Archive for April, 2012

A nation of thieves

Sunday, April 29th, 2012

Derek Thompson, senior editor at The Atlantic, wrote on April 16 (citing an analysis from the Joint Committee on Taxation) “Half of American taxpayers owe no federal income tax, and most of those filers actually net tax benefits from federal income taxes.” In fact, though, Mr. Thompson is at pains to point out “The majority […]

Why do the federals control 86 percent of Nevada? And why do they want us off it?

Sunday, April 22nd, 2012

The federal Bureau of Land Management has suspended plans to seize the 500 to 750 head of cattle run by Clark County rancher Cliven Bundy south of Mesquite — and 80 milers northeast of Las Vegas — for now. But Bundy, 65, realizes this is just a truce in an ongoing battle. Both the Mesquite […]

OK, I finally agree — it’s time to compromise

Sunday, April 15th, 2012

Sixty-five-year-old Olympia Snowe, who could only be considered a “Republican” in New England, recently announced she won’t run for re-election to her seat in the U.S. Senate this year, cutting short a sadly abbreviated 39-year career in politics — 34 years as a member of Congress, which means she hasn’t had to live under many […]

1, 2, 3, red light

Saturday, April 14th, 2012

Authorizing robot cameras to photograph red-light runners and mail out traffic tickets to vehicle owners — sometimes months after the event — is a proposal that regularly resurfaces at the Nevada Legislature. Proponents wave the prospect of millions of dollars in new revenues, as well a promise that the cameras can reduce accidents. There’s no […]

This time, the arms race is domestic

Sunday, April 8th, 2012

A spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security confirms via email (they don’t like to talk on the phone) that a five-year department-wide contract was awarded this spring to Federal Cartridge, a wholly owned subsidiary of ATK, for the purchase of up to 450 million rounds of .40-caliber S&W 180-grain pistol ammunition, “the quantity projected […]

Grade inflation still rife at ‘turnaround’ high schools

Sunday, April 1st, 2012

A year ago, hundreds of Chaparral students gathered outside the local Las Vegas high school, chanting “Let’s go, Cowboys!” and “We are Chap!” — expressing support for teachers and staff who’d just been told they faced being replaced this year for their utter academic failure. Add one more charge to the indictment: Outside of cheerleading, […]