Letters

The times, they aren’t a-changin’

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

I’m watching the KNPB/ RGJ mayoral debate. Only two or three of these people who feel they’re qualified to lead the city seemed to have at least considered what the issues are and how they might solve them. Firefighters? Homeless? Marijuana dispensaries? Health benefits for new employees?

What the hell is going on with these people? Anjeanette Damon seemed to be the only one who was prepared to discuss simple questions, and she was just asking them. Why couldn’t we at least have some candidates speak English? And what was with those people who had to look into the audience to see whether to raise their hands on yes or no questions.

The biggest issues of the day, and it appears they have never had conversations on these topics before.

This is inane. It’s obvious that they see Hillary Schieve as the person to beat, attacking her for decisions past City Councils have made, but if we were to judge her on the intelligence of her responses, instead of the beauty of her campaign signs, I’m not sure that would be the case. In fact, it seemed funny that the two themes I heard most were “we need change” and “I’m so plugged in.” Sometimes, it was the same person who was making both claims.

I’ve interacted with about a third of the candidates at some point and on some level. We don’t really play the corporateplayer game around here, so if we’re interacting, it’s one on one, and it’s not about being a member of some club I wouldn’t join. Some of these candidates I’ve even considered friends or allies at one time or another.

Can I point out something obvious? Every time I hear one of these people tell me their business bona fides qualify them to be mayor, I want to gag. Every single problem this city has—and I am not exaggerating—goes back to an overbearing business influence on our city government. Government is not business, and decisions that are good for business have been horrible for our city’s citizens. —D. Brian Burghart brianb@newsreview.com

Dirty secrets

Re “The organic food lie” (Feature story, Feb. 13):

In my opinion, it is necessary to genetically modify many of the fruits and vegetables we eat today. Along with the debate on the growing population and the need for more food and larger portions, much of the food you believe to be organic has already been modified. Have you ever gone to your local organic market or a Whole Foods and thought the corn you were serving with dinner was a healthy, organic portion for your family? Healthy: yes, non-modified organic: no. Corn wouldn’t exist today without the genetic modification of maize. A large portion of crops would die without stress modifications, or modifications made for security against pests. These modifications aren’t designed to harm us, they’re designed to aide the prosperity of the crops and the prosperity of our ever-growing population. Taylor Seghesio Reno

Believe nothing

Re “Why give up a good story?” (Upfront, May 1):

Ah, but what shall we believe? In my personal opinion, Harry Reid has the hand of the press, and I find it hard to believe the propaganda that is fed to us by the Democratic supporting press. Christine Cederwood Minden

Women and children first

Re “The battle of Bunkerville” (Let Freedom Ring, April 24):

My dad used to say, “You can tell a lot about a guy by the company he keeps, and who he looks up to.” You folks at the RN&R hired Brendan Trainor, a man who apparently perceives the severely racist welfare rancher Cliven Bundy to be a true American hero.

My daddy would definitely tell us that says a lot about you. As for Bundy’s refusal to pay the ridiculously low grazing fee of $1.35 per month per cow/calf pair, while becoming a millionaire in the process, is that what Trainor views as a model citizen? Yep, that’s right, folks, Bundy’s pals are willing to line their womenfolk up in the front of the shooting gallery against the U.S. government as human shields over a measley $8.10 per animal annual fee that most ranchers pay. That grazing fee has nothing to do with the tortoise. Is that what Trainor considers a true American value? They all seem like a bunch of misogynistic playground bully cowards to me. And Trainor looks up to these people?

Trainor might want to read up on how George Washingon squashed the Bundys of his day in the so-called “Whiskey Rebellion.” These chumps, who had the audacity to tar and feather federal tax collectors over a few gallons of whiskey, were rounded up swiftly by the real, government supervised U.S. militia, which is a very different thing than the violent, government hating anarchist fools that Trainor and his ilk call “militia” these days. At least one of these Whiskey rebels was hanged by the neck until dead, at the order of our first president.

But here’s the real rub: If any one of you had the extremely modest investigative skill set necessary to fact check Brendan’s perpetration of the thoroughly debunked but oft repeated myth that Harry and Rory Reid are in cahoots with a shadowy Chinese solar electric company who intend to build a plant on the very public land Bundy has been mooching off of, you’d have found that there is no such deal. The Chinese company gave up on trying to build any solar plant in southern Nevada a couple of years ago. Look it up on Snopes. It’s a blatant falsehood. But either the modest eighth grade skill set of fact checking apparently eludes you, which would indicate serious journalistic incompetence, or Trainor knows full well that the wild claims about the “spooky, shadowy Chinese solar electric company” and the Reids are blatantly incorrect and he is willfully perpetrating a lie, which you allowed him to publish. So, which is it? Are you incompetent, or are you willful liars, abetting the felonious, treasonous cause of a racist, wealthy, bloodthirsty, anarchist welfare rancher? Because those are the only two options here. How can you even look at yourselves in the mirror? Chris Rosamond Truckee, Calif.

Editor’s note: We look at ourselves with pride. Trainor wrote, “News reports surfaced that the real reason for wanting to force Southern Nevada’s last cattle rancher off the land his family has worked for a century was not grazing fees or tortoises but a sweetheart deal involving Reid’s son Rory and Chinese solar energy developers who covet Bundy’s land.” We included links to some of the news stories that surfaced. He made no claim that the Fox News story was true, and deciding what information to include in an argument is part of rhetoric, which Trainor as a columnist, a writer of opinion, is entitled to do. When the RN&R starts censoring mainstream opinion because we don’t like the opinion, its rhetorical underpinnings or its citations, we become that thing we hate. The marketplace of ideas requires the circulation of ideas we don’t agree with, if only to give others a chance to debunk them.

Gee, our old Lasalle ran great

Re “Sparks cartoonist mourns Archie” (Upfront, April 24):

Did Brian Crane understand that Archie’s death is taking place in a comic book that tells serious stories of Archie’s future as an adult? Or that the series has already been canceled, and this is happening in the final issue? It’s more likely that the intent is to bring the story to a definite conclusion than that they’re trying to “prop up” a series that’s already been canceled. The main Archie Comics titles will still go on telling “funny” stories of the teenaged Riverdale gang.

Bob Buethe Merrick, New York

What about our rights?

Re “The battle of Bunkerville” (Let Freedom Ring, April 24):

What were the constitutional rights denied to Bundy? None. Not a single one. He has had all his due process, over 20 years worth, at great expense to taxpayers. He lost in court, more than once, and never complied with subsequent orders. If his case had a shred of merit, it might have made its way to the Supreme Court, where Scalia could have used it to redefine public property. … Have the protesters been denied constitutional rights? Hardly. No one was denied his First Amendment rights to free speech or peaceable assembly. Some of that free speech included criminal threats and sedition. No one stopped their assembly, which obstructed and was anything but peaceful. Civil disobedience does not involve guns. Bringing guns to a protest is a threat of violence. When you bring guns it’s called “insurrection,” which is mentioned in the Constitution. If the guns at Bunkerville had any connection to the Second Amendment, they would have been in the hands of our state militia, under officers appointed by the governor, ready to help the president “to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions.”

Here are some constitutional principles which actually were violated. First, the federal government is explicitly empowered to manage US Territory, per Article IV, Section 3. That was thwarted. Second, there is no provision for private citizens to form armed gangs to resist federal court orders. Third, and most importantly, the whole point of the Constitution is to guarantee each state the right to a representative form of government, and freedom from domestic violence or invasion. That’s Article IV, Section 4. No one elected these gun nuts to represent us. They have no right to invade our state. And where’s our protection from their domestic violence? Sandoval, Heller and Fiore have all violated their oaths by supporting them, arguably committing treason. I heard the comparison to Rosa Parks. If Rosa Parks had refused to pay bus fair for 20 years, refused to obey a court order to stay off the bus, then shown up with an assault rifle to claim the bus belonged to her—well, maybe.

CG Green 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/Publisher D. Brian Burghart News Editor Dennis Myers Arts Editor Brad Bynum Calendar Editor Kelley Lang Staff writer Sage Leehey Contributors Amy Alkon, Woody Barlettani, Laura Davis, Bob Grimm, Ashley Hennefer, Sheila Leslie, Dave Preston, Jessica Santina, Todd South, Brendan Trainor, Bruce Van Dyke, Allison Young Creative Director Priscilla Garcia Art Director Hayley Doshay Junior Art Director Brian Breneman Design Serene Lusano, Skyler Smith Advertising Consultants Gina Odegard, Bev Savage Senior Classified Advertising Consultant Olla Ubay Office Manager/Ad Coordinator Karen Brooke Executive Assistant/Operations Coordinator Nanette Harker Distribution Manager Valerie Mets Distribution Drivers Russ Dilley, Joe Medeiros, Ron Neill, Andy Odegard, Jesse Pike, Dylan Ross, Warren Tucker, Matt Veach, Gary White, Joseph White General Manager/Publisher John D. Murphy President/CEO Jeff vonKaenel Chief Operations Officer Deborah Redmond Human Resource Manager Tanja Poley Business Manager Grant Ronsenquist Business Nicole Jackson, Tami Sandoval 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 email 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&R are 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&R is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. All letters received become the property of the publisher. We reserve the right to print letters in condensed form.

It’ s happening in !

ACTIVITIES SCHEELS KIDS KLUB: LAWN GAMES

Join the Scheels lawn games expert to learn all about the new fun games you can play this summer with your family and friends! M, 5/12, 6PM, free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

SAM ADAMS BEER TASTING EVENT

Beer lovers are invited to attend The Sam Adams Beer Tasting event in the Cat’s Meow—includes new beers and a five-course meal!www.showclix.com/event/SamAdamsBeerTastingEvent F, 5/16, 6-9PM, $35 person. Bourbon Square Casino, 1040 Victorian Ave. (775) 997-7177

WELDING FOR BEGINNERS

Start a new artistic hobby with basic stick welding, oxy-acetylene welding and wire-feed welding of steel. Discover the types of welding equiPMent available for home... Tu, 5/20, 6-8PM, $200 plus $65 material fee. Sparks High School, 820 15th St. (775) 829-9010

7TH ANNUAL WALK FOR ANIMALS

Nevada Humane Society is asking animal lovers to gather donations for the care of homeless dogs and cats by participating in the Walk for Animals! Sa, 5/24, 8AM-1PM. Sparks Marina Park, 300 Howard Dr. (775) 353-2376

SALUTE TO WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

The 23rd annual Nevada Women’s Fund Salute to Women of Achievement Luncheon will feature keynote speaker Lucille O’Neal, author and motivational speaker and mother. Th, 5/29, 11:30AM-1:30PM, $125 per person or $1,250 a table. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

LUCAS OIL OFF-ROAD RACES

A variety of motor sports industry vendors, food and activities. Last chance qualifiers from 5-7PM. Main races begin at 7:30. F, 5/30, 11AM and Sa, 5/31, 11AM, $25 general admission. Wild West Motorsports Park, 12005 East Interstate 80 (775) 323-2977

KIDS ACTING

Learn to act while gaining self-confidence and poise. W, through 5/28, 4-5PM. $45. Alf Sorensen Community Center, 1400 Baring Blvd. (775) 353-2385

ART ADVENTURES

Watercolor, pastels, mixed media and more! Th, through 5/29, 4-5PM, $45. Alf Sorensen Community Center, 1400 Baring Blvd. (775) 353-2385

PAINT THE MASTERS

Create masterpieces inspired by the art of master classic and modern painters. Th, through 5/29, 5:15-7:15PM, $85. Alf Sorensen Community Center, 1400 Baring Blvd. (775) 353-2385

CROCHET CONNECTION

Learn to crochet or share tips with other crochet enthusiasts. Th, 4-5:45PM, free. Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway (775) 424-1800

CLICKETS KNITTING GROUP

Jean Peters guides this class for knitters of all ages and levels. Yarn and needles are available. First and Third Su of every month, 1:30-3PM, free. Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway, Spanish Springs (775) 424-1800

SCHEELS RUNNING CLUB

Run with expert pacers and enjoy running in a group Tu, 6:30PM through 12/9, free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

FOUR SEASONS BOOK CLUB

The book club meets the first Saturday of each month. Call to find out each month’s book title. First Sa of every month, 1-2PM, free. Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. (775) 352-3200

CONVERSATION CAFE

The drop-in conversation program meets on the first Saturday of each month, 2-4PM, free. Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. (775) 352-3200

PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC TONIGHT IN SAMARKAND

A romantic melodrama, performed at Sparks High School theater. Th, 5/8, 6PM, F, 5/9, 6PM and Sa, 5/10, 6PM, $5 admission. Sparks High School, 820 15th St. (775) 829-9010

BOYS OF SUMMER

Five hard-working musicians from Southern California who play and channel some of the greatest music ever produced on the West Coast—The Eagles. F, 5/9, 7:30PM and Sa, 5/10, 7:30 & 9PM, $10 per person, $15 per couple. Bourbon Square Casino, 1040 Victorian Ave. (775) 997-7177

TYLER STAFFORD

F, 5/9, 8PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

ROCKSLIDE

Sa, 5/10, 8PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

ROCKING INTO THE NIGHT

Come and rock the night away with us. Sa, 5/10, 9:30PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 3551030

LONG GONE TOO

F, 5/16, 8PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

RICK HAMMOND BLUES BAND

Sa, 5/24, 8PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

DANNY BUTLEER WITH THE BANDALARELS

Sa, 5/31, 8PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

DJ BOBBY G

DJ Bobby G rocks The Cat’s Meow at Bourbon Square Friday & Saturday nights! 8PM. No cover. Bourbon Square Casino, 1040 Victorian Ave. (775) 997-7177

COUNTRY NIGHT

Thursdays, 6:30PM – 10PM, free. Bourbon Square Casino, 1040 Victorian Ave. (775) 997-7177

LIVE MONDAYS WITH TANY JANE

Open mic night every Monday at 8PM, hosted by Tany Jane. M, 8PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

OPEN JAM WITH TAZER & FRIENDS

W, 8PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

ERIKA PAUL

Enjoy Louisiana-style food and the soulful, breathtaking jazz sounds of Erika Paul on keyboards and vocals. No cover. Th, 6PM, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 657-8659

BLACK AND BLUES JAM

Tu, 8:30PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

LIVE JAZZ

Vocal and instrumental jazz from “The Great American Songbook”, performed by First Take featuring Rick (SAX) Metz. Fridays, 6PM, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr., Sparks, NV 89441 (775) 657-8659

KARAOKE

Th-Sa, 9PM, no cover. Bottom’s Up Saloon, 1923 Prater Way (775) 359-3677 Th, 7-10PM through 4/24, No cover Elbow Room Bar, 2002 Victorian Ave. (775) 356-9799 Sa, 8PM, no cover. 50 Yard Line Bar & Grill, 400 S. Rock Blvd. (775) 358-8848