Read ‘em and bleep: Letters to John L.

One of the few advantages to having a blog is that it is a lot like a column with no space limitations.

Which is a polite way of saying it’s a bottomless pit, I suppose, but the point is that it also gives me a chance to pass along some of the letters and messages I receive from readers – many of whom wouldn’t brake their automobiles if they saw me in a crosswalk – that won’t fit in the newspaper due to space limitations.

Some are vitriolic. Others just plain mean. No matter. I try not to take it personally. In fact, the irritated are often the best letter writers.

With that said, read ‘em and bleep:

Following this week’s column on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s excoriation of CD 4 candidate Danny Tarkanian, Mary Yeager of Henderson writes, “Re: the last paragraph of today's article, Reid speaks his mind on congressional race's '$17 Million Man' ...

"The greatest fear is not simply that Tarkanian might win and one day become a huge embarrassment as a Nevada congressman... That title is already taken by Harry Reid.”

From local activist, writer, and Steve Horsford supporter Trish Geran following a recent column on the congressional candidate’s community critics:

“I wanted to make a few comments. First, Frank Hawkins stated how Horsford has not done anything for community and F Street.  Well, he has not done anything, either. As the head of NAACP, why didn't he step forward and try to stop the closure? As you may recall, after attending our meetings every Monday, he had a secret meeting with Mayor Goodman trying to cut a deal to build a museum instead of reopening street and of course he would develop it.  Oscar told 
me that he called to arrange a "sit down."  What he has done IN the community was all for himself. Secondly, he began using the NAACP 
office because two members told me that they received calls from the secretary asking for their support of Tarkanian.  Things began to cool down a month ago after the National office called him about his illegal doings (endorsing a candidate).

“A letter was sent to them stating facts, dates, and evidence prior to.

“FYI: On Thursday, Danny is having a fund-raiser at his parent's home.  The invite reads, "Freddie Banks and Larry Johnson." I spoke to Freddie he knew nothing about it. I called Larry's assistant (NY Knicks' office) and it was not on his calendar.

“Greg Anthony and his sorry excuse for a commercial: He says Tarkanian’s heart is in the community.  Bull____t!  Steven is from Herbert Gerson, was once the worst part of the "hood." The police didn't even want to go in there.  He never knew his dad and his mom was always drunk and/or either on drugs.  The community embraced and raised and him and he has never come back to help in any way.  Oh - one time he handed out lunches, which were provided by another company.  I wanted to invite him to a community event last summer with professional players who were "homegrown" mostly from the Westside.

“UNLV Athletic Department had no number, she said he does not keep in touch with them. I left a message and sent a letter to his agent and ESPN office - no word from Greg. Lionel Hollins (Memphis Head coach) was the Guest Speaker. Everyone showed except Stephen Jackson and that was only because he had to go travel back to Missouri.
It was held at Pearson Center and it was a success.

“Common Denominator:  What all of these guys have in common is that somebody else made them - they are not responsible for making it on their own. They sold their souls and now its time for them to repay the favor.  Now we know who - as Frank Hawkins said about Horsford – their "Massa" is.  I'm afraid that the Republican party candidates have failed in making another judgment. These guys have no following, no community attachments  - only a name.”

From Elmer Eubanks following a column on Sen. Dean Heller’s attempts to court the Latino vote:

“I read your article today about Heller. I do see more effort to get us Latinos to their events but a lot of us get notices the day before and we don't have the luxury of dropping everything to jump and go to the events.

“The Latino vote is a mix due to our different backgrounds and countries but for the most part our values are conservative. I've known Rep. Gutierrez for over 22 years and appreciate his efforts to find a solution to immigration issues. On the other hand I know Romney from Mass where I ran for State Rep. and he was one of my first supporters when I was planning a run for congress.

“Our vote sometimes gets split, we don't always vote by party lines which makes it hard for pollsters to ascertain where our vote will go.

“As for Berkley I feel that she is not sincere and she has also used the word she pounced on Heller for using. I have not met her in person so can only go by what I read. Dean on the other hand I have met and I see he has made an effort to reach out to us Latinos.”

From devoted critic Gerald Carrick, “The 47 percent welfare/moron vote is number one in Clark County.”