Laments circled the world last week in the wake of that idiot American dentist who wasted the national symbol of Zimbabwe. One report even stated that mercenary poachers illuminated the area so that their unsporting client could get a clear shot at Cecil the lion.
This reminded me of another international incident rooted right here in River City.
Hotelman Charles Mapes was also a big-time big game hunter in his day. When I first got to town in 1971, I heard that Charlie caused world-class outrage by downing a sultan’s pet elephant in India.
According to local legend, the poor critter was asleep in a clearing surrounded by velvet ropes. Apparently nobody stopped to think that his fancy blanket might be another clue that this critter was not exactly wild game. Charlie purportedly woke the condemned beast just before dispatching him, a perverted twist on giving him a sporting chance.
HOLD YOUR FIRE. The total loss of auto dealer Richard West’s Hidden Valley home provided the catalyst for the latest burlesque between Washoe County and the city of Reno over whose fire department is getting shortchanged by covering for the other guy.
West’s home was allowed to burn down when a nearby Reno crew was not dispatched. By the time the county boys arrived, the house was only good for toasting marshmallows.
HOT IRONY: Barbwire spies exclusively report that the fire was caused by one of West’s autos.
FAMILY BBQ. Mr. West’s son-in-law, state Sen. Ben Kieckhefer, R-Reno, sponsored legislation this year forcing Reno and Washoe to put together an agreement so that such a travesty never happens again.
Now, the two governments are suing each other, and the senator has his own problems.
YOU’RE FIRED. The Washoe Republican Party recently placed Kieckhefer on its recall/don’t re-elect list along with GOP Gov. Veto El Obtúsè, Assembly members Randy Kirner and Pat Hickey, both R-Reno, P.K. O’Neill, R-Carson City, and Sen. Greg Brower.
Brower, R-Reno, holds the most vulnerable Republican senate seat up next year. Hickey has been firing the retro rockets (Barbwire July 28), and Kirner already has a primary challenger, Lisa Krasner, whom he beat by 11 votes in 2014.
The accused tax-hiking RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) must develop thicker skins to take taxophobe floggings.
FLAME OF KNOWLEDGE DEPT. The committee trying to save the Duncan/Traner community library hosts an open house and back-to-school celebration this Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 1650 Carville Dr.
“We have back-to-school supplies, food and more, but we need people willing to help. Come out to make it a great day for our community’s youth,” says committee chair Darryl Feemster. Info: 775-722-4303, e-mail <realdkf62@yahoo.com>
BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE. Yes, the rumors are true. I want you to join Democrats for Trump at NVCaucus.com/
Who better deserves support from the party of the jackass?
Be well. Raise hell. Esté bien. Haga infierno.
Andrew Barbano is a 46-year Nevadan and editor of NevadaLabor.com. E-mail <barbano@frontpage.reno.nv.us>. Barbwire by Barbano has originated in the Tribune since 1988.