7 hours Ago
We must resolutely refuse anticipatory obedience It’s not too late to become active in opposition to President Trump. He must think the American people are so stupid that they believe he is actually powerless to return Mr. Abrego Garcia from El Salvador.
We are not! Trump sent Abrego Garcia to El Salvador and a word from him to President Bukele will return him to the U.S. pronto.
Here, both Mr. Abrego Garcia and the DOJ will have their day in court. The first sign of the triumph of any authoritarian regime is the practice of anticipatory obedience by the citizenry and, especially, by the members of the political establishment.
In that regard, the elected representatives — save but a very few — of the Republican Party are egregious participants. Their cowardly obeisance to the will of their leader is disgusting. Mostly lawyers, they have turned their backs on the basic lessons of our history and Constitution.
How to explain the popularity of Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez and Booker? It’s not only that they are Democrats appealing to that base. No, they are pro-active in opposition while many of their fellow democrats are, at best, quiescent. This pro-active opposition appeals to many independents and Republicans who understand the current president’s attempt to unravel basic liberties.
Now the opposition is growing with other universities finally joining Harvard’s refusal to obey. Non-profit organizations are also joining together in unified opposition. The courts may not be alone.
If numerous elected Republicans symbolically “fall on their sword” and risk losing their elected sinecures, opposition to authoritarianism will gain much-needed adherents. Opposition to authoritarianism need not mean the surrender of well-considered policy planks. Those policy differences should remain in a vibrant democracy, but, as a people, we must resolutely refuse anticipatory obedience.
Michael Maloy, Longmont Recreational sports leagues are the future of youth athletics Youth sports are crucial in shaping the future of kids. Growing up playing sports throughout my childhood, I gained firsthand experience of the amazing mental and physical health benefits that youth athletics bring to children. Nevertheless, the increasing expenses associated with competitive sports have created obstacles for many youth athletes to participate in sports.
A study by USAFacts done in 2022 showed that 53.8% of kids aged 6-17 participate in sports, compared to 58.4% in 2017, almost a 5% drop-off in five years.
By promoting recreational sports leagues, we can reduce the financial barriers and guarantee that every child has the chance to enjoy the advantages of physical activity and teamwork. Competitive sports usually demand costly equipment, travel fees and significant registration costs, making them unattainable for families undergoing financial hardships. Also, with the soaring costs of youth athletics, an increasing number of families feel compelled to have their children specialize in one sport, leading to exhaustion and higher dropout rates.
Furthermore, the pressure to excel in these settings can result in burnout and an unhealthy relationship with sports for many young athletes. Recreational sports leagues provide a more cost-effective and inclusive option. These leagues prioritize participation and enjoyment over intense competition.
By promoting local youth sports leagues like North Boulder Little League and Boulder Indoor Soccer, you are giving many children from diverse financial backgrounds a chance to enjoy youth athletics. Not every child is inclined towards or suited for high-stakes sports, yet all children can improve by acquiring the basic skills of athleticism and collaboration. Investing in recreational sports leagues represents a commitment to the future of youth athletics, guaranteeing that every child has the opportunity to promote their physical and emotional health.
Tyler Black, CU Boulder.
