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To the editor:

“We the people” have been slowly losing influence and control over our society for more than forty years, and this trend has been accelerating during the last decade and especially for the past couple of years. We are now witnessing a repetition of world history, as a wealthy-elite ruling class assumes increasing control over our nation, eroding the rights and influence of the working class and common folks in favor of serving the interests of the ultra-rich and big business. 

The ideals promoted by our Founding Fathers gave the people of this land self-government, and within that framework we inherited freedoms and opportunities that have seldom--if ever-- been enjoyed previously by anyone on earth. These patriot leaders were far from perfect; however, the concepts of social rule that they passed down to us offers people the chance to seek “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Despite the numerous issues that arise within our imperfect world, this model of self-governing has been positive, and is certainly far superior to the alternative of royal rule.

Bent’s Old Fort, a historic landmark in southeastern Colorado, is in danger of becoming one of the victims of this nationwide movement toward oligarchy.

This cherished treasure that stands at the center of the famed Santa Fe Trail represents one of most significant moments in our nation’s history and has served as a valuable living history museum for more than fifty years. 

The Fort was meticulously rebuilt upon its original foundation in 1976, following the very specific descriptions left by Lt. James Abert and other visitors to it. Abert, an engineer, created a very detailed account--in his writings and his artwork-- of the Fort when he was there in 1845. This, in conjunction with extensive archaeological work, offered modern building professionals the required information that allowed them to recreate the “Castle on the Plains.”

Since 1976, visitors to the historic site have experienced what travelers on the Santa Fe Trail did. What they see, hear, taste and smell is the same as what people of the old west witnessed. Over the past fifty years, many Important lessons have been shared at “Bent’s Big Lodge.”

Contrary to the philosophy of the oligarchy, our history is meaningful and has value. The ruling elite has a tendency to place great value on money and possessions, while often displaying disdain and disregard for anything that may benefit the common folks: e.g., protecting the sacred earth, promotion of the arts, community service, charity and the preservation of culture and history. In its view, these things are not usually deemed worthy of our time, attention, and certainly not anyone’s money.

It seems clear that Bent’s Old Fort is currently viewed as a meaningless drain of resources by the leaders of the National Park Service (NPS) and the administration that currently manages the historic site. It has become quite evident that their goal is to demolish most or all of the Fort, due to—as they claim-- the cost of maintaining and staffing it.

About eight years ago a policy of willful neglect of the necessary maintenance of the adobe structure was adopted, and is still in place. The NPS is now eagerly displaying to the public the deterioration that has resulted from this approach, and is now claiming that it has always been an impossibility to maintain the structure.

While the Fort holds little value in the eyes of the local and regional NPS leadership or the current administration in Washington, D.C., it is cherished and adored by many thousands of folks who make up “We the people” across this nation. It appears that the vast majority of citizens who are aware of the threat to the Fort, wish to see it preserved and afforded the proper repairs and maintenance that it deserves and has enjoyed prior to 2019. 

Will the ruling-elite have their way and be allowed to destroy this treasure, or will the people who are raising their voices in an effort to preserve this relic and the history thereof be heard and responded to in a positive manner? 

Fortunately, there remains hope for a democratic solution. Some folks in leadership positions have come to defend the rights of the citizens, and have joined in the effort to retain and protect this important and beautiful testament of our past that is currently under assault (and others, including, most importantly, The Sand Creek Massacre Historic Site).

Those who have been elected to represent the people of southeast Colorado may wish to consider lending their voices and influence to the effort of defending the rights of the forgotten masses: The citizens once referred to as “We the people.”  

It is my hope that “We the people” can prevail, in this instance, and in many others that we may soon face.

Respectfully,
Steve Whitehill
Belen, New Mexico