Republicans incapable of helping Nevada
To the editor:
All Nevadans, regardless of party affiliation, need to read the Review-Journal's Dec. 26 story, "Republican urges party to put up fight."
Reno Assemblyman Ty Cobb, like so many of his ilk, displays either little understanding or no concern about the problems facing Nevadans and, more importantly, real solutions to address these problems. While Mr. Cobb cries about party politics, news regarding the state's economy, health and social responsibility continues to sink to depths that should concern every citizen.
Unemployment is on pace to break an all-time high, Nevada's medical and social services systems are in complete tatters and the politicians who are supposed to serve the needs of the people don't have a plan or a realistic idea how to even begin to address these problems. Of course, at any point during the past two years, when obvious signs were everywhere, politicians such as U.S. Sen. John Ensign and Assemblyman Cobb were more concerned about advancing personal political agendas than working to fix the problems.
Why does Nevada rank close to last in per-pupil education expenditures? Why is health care in our state in such disarray? Why are the disadvantaged left on their own or tossed aside as if "out of sight, out of mind" solves the problem?
In the same article, Sen. Ensign is quoted as saying one of his priorities is to address education and health care solutions that rely on the private market. Perhaps Sen. Ensign and Assemblyman Cobb should talk to teachers, parents and students about the deplorable lack of political will power to support education. In progressive states and societies, education is viewed as an economic primer, providing and encouraging the brainpower society needs to solve our problems. Perhaps they might also speak to the thousands of working people who can't afford basic health care for their families or the aged, who must choose between their medications or eating.
Is it any wonder Nevada ranks near the bottom in nearly every health-related category, from morbidity rates from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and mental illness to the appalling number of children whose parents can't get them basic immunizations.
Assemblyman Cobb, Sen. Ensign and their political cronies can rant all they want about cutting aid to education, social services and health care, as if that's a real solution. However, the truth of the matter is that Nevada needs a new formula, a new vision and a new breed of leadership that actually puts the needs of the people first.
Perhaps that's the message Assemblyman Cobb needs to make sure resonates loud and clear through the Nevada Legislature.
MARK NEIL LEVINE
LAS VEGAS
A futile war
To the editor:
The insane war on drugs has escalated to the point where police are breaking into people's homes at 9:30 on a Sunday night ("Officers get praise for poise," Tuesday Review-Journal). Three Las Vegas police SWAT members were shot while serving a narcotics search warrant. Interestingly, no drugs were found.
Fortunately, none of the three officers shot was seriously wounded. It could have been much worse.
When will people come to their senses and acknowledge that drug abuse is a public health problem, not a police problem? This ridiculous war on drugs needs to end -- now.
Al Rogers
LAS VEGAS
Irresponsible speech
To the editor:
Many of our brave young men and women have served and died for all the freedoms we now enjoy, including a free press and free speech. However, responsibility accompanies these freedoms.
The Tuesday letter to the editor from Michael John, headlined "Boot-licking," had any intelligent and patriotic American of any political or social persuasion cringing at the lack of substance and lack of critical thinking skills. Mr. John's limited vocabulary failed to impress even his intellectual contemporaries.
"Appeasement," "apologists," "Neville Chamberlain" and "Jane Fonda." What do these words and personalities have to do with the 21st century, torture and people who support the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention center?
Publishing these types of letters, even in the spirit of the First Amendment of the Constitution, is irresponsible for a major metropolitan newspaper. To Mr. John, I entreat: Why can't we disagree without being disagreeable?
Joe Beltran
NORTH LAS VEGAS
Free Margaret!
To the editor:
In response to your Dec. 20 report, "Retrial ordered in '94 LV killing":
Prosecutors should refuse to re-try Margaret Rudin on charges she killed her husband and set her free.
Not only would we the taxpayers of Clark County save the $200,000 it would cost to re-try her, but we would be dumping the expense of housing and feeding her for another 20 years. She has served nine years in prison -- plenty of time -- and should be free.
District Judge Sally Loehrer, who ordered the new trial, and Rudin's next husband will be counting on her to be a good citizen.
Randall White
LAS VEGAS
