The DREAM Act: Young people’s perspective
December 13th, 2010 by John Creighton in Dispatches
Tags: Community, Longmont, Public Values
LONGMONT, Colo. — Most Americans agree the DREAM Act is a good idea yet the bill continues to languish in the U.S. Senate. For many of us, the DREAM Act is just another issue – in the news today, gone tomorrow. For young people affected by this legislation, it has the potential to shape the rest of their lives. I recently had the opportunity to talk with a handful of students who would benefit from the DREAM Act. It is [...]
Read more...The DREAM Act outside the Beltway
December 8th, 2010 by John Creighton in Dispatches
Tags: Community, Longmont, Public Values
LONGMONT, Colo. — The U.S. Senate is expected to debate the DREAM Act – Federal legislation which would extend legal immigration status to young people who were brought to the United States without proper documentation – later today. Perhaps, the debate already has begun. Many of us living outside the D.C. Beltway give little critical thought to the DREAM Act. Perhaps this is because immigration issues are not a major concern. When Colorado voters are asked to volunteer concerns on [...]
Read more...“I chose to live”
November 15th, 2010 by John Creighton in Snapshots
Tags: Colorado, Longmont, Neighbors
What would you do if your health was slipping away and doctors said you couldn’t be cured? Anne Garcia McCullough, co-founder of Hopeology, chose to live. Anne experienced something we all want to believe is possible but are highly skeptical that it actually exists: A miracle. Imagine sitting in a dark room. You are enveloped in fear. The walls of your dank existence close more tightly around you. You are all alone. Even faith struggles to survive in this place. [...]
Read more...S.O.B.
September 1st, 2010 by John Creighton in Snapshots
I received news over the past two weeks that a dear friend, the daughter of a friend and an acquaintance have all been diagnosed with cancer. The prognosis for all is good. The news still makes my stomach turn. I have a visceral reaction whenever I hear news about cancer. My first reaction is typically, “Son of a bitch.” I’m practiced at keeping these angry thoughts to myself. I don’t have the guts to say them out loud. Instead, I [...]
Read more...We Are Free
July 3rd, 2010 by John Creighton in Dispatches
Tags: Community, Culture, Longmont, Public Values
LONGMONT, Colo. — The Longmont Orchestra is playing again this year in Thompson Park to celebrate the Fourth of July. It’s one of the traditions I love about this holiday. My family makes a point of staying home for the Fourth so we can join our neighbors to celebrate America’s birthday. Similar celebrations of picnics, music and fireworks will take place across the country. The Fourth and Thanksgiving are the two uniquely American holidays. The Fourth of July is one [...]
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