Elites oppose public having say on judges

To the editor:

It's good to see that a majority of Nevadans (54 percent) are skeptical about turning over the selection of the judicial branch of government to a handful of political insiders who, themselves, will be chosen for their positions based on their elevated and privileged status within society ("Voters want final word on judges," July 19 Review-Journal).

I do wish the 54 percent figure was higher though, because when we get bombarded with a $500,000 ad campaign going into the election it might just succeed in convincing some folks that a retention vote is just as good as a direct vote. It isn't.

A retention vote represents apparent authority. It's a feel-good vote that doesn't mean a darn thing. Only the direct vote in the hands of the people has any real meaning -- for better or worse -- and no one should be willing to give that up for any reason, least of all to please the "we know best" elites backing the appointment proposal.

KNIGHT ALLEN

LAS VEGAS

Not so bad

To the editor:

Milton Rosen's letter on July 21 is self described as a "silly parody" of what would happen if the libertarian-leaning editorial positions of the Review-Journal had come to fruition. In fact his letter is more than silly; it is false and misleading opinion of libertarian philosophy. The newspaper is capable of defending itself, but let me try.

-- Mr Rosen states airplanes crash for lack of federal air traffic controllers. Actually, the private investors who own the airport and the airlines have hired private controllers, most former military and federal employees, who do just fine.

-- Mr. Rosen states people die due to a lack of government food inspectors. Actually, the private businesses who process food know if they cause injury they will be made to pay severe financial damages in court, and perhaps face criminal prosecution. They and their insurance companies have every incentive to hire private inspectors.

-- He states there is a food riot for lack of food stamps. Actually, many of those on food stamps have been incentivized by the booming economy and are now working. With more money in their pockets the always generous American public has greatly increased charitable donations. Those truly disabled or unable to work are well supported by private charities and limited public welfare programs for the truly needy.

-- He states that terrorists kill wantonly because the FBI is eliminated. Actually, this is Mr. Rosen's grossest misstatement of libertarianism. All libertarians recognize that among the few basic ongoing duties of the federal government are law enforcement, national defense and international affairs. So even though many laws should be eliminated, the FBI, military and State Department should remain.

-- Mr. Rosen states Hoover Dam is in danger of failure. Actually, the private investors who bought it have every financial incentive to maintain it. Most of the proceeds from dam power sales no longer go to the U.S. Treasury. Without a vast federal staff to support, they can spend more money on real repairs and upgrades.

-- He states utility rates soar. Actually, without federal regulators stopping the construction of private power generators, entrepreneurs and investors are building hundreds of new and efficient energy production facilities across the nation and prices drop.

-- He states members of the current work force cannot contribute to Social Security since the agency is gone. Good. Virtually everyone in this country already contributes to a private plan or IRA. The money that formerly went to Social Security now goes to these private plans without the salaries of hundreds of thousands of government workers. Many of those Social Security workers now work for banks, mutual funds, annuity companies and pension managers. The vast amount of new money that comes to the investment marketplace drives down interest rates, causes the stock market to soar, and makes trillions of dollars available for investment and business start up. Millions of new workers are needed.

-- Mr. Rosen states the IRS is disbanded. Actually, it should only be reduced. There will always be a need for some taxes to pay for the legitimate functions of government (Justice, Defense, State, etc).

-- He states that with no minimum wage, 75 percent of workers in Las Vegas see a wage cut. Actually, with the massive tax decreases from the elimination of much of government, the economy soars. There is a serious shortage of labor, wages increase and immigration increases to meet the labor demand. As the population soars, all of these people have to live somewhere and there is a massive building boom. This is a virtuous cycle that feeds on itself and everyone is better off.

Even those with little or no skill can now find a job appropriate to their ability.

John M McGrail

Las Vegas

Police shooting

To the editor:

Sheriff Doug Gillespie has asked for the public's patience and trust regarding the shooting death of West Point graduate, Erik Scott, at the Summerlin Costco. My patience he has -- but I do not feel confident in the coroner's inquest process considering its track record.

I urge the sheriff to bring in outside investigators, with no ties to Metro, perhaps even the FBI. Otherwise the only thing I trust will happen is a whitewash.

LAURA FEHER

LAS VEGAS