Letters to the editor June 5

Recent graduates lack basic smarts

"Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?"

That's the title of a daytime TV show that I occasionally watch. I retired from auto part sales two months past my 78th birthday. This leisure time has given me more time to watch TV these last 16 months than in the previous 16 years.

"Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?" has been illuminating as to the product of our higher education system.

Several exemplary contestants on the show included recent college graduates. Some were modern-day school teachers. These paragons scored no better than housewives and laborers. They would listen to the question given by the moderator. They then had the option of using the show's grade five help. They could agree or disagree with the kids.

Watching this show, I reached the conclusion that most of these brilliant college grads may have expertise in a given discipline, but they are definitely not smarter than a fifth grader. Nearly all these adult, educated contestants lacked common knowledge about the world we live in.

Typical questions missed were, "What European country is Berlin in?" "What was the time frame of WWII (multiple choice)?" "Who was the only ex-American general elected to the presidency after WWII?"

These are but a few of the questions that our higher education examples couldn't answer on this show.

If wonder if these graduates hadn't been recently sluffing class in order to protest in Wisconsin and Carson City for more protection money from the taxpayers?

Tom Jefferson

Elko

Many legislators had past runs in state government

I was surprised to read a misleading statement in Tyrus W. Cobb's column of May 26, "Government pay systems mystify long-time servant."

"In the past," Cobb asserted, "we adhered to a strict separation of powers, and if one worked in state and local governments, you were not able to cross over and also serve in the legislative bodies." He noted as his authority Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist Vin Suprynowicz.

Citing Nevada attorneys-general opinions, Suprynowicz argued in his May 15 column that the separation of powers issues essentially dates back to the 1950s and 1960s.

In my capacity as state archivist some eights years ago, when Brian Sandoval served as attorney general, there was much debate on the complex issue. I was asked to research the occupations of legislators and found a significant number had jobs in state and local governments beginning in the early 20th century.

For example, Tonopah public school teacher Ruth Averill (R), the second woman elected to the Legislature in state history, represented Nye County in the 1921 Assembly. Averill chaired two committees.

After the 1939 session, Gov. Carville (D) appointed Harry E. (Hap) Hazard (D), Clark County assemblyman, as a state agency administrator. Hazard did not resign his seat, although he did not run for re-election.

Most unusual, was Assemblyman William B. Byrne (D, 1952-58), elected Henderson's mayor in May 1957 by nine votes. He served in the 1958 special session.

There are more examples, but I can't exceed 250 words.

Guy Louis Rocha

Former Nevada State Archivist

Time has come for new candidates to enter race

It's time for new candidates to get into the mix. Bravo, Mr. Beil.

Finally, someone has come forward and has told these lovely ladies how the public feels - at least most of us. We thank them for wanting to serve our country, but no thanks.

Audrey Sowers

Carson City