Nobody Asked Us, But ... 2011 Legislature has its work cut out

The State of Nevada, as you probably know, is hurting for money ... big bucks, no less. The budget has to be balanced before the whole house of cards disintegrates.

So far, no one has come up with an ideal solution. Anyone who has a vested interest in something is always hot to make the cuts elsewhere. State workers and retirees are looking at having their days reduced and benefits scrapped. What they signed up for is not being followed through on. Fewer employees, less time spent on the job, and the fear of being released are all non-conducive to feelings of well-being. What new employees want to take on that burden? They would rather go elsewhere for a better job, if they can find one.

Yet, the population of Nevada still expects the same services at an always higher level. Road and infrastructure maintenance, health services, etc. will suffer from budget cuts ... so where do we go from here? Our legislators will have to look at higher taxes, an across-the-board sales tax, and cuts to "other people's programs" to get by. We are indeed finding that "there ain't no free lunch."

Try and make your local and state politicians articulate their plans for solutions. If they don't, or they obfuscate their positions, don't give them your vote. It also affects small businesses and everyone else in the community, doctors, lawyers, clerks, restaurants, YOU. If one part suffers, we all do.

If you have real solutions, please call your representatives, tell them, and get them on the ball. Thanks.

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Mary Ann Jennings called with this cute one (probably refers to C & M): "Two old ladies were sitting at a table in the kitchen when one of them said, 'Remind me that when I go upstairs, I'm taking a shower.' 'Fine,' said the other one. A few minutes later, the first lady starts to go upstairs, and asks her friend, 'Why am I going upstairs?' 'To take a shower,' she replies. 'Oh, yes,' but a few steps up, she asks her friend again. The friend asks, 'Are you going up, or down?' 'Up.' 'Then you're going to take a shower,' says the friend pounding and knocking on the table, laughing hysterically. 'Oops,' says the laughing lady, 'Take your shower. There's someone knocking at the front door, so I'd better answer it.'" And you thought just one was nuts.

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Carolyn had lunch with Linda and Tim Morsani the other day, it was good to see them. She also said her excitement last week was to go to Randy Wright and have a tooth filled (get a life, C). Lynne Heller had a birthday, and Anna Wehling will have one soon. She was born on the same date Mt. Vesuvius erupted (although not in the same year). HB to both. M also had a conversation with Mrs. Lamkin on the phone, she's a very nice lady. And, welcome home Sister Marie, how come you didn't take us to Ireland with you? Ha.

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F.I.S.H. is needing more food these days because of the influx of more and more families needing assistance. If you have it in your hearts to go to your kitchen cabinet and take some things to them, they would really appreciate it. They also need dog and cat food for families with pets. Money is appreciated, too.

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Michael Nunes found this one on the Internet: "A bagpiper was late to the funeral of a homeless man, because he got lost. When he finally got to the cemetery, the funeral was over and only the diggers were in sight. Feeling sorry for the deceased, he took up his bagpipe and began to play. He played his heart and soul out for this man with no family and friends. As he played 'Amazing Grace,' even the diggers began to weep, and he wept with them. When he finished, he packed up his bagpipe and went to his car ... but not before he heard one of the diggers say, 'I ain't seen nothing like that before, and I've been putting in septic tanks for 20 years.'"

God love you all.

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. They can be reached at editor@nevadaappeal.com.