Letters to the Editor July 17

Intimidation tactics by liberals won't work

I was enjoying the commentary column of Dr. Paslov on July 2 until I came to the part he put in about his apparent disagreement with comments made by readers in regards to commentary by Janice Ayres about the Paul Ryan budget proposal.

Dr. Paslov seemed to think that the comments were made by "right-wing ideologues who care nothing about the elderly." Quite a leap of deduction wouldn't you think, Mr. Paslov? Do you personally know these readers or are you just using the usual, liberal intimidation tactics to silence opinions of others?

He goes on to state, "Ms. Ayres spoke truth to power." Really? Well, I guess if you overlook the fact that she omitted an important part of the Ryan plan: It would not apply to those who are 55 years of age or older.

Of course, it is easier to scare senior citizens if you just leave out any facts that don't support your point of view. That was certainly a bit disingenuous, don't you think?

As a young man serving in Vietnam, I learned that you shouldn't take what politicians, lawyers, newspaper reporters or commentators say at face value. Do your own research to get both sides of any issue.

Mr. Paslov would do well to remember that this country was founded by men who didn't agree on everything. Their descendants are also not easily intimidated by unfounded and lame accusations from self-admitted, liberals.

David Knighton

Carson City

Bad owners are the reason pit bulls become dangerous

Are pit bulls a dangerous breed of dog? Pit bulls have a bad reputation everywhere and are viewed as vicious and terrible creatures by most people. Is this a fair judgment? People have their own opinions on what makes a good or bad dog, but what individuals should look at is not the dog itself, but the owner.

It's easy to blame the animal for the bad behavior, but what about the owners who fail to train their animals adequately? Some pit bulls are too aggressive when ignored. Training will pay off and their true personalities will shine through.

Why are pit bulls dangerous? The answer to that question is their reputation; pit bulls fight to please their owner. They have been made to fight other dogs to the death for sport, so when they fight as taught, ripping apart other dogs, the only thing people seem to see is the action, not what is behind the action.

The news, Internet and pictures that circulate the Internet are what people see. They see the 10-year-old who has been mauled by a pit bull, but what they fail to realize is that it is the owner behind all of these incidents.

I believe that no breed of dog is dangerous; the blame falls on the owner and their training. So, we should ask ourselves - who or what is the real danger, pit bulls or the owners who fail them?

Heather Warner

Stateline

Fun had by all on recent V&T ride

Last Friday my husband, daughter, granddaughter and I took the V&T train ride to Virginia City.

It was a truly delightful day enjoying the history lesson about the mining in this area as we viewed the sights - quite a different way to travel, and so relaxing. The cost is very reasonable.

Wild horses came within view, also coyotes, birds and various rodents, all enjoying their territories. The 90-minute ride at 10 mph flew by. It was faster on the return journey because it's downhill.

There was plenty of time to have lunch, visit a couple of churches, stroll around the town and purchase a few items.

We shall take the trip again and sincerely hope that the V&T Railway will continue to be one of the great attractions of our area.

Gillian Mellor

Carson City