Nevada needs the power of a Harry Reid
To the editor:
The next time members of the Review-Journal editorial board meet, they may want to have a discussion about what is best for the state of Nevada. If they are representative of the newspaper for the state of Nevada, they shouldn't be pushing for the defeat of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Replacing Sen. Reid with a rookie senator from the minority party does the state and people of Nevada no good. Replacing the Democratic senator might be a pleasing thought to the Republican/Libertarian editorial board members, but at the same time it hurts their readers, the citizens of Nevada.
We may not have the prettiest nose leading Nevada, but cutting it off to spite the face of Nevada leaves us in an even uglier position.
Matt Hafenbreadl
HENDERSON
Stay healthy
To the editor:
After reading the Friday article about Clark County schools providing free lunches to students who qualify for reduced-price lunches, I must say that is a nice extension of benefits. But what most people don't know is that a lot of children who may not officially qualify or have parents too lazy or prideful to fill out the forms are probably also going hungry.
For the school district to receive federal funds for its breakfast and lunch programs, it must feed all children enrolled regardless of their qualifications.
Now, the district may not receive equal reimbursement for all the children fed, but the bigger picture is that they are all fed. Children should be encouraged to partake in the food program.
As a former food services coordinator with a school district, I was always doing what I could to make sure children knew that having a meal is important to their ability to stay healthy and learn.
John Daniels
LAS VEGAS
Foolish attack
To the editor:
John L. Smith's Sunday column attacking GOP Senate hopeful Sue Lowden for her expressed concern about flying safely was way out of line. Equally important, it was irrelevant in terms of analyzing Ms. Lowden's qualification for high public office.
Mr. Smith must have been up against a publication deadline to quickly grab reader interest. And what better way than to go negative. This approach grabs interest faster than a liberal's tale of truth.
Ms. Lowden should apologize for her remarks. Not to the public, but to Mr. Smith, for providing him the opportunity to once again expose his ignorance and, indeed, foolishness.
I would like to know more about Ms. Lowden, her education, business background, political philosophy and her ability to govern effectively. I'll wait.
Joe McLaughlin
LAS VEGAS
Pet shop
To the editor:
I read the Jan. 11 Associated Press article, "Activists, officials take on puppy mills." Although I am always appalled when innocent creatures such as puppies are treated so poorly, I believe the article failed to highlight the reason so many commercial breeders remain in business -- and that is the high demand from Internet and pet store sales.
I am not trying to say that all pet stores buy their puppies from commercial breeders, nor am I stating that all commercial breeders treat their animals poorly. But it is a widely known fact that a large percentage of pet stores -- including pet stores here in Las Vegas -- purchase from puppy mills like those mentioned in this article, as do many people who buy over the Internet.
More people need to be made aware that such animal conditions do exist, and not just in Pennsylvania, but here in Nevada. By purchasing puppies through pet stores or over the Internet, we perpetuate the horrific physical conditions these innocent animals endure, as well as the psychological trauma they suffer.
Passing more laws isn't always the answer. But by providing education to people through articles like this one, maybe they will stop and think before buying, ultimately eliminating the puppy mills completely (which would be great for puppies).
To that end, I suggest there are thousands of adoptable puppies (and adult dogs and cats) available at shelters and rescue organizations across this city, state and nation, waiting for a new home. By adopting our pets from these groups instead, we eventually eliminate the need for the commercial breeder.
David Otto
NORTH LAS VEGAS
Stop the lunacy
To the editor:
I have had enough of people mislabeling President Obama a socialist. This is just not true, and I wish to set the record straight.
Comrade Obama is a communist, and his goal is the total destruction of the republic. He is doing to this nation exactly what Hugo Chavez is doing to Venezuela. If this doesn't frighten you, it should.
As for those who say Harry Reid should be re-elected because he is so powerful in the Senate, I say nonsense. That would be fine if Sen. Reid were doing the job for us. But Sen. Reid is doing the job on us, instead.
Despite the slick TV and radio ads designed to convince us that the sun wouldn't shine and the birds wouldn't sing if it were not for Sen. Reid, he is actually selling us down the river.
Anyone but Harry Reid: Remember it while there is still time to stop the lunacy.
Joe Jensen
LAS VEGAS
