Saving American symbols, jobs, pride
To the editor:
As someone who has sold cars in Nevada for decades, I can speak first-hand about the importance of the auto legislation controversy in Washington. This isn't about bailing out Detroit, this is about protecting millions of jobs in Nevada and across the country. This is also about preserving the legacy of companies that are symbols of pride in America.
The effects of the challenges facing car dealers are being felt right here in Nevada. I have seen car sales drop by 51 percent. What that translates to are job losses, decreased tax revenues and a downturn in the mind-set of our country. As we know, when people have a lack of confidence in our economy, they don't spend, creating the weakness we are feeling here at home.
"Bold leadership" is not standing by and saying no without offering a real solution. Bankruptcy is not a solution. Visionary leadership is assessing the problem and coming up with solutions to address it. I appreciate the hard work Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada has done with the Bush administration to craft a solution that not only protects this industry but looks out for everyone who would be affected by its demise here in Nevada.
CLIFFORD J. FINDLAY
LAS VEGAS
THE WRITER IS PRESIDENT OF THE NEVADA FRANCHISED AUTO DEALERS ASSOCIATION.
Solid parenting
To the editor:
Kudos to Nye County Sheriff Tony Demeo for calling the matter of a mother who punished her kids by putting them on a street corner in Pahrump "a private parenting affair" (Dec. 15 Review-Journal editorial). I also commend the mother for taking the action that she did with her children. Too many parents today let their children get away with anything.
For those of you who consider this "abuse," read the Dec. 12 article headlined "Arizona man arrested in death of 1-year-old."
SUZETTE SCOTT
LAS VEGAS
A little perspective
To the editor:
I am referencing the Dec. 15 letter to the editor by U.S. District Judge Lloyd D. George. His sniveling regarding pay raises for judges and praise for our humble Sen. Harry Reid does not sit well with responsible citizens and voters.
Judge George further complains that "cost-of-living" adjustments for judges and members of Congress do not even keep place with inflation.
Let me give the honorable judge something to chew on. My daughter lost her job due to the economic downturn. As responsible parents, we are picking up the majority of her expenses, including her mortgage. We had to cash in a substantial portion of our retirement savings to accomplish this.
As a result, our Social Security cost-of-living adjustment was reduced due to the one-time increase in our income. Furthermore, we cannot reduce our tax liability because she owns a home. My wife had to go back to work part time and, to add insult to injury, they deduct Social Security from her paycheck without providing any increase in her Social Security as a result of this deduction.
Somehow I lack sympathy for the poor underpaid representatives of the people and the likes of the esteemed Judge George.
GERET KRITZER
LAS VEGAS
Confusing justice
To the editor:
I am not a fan of O.J. Simpson. But how did Latrovia Reed get only 3 to 10 years in prison for stabbing someone to death in the reception area of Bally's (Dec. 12 Review-Journal)? District Judge Valorie Vega was the one who sentenced her.
District Judge Jackie Glass sentenced Simpson to 9 to 33 years for armed robbery and kidnapping.
Knife or gun, Reed used her weapon to kill. Nobody got hurt at the Palace Station.
Judge Glass said if the gun went off during Simpson's stunt, a lot of people could have been killed. Well, what about the knife?
Both incidents took place inside hotel-casinos. Was Simpson so harshly sentenced only because it was such a high-profile case?
All I can say is either Reed got a very light sentence or O.J. got too severe a sentence.
BARBARA RUGGIERO
LAS VEGAS
Offering concession
To the editor:
I am a state employee who would gladly give up my pay raise if it prevented fellow employees from being laid off. Not all state workers think only of themselves.
I hope the union puts it to a vote before making statements for all of us.
HARRIET BURGESON
HENDERSON
What labor is worth
To the editor:
My Christmas wish is that the greedy United Auto Workers members who won't take a pay cut get what they deserve. We the people who make $7 an hour can't afford their cars.
Thank God for Toyota, Honda and many other foreign car manufacturers that get it. Not only do they supply cars at reasonable prices, they also operate facilities that employ American workers.
Perhaps when the Big Three go out of business, their workers will be hired at a total cost of $48 an hour.
However, there is the law of supply and demand to consider. Perhaps they will be offered jobs at only $25 an hour.
JACK COOK
LAS VEGAS
