LETTERS: VA hospital merits credit for good work
To the editor:
I have read all the negative news about the Department of Veterans Affairs, but I’ve seen very little positive news reported. Last month, I had an appointment at the eye clinic at the VA hospital on North Pecos Road, and it was very professional from the front desk to the exam with the intern, who was one of the most pleasant people I have ever met in the VA system.
The doctor and her staff deserve to be commended for the efficient manner in which the department operated. I have been in the VA system for more than 13 years, including the bad times in the Reno VA center, so I welcome the changes that we are now starting to experience.
Yes, the VA system has had a severe cancer brought on by a few self-centered, self-gain bad cells. Helping veterans was not on their priority list, and there are still bad cells that need to be terminated. But now, things are improving.
Some of the changes that I understand are coming to the VA hospital include bringing in more doctors, enlarging the emergency room, upgrading valet parking, adding more technical staff, shortening the time for appointments and more. One more very important addition: as of March 24, claims could be filed online.
Just remember, it’s a lot easier to criticize someone than it is to praise someone.
CHARLES E. JOHNSON
HENDERSON
Nevadans against Yucca
To the editor:
I was very surprised and disappointed by Rep. Cresent Hardy’s op-ed (“Could Nevadans ever allow nuclear dump?” March 22 Review-Journal). The majority of the voting population in Nevada is opposed to the opening of Yucca Mountain as the nation’s nuclear waste dump.
Clearly, Rep. Hardy is not in touch with Nevada voters. Those voters should stop resting on their laurels and dump him.
MARGUERITE MCKELVIE
NORTH LAS VEGAS
Queen Hillary
To the editor:
From reports in the media, it appears that Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic candidate for queen, er, president next year. That’s another disaster facing America. She is as big a phony and liar as her husband.
WALTER E. GUNTHER
LAS VEGAS
Ban indoor smoking
To the editor:
The Southern Nevada Health District, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and big hotel and casino corporations all think they are champions of health. I think not.
Sure, the health district will hand out demerits and shut down a filthy restaurant. It will also have you watch a film on health and even give you a hepatitis B shot before providing workers a health card. OSHA will place “Safety First” signs in the workplace, conduct inspections for hazardous material and instruct you on how to bend at the knees when lifting a heavy object. The big casino corporations will provide health screenings, a health coach and blood drives (to go along with sweat and tears you already gave to the company).
However, not one of these champions will push to ban smoking in all public places, especially in casinos, where it has been proved that secondhand smoke is detrimental to your health and a killer. Smoking is not allowed in the champions’ posh upstairs executive offices, and even Gov. Brian Sandoval won’t push for a ban, although he wants to raise the tax on cigarettes — but not for the right reasons.
People are going to eat, drink and gamble, even if they can’t smoke inside. Do the right thing. Do the best thing you can do for customers, employees and your conscience. Ban indoor smoking!
FRANK R. DINICOLA
HENDERSON
