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LETTERS: Commission’s zoo decision outrageous

Commission power trip

I was both outraged and saddened by the Clark County Commission’s recent actions that closed the Roos-N-More zoo (“Commission rejects permit for Moapa zoo,” Aug. 6 Review Journal). Due to a lack of flush toilets and other code violations, Roos-N-More was shut down in 2014. None of the violations pertained to the care and condition of the animals. We can be certain that if the infringements were serious, they would be clearly enumerated.

I am infuriated that after the owners spent $300,000 in good faith to meet county codes, including restrooms, the commission had the audacity to deny the special-use permit without comment or explanation. Six commissioners voted against, and Commissioner Tom Collins voted for the permit. The commission was dishonest by inference that Roos-N-More could be reopened if Jay and Valerie Holt complied by installing flush toilets.

Other details are equally vexing. The exotic animals must go, but the domesticated pets and livestock can stay. Furthermore, the county staff recommended approval of the special-use permit, citing some preconditions that implied nothing major would be required. What is the purpose of the county staff if the commission is going to ignore its advice? Additionally, a prior inspection from the U.S. Department of Agriculture identified some areas of concern: flies, weeds, two dirty pens. News flash: animals poop, and poop attracts flies. That seems to be the extent of the zoo’s violations. Seriously.

The commission, however, continues to approve contracts with animal shelters that have questionable conditions despite public outcry. The closing of Roos-N-More is clearly an example of government overreach. The USDA is inspecting very small zoos and concerning itself with trivial infractions to justify its existence — at taxpayer expense, of course. The commission evidently has no legitimate basis for rejecting the special-use permit. Sadly, the commissioners have the power and have chosen to terminate a small 9-acre zoo because they can.

Jennifer Anderson

Henderson

Bible bashing

Regarding Henry Spalding’s letter, I am very glad that he is using his constitutional right to free speech (“Cherry-picking Bible,” Aug. 5 Review-Journal). However, I wish he had more insight and historical context before attempting to slam the people who believe in a “2,000-year-old-book.”

Exactly what does the significance of the age of the Bible have to do with its teachings? I suspect that Mr. Spalding is implying that the information contained therein is antiquated and no longer fit to instruct modern people, right? Well, if that’s what he meant, he’s wrong. It’s the same sarcasm and demeaning language used by many liberals today in order to somehow chastise conservatives into abandoning their principles and traditions.

In fact, Mr. Spalding is the one who is cherry-picking, selectively choosing excerpts of the Bible to try to support his argument. Considering that most Americans who call themselves Christians do not read the Bible, I am sure he may have convinced those who are not well-versed in scripture to believe that he has a point. I am not one of those people.

What part of the Bible is contradictory? I am also curious as to why Mr. Spalding took a shot at goat herders. It was and still is a noble job held by many people in the world today. What exactly does Mr. Spalding do for a living that is so glamorous? Or is he just hoping to ruffle some feathers here on this platform? He stated that the Bible lacks love. Did he miss the entire New Testament?

In case Mr. Spalding didn’t know, the laws of our land were based on that same book of fairy tales that he pokes fun at. Unlike millions of Americans, I am not complacent, and I am not afraid to speak up.

Jennifer Fawzy

Las Vegas

EPA failure

The Environmental Protection Agency’s major error that caused the suspended Gold King Mine in Colorado to spew more than 2 million gallons of toxic water into the Animas River is not something we can ignore. Yet hardly any of the news agencies here in Las Vegas seem to care much.

Wake up, people! These are chemicals that float on and in the water. The Animas River connects to Lake Powell, then flows into the Grand Canyon and into Lake Mead. Just so everyone remembers, Lake Mead is the main source of drinking water for our little city. These chemicals may eventually be in our tap water.

Right now, the EPA needs to spend every dime of its current budget to clean up and neutralize this man-made (government-caused) disaster. No extra money should go to the agency. Then the entire EPA needs to be re-evaluated, because it sure isn’t protecting the environment or the American people.

Paul L. Rodrigues

Las Vegas

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