No need for slurs when criticizing regulations

To the editor:

In your Dec. 13 edition, Woody Stroupe, vice chairman of the Clark County Republican Party, made certain criticisms of Ross Miller, the Nevada secretary of state, regarding election regulations. It is certainly within Mr. Stroupe's right to make these points if it is his opinion that the regulations are unfair.

That is the beauty of this country.

However, his comment that "We might as well invite the Chinese over here" would appear to overstep the boundaries of legitimate free speech. It sounds more like a politician attempting to utilize prejudice against China for the benefit of the Republican Party. I am not sure casino developers Sheldon Adelson or Steve Wynn would agree with the political tactic of Mr. Stroupe.

Mr. Stroupe appears to be residing in the local outhouse when he makes that kind of a comment. As an ethnic Chinese but a third-generation American, I am personally insulted. However, my minimal hurt feelings cannot compare to the impact those remarks have on the persons in government that Mr. Stroupe is insulting. Furthermore, such comments add to racism, which doesn't seem to disappear.It just seems amazing that the vice chairman of the Clark County Republican Party could make such a stupid remark.

ALBERT C. LUM

LAS VEGAS

Watered down

To the editor:

It's interesting that while we're all focused on the holidays and family, our secretary of state is ramming through some very important changes to election regulations -- changes that deserve careful scrutiny because they may invite voter fraud (Dec. 13 Review-Journal).

Regulation R111-11 specifies written oaths taken when a citizen registers to vote. Those oaths include an affirmation that the applicant is a U.S. citizen and meets age and residency requirements.

The secretary's proposed changes water that oath down in many circumstances, removing the declaration of citizenship and residency. Why would he do that?

And the proposed changes mean that absentee paper ballots sent by fax will no longer contain a binding declaration of eligibility by the voter -- unless that absentee voter is uniformed military. Absentee ballots sent to our military members and spouses will contain a very thorough, detailed declaration of eligibility, with a warning that failure to sign the declaration will void the vote. Much more demanding than the ballots sent to civilians. Why doesn't Secretary of State Ross Miller trust our brave military as much as he trusts civilians?

Maybe we should all contact our state legislators and ask what's going on.

Robert R. Kessler

Las Vegas