Letters for January 4, 2018

The Bundys

Re “Fiasco” (news, Dec, 28):

It is again so disgusting how the Bundys continue to flaunt the authorities and the authorities continue to bungle their roles as defenders of the public domain and ecosystem. But, oh, so very typical and in line with what has been happening for far too long upon the public, as well as privately owned, lands. Of course, when the ecosystem disintegrates, which it is doing at a frightening rate, all species, including us culpable humans, shall pay the terrible price in terms of suffering and death, and a sterile planet shall be left in our despicable wake of greed and thoughtlessness! May Heaven forbid!

Craig Downer

Minden

Cycle

For Heller and Amodei: In 1921, the Republicans passed a tax cut. In 1929, the Great Depression started.

In 1981, the Republicans passed the Reagan tax cuts. In 1987, we had a strong recession.

In 2001, the Republicans passed the Bush tax cuts. In 2007, we had a strong depression. Given the historical data, and now that you voted for the Trump tax cuts, what are your plans to avert another recession/depression that will be here in a few years?

Dewey Quong

Reno

For your information

A greater access to information does not pull us together, but rather makes us more polarized. Polarization has exacerbated our differences. The rise of social media is partially to blame, and an overflow of universally accepted experts has led many of us to rely on Instragram catchphrases—and little more. But what is it that we yearn to keep up with and supports our personal identity? That gives us a greater feeling of confidence? Or have these notions been overly suppressed because of today’s widespread hacking, identity theft and inexcusable shootings?

Does a greater access to information carry too many detriments in an open and free society? No it doesn’t but it must be reinforced with fact—not fake news—that spurs a better enthusiasm to live and work together. The essence of living in a democracy that holds unity as our utmost quality shouldn’t be forgotten about.

Why don’t more people in Congress get along? Maybe because too many of them have so much information in their heads and can’t narrow down their thoughts to an agreeable fortitude. The solution here has more to do with socialism than capitalism. Our capitalistic superplan has put us $20 trillion in debt. But we know we can do better.

There’s a taxation hustle that’s taking place in our country now. The super-rich have lobbyists and much influence with special interests. The middle (working) class are practically riding a sinking ship, though they’re the foundation of our economy. Their lobbyists and special interests are hard to see; there’s not many.

During the recent presidential campaign, we learned that President Trump’s greatest ability is in—promotion. And his worst skill is in socialism. This new health care plan, which he took little part in devising but a great deal in promoting, passed in the House but probably not in the Senate. And so, as is now apparent, a greater access to all forms of information isn’t what we need. A focus on the most fitting and applicable info is what we need. Obama had the right form of health care plan in mind but, for a few reasons, was set off course. Do we need to pay for both medical treatment and health insurance companies? Almost all other nations of the world don’t need them and don’t pay so much extra for them. And are more satisfied that way. When one lives in Europe for eight years, as I have, you simply observe this fact.

This would be best for the greatest majority. It would not over-emphasize egalitarianism (social equality). That unity that we once had, with priorities sensed more clearly by a majority of citizens, without so much polarization, would be better. We know that a greater accumulation of data in our heads isn’t the answer. Promoting, above all, the backbone of our prosperous country is.

Steve Smythe

Reno