I was super fortunate on a very hot day recently to jump into the Animas at Bakers Bridge. Came out of the water and saw yet another McMansion on steroids going up on the bluff.

Frankly, I’m disgusted that our measure of success has become the ability to devour and hoard resources. Because that’s what it is, hoarding! This is a sickness. Devoid of any real spiritual connection, a wealthy elite fills their feelings of emptiness with things. County commissioners and the Durango City Council condone it (see Durango Parade of Homes) and promote this disease.

No housing shortage for millionaires in La Plata County! These homes get bigger while opportunities for the working poor (yes, they live here too) get smaller. The 10% have their heads buried in the sand and pretend this isn’t happening. Lahaina, Hawaii, comes to mind. When Missionary Ridge goes up in flames again – and it will – 1,000 firefighters will risk their lives protecting these monstrosities. Meanwhile, Nero plays his fiddle watching the flames.

Robin Brodsky

Durango