To the editor:

We're not laughing. We were under the impression that the Review-Journal's Corey Levitan infused humor in his weekly articles; however his attempts to do so with his Feb. 19 story, "The wrong stuff," failed miserably. Instead he seemed to delight in impugning the reputation of the pilot and doing what he could to damage his future career.

Throughout the article, Mr. Levitan continually alluded to the young age of the pilot while providing none of the training and accomplishments that brought him to his present position. May we set the record straight?

Mario Bonaventura graduated from a four-year aviation and aerospace academy at age 17, then was accepted to the very prestigious Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, completing a degree in aeronautical science with a minor in aviation safety. Presently he holds the following ratings: private pilot license, multi-private pilot license, single commercial pilot license, multi-commercial pilot license, and a multi-engine instructor rating, with more than 700 hours of flying time -- all achieved by the age of 20.

We know him personally and know how seriously he takes his work as a pilot. For Mr. Levitan to take such poetic license to merely create an amusing read is not only inconsiderate but is also irresponsible. While it would be professionally responsible of Mr. Levitan to apologize for the damage he may have done to this pilot's career -- all in the name of questionable entertainment -- the next best avenue was to alert the readers to the outstanding qualifications and achievements of a young man who is passionately dedicated to his career as a pilot.

Kriston Manz

Jeannette Anderegg

LAS VEGAS

Mismanaged care

To the editor:

The recent expression of concern over the financial deficit at UMC will probably result in recommendations for the reduction in staff and/or medical services to the citizens of Clark County. Unfortunately, the public has been given the impression by the press and our politicians that UMC should be making money or at least breaking even financially. This illusion has been reinforced by the profitability of the corporate health-care system.

The public has not been told that the promise of managed care is a lie. This approach was initiated by the Reagan administration with the goal of reducing health-care costs while enabling these savings to be used to care for those citizens who could not afford health-care benefits. But it has not fulfilled its promise and instead has enriched investors, bankers and insurers who have become wealthy on the pain and suffering of others. As our Supreme Court has noted, "The basic underlying principle of managed care is rationing." This goal has been achieved, as 50 million working Americans have no health insurance -- 256,000 in Las Vegas.

So where do they and the ever-increasing number of indigent receive medical care? UMC. Neither the media nor the politicians want to address this reality.

In addition, the next 10 years will bring an estimated $465 billion of building construction primarily along the Interstate 15 corridor with more apartments and condominiums than New York and Chicago combined. These data were presented at the two-day Clark County leadership conference held at Cashman Field in November 2006. In the county's presentation and its 2005 report on the various departments in the county, there was no mention of UMC or the projected demands for medical and hospital services.

Also, the residents of Las Vegas should be aware that during the same 10-year period there will be an increase in the demand for health-care services with the aging "baby boomer" retirement that will result in a major loss of providers.

Are we in any way preparing for the future? Denial is not a river in Egypt.

ROBERT W. TAYLOR

LAS VEGAS

THE WRITER IS A SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST WITH UMC.

Fair share

To the editor:

The citizens of Nevada are once again being asked to pony up more money for infrastructure improvements. Why? Because more casinos are being built which create more jobs and more people.

Each 3,000-room hotel creates 9,000 more jobs and people move to Las Vegas with their families to fill the vacuum. These 9,000 jobs are filled by those bringing their families, thus increasing our population by approximately 27,000. That casino is built for the tourist, who is not asked to give anything to support the increased needs for roads and services. Let those who use the facilities pay for that impact.

Gov. Jim Gibbons says to let us vote on new taxes. OK, I want to vote that a room tax of $5 a day be used to fund the improvements. With approximately 150,000 rooms statewide, this equals $750,000 a day or $13.5 billion dollars over the next 10 years. The tourist will not miss a $5-a-day room tax. I pay that, and more, when I visit neighboring states.

Governor, get off our backs and make the tourists pay for their fair share.

ARTHUR R. GELDBACH

LAS VEGAS