Letters to the editor Dec. 29

Paslov and Ayres

crossing the line

In his Dec. 17 opinion piece, Eugene Paslov asks for thoughtful political discourse. I'd like to challenge him to follow his own advice. He defends Janice Ayres from a rebuttal article by Rep. Mark Amodei. Mrs. Ayres attacked Rep. Amodei using misstatements and fallacious arguments. He owes it to his constituents to set the record straight.

I am also proud of Mrs. Ayres. Her long-standing work on behalf of seniors in this community is well known and to be respected. That said, she crossed the line, and has several times, in her recent articles. Dr. Paslov asks for factual information. He should hold all sides of our current debate to the same standard.

As to discourse, that generally requires an open mind and listening ears. Words like "sarcastic" and "know-nothing" don't further any sort of dialogue, but do allow Dr. Paslov to get up on his high horse and decry anyone who doesn't parrot his particular ideology.

If you are a regular reader of the Nevada Appeal, you could get the idea that Dr. Paslov believes that all Republicans march in absolute lockstep with the likes of Rush Limbaugh. I can assure him that's not true. It is an error to paint with such a broad brush anyone who disagrees with him.

In a recent Gallup poll, 64 percent of those polled said that big government is the biggest threat to our nation. That is more than twice those who called out big business - 26 percent.

Cheryl Blomstrom

Carson City

Storey County Justice Court mourns loss

It is of deep sadness to learn that longtime deputy clerk of the Storey County Justice Court, Sue Forbes, passed away last Friday after a long and difficult battle with illness. Retiring from the Justice Court on Aug. 12, Sue had been a dedicated employee of the Justice Court for over 11 years. Though the majority of her service was with Judge Annette Daniels, Sue was instrumental in the transition to my appointment as justice of the peace. We have lost a friend and dedicated public servant. Our sincere condolences are offered to her husband, Dave, and family members.

Judge Jack McGuffey

Storey County Justice of the Peace