LETTERS: Public-sector unions hurt private brethren
To the editor:
Regarding the article on public-sector unions (“Union leader sees ‘attack’ by GOP” Jan. 28 Review-Journal), it appears to me that there is a deep conflict of interest within Nevada’s AFL-CIO. That conflict is caused by union leadership refusing to identify the difference between private-sector unions, which came first, and public-sector unions, which arrived much later.
Over the years, trade groups have lost members (dues payers) and suffered through severe economic downturns, resulting in loss of income for active members and reductions in pension benefits for current retirees.
As we all know, though, public-sector unions are doing quite well, thanks to the taxpayers. Excellent salaries, generous benefits and superb pensions, and don’t forget the wage increases during the same economic downturns. Public-sector unions’ interests are dramatically opposed to those of private-sector unions, and therefore cannot be considered one and the same.
The November election was an incredible victory for everyone who wants government out of their lives. If, as the article stated, AFL-CIO leaders lobby Gov. Brian Sandoval and/or the Nevada Legislature to maintain the status quo, they would be committing a great disservice to their private-sector members.
EDWARD DUFFY
LAS VEGAS
Unions and public schools
To the editor:
I agree wholeheartedly with Glenn Cook’s column on Gov. Brian Sandoval (“Take your own advice, governor,” Jan. 25 Review-Journal). In fact, no matter how much money we pour down that sinkhole called public education, it will not improve in this state and in this country until we get rid of the teachers’ unions. Then we can fire all the incompetent teachers and get back to teaching reading, writing, English, mathematics, history and science, and dispense with all the other drivel with which our children are being brainwashed.
Imagine what it would be like to have children actually read and enjoy books, rather than skimming through information on the Internet. If children actually learn to read, they can expand on the education provided in school — which we all should be doing throughout our lives. That is definitely not happening. Children graduate from high school (if they graduate at all) with about a third-grade education.
LAYNA WOODS
LAS VEGAS
Rice’s time not now
To the editor:
After viewing the UNLV-San Diego State men’s basketball game last month, and hearing from the CBS commentators some of the same things I have been thinking about, I’m motivated to state what I was thinking. I was hoping I was wrong, but it cannot be denied: Dave Rice is a nice and well-intentioned man, but his time to coach a major team such as UNLV has not come.
Like the CBS announcers stated, the team’s conditioning is nearly nonexistent. How many times have we seen the Rebels falter late in games? That became so apparent in watching the difference between UNLV and San Diego State. Perhaps Coach Rice should spend a few days with Aztecs Coach Steve Fisher to learn how to finish. Coach Fisher also kept a steady rotation of players, and as the broadcasters noted, UNLV did just the opposite.
As a former coach, I recognize the above qualities and strategies are basic principles for success. It is time for Mr. Rice to take an assistant position and for UNLV to get a seasoned and mature coach. I held similar concerns with new UNLV football coach Tony Sanchez, but it appears he has hired an experienced coaching staff that should bring great success to the program.
JIM GUYNUP
LAS VEGAS
