What’s up with Las Vegas drivers?

To the editor:

I must express the fear and anxiety I experience every time I am out driving on the roads in Las Vegas. In this city, I don't know why -- and can't imagine why -- most motorists do not value a life. How terrible are the consequences and suffering once you hurt somebody?

It is not a surprise that every single night the TV news will report a fatal accident in Las Vegas. It hurts me and puts a lot of pressure and stress on me as well because there is nowhere you can be safe when driving in Las Vegas.

Most local drivers are dumb, senseless and impatient. I've asked myself why so many drivers can't be pleasant while driving -- or just try to be.

We should always think about the fact that when we're out on the road driving, we also gamble with the most special thing -- life itself. Once we make a mistake, it could be gone and we can't ever take it back.

JASSIE HELMLY

LAS VEGAS

No respect

To the editor:

In response to David Adams' letter of Oct. 13, "Office of the presidency deserves our respect":

I couldn't agree more. Let's take it one step further. The office of the Senate majority leader as well as the office of the speaker of the House also deserve our respect.

I am retired Navy after 28 years and I recall telling the young men and women that they were to respect the officers and senior enlisted men for the positions they hold, not because of the man in the uniform. Respect is earned, it is not a given right.

President Obama did not earn or win the Nobel Peace Prize. It was given to him in hopes that he would socialize the United States of America to come in line with the European Union. Remember when Sen. Harry Reid called then-sitting President George W. Bush a liar and told the military that they had lost the war? Do you call that respect?

Respect is earned.

JAMES F. VANDEWAY

LAS VEGAS

Bribing seniors

To the editor:

Friday's editorial regarding "free money" addresses the need of politicians to secure their positions and power by pandering to voters even when such pandering is not just unnecessary but actually harmful to the nation.

The editorial points out that current retirees are complaining that they'll receive no Social Security cost of living increases this year. But to insist on a COLA increase when the index decreased is unwarranted and further complicates our already weak financial condition. It would be irresponsible for Congress to take such action.

We are in debt. We have an increasing debt owed primarily to unfriendly nations. Social Security outlays will exceed inputs in 2016. Medicare is already bankrupt. This affects our national security.

But our elected leaders are more interested in maintaining their cushy, well-paying jobs with great medical insurance and pensions. So, they bribe the seniors by offering unearned and unwarranted $250 payments to each. How responsible is that?

We need a new Congress. In 2010, vote smart.

William F. Brennan

LAS VEGAS

I'm gone

To the editor:

Craig, Craig, Craig. Your "flat screen" ignorance is showing (Craig Ferguson's "The Final Word" comments printed on the Oct. 7 Opinion page.

Even a "half-way interested" commoner such as me recognizes that is not David Letterman's moral accountability that is being attacked. It's his hypocritical lifestyle. Mr. Letterman's crude humor, if you want to accept it as humor, routinely attacks the misfortunes and hardships that others are experiencing with relentless jokes that deepen the wounds of other human lives. He capitalizes on the down-and-out feelings of others while asking you to excuse his own misgivings.

People such as Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Letterman have more of a responsibility to "role model" themselves due to the fact that they have a commanding effect on a captive audience. If Mr. Ferguson doesn't feel that way, then, as he stated, "I'm out. I'm gone." I say: Good riddance.

JIM ANDREAS

LAS VEGAS