Letters to the editor

Solutions needed for raising kids, boosting the economy and Social Security

Dear editor:

What's up? It's catch phrase used by a lot of people; but I wonder, have you ever pondered on what is up in today's society?

Well, taxes are up, crimes are too, and no wonder. With the child labor law in effect, what do our youth have to do until they are old enough to work.

I guess they either have a sitter, or learn to fend for themselves, since a lot of parents are career-minded, or by being a single parent, maybe they have to work two jobs just to get by.

Maybe our youth could get educated by watching TV, or by listening to the radio. Maybe, they could sit around and play with the X-Box or Playstation. I have seen commercials on games for them. Do you realize that 90 percent of the games advertised are about blowing things up, fighting, or killing. This is not a good influence on our youth. No wonder there is so much violence and criminal thinking in today's society. Divorces are also up today. However, wages certainly are not. I think lawsuits are outrageous. Everyone is eager to sue someone. Medication to me is like buying a new car -- all you are getting is a pig in a poke. For the money put into making medications, maybe they are not being tested long enough to check for side effects. Maybe, doctors should ask for more research before distributing them to their patients. I have taken some of these medications, and I had no major side effects, so I think people are just passing the buck back to the manufacturers without maybe any good cause.

In today's times, I see children disrespecting their parents; family, and friends disrespecting each other. There is no respect in the workplace any more. Statistics show that bosses spend 30 percent of their day settling disputes between co-workers. I guess I don't see a lot of respect these days. So, I could say disrespect is on the rise.

Disasters are a big thing on the news today. You see major ones that devastate lot of people, and you see the everyday ones, like a death in a family. I don't mean to speak lightly, or disrespectfullly about this subject; however, we have a major disaster about to happen in the USA -- the state of Social Security.

People are living longer, and retirees are enjoying the fruits of their labor longer.

I understand that today's work force is not keeping up by paying enough to keep Social Security afloat I have some suggestions that could help bring back to America a lot of the jobs that were sent overseas.

Up the minimum wage law, or at least give better raises to the working population. I have heard that employers pay an honest hourly wage, for an honest hour worked. I don't believe our government is living up to this. I feel they are tremendously overpaid for the hours they work. I also think they have too many holidays a year. Why don't they work for less, and give up all these extra holidays, and put that money toward Social Security and help offset some of the budget?

I have been to some jewelers conventions in the past, and I have seen some parties that have lasted for days; however, I don't believe anyone deserves a $ 40 million inaugural party. This seems way out of budget to me!

Steve Hilt

Nevada

One person not to blame for local problems

Dear Editor,

One of my favorite pastimes is visiting with people. I love to listen to them and toot my own horn regarding just about anything that comes to mind. I often change sides just to be controversial and cause arguments and dissent. I am not alone in this pastime. I have a lot of company and they appear to love the point-and-counterpoint just as much as I do.

The problem is when you begin to take it all too seriously. In the past few weeks Nevada and a number of prominent citizens have jumped on the latest new whipping boy, Joe Kraft. It seems as if Joe is suddenly responsible for all that is wrong in local politics. Well that is just so much .... oops I can't print that here.

In the past I must admit that Joe and I have found ourselves on the opposing sides of various issues. In fact one time I said something that was taken out of context and later I gave him a verbal apology. Even though Joe and I disagreed on a certain issue, he was gracious and accepted my apology and told me he was glad I was active and interested in local politics.

Joe and I probably still disagree on a lot of issues, but I for one know he still respects me as I do him. This public bashing of his character does not suit my taste very well.

Whether he is right or wrong, I for one stand by his right to argue his positions. There is no one group or person who has it right all the time. I may not agree with you, Joe, but I know you are not the villain others seem to be depicting you to be!

Richard Carpenter

Nevada