We don’t need to consume animals to thrive
Nebraska has just confirmed its first case of bird flu in dairy cattle, joining a growing list of states facing this crisis (currently at 17). Officials will talk about “biosecurity,” but the real problem is the system itself. When we force animals into confinement, strip them of natural lives, and exploit them for milk, meat or eggs, we create the perfect conditions for viruses to spread and mutate.
This is not just an animal issue — it’s a public health threat. Instead of asking how to better manage industrialized animal use, we should be asking why we are still doing it at all.
We don’t need to consume animals to thrive. Shifting toward plant-based food systems is the only real way to protect animals, the environment and ourselves.
Rudolph Helman, Boulder
Check your compost bins for visitors
Imagine walking into a restaurant and hearing the only door lock behind you. That is what almost happened to a raccoon who was exploring our “bear-proof” compost bin. I usually leave the lid of the bin loose when I’m in the yard and then lock it when I go inside. Tonight, I looked into the bin, before locking it, and saw two wary eyes looking up at me. I quickly moved to the back of the bin and slowly laid it on its side. The raccoon ran to its freedom after cancelling its reservation for tonight’s Pommes Pourries (rotten apples) special.
Kristen Marshall, Boulder
Make a difference at Meals On Wheels event
It seems everywhere we turn these days, the headlines are filled with challenges, terrible events, hardships and uncertainty. While we can’t ignore the difficulties around us, we also know an antidote to despair is connection, laughter and generosity.
That’s why I’m inviting you, our neighbors in Boulder, to join us for something a little lighter, a little brighter and a whole lot of fun — our Deals for Meals Casino Night on Saturday, October 25, from 6-9 p.m.
For one night, perhaps we can set aside the worries of the world and join us for an evening of games, prizes, hors d’oeuvres and camaraderie — all while supporting a cause that truly matters. Every ticket purchased and every hand of blackjack played helps Meals on Wheels of Boulder continue delivering nutritious meals and friendship to our community’s neighbors who need this service.
In tough times, it’s easy to feel powerless. But here’s a chance to make a real difference — and enjoy yourself in the process. I hope you’ll grab a ticket, bring a friend and roll the dice on a night that promises both fun and impact.
Log in at mowboulder.org then, click on “events.” See the online auction and buy your tickets today.
Together, let’s remind ourselves that even in uncertain times, generosity and joy are always worth betting on.
Francea Phillips, Presdient/CEO, Meals on Wheels of Boulder
In today’s polarized climate, we need principled candidates
I endorse Rob Smoke and Aaron Stone for Boulder City Council. In today’s polarized climate, we need principled candidates who prioritize truth and reject hate. Both candidates have shown moral courage by advocating policies rooted in human dignity, including calling for the city to divest from companies profiting from violence in Gaza and the West Bank — a stance backed by human rights groups, the UN and many nations.
Smoke and Stone stand out for their commitment to respecting all citizens and for their refusal to be cowed by false accusations. They recognize that criticizing Israel’s behavior is not antisemitism. Despite unimpeachable evidence of Israel’s human rights abuses, land theft, and intentional targeting of civilians since 1948, most Boulder councilors have ignored these issues, refused divestment and echoed baseless narratives. They’ve unfairly smeared equal rights advocates, including Jewish voices, as “antisemites” for opposing Israel’s behavior, failing to understand that Israel’s slaughter and starvation of hundreds of thousands of civilians incites antisemitism. Their smear campaign has even targeted councilor Taishya Adams, who rightly distinguishes anti-Zionism from antisemitism.
Boulder needs leaders like Smoke and Stone, who champion fairness and accountability. Their dedication to justice makes them the clear choice for City Council.
Richard Forer, Lafayette