GOP myths about Democrats, ACORN

To the editor:

In his Saturday letter, "Federal dole," Bill Thompson charges that the Democratic-controlled Congress "made sure that ACORN was adequately funded." Let's set the record straight.

After a quick review at factcheck.org, the truth is that not a single penny of federal budget money goes directly to ACORN. The grant money allocated through both the stimulus and annual budget provides for competitive opportunities. That means ACORN must submit a proposal, along with hundreds of other organizations around the country. This Republican-led myth has been perpetrated since before the November election.

What is true is billions of taxpayer dollars have been budgeted for Community Development Block Grants and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Both programs, interestingly enough, were created by Republican presidents (CDBG by President Ford and NSP by President G.W. Bush). Both programs provide competitive grant selection. Neither provides funding directly to any organization.

Republicans have time and again suggested that Democrats in Congress have funded ACORN directly, underwriting their efforts to elect more Democrat candidates, as suggested by Mr. Thompson. There is no evidence to support such a claim.

Joel Rector

NORTH LAS VEGAS

Loyal opposition

To the editor:

There are some citizens who feel that blind allegiance to President Barack Obama is a sign of good citizenship. They castigate and claim that those of us who have objections to the president's reckless policies -- the massive government debt, or turning over 55 percent control of General Motors, now facing bankruptcy, to the unions -- may have racial bias.

How absurd. They misunderstand what a representational democracy is and misunderstand what is required of them in a proprietary democracy. Are their First Amendment rights more protected than those who object? Is it fair or sensible for name calling to replace national discussion?

Please wake up. Political activism is good citizenship. Patriots ask questions and, when rebuffed, demand answers.

FRANK PERNA

LAS VEGAS

Nuclear fears

To the editor:

It's sad and hard to believe that as we have devoured almost one-tenth of the 21st century, Nevada is still stuck on stupid.

While we moan about our budget woes and our state's workers, and representatives dig everywhere they can imagine for new tax dollars, they still ignore one of the most lucrative and cost-effective sources of revenue this or any state could be blessed with.

Day after day I read articles about the demise of the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage facility. Politicians have made their careers by throwing dirt on the tracks, tunnels and ideas that could bring us from the Stone Age into the future of clean energy and technology. And every day I wonder how long we will stay stuck in 19th century fear and ignorance.

Not only is nuclear power a growing source of energy around the world, but Nevada is at the epicenter of potential for jobs, scientific research and the future of energy creation -- if we want to be.

Even Dr. Patrick Moore, one of the co-founders of Greenpeace, agrees that the fears of nuclear energy have been unfounded and played upon. Commentaries such as "The Greening of Nuclear Power" by David Harsanyi are starting to chip away at 40 years of fear-stoking started by movies such as "The China Syndrome."

In cowering to that fear we have cut off the potential for thousands of high-tech jobs, vast scientific resources and a constant income stream that would eliminate Nevada's budget woes.

It's not "dirty" money. It's real money that will provide for the education and other needs of Nevadans and others around the world for decades to come. One stroke of the pen and our $3 billion budget shortage would be wiped out and never return. We just need to get off "stupid."

Ken Koester

LAS VEGAS

Pelosi and torture

To the editor:

The news and commentary lately would indicate that madam speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, is having difficulty enunciating what is true and what is a fabrication in her comments concerning the use of "enhanced interrogation techniques" by our intelligence agencies. There are many who say she is prevaricating on this issue.

Really?

Is this the same person who is a strong proponent of the "Truth Commission" involving the Bush administration?

If we citizens, God forbid, lie to Congress, punishment by fine or imprisonment or both would quickly ensue.

What happens, however, when Congress lies to us?

Ain't America grand? It is indeed, and I dearly love my country.

My leadership, however, leaves much to be desired.

AL CIRICILLO

LAS VEGAS