During a recent Boulder City Council meeting, community members expressed deep concerns regarding global injustices, particularly focusing on the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine. Rob Smoak, a local resident, highlighted the emotional toll the situation in Gaza and the West Bank has taken on individuals in Boulder. He referenced a recent resolution passed by the City of Portland, Maine, supporting divestiture, and urged the council to consider a similar stance in support of the suffering Palestinian people.

Tom Mayer followed Smoak, delivering a poignant critique of the council's perceived indifference to historical and ongoing atrocities. He recounted significant events, including the Sand Creek massacre and the Holocaust, framing them as instances of neglect by the council. Mayer's remarks culminated in a stark warning about the potential future consequences of inaction, suggesting that future generations might view the council's lack of concern as a testament to humanity's failure.

Vern Harnish, another speaker, expressed gratitude for the city's efforts to maintain its character amidst growth pressures, contrasting Boulder with rapidly expanding cities like Austin, Texas. His comments reflected a desire for the community to remain a small, cohesive entity while acknowledging the challenges posed by development.

The meeting underscored a growing urgency among residents to address both local governance and broader humanitarian issues, reflecting a community grappling with its values and responsibilities in the face of global crises.