Letters to the Editor Dec. 10

Editor:

Who in our great state of Nevada holds responsible those who break the law when the law-breakers, and those who support their behavior, are the very people who have the duty to uphold the laws of Nevada?

1. Who prosecutes the Douglas County District Attorney's office for violation of NRS 239.0107 by not responding to written requests by the end of the fifth business day (or tenth business day or even thirtieth business day)?

2. Who prosecutes the NHP trooper who, despite requests made under discovery and NRS 239 provisions, fails to submit documentation of training in "visual estimation" of speed of vehicle when going 55 mph in the opposite direction? When the same trooper submits an altered public document as evidence (altering a public document is a category C felony per NRS 239.310), takes no responsibility and blames it on some communications specialist?

3. Who helps when a judge condones such actions by "bah humbugging" such behavior and does not even give a verbal warning to the above two individuals? The judge then victimizes the victim further and rewards the above lawbreakers by increasing the penalty " despite evidence in front of him that visual estimation has an error of 5 mph and the trooper used an uncertified radar gun.

I am simply puzzled as to where and why did the judge's passion for "fair trial" disappear when the lawbreakers are the ones tasked with upholding the law? I wish the judge had spoken up in favor of the victim (me) and set a precedent that, at least in his courtroom, absolutely no one is above the law.

Who in the State of Nevada holds these entities responsible and accountable? Who has the authority to enforce the penalties for violation of law as outlined under NRS 239? Is it the office of Gov. Gibbons? Speaker Buckley? DPS Director Hafen? NHP Chief Perry? Who? Anyone? Or no one?

If anyone has answers, please email them to jainra1@yahoo.com. If no one has the answers, perhaps it is time for the 2009 Legislature to repeal NRS 239.

Rajat Jain

Gardnerville

Editor:

My hat's off to Mr. Van Dien for raising The Record-Courier editorial page to a new level of academic prowess, especially during our current political and economic tailspin.

The chasm between our Constitution and the administrative and legal codes that put it into practice is as deep and wide as the Grand Canyon. This chasm should not be perceived in a negative way.

Mr. Van Dien rightfully portrays our founding fathers in fierce debate over getting the words right in an attempt to avoid tyrannical power by dividing our governing power into three branches. The bad news for folks that need exact rules to follow is that these rules are going to change over time. How to maintain the balance of powers will change over time with changes in technical ability, social norms, etc. Yet, the concept of "balance of power" is eternal to our constitution.

The good news is that we've recently shown the world how to transfer power under our constitution, and to accept and tolerate change without the savagery that despots display worldwide. I'm very proud to be an American today, after having been a small but real part of our election process, even though I wish we could shorten the campaign period.

Mr. Van Dien leaves us hanging with his critique of the media. Yes, there's tyranny in all branches of the federal government but there are also good judges and politicians as well. And yes, there's tyranny in the media today with consolidation under media giants who can wield excessive power over information. Fortunately though, the technical shift in the media to the Internet has diffused some of that media power and helped to give a new president the white house.

In sum, if we can accept flexibility in the operation of our government within parameters set in the constitution, our future will be in good hands. The day we succeed in setting our constitution in stone will be the day it fails us. Thanks Jack.

Ed Kleiner Jr.

Gardnerville

Editor:

Oops " they did it again. Our nation's leaders have sold our souls to the devil (what were left of them after they sold them to China). They handed out bailout money to companies who should be held responsible for their own self-demise, without any guidelines or stipulations, i.e. the money should not be used for upper management's bonus, without any requirements that this money be accounted for.

So how many homeowners have these companies kept out of foreclosure? I don't personally know anyone in foreclosure, although most of us are a paycheck away, but haven't heard from anyone who has been rescued. Well, at least maybe the auto manufacturers will get some help. I just find it strange that of all the billions our government is giving out, none of it has reached the average working-class American.

We all know we would have done a better job of stimulating the economy if they had divided the billions among regular American citizens instead. While we continue to lose our homes, our jobs, our retirements, and many much-needed programs in education and mental health, the multi-million dollar bonuses are still being handed out like candy. Guess I'm in the wrong line of work.

Connie Jameson

Gardnerville