Letters to the editor Nov. 7

In its proper place, graffiti can be art

The word graffiti comes from the Greek word for "to write." I think graffiti is acceptable if artists are painting something positive and relevant. One terrible misperception is that most graffiti is gang-related. Graffiti is against the law when it's vandalism. Most graffiti artists have a desire for public recognition.

Please don't vandalize businesses, city property, or private homes because it gives us all a bad reputation. It costs America $8 billion yearly to clean up graffiti. That money could be spent on a variety of city programs.

Some cities have a wall or designated area to paint. Let's consider organizing a paint-out wall or a paintbrush mural. Community paintbrush murals are rarely defaced by vandalism and instill a sense of pride in those who live nearby.

Neighborhoods with graffiti vandalism see a decrease in property value and tourism. Residents or business owners wishing to remove vandalism from their property can be issued a voucher that is redeemable at a local paint store in Carson City.

Finally, illegal graffiti sends a message that no one cares. On the other hand, it can be positive. On Dec.15, 2008, 2,503 people in Greece participated in a charity graffiti scroll that measured 700 meters long.

Helen Henslee

Dayton

Myers sends thank you to Carson voters

I would like to thank voters in Carson City for electing me to the Carson City School Board. It will be an honor to represent you. I would also like to thank you for supporting the bond measure for the schools here in Carson City. The citizens of Carson City are helping to make education a top priority.

It was interesting to watch the election coverage on Access TV. More than once it was stated that I "didn't campaign." Let me assure you, I did. What I did not do is bother the voters with nuisance phone calls or junk mail. I also did not spend any funds nor receive any funds, by design. I believe strongly that it is possible to be elected by simply appearing at any and all events where I am invited and being knowledgeable about the issues.

I also did not turn to any negative campaigning or ads, as my opponent did. I simply don't believe there is room for negative campaigning when children's education and futures are at stake. Apparently, a majority of voters in Carson agree with me. Thank you for your support.

Barbara J. Myers

Carson City

Jefferson was no advocate of share-the-wealth liberalism

To Mr. Van Alfen: You obviously have insulted a great man like Thomas Jefferson with your liberal rant in Saturday's paper.

Your kind of liberalism was not even considered by Jefferson, as evidenced by this quote: "To take from one, because it is thought that his own industry and that of his father's has acquired too much, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association, 'the guarantee to every one of a free exercise of his industry, and the fruits acquired by it.'"

Does this sound like a liberal whose only goal is to ensure everyone has a piece of the pie even if they have not exercised equal industry and skill in obtaining it?

The liberals of old are rolling over in their graves over your comments. The Democrats used to be a great party until they allowed left-wing liberals to dictate their agenda.

Mark Gregory

Carson City