Whose Parks are They?

Guest editorial by Tom Morris

Citizens tend to forget that the questions at issue and the things to which they apply are public.  This country was founded on the idea that people have a right to govern themselves.  When approaching government we have a right to demand not ask.

The parks are under assault by the Hickenlooper administration.  Taking zoning control from council and giving it to an appointed government official is in conflict with our constitution.  Fencing off and charging for access to the parks is in opposition to our city charter.  Eliminating the peoples' right to file a protest over zoning in our parks is a denial of our rights.

We are obligated to demand our rights.  It is not a privilege to claim our parks.  If we don't exercise our rights, they will be taken by an aggressive and ambitious bureaucracy.  It is irresponsible not to protect our rights.

This is not Tea Party posing.  This is what responsible citizens do.