Time to ramp down level of vice
To the editor:
In response to your Wednesday story, “Tourist stabbed at ‘clip joint’ argued for return of entrance fee, police say”:
As a long-time resident of the Las Vegas Valley, I am all too aware that “vice” is the engine that drives our economy. So be it. But in the past 10 years or so, the level of vice has grown on a geometric scale. It is out of control.
My friends in the hotel/casino business tell me this has resulted in bringing a new class (rather, “no-class”) of visitor to our fair city, a younger group that gambles less and – more importantly, in their view – tips less. It has also fueled the growth of so-called “clip joints” that promise prostitution and instead deliver beatings. This cannot be good for Las Vegas.
It occurs to me that a strong effort should be made, through billboards and other forms of media, to inform tourists that prostitution is absolutely illegal in Clark County. In addition, perhaps a rule could be imposed so that all of the pamphlets that are handed out on the Strip advertising escorts or in-room models include large-letter printing which advises the same thing.
This might do a lot to control the proliferation of the most extreme and unwanted forms of vice in our community, and do a lot to clean things up.
Andrew Windes
Las Vegas
Adoption stigma
To the editor:
Why is it necessary for your front-page headline on Wednesday to read “Sick leave properly used to care for adopted son”? Is the implication that this boy is somehow “less” of a son because he was adopted, and his father was somehow less justified in taking sick leave to take care of him?
As an adoptee, I am offended that you would perpetuate the stigma of adopted children not really deserving the same status and privilege of natural children.
Lisa Savy
Las Vegas
Illegal kids
To the editor:
Regarding Steve Sebelius’ Wednesday column, “Long-shot lawsuit gives voice to frustration,” about using the courts to force implementation of the DREAM and DISCLOSE acts:
This is typical liberalism, looking for a way around the law by bending the law, shopping for a judge willing to take away power from the legislative branch of government.
But why? Why shouldn’t journalists who think more should be disclosed about political donors use their skills to dig out the truth and publicize it?
Why is it the invaded country’s problem that illegals are bringing their children here? Shouldn’t the whole family be deported? Wouldn’t highly visible deportation enforcement put a stop to the practice? These families would be going back, in most cases, to the richest country in Central America, not South Sudan.
Why should the children of illegals get any special breaks? Aren’t we having enough trouble educating our own kids?
Lynn Muzzy
Minden
Immigration problem
To the editor:
In response to Dave Hanley’s Tuesday letter about Vin Suprynowicz’s Sunday commentary on immigration:
His suggestion of a using a performance bond here in America is a novel idea. I understand several other countries currently use it.
I wonder how many businesses would be willing to put up a performance bond for all the illegal immigrants they are employing? It sure would help to cover some of the costs that illegal immigration inflicts on our economy.
I can sympathize with Raj Patel’s plight as detailed by Mr. Suprynowicz. It seems as the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service and State Department are doing everything possible to make it extremely hard, if not impossible, for U.S citizens to get immigration petitions approved. But they are bending over backward to allow illegal immigrants every possible way to stay in this country, free from prosecution and living off the hard-earned dollars of taxpayers.
It is my firm belief that Customs and the State Department are taking their marching orders directly from the White House in an obvious attempt to garner votes from illegal immigrants to keep the president in office another term. But the president would be a lot more successful in his re-election bid if he would deport every illegal immigrant, freeing up millions of jobs for U.S. citizens and reducing the federal and state deficits by denying taxpayer dollars that go into the pockets of illegal immigrants.
Doug Farmer
Las Vegas
Judging Che
To the editor:
John Esperian in his May 15 letter states that Che Guevara “believed strongly enough in revolution to die for it.” I guess that’s possible, but it’s only speculation that he was willing to actually die for it.
One thing we do know for sure is that he was willing to murder for it.
Mr. Esperian is welcome to think whatever he wishes, but I prefer to judge Mr. Guevara on that basis.
Bill Wyszczelski
Las Vegas
King Steve
To the editor:
The May 16 front-page story, “Arbitrator rules for firefighter,” has much more meaning if you read between the lines.
The story notes that County Commissioner Steve Sisolak “vehemently disagreed” with the arbitrator’s ruling. We as members of a civilized society have agreed to abide by commonly accepted rules. Mr. Sisolak has broken that commitment by assuming the role of a king, or some sort of a God.
The arbitrator has done his job in a dignified way, taking in all available information to make his decision. But, apparently, Mr. Sisolak couldn’t care less, which ends up costing us taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. The commissioner needs to understand: Sometimes he is wrong.
John Aarness
Las Vegas
