Questions about the viability of CityCenter
To the editor:
The Review-Journal reported on Oct. 7, 2008, that MGM Mirage issued a statement about its CityCenter project, stating that "it had secured a $1.8 billion senior bank credit facility, which matures in April 2013. The facility is expected to be increased to $3 billion as additional commitments are received."
The article noted that the project had a total budget of $9.2 billion.
In Wednesday's Business section, a Review-Journal story reports CityCenter, "which was built at a cost of $8.5 billion, now has an equity value of $2.65 billion," according to MGM officials.
A thought about Sen. Harry Reid: Why would anyone boast about using his clout to get banks to loan money for something like this? Are taxpayers going to have to bail this out when the loan comes due? There are a lot of questions here and no answers.
DAVID R. DURLING
LAS VEGAS
Take it all
To the editor:
News reports of the current compensation packages offered by Wall Street financial manipulators are simply outrageous. This is a sector of the economy that nearly brought the country to a real depression. Nevertheless, the financial rewards reaped by these people must make hardened, successful criminals envious.
There is a simple remedy. The income tax rate should be modified, immediately, to sharply escalate above the $1 million level. We have had 90 percent rates before. We need them again.
In addition, this might also have a benefit in reducing our deficits.
LEWIS ARONOW
LAS VEGAS
Fat kids
To the editor:
As a retired high school physical education teacher and coach for 25 years in California, I'd like to offer a point of view on this so-called childhood obesity "epidemic.
Many school districts felt great public pressure to increase math and science proficiency. So P.E. got "axed" and math and science got "waxed."
At one time in California, P.E. was required at the elementary, secondary and collegiate level. It is now at one year for high school students, with some districts offering a bit more.
We all know how math-science proficiency has improved following this regimen, don't we? We also know our kids are fatter than ever.
Whose fault is it that P.E. got dumped? Personally, I blame the school districts' hiring practices and the coaches.
I was hired as a P.E. teacher mainly because of my national and international background in swimming and water polo. Principals are politicians who know winning teams are very visible, and success in all school departments looks very good on a resume.
The "problem," of course, is that many coaches are also upward bound, which means they concentrate on their teams rather than on P.E. classes. Result? Coaches use the old "call out the balls" lesson plan instead of teaching exercise physiology, lifetime sports skills (swim, golf, tennis), nutrition, fitness, etc.
Huntington Beach High School had the best P.E. department in California for at least 20 years. An important part of our program was one or two hours of classroom work using a book called "Fitness For Life."
Outside, we taught tennis, golf, archery, swimming and fitness. We also offered basketball, baseball and volleyball.
If school districts had P.E. leadership such as the above, we would not have a nation of obese children.
DUANE L. GETTY
HENDERSON
Lesson learned
To the editor:
Review-Journal columnist Jane Ann Morrison called me a "quirky nonpartisan voter." She is right. I'm quirky. Voted for Harry Reid twice. Thought he was good for Nevada. Last vote for Sen. Reid was six years ago. I have learned my lesson.
GUY ROARK
LAS VEGAS
Last hope
To the editor:
When are we going to get presidents who don't have an ax to grind?
Bill Clinton was pretty good, except for a few foibles that weren't our business anyway. He left us in great financial shape.
Along comes George W. Bush and all that money Mr. Clinton saved disappeared in a hurry. We're still fighting in Afghanistan, and nobody knows why we are there. It is just a pile of rocks, we hear.
Then comes Barack Obama, who was masterfully presented as an entertainer -- people went wild. Too bad that was not what most of us needed. We needed a hard worker.
We better think before we elect our next president and not be drawn in emotionally. He or she may be our last hope.
JEANNE MULLICH
LAS VEGAS
Immigration raids
To the editor:
In Wednesday's Review-Journal, Lynnette Curtis's article "Raid has repercussions" begs one question to be answered: Have the raids resulted in the arrests of any illegal immigrants? Since the answer is yes -- a total of 31 suspects were arrested -- case closed. They came. We conquered. And about time, too.
Publishing the fact that the authorities are conducting these raids will have the desired effect, which is to stop people from coming into the United States illegally. It is a small, but important, element in restoring our borders.
Bill Wilderman
Las Vegas
