Letters for March 27, 2008

An untold story
Re “Victims who count. Victims who don’t.” (Feature story, March 20):

I would like to applaud the RN&R for an excellent contrasting outlook on media crime coverage. On a local level, the Brianna Denison case has been completely blown out of proportion by the public and media, although it’s not more than should have been expected from a city with few news outlets, most of which are merely pawns for giant monopolizers like NBC and FOX, not to mention the Reno Gazette-Journal’s martyrizing of Denison. It’s a breath of fresh air when a Reno news source is finally taking an objective stance, looking at the facts instead of proliferating a local drama in order to give Reno residents something to brag about while they talk to their families and friends over state lines. This morbid parade of Denison is something that I feel truly puts into focus the hypocrisy of large groups in this community as well as the media itself. But regardless of one citizen’s opinion on the subject, as a whole, I’m impressed at this article’s equitableness and its noble attempt at offering an explanation for a trend. Once again, thank you for taking a subject, whose root and reason have barely been touched by popular news sources, and giving a legitimate and astute analysis.

Ximena Lemoine
Reno

Don’t attack Gibbons
Re “Gibbons curses the darkness” (Editorial, March 20):

Hey RN&R, lay off Jim Gibbons. You’ve forgotten that the point of an alternative newspaper is to criticize the institution by uncovering facts. Implying that the governor is somehow responsible for a “health crisis” by not raising taxes is the kind of disingenuous rhetoric that makes all media look bad. Instead of blaming Gibbons, get off your easy chair and find out what actually happened. Shouldn’t we be holding the hospital, staff or company responsible for infecting patients? A lack of government oversight cannot be your scapegoat here. Perhaps, if the RN&R wasn’t so caught up in the image of alternative—it could do some real reporting and act as the citizen’s advocate it’s supposed to be.

Trevor Diehl
Reno

Cool pastor
Re “Take me to the River” (Filet of Soul, March 6):

I really enjoyed your article on The River Christian Church and Pastor Rod Halecky. My parents, Sonny and Donna Allen, attend there and are actively involved. I live in Texas but always look forward to hearing Pastor Rod preach along with the awesome music when in town for a visit. Plus, they send me CD copies of his sermons. Pastor Rod was blessed with the gift of preaching God’s Word. I’m amazed at his knowledge of the Bible and his ability to relate it to people and our everyday lives. However, it was his words of prayer which I will never forget. Back in August 2006, my Dad became extremely ill with the West Nile Virus and lapsed into a coma. Pastor Rod with his wife, Stacey, met our family at South Meadows ICU. He circled us around my Dad’s bed and may have prayed the most powerful prayer I’ve ever heard. My Dad might not have known we were there at the time, but I know he felt God’s presence. I’m very grateful to everyone at The River for all they have done, not only for our family, but the Reno community and their work around the world. I agree with you, The River is a terrific place!

Billy Allen
Plano, Texas

No compassion
Re “Fired for cancer?” (Feature story, March 6):

Thank you for the article about Laura Denton and St. Mary’s. They needed called out about their shameful lack of compassion. It’s been a long time coming!!

Ellen Sardari
Reno

And did you hear?
Thank you for publishing Cory Farley’s column! I haven’t yet forgiven the RG-J for letting him go (I know he retired voluntarily, but I also know the RG-J is making life miserable for some of the people who work there) and was delighted to discover I can still read his column in your paper. Like a previous writer, I have made it a habit to make sure I pick up your paper more often, and I’m enjoying it very much.

Sherri Wynn
via e-mail

Editor’s note: And did you know he’s doing a weekday radio show at 10 a.m. on The Buzz, 1270 AM?

Do the right thing
Re “Fired for cancer?” (Feature story, March 6):

I was one of the lucky ones who had the privilege of knowing Laura Denton. I was an employee at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center and worked with Laura. In fact, Laura trained me. You could not find a more dedicated, reliable, knowledgeable, caring person than Laura Denton. The department always ran smoothly, and if there was a problem, everyone would turn to Laura with her calm, reassuring demeanor. I am appalled at what has happened. Shame on you, Saint Mary’s!

Laura, if you’re reading this, I will pray for you and thank you for the difference you made in my life. Do the right thing, Saint Mary’s. Do whatever’s necessary to make this right for a dedicated employee who has had cancer, and all the heartache, pain and problems that come along with it.

Mistee McCafferty
Claremont, Ca.