Can immigration swing the election?
To the editor:
The Review-Journal actually allowed readers a peek in the closet of the U.S. government's successes from limited enforcement of existing immigration law. A clear vision of the emerging exodus of uneducated, but willing for any wage, Hispanic workers was presented in a front-page article on Thursday ("Illegal influx into U.S. falling," Thursday Review-Journal).
Despite the inclusion of many fanciful caveats, we can see the beginnings of a workable solution to several problems.
Separately, there is also a clear, emerging picture of voters showing contempt for the lack of full law enforcement by the federal government. With so many local governments trying valiantly to fill the vacuum left from non-enforcement, we see the possibility of a latent political force lying in wait.
The people of this nation are clearly venting a wish for change in government procedures clear of the constraints of the two powerful political parties. Could the dissident undercurrent of our flagging economy, weakened military position, failing schools and hostility over "push '1' for English" produce a winning independent party based upon the desires of the people?
Richard E. Law
LAS VEGAS
Changing her mind
To the editor:
In response to your Thursday editorial, "Titus flip-flop," on Dina Titus' support for offshore oil drilling:
In the first place, isn't that what it's all about -- enhancing your chances to win? Democratic congressional candidate and state Sen. Dina Titus sees what we all have seen develop over the past year, and that is an oil crisis. Voters want gasoline prices reduced, and any election hopeful who supports doing that is on the right track.
We can take the chance on an oil spill from an offshore drilling site if it prevents truckers from pulling their rigs to the side of the road and stopping the nation's food supply chain. The terrible thing would be for Sen. Titus not to recognize the dramatic turn in the gas situation since her vote in last year's Legislature against offshore drilling.
As to whether she will be able to vote on it next year in Congress, the current leadership has no lock on their jobs. It's doubtful either GOP Rep. Jon Porter or Sen. Titus have carried their thinking on oil drilling to the extent for which they are being given credit.
I live in the 3rd Congressional District and, contrary to your assertion that its voters might have "torn up their programs," I am still following the program.
SAM BOWLER
LAS VEGAS
Knuckle draggers
To the editor:
In response to your July 21 editorial, "Earth to Al": I find that it's best to get information on global warming from scientists and Nobel laureates instead of knuckle-dragging, market-obsessed editorial writers in sansabelt slacks.
ELIZABETH COOK
LAS VEGAS
Harry must go
To the editor:
I guess you all don't need gasoline or other fuels out there, because your senior senator is doing all he can to make sure there aren't any, at least not at an affordable price.
Unfortunately, the rest of us in this country do need less-expensive fuel. So how about helping out your fellow Americans and voting Sen. Harry Reid out of office next time he runs? We'd sure appreciate your help. We might even be able to afford to come back to Las Vegas.
Gerry Santo
DENVER
Iraq withdrawal
To the editor:
The Bush administration says that troop withdrawals from Iraq depend on conditions on the ground, but I think the opposite may be true. Conditions on the ground will be determined by troop withdrawals. Once American forces start to leave, things will deteriorate.
Not having to face American fire power, insurgents will be emboldened, the Sunnis may abandon the "Awakening Councils" and Muqtada al-Sadr and his Mahdi army will not fear an Iraqi army without U.S. forces to back it up.
The loss of billions of dollars every month that America has been pouring into Iraq will mean more hardship and corruption. Once America leaves, Iran will step in.
We are damned if we do and damned if we don't.
ANTHONY TIDEI
LAS VEGAS
Economic illiterate
To the editor:
Regarding your Thursday editorial about Sen. Barack Obama's "socialistic" plans to redistribute this country's wealth:
You mentioned at the conclusion that "all John McCain needs to do is spell it out. Real loud." (I think you meant "loudly.") Your statement ignores the almost daily, steadily accumulating evidence that, sadly, Sen. McCain is incapable of understanding even basic concepts regarding our economy.
To expect that he would be competent enough to argue the pros and cons of Sen. Obama's economic agenda, is, sir, an unrealistic expectation.
Linda P. Cavazos
HENDERSON
New energy
To the editor:
In response to your Friday front-page report, "Exxon profits break record":
I have contacted Exxon Mobil to consider investing in solar energy development here in Clark County, where we receive 340 days of sunshine per year. I referred them to our congressional delegation for assistance. I would urge your readers to do the same.
B.B. Williams
HENDERSON
