We aren’t spending enough to save pupfish
To the editor:
I was quite dismayed to read Dec. 1 about the problem facing humanity because after "decades of work and millions of dollars" spent trying to save the Devil's Hole pupfish, there are only about 75 of these little fellows left, when population peaked at 544.
As Ted Koch of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states, many millions of dollars have been spent on this endeavor. Let's say that amount is $5 million. If we once had 544 pupfish, that means we have only spent $9,191 for each of these guys.
Come on people, we can do better than that. Write your representatives and tell them you want money taken out of public works projects, such as roads, bridges, etc., and we can even help at the local level by laying off police officers and firefighters. We really don't need all the teachers we have. I think cancer and AIDS research could be cut back, too. If we can come up with another $5 million to rescue the remaining 75 fish, it would only mean about $66,666 per fish! We don't need school lunches or homeless shelters while those remaining little guys are still struggling! I know I'll feel much better knowing they are safe for my children and grandchildren.
However, if all else fails, we can then channel all our remaining money into other worthwhile projects such as the one that also appeared in your Dec. 1 edition, which tells us that we know lobsters can live up to 100 years by counting their growth rings.
Am I the only one, or does anybody else see a problem here?
DON A. MAHONEY
LAS VEGAS
Loss of a friend
To the editor:
Our Jewish community mourns the untimely passing of Monsignor Patrick Leary, CEO of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, who died Sunday.
Monsignor Leary was a true Mentsch and Tzaddik who worked tirelessly on behalf of our entire community. He was one of the most caring, concerned and compassionate professional leaders of our community's social service and non-profit network of agencies providing social and humanitarian services.
Monsignor Leary was a dedicated and committed advocate for those less fortunate; as well as a great friend and colleague to all those who engage in the provision of communal services.
Monsignor Leary was a great partner for our Jewish community and extremely helpful to our Jewish Federation, Las Vegas Senior Lifeline, Jewish Family Service Agency and many interfaith initiatives designed to bring our two communities closer together. Monsignor Leary was instrumental in providing Catholic Charities'' assistance in the development of our Kosher Meals on Wheels program as well as many other initiatives providing services to our community's elderly.
Most importantly, Monsignor Leary was a true friend who always had a warm smile, big hug and genuine concern for all whom he met, cared for and worked together with. May Monsignor Leary's life, deeds and memory always be a source of blessing and Mitzvoth.
Elliot B. Karp
LAS VEGAS
The writer is president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas
