Development will destroy something precious

To the editor:

In response to developer Jim Rhodes' plan to build a high-end subdivision overlooking Red Rock Canyon:

I was just out there this past weekend, and I looked to the east to envision what this would look like. I almost cried. What is this man thinking? How selfish and money-grubbing can one person be? He wants to make millions while thousands of everyday people will lose something so precious.

Aside from the visual sin this will create, let's think with common sense. Our valley already is way overpopulated with a ton of empty homes. Why build more? Where is all the water going to come from? High-end homes will require swimming pools, fountains, golf courses, green grass, septic systems, a school and many other perks and needs that require water. Where is that water?

My husband and I moved here some years back because we love the desert and our neighborhood community is ideal for us. But Las Vegas and all its "burbs" are destroying the very things that make this place a joy to be in. We beg of you to think in the conservation vein and allow at least this one place that is still savable to be natural and beautiful for everyone -- and just not Mr. Rhodes and his few elite.

Once it's built, it's gone forever.

Elizabeth Poole

Las Vegas

Reid name

To the editor:

Nevada Democrats filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against Mike Montandon's GOP campaign for posting an ad picturing the Democrat candidate for governor, Rory Reid, with his dad, Sen. Harry Reid. They claim it is unlawful to use state campaign funds against a national candidate ("Gubernatorial hopeful's ad breaks law, Democrats say," April 12 Review-Journal).

But the real issue is that state Democrats don't want Rory Reid to be connected to what Mr. Montandon called the "Reid Dynasty" because even they understand Sen. Reid is not popular in Nevada and the Reid name carries negative connotations. How ironic since the Reid family has used name recognition and connections to get where they are.

It makes one wonder if Sen. Reid might want to check his health or the time he needs to spend with his family or any of the other excuses so many of his colleagues are using to step down rather than be thrown down. After all, the administration has mentioned that no matter how long and effective some politicians have been, it is sometimes time to step aside and give younger folks a chance.

KENT RISCHLING

LAS VEGAS

Immigration debate

To the editor:

Harry Reid's Sunday letter to the Review-Journal presented some very weak and thoroughly discredited arguments in favor of amnesty for illegal aliens.

First of all, the only reason that our immigration system can be considered broken is because there is no political will to enforce our laws and effectively guard the borders. The suggested "fix" is to give in completely and have open borders. Since when can a problem be fixed simply by reclassifying it as a non-problem?

Second, the senator argues that it is not "fiscally or physically possible to deport the estimated 12 million people in this country." Why not? And is it really going to be cheaper and easier to register these 12 million people, and then track and verify how they comply with various conditions, such as learning English and paying various fines and fees? Let's get serious. We don't even require our own citizens to be fluent in English.

There is no way we are actually going to enforce the language requirement -- and as for fees and fines, these will all end up being waived or subsidized. This is not even taking into account the tremendous burden on the public treasury, as these 12 million people -- plus the tens of millions to follow via "chain immigration" -- get subsidized health care, welfare and use our publicly funded infrastructure such as schools and roads.

Perhaps the most absurd aspect of suggested "immigration reform" is that the borders will be somehow become effectively guarded. This is ridiculous. If we can't or won't guard the borders now, there is no reform that can be passed that will do the trick. If amnesty passes, there will be absolutely no interest or political will to enforce any immigration laws.

Let's be honest about all of this. "Immigration reform" means unguarded borders, bankrupt federal and state treasuries and tens of millions of people from alien cultures who have absolutely no interest in ever adopting our traditions and values.

James Moldenhauer

North Las Vegas

Full speed ahead

To the editor:

We are in a world of hurt. The American people are finally starting to recognize that, but still some of us, hell-bent to get more guv'mint goin', are saying, "I don't care if we're going to crash -- full speed ahead." As syndicated National Review columnist Rich Lowry pointed out this month, "If Congress doesn't even know whether it eliminated its own health insurance in ObamaCare -- it's studying the matter closely -- how careful was it with yours?"

We chose this bunch of idiots to run the country? Those of you who want more government: I don't care whether you are Republican, independent, Democrat, white, pink, yellow, black, brown or purple, look at reality. If you do, you might want to go to a tea party.

Shad Dvorchak

Henderson