Neither candidate has voted independently
J.T. Freshour (Letters, Sept. 14) admits confusion about [Gov.] Palin and suggests she "puts lipstick on her pit bull." Of course, that is just a fantasy of J.T.'s confusion.
Next, J.T. says, "McCain voted with Bush 95 percent of the time." According to Congressional Quarterly that is so. But, given that Congress is the only bunch of politicians who regularly rate lower in the polls than the president " often by 10 percent " maybe those politicians should vote more often with him.
In other statistics, CQ says Sen. Obama voted 96 percent and 97 percent with the Democratic Party in his two years in Congress. That doesn't seem to be very self-reliant or independent in thought. Also, it doesn't seem to suggest "unifier" characteristics as Obama parades himself.
But, you know, statistics don't tell the full story as Mark Twain often commented on when he quoted Disraeli with "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics. And Twain talked about the statistician who drowned in a lake with an average depth of six inches.
Finally, J.T. wants to know if his/her specialty of making "famous meatloaf" and of putting lipstick on his/her cat will help him/her be a good vice-president. I don't know, but I'll ask some lady friends if they can contribute some lipstick to him/her for personal use, or for the cat, and we'll find out.
REED ROBBINS
Carson City
Local Democrats missed an opportunity
This is an open letter to the Carson City Democratic Party. Boy did you drop the ball. The Republican Party vice presidential candidate showed up at your back door and what did you do? Nothing, nada, butkus. I was there demonstrating along with over 100 other Democrats, Independents and even Ron Paul Republicans. I saw three Carson City Democrats; they had blue T shirts on that said as much. I asked them where was the chairman of the local chapter and the lady said that she did not know, nor why they did not have any more people there with signs or even a tent with Obama signs or water for thirsty demonstrators. It was up to Lyon County Democrats to organize and offer liquid refreshment. There were other Democrats from as far away as Yerington, Fernley, Silver Springs, Gardenerville/Minden, Reno, Moundhouse and other parts of the state.
The Republicans who were near us were unhappy that we were there; that we were loud; that we were not intimidated by the rude gestures or remarks about our mothers/fathers nor the finger pointing and yelling into our faces.
I would like to commend the various security departments from the sheriffs department and the parks department. They controlled the few drunken Republican people who were yelling into the face of a 77-year- old woman for voicing her opinion. They stayed around us after the speech to make sure that the upset Republicans did not physically harm us on our way to our vehicles.
All in all it was a great day for the United States of America when the opposition can demonstrate against the ruling administration and make their voice heard. But Carson City Democrats must wake up and get with it or else the Democrats will be in opposition again.
PAUL J-M RUTT
Dayton
There's no need to fear pit bulls
Blood smeared amongst walls, carpets drenched in blood, a vast amount of dog fighting equipment, and eight dogs dead. This is the scene found in NFL superstar Michael Vick's home.
This is the beginning of a misconception about pit bulls. Pit bulls are well known for their strength, endurance, and power, but in the wrong owners' hands these characteristics can be transformed into a killing machine. Pit bulls go through interrogation, rigorous training, and dog fights to build the mentality only to kill. Sadly It is true that losing dogs, or dogs who refuse to fight, are often brutally killed after the fights. These animals are being hung, drowned, electrocuted, or shot. These dogs are not vicious by nature; they are bred and made that way by the people who raise them in cruel atmospheres. There is no excuse for this behavior.
The stereotyping needs to end. In a research study undergone by the American Temperament Testing Society, pit bulls passed with an 83.9 percent, proving to have a better temperament than beagles and golden retrievers. For centuries pit bulls have been children's playmates, a best friend and lifetime companion. If in a loving home with the right care, and guidance pit bulls will remain family pets.
From living in inhumane conditions to being rehabilitated and now finding the proper homes, Michael Vick's dogs are the proof that pit bulls are not cruel by nature and should not be stereotyped. I have had a pit bull now for four years and there has not been one dog that I have ever owned that has shown more affection and personality than her. People need to understand that pit bulls deserve to be given a second chance and to become accepted in society today.
BRITTANEY GORDON
Carson City