Reader: Michael Hancock should imagine a great city, because right now, Denver isn't one

• (excuse me, that should be "Denver's nineteenth-century architectural heritage".) 

• You should not be dismissive of the significance of all the many issues related to cannabis (medical or otherwise) -- one in eight prisoners in our bloated prison system is there due to offenses related to cannabis, and the "land of the free" imprisons more people per catpita than any other nation.  There is an example of advocacy on the subject of criminal justice reform -- since this is another issue to which you are oblivious, just lump that together with MMJ. I take an interest in a wide variety of subjects relating to life in Denver, some of which I alluded to above.  I am concerned that major thoroughfares in Denver (e.g. Colorado Blvd. Sheridan, and Alameda) are not safe for bicylists or pedestrians -- much of the City lacks proper sidewalks!  I believe that Denver's failure to develop its Mountain Parks for public use in almost 90 years represents a breach of the public trust.  I have a math degree, and would like to teach, but DPS has other priorities.  I think that Denver could lead the way in establishing sound municipal water regulations (progressive pricing and per user conservation standards).  I know that unless you're just riding the train downtown, RTD sucks.  B-Cycle is not "bike-sharing".  I believe that Denver eighteenth century architectural heritage is worth preserving.  I believe that the DPD should be accountable for its behavior. I have written about all these subjects but the only other issue on which I have spent significant time was that of police accountability (having participated in the Denver Police Accountability Coalition meetings in 2009, testifying before the Citizen Oversight Board, and protesting).  I would be more than happy to apply myself to the issues which most voters deem the most significant, i.e. economic prosperity, education, transportation, but Denver is too dense, sunk deep in its own complacence and self-satisfaction to pay much attention.  If people who think of themselves as progressive could shake off a little of those qualities and start to address our very real problems, Denver could improve; political awareness and concerted action is a prerequisite for progress, and just being a Democrat in a one-party town does not cut it!

• Really...which issue(s)?  Or are you the Robert whose sole issue is MMJ?  Even if not, your initial comment amounts to a whine. Reading is fundamental.  You will see that the second sentence of my posting refers to "those officials" of the first sentence...you know, the imaginary officials that you can solely rely upon in your imaginary Utopia. Please lay off the weed for awhile to try to prevent compounding your idiocy.

• Twit!  I take a direct hand in advocating on issues and candidates, and I spend far more time attending official meetings in a month than most voters do in their lives.  Nothing I have written could reasonably be inferred to mean that I believe we should rely "solely on our elected officials".  Add to that ignorant canard the idiotic claim that we have "the best leaders available" and the impression of you as a typical Denverite is confirmed.

• Assuming Tree and Robert live in Denver, they should probably move to a city where the residents have no responsibility for making their city great, instead relying  solely on their elected officials.  And those officials will be, far and away, the best leaders available forced into public service because residents like Robert and Tree are entitled to sit on their lazy fat asses expecting others to make their city great. You're not Denver.  You're an imaginary Bloated Utopian Hypocrisy.

• Strong take, Tree -- one we're going to make an upcoming Comment of the Day. Congrats.

• Imagine a city with any energy and vitality.  Denver 2011 is starting to remind me of Denver circa 1981.  What the fuck happened here?  There's no new vision, there's a new lackluster Mayor, there's no vision, no fun, nothing, nada, zilch.  Oh yeah: We are Denver.  Scary.

• Keep on imagining -- imagine sidewalks, water fountains with water, safe routes for bicyclists, an urban landscape not peopled by the walking wounded, public transportation; even public education.  Reality is bleak, but we can fall back on our imagination, if we have any.

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