Older cops, firefighters can’t do the job?
To the editor:
In your Wednesday article on the bill to change public employee retirement benefits, you report on the position of police union lobbyist David Kallas. Mr. Kallas questions whether the public would want a 55-year-old police officer chasing robbers.
He also says that police and firefighters might not be able to perform as well at older ages.
It's comforting to know that the next time a local police or fire agency gets sued for age discrimination, Mr. Kallas and his union will be called as the star witnesses for the defense.
Mark J. Ricciardi
LAS VEGAS
Tax votes
To the editor:
It's refreshing to know California voters rejected most of the ballot propositions on Tuesday.
Californians should throw out every bum who voted for more taxes and increased spending. They're a bunch of cowards.
My husband is retired military, and he has this to say: He would not trust Nancy Pelosi. She might stab or shoot him in the back. He served the country for 20 years defending our freedom, and he doesn't appreciate that the Homeland Security secretary considers him a possible danger to the nation.
Zenaida Kleinschmit
LAS VEGAS
Jobs lost
To the editor:
In reply to Kristen Lopez Eastlick's Wednesday letter stating that teens don't have jobs thanks to the minimum wage, I say rubbish.
Businesses have always complained about the minimum wage, but that has seldom impacted the job market.
In response to Monday's Review-Journal article, which blames senior citizens for the lack of jobs available to teens, there have always been those of us over 55 needing jobs. That, too, has never impacted the economy.
The main stumbling block for high schoolers not finding those summer jobs is the 12 million illegal aliens who are filling those jobs. Of course, we won't hear this in the mainstream press because it is not a politically correct subject to discuss.
For proof of this in Las Vegas, one has to look no farther than Eastern Avenue and Pebble Road to see scores of Hispanic men lining the streets trying to hawk jobs from the local nursery. Good luck trying to get a job at any fast-food restaurant or the construction industry, both formerly main job sources for teens.
I think Ms. Lopez Eastlick, an economic analyst writing from Washington, D.C., needs to leave the Beltway and come to Las Vegas to apply for a job. I hope she can speak Spanish.
Ron Moers
HENDERSON
Big problems
To the editor:
What will make up the difference in revenue for the federal government if vehicles get 35 mpg, people stop smoking tobacco and people drink less wine and liquor? That's a lot of tax money.
Then there is the huge deficit from supposed universal health care, more seniors for Medicare, more indigents for Medicaid and, finally, the bailouts.
Where will Nevada get its tax money for the new budget proposed by the Legislature?
It's the same with other conservation plans. Conserve water and the Las Vegas Valley Water District will receive less income. Conserve electricity and NV Energy will receive less income. Convert from grass to xeriscape and the nurseries will receive less income.
So instead of making only $100 thousand million, they will make only $50 thousand million. Not enough to live on.
James Altemara
LAS VEGAS
Dangerous place
To the editor:
I read with interest your Wednesday story of the Nebraska man who is a philanthropist at home, but here in Las Vegas is a high-roller. His claims are that he was plied with drinks and drugs by the casino staff to the point that he didn't know what he was doing.
And who did the "plying," you ask? Well, it must have been the strong-armed servers who did the deed. You've seen them. They walk around the casino floor, carrying a tray, wearing skimpy outfits and high-heeled shoes. Who knew they were strong enough to bend a grown man's arm behind his back, while another skinny girl poured booze down his throat?
Has it come to this? That a grown man is not safe inside a casino? Oh, the horror of it all!
Bill Wilderman
LAS VEGAS
Officer accident
To the editor:
In the case involving Calvin Darling and the accident that killed Las Vegas police officer James Manor, charges should be dropped and apologies made.
The officer was traveling 109 mph with his lights and sirens off when he hit Mr. Darling. Anyone would have had a problem judging a safe turn if a car was approaching at that rate of speed. Who wouldn't be stunned and have a problem appearing sober and steady after an accident like that?
Mr. Darling is lucky to be alive.
Kathy Calhoun
BOULDER CITY
