No free lunch with green solutions

To the editor:

Of the many old sayings, there is one that stands out in my mind: There is no such thing as a free lunch. Now with all energy costs skyrocketing, it is most heartening to see my fellow countrymen realize that this applies to environmentalism, too. Especially the rabid, no compromise variety.

As a retired heavy construction worker, I know all too well that the greenies and their allies -- the NIMBYs -- can really get into your pocketbook. Many projects, not only those pertaining to energy development, but others dealing with such things as water treatment plants and better transportation, have been stalled or shut down by their delaying tactics. And let's not forget the amount of imported energy going into plastics, since they don't want us to log or mine in order to produce products made of wood or metal.

The liberal judges continue to uphold their frivolous lawsuits, while at all levels our elected representatives still pander to the greenies in the hope of re-election.

As a result we have put the great majority of our energy eggs in one basket, and handed it to a bunch of foreigners, who for one reason or another hate our country and its ideals. Yes, the greens tell us that any new oil production or new refineries are five to 10 years off. But what effect would a new program to develop these assets have on the (still uncontrolled) commodities markets when it is announced?

Alternative energy sources? Great. But how cost effective are they in the near term? Like it or not, that will still be the bottom line.

The green movement is good. Mankind has reaped many benefits from it. But it must be balanced. And for sure it is not free.

Jack w. corrick

BOULDER CITY

Revolutionary times

To the editor:

After reading the Declaration of Independence in the July 4 Review Journal, I wonder if anyone in our many government entities -- more than 80,000 -- has ever read it, and if so, do they understand it?

Seems to me that the Founding Fathers would be appalled at the current state of affairs.

I especially like the section which says that "whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness) it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it."

Our current system does not follow the ideals of the Declaration and certainly only cares about the Constitution when it is to the benefit of government.

Revolution, anyone?

bruce feher

LAS VEGAS

Yucca winner

To the editor:

I have been a resident of Nevada for more than 20 years. Like many others, I do not like the idea of a nuclear dump in my backyard. But I wonder where the common sense is of our political leaders. They seem to be trying to do what is popular and not necessarily that which is very practical.

It appears that Yucca Mountain is a "done deal." The only force that can stop it is Congress, and they're not likely to change anything. Most members do not want a nuclear dump in their backyard any more than we do.

So I think that we should accept the inevitable and enjoy the financial rewards that may come with it. The benefit of this negative might create a positive solution to some of our budget problems.

Perhaps we should spend less money fighting this situation and invest in city bypass roads and other necessities that will be needed.

With the provision of proper assets to the Yucca project, it just might turn out to be a winner.

richard a. watson

LAS VEGAS

Transfer routes

To the editor:

I really enjoyed Richard Lake's recent story about his five-hour bus ride to the College of Southern Nevada, UMC and the mall.

I totaled my car and thought, "Hey, I'll turn it into a good thing. I'll ride the bus and save us more than $2,000 a year." I figured I'd try this for a year and see how it went.

I live 10 miles from work. North-south buses miss the east-west transfers by four minutes, so that turned out to be unworkable. A driver's break ruined another attempted route. I lastly tried doing a DTC connection but some hitch made us more than 20 minutes late getting to Fashion Show Mall. I work at 9 a.m., left at 6:30 a.m., and was late.

My near nervous breakdown over the frustration made me go out and buy a car. I thought the RTC was improving their system but lack of concern for transfer routes prove otherwise.

Neil Gilfillan

LAS VEGAS