Scanlon for Colorado

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  • Standing Up To Political Terrorism

    I was out of town for four days tending to my Mom’s service and memory. It was a beautiful weekend as we celebrated her life. I saw family members I hadn’t seen for 25 years. We cried, we laughed, we ignored our cell phones for hours at a time. It was, honestly, the best time I’ve had in a long time. Mom would be happy.
    I say it was beautiful, but beautiful things weren’t happening while I was traveling, seeking a break, seeking a reprieve from the 24/7 news cycle.
    In the span of minutes, a shooter opened fire in Evergreen High School while in Utah, Charlie Kirk was assassinated by sniper’s single bullet.
    It seems odd that I have to say this, but, yes, obviously:
    I am opposed to violence outside the rink.
    I am opposed to gun violence.
    I am opposed to violence against Jews.

    I am opposed to violence against Muslims.
    I am opposed to genocide against any group.
    I am opposed to violence against right wing social media influencers.
    I am opposed to violence against students seeking an education.
    Somehow, this exercise seems trite, doesn’t it? I mean, a couple of young men are dead here. I don’t want to sound insincere – I am very sincere, I take this political terrorism very seriously.
    Let’s take it a step further. Let’s work in collaboration to make life better for everyone.

    Here are a few suggestions:

    • Name the violence for what it is. When an individual or group uses intimidation, murder, or threats to advance a political or ideological cause, that is terrorism. We cannot excuse it or downplay it depending on who the victims are or what cause the perpetrator claims to serve.
    • Put life above faction. No disagreement—over religion, politics, race, or identity—ever justifies the murder of neighbors, students, or public figures. If we can’t agree on that bedrock principle, then the rest of our democracy will crumble.
    • Invest in prevention, not just reaction. This means supporting schools, mental health systems, gun safety laws, and law enforcement tools that focus on stopping violence before it erupts rather than politicizing tragedy after the fact.
    • Reject political profit from fear. Politicians who turn every act of violence into a talking point for donations or division are part of the problem. Leaders have a duty to calm, not inflame.
    • Strengthen community ties. The bonds I felt at my mother’s memorial—the laughter, the hugs, the shared stories—are what make life worth defending. Terrorism thrives in isolation and alienation; it suffocates when people are connected, engaged, and looked after.

    We can disagree on policy. We will disagree on policy. We must disagree on policy. But we must not disagree on this: every child, every parent, every teacher, every neighbor deserves to live free from the threat of sudden political terrorism or gun violence.

    If we can summon the courage to recognize that truth together, maybe—just maybe—we can start building something stronger than the hate that keeps tearing us apart.

  • Be Prepared For An ICE Raid

    Last night, I attended a Stand With Immigrants rally in north Denver. Although it was outside HD32 and past my bedtime, I was compelled to attend given the current atmosphere in America.
    America is a nation of immigrants. For over 200 years, its worked great, despite what the haters say. As you know, the Trump Administration is a hateful group, and immigrants are in their crosshairs. ICE is active here in Adams County and across metro Denver. Over 330 people disappeared during a two week period in August alone.
    So this is a crisis.
    I don’t know how much last night’s rally will help. It appeared to be organized by PSL, a socialist organization. They were long on a list of grievances and short on a list of solutions (a challenge I can relate to).
    My takeaway, as a Democrat, was frustration that they view both parties as the same, railing against the “ruling class” over and over. Why? Why are Democrats the same as the hateful thieves currently destroying America from the White House? Because ICE sent out a request for proposal for more detention facilities in September. September 2024, when Biden was President. One bureaucrat in Denver sent out an RFP while Biden was still President, so there you have it. One RFP equates to the same level of evil as the Trump Administration.
    To be sure, private prisons are a problem, something I’ve already addressed in this blog. [To reiterate, private prison reform is something the Colorado legislature needs to address. Especially in light of the recent unconstitutional activity by ICE, in conjunction with Colorado’s private prisons.]
    Other than both parties are evil – and presumably I too am evil, for being a Democrat, and worse, a capitalist – very little of substance came out of the gathering. [Full disclosure: I had to leave early, it’s an on-going problem for me with evening gatherings and a 3am start time at work.]
    The only substance from last night’s meeting I can point to is an upcoming protest over a soon to reopen prison facility in Hudson.
    [Side Note: One speaker, an organizer with PSL, brought up AI, to which there were many boos. There was a lot of booing and shouting “No” in general during the first hour. I suspect the anti-AI sentiment is regarding the energy consumption and the fact that its going to “take away all the jobs”. And both are legitimate issues. AI needs to become more energy efficient, for sure. And we need some kind of Universal Basic Income (UBI) to salve the upcoming societal upheaval, an upheaval for which little to nothing is being done to prepare for. Quite the opposite, our social safety net is being decimated by Republicans. But. AI is going to march on whether you like it or not. The Chinese communist party, the Russians, and a whole host of other bad actors who are not out for your best interests are going to be using AI to become a whole lot more productive. I do not advocate for unilateral disarmament on the AI front. Now, back to immigration and the illegal activity of the Republicans.]
    ICE has been spotted here in our community. They are targeting our neighborhoods, Home Depots, churches, and parks. They are violating the U.S. Constitution every day, snatching people off the streets and detaining them without due process.
    This is real. So what can we do? I mean besides booing, and falsely claiming Democrats like me are equally as evil as Donald Trump.

    If you see someone being disappeared:

    1. Call 9-1-1.
    2. Call the Rapid Response Team. 844-864-8341
    3. Video the incident

    Here is a link regarding immigrant rights – and everyone else’s too! https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/
    Know your rights!

    What to do if you’re detained by ICE
    There is a chance that you will be detained by ICE. If you have an Apple Phone, use Siri to facilitate communication in a distress situation .

    Apple Phone Users:


    Here are the steps to activate Siri to notify contacts if arrested by ICE:
    Apple iPhone Emergency Contact Instructions (Verified for 2025)
    Pre-set Emergency Contacts:
    Open the Health app.
    Tap your profile icon (top right).
    Select “Medical ID”.
    Tap “Edit” (or “Get Started” if not set up).
    Scroll to “Emergency Contacts”.
    Tap the green plus sign to add a contact.
    Specify their relationship.
    Tap “Done” to save.

    Activate Siri (even while locked):
    “Hey Siri”: Activate if enabled in Settings.
    Press and hold the Side or Home button.
    Siri Emergency Commands:
    “Call [Emergency Contact Name]”
    “Text [Emergency Contact Name] that I’ve been detained by ICE”
    “Call my emergency contact”: Calls the Medical ID contact.
    Emergency SOS:
    Simultaneously press and hold the side and volume buttons (Face ID iPhones) or rapidly press the side button five times (toggle in Settings > Emergency SOS).
    iPhone notifies your emergency contacts with your location when you use Emergency SOS.

    Android Emergency Contact and SOS Instructions (2025)
    To Pre-set Emergency Contacts:
    Open Settings.
    Search for or go to “Safety & Emergency” (sometimes “Personal Safety” or “Security & Emergency”).
    Tap “Emergency Information” or “Emergency Contacts”.
    Add your medical info and emergency contacts (contacts must be saved in your address book).
    Some phones offer a “Groups” feature in Contacts: Add people to the “ICE – Emergency Contacts” group. All contacts in this group are accessible from the lock screen.
    To Display Emergency Info on Lock Screen:
    In Settings, search for “Lock Screen Message” and set a custom note (e.g., “In case of emergency, call [name/number]”).
    On most Androids, anyone can access emergency info: From the lock screen, swipe up → tap “Emergency” → “Emergency Information”. You can call these contacts even if the phone is locked.
    Emergency SOS Feature (Samsung & Pixel Example):
    Samsung Galaxy:
    Settings → “Safety and emergency” → “Send SOS messages”.
    Toggle on, select emergency contacts, and customize (auto-call, attach photos/audio).
    Activate by pressing side power button 3 or 4 times. Sends SOS message, location, photos, and audio; can call your contact automatically.
    Google Pixel & Many Androids:
    Settings → “Safety & Emergency”.
    Setup “Emergency SOS”: Often activated by pressing power button 5 times.
    Allows auto-call to emergency contacts, location sharing, and emergency info broadcast. Practice to be sure of your device’s procedure.

    Practice and Privacy:
    Practice using Emergency SOS and lock screen access.
    Anyone with your phone can see your emergency info if you enable these features—consider privacy needs.

    Be prepared. ICE is detaining anyone they want, and asking questions and giving answers later. White people are also being swept up, don’t assume your racial privilege that has carried you (and me) for so many years will be there when ICE starts storm trooping around. You don’t want to get swept up. From the reports, the conditions in ICE facilities are horrible.

  • The Public Health Crisis Of Our Lifetime – Climate Change

    The air quality all week was horrible due to wildfire smoke that blew into Colorado’s Front Range.

    Here’s a picture looking to the west this morning:

    There are supposed to be Rocky Mountains in this view!! Snow capped Rocky Mountains.

    Some of the wildfires creating this smoke are in Colorado. There are also wildfires burning across the American west – and all over Canada.

    The droughts, the altered rainfall patterns, these consequences of air pollution are forecast only to increase. Because the air pollution that causes these maladies continues to increase. This, when we need to be racing to zero air pollution.

    The effect on all of us is a massive public health crisis.

    If you live in Colorado and you’ve been coughing and wheezing and not feeling well, it very well could be the air quality.

    Key Protection Measures

    Stay Indoors

    • Remaining indoors is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.
    • Keep windows and doors closed and avoid outdoor activities, especially exercise, when smoke is present.

    HVAC and Air Filters

    • Use the highest-quality filter your HVAC system can handle (MERV 13 or above) to reduce indoor particulate pollution.
    • Regularly change HVAC filters to maintain effectiveness during prolonged smoke events.
    • If possible, run the HVAC system on recirculation mode to prevent intake of outdoor air.
    • Portable HEPA filter air purifiers provide additional protection, especially in bedrooms and central living areas.

    Create a Clean Air Room

    • Designate a room in the home to keep especially clean by sealing windows, and use a portable air purifier or box fan with a high-efficiency filter.

    Masks and Outdoor Activity

    • Wear a properly fitted N95 respirator if outdoor exposure is unavoidable; simple cloth masks do not protect against fine smoke particles.
    • Limit outdoor time and strenuous activity during heavy smoke periods.

    Vehicle and Other Tips

    • When driving, keep windows closed and set the air conditioning to recirculate.
    • Avoid activities such as vacuuming or burning candles, which increase indoor particle levels.

    Special Considerations

    • Older adults, children, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are at higher risk and should take extra precautions.
    • Monitor local air quality advisories for updates and recommendations.

    Implementing these steps substantially protects against the health hazards posed by wildfire smoke across Colorado.

    Stay safe. And support politicians and policies that advance clean air!

  • Next Steps For Dems At The Colorado Legislature

    I had a great lunch with a Democratic Representative yesterday. We talked Democratic Party politics and the future of the legislature here in Colorado.

    “The biggest obstacle to progress in Colorado is the Democratic Party,” they said.

    OUCH! I mean, seriously, as someone who has poured way too much time and treasure into this party of ours, this is not what I want to hear.

    They cited the fact that a few key pieces of legislation sailed through both chambers with all Dems voting yes, only to be vetoed by Governor Polis. For example, the Workers Protection Act.

    C’mon Guv!?!

    I asked what I think is an obvious question (and they had a ready answer):
    We Dems have had both chambers and the Governor’s office for at least a few sessions now. If there’s some burning issue, why haven’t we done it? And what is left to do, and why haven’t we done it yet?

    (This provoked the answer about the Democratic Party being the biggest obstacle to progress.)

    Short summary of a long answer:

    “Things to do still” includes private prisons. We have too many of them. “We have a higher prison population than Russia, North Korea, and China.” Yikes. Private prison reform. I’m already leaning yes.

    We talked about the need for workers to get equity. Actually, this was the one subject where I did all the talking. This is one of my core issues. Workers deserve equity for their labor. Whether we use existing programs like ESOPs or 401(k) match, worker councils or co-ops, there are plenty of existing means to get workers a slice of the pie they prepare and bake.

    I left them with what I tell everyone. I’m going to organize HD32 as best I can. This way, whether I win or lose, I’ll feel good knowing that our party is better organized in this very blue district with a history of low voter turnout. The goal being a better Dem turnout in November 2026 so we elect a Dem our new Attorney General (I’m leaning to Crisanta Duran, they are “1000%” behind David Seligman). And a Dem as our new Governor (we’re both leaning towards Phil Weiser, we both agree Michael Bennet would also be a great Governor). And so the whole slate will fare better.

  • Colorado’s Budget, TABOR, and Today’s Proposal

    Exciting news out of Denver. But first, a little background.

    Colorado’s budget process is a complicated confluence of constitutional amendments, TABOR restraints and economic conditions. The constitution is the rule book, obviously. And when the economy is strong, the revenue side is strong enough to obscure the problems. But with the Trump Economy teetering on the Trump Depression, Colorado’s budget is about to find itself in an even bigger bind next year. This after the legislature had to have a special session to cut nearly $1,000,000,000 to offset claw backs by the Republicans in Congress. With federal contributions to Medicaid and SNAP food assistance expected to be further reduced, Colorado needs increased revenue just to stay even.

    A coalition of liberal advocacy groups has come up with an interesting proposal to lower taxes for 98% of voters while simultaneously raising more revenue. This would be accomplished by changing from a flat income tax rate of 4.4% for everyone to a graduated tax rate, which means the % of income paid goes up with income.

    The proposal would lower the tax rate on the first $100,000 of income to 4.2%, and keep it at 4.4% on income between $100,001 and $500,000. This is how it would lower the tax rate for 98% of Coloradoans. The rates go up over $500,000 in annual income.

    The Colorado Sun has a good write up.

    Thanks to the Bell Policy Center for driving this important initiative, building a coalition with the Colorado Fiscal Institute, the Colorado Children’s Campaign, Great Education Colorado, the Colorado Statewide Parents Coalition, the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, New Era Colorado, the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, the Blueprint to End Hunger, Colorado Counties and Commissioners Acting Together, the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, and the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights. 

    Per our TABOR rights, we, the voters of Colorado, will need to approve this initiative for it to become law. First, it would need to qualify for the ballot. To do that, this proposal would need to gather over 125,000 signatures, with at least 2% from each of Colorado’s 35 Senate districts. Signature gathering alone is forecast to cost millions of dollars.

    I have always believed that higher incomes should pay higher taxes. They have disposable income. Working people give up vacations and other primary expenses to pay taxes. At some point – and I would think making more than $500,000 a year is close to or at that point – your primary expenses are met.

    I do not support “soak the rich” measures that are overly punitive to the wealthy. I believe this proposal strikes the right balance between a graduated tax system where those who make more pay more while not going too far.

  • Union For All!

    Every worker deserves a voice.
    Every workplace deserves democracy.
    Every American deserves dignity at work.

    The Union For All movement recognizes that economic security requires more than healthcare—it demands workplace democracy, fair wages, and the fundamental right to organize without fear.

    The Union For All movement represents a modern approach to worker empowerment that goes beyond traditional union organizing to encompass workplace democracy, economic security, and shared prosperity. By combining proven policy solutions with contemporary organizing strategies, it offers a pathway to rebuilding worker power for the 21st century economy.

    Legislative Proposals

    1. Worker Power

    Automatic Representation Rights

    • Establish sectoral bargaining by industry, similar to systems in Germany and Scandinavia
    • Create worker representation on corporate boards (30% minimum for companies over 1,000 employees)
    • Guarantee workers the right to form workplace councils with consultation rights on major business decisions
    • Eliminate “right-to-work” laws that weaken collective bargaining

    2. Digital Age Labor Standards

    Modernizing Worker Protections

    • Classify gig workers as employees with full labor rights
    • Establish portable benefits that travel with workers across jobs
    • Create algorithmic transparency requirements for app-based work platforms
    • Guarantee the right to organize for all workers, regardless of employment classification

    3. Workplace Democracy Expansion

    Democratizing the Economy

    • Provide federal funding and tax incentives for worker cooperatives
    • Create a National Cooperative Development Bank
    • Establish employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) incentives for business transitions
    • Fund community wealth-building initiatives in underinvested areas

    4. Fair Scheduling and Economic Security

    Stabilizing Work Life

    • Guarantee two weeks advance notice for work schedules
    • Provide compensation for last-minute schedule changes
    • Establish the right to request flexible work arrangements
    • Create universal basic income pilot programs in select regions

    5. Corporate Accountability and Worker Justice

    Enforcement with Teeth

    • Increase penalties for union-busting activities (personal liability for executives)
    • Create expedited processes for union certification elections
    • Establish worker safety whistleblower protections with private right of action
    • Mandate corporate disclosure of worker pay ratios and labor practices

  • Congrats Labor Champion Javier Mabrey

    Last night at the AFL/CIO annual awards dinner, Colorado Representative Javier Mabrey was crowned the Labor Champion of 2025.

    Representative Mabrey earned this award for his consistent and dependable stance in support of organized labor over and over at the state Capitol during this year’s legislative session.

    Representative Mabrey gave a moving speech, referencing his own difficult upbringing, which included tough times like the lights being cut off or being evicted.

    Personally, I couldn’t agree more with “Javi” as his friends call him. We, as workers, need to stand united. And we need to stand behind the elected officials who have our back. I strongly encourage all friends of working folks to give to Representative Mabrey’s campaign for re-election. Working people need to stand with their friends!

    And a shout out to my local, Teamsters Local 455, for hosting this great event. Special thanks to the AFL-CIO for making this great event happen.

  • It’s OK to Not Be OK

    Something powerful is happening in our communities. After decades of whispered conversations and hidden struggles, we’re finally saying out loud what we’ve always known in our hearts: it’s OK to not be OK.

    For too long, mental health has been treated as a personal failing rather than a health issue. In working-class communities like Commerce City, the pressure to “tough it out” runs deep. We’ve been taught that asking for help is weakness, that admitting you’re struggling somehow makes you less of a provider, less of a parent, less of a person.

    That ends now.

    The Facts We Can’t Ignore

    Mental health challenges affect 1 in 5 Americans every year. In Colorado, we’ve seen alarming increases in anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, particularly among our young people. The COVID pandemic didn’t create these problems, but it exposed just how fragile our mental health infrastructure really is.

    Here’s what we know: mental health is health, period. Just like we wouldn’t tell someone with diabetes to “think positive thoughts” instead of taking insulin, we can’t treat mental health challenges as character defects that people should just overcome on their own.

    Why This Matters for HD32

    When I knock doors in Commerce City, I hear the same stories over and over. Parents worried about their teenagers who seem withdrawn and anxious. Workers struggling with depression but afraid to take time off. Seniors feeling isolated and forgotten. Veterans carrying invisible wounds that never fully heal.

    These aren’t isolated problems – they’re community challenges that require community solutions.

    What We Can Do

    As your representative in HD32, I will fight for:

    • Full mental health parity – Insurance companies must cover mental health treatment the same way they cover physical health
    • School-based mental health programs – Every student should have access to counseling and support
    • Crisis intervention training – Our first responders need better tools to help people in mental health emergencies
    • Workplace mental health protections – No one should lose their job for seeking help
    • Community mental health centers – Accessible, affordable care in every neighborhood

    The Permission You Don’t Need (But I’m Giving Anyway)

    If you’re reading this and struggling, here’s your permission slip: You are allowed to not be OK. You are allowed to ask for help. You are allowed to prioritize your mental health without guilt or shame.

    You are not broken. You are not weak. You are human.

    Resources That Are Here for You Right Now

    • 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text, 24/7)
    • Colorado Crisis Services – Text TALK to 38255
    • Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
    • NAMI Colorado – Support groups and resources statewide

    Moving Forward Together

    The conversation about mental health isn’t just changing in legislative chambers and healthcare boardrooms. It’s changing around kitchen tables, in break rooms, at community centers, and yes, even on social media.

    Every time someone says “I’m struggling and that’s OK,” they make it easier for the next person to speak up. Every time we treat mental health as seriously as we treat physical health, we save lives.

    This is what it means to put working families first. It means acknowledging that our mental health is just as important as our paycheck, our benefits, and our job security. Because what good is economic opportunity if we’re not healthy enough – mentally and physically – to seize it?

    In HD32, we’re going to lead this conversation, not follow it. We’re going to make sure every family has access to the mental health resources they need. And we’re going to keep saying, loud and clear, that it’s OK to not be OK.

    Because that’s how we heal – together.

    If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help. You matter, your life has irreplaceable value, and there are people who want to support you.

  • My 10 Favorite Things About Commerce City

    Michael Scanlon’s Top 10 Things I Love About Commerce City

    10 Los Tamales – Ah, the mighty tamale! So simple, so natural, just the right size. And if you go to Los Tamales in Commerce City, you can get the best tamales in the area. Trust me. I try them all. Regularly. 🙂


    9 The Commerce City Chamber – But I guess I’m biased…


    8 Reunion Coffee House – Now also in core city as Greyhound Grounds.


    7 Our cool little museum. Yes Commerce City, you have a museum just for you! Like the city itself, it’s a little dated, underfunded and a bit cramped. That said, the place is definitely worth a 15-60 minute visit to learn about the city’s origin. And you can check out their interesting assortment of old – I mean historical – technology!


    6 Adelente! For years, the Hispanic community in Colorado has been underrepsented politically, and when I say years, I mean, you know, pretty much all 100 and 50 of ’em. Politics being what it is, what ever gains or wins this minority community has achieved have come by demanding them. In the most respectful manner, of course.
    Enter Adelente. Founded and led by the indefatigable Maria Gonzalez, Adelente is exactly what Commerce City (and Adams County) (and Colorado) needs. A bold and proud Hispanic-led grass roots org standing up for the Hispanic population, demanding justice and equal economic opportunity. Which, for the record, is 30% of Adams County, and roughly half of Commerce City. Adelente! (Forward!)


    5 The STEAD School. A charter high school located in the Reunion neighborhood on Commerce City’s north range, STEAD graduated their first class in 2025. STEAD stands for Science Technology Engineering Agriculture and Design. With a 100% project based learning circulum, students are engaged and challenged regularly throughout the day.
    The reviews are in, and parents and students love STEAD. Full Disclosure: My son attends STEAD, and if you can’t tell, we love it.


    4 Humble, public servant leadership. Commerce City is blessed right now in 2025. From state Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet to Representative Manny Rutinel and including every member of city council, Commerce City is blessed with humble elected officials with good hearts in it for the right reasons.
    Say what you will about their politics – that’s one of the great things about America! What’s great about these leaders is that everyone of them is willing to listen to you and hear a different perspective. And that, my friends, is great leadership.


    3 Adams 14 School District. You didn’t see this one coming, huh? Often lambasted, always overlooked and ignored, Adams 14 is one of the smaller of Adams County’s 8 school districts. It’s one of the poorest school districts in the state. It has very little middle class in it’s geographical mix. Adams 14 represents little more than Commerce City’s core city.
    The Adams 14 SD faces additional challenges besides the lack of a good tax base. With a population of predominantly Spanish speaking households, their students tend to struggle with standardized tests in English. This leads to poor test scores, which leads to more lambasting. The history, the lawsuits, it’s all there to research if you care.
    Things are looking up for Adams 14. They have a Superintendent on their 3rd year for the first time in a decade or more. Dr. Loria has shown an impressive turnaround given all the challenges. We all win when our public schools win. If you like rooting for underdogs, pull for Adams 14. You can help by donating to the Adams 14 Education Foundation.


    2 Derby. What a ‘hood Derby is! Remember how, back in the day (think 100 years ago) every neighborhood had a small market and a hardware store and a barber and a bank? Well, Derby has a local market – the HiLo Market AND a barber shop – Dan’s Barbershop AND a local hardware store – Younger Bros Hardware AND a local bank – Community Choice Credit Union.
    To top it all off, Derby has a local donut shop. Be sure to visit early – they make a certain number of donuts everyday. When they’re sold out, they lock up and go home!

    And the Number 1 Thing I Love About Commerce City!

    1 It’s a huge part of Adams County. Colorado is the greatest state in the greatest country on Earth. Colorado is divided into 65 counties, and they ain’t all the same. Adams County is the real deal. The people are real, the costs are reasonable (or at least they used to be), and the people are just the down home kind of folks you want to have a beer with!
    Adams County has a chunk of some great municipalities, like Westminster and Arvada (shared with Jeff Co), Aurora (shared wtih Arapahoe County) and Brighton (shared with Weld County). Only Thornton is bigger, as Adams County’s largest city.
    Commerce City is the industrial heart of the Front Range of Colorado, and it only makes sense that this vital, if sometimes less than perfect looking, area be in Adams County. Commerce City is Adams County in more than just words or geography. You could argue that as goes Commerce City, so goes Adams County.

    I live in the greatest city – Commerce City – in the greatest county – Adams County – in the greatest state – Colorado – in the greatest nation – USA – on the best planet – Earth.

    How lucky am I!

    With an Honorable Mention to Ted’z Place and Pourtap House, two watering holes I visit occasionally. And Los Dos Americas when you need fresh tortillas.

  • Why Fed Independence Matters To You, And Firing Federal Officials For Mortgage Fraud

    President Trump, who more and more is exhibiting alarming displays of incoherence and possible dementia, announced today that he is seeking to remove one of the leaders of the Federal Reserve. His game plan is somewhat transparent. He knows there’s a chance his tariffs will drive the economy into a ditch (that chance being about 95-99%) and so he’s setting up the Fed to blame them for not moving fast enough to lower interest rates.

    President Trump’s justification for removing Fed Governor Lisa Cook is based on an allegation that she committed mortgage fraud.

    I’m very glad to hear that mortgage fraud has risen to the level of job termination of federal officials. Congress should move immediately to examine every mortgage Donald Trump ever signed.

    Long term, the issue of Fed independence is no joking matter. The dollar is the world’s reserve currency, we have the greatest economy in the world. But not by accident. An independent central bank is critical to a healthy capitalist economy.

    Here’s a quick primer:

    Why Fed Independence Matters:

    • Monetary Policy Effectiveness: An independent Federal Reserve can make difficult but necessary decisions based on economic data rather than political cycles, allowing for timely interest rate adjustments and inflation control without regard to election timing or political pressure from either party.
    • Credibility and Inflation Expectations: Markets and consumers trust that the Fed will maintain price stability over the long term when it operates independently, which helps anchor inflation expectations and makes monetary policy more effective at managing economic cycles.
    • Protection from Short-Term Political Pressures: Independence shields the Fed from demands for easy money policies that might provide short-term economic boosts but create long-term instability, allowing for consistent policy frameworks that support sustainable economic growth.

    Likely Market Outcomes if Independence is Compromised:

    If markets lose confidence in Fed independence, several negative consequences would likely emerge. Bond markets would probably demand higher risk premiums, driving up long-term interest rates as investors price in greater uncertainty about future inflation and monetary policy consistency. The dollar could weaken significantly as international investors question the Fed’s commitment to price stability, potentially triggering capital outflows. Inflation expectations would likely become unanchored, making it much harder and more costly for the Fed to control actual inflation. Additionally, market volatility would increase as investors struggle to predict policy changes based on political rather than economic considerations, and the Fed’s forward guidance would lose much of its power to influence economic behavior.

    The biggest damage of all will likely come from the rising interest rates. Rising interest rates kill the federal budget because of the huge debt load the federal government is servicing.

    Independence for the Fed! It might not make for a sexy political tagline, but it sure is vital.