LETTERS: State’s Democratic politicians got too busy trying to keep jobs

To the editor:

I came across a political advertisement from 2012 sent to me by my Democratic assemblyman for his race in the general election that year. I found it interesting that in that advertisement, he talked about funding schools, funding preschools and how the Democrats had a plan to make Nevada better for everyone.

He was elected that year and did manage to pass legislation that again beat up homeowner associations, but as for funding schools, I didn’t see much funding that session. The problem the Democrats had for years (not so much anymore) was that they were so busy keeping their jobs that they forgot to do their jobs.

Nevada isn’t that different from the rest of the U.S. We elect people who promise to fight for us and to lead us to a better life. I won’t say the Republicans are doing a great job, but they are leading, and it looks like schools could get funded during this legislative session. It’s too bad the Democrats lost the ability to lead awhile back; if they hadn’t lost that, I’d still be a “D” instead of a nonpartisan.

FREDRICK WILKENING

LAS VEGAS

Baltimore mom

To the editor:

I absolutely disagree with Rose D. Sigman’s letter, implying that the mother who stopped her child from destroying private property in the Baltimore riot was actually guilty of child abuse (“Baltimore mother,” May 13 Review-Journal). She suggests that the mother’s actions were irresponsible, as if she were in a bad mood, lost self-control and struck her son without reason.

This mother actually responded responsibly. In a previous era, parents raised their children to respect others and the property of others. In a previous era, parents actually disciplined their children. Ms. Sigman challenges the reader to consider the message conveyed by mothers who “hit their children.” The obvious response is that certain behaviors are not acceptable, and consequences will follow. Three cheers for the Baltimore mom.

JENNIFER ANDERSON

HENDERSON

Child Haven’s good work

To the editor:

A recent story featured a former Child Haven supervisor facing child abuse charges for keeping her grandchildren in a filthy home (“Warrant issued for ex-Family Services supervisor,” May 13 Review-Journal). An equally strong feature needs to be written highlighting the exemplary care given to children by the staff at Child Haven.

As a volunteer at Child Haven with my dog, Obie, I am in a unique position to objectively observe the daily interaction between staff and the children in their charge for an hour at a time. I am amazed at the consistent, gentle, caring love given to these children by members of the staff, who also encourage sharing, taking turns, good manners and a multitude of other developmental skills. I’ve never heard a staff voice raised in anger or frustration, even as some of these abused or neglected children act out.

Based on their history, many of these children have no reason to trust adults. But the compassionate care provided by Child Haven’s staff can turn that impression into a positive trust in caring adults.

CAROLYN BOYLE

LAS VEGAS

Unwelcome changes

To the editor:

I read with pleasure Claudia Thomas’ letter (“New owner, same paper,” May 14 Review-Journal), and I have to say I agree 100 percent with everything she said. I, too, have been a subscriber to the Review-Journal for approximately 20 years and even subscribed to the Sun when it was a separate publication.

When I read that the ownership was changing, I was hoping that we would see changes for the better in the paper, but alas, nothing has changed for the good. Things have gotten worse. The paper seems to get smaller, but the price does not. The Sunday section on million-dollar homes is a joke, relevant to only a small percentage of people, and it does nothing to enhance the paper. I save that section solely for my garbage.

As for the Sports section, the editor seems to have forgotten there is more to sports than just a few teams. That section should have twice as many pages. Each sport deserves better coverage, and whoever compiles the statistics for tennis seems to have forgotten that doubles is also played. There is now no coverage on that.

I also think paying extra for TV Week is a grave mistake. You can get it if you go out to purchase your paper, but loyal customers who pay in advance for a home subscription have to pay the extra amount. That is ridiculous and should either be changed immediately or the paper should publish more of the daily listings. TV Week is just another way to make money.

Maybe the people at the Review-Journal now are not the correct ones for the job.

DONNA BAILEY

LAS VEGAS

Hardy’s public lands stance

To the editor:

Though Rep. Cresent Hardy represents my district, he doesn’t seem to represent my views or those of many of my neighbors with regard to our desire to see public lands preserved (“Hardy forging his way in D.C.,” May 10 Review-Journal). There has been ample opportunity for everyone to have their minds heard on this important issue, and true leadership comes from a willingness to do what is right.

Every protection made in the past has since become a treasured place of refuge for those seeking the raw beauty and majesty of our natural environments. The time has come again to make such a choice, and I am tired of seeing politicians such as Rep. Hardy grandstanding, instead of acting to protect our public lands. What would Teddy Roosevelt have done?

TYSON MEGOWN

LAS VEGAS