Letters to the editor Aug. 18

Paslov demonizes Glenn Beck with lies, smears

The Shirley Sherrod episode does indeed present opportunity for all of us to learn some badly needed lessons. Chief among them are tenets taught to freshmen journalism students - check the facts, get the whole story, context is key. That last one requires more literary skill, patience and nuance than most people possess these days, but it is key.

Too bad Mr. Paslov could not resist falling into the same trap as most of the players in this morality tale. He went to great lengths in singling out Glenn Beck as principal villain in the Sherrod story. In so doing, he ignored everything listed above, plus he engaged in the politics of personal destruction. Don't like what Glenn Beck says? Then demonize him regardless of the truth of his message.

Mr. Paslov, what lies did Glenn Beck tell? Call him on the red phone and tell us all. Beck stated on air that he thought there was more to this story, that we should not rush to judge Ms. Sherrod, and that this story just didn't sound right. Now I heard that with my own ears, but you don't have to trust me.

Your hatred of Glenn Beck and your fear of right-wing ideology resulted in the complete abandonment of truth just to gild the lily in a silly finger-wagging article. But why let things like facts get in the way of a good rant, right?

Roger Kirkland

Carson City

Synchronize the lights on Stewart, Carson streets

The new Stewart Street extension, northward beyond William and John streets, is a nice piece of design and construction, and it is proving to be quite useful - especially while Roop Street is temporarily closed. With drivers now acclimating to that new route, an additional refinement along the lengthy four-lane part between William and South Carson streets would complete the package. 

Currently, signal lights at the Washington, Robinson, Musser, and Fifth street intersections on that segment of Stewart Street are not synchronized with each other. Instead, they seem to operate "on demand" in favor of the cross traffic.  

If the parallel signal systems on Carson and Stewart streets were to be co-synchronized, for both east-west and north-south travel, the overall usefulness of Stewart Street as an alternative route would be significantly enhanced. And the current frustration for travelers on that north-south throughway would be considerably reduced.

Steve VanDenburgh

Carson City

Gold collection should remain where it is

Steve Neighbors, president of the Carson Nugget, is going to regret selling the world's rarest gold collection at the Carson Nugget.

Richard Graves sold the Carson Nugget to the Adams family in 1957. Graves included the gold collection in the sale - a decision he later regretted.

The people of Nevada and other states want to see the rare gold. The world wants to see the gold at the Carson Nugget. Guy Rocha and I do not see eye to eye on this.

Let the people continue to view the gold which has been on display in the casino for more than 50 years.

Shane C. Bostwick

Carson City

State benefits cuts will force doctors out of state

After reading the article on Aug. 8 regarding the changes in our health benefits, I am extremely angry with the Public Employees' Benefits Program board's decisions. Nevada is already facing rising unemployment and home foreclosures, yet they still chose to reduce our benefits, taking away dental and vision coverage as well as co-pays and co-insurance.

Are they serious? We cannot simply pluck money off of a tree. With what we have already been paying into our health care system, I would like to know exactly where our money is going.

Despite our dire budget problem, these latest decisions by the board will only result in forcing our Nevada doctors and dentists to move out of state where they can afford to work or live, thereby causing even more lost revenue to our state. Furthermore, our state workers could be forced to apply for private insurance or flat out avoid going to a doctor or dentist.

I contacted the PEBP's operations officer to share my feelings about our health benefits. Unfortunately, it was to no avail as she and the board failed to understand my point of view. So, now I have lost complete confidence in the health care system. Our health benefits are nothing more than a joke.

Well, I hope that the board and our soon-to-be-ex governor are sleeping comfortably at night, living in their mansions and driving luxury cars while our state workers continue to struggle to make ends meet.

Joshua Dealy

Carson City