LETTERS: R-J editorial page shifting to the left

To the editor:

I recall that the Review-Journal had a change in leadership not too long ago. Somebody at Stephens Media might want to rethink that one. I am a subscriber and have been reading the newspaper every morning since I moved here 15 years ago. It appears to me the Review-Journal has taken a swing to the left.

Editorials that reek of liberal ideology and political correctness are making me reconsider my allegiance. On occasion, I have written letters to the editor on important subjects, and those letter were published — my displeasure has nothing to do with not being published. To the contrary, I enjoy reading other people’s comments when they have validity. But lately, readers’ comments seem to be filled with the ravings of buffoons.

Those running the opinion page now seem to publish letters that range between the absurd and the factually incorrect, from left-wing progressives who don’t have a clue. Allowing writers to make claims that cannot be supported by fact speaks loudly to where the Review-Journal stands.

The subtle change in policy is nauseating. Supporting the legalization of marijuana and same-sex marriage, and backing the current administration in the White House leads me to conclude that I am no longer on the same page with the R-J’s editorial page. I would suggest you change the basic color of your pages to yellow.

Fortunately, my quest for factual news can be obtained on the Internet. As I read each morning, I am becoming more convinced I would be better served by discontinuing my subscription. Maybe you should alter your name to the Review-Journal Times.

WILLIAM DWYER

LAS VEGAS

Reagan, Muth exposed

To the editor:

Kudos to Terry Cox for exposing Ronald Reagan, along with Chuck Muth’s hypocrisies, regarding Mount Reagan (“Mounting disappointment,” Thursday Review-Journal letters). The only issue I have with the letter: calling Mr. Muth a conservative. The more accurate term would be neoconservative, which describes those liberal intellectuals and political philosophers who are disaffected with the political and cultural attitudes dominating the Democratic Party and have moved toward a new form of conservatism now evident in the Republican Party.

Unlike liberals, for example, neoconservatives rejected most of the Great Society programs sponsored by Lyndon B. Johnson; and unlike traditional conservatives, they supported the more limited welfare state instituted by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The term was first coined by the late intellectual Irving Kristol, who wrote a book about it. That term would fit Ronald Reagan and Mr. Muth, as well as the dominant elements of today’s Republican Party.

FRANK M. PELTESON

LAS VEGAS

CVS cigarette decision

To the editor:

Everybody is falling over themselves congratulating CVS for stopping the sale of cigarettes in its stores. But most of those people do not work for CVS. This is another feel-good move that will cost a company almost $2 billion annually, which will eventually cost jobs at CVS. In this struggling economy this move will hurt more working Americans.

So now that cigarettes are gone, is CVS going to stop selling alcohol, candy bars, chips, soda and energy drinks? Obesity is at an all-time high, so how can CVS not ban the products that are contributing to this problem? They have become the moral police on smoking, so why stop there? CVS should just empty all its shelves and stick with filling prescriptions. Nobody ever gets sick from those.

CHARLES MAZZA

LAS VEGAS

Water conservation

To the editor:

The Review-Journal ran two important articles in Thursday’s newspaper: “Lawsuits aim to wash out pipeline,” and “Trout stocking program’s end upsets Arizonans.” Henry Brean has covered important water issues for Southern Nevada for years, and I agree the pipeline will probably be in courts for many years.

In the meantime, the new tunnel hopefully will be completed before the water level in Lake Mead falls below the intake towers supplying water to Las Vegas. If not, the residents will be like the trout at Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery: without water. Water conservation needs to be a top priority for everyone living here.

RON FORGEY

LAS VEGAS

Fight the good fight

To the editor:

Nevadans should be proud of our Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health for studying the long-term effects of boxing and combat fighting on brain function. This world-class institute just received $600,000 from leading fight organizations to study the latest brain imaging, psychological, memory and speech tests on hundreds of active and retired boxers (“Fighters join forces to support brain study,” Feb. 5 Review-Journal).

As a neurosurgeon, I have operated on boxers for blood clots in the head from boxing. Several died or were disabled. Twenty years ago, I was unsuccessful in obtaining state legislation to assist those boxers who needed help after entertaining us and the world.

Thanks to the Ruvo Center and the fight organizations for helping Las Vegas wise up and take care of the athletes who help make Las Vegas the entertainment capitol of the world.

LONNIE HAMMARGREN

LAS VEGAS

The writer, a former regent, was lieutenant governor of Nevada from 1995-1999.