Whatever happened to civility in American politics?
To the editor:
Whatever has happened to civility? Has it gone the way of the dinosaurs, to be replaced by verbal ugliness, tasteless sloganeering and tacit threats of homicide?
A news article in Thursday's Review-Journal on the brick throwing at Democratic Party offices reported that a message attached to a brick read: "Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice" ("Bricks, threats hurled after overhaul," The Associated Press). The malcontent throwing stones should look up the word "sedition" -- which is nothing less than the bottom line for that kind of completely unwarranted behavior in America.
We are a free people, and liberty thrives here: legally elected representatives of the United States voted into law a reconstructed health care system for its citizens. These same officials can be just as democratically thrown out of office at the next election cycle.
So where is there deprivation of "liberty"?
Finally, what is the heat source for all the emotional head-banging and surly, mindless behavior? That we, as citizens of the wealthiest, greatest nation in the world, will have to pay for the values-based decision that more people should be brought under a protective medical umbrella? If cost is the issue, why are there no verbal brickbats thrown at those who continue to finance and support the seemingly endless loss of human life and treasure in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Something is very wrong with this current portrait of America. The mad-hatter seems to be running the tea-party.
John Esperian
Las Vegas
The road to serfdom
To the editor:
The repeal of capitalism by the current administration and Democratic congressional majority is being called socialism. If it is not socialism -- it is interventionism.
According to economist Ludwig von Mises (1881-1973), a combination of capitalism and socialism known as the mixed economy enables government to siphon off much of the nation's income from business and workers.
Semi-socialism allows government to closely regulate business for social goals and to strip the affluent (anyone who can afford to buy goods and services) of their earnings. Taxes are used to further the goals of the welfare state.
Under socialism, unlike Marxism, the government doesn't precisely control business decisions, but it tightly controls the flow of tax dollars into its coffers. The semi-socialist government milks capitalism for redistribution.
Perhaps you heard Barack Obama calling for redistributive change during his campaign. This is exactly what he was talking about.
Again, according to Mises, "Interventionism cannot be considered as an economic system destined to last. It is a method of the transformation of capitalism into socialism by a series of successive steps."
It began long before Mr.Obama, but it will end with him, aided of course by liberals in Congress. The media, including the Review-Journal, referred to the latest health care legislation as historic. It is historic in the sense that you and I are witnessing the death of capitalism in the United States, the greatest wealth generating economic system known to mankind.
Welcome to the nanny state. Welcome to the economy of hyperinflation, cash, the black market and tax increases on steroids. Look next for a national Value Added Tax on all goods and services to fund the nanny (welfare) state.
Skip Blough
North Las Vegas
Get rid of Reid
To the editor:
In response to Mark Bradshaw's recent letter:
I, too, like to read the Review-Journal editorial page. I think decisions made in our country in the 21st century should be based on 18th century constitutional guidelines put in place by men who realized how corrupt government could be when it does the will of politicians.
I think Ronald Reagan was the greatest president.
I did not vote for Barack Obama and am proud to admit it.
I'm thankful I have the right to carry a gun to the store if I wish.
I think Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are enemies of freedom.
And, most importantly, Mr. Bradshaw states, "We as a state are already last in the country in almost everything." So what good has Harry Reid done for our state by your own admission? Nothing. The sooner he is out the better. Let's move to the back of the line and start over. What can it hurt we're already almost last at everything?
Ken Spale
Las Vegas
Forgetful GOP
To the editor:
It amazes me how the Republican Party just doesn't get it.
For eight years they ran the nation into the ground while at the same time everyone was on Forbes richest list. They can't seem to remember even from George Washington's days and even Rockefeller that these men were very wealthy but also supported our nation and citizens.
Rockefeller built Grand Central Station and Central Park. Washington liberated the country. These people were not just out for themselves, they were for the entire nation -- something Republicans seem to have forgotten.
Michelle Bracey
Las Vegas
Conservation area
To the editor:
If memories could take on life, I would want for a Clark County with dirt roads and children playing without regard for their safety.
I would want tortoise burrows behind each house, rabbits to chase down rabbit holes, rattlesnakes to see and run from, coyotes to feed so they would stay out of chicken coops, horny toads to pet, lizards in every yard, and quail at every water hole.
Fathers were hunters who told their children how wonderful the animals of the world were and how we should respect them and how they sacrificed themselves so that families could be nourished.
The further and further our society has advanced away from having nature in our backyards the more distanced we became from our true connection to our environment. For so long the tortoise, the deer, the bighorn sheep, the rabbit, and many others have provided us the sustenance to survive as humans.
Their survival now lies in the hands of those that once counted on them for nourishment.
A Gold Butte National Conservation Area with wilderness designation is the first step toward proper management and is paramount to the quality of life for us and all other living creatures now residing there. Gold Butte belongs not to just those at its door, but to all of us. We have to take the responsibility of assuring the peace and tranquility it offers, along with its 500 miles of dirt road that allow for exploring, hunting and the ability to visit sacred sites.
Terri Robertson
Las Vegas
