Republicans set up to be big losers in November

In November we can expect to see some fundamental changes to our political landscape. The Republicans will lose control of the House and Senate and will lose the race for the presidency. The next thing to fall will be the U.S. Supreme Court.

A few days ago Donald Trump told us that if he doesn’t get the Republican nomination millions of voters will not cast a ballot in November. I believe this to be true. Lately, I have run across a few Trump supporters who are rabid in their support for him to the extent that it is Mr. Trump or nobody. They say he is the only one who can get rid of ISIS, put America back to work, secure our borders and win, win, win.

Maybe one day he will come up with an actual plan to do all of this.

Mr. Trump has raised some issues that need to be addressed, and I commend him for that. But there are some things about him that make me sick. His ego and the juvenile attacks on political opponents for example.

If he is the nominee I will vote for him over Hillary Clinton, even though I think he would lose in a big way. If he doesn’t get the nomination his disciples will stay home resulting in a win for Ms. Clinton and a boost to his ego that will be huge!

Bill Dirkse

Las Vegas

Massive waste

The large artificial lagoon planned as an attraction for Steve Wynn’s Strip properties is a great example of senseless wasting of “our” water. Nevadans are coping with a serious water shortage yet this lagoon in the desert is being planned? For luxury indulgence and amusement? Unbelievable.

Mr. Wynn’s lagoon will use as much water every day as a golf course, according to the out-of-state project planners. That’s a massive amount of water every day. Some local golf courses have closed due to sky-high watering costs.

Consider also that the Las Vegas Valley Water District is so concerned with water usage that it restricts residential watering for yards and even sends out its “water patrol” to monitor residences for water waste and watering when it’s not allowed.

The water shortage in Nevada is serious. Residents are expected to comply with restrictions and curb water consumption, while Mr. Wynn’s lagoon (which will no doubt be approved) is fated to become the “poster child” of senseless water use in Nevada.

Mannetta Braunstein

Las Vegas

Don’t eat your meat

The 47th annual observance of Earth Day was Friday, so this is a great time to explore more effective ways of slowing climate change and conserving the Earth’s natural resources for future generations.

A 2010 U.N. report charged animal agriculture with 19 percent of man-made greenhouse gases — more than all transport — and recommended a global shift to a vegan diet. A subsequent World Watch study placed that contribution closer to 50 percent.

Meat and dairy production also dump more water pollutants than all other human activities combined. It is the driving force in global deforestation and wildlife habitat destruction.

Last fall, England’s prestigious Chatham House declared that reducing meat consumption is critical to achieving global climate goals. A report from Oxford University found that global adoption of a vegan diet would reduce greenhouse emissions by two-thirds. The 2015 U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee has recommended reduced meat consumption and an environmentally sustainable diet.

Just as we replace fossil fuels with sustainable energy sources such as wind and solar, we must replace animal foods with more sustainable vegetables, fruits and grains. Being mindful of this can help us make better choices at the supermarket.

Lloyd Voight

Fallon