Letters

Elite politicians

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

One of the other editors beat me to writing the editorial this week, so in order not to duplicate effort, I’m going to discuss my thoughts about the recent precinct caucuses. First, let me clearly say this: I don’t personally give a shit about Republican or Democratic caucuses. It’s the rare politician whom I trust anymore, and it’s the corrupt political party mechanism that allows the corruption of politicians and the dysfunction of politics.

I “let” certain of our writers cover the caucuses because shining lights into the dank and sweaty crevices of party politics is part of what we do, our mission, but I don’t believe for a second that one reader in 10 actually feels any different about caucuses than I do. And that perception is borne out by the number of people who actually caucused in Washoe County, about 6,700 people, or about 1.5 percent of the county’s residents.

And so, with the massive failure of the caucus system— although as Dennis points out, if you compare it to the Republican caucus numbers in 2000 or 2004, it’s a roaring success—the Republicans have announced their idea of fiscal responsibility: Since so few people care to caucus, they want to consider moving to a primary system for election years. In other words, instead of having the political party animals who do care about the results pay, they want the people who don’t care enough to participate, 97 percent of us, to pay for them.

If the parties want people to participate, they should open the caucuses to everyone. Democrats could participate in the Republican caucuses and visa versa. I offer my personal guarantee that the caucuses would be more fun for me, and bloodier for participants. I, as a non-partisan, could go to be informed, and maybe we as a state could figure out who should be the best candidates to run this country instead of who are simply the best party and church ideologues. —D. Brian Burghart brianb@newsreview.com

Life is death

Re “Gimme shelter” (Apply Liberally, Jan. 19):

What about livestock animals? Huh? Do you so-called animal lovers ever think about all the cows, pigs and chickens slaughtered by the thousands each day for burgers, steaks and pet food? I didn’t think so.

And what about abortions? I bet you’re pro-abortion. You want no-kill shelters for dogs and cats, but go ahead and abort unborn babies, huh. Toby Carruthers Reno

Nobody likes to kill fetuses

Re “Anti-birth control petition filed” (Upfront, Jan. 19):

For the religious right, this would really be a victory. It is not practical and flies in the face of freedom of choice. I liked it when Clinton said something like, “I am not pro abortion but feel every woman has a right to choose.” I feel the same way. Yes, I have heard the argument that you may be aborting the next Einstein. How about the next drug baby or the next public assistance baby or for that matter the mom who has babies for the welfare check? In the petition, “all persons are endowed by their creator, Jesus Christ ...” This is a religious statement and as such should be negated for governmental purposes. It tries to use the term “prenatal” to cover the argument as to when a fetus is actually viable. Jury is and has been stalled on that issue. How about when a fetus can survive outside of the mother? “An unborn child at any stage of development” is just an end around on this issue. Unless there are compelling medical reasons, I am very much against late-term abortions. However repugnant abortion may be to some, it is allowed under law. Aconstitutional amendment is ludicrous and a waste of politicians’time. But then again, many will pander to the voters at this time. Who would want to alienate that part of the population by voting against this?

Ted Beecher Reno

You’re qualified

Re “Government-approved voters?” (News, Jan. 26):

I’m 73 years old, on Social Security and Medcare. I don’t know if that qualifies me as a “senior citizen” or not.

When I go to Target for my medication each month and write out a check, do you know what the pharmacist asks me, even though I’ve gotten my prescriptions there for more than seven years? “Could I see your photo I.D.?”

When I go for a doctor’s appointment or a lab test, do you know what they will ask me, even though I have been going there for years, and they know me? “Could I see your insurance card and a photo I.D.?”

Reading “Government-approved voters?” made me wonder, what is so wrong with showing a photo I.D. to vote and to protect your vote?

I think that this should be required in this day and age, when identities are stolen, as we hear so often. Charlene Aro via email

Give me gluten

Re “Grainy season” (Feature story, Feb. 2):

Wow. Ashley Hennefer’s article on gluten claims that “it is estimated” that 40 percent of Americans are gluten intolerant. That pencils out to about 120 million people. “Estimated” by whom? Mickey Mouse? Elvis? Aliens from Mars? Someone selling “the antidote”? Truly, according to the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, less than 1 percent of the U.S. population actually has a diagnosable illness related to wheat consumption. That’s less than 3 million people. Not 120 million. Don’t get me wrong; I truly feel for those few people it affects. While we’re on the subject of allergies, food intolerances, etc., though, it turns out that about 7 million Americans are allergic to seafood, and another 3 million or so are allergic to nuts. Nonetheless, only about 10 people a year die from food allergies in this country, a small enough number that CDC considers it “statistically insignificant.” More people die from lawn mower accidents. Check out M. Broussards’s nice expose on the pharmaceutical (epi-pen) industy’s hyperinflation of food related fatality statistics in the U.S.: www.huffington post.com/meredith-broussard/foodallergy-deaths-less_b_151462.html.

The truth is, just about any food substance has a very few unlucky chumps who have a negative reaction to it. That doesn’t excuse attempts by sensationalistic members of the hipster news media, who make claims that almost half the population are suffering from some desperate addiction to a mythically “poisonous” food substance. Look up “mass psychogenic illness,” “collective delusion” and “mass hysteria” sometime. So, thanks for providing us with unsubstantiated claims, half truths and claims of rampant “gluten addiction” without the support of any actual science. Meanwhile, I’ll be sure to carbo load on pasta before my next long, technical alpine climb, as I’ve been doing for a few decades. C. Rosamond Reno

Exceptional people

The inside-trading law is a joke because it has no teeth. Our senators and congressmen do not hold themselves accountable to any law they pass. What is the penalty for the new law? They exclude themselves from all of the laws we are held to obey. They might claim they must disclose, and when accused, go before an ethics committee. We have seen that show too many times already. When a sitting senator or congressman violates a specific law, he or she is “forced” to face the ethics committee. They can draw out the proceedings for years and if public outcry becomes overwhelming, they simply resign. Most of the time, they are not held accountable. Former Sen. John Ensign is a recent and good example. If we want real accountability in Congress, we must force them to remove the exemptions for themselves. I suppose they could give all of us the same exemption they enjoy, but, what would be the point of passing any law? Our lawmakers get away with this sort of stuff because we let them. We should be ashamed of ourselves for not paying attention to our lawmakers. I have heard too many times from friends and family that “it” does not affect me so why should I bother. This attitude, I believe, is the reason we have no control over our elected officials. Stop sitting on the sidelines and get involved. Do your part as a citizen! Get involved.

Anthony Matulich Sutter

Thanks for the review

Re “Hot Topic” (Art of the State, Jan. 12):

I enjoyed Mark Dunagan’s review of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. I felt it was honest and humorous in places. As Dunagan pointed out, he had never seen the play before. Not surprising, as it is a very difficult show and rarely tackled since its debut on the big screen with Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor, both of whom turned in what some might say were their finest performances. But what RLThas done with this show is somewhat more impressive, as they are doing the 1975 play version, rewritten by Tennessee Williams the way he originally envisioned it, without the cuts and re-writes forced upon him by Elia Kazan and Hollywood in the 1950s. This show by RLTis Cat as it was supposed to be, and a very ambitious and risky proposition in the process, as politically-correct adherents would have a field day with Mr. Williams’language and subject matter in any decade over the last 60 years. But that is the point: This play is about truth, and both the freedom and pain it brings. Congrats to Mark Dunagan for voicing his truth on what he found in this production, and kudos for the RN&R for covering what I feel is a very courageous and daunting production. Good luck to Dunagan, I look forward to many more insightful reviews in years to come, and good luck, or, break a leg, RLT, you’ve begun your next 77 years with a bang! Gary Eugene Cremeans Reno

Our Mission To publish great newspapers that are successful and enduring. To create a quality work environment that encourages people to grow professionally while respecting personal welfare. To have a positive impact on our communities and make them better places to live. Editor D. Brian Burghart News Editor Dennis Myers Arts Editor Brad Bynum Special Projects Editor Ashley Hennefer Calendar Editor Kelley Lang Photographer Amy Beck Contributors Amy Alkon, Megan Berner, Sharon Black, Sean Cary, Carol Cizauskas, Matthew Craggs, Mark Dunagan, Bob Grimm, Michael Grimm, Audrey Love, Casey O’Lear, Jessica Santina, K.J. Sullivan, Bruce Van Dyke Design Manager Kate Murphy Art Director Priscilla Garcia Associate Art Director Hayley Doshay Editorial Designer India Curry Production Coordinator Sharon Wisecarver Design Brennan Collins, Marianne Mancina, Mary Key, Skyler Smith, Melissa Arendt Art Director at Large Don Button, Andrea Diaz-Vaughn Advertising Consultants Gina Odegard, Kelly Funderburk, Matt Odegard, Bev Savage Classified Advertising Consultant Olla Ubay Office/Distribution Manager/ Ad Coordinator Karen Brooke Executive Assistant/Operations Coordinator Nanette Harker Assistant Distribution Manager Ron Neill Distribution Drivers Sandra Chhina, Jesse Pike, John Miller, Martin Troye, David Richards, Warren Tucker, Matthew Veach, Neil Lemerise, Daniel Golightly General Manager John D. Murphy President/CEO Jeff vonKaenel Chief Operations Officer Deborah Redmond Human Resource Manager Tanja Poley Senior Accountant Kevin Driskill Credit and Collections Manager Renee Briscoe Business Zahida Mehirdel, Shannon McKenna Systems Manager Jonathan Schultz Systems Support Specialist Joe Kakacek Web Developer/Support Specialist John Bisignano 708 North Center Street Reno, NV 89501 Phone (775) 324-4440 Fax (775) 324-4572 Classified Fax (916) 498-7940 Mail Classifieds & Talking Personals to N&R Classifieds, Reno Edition, 1015 20th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or e-mail classifieds@newsreview.com Web site www.newsreview.com Printed by Paradise Post The RN&R is printed using recycled newsprint whenever available. Editorial Policies Opinions expressed in the RN&Rare those of the authors and not of Chico Community Publishing, Inc. Contact the editor for permission to reprint articles, cartoons or other portions of the paper. The RN&Ris not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. All letters received become the property of the publisher. We reserve the right to print letters in condensed form. Cover design: Hayley Doshay Feature story design: Hayley Doshay

THIS MODERN WORLD BY TOM TOMORROW

First, remove tax loopholes

There is an effort going on by mining industry lobbyists to stop a proposed constitutional amendment that would, if passed by voters, remove an industry tax loophole from the Nevada Constitution.

Their argument is that instead of singling out the mining industry for a tax increase, a broad-based business tax should be created. By making that argument, they are hoping to distract attention from a constitutional amendment wending its way through the Nevada Legislature.

The Reno Gazette-Journal last weekend became a voice of this emerging consensus with an editorial. “The goal of policy-makers should not be to pick out winners and losers in the tax system,” the newspaper argued. “Neither should they pick out individual industries to target for higher taxes. Instead, the state needs to consider a top-to-bottom rewrite of its tax code to bring it in line with the way the state economy works in 2012.”

There is a problem with this line of argument. The Gazette-Journal is confusing tax policy with taxation. Its editorial attacked an initiative petition filed by Monte Miller, a Las Vegas businessperson who was an advisor to Gov. Jim Gibbons during his administration. The petition seeks to allow the Legislature to increase taxes slightly on mining but would protect the industry’s tax break.

Both the initiative petition and the argument made by the Gazette-Journal and the mining lobbyists about a broad-based business tax seek to do the same thing—divert attention from an effort to reform the favored position of the mining industry in the Nevada Constitution.

In 1864, when mining industry barons considered themselves and their mines the “paramount industry” of the state, it convinced delegates to the Nevada constitutional convention to write a tax break into Article 10, protecting them from taxation of the gross proceeds of mines. Whatever sense it made in the 19th century, in the 21st it allows foreign mining companies to despoil the land while shipping Nevada capital to Canada.

Imagine if Nevada had become a state in the 1960s when the gambling industry was riding high and its lobbyists had gotten delegates to write a limit on gambling taxes into the new constitution.

The initiative petition the Gazette-Journal attacked would preserve that exemption, to be sure, and should be defeated. But the newspaper plays into the hands of its sponsors by failing to make distinctions when it should be educating the Nevada public on the constitutional favoritism shown to the mining industry.

Though the newspaper never mentions it, the 2011 legislature approved a constitutional amendment to finally pry out that loophole. Their measure, Senate Joint Resolution 15, must still be approved by the 2013 legislature and then be approved by voters. Unless it passes, the state will be unable to conduct the “top to bottom rewrite of the tax code” the newspaper wants because part of that code will be shielded from revision by constitutional language. See how it’s all linked together?

The newspaper doesn’t want the mining industry singled out for taxation, but the Nevada Constitution already singles it out for a tax privilege that is not enjoyed by any other businesses in Nevada—dry cleaners, barbers, butchers, bakers, candlestick makers. The Gazette-Journal needs to keep the lines straight because the mining industry has a vested interest in confusing tax policy and taxation. The Miller initiative should be defeated, as the Gazette-Journal recommends, but let’s keep our eyes on the ball:Statutes, not constitutions, are the place for tax loopholes. Ω

What food do you really love?

Asked at the University of Nevada, Reno food court

Patrick Kelley

Student Sandwiches. They’re really customizable. You can put different stuff that you’re in the mood for on them. It’s really easy to get what you like.

Shaqueal Wilson

Student Probably be hamburgers or maybe pizza. … I always eat it, like it’s all we have at home. Right now I’m trying to change to a more nutritious diet.

Julie Kilgore

Student Fish. There’s a lot of variety. It has good fat, covers all the protein bases, and it cooks quickly.

Bob Felten

Professor Mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s about home. It’s comfort food, and we need comfort food.

Mary Henry

Marketer Anything my mom cooks. She’s a better cook than me.

Itʼ s happening in

JEFF KASHIWA

W, 2/8, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave.(775) 356-3300

MILTON MERLOS

Th, 2/9, 5:30PM, F, 2/10, 6PM, Sa, 2/11, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave.(775) 356-3300

ERIC ANDERSEN

Live local music. 2 for 1 margaritas all day. Th, 2/9, 6PM, no cover. Cantina Los Tres Hombres, 926 Victorian Ave.(775) 356-6262

NEVADA REVISITED

Fred Horlacher presents this threepart series. Learn about Nevada’s ghost towns, geologic phenomena, archaeological features and the characters and folklore of the “Nevada Outback.” Th, 2/9, 7:30PM, $8 per lecture or $20 for all three. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave.(775) 355-1144

BUDDY EMMER BAND

Th, 2/9, 8PM, F, 2/10, 9PM, Sa, 2/11, 9PM, Su, 2/12, 8PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

LADIES 80’S NIGHT

Hosted by DJ BG. Th, 6-11PM, Trader Dick’s Lounge. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

JAZZ

With First Take, featuring Rick Metz. Th, F, Sa 6PM. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 657-8659

NAMOLOKAMA

F, 2/10, 5:30PM, Sa, 2/11, 5:30PM, Su, 2/12, 5:30PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave.(775) 356-3300

TAMBORAZO NIGHT

Dance all night on the biggest dance fl oor in Northern Nevada. Live music with Tamborazo San Marcos and DJ DAS in the mix. F, 2/10, 9PM, no cover. New Oasis, 2100 Victorian Ave.(775) 359-4020

WICKED HICKS

F, 2/10, 9:30PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 3551030

SAVE-A-HEART

In honor of National American Heart Month, REMSA and Scheels will be presenting the fi fth annual Save A Heart and Simple 7 Health Expo! Sa, 2/11, 10AM-2PM, Free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

HOMEMADE JAM BAND

Sa, 2/11, 8pm, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

Follow me to Sparks - where it’s happening now!

LA NUEVA REBELION

Noche alteorada. Also featuring Furia Kali and Tamborazo San Marcos and DJ Das. Sa, 2/11, 9pm, $25. New Oasis, 2100 Victorian Ave.(775) 359-4020

GEEZERSLAW

Sa, 2/11, 9:30PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

WEEKEND JUMP-OFF PARTY

With DJ BG. F, Sa, 10PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

GARDENING WORKSHOP

Experience a workshop by Eliot Coleman, best-selling author, researcher and farmer. Learn about moveable greenhouses and using fabric covers, soil health, vegetable varieties that survive. Su, 2/12, 10:30AMnoon & 1:30-3PM, $50/session. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way, (775) 355-1551

ZUMBA FITNESS

Zumba is a way to burn calories that’s more like a dance party than an exercise routine. Classes are offered monthly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:157:15PM. Based on calorie-burning dance moves, Zumba is set to body-shaking Latin music. The program is designed for all levels - from beginner to high fi tness. No equiPMent required, only workout shoes and water. $42 or $35/month for Sparks residents. Drop-in option, $6/class. Sparks Recreation Gym, 98 Richards Way.

DOG OBEDIENCE TRAINING

Curb your dog’s bad habits and establish good conduct through a 6-week obedience class taught by professional dog trainer Guy Yeaman. Learn how to teach your dog to sit, stand, stay, heel and master other commands. Current shot records (rabies, parvo, distemper), trainingcollar, and fabric or leather leash required. $98 or $82 for Sparks residents. Mondays,7-8PM, starting 1/30. Parks and Recreation Gymnasium, 98 Richards Way. (775) 353-2376 or email recinfo@ cityofsparks.us

KARAOKE

SPIRO’S F, 9PM, no cover. 1475 E. Prater Way (775) 356-6000

THE ROPER DANCEHALL & SALOON

Country music dance lessons and karaoke, Th, 7:30PM, no cover. 670 Greenbrae Dr. (775) 742-0861

OPEN MIC

GREAT BASIN BREWING Open mic comedy. Th, 9PM, no cover, 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

SEND US YOUR SPARKS EVENTS!

E-mail to: Sparks@newsreview.com

GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY!

CITY OF SPARKS

Geno Martini - Mayor, Julia Ratti - Ward 1, Ed Lawson - Ward 2, Ron Smith - Ward 3, Mike Carrigan - Ward 4, Ron Schmitt - Ward 5, Shaun Carey - City Manager, Tracy Domingues - Parks & Recreation Director.

OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS

Judge Barbara S. McCarthy - Dept. 1, Judge Jim Spoo - Dept. 2, Chet Adams - City Attorney. Mayor and Council members can be reached at 353-2311

SPARKS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

745 Fourth St., Sparks

CITY OF SPARKS WEBSITES:

www.cityofsparks.com www.sparksrec.com www.sparksitshappeninghere.com

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1420 Scheels Drive, Ste. 108

(next to Forever 21, Legends at Sparks Marina) 775-358-1976 www.thechambernv.org

THIS SECTION AND ITS CONTENTS ARE NOT FUNDED BY OR CREATED BY THE CITY OF SPARKS

NEWS & REVIEW BUSINESS USE ONLY DESIGNER ISSUE DATE ACCT. EXEC. MK 02.09.12 JDM

FILE NAME REV. DATE SPARKSSECTION020912R1 01.26.12 USP (BOLD SELECTION) PRICE / ATMOSPHERE / EXPERT / UNIQUE PLEASE CAREFULLY REVIEW YOUR OPINION | NEWS | GREEN | FEATURE STORY | ARTS&CULTURE | IN ROTATION ADVERTISEMENT AND VERIFY THE FOLLOWING: | ART OF THE STATE | FOODFINDS | FILM | MUSICBEAT | NIGHTCLUBS/CASINOS | THIS WEEK | MISCELLANY | FEBRUARY 9, 2012 | RN&R | 5 AD SIZE (COLUMNS X INCHES) SPELLING NUMBERS & DATES