Take a chance on viewing movie
I am writing today to submit a recommendation to our general populace regarding a recently released movie on HBO (it is expected to be released on DVD in May). The movie is "Taking Chance" starring Kevin Bacon.
This non-political, non-violent, non-gruesome movie is a true story about the journey home of a private first class (Chance Phelps, who died in combat) as experienced by a senior marine officer who volunteered to escort him home. It is a very sad yet factual portrayal of how the remains of our fallen soldiers are treated with delicate respect and honor by our military at every step of the way home. It is profoundly symbolic of the tradition that our military has established over centuries.
The movie is very simple, with no razzmatazz of Hollywood, but it touches the hearts of viewers at many different levels. It also shows that, despite what we are showered with on a daily basis by media, Americans have very deep unwavering feelings about our soldiers. That Americans, in general, try to do whatever we can in any way, shape or form to support and appreciate our troops deployed overseas and to honor those who have fallen.
Anyone can Google "Taking Chance Trailer" and find information about this movie on HBO or YouTube prior to actually viewing it.
I will go a step further and recommend that this movie to be shown in our elementary, middle and high schools (as an optional viewing) so that our next generation can experience the sacrifices of our brave men and women deployed overseas. My 7-year-old and 5-year-old sons watched this movie with us with rapt attention so I can vouch for the fact that it contains no violence or other adult situations (except for one instance of a four-letter word).
Thank you and God bless our troops.
RAJAT JAIN
Gardnerville
Chancellor's attack on governor over the top
Assembly Speaker Buckley (Nevada Appeal, Feb. 23) has reminded us that the stimulus package is a one-shot event. Therefore we need to address the current financial crisis in that light.
One huge cost for Nevada is education. Several years ago we naively thought that former Gov. Guinn had resolved the education situation, but alas it is back again, a seemingly unsatisfied bottomless pit. Not solved it will reoccur. Many do not expect real estate to reach a bottom until 2010.
I have read Jim Rogers' resume and honestly was very impressed. I have become disenchanted over his constant whining and complaining without proposing one cost-cutting idea. In response to the revelation that over 1,000 Nevada university system employees were making in excess of $100,000 per year, Jim responded that they were vice presidents and deans. A chancellor who wanted to address the problem would look at least at the two obvious questions: (1) Are so many deans and vice presidents needed?; and (2) Are they worth 100-plus grand per year?
Rogers has repeatedly shown that he has no discernible interest in cost-cutting. His op-ed (Nevada Appeal, Feb. 22) was so full of venom and vile that it is apparent that in his disagreement with the governor's proposed budget that he has gone "over the top" and become fixated with personal attacks.
To resolve this crisis, I would hope that Rogers tenders his resignation immediately. It is apparent even to people who honestly disagree with the governor that Rogers is not predisposed to be part of any meaningful solution. He should be replaced with a person who is a capable administrator, dedicated to problem solving, willing to make tough decisions and able to have meaningful discourse without name calling.
I believe Rogers is so vain he will not resign, therefore I call upon the regents to convene an emergency session to fire him and begin the urgent replacement process. I would strongly encourage the regents to consider and encourage the use of technology to provide lower cost education without sacrificing the quality.
SAM BATDORF
Gardnerville
DMV clarifies situation on gender determination
Mr. Frenchu's letter in the March 3 edition of the Nevada Appeal regarding Assembly Bill 184 misrepresented the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles' role in determining gender should the bill become law.
If the bill becomes law, the DMV would not be deciding the gender of an applicant.
The bill would amend Nevada Revised Statute 483.290 as it pertains to the application of an instruction permit or driver's license and allow an applicant to "indicate on his application the sex which corresponds to the applicant's gender-related identity, appearance, expression or behavior, regardless of the applicant's assigned sex at birth. The Department shall accept the sex indicated by the applicant on his application."
In plain speak, the DMV would have to accept whatever gender an applicant checks on an application, regardless of what gender might be on the applicant's birth certificate or other documents.
Because gender is an identifier and because applicants are required to establish their identity when applying for an instruction permit or driver's license, the department does not support AB 184.
TOM JACOBS
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Carson City