The word “hope” starts with an “F” in Nevada. For the third session in a row, the hidebound Silver State legislature will open next month with a female majority. I’ve carped that the initial installments of the history-making hat trick accomplished not much major. This year, 13 of 21 senators and 25 of 41 in the assembly are women. One seat in the lower house remains … [Read more...]
Giants great and small
My longtime friend Jean Stoess was a tiny giant. Barely five feet tall, the former Washoe County Commissioner built a leviathan career of public service that many of the more exalted could not hope to approach. She died at her Reno home on Dec. 3 at 85. If ever there was a hall of fame for community involvement, Jean would have been awarded the key to front door on the day … [Read more...]
Law & Order Special Victims: Nevada’s Disposable Cops
If you watch the longest-running TV drama in U.S. history, you are acquainted with New York Special Victims Unit Capt. Olivia Benson. We had somebody that good in these parts for 16 years but her employers -- us -- destroyed her. Stingy low-tax Nevada is a leader in screwing over our first responders. In October, I related the story of disabled Washoe Sheriff’s Deputy Kim … [Read more...]
Geekonomics for fun & prophet
The authors of the 2005 bestseller “Freakonomics” noted that the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision accurately forecast that the crime rate would dip starting 15 years later. Presidents Bush the Elder (1989-93) and Clinton (1993-2001) both pushed expensive and extensive tough on crime legislation which they trumpeted as successful when crime diminished -- just as it was going to do … [Read more...]
The Circle Game
The seasons they go ‘round and ‘round And the painted ponies go up and down. We’re captive on the carousel of time. We can’t go back we can only look Behind from where we came And go ‘round and ‘round and ‘round In the Circle Game -- Joni Mitchell How can you tell you’ve lived in a town too long? First and foremost, it’s when you can walk into a bar … [Read more...]
Help wanted: athletes wounded on toxic turf
I need injury, pain and mayhem. Blood optional but helpful. No, I’m not doing publicity for Dr. Hannibal Lecter. I need athletes and recreational users who’ve been injured at places like Sparks’ Golden Eagle Park. A major television network is planning stories about “non-contact” injuries on artificial turf. Perhaps the most famous example happened to Ronnie Lott, the … [Read more...]
Do something even if it’s wrong?
The answer appears to be “yes” among many aggrieved Americans. Some have legitimate gripes. Corporate America has been exporting jobs and treasure overseas for decades. Director Michael Moore warned us in his 1989 magnum opus “Roger and Me.” For our nation’s entire history, the name of the game has always been to keep the lower classes fighting each other for crumbs that … [Read more...]
Bobbing for French Fries
I am a sponge for follytix. Spongebob Squarepants starts to drip this close to an election. However… Somewhere within the morass of Republican bravado, I found some relevant advice: Trying to talk reality with people deep into believing conspiracy theories only makes them retreat further into fantasy. Current polls agree that most voters made up their minds long ago and … [Read more...]