive cases in the state.
Health officials also confirmed 100 outbreaks at contained facilities such as nursing homes, long-term care facilities and factories — seven more than the previous day.
A total of 43,307 people have been tested around the state, as top health officials say it’s necessary to drastically ramp up testing before a stay-at-home order can lifted. Testing ticked up for the fourth straight day, but the 1,753 tests still lagged far below the April 11 peak of 2,687.
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what’s reported up from Colorado’s counties; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day, they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state.


thedenverpost--2020-04-17--Silverii: Joe Biden wasn’t my first or second choice, but there’s no question who I’ll vote for in N

Silverii: Joe Biden wasn’t my first or second choice, but there’s no question who I’ll vote for in November

Look , here ’ s the deal : Joe Biden wasn ’ t my first or second choice in the Democratic primary .
But unless we want to validate every lie , every act of craven corruption , every policy disaster and the permanent damage to America ’ s institutions from the Supreme Court to the Postal Service , Donald Trump must be defeated this November .
At this point , Joe Biden is the nominee of the Democratic Party and the only candidate on the ballot who can end Donald Trump ’ s malignant four years in the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote this November .
I hope every other voter who is fed up with Trump gives Biden the chance to earn theirs , too .
Many Democratic primary voters are , like me , upset that their first choice won ’ t be the one to take on Trump this November .
Despite Biden ’ s impressive run from South Carolina through the vast majority of Super Tuesday states and nearly every primary election thereafter , plenty of progressives aren ’ t sold on voting for him .
I get that , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least for the moment , and the Democratic nominee for president is the only person who can boot Donald Trump and his two-bit mafia from the White House and prevent the next four years from being even worse than the last four for so many .
Without scolding , lecturing , or guilt tripping , I will try to share what convinced me to vote for Biden after my top choices , Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders , ended their campaigns and endorsed the former vice president .
If every vote weren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be trying so hard to take them away .
Voter suppression — especially against young people , people of color , and other key components of the progressive coalition — has been an intentional political strategy of the right for decades .
As we speak , Russian trolls and Trump supporters are pushing a narrative that progressives should write-in someone else or not vote for Joe Biden because they will do anything and everything to reelect Donald Trump .
There ’ s an old saying in chess , “ never make the move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This applies to democracy , too .
Why is Joe Biden almost certainly the Democratic nominee ?
To answer with one word : voters .
Joe Biden won no news cycles .
He did not win Twitter .
He did not win three of the four early states .
He entered late .
Others raised way more money .
And yet to stage this comeback and go on the sort of winning streak he did means anyone who claims to respect the will of the voters should stop and rethink a few things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polls for most of 2019 , won an overwhelming majority of Democratic primary votes , and now is poised to unseat Donald Trump .
If progressives don ’ t want to vote for Joe Biden , they should vote for the people he will surround himself with who share their values much more than those in the current administration .
I ’ m voting for an EPA director that believes in climate change and who won ’ t use a global pandemic as an excuse to let polluters have free reign over every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
I ’ m voting for a secretary of the interior who doesn ’ t believe in selling off our public lands to the same oil companies he once lobbied for .
I ’ m voting for the first woman vice president in American history , who Biden has promised to nominate .
I ’ m voting to allow Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer to retire so we can put two progressive justices on the bench to protect abortion rights , worker ’ s rights , LGBTQ rights , and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign finance laws .
I ’ m voting for reversing the disastrous Trump tax cuts for the wealthy .
I ’ m voting to stop the transfer of wealth from American taxpayers to The Trump Organization .
I ’ m voting for all the things I care about by making sure Donald Trump doesn ’ t get another four years to take our country back several decades .
I hope the vast majority of like-minded Americans join me so we can close the book on this embarrassing period in history and not give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blind and divide us even further .
I ’ m voting to return to the imperfect America we had before Trump , which was slowly moving toward a more perfect union but whose journey was derailed in 2016 .
All of these votes will appear on the ballot this November under the name Joe Biden .
Ian Silverii is the executive director of ProgressNow Colorado , the state ’ s largest progressive advocacy group .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail .

Look, here’s the deal: Joe Biden wasn’t my first or second choice in the Democratic primary. But unless we want to validate every lie, every act of craven corruption, every policy disaster and the permanent damage to America’s institutions from the Supreme Court to the Postal Service, Donald Trump must be defeated this November.
At this point, Joe Biden is the nominee of the Democratic Party and the only candidate on the ballot who can end Donald Trump’s malignant four years in the White House. Biden will be getting my vote this November. I hope every other voter who is fed up with Trump gives Biden the chance to earn theirs, too.
Many Democratic primary voters are, like me, upset that their first choice won’t be the one to take on Trump this November. Despite Biden’s impressive run from South Carolina through the vast majority of Super Tuesday states and nearly every primary election thereafter, plenty of progressives aren’t sold on voting for him. I get that, however, American politics are binary, at least for the moment, and the Democratic nominee for president is the only person who can boot Donald Trump and his two-bit mafia from the White House and prevent the next four years from being even worse than the last four for so many.
Without scolding, lecturing, or guilt tripping, I will try to share what convinced me to vote for Biden after my top choices, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, ended their campaigns and endorsed the former vice president.
If every vote weren’t valuable, Republicans wouldn’t be trying so hard to take them away. Voter suppression — especially against young people, people of color, and other key components of the progressive coalition — has been an intentional political strategy of the right for decades. As we speak, Russian trolls and Trump supporters are pushing a narrative that progressives should write-in someone else or not vote for Joe Biden because they will do anything and everything to reelect Donald Trump. There’s an old saying in chess, “never make the move your opponent wants you to make.” This applies to democracy, too.
Why is Joe Biden almost certainly the Democratic nominee? To answer with one word: voters. Joe Biden won no news cycles. He did not win Twitter. He did not win three of the four early states. He entered late. Others raised way more money. And yet to stage this comeback and go on the sort of winning streak he did means anyone who claims to respect the will of the voters should stop and rethink a few things. Biden ran ahead in the national polls for most of 2019, won an overwhelming majority of Democratic primary votes, and now is poised to unseat Donald Trump.
If progressives don’t want to vote for Joe Biden, they should vote for the people he will surround himself with who share their values much more than those in the current administration.
I’m voting for an EPA director that believes in climate change and who won’t use a global pandemic as an excuse to let polluters have free reign over every molecule of air and water in the country. I’m voting for a secretary of the interior who doesn’t believe in selling off our public lands to the same oil companies he once lobbied for. I’m voting for the first woman vice president in American history, who Biden has promised to nominate. I’m voting to allow Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer to retire so we can put two progressive justices on the bench to protect abortion rights, worker’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and have a snowball’s chance in reforming campaign finance laws. I’m voting for reversing the disastrous Trump tax cuts for the wealthy. I’m voting to stop the transfer of wealth from American taxpayers to The Trump Organization.
I’m voting for all the things I care about by making sure Donald Trump doesn’t get another four years to take our country back several decades. I hope the vast majority of like-minded Americans join me so we can close the book on this embarrassing period in history and not give Trump another four years to rob us blind and divide us even further.
I’m voting to return to the imperfect America we had before Trump, which was slowly moving toward a more perfect union but whose journey was derailed in 2016. All of these votes will appear on the ballot this November under the name Joe Biden.
Ian Silverii is the executive director of ProgressNow Colorado, the state’s largest progressive advocacy group.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.