Embassy closings accommodate Obama
August 6, 2013 - 11:23 pm
To the editor:
The big question right now: Why did President Barack Obama close down 21 embassies and consulates last weekend? The answer is simple: Mr. Obama’s schedule.
Last September, the U.S. consulate in Benghazi was raided, which almost disrupted the president’s scheduled campaign trip to Las Vegas. Four brave men died while pleading for help for several hours on that day. When military officials requested permission to provide help, administration officials told them to stand down.
People don’t understand the importance of not disrupting our president’s schedule. He made plans to play golf last weekend. As an avid golfer myself, I can see the reason to shut down the embassies in the troubled Middle East. There’s nothing worse than having to worry about problems in the embassies while you’re trying to keep your golf ball in the fairway. Just another of Mr. Obama’s smart moves.
TREVOR BROWNE
LAS VEGAS
Junk mail
To the editor:
Sunday’s article by Xazmin Garza about Anthony Weiner (“You’ve got junk mail”) evoked laughs from my wife and me twice before we even began reading the text: first when we read the headline, and second when we viewed David Stroud’s illustration of a texting Weiner clad only in black socks.
Furthermore, the article itself was humorous and intriguing. Ms. Garza prompted readers to view a widely covered news story from a completely different angle. This is quality journalism on a scale of the New York Times or any other major publication. It’s what makes the Review-Journal worth reading every morning.
ALBERT G. MARQUIS
LAS VEGAS
Difficult partnership
To the editor:
In response to the article on HealthCare Partners Nevada (“Seeing big picture of health,” Saturday Review-Journal), my husband and I were patients of this group for several years. There was no continuity of care. Communication was nonexistent, and when referrals were made to different groups, you had to wait a week or two for the referral to come in the mail. In fact, when a test was ordered for the next day, I was told I would have to wait for the referral to be mailed. Only after going to the office and demanding service did I receive the referral.
Refills of prescriptions were another problem altogether. My husband had to go to the doctor’s office to get a written prescription after waiting more than a week for the office to respond to the pharmacy’s repeated calls. This was for a routine, daily blood pressure medication.
Whenever blood work or testing was ordered, we had to call numerous times to get results. Many times, it took days to get a call back. It’s fortunate that we have been able to find a very good doctor near our home who gives us medical care in an efficient and caring manner.
ELAINE KAM
HENDERSON
Assistant sheriff’s exit
To the editor:
Why doesn’t the Review-Journal give the full story when reporting on the retirement of Assistant Sheriff Ted Moody from the Metro Police Department. The paper has often reported on the overgenerous Nevada Public Employees’ Retirement System and how it’s taking us down the road to bankruptcy, just like the city of Detroit. But all that was mentioned in the paper was that Mr. Moody announced his retirement.
Why hasn’t the Review-Journal noted Mr. Moody’s retirement pay and benefits? We, the taxpayers, will support Mr. Moody and his family on our dime for the rest of his life, so why not let us know exactly how much money he will receive each year in pension and retirement benefits, courtesy of the taxpayers?
Report the full story. These public employee pensions are out of control, and you know it.
BRAD EVANS
LAS VEGAS
Spare Onion’s life
To the editor:
I have been a lover and protector of God’s animals for most of my life, adopting many that came from sad conditions. Like so many others, I am begging the Nevada Supreme Court to show mercy and spare the life of Onion the dog.
I am a fan and ardent member of the humane society, and to my knowledge, this powerful organization has not offered a passionate plea to save this dog’s life. If I am in error, please accept my apology.
I should not have to remind the court of the countless contributions dogs have made in service to this country, with military and police operations, with the blind, and in helping very sick children (some terminal) by providing comfort and love, which can’t be provided by any medications or procedures.
I commend the Review-Journal for running letters in support of saving Onion.
ROB MILLER
HENDERSON
Zimmerman trial
To the editor:
The George Zimmerman trial is over. Black America accepts the verdict. However, it is too early for revisionist history.
Remember, without protest, there would have been no trial, no verdict and no public discussion of the current state of equitable civil rights for black Americans.
After providing the country with 300 years of free labor, black Americans were rewarded with Jim Crow laws. After being granted the vote, blacks were faced with hoses, dogs and murder. Today, blacks are faced with murder while walking.
Rights freely granted to some are withheld from many — blacks, immigrants, the gay-lesbian community and others.
Those Americans who point fingers — at Rev. Al Sharpton, the media and protesters — discount history. To those finger-pointers, I would offer a nice cup of tea. Remember, protesting a tax on tea is how the country moved from protest to our great Constitution.
REGINALD ENGLAND
HENDERSON