Reid’s son may actually do a good job

Although I could not be further from the political positions of Sen. Harry Reid, it should be stated for objectivity that the concerns being voiced about his son’s hire as Henderson city attorney were also voiced when one of his other sons, Leif, landed a position with the U.S. attorney’s office several years ago.

As an active FBI agent at that time, I had several cases with him.

I can honestly say he was one of the hardest working assistant U.S. attorneys I’d ever worked with. Almost always ate lunch at his desk while working, very thorough and dedicated to excellence.

If Josh Reid has half the work ethic of his brother, Leif, the citizens of Henderson will more than get their money’s worth.

CHARLES SANDEFUR

LAS VEGAS

Helpful work

To the editor:

The attack on Dr. Larry Lehrner, Rep. Shelley Berkley’s husband, by Mike Slanker, campaign adviser for Sen. Dean Heller, is a sad example of poor understanding of economics. I hope Sen. Heller gets better advice than this.

Dr. Lehrner is a very bright guy. I’ve known him for 20 years, and he understands investments at a high level. He and partners are rehabbing houses and reselling them. For some reason, this is evil in Mr. Slanker’s mind.

The criticism reminds me of the response of France on the short selling of their bonds. The blame is foisted on the guy who recognizes the drop in value and not on the morons who caused the loss in value.

What these guys are doing is actually helpful. It clears the market of houses and helps the neighborhoods in which they are located. It not only is legal, but it is beneficial.

Sen. Heller is a superior candidate, and he does not need silly criticism of his opponent’s spouse.

There are indeed many in Congress who are corrupt in the markets. We recently learned of many trading on inside information. The surprise is not that they are doing it, but that it is legal, another perk of being elected to the royalty, I suppose. These and other kinds of misbehavior I would applaud exposing. But pointing a finger at those in a completely legitimate enterprise is unhelpful and confuses the issues we should be considering.

According to Hank Paulson, former treasury secretary, when he intervenes in (i.e. uses the government to control) the markets he is "doing God’s work."

I doubt Dr. Lehrner would make that claim, but what he is doing does not deserve criticism.

MICHAEL CLIFFORD

LAS VEGAS

Gutsy series

To the editor:

I just want a minute to tell you that your five-part series "Deadly Force" is a brilliant example of journalism at its finest. Gutsy, timely, honest and hard-hitting — it’s the stuff Pulitzer Prizes are made of. Riveting and brutally honest, it’s one of the best, if not the best, series I have ever read.

ALLAN L. MENKIN

LAS VEGAS

Shoots to protect

To the editor:

I pray no police officer gets killed because he hesitates to shoot thanks to your series, "Deadly Force." I further hope that the life the officer was protecting isn’t one of your loved ones.

DONALD J. HARAND

LAS VEGAS

Print fan

To the editor:

Congratulations on your first-class series "Deadly Force." Your paper deserves awards and an increase in subscriptions. I hope you last in print a very long time.

ALGIS LESKYS

HENDERSON