What do we have against strong women?
October 28, 2008 - 9:00 pm
To the editor:
It is bad enough that a strip bar here in Vegas would hold such a Sarah Palin look-alike contest, but what, exactly, is so newsworthy about it that it must be published in our newspaper (Doug Elfman column, Saturday)?
When are we going to see a Joe Biden look-alike contest with men dressed in skimpy Speedos, or a gaffe contest or perhaps even a drinking contest? When are we going to pick up our newspapers to read about a male candidate's looks, or his wardrobe choices, or what color suit or socks he wears?
When are we going to read laments about the lack of quality time they spend with their children and/or families?
I have seen about all the misogyny I care to see in this presidential campaign. First Hillary Clinton had to endure cartoons, nasty comments, jokes and "nutcrackers" made in her image, and now Ms. Palin has negative items written about her every day.
Why is this country so afraid of strong women with great qualifications? Certainly we could do no worse than the leaders we presently have, now could we?
I think not.
Sandra Novelly
LAS VEGAS
Nightmare time
To the editor:
Review-Journal Publisher Sherman Frederick is delusional if he thinks ACORN is the reason Barack Obama is so far ahead in the polls (Sunday column). ACORN operates in only a few select states, while the polls show Sen. Obama ahead nationwide.
The real reason for Sen. Obama's lead was on display last week when he spoke to an overflow crowd of 18,000 people here. Unlike Sen. McCain and the conservative columnists you featured in the Sunday paper who consecrated on frivolously attacking the Democratic nominee, Sen. Obama spoke about the needs of America and its people.
And when speaking about Sen. McCain. He simply pointed out the fact that he supported President Bush 90 percent of the time.
Mr. Frederick better leave room under his desk because all the polls show Sen. Obama with a nearly insurmountable lead, and come Nov. 4 it will be nightmare time for him again.
Richard J. Mundy
LAS VEGAS
The 'S' word
To the editor:
I have to chuckle when I read all these letters lamenting the impending rise of socialism should the Democrats take control of the administration.
Have any of these people ever collected a Social Security check by reason of retirement or disability? Have any of these people ever collected an unemployment check while between jobs? Have any of these people ever used their Medicare insurance for a doctor visit, prescription or medical procedure? Did any of these people cash their economic stimulus checks?
The redistribution of wealth, whether we like it or not, has been around for a long time. The "equitable" redistribution of wealth is another issue, and is really the issue to be debated. One has only to look at the crumbling buildings on Wall Street to see how well capitalism is working.
Ask yourself if you have ever received any monetary or service-related benefit from the government. If you have, you my friend, are a socialist.
Bruce Schowers
LAS VEGAS
Judicial qualifications
To the editor:
In response to your recent editorial endorsements for District Court, in which you recommended a vote for my opponent, Donald Mosley, in Department 14:
I have been a practicing attorney for 13 years, eight of which have been as a litigator in both private practice and as a deputy city attorney.
Your editorial misstated my background as a law clerk. I actually was recruited from private practice to serve as a federal attorney law clerk, a highly sought-after position. I did so for five years, two at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the second highest court in America.
While I was practicing at the federal court, I had the opportunity to learn from the very best: Judge Lloyd D. George, for whom the federal courthouse is named, and Judge Johnnie B. Rawlinson, two of the most respected judges in Nevada.
The Review-Journal editorial also exhibits a fundamental misunderstanding of our judicial system. Courtroom experience is courtroom experience. My courtroom experience is similar in type to that of U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts before he was appointed to the bench.
A judge's most important function is to decide issues of law. In presenting motions in court, attorneys, such as I, instruct the judge as to their opposing views of the law. Whenever difficult legal issues arise, I am consistently consulted as to my opinion on what constitutes the law. Because the nature of my practice has been giving my opinion on issues of law, I have performed the essential job function of a judge throughout my career.
Chris Davis
LAS VEGAS