Tag: Jimmy Smrz

By Jimmy Smrz | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Denver is facing an unprecedented threat as the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua (TDA) expands its operations into the city. Notorious for its involvement in extortion, kidnapping, and murder, TDA has given its members a “green light” to attack and open fire on Denver police officers, sparking serious concerns about the safety of the city. With local law enforcement already stretched thin by budget cuts and escalating crime, Denver's Mayor Mike Johnston and the city seem ill-prepared for this threat. Global Cartel, Local Consequences TDA’s influence reaches far beyond Venezuela, where it has operated with impunity, and is now taking root in U.S. sanctuary, cities including New York, Chicago, and ...

By Jimmy Smrz | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice The United States' continued funding of the Ukraine-Russia war is set to be a key issue in the 2024 presidential race, raising questions about whether Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is positioning himself for a spot on the Democratic National Convention's presidential ticket. Following President Biden's withdrawal from the race, and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party initially unified in support of her. However, Harris' path to the nomination remains uncertain. Concerns about her electability create uncertainty about her candidacy. Enter Gov. Polis, whose recent high-profile support for Ukraine, including a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signals his readiness for the international stage and ali...