Letters for February 23, 2012

The nuts are in charge

Re “Fiscal gee-wizards” (Letters to the Editor, Feb. 16):

Wow! Have Republicans gone crazy? I am a lifelong Democrat, but I am a citizen of the United States first. As a Native American, I distrust both parties. As I watch the Republican primary process and listen to what the candidates say, it makes me wonder what it is they’re trying to do. I recall an English sociologist named Herbert Spencer. He argued that the state was not an “essential” institution and that it would “decay” as voluntary market organization would replace the coercive aspects of the state. He also argued that the individual had a “right to ignore the state.” The world soundly rejected his philosophy back in the late 1800s. Are the Republicans in lockstep with Spencer? Do they really want to neuter all forms of government? I find it difficult to believe that a majority of citizens who call themselves Republicans actually believe that government has no function save national defense and enforcement of contracts. Never in history has a society existed along those lines: It is fictional, yet Republicans seem to be advocating for Herbert Spencer’s model of society. My only conclusion is that a wing of the Republican Party has gone crazy. More realistic Republicans had better speak up. Even if your party fails in November, your crazy uncle has taken over. Wake up before it’s too late.

Anthony Matulich
Reno

Citizens undermined

Re “The new state of campaign finance” (Right to Your Head, Feb. 16):

Sean Cary has missed the not-so-subtle point in Stephen Colbert’s satirical performance. Colbert’s central message is not “money equals speech,” as Cary naively says. His central message is “Citizens United is profoundly misguided.”

To argue the lack of merits of this ruling would take pages of analysis. The flawed application and unenforceability of its regulations is enough comic fodder for Stephen Colbert.

Even if the general principle of Citizens United was deemed correct, one of the most important safeguards is unenforceable. According to the ruling, candidates cannot coordinate with Super PACS. Stephen Colbert and John Stewart proceeded to mock this regulation, coordinating multiple sketches, including the signing of official FEC documents transferring control of Stephen Colbert Super PAC to John Stewart, Colbert’s business partner and friend. Being business partners does not count as coordination, nor does being former aides (Romney and Gingrich), advisor (Santorum), or co-owning an island with a candidate’s chief-of-staff (Perry).

Citizens United stands as a loophole to bypass restriction on direct corporate campaign contributions.

Due to the difficulty of proving coordination and number of obvious loopholes, Super PACS are able to overtake advertising for campaigns in an effective matter, while providing candidates the appearance of distance from negative ads.

Stephen Colbert took money, or speech, from thousands of Americans and warped their free speech into support for his self-satisfying agenda, whether or not it represented the interests of his donors. This misallocation of Americans’ political speech stands as a funny, albeit serious example of what the future holds

This law will gradually diminish the influence that average Americans have on the political process. The contributions of millions of dollars by a minute percentage of individuals and corporations threaten to steer future legislation and political discourse towards the whims of an upper class micro-minority and away from the needs of the majorities.

Daniel Sotelo
Reno

Hometown toys

Re “Valentine’s Day Tech Support” (Arts & Culture, Feb. 9):

I enjoyed Matthew Craggs’ article on the latest in sex toy technology, but thought it might be good to point out one of the biggest American manufacturers of adult toys is located right here in town. Tantus, Inc. moved from Chula Vista, Calif., a year ago and is operating at full production at our facility in Sparks.

Jenna Clark
via email

Many parents

Re “Organically grown” (Feature story, Feb. 9):

I feel fortunate to have been a part of the Great Basin Food Co-op since its inception. In the Sallaberry sisters’ backyard, early meetings consisted of defining how the co-op would operate, make decisions, and start out filling its britches without overextending its limited means. There were attendees that had survived the fallout of the old Washoe Zephyr Co-op offering words of wisdom and a younger generation brimming with rogue idealism and confidence. From its early home at Sound and Fury Records to the location near the Reno Bead Shop, the co-op has ridden the laurels of good fortune, elbow grease, and an incredible enclave of dedicated denizens. And now the co-op is truly on the map, in a great location and a stellar structure that will truly benefit the community of Reno. Now, the co-op can take care of the village that worked so hard to create it.

Taylor Donovan
Reno

Justin credible

Re “Justin McMahon” (In the mix, Feb. 16):

I’m so glad that not all artists have Brad Bynum’s musical taste and the need for “edge” all the time. When I want that, I know where to find it, too. Good job, Justin! It was worth the wait. Please keep up the good work, even though not everyone appreciates it.

Jim Mueller
Reno