Letters to the Editor - Jan. 17, 2013

All about moral imperative

I'm compelled to ponder the significance of “moral imperative,” especially the consequences resulting from its absence.

The term is defined as having a deep instinctive sense of right and wrong that creates a desire for fairness and justice, which prevails in humans throughout civilization in all the world's cultures.

Significantly, moral imperative is an “inborn human instinct,” not one that's “acquired.” It's well documented by recent scientific studies that infants as young as six months possess this strong moral code, enabling them to discern the difference between good and evil. Isn't there ample proof in our daily lives that we know right from wrong? Notably by accepting the adage that “life isn't fair” proves we do know the difference.

Nowhere is the lack of moral imperative more obvious than in the politics of our government at all levels. The best examples are the politicians we vote into office based upon their pledges to represent we, the people, who then break their promises and choose to ignore what is right and wrong , what is fair and what is unjust.

As a way of life, moral imperative could mean less crime, discrimination, governmental control, resulting in fairness and more individual freedom. Certainly the greatest impact would be in running the government with less inane legislation, innocuous rules and regulations, illegal executive orders and unfair court decisions, all of which negatively affect our lives and livelihoods.

Just ponder: What if moral imperative became a way of life, a social absolute and a government priority? Would it not attest that we ordinary citizens, as well as our political representatives, would simply be doing what comes naturally?

Moral imperative has even more incredible spiritual truths for all who choose to learn.

Richard D. Doran

Battlement Mesa

Rifle water plant needs a closer look

With all the new taxes, including payroll taxes, increased Social Security deductions, health care cost increases and more — now and in the future with Obamacare — the city has put another burden upon us with a 61 percent increase in water rates and a 3/4 cent sales tax increase.

With all these new taxes kicking in, you would think the City Council would scale back the size of the water plant to accommodate the needs of the present population, instead of somebody's prediction of Rifle growing to a much larger population, is just not feasible with the current and forecasted economy.

In the last census, the population of Garfield County fell by 3,000 residents. And the pressure on oil and gas companies by environmentalists is having its effect on gas drilling in Colorado, especially Garfield County.

Another reason for a person not buying a home in Rifle is the high water and sewer rates. In a recent survey, Rifle's water rates were found to be 50 percent higher than 10 towns within a 70 mile radius, including Grand Junction and Fruita.

Clifton, not included in the survey, is doing a $12 to $15 million dollar upgrade to their water system without a sales tax increase.

I think Rifle should have an outside consultant review the maintenance and operation costs of Rifle's water and sewer costs compared to surrounding cities.

Gary Parks

Rifle