State should go after gold mining companies
To the editor:
In a state that ranks fourth in the world in the production of gold, it is unfortunate that our leaders have to struggle to cut the budget by laying off teachers and prison workers as well as other necessary personnel.
Nevada is not broke. It is not getting its fair share from our main industry -- gold mining.
The mining industry did provide 1,850 jobs, $2.4 billion in personal income for Nevadans and $225 million in taxes, according to records recently released.
But we must remember Nevada had 70 million ounces of gold reserves in 2008. At $1,227 an ounce, 70 million ounces of gold equals more than $85 billion.
Are Nevadans getting their fair share of the almost $86 billion? Absolutely not.
THRESIA KORTE
TISH PIERCE
LAS VEGAS
Lesson plan
To the editor:
Recently, I asked my 11-year-old daughter, who is in the fifth grade, "What is the Constitution of the United States?" She stared at me with a blank look on her face and replied, "I don't know."
Yet just two days prior, a letter was sent home from her school asking for my permission that she be taught "sex education."
How is it that sex education is a priority over the teaching of our own Constitution? I am 32 years old, and by the time I had reached fifth grade, I had a great understanding of the Constitution -- and that was before "sex education" was ever brought up.
So, is this foolishness just limited to the Clark County School District, or is this a nationwide priority?
My warning to American parents is this: We need to wake up, rise up and get involved in what is being taught in our schools before it is too late.
SPENCER D. FREEMAN
LAS VEGAS
Sorry preview
To the editor:
The federal government's bureaucratic bungling of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico along with its complete lack of response to the billion-dollar flood in Tennessee is just a preview of what the American people can expect when the inept government departments, commissions and committees take over the health care of 300 million people.
Like the man said, "You ain't seen nothin' yet!"
Gerry Lock
Las Vegas
Pension funds
To the editor:
A couple of months ago, a member of the AFL-CIO came to my door asking me to sign a petition to save union jobs. My mind immediately went back to March 2007, when I applied to a position with a sister company located here in Las Vegas.
I was told that a job could not be secured for me to tie up loose ends in Texas because the company had to hire X percent "union." I was not very kind to this person and feel I should apologize to her. It was not her fault.
Now I hear that Congress is considering passing a $168 billion bill to finance the retirement plans of these union workers. Where would the government get that money? From every worker, union or not.
If my retirement depends on stocks and company worth, I have to live with it because I chose to work there. If Congress passes this bill, I strongly urge every non-union worker to demand Congress either do the same for them or on a certain day carry out a general strike until this new legislation is voted down.
William Potter
Henderson
Electric blues
To the editor:
I read recently about NV Energy's request to replace our electric meters with digital "smart" meters. It sounded to me like a well-disguised rate increase.
The company said the Advanced Service Delivery program will cost $301 million, but it already has $138 million in federal stimulus money to help fund it. Who pays the remaining $163 million? The article said, "high power rates," which means you and I.
NV Energy executives estimate a $35.6 million savings each year. Once they have $163 million (4.5 years), will they voluntarily reduce electricity rates?
Many Nevadans cannot afford a rate increase. The Review-Journal recently reported that Nevada is one of the few states in which unemployment is still increasing. A rate increase will create more hardship for a still-increasing group of people and senior citizens on fixed incomes. In my opinion, this would prolong the recession by hindering our future economic recovery.
KENT D. DELANEY
LAS VEGAS
Protest law
To the editor:
President Barack Obama and his administration think the Arizona immigration law is illegal, and they may challenge it in court. OK, then do it.
What is taking so long?
But if it is proved to be constitutional, then do your job and close the border. If it is unconstitutional, then let's adopt Mexico's immigration laws.
How sad to see our members of Congress give a standing ovation to the president of Mexico for encouraging illegal immigration into the United States. What has he done to keep his people there -- or does he want the money that is sent back to Mexico to continue? Shame on Congress.
CURKlin JACKSon
LAS VEGAS
