Letters to the editor for Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015

O’Neill, Kieckhefer can’t be defended

Why is it necessary for P.K. O’Neill to “defend” his voting record? I can answer that. He won the election based on what he said he would do. He then did the opposite. Boy, oh boy, that should be defended.

Should we believe his “defense” is his new offense? Or should we learn from our mistakes and pick someone new?

He and his new best friend “Ben” (our senator) plan to “fix” problems with the laws they passed (and promised not to pass) in the next session.

Talk about ego! Ben Kieckhefer is not in trouble yet. Mr. O’Neill cannot look so far ahead.

Michael Tipton

Carson City

Answer for scientists is in the Bible

Evolutionary scientists can’t create life in a laboratory on purpose much less find it on an “earth-like” planet more than 1,000 light years away (Nevada Appeal, Friday, July 24). Yet they continue to promote the myth of evolution and suggest that such finds are “helping to address such fundamental questions as where do we come from and where are we headed, and arguably the biggest question of all: Are we alone in the universe?”

The question of where do we come from and where are we headed was published thousands of years ago in a series of documents that eventually were brought together in a book we call the Holy Bible. And it answered the question “Are we alone in the universe?” No! God and his angels are here with us.

You have to ignore the evidence to believe that life and the universe were created by accident. As Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork,” (ESV). Why is it that many supposedly intelligent and informed scientists refuse to see that truth?

Thank God there are many fully qualified, Ph.D. scientists who do see the truth but you have to go to creationist websites to find them. Mainstream media and academia do not want to see the truth. As the Bible says they are, “Always learning, and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth,” (2 Timothy 3:7).

Fortunately, we do not have to go that route.

Don R. Drake

Carson City

Shame on so-called ‘sanctuary cities’

Shame on you, San Francisco! Shame on all you so-called “sanctuary cities,” including our own Las Vegas.

Why are illegal aliens (call it like it is) given special treatment above law abiding citizens? Why are criminal illegal aliens allowed to roam our streets to rob, murder, maim and molest our children?

The murder of the young woman in San Francisco has finally gotten the attention it deserves. Congress is listening. Write or call our elected officials and tell them enough is enough! Do something about this terrible situation.

In the meantime, we can do something. Hit these cities where it hurts. Do not give them your tourist dollars. Maybe that will get their attention?

Sue Brattain

Carson City

Muth shouldn’t dismiss Jim Webb

Editor’s note: Chuck Muth’s column on July 21 appeared on the Nevada Appeal’s website.

I generally do not read Chuck Muth’s column but his recent one on July 21 caught my eye, as I was looking for some insight on the myriad of presidential candidates. I was surprised at his dismissal of Jim Webb (who?).

A quick review of Webb’s background reveals that he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, was a combat-tested Marine during the Vietnam War, receiving a Navy Cross, Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts. A Georgetown University Law Center graduate, he served as counsel to a House committee on Veterans Affairs and later as the Secretary of the Navy under President Reagan. He also served one term as the U. S. Senator from Virginia from 2007 to 2013.

In addition to his public service, he has had a prolific career as an author; among his works is “Fields of Fire,” one of the classic novels of the Vietnam War.

In my opinion, Jim Webb’s credentials and qualifications to be president deserve a closer look than Jim Webb (who?).

Charles Cannady

Carson City

It’s still the United States of America isn’t it

Well, it’s political selection/election time again. What disturbs me is this go around is how segments of the press, some special interest groups and some national public figures appear to want to “ordain” their selected preferences for the presidential run and dismiss and/or disqualify any others who might want to aspire for the office. As I remember it, anyone can run for president as long as they qualify — the big ones being a citizen of the U.S. and meeting the age requirement.

Just because one does not like the looks, attitude, political position or message by an individual wanting to run for office should not disqualify that person from running! It’s still the United States of America ... isn’t it? By some people’s attitude about this, one might wonder.

Michael Zola

Carson City

Halt high prison phone fees prisoner families pay

In the last four decades, our country saw a relentless prison expansion. Today, across the political spectrum, there’s consensus the criminal justice system is way out of control.

We need to fix what’s broken, and there’s no better place to start than with halting the high prison phone fees prisoner families pay to stay in touch with incarcerated loved ones. These phone calls can amount to hundreds of dollars in charges per month.

Now that the Federal Communications Commission has capped long distance prison phone rates, it’s considering capping in-state prison phone calls as well. It’s a measure we should all support.

Michele Sterling

South Lake Tahoe