(John Andrews in the Denver Post, Aug. 7) What are the war aims of the United States in the global conflict that began on September 11, 2001? No one really knows. All Americans, including the President and Congress, have simply gone about the job of striking back at those who struck at us – without ever formally debating and deciding who the enemy is and what will constitute victory.

Colorado last year was red at the head of the ticket, President Bush defeating Swifty John Kerry -- but blue from the neck down: a sweep for the Salazar brothers, legislative Democrats, and several big-government ballot issues. Are we in for more the same next year, when Dems defend the state House and Senate, take aim at the 7th Congressional, and bid to recapture the Governor's office? Bill Ritter hopes so, and he will lead off our July 31 edition of "Backbone Radio with John Andrews," this Sunday from 5-8pm on 710 KNUS in Denver.

It fries me when anyone tries to make my Republican Party, the party of Lincoln and Reagan, the party of liberty and limited government, into the party of tax and spend. It ain't so. Contrary to recent news stories suggesting the Referendum C & D tax increase has split the GOP down the middle, a clear majority of Republicans in Colorado want nothing to do with this Democrat-endorsed plan. Polling shows 54% opposed and 15% undecided -- only 31% in favor. In an election that would be called a landslide.

When the other side in an argument feels they have to defame your character, twist your words, and just plain make up stuff you never said, they obviously lack confidence in their own views and persuasive powers. This seems to be the case with Denver Post columnists Bob Ewegen and Diane Carman -- and the political operatives they front for -- when it comes to my opposition to Referendum C & D.