Madison would find much to praise today
Last Thursday, Dennis Johnson wrote how founding father James Madison, the father of our Constitution, would be appalled at our current state of affairs. He faults unions, social programs, the bailouts, and the like, as something that would give Madison pause.
Perhaps, while decrying the decay of personal liberties, Mr. Johnson might have also acknowledged the expansion of civil liberties and perhaps even dared to think Mr. Madison might be proud that in America today, no person may own another person.
He would possibly praise Americans for recognizing the courage and contributions of women; as Madison himself said, "The capacity of the female mind for studies of the highest order cannot be doubted," and lauded us for being, appreciative or not, a nation of immigrants. After all, he said, "America was indebted to immigration for her settlement and
prosperity."
And since Mr. Johnson brings up the issue of curbing civil liberties, I know exactly what he would say to those who would strip constitutional protections from babies born on American soil or those who would forbid others to exercise their First Amendment rights to build a mosque: "In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority."
Perhaps when invoking a president to bemoan, Mr. Johnson might choose someone more fitting current conservatives, say Nixon or Buchanan?
David Bushey
Minden
Narrowing Carson Street will create traffic jams
We have all seen the results of the poll regarding the narrowing of Carson Street, just to make it look user friendly, and as it did years ago. Most folks don't want it. Do you think the city will listen? I don't. The city does what it wants to, no matter what we say.
There really is no sense in doing the narrowing; it will only make it harder for traffic to drive through town. Other small towns that have done this are proof: Nevada City, Grass Valley, and others. So, why spend the time, trouble and expense? Our town looks fine as it is.
Lynn McPike
Carson City
ABC slanted coverage
of Glenn Beck rally
Talk about media bias. Yes, we all have biases, but the press has a special duty to check facts and report the entire truth.
Today, ABC news chastised Glenn Beck for holding the Restoring Honor rally on the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. They didn't point out participation of Dr. Alveda King, his niece, whose father also was assassinated, and many others of all ethnicities and political and religious persuasions.
ABC didn't mention the purpose of the event is to honor our founders and those who have fought or died for our country.
ABC failed to add the event also honors the Special Operations Warrior Foundation which supports families of military who gave their lives for us.
ABC misled by leaving out the first part of the Beck statement, "Whites don't own Lincoln, and Blacks don't own Martin Luther King."
ABC left out that no signs or
T-shirts with provocative political messages would be allowed because the event was not political.
Don't believe everything you see, hear or read. Check the source.
Judy Jacobs
Topaz Lake