Letters for October 5, 2017

Peter Cytanovic

The issue about neo-Nazis isn’t freedom of speech or thought. It’s about what they want to do, which is turn America into a white ethno-state. This is well documented. I’m sure this student will disavow the more violent aspects of the groups he supports. For now. Next comes acceptance and then active participation.

It happened in Germany, and it could happen here. No one has the freedom to plot or conduct insurrection, treason, and crimes against the non-white citizens of this country.

Douglas Lowenthal

Reno

Walled out

Re “Walled in” (Arts & Culture, Sept. 21):

Regarding your story about graffiti “art,” my kindest comments are as follows:

As the story mentioned, the “art’ is illegal.

It is also ugly—“art” is pretty much subjective.

It is vandalism, generally done without permission of the owner, if done on private property, or permission of whomever is in charge of maintaining the space, if done on public buildings or surfaces.

It is intrusive. I do not want to look at whatever somebody else decides to do for my edification or enjoyment.

It is expensive to clean up/remove.

The “artist” states, “We paint stuff on the street. It’s for the people. It’s for fun. It’s for information.”

It’s bullshit. It’s illegal, ugly, expensive-to-repair vandalism: I don’t want it. I don’t want to look at it. And I don’t want to have to pay for someone to clean it off of whatever surfaces the “artist” decides to deface. I feel—very strongly—that the “artist” deserves the strongest penalties applicable for this illegal activity. Yes, get the vandalism into a closed building where it’s not shoved in my face if I walk down a street.

Your paper is worth what I pay for it. It’s free.

Carolyn Metzka

Reno

BELIEVE

Re “Time to do the hard work” (editorial, Aug. 17):

This editorial was thought-provoking and illuminating, and highly relevant to the polarized dialogue that is now occurring in our society. In this time, where false narratives and fake news items are advanced to provide support to the fact-devoid opinions and beliefs of many, the editorial underscores the important point that real facts, hard data, and evidence—as well as reasoning and actual thinking—is vital to identifying and solving problems.

As you say, “faith” is important and has value. In many matters of faith, there is no scientific data or material evidence. But where there is logical proof, hard facts, and data, and where sound reasoning can be applied, it is far too easy—and an evasion of the responsibility to do the “hard work” that the editorial calls for—for people to simply say “I believe,” “in my opinion,” and “I think.” Mere beliefs, opinions, and thoughts should be explored, challenged, and examined to determine if “there is any there there.”

Wayne S. Bell

Sacramento

Don’t call me

Dear Washoe County School District—and others, you know who you are—please quit robo-calling me (from 775-353-5700).

I no longer have a child in school. I don’t give a shit about the next high school sport event, I don’t want to be on your call list, and I won’t put up with having to listen to you and your robot calls every goddamn day. I have tried several times to contact this number to opt out and to no avail. I would rather see you by far give this senselessly spent money to our teachers and infrastructure rather than help promote some hyper-huckster/app driven/get rich quick corporations and unnecessary school parasitic upper-management bonuses and golden parachutes.

And next time you call me, hire someone to fucking talk to me on the phone rather than subject me to mindless, evil, impersonal electronic blabbering with no recourse to respond.

Lame, lamer and lamest. Curse you.

OK, I feel better now. Thanks.

Craig Bergland

Reno