Letters to the editor Oct. 22

One-fingered salutes evidence of narrow minds

On Oct. 11, I was with a group of 50 like-minded individuals supporting U.S. Sen. Harry Reid at Mills Park. We used signs and cheers to show support for the U.S. Senate majority leader.

Since we were standing by the entrance to Mills Park, parallel to Highway 50, there were vehicles passing us in both directions, people were waving and honking. However, some people were flipping us off.

The First Amendment is the right to congregate peacefully; those hate-filled, hostile, unfriendly individuals also have the right to flip us off.

The difference is we were there supporting a candidate, others were displaying their narrow-mindedness.

Ramona Russell

Carson City

Vet's office showed concern for ill pigeon

I wanted to call the community's attention to the very caring Quail Ridge Animal Hospital on Mica Drive. While eating lunch next door to their office, I noticed a pigeon in distress outside in the parking lot.

I walked over to the animal hospital to mention it and they immediately went to its rescue.

Most people would not go out of their way for a mere pigeon, but the hospital staff explained this was the second bird they'd found in trouble and they suspected poisoning.

I offered to pay for the bird's care and they suggested a donation to the Dayton Valley Wildlife Rescue.

I like these people. I would feel comfortable leaving my beloved animals in their care and I hope others feel the same.

Carol Allen

Carson City

Chief deputy endorses Furlong for sheriff

In 1978, Sheriff Pete Rasner hired me as a Carson City Sheriff's deputy. I've worked here ever since. I've been able to work dispatch, jail, patrol, traffic and detectives as a deputy, detective, sergeant and lieutenant. I even spent two years as president of the Deputies Association. Over those 32-plus years, I have learned from five different sheriffs just what a good sheriff should be. I am often asked what my thoughts are concerning the upcoming election.

Sheriff Ken Furlong is a good man. He is conscientious, trustworthy, hard working, honest, devoted, conservative, educated and compassionate. He believes he answers only to the people of Carson City. He's been our sheriff for the past seven years and has done nothing to betray our trust. If anything, he has elevated the office of sheriff by his hard work and diligence.

There is some controversy concerning what Sheriff Furlong has said or done about gang activity here. Sheriff Furlong never said there's not a gang problem. He has instituted two dedicated gang units, the Special Enforcement Team and the Tri-County Gang Unit. He's done all that he legally can to eradicate gangs here. He's said he has a zero tolerance for gangs. But there are other problems that face Carson City and Sheriff Furlong is not just a one-issue sheriff. He is very concerned for the overall welfare and safety of all of Carson City.

It is my opinion Ken Furlong should be retained as sheriff of Carson City.

Ray Saylo

Carson City

Farmer's endorsement of Reid a real paradox

I am very confused by the commentary of Guy Farmer in the Sunday Appeal. He wisely pointed out that Harry Reid was like a puppet on a string who helped Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spend the U.S.A. into financial suicide. He then states he will cast his vote for Reid.

He justifies his decision by stating, "slightly kooky Tea Party opponent, Sharon Angle" would privatize Social Security, Medicare, and the Veterans Administration. These are all the talking points that the Democrat Party keeps feeding the public. All of them have been explained to be false. Even if Angle wanted to move them out of the government's control, she could not.

Guy then states his support for many local candidates. He states the main reason he supports them is they are not likely to spend our money, for feel-good and unneeded items.

It is like two different Guy Farmers wrote this commentary. I have great respect for Guy Farmer, but cannot understand his choice for Harry Reid.

Even the Los Angeles Times wrote an article about Reid's abuse of power. Harry Reid endorsed buying votes to pass some bills. Guy, how can you vote for him?

Harry L. Fowler

Carson City