Dancing over death of cap-and-trade is premature

To the editor:

On the news that Republican obstructionists under the influence of Big Oil and King Coal have put a temporary hold on a comprehensive energy and climate bill in the U.S. Senate, the key word is "temporary." This is not a victory by any stretch of the conservative imagination.

Nevadans have proved many times that they want this legislation and that we have a lot to gain from it. Unfortunately, we might have to be more patient. But proponents of this legislation are not going away, nor is Sen. Harry Reid's determination to improve his state's well-being by passing a strong bill that puts a price on pollution.

Make no mistake -- consider this news about as temporary as obstructionists' existence in their current offices.

Pete Dronkers

Las Vegas

The writer is an environmental advocate with Environment Nevada, a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization.

Angle behind

To the editor:

Sharron Angle has been blasting Harry Reid for Nevada's 14 percent unemployment rate, but in the next breath stating it's not her job as a senator to create jobs. Now she is wondering why she is trailing by 7 points?

Matt Hafenbreadl

Henderson

Barely surviving

To the editor:

In Monday's letter to the editor, Bob Dubin was repeating the talking point that there are a lot of jobs but those on unemployment are just too lazy to take them because they're better off sitting at home collecting unemployment. Are these jobs that are being touted minimum wage jobs? If so, why would someone who was making a high five-figure salary take that job? Further, why would an employer hire and spend his resources training a person who is overqualified when he knows the new worker is going to quit the minute another job comes along?

The fact is, unemployment benefits are an immediate stimulus to the economy because the people on them are going to spend the money right away. Unemployment benefits are around $300 a week -- I hardly think that is living a life of luxury. It's barely surviving.

Tim Rogan

Las Vegas

Work ethic

To the editor:

Regarding John L. Smith's commentary on the extension of unemployment benefits and Sharron Angle's position on the matter (Wednesday column), my grandfather a long time ago offered me this wisdom: If you pay someone for not working, they will not work. They will only continue to keep their hand out for more.

Today, this seems to be the norm rather than the exception. And isn't it odd that the Democrats extended the benefits until just after the mid-term elections?

Just wondering how Mr. Smith missed that.

George Pucine

Las Vegas

On the job

To the editor:

Bob Dubin ("Employers 0, employees just getting welfare," Monday letter) has fallen for Sharron Angle's theory of unemployment. I say "theory" because it's obvious neither has worked with people who are jobless.

If they visit a job center (government or nonprofit), they would meet many Las Vegans who have worked decades, been laid off, and are desperate to work -- at any job -- just to buy groceries.

Mr. Dubin and Ms. Angle complain the jobless are relaxing at home when there are many jobs available, if only people would accept minimum wage. I wonder if they're aware that some are so desperate they're accepting below minimum wage in this city to work 50-plus hours a week.

As a rehabilitation counselor, I challenge Ms. Angle and Mr. Dubin to produce evidence of all these jobs no one wants. I know dozens of Las Vegans who would gladly take them.

And yes, Mr. Dubin, they paid into unemployment insurance, just as employers do.

Kathleen Kenna

LAS VEGAS

Back pain

To the editor:

Watching young schoolchildren struggling to carry their overloaded schoolbook backpacks leads me to believe we have placed the health of these kids in jeopardy. Aren't there enough people with serious back problems? Do we need to have programs that force young people to lug heavy articles on their backs daily?

Has anyone studied how much damage this backpacking will do in later life?

I am not a doctor, but I do know back pain. Constant downward pressure on the shoulders can only compress and damage the spinal discs supporting the vertebra sooner than later. These young tots should not be asked to do the work of mules. Something must be done to help save the backs of the future generations.

Can this be a part of why many of our youth are not performing as they should? Picture yourself going and coming from work tired because you are carrying an extra load each day. Not too much fun, huh? Yet you allow the School Board to apply this punishment to your little ones?

I am a senior citizen without children, so I have no cross to bear, but watching some of the little people struggle blows my mind. Could a one-cent sales tax pay for a computer-type book storage reader to lighten the load? If so, bring it on.

Don Ellis

Henderson