Letters

Stranger than truth

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review. This annual Most Censored Stories always kind of hits a nerve with me. In part, because I can remember when it really was about censored stories. Back in the mid’90s before the internet really came on, I’d often not have heard of the stories that made the list. Nowadays, I’ve heard of all these stories on some level.

But doesn’t it seem like some futuristic fiction to you? Of course, the truth of Bradley Manning’s disclosures got buried in his gender issues. Of course, Obama’s promises of government transparency were lies. Of course, interest rates and greedy billionaires have increased the gap between the rich and the super rich—you and I are not even in the equation anymore. As I said, there’s not a single story in this selection of “censored” news that I didn’t know something about, but there is so much information out there “in the wild,” it’s difficult to give any important story enough coverage to stand out.

Our 95-word fiction contest is coming up. I can see just a whole barrage of stories being inspired by this Orwellian stuff. Just remember to keep the story to exactly 95 words (as counted by LibreOffice or Microsoft Word and excluding title). There’s no cash prize or anything, but you can see your name in print. And if you win, we may even add a photo of you. And because I wrote this for an ad, and it seems relatively helpful, we, the editors, like stories that have a beginning, middle and end, and include setting, conflict, dialogue, character, point of view, and theme written on $100 bills.

For those who’ve never seen the contest, last year’s winners can be found at www.newsreview.com/reno/stranger-thantruth/content?oid=8291872.

E-mail to renofiction@newsreview.com and put Fiction 2013 in the subject line. All entries must be received by 9 a.m. on Oct. 23. Selected entries will be published on Oct. 31. Include contact information, including name, address and telephone number. —D. Brian Burghart brianb@newsreview.com

Our pleasure

Re “Yeah, we’re awesome” (Editor’s Note, Oct. 3):

Congratulations to RN&R for the well-deserved awards, as evidenced by another great article, “Alchemy vs. science” by Dennis Myers, and the very heart-warming article, “Guard your heart” by Brad Bynum.

Climate change denialism is just a small part of a much wider war on science funded by some wealthy conservatives and a few corporations who pay others to deceive. Merchants of Doubt should be required reading for all high school seniors. Teach them about the real country they live in and inspire them change it. It’s their future to lose if they don’t.

I’m not gay, but love is love is love, and it’s always wonderful to see. It was also wonderful to hear how supportive the military has been to Kim and Deena.

Thanks for continuing to print such stories. You produce a real newspaper.

Tom Wicker Reno

Bureaucracy paid for

Re “All these letters” (Letters to the Editor, Oct. 3): I did not read the recent story “Killing Fields” so I will comment on the letters published later. The majority seemed to have the theme, “the animals are ours, too, so we should have some say.”

NDOW is supported I believe primarily by license fees for hunting, fishing, trapping. In 2009/10 years, their site shows total income from hunt, fish, trap, license sales of $1,666,207. And trust me, they have various fees for other things besides license fees.

The 1937 P-R Wild life Act took over a pre-existing 11 percent excise tax on firearms and ammunition. Instead of going into the U.S. Treasury as it had done in the past, the money is kept separate and is given to the Secretary of the Interior to distribute to the states, determined by number of hunters.

A 1970s, amendment created a 10 percent tax on handguns and ammunition and accessories and a 11 percent tax on archery equipment. A 1950 act was passed for fish, the Dingell Johnson act. Much of the money to support hunter safety programs come from this legislation.

One source shows hunters spending around $10 billion—that’s with a B—a year on everything they needed for hunting trips. A different source found that hunters spend between $2.8 and $5.2 billion a year on taxable merchandise. Generating between $177 and $324 million dollars a year.

Another source estimated that hunters contribute about $3.5 million a day to conservation by purchasing taxable items and hunting licenses.

More funds derive from the federal duck stamp program, which costs $16 at present. NV has a state stamp at $10 as well. Funds generated from state and federal stamps are designated for wetlands restoration and preservation.

Yes, the animals and the ecosystem belongs to all of us. But some have more chips in the game than others. If anyone wants to actually help wildlife, buy a hunting/fishing license. And then repeat year after year, like hunters and fishermen do.

No one will force you to use them. Ron Ryder Fallon

But, Bob?

I love the Reno News & Review, but personally, I’ve gotten tired of Bob Grimm’s reviews, to the point where I refuse to read them any more. I now read other newspapers and the “interweb” for competent reviews on films. Others have told me the same thing. Grimm’s reviews, while well written and entertaining, vary too far from quality reviews in national publications such as Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert, The Guardian, NY Times or IMDB to be taken seriously. While he has his viewpoint, I am always left feeling that I’m reading a review by someone who is trying to be entertaining and sarcastic, instead of providing the readers a fair critique of a film. While it is only this reader’s opinion, I suggest RN&R drop Bob Grimm and look for a more helpful reviewer. Where is Howard Rosenberg when we need him? Franklin Miller Reno

Damned Democrats

For shame, Democrats! Democratic strategy often exhibits shameful tactics in political gamesmanship. Take the latest desperate Democratic attempt to take a voting factoid into the realm of high reality-show drama. It is statistically relevant that, to date, voters of all ethnic and age demographics often choose to vote in more “exciting,” presidential-focused races. If that works to a Republican advantage, then all the better for those of a more conservative bent. It is called “politics,” and the thrill of advantage to win votes and voters is called “normal,” even laudatory.

The latest report on Washoe County college-aged Republicans has this age group literally spilling out the doors to attend rallies, lectures and speeches. And the growing number of minority communities involved in Republican talk shows, events and internet communication is increasing in surprising numbers. These same groups, to Democrats, must be manipulated for their support. Democratic pandering and contempt for their votes puts them in the category of Shameful Overlords. Your vote for a cell phone? Your soul for a concert ticket? But no job? Even the most callous of gimme-gimme voters are beginning to perceive and resent the Democratic con game. We are no longer “Status Quo Republicans.” We will defend, fight for and build upon the aggressive momentum that has been created in the local Republican parties. Staunch Republicans and conservatives are rousing to a new energy and excitement in our movement. We have the answers to set the our state, county and even the nation on a more economically and more stable path. Ray Rocha Sparks

Keep the cats inside

Re “When the music’s over” (Editor’s Note, Sept. 9):

I have mostly concurred with your Editor’s Notes, but I strongly disagree with your cat story. Do you know how many birds are killed every year by domesticated cats? It runs in the millions. I have cats myself, and they are never allowed outside, and they seem very happy and content, lying in the sunny window sill. And think of the terror of these pets of yours when the coyotes caught up with them. I’m sure it was not an easy death and probably a painful one. Next time you get a cat, please keep him indoors. He will be happy, and what he does not know, he does not miss.

Berit Nellemann Washoe Valley

The sporting news

Re “Nevada’s Killing Fields” (Essay, Sept. 19):

I hunted with my dad as a youth, but after experiencing war firsthand in Vietnam, I never picked up a rifle again.

No, I’m not vegetarian, but there’s a big difference between eating animals that are bred for food and killing beautiful animals for “sport.”

I have a suggestion for those of you who get a thrill from killing: Why don’t you and your friends buy some AR-15 rifles then go up in the Sierra and hunt each other.

Not only is that a fair fight, it should provide the thrills you favor, and animals don’t have to die in the process.

Michael Bradley Reno

Correction

Re “Best sour grapes,” Letters to the Editor, (Aug. 22):

On Aug. 22, we published a letter that said in part, “Opa’s is mostly microwaved food.” This is incorrect. We regret any inconvenience or misunderstandings this statement may have caused.

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