Time to put students first in education debate
To the editor:
Thank you, Jerry Sturdivant, for your April 17 letter to the editor. I agree that we must put students first in all decisions relative to schools. We cannot, however, pass the responsibility off on the governor nor can we tolerate “maintenance” of the system.
The system is not working. Our drop-out rate and our reading and math scores demonstrate that fact. We must move to establish a new environment that leads to a culture of success. That requires the governor and Legislature — along with each and every one of our education institutions — to take responsibility and leadership on this issue.
Taxes are not the answer by themselves. In the past 50 years Nevada has tripled spending per student while results have stagnated. Throwing money at the issue has not worked nor will it work. We must fix the system first then look to the added investments needed.
Assembly Bill 555 will begin the process while requiring no added spending. The bill puts students first, ahead of adults, while attempting to provide the framework for excellence that will deliver results that will make Nevada a better place for all of us.
Now is the time to move Nevada forward; now is the time to support putting students first.
Gary Doyle
Las Vegas
Federal intrusion
To the editor:
In response to the recent federal crackdown on Internet poker sites:
This appears to be another example of our government’s intrusion on our freedoms. They state that it is illegal to play poker online but say it would be OK if it was sanctioned by “Congress or the Department of Justice.” The implication of that “sanction” is reminiscent of Third World dictators. They don’t say why it is illegal — they only imply that the government doesn’t like it and therefore it is not allowed.
It’s not like someone is forcing the poker players to participate. That participation is done with each individual’s own free will. Whether you like the idea of playing poker or not is not the question. The true question: Why is the government concerned about this matter at all?
This government intrusion indicates that the “freedom chippers” are still alive and well.
Jim Andreas
Las Vegas
Too much
To the editor:
I was seething with anger while reading last week about the ungodly amount of wealth Kirk Kerkorian has accumulated during his lifetime.
Our government should have put a stop to this a long time ago, and imposed some kind of confiscatory tax upon this man. Just think what our highly efficient government could have done with all these billions, rather than letting Mr. Kerkorian distribute his money through his foundations.
I know he created thousands of jobs, but none of his poor employees earned a fraction of the money he paid himself.
I hope we have learned our lesson, and pray that our wise representatives in Washington put a stop to such an abomination ever happening again by putting in place a tax code that would nip in the bud the likes of a Mr. Kerkorian ever rising to the top again.
I do hope my sarcasm is shining through.
Jerry Sennes
Las Vegas
Financial trouble
To the editor:
Robert Samuelson writes that government is suicidal because it has spawned expectations that it cannot meet. He is spot on (“Big Government on the brink of collapse,” Monday Review-Journal).
We are in deep financial trouble, and Washington refuses to address the problem because every special interest dependent on government programs squeals when asked to sacrifice. But the pain will be much greater if the can is kicked farther down the road. It’s time to get serious about reforming entitlements, adjusting taxes and cutting subsidies for uneconomic programs.
The place to start has to be means testing for Social Security and Medicare benefits. And avoiding a meltdown will require current high-income beneficiaries to take the hit, not just future retirees.
Some tax hikes will be needed, such as higher income taxes for the athletes, CEOs, etc. with million-dollar paychecks. The billions in subsidies for uneconomical ethanol, green energy and high-speed rail programs must be stopped. Also on the agenda should be real savings such as outlawing tobacco to save the hundreds of billions of health-care dollars spent to treat illnesses caused by smoking.
This is about the country’s future, not about the next election. It will require leadership and a serious problem-solving approach. There will be some pain, but a common sense approach should allow us to get through this without anyone being seriously hurt.
Tom Keller
Henderson