Letters to the editor Jan. 20

Vote out incumbents, elect honest representatives

Republicans dirty tricks? Dr. Eugene T. Paslov wrote about the "Party of No" from a strong left observation of politics. I believe his article would have had more impact if the title would have been "Congressional politicians up to their same old dirty tricks." I would have thought that Dr. Paslov, as an educator, would have at least looked at both sides of the issues, not just the left position. Harry Reid has padded his position (and pocketbook) for 20-plus years. Tell me, Dr. Paslov, what has he done for you?

I would suggest they all refuse to do what they were elected to do. The liberal Democratic majority is spending the future of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You speak of parliamentary tricks, why does the majority party need to purchase votes to pass their legislation, legislation that most of them have not read or even understand?

I strongly encourage all of those who voted for change in '08 to get rid of the career politicians.

In November 2010, the entire House of Representatives will stand for re-election. Let's vote every one of them out, all 435 of them. One third of the Senate, 33 senators, will also stand for re-election. Vote every incumbent out, no matter what their party affiliation is. Maybe we could get some legislators that are honest and do the job they are elected to do - represent the people.

W.L. Gerow CPO USN (Ret)

Carson City

Dems lied from Day 1 about Social Security

In reply to the commentary, "Congressional Republicans up to their old dirty tricks," Gene Paslov appears to be completely uninformed and gullible to the preaching of the standard news media.

To take just one example of what I am saying, review the history of the Social Security Program.

Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat, introduced the Social Security (FICA) Program. He promised:

1. That participation would be completely voluntary. Fact: No longer voluntary

2. That the participants would only have to pay 1 percent of the first $1,400 of annual incomes into the program. Fact: Now it's 7.65 percent on the first $90,000

3. That the money the participants elected to put into the program would be tax deductible. Fact: No longer tax deductible

4. That the money put into the independent trust fund would only be used to fund the Social Security retirement program, and no other government program. Fact: Under Johnson the money was moved to the general fund and spent.

5. That the annuity payments to the retirees would never be taxed as income. Fact: Under Clinton and Gore, up to 85 percent of your Social Security can be taxed.

Then, after violating the original contract (FICA), the Democrats turn around and tell you that the Republicans want to take your Social Security away. And the worst part about it is that uninformed citizens believe it.

Don J. Phillips

Dayton

In our judicial system,

it's 'no money, no justice'

Is justice for sale? I know we all have understood that if you have money, you can buy freedom. The atrocities that are executed by those we look at to uphold our justice system and Constitution have attained a new high.

A boy of 19 was sentenced to prison for possessing a gallon-size bag of magic mushrooms. It was his first offense, no prior criminal history, no juvenile history. This is not a drug that leads to violent offenses. I've never heard of anyone being robbed or killed because someone needed to get a hold of it, it isn't repeatedly blamed for violence, tearing families apart or destroying a person's finances and career. It is not manufactured in your next door neighbor's house while children play on the floor.

This doesn't make it right, but shouldn't this young person get the chance to change? After all, doesn't our judicial system offer it to the meth addict, the multiple DUI offender, the stoner?

Another young boy who stated he had three times as many mushrooms and over 80 tablets of ecstasy was able to hire an attorney. In the same county in Nevada, this young man was able to get house arrest and probationary terms that, when completed, his felony will be expunged from his record. Why? How? Because he could hire an attorney.

We continue to be a society that can't, or refuses to look at people and circumstances. It's judgment by their color - green.

Christine Larson

Gardnerville

'Obstructionists' oppose contents of health bill

Dr. Paslov, a highly regarded member of academia, has vigorously campaigned for the passage of the proposed health reform bill and support of Sen. Reid. Has he even read the pending bill? How can you approve something when you are unaware of what you are actually approving? Isn't this a little irrational for a highly regarded member of academia?

The so-called ill-advised obstructionists are not opposed to the concept of health care reform, they are opposed to some of the contents of the bill. Many who have read the current bill disagree over some of the actual meanings or intents.

Many are opposed to the free emergency care to be given to illegal aliens - a reported current $2.5 billion annual tab - while U.S. citizens will be fined if they fail to buy government-approved insurance.

I think many feel the health reform bill was to be for all U.S. citizens, even Congressmen, and to be the same regardless of the state in which they reside.

Does Dr. Paslov really care about the specifics of the bill and the U.S. citizens? Maybe it just seems his attitude is that anything, right or wrong, is still all right for his party.

Sanford Deyo

Minden