June 25, 2025, R-C Letters to the Editor

Try participating

Editor:

In the recent letter noting “Libs are Americans & Nevadans too” the writer brought up a number of negative issues she experienced while living in the Carson Valley. The letter said what really gripes her is the notion that “They’re (Conservatives) allowed to live here but we’re (Liberals) not.” The writer goes through a whole list of how she feels unwelcome here. I guess I would ask what has she done to engage with the community? Volunteering gets you out there and the choices are endless. I have been all over the valley at gatherings in the Parks, Farmers Market, Wine Walk and many others and it seems that the local community is very easy to engage with. Have had many great conversations with strangers who turned into friends all by sharing a picnic bench somewhere and just talking. I can’t recall one time when someone asked my political leanings so I’m not sure where she has found the litmus test, she refers to. 

The letter says “for those of us who aren’t conservatives, or even worse Trump Supporters…” and maybe that is part of the problem. Sounds like she is not interested in engaging with conservatives, and even less tolerant of those supporting Trump. If those are your feelings it might get pretty lonely employing this as your personal litmus test in a county that went 2:1 for Trump over Harris. Holding that kind of contempt for neighbors comes through making it more challenging to engage with others.  

I share her desire to live in a time when nobody knew or cared about your political leanings. The upside is that many of us are living that life now by simply treating our neighbors as we would like to be treated, focusing on the positive, and talking about the things that really matter, family, pets, what keeps us busy, the outdoors, or the wind just to name a few. “Half empty,” or “half full,” the choice is ours. I’m going with “half full.”

 Jeff Miladin

Genoa

Protect all of Nevada’s students

Editor:

Gov. Lombardo missed an opportunity to do something that would benefit all Nevada students when he vetoed Assembly Bill 217 (AB217). The bill was intended to protect student privacy and ensure that students and their families feel safe and comfortable attending school, regardless of their immigration status by limiting the involvement of immigration enforcement activities on school grounds, except under specific legal circumstances. 

In a 1982 decision, The Supreme Court granted all students the constitutional right to a free, public education regardless of immigration status.  Subsequent policy was enacted to create a safe and inclusive environment for immigrant students by limiting immigration enforcement at schools and reaffirming their right to education. 

President Trump declared immigration a top priority, promised mass deportations and has been targeting immigrants and their families since inauguration. Included among his cruel executive orders, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a directive rescinding protections against immigration enforcement in schools. 

Protecting schools from immigration enforcement is essential for a school’s educational success. Enforcement in schools can have a wide array of negative impacts on children including on school attendance, performance, and erosion of the learning environment for ALL students, even if they’re citizens, by creating an atmosphere of fear and anxiety.

It is deeply troubling that Gov. Lombardo failed to follow the direction set by Nevada lawmakers and support AB217. Even more concerning is that he prioritized a political agenda over the well-being of all Nevada children.

Although AB217 was vetoed by the governor, the legislature also passed Nevada Assembly Joint Resolution 9, which did not require the Governor’s signature. This type of resolution is used to express opinions on federal matters and was forwarded to Congress. This made Nevada the first state to officially urge Congress to protect schools (and places of worship) from immigration enforcement actions. 

By passing AJR9, Nevada is sending a strong message to Congress and the rest of the country that these locations should remain safe spaces and students should be able to attend school without fear.

Elizabeth Valdes

Minden

Tarkanian has right to speak

Editor:

In response to Margaret Pross’ June 18 letter, “Newsletter a political tool”—her rambling, accusatory screed demands a firm rebuttal.

Ms. Pross, I’ve agreed and disagreed with Commissioner Tarkanian over the years. Regardless, his right to communicate with the public is protected—explicitly—by both the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article 1, Section 9 of the Nevada Constitution:

“Every citizen may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects… and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or of the press.”

His newsletter contains no classified or confidential information. It presents opinions—some factual, some biased, perhaps even wrong—but they are his to express. That’s how free speech works.

So why misuse public resources to file frivolous complaints, along with Mr. Walder? If you’re passionate about your views, build your own platform and compete in the marketplace of ideas—as Tarkanian does.

In America, freedom of speech guarantees neither accuracy nor civility—only the right to speak. The remedy for speech we dislike is not censorship, but more speech.

Douglas County faces serious issues: tens of millions in road maintenance backlogs, commissioners bailing out a theater before its lease expired, and missed opportunities to reclassify restricted funds through the Legislature. Yet your focus is punishing a public official for having an opinion.

I’ll repeat: I don’t always agree with Commissioner Tarkanian. But unless he’s publishing classified or slanderous content, I’ll defend his right to speak. Maybe it’s time to stop attacking and start contributing.

Shawn Meehan

Minden