12 minute read
Letters
from July 12, 2012
It ain’t me, babe
Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.
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I’d like to think of something profound to write about the future—well, profound as this little exercise gets anyway—but I found myself stuck in last week, caught up in the story about little Ramsey Farley, the child with the undiagnosed but probably deadly disease featured in this publication. People keep saying nice things about me and writing nice things about me on Facebook, and while those comments make me feel proud, humbled and embarrassed, I feel as though I need to point something out: The only reason I, or any of this staff, get to write these stories is because of this newspaper. We’re all chaotically professional—we would not get this newspaper out on deadline every single week with a four-and-a-half person editorial team, if we weren’t— but none of us would have been considered qualified by more corporate newspapers before we developed our chops in this one.
I don’t think anyone who works here will find this offensive. Most of us do not have journalism degrees. Some of us were fired from previous journalism jobs. We’re just not what anyone would call “corporate.” And we’re proud of that. While we’re all strong—even awardwinning—individuals at what we do, if it weren’t for the medium, you probably would not be reading us.
But anyway, I guess what I’m saying is thank you to the Reno News & Review for giving us all voices and allowing us to help the community in the ways we see fit.
And if you readers haven’t sent Ramsey’s story to your friends in the medical field—anywhere in the world—you can find it at www.newsreview.com/ reno/matter-of-life/ content?oid=6599234.
Have you voted in our Biggest Little Best of Northern Nevada reader’s poll yet? The poll is still open until Aug. 3. Simply go to our website, http://www.newsreview.com/re no/ballot/bestofreno12.
A good idea
With Artown in full swing, this seems like a good time to offer a suggestion for a project that would greatly benefit the city and offer the art community a fantastic opportunity to fill a space that desperately needs it. The cost would be minimal and, ideally, it could be completed by this time next year and the grand opening could take place during next year’s festival. It’s not a fountain, a statue or a theater. It’s much more than that; I am talking about the railroad trench. This may sound off-the-wall, but isn’t being a little bit off-the-wall part of what Artown is all about? If you are a traveler arriving or departing Reno on Amtrak, you are met with an uninspiring train station facade surrounded by depressingly stark gray concrete walls and overpasses. It makes you wonder if you’ve come to Reno or Dachau. I am sure there are dozens of rules, regulations and other bureaucratic red tape to wade through, but there must be some way for the city, Amtrak, Union Pacific and the hundreds of talented artists in the area to get together to turn these walls, at least around the station, into a colorful, vibrant location that will say “Welcome to Reno and Nevada.” There will never be enough money to make the types of improvements that have taken place at the airport, but with a little imagination and cooperation there is no reason we can’t have a station that makes visitors feel welcome, instead of as though they are arriving and departing in a tomb. Terry Knight Carson City
Suckers’ bet
Re “Deception” (News, July 5):
I left Reno shortly after the Great Flood of 1997. When I returned in 2007, I could scarcely believe the changes in the once vibrant downtown. The term “war zone” sprang to mind. It seemed to me an intractable problem. The depression of the railroad tracks and the development of the Truckee River corridor, which had promised greater prosperity, seemed an abject failure. Now comes the iconic Apple to the rescue. Apparently, the cost to the taxpayers will be great, though it pales in comparison to the cost of the decay I saw in 2007. Achange to be believed in? One hopes. Larry Wissbeck Paonia, Colo.
Can’t believe Jake
Interesting article that begs us to answer the questions: Why and how do humans believe? Why have we created such a strange parade of religions? Why are we such suckers for the fantastic? Why will we defend our beliefs to the death?
It seems Professor Highton has his own belief system—atheism—he claims is based upon reason. However, isn’t it very unreasonable and ultimately egotistical for any one of us, when considering the vastness, complexity and incredible dynamism of our universe, todare claim there is no god? If the good professor could convince me he knows all, has seen all and understands everything in the universe, then I would perhaps believe him.
Can’t Highton see that there is so much he doesn’t know about the universe? And yet he is essentially saying: Come, follow me. Believe in me.Kind of has a familiar ring to it. Christopher Hardt Carson City
Sweet kid
I have been so lucky to be in the presence of this boy. I can only describe him as “sunshine.” He makes me smile every time I’ve been around him! As a mother of a 3-year-old and 1-year-old, my heart aches for the Farley family. I have never seen such tenderness and love. They are a family of strength, and I’m beyond honored to know them. Sarah Russell Reno
Jake is proof of god
The arrogance of some academics is astounding. Atheism is a faith as is any religion and has as many fanatics as does any religion. The atrocities done by atheists are just as bad if not worse than those done by believers.
He made a list of items “no critical thinker can believe.” To that let me add that no critical thinker can believe that the sun, the stars, the moon and the Earth, with all the complexity of life, happened as the result of some colossal accident.
Accidents are notorious for destroying, not creating. Can you say that New York was created by accident? Of course not! Yet you want me to swallow the idea that somehow billions of years ago some single cell containing something as complex as DNAsomehow came into existence by accident and proceeded to become us. I’m sorry, but my gullibility only goes so far.
Evolution is a faith, not a science, and it’s about time that scientists and academics became honest enough to recognize that.
Don R. Drake Carson City
A little help
Ramsey (Penguin) is the most adorable and most loving little boy I have ever known. I have had the privilege of watching this little angel grow up. It is heartwrenching knowing there is nothing you can do to ease the hurt and bewilderment of the “not knowing.” Ramsey has the most amazing momma. Any help that you can give the family would be great! Your support, love and prayers, and if you can help guide them to someone who can help answer their questions, who doesn’t stop or give up when the answers don’t come easy. Too many times they have been pushed off to new doctors, and then more doctors. Tami, Art and Jamie are constantly having to call to get results, or to remind doctors of upcoming tests or equipment that the doctors had promised to get for them. Equipment orders have been “lost” or “delayed.” This is unforgivable! Whatever happened to “patient care” and “follow through?” Any help for the family and for Ramsey would be great!
Monica Acunia San Antonio, TX Editor’s note: Yes, please, if you know of any doctors who may know anything—here or abroad—please send them a link to the story, www.newsreview.com/reno/matter-oflife/content?oid=6599234 .
Censor Jake
The anger implicit throughout Jake Highton’s article “Are you there God? It’s me, Jake.” is largely understandable—fundamentalist Christians’intolerant, sometimes downright hate-filled, attitude toward people different than themselves is both incredibly hurtful to many and infuriating to others. This fact nonetheless does not make it permissible to craft a lengthy rant against them under the guise of an argument in favor of atheism.
Given my bachelor’s degree in religion, I find many of Highton’s arguments not only unconvincing— the stalemate between arguments for and against the existence of God has survived for thousands of years—but also offensive to a variety of believers. His use of stereotypes about the relative intellects of Jews, Catholics, and evangelicals is one particularly hurtful example. I do not doubt that there are several convincing arguments for being atheist, but simplistically lambasting those who are faithful gets us nowhere; indeed, it merely echoes the very aggressive, illogical adherence to belief that Highton is so (rightly) frustrated with.
Jessica Fanaselle Reno
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THIS MODERN WORLD BY TOM TOMORROW
Misused forum
Something new happened this week. The “state of the city” speech was not given by the mayor of Reno.
Candidly, we think these “state of” occasions have grown far beyond their worth. We now have “state of the state,” “state of the city,” “state of the judiciary,” “state of the university” speeches. Only one of them is called for by law. They are mostly media events— occasions staged to generate publicity.
That’s all well and good. They happen only once a year and are almost always forgettable, so they’re reasonably painless.
But if we are going to have them, they should be given by a policymaker. City Manager Andrew Clinger is not an adequate substitute.
No one elected Clinger to anything. The public doesn’t know him—it knows Mayor Cashell. He has no authority except as an extension of the Reno City Council and mayor. He is accountable only to them, not to the public. They are the ventriloquists. So why send him out front?
Clinger used to be the state budget director. Imagine his giving the “state of the state” speech to the Legislature, and it becomes apparent how inappropriate this is.
Mayor Cashell faces the voters. He’s the one who is accountable to them. Insulating him from informing the public from such a forum on such an occasion makes no sense, as became apparent when—after the speech—reporters turned to Cashell, who then defended the sunny, optimistic tone of the speech.
That’s another thing. If the Council and mayor are unwilling to give the public bad news, raising questions of credibility in these difficult times, they could at least do it themselves. We’re not knocking Clinger. He served the state well when Gov. Jim Gibbons was barely involved in running state government, and he bore burdens that should have been carried by the governor. He then took on a city government with problems just as difficult—if not more so—than the state’s, and has handled them well. But the public bestows these forums on policymakers. They should not be transferable. According to the city’s charter, the Why send a mayor “must be recognized as the head of the city government for all photocopy when ceremonial purposes,” and as such, the original is Reno’s mayor serves as a spokesperson not just for the city but often for available? the Council. That has been particularly true of Cashell, who when first elected faced a Council that could not agree on naptime. He then devoted considerable missionary work to welding them into a team that, if not always in agreement, at least works together. The public statements of appointees of public officials have import and authority only so far as they represent the views of the officials who made the appointment. In the future, it would be better if the city removed the middleperson and had this annual message delivered by the mayor or a councilmember. Why send a photocopy when the original is available—and is accountable to the public for the message delivered? Ω
Make a wish
Asked at the U.S. Post Office, 17th and N. Virginia streets
Mary Toleno
Administrative assistant Peace would be awfully nice, because I believe that families suffer a lot in war areas, and children are scarred. So I think it would be a nice thing for the world.
Amber Monfort
Nurse Better health care for everybody. Preventative health care versus catching things after we already have problems. I like to see people healthier rather than living with long-term diseases.
Ken Douglas
Writer Money, because I don’t have enough. I’m a writer, and I just lost a job. I was ghostwriting for somebody.
Kathryn Landreth
Attorney Peace, because we should have learned by now how to get there.
John Garfinkle
Teacher That my grandson has a long and successful and happy life. He’s the future. I love him.
