Apparently, it’s not about the children anymore

To the editor:

Larger classes, the elimination of programs. "We fought too hard for our current salary." "Teachers are already underpaid." We have a "tough workload."

All those and more quotes from the teachers in response to the state's budget woes.

What happened to the "It's for the children" mantra we hear every time they want more money for education?

Greed, greed, greed.

RICK EKEY

LAS VEGAS

Driving skills

To the editor:

Will someone give me the location of the Department of Motor Vehicles office so I can get one of those special licenses that so many of the drivers in Las Vegas seem to have. You know, the ones that let you tailgate, always drive a minimum of 10 mph over the speed limit, not use your turn signals, not stop at stop signs, speed through yellow lights, ignore school zones and throw cigarettes out the window?

Neil Schwartz

LAS VEGAS

Online gaming

To the editor:

In your article about the introduction of legislation by Rep. Barney Frank to regulate Internet gambling ("Online betting gains backer," May 7), David Schwartz, director of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Gaming Research Center, expressed concern that federal regulation would take away the states' rights to do so. His is not an accurate representation of Rep. Frank's bill, which is designed to strengthen states' rights.

As introduced, the Internet Gambling, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act of 2009 expressly provides states the ability to control the types and levels of Internet gambling that are or are not permissible within their borders, without limitation. Additionally, the legislation seeks to utilize the expertise of state regulators to assist in the Internet gambling operator licensing process. This bill would not restrict the ability of any state to impose additional taxes on any type of Internet gambling activity which that particular state chooses to authorize.

Prohibition of alcohol failed and was replaced by a federal system that preserved states' rights when it came to sales and consumption. This is precisely the approach being taken by Rep. Frank as he works to regulate Internet gambling, an activity that occurs across state and international borders.

Jeffrey Sandman

WASHINGTON, D.C.

THE WRITER IS SPOKESMAN FOR THE SAFE AND SECURE INTERNET GAMBLING INITIATIVE.