State workers get raw deal on Social Security
To the editor:
In Wednesday’s editorial, you mentioned that Nevada government workers pay no Social Security withholding. This is true, but depending upon which retirement plan I subscribe to, up to 10 percent of my wage is applied toward the plan.
Second, because I worked in the private sector and paid into Social Security for many years, when I retire from the state of Nevada, any benefits I will draw from Social Security will be reduced by about 25 percent due to the Windfall Elimination Provision (designed to stop “double dipping”). Wouldn’t you think that because I paid into Social Security all those years, I should receive the full benefit?
Ed Thiessen
LAS VEGAS
Tough gig
To the editor:
Well, here we go again. The Review-Journal must really have something against state employees. As to your Wednesday editorial, let’s go over the facts again.
As a recently retired state employee, I know what the truth is. No one has “iron-clad job security.” State employees can and have been fired. The pay raises don’t even come close to meeting the cost of living increases. The “platinum-plated” medical benefits are a basic HMO. You know — the kind which tells you that almost any medication you need is not on their list. More like “tin-plated” than platinum.
You’re right, though. There is no payroll deduction for Social Security. But tell the whole thing. There is also no eligibility for Social Security.
If you want to pick on people in government jobs, why not go after the fat cats in Washington, who have the best medical benefits available, get a generous pension after one term in office and approve their own raises and perks?
Robert J. Rosin
LAS VEGAS
Hyphenated Americans
To the editor:
With regard to Rozita Lee of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote and Johnny Jackson of Positions on Issues Political Action Committee, I am really tired of these various hyphenated American groups who make demands and want to be recognized in the political arena (” ‘Invisible’ voters aim for power,” Monday).
All of us hail from some kind of foreign heritage. My grandparents were immigrants from Poland and came to America in 1914. The difference is that none of us considers ourselves anything but American. We’ve never formed or belonged to Polish-American groups, demanding to be recognized and whining about being a minority group.
Ms. Lee needs to realize that the minute you put yourself into a special interest group with perceived differences, you automatically isolate yourself from American society and maintain and strengthen the differences.
No one is asking anybody to give up their culture and traditions, but please, stop whining and assimilate into the American culture. It is not the responsibility of government to reach out to your community. It’s up to you, as individuals, to become involved as Americans. Isn’t that why you came to our country in the first place?
DIANA ORROCK
LAS VEGAS
Good job
To the editor:
The Clark County Education Association and the Clark County School District held a reception in honor of 38 local teachers on Wednesday night. These exemplary educators were recognized for having achieved national board certification. This rigorous process is voluntarily undertaken by teachers, takes at least a year to complete, has a passing rate of less than 50 percent and is an objective measure of teacher competence.
Studies have shown that student performance on standardized tests can be linked to them having the opportunity to study under one of these “master teachers.” Nevertheless, absent from this ceremony were any local media. But let a teacher do anything wrong and it is immediately reported.
Just as the public has the right to learn about teachers who do not do their jobs properly, they have a right to hear about those who excel and personify what is right about education. Why the double-standard?
And we wonder why Nevada has so many problems in education.
Lana hess
MESQUITE
Flag show
To the editor:
I predict Stroud “Stan” Maldare, the Monte Carlo security guard who blew the whistle concerning numerous fire code violations on the property, will soon be looking for a new job (Tuesday Review-Journal). I suggest the Fire Department hire him; he is already doing its job.
I thought that fire inspectors were supposed to be proactively looking for exactly these kinds of problems. Again, as with the Rio, our government is not fulfilling its mandate.
While I am fixing local problems, I predict that Dan Towbin’s Hummer dealership will lose its 110-foot American flag (Jan. 26 Review-Journal). You can’t beat weak-kneed politicians, whiny homeowners and know-it-all do-gooders who know what is in your heart when it comes to your reasons for spending your hard-earned money to erect it.
I was at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the Nextel Cup race last year, and as a retired Air Force member I was disappointed by the poor excuse for an American flag flying over the Nellis straightaway with Nellis Air Force Base as a backdrop.
So, Mr. Towbin, when you lose, I suggest you broker a deal with the speedway to relocate your beautiful flag to that prominent position.
Don Dieckmann
HENDERSON
Economics lesson
To the editor:
The letter to the editor in Thursday’s Review-Journal by William Mulholland, “Made in China,” hit the nail on the head. With so much of what we buy made outside the United States, we are sending the money we spend to other countries, such as China.
But we must remember that we need to spend, spend, spend to support the millions of new minimum wage, part-time jobs our global representatives in Washington, D.C., love to brag about.
And be sure to spend something on your child’s education so he can grow up to become a politician. Otherwise he will be forced to compete with $20-a-day computer engineers in India and illegal immigrants here at home.
JIM BROWN
NORTH LAS VEGAS
Fire-proofing
To the editor:
As a former fire officer, I support the decision to force the Monte Carlo to remove the decorative Styrofoam material. Luckily, chunks of the burning foam that broke off and were carried by the wind did not ignite other fires. Furthermore, firefighters should not be required to operate hose lines while leaning out a window 300 feet above ground.
However, my greater concern is whether the same material was approved for interior use.
Styrofoam is a petroleum-based product that emits a very toxic black smoke when sufficiently heated. In February 2003, 100 people perished in a Rhode Island nightclub fire due to non-fire retarded polyurethane foam ignited by an open flame.
The foam on the exterior of the Monte Carlo is fire-retarded, but not fire-proof. The building itself may be classified fire-proof, but so were the Twin Towers in New York City.
Ernie DiMaria
LAS VEGAS