News
College Students are Active in Opposition!
Colorado Springs college students are getting involved in opposing the Piñon Canyon Expansion!
On Saturday, February 23rd Bill Sulzman, Director of Citizens for Peace in Space accompanied a group of 8 students, members of the Foundations of Nonviolence class at Colorado College on a visit to the ranches of Cathy Mullins and Tony and Connie Haas. From there they stopped off at the gate of the Maneuver Site before meeting up with Trinidad State Junior College students for pizza, discussion and a screening of "Not For Sale."
Then on Tuesday afternoon, March 4th, Dr. Barbara Whitten, women's studies and physics instructor from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, and Bill hosted a group of 17 students on a day long field trip to Southeast Colorado. Again they visited the Haas and Mullin ranches and the Maneuver site cantonment area. After spending some time talking and touring, they all gathered at the Trinidad Brewing Company in Trinidad to meet TSJC students Kelsey Gilstrap, Shannon Lambert, Ben Dilda and Tamara Morton who are all actively opposing the expansion. Doug and Lori Holdread were on hand to answer questions and to present the "Not For Sale" documentary.
On both occasions Kelsey Gilstrap gave talks describing in heart-felt terms the importance of the ranching culture and the effect that the loss of family lands would have upon her and her family. Tamara, Ben and Shannon added their perspectives as well.
The Colorado College students were introduced to the expansion issue in classes where Bill had been a guest speaker. After hearing about the situation they wanted to come down to speak directly with affected individuals, see the maneuver site and surrounding area, and hear from ranchers what is at stake.
Trinidad State students said that they were encouraged by meeting with students from Colorado Springs who are so energized against the expansion. Lori Holdread said, "the CC students had many ideas to share, and the whole group plans to collaborate and provide youthful energy as needed when the Coalition needs manpower."
Lon Robertson is also working with a class at Colorado State University in Pueblo where he is planning to do a presentation for students.
Bill Sulzman points out that these students are from all over the United States and the world, (one visiting student is from India.) The students followed up, after their visit with a public screening of "Not For Sale" on the CC Campus. It was reportedly well attended by students and members of the Colorado Springs community.
LINKS:
A Pinon Canyon web site created by a Colorado College Student