Letters Published on January 4, 2024
Jan. 4, 2024 Correspondence: Capitol Breach, WIC Funding, and Forest Protection”
In today’s letter, the Colorado Supreme Court and the Maine secretary of state echo a well-known truth, reminiscent of Leonard Cohen’s “EVERYBODY KNOWS.” Television observers are aware of two indisputable facts: 1) a violent mob breached the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, attempting to prevent Biden’s inauguration; and 2) Trump not only incited the rioters but also delayed condemning them for three hours.
Proficient individuals understand Article 14 of the U.S. Constitution, barring officeholders who aid an insurrection from future office. The events of Jan. 6 are widely acknowledged as a “violent uprising against an authority or government,” meeting the dictionary definition of an insurrection.
The looming question is whether the U.S. Supreme Court will diverge from common knowledge. Does America want its Supreme Court to appear blind, illiterate, or worse, leaning towards proto-fascism?
**Encouraging Congress to Fully Fund WIC:**
As we enter the new year, 2023’s unfinished business demands Congress’s attention: the full funding of WIC! With rising food prices and increased program participation, it’s crucial to maintain and enhance WIC. This program provides essential nutrition, formula, and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, postpartum mothers, infants, and toddlers.
Research attests to WIC’s cost-effectiveness, enhancing the nutrition and health of families. A bipartisan commitment to fund all eligible participants has existed for decades. Since 2020, WIC has seen a 17% increase in child participation, anticipated to reach 7 million individuals in 2024. Failure to increase funding by the Jan. 19 deadline could lead to waitlists for the first time since the 1990s, potentially resulting in benefit cuts for hard-working families.
The health and economic well-being of millions hinge on elected leaders securing full funding for WIC promptly.
**Enhanced Safeguarding of Mature Forests:**
The December announcement from the Biden administration, committing to shield old-growth national forests from logging, is cause for celebration. The U.S., especially Colorado, has limited old-growth areas, and their destruction would be a loss lasting centuries.
Old-growth forests are vital habitats, offering a natural climate change solution. While restrictions on logging equipment are commendable, safeguarding existing forests isn’t enough.
Protection should extend to millions of acres with future old-growth trees—these “mature” forests are still evolving. The recent U.S. Forest Service policies should be the initial steps towards a comprehensive, loophole-free plan for forest restoration. This plan should protect all old-growth trees and forests from commercial logging, recognizing their vital role in sustaining wildlife and climate, safeguarding the well-being of Coloradans and Americans.