Letters to the editor

As Americans, we are grateful and fortunate to have so many senators, congressman and the president sign on to protecting our 2nd Amendment Rights as individual citizens.

NRA and U.S. lawmakers join D.C. v. Heller plaintiffs in filing briefs with U.S. Supreme Court: On Thursday, Feb. 7, NRA and the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund submitted an amicus curiae brief to the United States Supreme Court in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller. This "friend of the court" brief supports a lower federal appeals court decision holding that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms, and asserts that the D.C. bans on handguns, on carrying firearms within the home, and on possession of loaded or operable firearms for self-defense violate that fundamental right.

This list of signers was very long: 55 U.S. senators, 250 congressmen and the president.

Where was Harry Reid and John Ensign?

GENE CLEVELAND

Carson City

Reno school seeking alumni

As it approaches its golden anniversary, the treasured elementary school "on the hill" at 1601 Grandview Avenue known as Peavine Elementary School is ready for a celebration. Peavine first opened its doors to the community in 1958 and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary late this spring.

The Peavine Elementary School reunion and archival committee is planning a celebration for May 17 to mark the 50th anniversary. The celebration will be sponsored by the PTA and will include a carnival, entertainment, food by LeVechia, games, music and "a walk down memory lane."

As befitting of any 21st century celebration, the plans also include a commemorative yearbook.

Meanwhile, we are looking for you! Did you attend the school any time between 1958 and present day? Do you know someone who did? Were you a teacher? Do you have special memories to share? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, this celebration is for you and we would love to hear from you!

The planning committee is seeking memories and memorabilia of school life, from the building's opening in 1958 to the present.

We are looking for anything to borrow to turn back the clocks; newspaper articles, building plans, old photos, photos of sporting events, yearbooks, report cards, trophies, any kind of memorabilia. The plan is to create a memory lane for all of the alumni to enjoy.

Alumni Registration forms can be found on our Web site www.peavineschool.com under "Peavine 50th Anniversary."

If you would like further information, would like to help with celebration planning or if you have something to contribute, please send emails to www.peavine50th@sbcglobal.net or call 775-746-5840.

KATHLEEN WHITE

Reno

Inspired by judge's words

Inspiration often comes from the most unlikely of circumstances. I was completely taken by the eloquence of Judge Douglas Herndon's words during the sentencing hearing of Darren Mack. Though I only heard parts of it, his word rejuvenated my faith in the system; truly as I was listening I realized how very long it had been since such words of integrity and dedication to public service had graced my ears. He was often not speaking specifically of this case, rather in generalities that explained how he perceived his authority as a judge.

Judge Herndon talked for approximately an hour and touched on our founding fathers, a checks-and-balance system, the Bill of Rights, his duties as a judge, and enormous responsibility of serving all the people. He struggled with his emotions as he talked of the importance of caring about the future of the young child who is now left without a mother or a father after a heinous crime was committed over the dissolution of their marriage.

What came to mind is how much we take for granted in our country. And, how often that trust in the system is violated or abused. I really wish every person who is currently in office, entrusted with a responsibility to the community, running for office, or advising any of the above would take time to review the heartwarming words of Judge Douglas Herndon. You too, very likely will be inspired.

ANN BEDNARSKI

Carson City