It’s simple: The government needs more money
To the editor:
Obviously politicians in this state cannot count. “Taxes” is not a four-letter word. Why are our elected officials so scared of the concept of raising taxes? Do they believe they may alienate voters? Wake up, we are already there.
A slight increase in the sales tax is not going to be as destructive to the economy as slashing income and laying off thousands of employees.
My property taxes have decreased by about 40 percent over the past few years. Raise them by 10 percent — the complaints will be short-lived. How about a 5 percent luxury tax on purchases of more than $1,000? Will consumers actually not buy that big-screen television because it is now $2,100 instead of $2,000, or a new car for $31,500 instead of $30,000?
The subject of a state lottery has been raised numerous times over the years, and let’s not cloud the issue. The only reason we do not have one is because the casino industry is opposed to it. How about if the only outlets for lottery tickets were located inside the casinos? Maybe they would be more open to the idea.
We need to start generating more funds, not decrease spending by lowering incomes and increasing the unemployment rolls.
Julie Simpson
Las Vegas
Local dynasty
To the editor:
The city of Chicago is near the end of a combined 43-year Daley family mayoral reign. If not for term limits and age, we could have a Goodman family dynasty in Las Vegas.
At age 72, when most people have retired and are enjoying life in their “golden years,” Carolyn Goodman, with no experience as an elected official at any level, wants to get engaged in the political arena and “start at the top” as mayor of Las Vegas. If indeed she were elected for the maximum three terms, she would be the grand old age of 84 when she left. Any other Goodman family members waiting in the wings?
Her candidacy does a great disservice to County Commissioners Larry Brown and Chris Giunchigliani, both of whom are more eminently qualified, with years of experience as elected officials in our local and state governments.
Where does Mrs. Goodman get her “on the job training”? Via pillow talk?
DANIEL S. MAXIME
LAS VEGAS
No danger
To the editor:
In response to the negative comments made in a Saturday letter by Maria A. Rabbio about Dr. Michael Kaplan:
To set the stage, I have a degree in microbiology, a degree in medicine and a degree in law. I do not set myself up as an expert in urological procedures, but as a practicing orthopedic surgeon for more than 30 years, I can offer some thoughts:
First, if a package states that an instrument is for “one-time use only,” it does not mean that what is inside is sterile. Perhaps that is the intent, but sterility can be compromised before the package is opened, perhaps at the point of manufacture, perhaps later. If the product is later sterilized by the user, then it is known to be sterile. This is what Dr. Kaplan is reported to have done, and admits to having done. So whether or not it was sterile the first time it was used is debatable. It was sterile in each subsequent use.
Second, Ms. Rabbio states that if something is exposed to body fluids it must be autoclaved before re-use. That would make every colonoscopy or gastroduodenoscopy require a new scope at a cost of several thousand dollars. These instruments are washed in Cidex, or an equivalent, and then re-used hundreds, if not thousands of times. To autoclave them would destroy them after a single use. These instruments are exposed to body fluids of all kinds, and biopsies are conducted through them, just like the needle guides that are the subject of the current investigation of Dr. Kaplan. Keep in mind that “single-use only” items generate a lot more money for the manufacturers than “reusable” items.
In short, her hypothesis is uninformed.
The current fear-mongering is driven by the history of the recent Dipak Desai episode and is unwarranted. There is no similarity between the cases. The State Board of Medical Examiners and the FDA will come to a reasonable conclusion in this matter. The important thing to take away from this is that there was no danger to any patient who had a prostate biopsy by Dr. Kaplan.
Richard DIx
Henderson
Good judge
To the editor:
In response to Steve Sebelius’ Sunday column on Las Vegas Municipal Judge George Assad as a “judicial tyrant”:
Mr. Sebelius’ piece was as contemptuous and downright bogus as any commentary I’ve ever read. Mr. Sebelius takes one incident and attempts to undermine and smear a really good judge. I find it exceedingly ironic that all law enforcement supports the judge, while 69 percent of lawyers in the Review-Journal survey do not. Hmm. Could it be law enforcement knows he’s tough on crime and isn’t intimidated in dealing with the criminal element harshly when needed?
I’ve seen Judge Assad adjudicate cases. He’s a judge who sums up the potential in dealing with crime — tough or lenient, depending on the case and individual.
The issue addressed by Mr. Sebelius, regarding the woman being incarcerated? Yes that was a doozy, but one mistake shouldn’t keep a good judge from the bench.
This city needs tough, fair judges to keep crime in check. Mr. Sebelius’ opinion is just that, an opinion. I strongly support the judge — and so should all voters who want a tough, fair adjudicator.
Michael Criswell
Las Vegas
