Letters to the Editor 7/09

O'Reilly and Reagan not so good with morning coffee

As a faithful reader of the Nevada Appeal, I wish to voice my opinion about a couple of your recently added editorialists.

While I may have some differences of opinion, I read and respect the articles written by Chuck Muth, Gene Paslov, Guy Farmer and other local entities. However, I object strongly to having to share my morning coffee with Bill O'Reilly or Michael Reagan with their far right views. They do not belong in our hometown newspaper.

Marian Woessner

Carson City

Openness not a reason to criticize president

Come on Farmer, cut the crap. I always love the little disclaimer in your column: "I'm a registered Democrat and voted for Obama." Now you want to criticize a president for openness?

After eight years of secrecy, deceptions and outright lies, you are upset that this president has already had more news conferences in four months than Bush had in eight years?

I, for one, am comforted when I turn on CNN and hear our president clearly outlining and explaining his actions and purposes. Answering questions - lucidly, thoughtfully, and from the hip, with rarely a gaff. When he makes a mistake, he never hesitates to say, "I screwed up." Is the fact that the press responds well to someone who will actually talk to them, what you find unconscionable?

I think your column is misplaced and should appear directly below that of that bellicose blowhard Bill O'Reilly, as adjunct and postscript. Is Fox where you get your "straight news" from which you draw your unbiased conclusions?

An Independence Day postscript: I flew my flag this year because for the first time in nearly a decade, I am proud of the way this country is going. You should be, too. Shame on you for your nit-picking.

Patrick McGuire

Carson City

Flag a powerful symbol of justice, freedom and unity

Our flag symbolizes freedom, justice and the unity of a vast and diverse nation. The meaning embedded in each star and stripe is so profound that it inspired John McCain and his fellow soldiers to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day in their dark jail cells thousands of miles away from home, despite being tortured for doing so.

After learning this in my government class at Carson High several years ago, I asked my teacher and the principal why we weren't saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Neither of them knew but were supportive of my effort to reinstate it. We quickly ordered new American flags for every classroom, and I led the entire school in the pledge every morning over the PA system each day.

My quick question and small gesture ended up affecting the lives of many; in fact, the students at Carson High are still saying the Pledge of Allegiance today. I firmly believe that saying the pledge provides us the opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices made on our behalf by those before us, and serves as a reminder that no matter what our walks of life, we are all part of the same great team: The USA.

In the spirit of this Fourth of July, let our national symbol of justice, freedom and unity inspire all of us to realize the "power of one" and do something special to make our communities stronger and to continue working toward a more just and free country for generations to come.

Ryan Costella

Carson City

Hey Harry, how about taking the lead on this?

With this high unemployment, state workers having to take an unpaid day off, companies laying employees off and more to be laid off, do you suppose the congressmen in Washington, D.C., will stand up and volunteer to reduce their salaries and perks by 10 percent?

More than likely, they will give themselves a cost-of-living increase because of the price of goods going up.

OK Harry, how about you leading the way, since you are majority leader.

Bill Beil

Carson City

Home means Nevada

I am just throwing this idea out. Maybe since California is more broke than Nevada is, it might be time to talk to the citizens of El Dorado and Placer counties and bring them into Nevada. Just a thought.

Rob Cobb Jr.

Carson City