Letters to the Editor 4/9

Carson's exciting alternative to prime time television viewing

Finally, an alternative to watching the ongoing drama of prime time TV. Now we can tune in to Channel 26 and watch the ongoing drama at the school board meetings.

The March 24 episode was especially good. We are hearing "raw emotion," as one commenter stated. She got that right. In fact, I think there was more emotion than reason through much of the meeting.

Personally, I don't care whether or not Fremont goes to a traditional schedule. If, indeed, the students at Fremont do receive a superior education (as year-round supporters advocate), I attribute it to the excellent teachers there, not solely to the alternative schedule.

I do take exception, however, to the comment expressed by one supporter that the school does "not care about kids." Even though the board members do not always agree, they share one thing in common. Every one of them, without exception, cares deeply about the students in this district " all of the students in this district. If you do not know that, you do not know the board members well enough.

The board heard you. The district administrators heard you. (I think even the people in Silver Springs heard you Tuesday night.) We've all heard you " many times. Now stop sniveling and let the board and the district do the job that all of us in Carson City elected/hired them to do.

MARGO LEATHAM

Carson City

General aviation doesn't deserve the negative rap

I am part of the more than 1.2 million hard-working Americans who earn their living in general aviation. I am very disturbed that our industry is being so negatively targeted by Congress and the press.

The corporate aircraft is not a luxury; it is an economically efficient business tool and an essential part of this country's economy. I need to acquaint your readers with some facts.

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association estimates that more than one million people are employed manufacturing, maintaining, flying and managing business aircraft.

General aviation contributes more that $150 billion to the nation's annual economic output. Union and non-union workers for the most part make the aircraft and their systems here in the United States.

In 2007 about half the business jets delivered by American manufacturers went to foreign buyers that paid more than $3 billion for them.

With as few as 70 hub airports, and limited commercial airline service, the company aircraft is essential for getting employees from one city to another with little to no delay, therefore saving valuable time and money.

The majority of business aircraft owners are the small- and medium-sized businesses. The people and businesses in the general aviation community are weathering one of the worst economic storms anyone has ever seen. These workers include schedulers, dispatchers, maintenance technicians, pilots, trained professionals, insurers and many other disciplines - all good jobs, performed by good people.

Visit the Web sites gama.com and nbaa.org for information about the valuable contribution that general aviation makes to our economy and national well being.

FRED FITTS,

president Corporate Aircraft Association Inc.

Carson City

Out-of-towner says church funding OK

I just read a news report about threatened litigation against Carson City for contributing to the preservation of the First Presbyterian Church and its beautification.

My understanding is that the city's last monetary contribution was made as a donation to a new structure to dissuade the congregation from demolishing its original property, which is a landmark in the community. I applaud communities that support and preserve their historical landmarks, whatever their religious association.

Apparently this particular landmark shares both a literary and Christian association. When I am able to travel abroad, the wealth and scope of other nations' architectural treasures with religious associations illustrate the cultural history of their people. I'm not comparing a little church in Carson to the Hagia Sophia, but this is "our" history reflecting "our" founding culture, and I cherish it in kind.

I am all for the separation of church and state, and guarding the sanctity of this critical constitutional component. But let's temper our zealotry with reason and respect for the landmarks in our community, whatever their affiliation.

Just as we must protect the continued separation of church and state, we must protect our communities from unreasonable and costly lawsuits promoted by short-sighted people and sometimes overreaching organizations.

AMY ARNOLD

Chicago