Some recent observations

This has been a crazy few weeks recently with the Republican and Democratic debates and the baseball playoffs. It became a “which should I watch” a couple of times, but the debates won. All I kept thinking about with baseball was “how about those Cubs!”

As I’m writing this, my son Doug is getting ready to turn on TV to check the time the third World Series game begins. This should be fun. Conversely, as a Republican, I felt sorry for the Democrat Party as I watched their debate. Forgive me if this sounds terrible, but is this really the best they can do? I realize some may not like those running on the other side.

In my opinion, at least the Republican debates have presented a more diverse group with some really qualified candidates who have served this country with honor and distinction. Oh sure, go ahead and argue. But just check the facts about those who have served in their home states or are serving still today, even as they run for the presidency.

The difference between the first Republican debates and CNBC’s was obvious.

Those handling the questioning latest on CNBC are still being talked about negatively all over the news. You may not like FOX, but CNBC and CNN – as far as I know – have few, if any, conservatives on their staff. FOX has at least a half dozen liberals on their staff full time. Every time you see anything that has to do with the government, at least on FOX you’ll get both sides of the story.

If you don’t watch FOX, you’re often getting half the picture. As a former democrat, the prospect of Hillary being in the White House sends chills up and down my spine. She’s remarked that while head of the State Department, she wasn’t in charge of the security of those in Bengasi. As Truman said, “The Buck stops here.” Those four deceased men begged for more security about 600 documented times.

Hilly bragged of her close and deep relationship with Ambassador Stevens, one of those killed. Yet, she didn’t know about security requests? Are you kidding me? Here’s a reality check. “Do any of you want somebody in the White House who thinks they’re not in charge of security?” Ask yourself, if she can’t provide security while head of the State Department, how can she be trusted with America’s?

Now something local I think important. It has to do with security in a different matter; it has to do with “cops” everywhere. This sudden “we hate cops” and “let’s kill cops” mentality has become the norm in too many locations. It’s frightening. It’s hard to imagine since we live in a much different atmosphere in Churchill County. However, I’ve lived in various urban areas where this doesn’t surprise me in the least.

When driving to town, Fernley, Carson City or Reno, we often see a highway patrolman, a sheriff’s deputy or policeman giving somebody a ticket. Usually, it’s for speeding. All too often it’s for cell phone or texting. I don’t get it. When in the world did this all begin? Why is anything so damned important it can’t wait two minutes to get off the road or into a parking lot for that call?

Looking back over the last couple of years, I wonder how many of our local citizens have died because of some cell phone call? Or because they had their eyes looking down while making a text message to ask Joe if he wanted somebody to pick up an extra six pack while shopping? Life is far too important. Also how many single car

rollover accidents may be related to this inattentive driving?

Now we come to this “dope” problem and this ridiculous use of marijuana. I have first hand information on this little problem. Two close family members went from using “weed” to more potent get high products that almost cost them their lives. So don’t try telling this old gal “weed” isn’t a gateway drug. Nobody ever believes me, but I had never heard of marijuana until I was married and had five sons.

Growing up, the only problem I had was getting caught with a silly cigarette. Today, in Colorado, they’re already having more accidents because of the legalization of the “weed.” And now it’s come to us. Ready for this problem? I’m not. More on this subject and our wonderful law informant officers in a future column.

Edna Van Leuven is a Churchill County writer and columnist. She may be reached at news@lahontanvalleynews.com.