Re: ” Alcatraz: Trump wants to reopen prison for ‘most violent’ inmates,” May 6 news story<\/p>\n
“Incredible” is all one can say over President Donald Trump’s possibly worst misuse of Treasury funds yet, \u00a0namely ordering that Alcatraz — closed as a penitentiary over 60 years ago due to crumbling conditions and extreme operating costs — be not only restored but expanded for “the worst criminals” etc. (insert theatrical hysterics here). Nowhere does the reporting suggest that any recent engineering reports, preliminary cost estimates or feasibility were considered, nor is it suggested that Trump made any inquiries to corrections executives before announcing his order.<\/p>\n
As for security in carrying out federal sentences, our current, typical maximum security prisons in the federal system do not experience statistically significant escapes, making the notion of isolating prisoners “far away” ridiculous. Even Elon Musk would have to chainsaw the idea of having to send ships of materials and laborers — and eventually prisoners and staff — to an island for a grandiose and needlessly remote project that would simply but expensively duplicate what we already have.<\/p>\n
Peter Ehrlich, Denver<\/em><\/p>\n Re: “Broadcasting chiefs vow to fight cuts,” May 3 news story<\/p>\n My high school sweetheart introduced me to public radio in 1991, and my life has never been the same! My Christian faith tells me to love truth and uphold the sacred dignity of all God’s children and NPR is right beside me in both quests.<\/p>\n After developing a passion for in-depth news coverage, I earned a master’s in journalism. However, my greatest takeaway from that degree was the fact that independent journalism work is as difficult as it is underpaid, so I went to work elsewhere. I did learn in J-school how to analyze different news sources and how to trace their funding. The public media funding model is the best for unbiased news! And sadly, it’s not the best for making a living.<\/p>\n I’m grateful for the truth that CPR, NPR, PBS, Public Radio Exchange, Public Radio International, American Public Media and others provide to me and all lovers of truth, and I pray for them every day. I ask all Denver Post readers to please stand up for this vital pillar of democracy!<\/p>\nFunding public media helps provide unbiased news<\/h4>\n