Cabbies aren’t always trying to rip off customers

To the editor:

On March 15, Francis McCabe's Road Warrior column states, "Motorists can expect delays and lane restrictions beginning Monday through September on Tropicana Avenue, from Paradise Road to Interstate 15, as underground utility lines are installed as part of the construction of Terminal 3 at McCarran International Airport. ... Drivers are encouraged to avoid Tropicana, between McCarran and Las Vegas Boulevard."

Once again on March 25 Mr. McCabe's column reconfirms, "It's probably best to avoid Tropicana, between McCarran and Las Vegas Boulevard."

In the July 11 paper, Mr. McCabe again mentions the traffic "Consider that Flamingo Road, Tropicana Avenue and Harmon Road, all main thoroughfares going to Las Vegas Boulevard, are currently under construction."

Mr. McCabe writes about traffic jams and condemns the Las Vegas cabbies for trying to keep their customers out of gridlock ("Some cabs in it for the long haul," July 12).

But not every Las Vegas taxi passenger wants to sit in traffic after traveling three or more hours to Las Vegas. Not every Las Vegas taxi passenger heads to McCarran three hours before his flight departs.

Not every Las Vegas taxi passenger leaves his hotel for the show, dinner or event an hour ahead of time. Not every Las Vegas taxi passenger wants to pay 50 cents per minute as he sits in traffic.

Las Vegas cabbies who give their passengers an option to their destination are not crooked.

Ben Merliss

LAS VEGAS

Matter of security

To the editor:

When the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act last month, much of the debate centered on its economic and environmental impact. But another area in which this legislation could play a central role is our national security.

The link between renewable energy sources, efficiency and security is simple: The United States uses about a quarter of the world's oil but produces virtually none of it. That leaves us no choice but to buy it from whomever is willing and able to sell.

This includes such deplorable governments as Iran, unstable nations such as Libya, and authoritarian regimes including Saudi Arabia.

By passing this bill in the House, America has taken the first step and shown the leadership the world has come to expect, while at the same time protecting our national security.

WILLIAM MATHIS

LAS VEGAS