What about a hybrid approach to wild horses?
No doubt the ecosystem that supports wild horses is complex and fragile with stakeholders who want to protect other indigenous wild life, stakeholders who own infringed cattle lands, and stakeholders who care about the health and well-being of the wild horses.
Madeleine Pickens makes a compelling proposal for a wild horse sanctuary (partially bankrolled by her fortune), but the business case for the sanctuary relies too heavily on public funds. How about a hybrid approach? A non-profit national park and wild horse trust that allows licensed private interests to promote for-profit tours?
What if there were promoted wild horse photo tours where tourists are brought in via jeeps for tours of protected landscape and indigenous wild life? A similar concept to reference is South Africa's safaris, which are a major financial contributor to that nation's economy. Throw in some "glamping" (that's "glamour camping" with five-star tent accommodations and award-winning chefs at a camping site) and you've got a tour package worth thousands per tourist.
Ecotourism has become the latest marketable and profitable trend for drawing tourists to vacation locations. Wild horse photo tours could be an eco-friendly and profitable add-on to the other recreational and casino-oriented tourism that draws tourists worldwide to spend their hard-earned dollars in our wonderful state of Nevada.
A hybrid approach allows us to protect the wild horses, while the wild horses in turn contribute to supporting Nevada jobs and people.
KAREN HOFFMAN
Carson City
Fremont school not elite, but ideal facility
In 1964, I attended Fremont Elementary School as a kindergartner. Years later I found myself at the Fifth Street school again, as a parent. My children are now grown and out of school but I have been listening closely to the discussions regarding our budget shortfall.
Fremont went multi- track, year-round to meet the needs of the Carson City School District during the '70s. After other schools were built, the decision was made to go single track because the year-round schedule was so successful and the track system was no longer needed. The school became a "choice" for parents because of the alternative schedule and the lack of a large walking zone. During our years with kids at Fremont, we heard many comments from critics about our school. The term "elite" has been used to describe the school. I find the term "ideal" to be more accurately descriptive.
With intentional choice of schedule, we parents were very involved in our children's education. Research and teachers know this led to student success. The year-round schedule was wonderful because of the seamless education it offered without huge down times. Together, this created an "ideal" situation for producing great students.
Nearly 10 years ago, Fremont became a zoned school. Many parents initially forced to go on this schedule had questions and complaints. After time with the schedule, parents have since voted and been assured that they would be able to keep the schedule. It works for the kids of a now very diverse student population, and it works for families.
The potential savings realized by changing to a traditional schedule seems negligible and perhaps driven by issues other than the needs of students. Changing could possibly increase the costs of the early childhood program that is also on a year-round schedule. I don't believe that closing an elementary school or changing a calendar is what makes the most sense for our children and therefore not for our budget. With so many external pressures existing in their world, it is our responsibility to make their education safe and fruitful.
RUTH GORDON
Carson City
President Obama: Either put up or shut up
An open letter to President Obama:
In your inaugural speech, you stated that, with the help of God, America would succeed against all her enemies.
If you expect God to help America, you are going to have to contradict your own mindset on abortion and quit paying Planned Parenthood and its cohorts to kill the unborn. Protect the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman and not allow the homosexual community to destroy it or endanger those in the armed services with same, since it also displeases God, who made that clear by destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, a bit of history we've ignored.
Protect freedom of religion by getting rid of the Freedom of Choice Act instead of trying to force those who know it is wrong to perform any service resulting in abortions. Protect freedom of speech by allowing the Fairness Doctrine to remain in the grave where it belongs. Do not fail to protect our borders against illegal immigrants and drug lords, who are already destroying Mexico from within.
God is not going to help us against our enemies when we disobey His laws from whence our laws come.
So either put up or shut up.
MARY SANTOMAURO
Stagecoach
Citizens shouldn't pay for college education
I am a student at WNC and working very hard to obtain the requirements to be considered for acceptance into the Nursing program next fall. When I first saw the article "WNC workshops guide Hispanics to college" in the Nevada Appeal, I thought, "That's terrific. Applying to college can be daunting and young people need all the help they can get."
After reading it, I realized that WNC is targeting undocumented students, and this is wrong. It is not only the undocumented who want an education and need assistance. I firmly believe that the undocumented, i.e., illegal aliens, need to follow the necessary routes to obtain a legal status in order to be allowed into our colleges.
I am an older student, usually the oldest in my classes, praying to be admitted into the extremely competitive Nursing program at WNC this year. It is very discouraging to note that this college, or any college is encouraging illegal aliens to make it more difficult for law abiding citizens to pursue our dreams.
While it is commendable, that Antonio (the boy in the article) wants to further his education, it should not be at the expense of citizens of this country. He may well have grown up here, but his parents have now put him in a really tough situation by being here illegally. Yes, there are many of his peers who are throwing away opportunities to attend college, but that does not give him the right to take their place. He and his family should do what is right, and fulfill the legal requirements to be in this great nation, in order to reap the benefits of higher education here.
TERESA COLLIER
Gardnerville
No faith, but still waiting for pot of gold
Regarding the recent article stating Nevada is one of the worst states, No. 47, on the list for enforcement for collecting child support, I'll testify to that.
I am their worst nightmare. I have had an open court-ordered case since about 1990. I still write letters even though my daughter is over 18 years old and not at home. All arrears are still due.
The economy is tough, I know. I am a "Baby Boomer," now on unemployment and I'm mad.
Don't let them kid you and say they, Welfare, cannot find him. If they have a Social Security number, a tax ID number and a driver's license they can find him.
My gripe is if a tax credit is given on a tax return, or a stimulus check is given, that is supposed to be given toward support payments. Even with unemployment a certain percentage is supposed to be deducted for support payments. I've lost faith in the system.
I'm still waiting for my pot of gold.
DONNA SCHLATTER
Carson City
Budget is too big
I am extremely concerned. A budget that exceeds $3 trillion has been presented to the American people. This does not include interest. No one identifies where this money will be found to fund this proposal.
China, Japan and the Saudis have purchased millions of treasury notes but will this continue? Another alternative, not available to cashless states, is to print money; however, every hundred dollar bill printed lessens the value of existing dollars.
Major inflation looms.
Of equal concern after the haggling between the House and Senate conclude the party in power will force the plan with all its policy alterations, and I expect many, through their respective house and upon us.
When the Republicans express outrage at the various provisions they will be castigated. Republicans had their turn at the trough between 1994 and 2006 and seemed to think if they outspent the Democrats the people would love them.
Every Republic must have a loyal opposition; but beyond being heard, the opposition should also be able to meaningfully influence public policy, regardless of the party in power.
We are in for interesting, but hopefully not desperate times.
DON DALLAS
Virginia City Highlands