Toughen up standards for college admission
To the editor:
In response to the Thursday story, “Fewer minorities enrolled at two Nevada universities”:
So what? A college education isn’t guaranteed to anyone. Enrollment is based upon achievement, merit, hard work and grades. Not inflated grades, but actual grades.
When the requirement is basically a “B” average (3.0), I’m afraid college admissions offices are going to see rampant grade inflation. The cure to this stupidity is to return to the original admissions requirements: SAT scores, an English writing and comprehension exam and a comprehensive math exam. That will definitely weed out the morons seeking admission to college.
In addition, “remedial” classes should be eliminated from the four-year collegiate curriculum and only be offered at the junior college level.
Mike Niederberger
LAS VEGAS
High costs
To the editor:
I’m amazed none of your readers are complaining about Nevada Power’s current rates. The price of electricity is out of hand.
My bill last month was $228.61. I’m a senior living alone, air conditioner set at 80 degrees. The unit is about a year and a half old and is energy efficient.
My home is a single story and I’m not leaving unnecessary lighting on when it is not needed. Nor do I excessively use electric appliances. Being on a fixed income, I’m forced to be frugal.
It is no wonder the foreclosure rate is so high here. How can people afford to air condition a two-story home, plus maintain and run a swimming pool? Yet no one is saying anything. Has everyone become numb to what is going on in Las Vegas?
B. CHRISTIE
LAS VEGAS
Hillary defender
To the editor:
In response to the Wednesday letter (“Inconvenient question”) from J.J. Schrader on Hillary Clinton:
Obviously Mr. Schrader prefers unleashing personal insults rather than ascertaining information and then forming thoughtful opinions. To correct Mr. Schrader’s statement that Sen. Clinton “berated” the questioner from the National Association of Black Journalists who asked why she favored socialized medicine, the Review-Journal story reported that Sen. Clinton stated she would have to “take a little more time with that” — and further, “I have never advocated socialized medicine.”
Sen. Clinton went on to talk about Medicare and the problems of America’s millions of uninsured and urged the questioner to talk with her staff. It was only at the end of her discussion with the questioner that the comments about giving him information were made — the very comments that Mr. Schrader seems to find so objectionable.
It appears from the tone of the letter that no matter what Hillary Clinton said to anyone or any group, Mr. Schrader would be annoyed. However, the journalists in the room knew that once again someone was trying to stick the “socialized medicine” label on a much-needed and wanted universal health care plan, and they weren’t having any of it.
Therefore, they applauded Sen. Clinton’s response offering information to the questioner.
Finally, in opposition to Mr. Schrader’s statement that “Sen. Clinton obviously does not want the public to know where she really stands,” I urge everyone to go to hillaryclinton.com to get correct and up-to-date information on Sen. Clinton’s positions on health care, as well as on many other issues.
And I urge Mr. Schrader to learn the difference between universal health care’s single-payer system and so-called socialized medicine, as well as the difference between actually keeping an open mind and listening to ideas rather than simply having your mind fixated on a negative.
Dorothy Ames
NORTH LAS VEGAS
High negatives
To the editor:
As Karl Rove sails into the sunset, it is interesting to consider whether he has had a hand in the ascendancy of Hillary Clinton.
While I concede that it’s a reach to conclude that Mr. Rove has tried to affect the Democrats’ selection process, you have to admit that having Sen. Clinton as the Democratic standard bearer is just so “Rovian.” Most probably, Mr. Rove, upon seeing Hillary reach for the ring while her substantial negatives continue to rise, concluded that “my work here is done.”
Mr. Rove will most likely thoroughly enjoy his retirement.
RUSSELL TORNEBY
LAS VEGAS
Land use
To the editor:
Regarding the proposed development of the Las Vegas Wash/Tule Springs Preserve area, why does every single square inch of the valley need to be developed?
Take a look around Las Vegas. Do we really need more homes and businesses built? How many vacant strip malls did you pass on the way home today?
Here is a novel idea: Let’s set aside land in the Las Vegas Valley for the citizens to use.
Jay Petrick
LAS VEGAS
