LETTERS: Evil can’t be quelled by airstrikes alone

To the editor:

President Barack Obama recently said, “The truth of the matter is that we are doing just what we should be doing, to make sure that while we’re pushing back ISIL, we are not creating another situation in which we are deploying massive numbers of U.S. troops.” The question that begs to be asked is: How evil does an enemy have to be?

Would the egregious acts of Adolf Hitler be enough? The fact is that they were, and we still ignored the hideous acts of the Nazis, at the cost of millions of lives. In the end, we were still pulled into the war. Evil does not just go away. Learn from history. The world hasn’t seen evil like ISIL in modern time. If President Obama fails to act swiftly and decisively, this evil will take many more innocent lives and do so in a manner that is repulsive to any civilized society.

The U.S. could counter this without “deploying massive numbers of U.S. troops,” but it cannot be stopped using only airstrikes. We need a strategy, not just timid reactions. Any group of people that uses its religion to justify beheading and now burning alive innocent people needs a response that will make it understand the consequences of such actions. I beg the president to act now.

DAN CARR

LAS VEGAS

Saluting veterans

To the editor:

February is the time to give thanks to the some 98,000 veterans in VA hospitals, medical centers, nursing homes and outpatient clinics around the United States. Each February, the National Salute to Veteran Patients program encourages individuals, groups, service organizations and schools to take a bit of time to volunteer at these veteran facilities, visit patients and send letters or Valentine’s cards of thanks.

In past years, it has been a joy for me and my husband to have a volunteer forward a special letter or greeting from a child or individual, thanking my husband for his service. Those cards and letters prompted me to join in each February by making handmade cards with a greeting and a thank you from both of us. Many friends are getting together and making Valentine’s cards for veterans this year, and I am very proud that they are honoring those who have given so much to their nation.

Participating in this salute can be a fun family time as well; the cost is minimal, and it serves as a learning tool for future volunteers of America. I encourage Southern Nevadans to give from the heart this February and make a difference in your community by partaking in this important program. Phone your local VA center and ask volunteer services how you can help.

BETTY RICHER

LEO RICHER

MESQUITE

UNLV’s Rice overmatched

To the editor:

Regarding Stuart Matthew Wilson’s letter, everyone is entitled to their opinion (“UNLV basketball coach Rice doing a better job than many think,” Jan. 31 Review-Journal). But Dave Rice might be one of the worst men’s basketball coaches at the Division I level. Anyone who knows anything about basketball can see that.

Coach Rice is just going through the motions. He belongs at a place like Idaho State. He has little control over his team and, to me, the players seem to coach themselves. Even John Wooden started at South Bend Central High School, and when he did get to UCLA, that school was a zero. It took him time. Mike Krzyzewski started at Army.

But not Mr. Rice, who jumped right in at UNLV. Why? Because he went there? That’s not the way to conduct business. The administration got him on the cheap and should have let him take the South Florida job last year.

UNLV men’s basketball has had two great coaches in its history: Jerry Tarkanian and Lon Kruger. Mr. Rice may be a good, decent husband and family man, but he’s not a Division I coach. Don’t blame the freshmen. All teams have freshmen. He keeps saying, “It takes time.” He’s in his fourth year, and nothing has improved. He’s buying time and stalling.

BILL HENRY

LAS VEGAS