Letters to the editor for Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Staying on this road will bankrupt our country

Dear Robin Christy,

First, let me say that I’m sorry that you live in such tough circumstances. I know that life also has given me a few lemons along the way, and I’m 86 years old. I’m a Tea Party Republican and I believe that most of us have compassion for those less fortunate. The John Boehners and John McCains do not speak for us. It is nevertheless true that our country is slowly going down the tubes as Congress and President Obama spend money as though there is a neverending source for them. Both Democrats and Republicans are paying for your health care and you should thank them rather than vilify them.

But we cannot continue to operate as a socialist welfare state much longer. There are many reasons for this — the decline of the dollar, the debt to China and President Obama’s Executive Orders. I have three friends that have good jobs and they are asked to pay $1,200 to $1,800 per month for their health insurance that they cannot afford. Each of them have several kids.

You pay nothing, or close to it, and there are millions of people in that circumstance. Unlike you, there are many bums willing to take money/services from the government without working to pay their own way when they, in fact, could get a job. This, in addition to the illegal payments made to illegal aliens in the billions of dollars, is what is going to bankrupt us.

Best wishes,

George Groth

Carson City

Cars, bikes need to share roads safely

As a bicyclist it is important that you remember to follow the rules of the road when peddling around town.

Just as a motorist needs to wear a seatbelt, you should be wearing a bicycle helmet. I cannot express enough the importance of wearing this item as you will be riding with vehicle traffic and could possibly crash due to an errant driver or while avoiding roadway debris that may be along your path of travel. Make sure that you select the correct helmet, as size and fit are important in order to protect your head should you crash.

Carson City has many bike paths and lanes and more are on the way as this activity is becoming more popular. Even though we have many designated areas for riding, there will still be times when a bicycle will be sharing the roadway with you.

As a driver you must remain at least three feet away from a bicyclist when passing. This helps to keep you and the rider safe when next to each other as well as giving you both some room should one or the other need to maneuver in order to avoid a hazard in the road.

As a rider you must obey all traffic laws including stopping for stop signs and signal lights. Cutting across the roadway in front of traffic is not only dangerous, it is illegal. As a motorist, you must always be prepared for the unexpected rider who may not be riding as they should.

Sgt. Scott McDaniel

Carson City Sheriffs Office