Just over a month ago, this was official NRA policy: "Everyone gets a gun." We warned of the dangerous folly of this policy. But of course, the NRA and its "TEA" powered allies refused to listen.
Charles Vacca was a firearms instructor at Last Stop, a gun range in White Hills, Arizona. Bullets And Burgers is Last Stop's tourist promotion that brings tourists from Las Vegas and up Highway 93 to the gun range with promises of "exotic" automatic weapons, "Desert Storm atmosphere", and lunch included. Earlier this week, Charles Vacca gave a nine year old girl an Uzi military grade submachine gun to fire. This was the result of that fateful decision.
Charles Vacca was brought to Las Vegas for medical attention, but it was too late. He died. He had been shot by the Uzi he had given to the nine year old girl to use at the range.
And now, we must all endure the painful aftermath. We must all confront the haunting questions left behind at Bullets And Burgers.
Of course, the usual suspects don't want to confront anything seen as challenging their "conventional wisdom". Under its "@NRAWomen account, the NRA actually tweeted "7 Ways Children Can Have Fun at the Shooting Range". And yes, the NRA actually tweeted this out yesterday.
When interviewed by Chris Hayes on MSNBC yesterday, Last Stop operator Sam Scarmardo said he plans to seek guidance from the NRA and other gun groups going forward. Perhaps he should rethink seeking any kind of guidance from the NRA.
On average, seven American children are shot dead every day. This nine year old girl could have killed herself along with Charles Vacca. Why on earth are children shooting Uzis at ranges like Last Stop?
On MSNBC last night, Sam Scarmardo defended Last Stop's decision to allow that nine year old child to shoot that Uzi by claiming "this was a big -- something that was high on her bucket list to do and her parents took her out to do what she was gonna do." Bucket list? Really? Is the "Children's Death Wish Bucket List" supposed to be the new "killer Las Vegas tourist attraction"?
"High on her bucket list"? Really, NRA? And really, LVCVA? If this is truly our new pitch to tourists, then perhaps we should become accustomed to seeing more numbers like these.
Showing posts with label Las Vegas Strip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Las Vegas Strip. Show all posts
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
Seeing Florida Green
He's at it again. He's unloading his very overloaded wallet. And G-O-TEA politicians are rushing to worship at his feet to get in on the SuperPAC action.
G-O-TEA kingmaker Sheldon Adelson is back... With a vengeance. He's already writing the big checks again. "TEA" flavored politicians are flocking to Adelson's not-so-little corner of The Strip to curry favor. And Adelson is already trying to set the terms of debate for the 2016 Presidential Campaign.
So are we to expect a bunch of G-O-TEA Presidential hopefuls decry "reefer madness" next year? Believe it or not, Sheldon Adelson is now bankrolling the campaign to defeat a medical marijuana ballot initiative in Florida.
Why is Adelson pushing so hard against medical marijuana in Florida? He isn't funding the anti campaigns in the other states with marijuana on the ballot (such as the full legalization initiative in Oregon). And Adelson's medical research foundation has been funding medical marijuana research in Israel! So what's Adelson actually doing in Florida?
Apparently, he's looking out for Governor Rick Scott (R). Scott is locked in a difficult race for reelection, and some Republican consultants have worried that the medical marijuana ballot initiative will boost turnout this fall... Along with Charlie Crist's (D) hopes for a political comeback.
Of course, Sheldon Adelson is also looking out for himself. It just so happens that Las Vegas Sands wants to open casinos in Florida. But as of now, legislation to expand legal gaming in Florida (beyond the Seminole tribal holdings) remains stalled. Adelson seems to hope Rick Scott will try to revive gaming expansion if reelected... And make sure Las Vegas Sands emerges with shiny new contracts for shiny new Florida casinos.
We've been wondering why Sheldon Adelson has been so quiet about medical marijuana proceeding right here in his own state while he's bankrolling the anti-marijuana campaign in Florida (and funding medical marijuana research in Israel). Yet the more we sniff into this, the more we sense Adelson cares more about the kind of green he rakes in at his casinos than the kind of green Florida patients hope will finally become more accessible. And now, we're left to wonder if we'll be seeing more of these crafty political maneuvers as Adelson prepares to ramp up his 2016 political shopping spree.
G-O-TEA kingmaker Sheldon Adelson is back... With a vengeance. He's already writing the big checks again. "TEA" flavored politicians are flocking to Adelson's not-so-little corner of The Strip to curry favor. And Adelson is already trying to set the terms of debate for the 2016 Presidential Campaign.
So are we to expect a bunch of G-O-TEA Presidential hopefuls decry "reefer madness" next year? Believe it or not, Sheldon Adelson is now bankrolling the campaign to defeat a medical marijuana ballot initiative in Florida.
Why is Adelson pushing so hard against medical marijuana in Florida? He isn't funding the anti campaigns in the other states with marijuana on the ballot (such as the full legalization initiative in Oregon). And Adelson's medical research foundation has been funding medical marijuana research in Israel! So what's Adelson actually doing in Florida?
Apparently, he's looking out for Governor Rick Scott (R). Scott is locked in a difficult race for reelection, and some Republican consultants have worried that the medical marijuana ballot initiative will boost turnout this fall... Along with Charlie Crist's (D) hopes for a political comeback.
Of course, Sheldon Adelson is also looking out for himself. It just so happens that Las Vegas Sands wants to open casinos in Florida. But as of now, legislation to expand legal gaming in Florida (beyond the Seminole tribal holdings) remains stalled. Adelson seems to hope Rick Scott will try to revive gaming expansion if reelected... And make sure Las Vegas Sands emerges with shiny new contracts for shiny new Florida casinos.
We've been wondering why Sheldon Adelson has been so quiet about medical marijuana proceeding right here in his own state while he's bankrolling the anti-marijuana campaign in Florida (and funding medical marijuana research in Israel). Yet the more we sniff into this, the more we sense Adelson cares more about the kind of green he rakes in at his casinos than the kind of green Florida patients hope will finally become more accessible. And now, we're left to wonder if we'll be seeing more of these crafty political maneuvers as Adelson prepares to ramp up his 2016 political shopping spree.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Consider This
Another one? There was actually another one. Sadly, there was.
This time, it happened at Fashion Show Tuesday night. Oh, yes. That's right. There was another Las Vegas Strip shooting this week.
So far, the wounded victim has declined to speak to Metro Police about what occurred. After initial speculation about gang involvement, Metro Police now say this shooting was likely not gang motivated. They're still asking the public for help as they investigate.
Last year, we witnessed several Las Vegas Strip shootings. Earlier this year, we saw an alarming near miss at "Thunder Down Under". And now, there's this.
Oh, and there's this. In Stockton, California, 3 bank robbery suspects shot at police officers with AK-47 style assault weapons. A shootout then broke out with both sides trading fire. And ultimately, an innocent hostage and 2 of the suspects were shot dead. 2 more hostages were also shot, and they remain in critical condition.
Consider this: Where did these individuals (in Las Vegas and Stockton) obtain these firearms? And how did they do so? Could it be that they took advantage of the same loophole that Jerad Miller exploited to kick off his bloody "revolution"?
Now consider this: What stood in the way of even modest efforts to strengthen background checks to keep dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands? Who stood in the way? And why did they do do?
Perhaps it's finally time for us to rethink our haphazard approach to all this #gunfail?
This time, it happened at Fashion Show Tuesday night. Oh, yes. That's right. There was another Las Vegas Strip shooting this week.
So far, the wounded victim has declined to speak to Metro Police about what occurred. After initial speculation about gang involvement, Metro Police now say this shooting was likely not gang motivated. They're still asking the public for help as they investigate.
Last year, we witnessed several Las Vegas Strip shootings. Earlier this year, we saw an alarming near miss at "Thunder Down Under". And now, there's this.
Oh, and there's this. In Stockton, California, 3 bank robbery suspects shot at police officers with AK-47 style assault weapons. A shootout then broke out with both sides trading fire. And ultimately, an innocent hostage and 2 of the suspects were shot dead. 2 more hostages were also shot, and they remain in critical condition.
Consider this: Where did these individuals (in Las Vegas and Stockton) obtain these firearms? And how did they do so? Could it be that they took advantage of the same loophole that Jerad Miller exploited to kick off his bloody "revolution"?
Now consider this: What stood in the way of even modest efforts to strengthen background checks to keep dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands? Who stood in the way? And why did they do do?
Perhaps it's finally time for us to rethink our haphazard approach to all this #gunfail?
Monday, July 14, 2014
The Heat Is On
It's been awfully hot outside lately. In fact, records were broken yesterday. Fallon, Yerington, & Lovelock all broke their previous respective record highs when they all hit 105 yesterday. And Reno hit a new record high of 103 yesterday.
Hmmm... Why does this seem so familiar? Perhaps this is because Nevada has been stuck in a perpetual heatwave and drought for over a decade? What might possibly be causing this extended hot & dry spell? (Hint: Think climate change.)
Last week, the Koch funded Heartland Institute hosted aclimate denial "climate optimists'" convention at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. There, they dismissed their own record of climate denial talk of "denial" and "disaster" so they could instead turn up the happy talk on how "there's no way we could do that much damage to this great planet with our puny little carbon emissions". And of course, they reaffirmed their belief that we're better off "staying the course" with dirty fossil fuels than accelerating the switch to renewable energy.
Hmmm... Why does this sound so familiar? Might it be due to the fact that the Heartland Institute is part of the Koch-topus that's out to kill clean energy? And might it be due to the fact that the Heartland Institute also received plenty of funding from the (rest of the) fossil fuel industry?
Even a number of conservatives have come around to accept both the science of climate change and the need for climate action. Despite their "libertarian populist" rhetoric, the Heartland Institute and its "TEA" powered ideological soulmates are increasingly isolated in their hardened opposition to any & all climate action. Most Americans support President Obama's climate action plan. And the more evidence we see of climate change, the more reasons we have to act.
Lake Mead is about to hit a record low water level. Reno just hit a new record high temperature. And wildfire season began awfully early this year. Shouldn't we take notice?
We recognize Nevada tends to be quite hot during summer... But we're not used to this much heat. And we're certainly not used to this much drought. We simply can't afford to deny the reality outside, the reality that may just parch us and scorch us to death if we don't take further action.
Hmmm... Why does this seem so familiar? Perhaps this is because Nevada has been stuck in a perpetual heatwave and drought for over a decade? What might possibly be causing this extended hot & dry spell? (Hint: Think climate change.)
Last week, the Koch funded Heartland Institute hosted a
Hmmm... Why does this sound so familiar? Might it be due to the fact that the Heartland Institute is part of the Koch-topus that's out to kill clean energy? And might it be due to the fact that the Heartland Institute also received plenty of funding from the (rest of the) fossil fuel industry?
Even a number of conservatives have come around to accept both the science of climate change and the need for climate action. Despite their "libertarian populist" rhetoric, the Heartland Institute and its "TEA" powered ideological soulmates are increasingly isolated in their hardened opposition to any & all climate action. Most Americans support President Obama's climate action plan. And the more evidence we see of climate change, the more reasons we have to act.
Lake Mead is about to hit a record low water level. Reno just hit a new record high temperature. And wildfire season began awfully early this year. Shouldn't we take notice?
We recognize Nevada tends to be quite hot during summer... But we're not used to this much heat. And we're certainly not used to this much drought. We simply can't afford to deny the reality outside, the reality that may just parch us and scorch us to death if we don't take further action.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
The Shadows
Please pardon the lighting in our photos and videos below. The lighting wasn't great at the theater. It felt like we were all caught in the shadows.
In a way, it was actually quite fitting. We had all just seen "Documented". Last night, PLAN hosted a screening at Town Square of Jose Antonio Vargas' autobiographical documentary.
When he was 12, Jose Antonio Vargas was flown to America. He moved in with his grandparents. He was excelling in school. He was integrating into American society.
But when he attempted to obtain a driver's license 4 years later, he discovered a terrible secret. It just happens to be the same secret 11 million other Americans have had to grapple with. It's a secret we prefer to keep in the shadows, even though it's perhaps one of the nation's worst kept secrets.
Jose Antonio Vargas is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist. He's worked for such prestigious institutions as The Washington Post and Huffington Post. Yet because he's undocumented, politicians like Mitt Romney want him to "self-deport" and "wait in line" for 18 years or longer for something that would likely never come to pass.
After the screening, local immigrants shared their stories. Blanca is about to earn her second bachelor's degree at UNLV, and she's about to start law school. Rafi is already an accomplished organizer, and he's about to earn his bachelor's in psychology at UNLV. Both have lived in Nevada since they were babies. Yet because they came here undocumented, politicians like Rep. Joe Heck (R-Flip-flop) claim they're being "bullied into amnesty" as Americans like Blanca & Rafi simply ask for a chance to succeed in the place they call home.
G-O-TEA politicians like Steve King (R-Crazy) have engaged in demagoguery in their effort to kill comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). They've succeeded in convincing House Speaker John Boehner (R-Coward) to suffocate the bipartisan CIR legislation that the Senate passed nearly a year ago. However, they haven't succeeded in scaring all immigrants back into the shadows. These Americans are sick & tired of the craven games being played on Capitol Hill, and they're simply asking for a chance to stay out of the shadows for good.
A number of G-O-TEA politicians like to talk about "family values". Yet while they talk about "family values", they continue voting to break up millions of American families. They continue threatening American families who simply want to come out of the shadows and live normal lives.
Jared wants a normal life for his family. He just wants to stay with his mother. Why should we force them into the shadows just to try to avoid being torn apart?
11 million Americans have had to endure living in the shadows just survive. Even as they've gone onto build successful careers and strong families, they've had to stay in the shadows to avoid revealing a dangerous secret. Must we continue trying to keep this secret that's already spilled? Must we continue shoving people into the shadows to avoid confronting our own truth? Or is it time to dispense of the shadows, let go of the secret, and finally let these 11 million Americans come into the light?
In a way, it was actually quite fitting. We had all just seen "Documented". Last night, PLAN hosted a screening at Town Square of Jose Antonio Vargas' autobiographical documentary.
When he was 12, Jose Antonio Vargas was flown to America. He moved in with his grandparents. He was excelling in school. He was integrating into American society.
But when he attempted to obtain a driver's license 4 years later, he discovered a terrible secret. It just happens to be the same secret 11 million other Americans have had to grapple with. It's a secret we prefer to keep in the shadows, even though it's perhaps one of the nation's worst kept secrets.
Jose Antonio Vargas is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist. He's worked for such prestigious institutions as The Washington Post and Huffington Post. Yet because he's undocumented, politicians like Mitt Romney want him to "self-deport" and "wait in line" for 18 years or longer for something that would likely never come to pass.
After the screening, local immigrants shared their stories. Blanca is about to earn her second bachelor's degree at UNLV, and she's about to start law school. Rafi is already an accomplished organizer, and he's about to earn his bachelor's in psychology at UNLV. Both have lived in Nevada since they were babies. Yet because they came here undocumented, politicians like Rep. Joe Heck (R-Flip-flop) claim they're being "bullied into amnesty" as Americans like Blanca & Rafi simply ask for a chance to succeed in the place they call home.
G-O-TEA politicians like Steve King (R-Crazy) have engaged in demagoguery in their effort to kill comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). They've succeeded in convincing House Speaker John Boehner (R-Coward) to suffocate the bipartisan CIR legislation that the Senate passed nearly a year ago. However, they haven't succeeded in scaring all immigrants back into the shadows. These Americans are sick & tired of the craven games being played on Capitol Hill, and they're simply asking for a chance to stay out of the shadows for good.
A number of G-O-TEA politicians like to talk about "family values". Yet while they talk about "family values", they continue voting to break up millions of American families. They continue threatening American families who simply want to come out of the shadows and live normal lives.
Jared wants a normal life for his family. He just wants to stay with his mother. Why should we force them into the shadows just to try to avoid being torn apart?
11 million Americans have had to endure living in the shadows just survive. Even as they've gone onto build successful careers and strong families, they've had to stay in the shadows to avoid revealing a dangerous secret. Must we continue trying to keep this secret that's already spilled? Must we continue shoving people into the shadows to avoid confronting our own truth? Or is it time to dispense of the shadows, let go of the secret, and finally let these 11 million Americans come into the light?
Friday, May 23, 2014
Best Foot Forward?
What else could we say? We knew this was coming. Last month, we explained why there was a better chance of hell freezing over than Las Vegas hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention.
Surprise, surprise, we were proven correct yesterday. But of course, "reliable sources" claim this happens due to "logistical reasons".
"Logistical reasons"... Like what? Cliven Bundy and his gang of "outlaw cowboys" fighting for free-dumb? Adam Laxalt continually reminding everyone of who's truly in charge of the Republican Party? Cresent Hardy's "segregation laws"? Sue Lowden's return?
Of course, @LV2016 operatives have been engaging in damage control. And to be fair, money (or more accurately, the lack of it) probably did play a role in the untimely demise of @LV2016. And perhaps the lack of an arena... Wait, what?! So Cashman Field, Sam Boyd Stadium, Thomas & Mack Center, and Henderson Pavilion weren't good enough for the RNC? Seriously?
Apparently, this was already a done deal before yesterday. So @LV2016 boosters tried their best to save face as their ship was sinking. And apparently, the best excuses they could come up with were "logistics" and money. (So #1 G-O-TEA Sugar Daddy Sheldon Adelson couldn't save their day?)
The Nevada Republican Party has been trying lately to put its best foot forward. And look how this latest attempt played out. Great job, Nevada Republican Party. And great job on that "Republican rebranding", RNC. So much for that putting best foot forward.
This is why Republicans probably won't pick Las Vegas to host their 2016 national convention. While Southern Nevada is home to a diverse electorate who likely resembles the future of America, "Republican rebranding" has accomplished nothing but the repeat of the same old lame excuses of why the G-O-TEA base rejects 21st century America. And even though Nevada is a key state that Republicans need to win more often in order to remain a nationally relevant party, the Nevada Republican Party long ago lost interest in winning elections as it's pursued ideological "purity" to the point of endorsing "Chickens for Checkups" and armed anarchy. Southern Nevada can all too easily remind everyone of why the Republican Party has become radically out of touch with the mainstream electorate, and this is why the Republican National Committee will likely "rebrand" itself into a convention somewhere else.
Surprise, surprise, we were proven correct yesterday. But of course, "reliable sources" claim this happens due to "logistical reasons".
"Logistical reasons"... Like what? Cliven Bundy and his gang of "outlaw cowboys" fighting for free-dumb? Adam Laxalt continually reminding everyone of who's truly in charge of the Republican Party? Cresent Hardy's "segregation laws"? Sue Lowden's return?
Of course, @LV2016 operatives have been engaging in damage control. And to be fair, money (or more accurately, the lack of it) probably did play a role in the untimely demise of @LV2016. And perhaps the lack of an arena... Wait, what?! So Cashman Field, Sam Boyd Stadium, Thomas & Mack Center, and Henderson Pavilion weren't good enough for the RNC? Seriously?
Apparently, this was already a done deal before yesterday. So @LV2016 boosters tried their best to save face as their ship was sinking. And apparently, the best excuses they could come up with were "logistics" and money. (So #1 G-O-TEA Sugar Daddy Sheldon Adelson couldn't save their day?)
The Nevada Republican Party has been trying lately to put its best foot forward. And look how this latest attempt played out. Great job, Nevada Republican Party. And great job on that "Republican rebranding", RNC. So much for that putting best foot forward.
Monday, May 19, 2014
A Way Out
Last Thursday, a number of local fast food workers took to the streets with community allies as a part of #FastFoodGlobal. These workers either make minimum wage or just above minimum wage. And they're struggling just to survive.
These low wage workers are merely asking for this: #MakeWorkPay. That's all. They're already working hard just to feed the kids and pay the bills. How are we really hurting anyone by ensuring people can actually work for a living?
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) has yet to answer this question. He opposes increasing the minimum wage. And he opposes even sustaining social safety programs that actually work at reducing poverty. But now, we're supposed to believe that Rep. Paul Ryan wants to "fight poverty"?
How exactly does Rep. Ryan plan to "fight poverty" if he's constantly fighting against letting millions of workers work for a living wage? And how does he "fight poverty" by fighting to rip to shreds the social safety net that prevents millions of Americans from falling into deeper poverty? We can only wonder if any of the hedge fund executives who Ryan met at Bellagio. Did anyone address the glaring disparity between Ryan's rhetoric and his real policies during the pool side party or the Champagne mixer?
Economic inequality is not merely some philosophical conundrum in need of abstract concepts. It's a very real problem in America today. Real people are suffering. And they're not helped by empty rhetoric and counterproductive policies.
Here in Nevada and elsewhere throughout the nation, millions of Americans are merely asking for a way out. They don't want a handout. They just want a way out of the poverty cycle. Is this really too difficult for Paul Ryan and other Republican "leaders" to understand?
These low wage workers are merely asking for this: #MakeWorkPay. That's all. They're already working hard just to feed the kids and pay the bills. How are we really hurting anyone by ensuring people can actually work for a living?
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) has yet to answer this question. He opposes increasing the minimum wage. And he opposes even sustaining social safety programs that actually work at reducing poverty. But now, we're supposed to believe that Rep. Paul Ryan wants to "fight poverty"?
How exactly does Rep. Ryan plan to "fight poverty" if he's constantly fighting against letting millions of workers work for a living wage? And how does he "fight poverty" by fighting to rip to shreds the social safety net that prevents millions of Americans from falling into deeper poverty? We can only wonder if any of the hedge fund executives who Ryan met at Bellagio. Did anyone address the glaring disparity between Ryan's rhetoric and his real policies during the pool side party or the Champagne mixer?
Economic inequality is not merely some philosophical conundrum in need of abstract concepts. It's a very real problem in America today. Real people are suffering. And they're not helped by empty rhetoric and counterproductive policies.
Here in Nevada and elsewhere throughout the nation, millions of Americans are merely asking for a way out. They don't want a handout. They just want a way out of the poverty cycle. Is this really too difficult for Paul Ryan and other Republican "leaders" to understand?
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
From Las Vegas Blvd... To Eastern Ave.
She considers herself to be a "daughter of Eastern Avenue". She grew up off Eastern Avenue. Her campaign office is now on Eastern Avenue. And she vows to represent "Eastern Avenue values" should she be elected into Congress.
Erin Bilbray is now running in the 3rd Congressional District, which spans from Laughlin to Summerlin. And the Eastern Avenue corridor is probably the beating heart of this district. But last weekend, Erin Bilbray ventured to another iconic Southern Nevada street, Las Vegas Boulevard, to address the Clark County Democratic Party Convention.
On Saturday, Bilbray explained her "Eastern Avenue values". And she drew a stark contrast between her values and her opponent's.
Bilbray described the current state of Congress. She hinted at her opponent's contribution to that current state of Congress. And she talked about what she wants to do in Congress and how she wants to change the climate of Capitol Hill should she arrive there next year.
Make no mistake. Another hot campaign season is simmering in NV-03. Expect to see plenty of signs along Eastern Avenue, as well as all the other major thoroughfares of NV-03.
Erin Bilbray has been touting "Eastern Avenue values". It's not just about that street. It's about the communities along that street. It's about the people who commute to & from work along that street. And it's about the reality of the 3rd Congressional District that's seen up and down Eastern Avenue.
And ultimately, this campaign may be won or lost on Eastern Avenue.
Erin Bilbray is now running in the 3rd Congressional District, which spans from Laughlin to Summerlin. And the Eastern Avenue corridor is probably the beating heart of this district. But last weekend, Erin Bilbray ventured to another iconic Southern Nevada street, Las Vegas Boulevard, to address the Clark County Democratic Party Convention.
On Saturday, Bilbray explained her "Eastern Avenue values". And she drew a stark contrast between her values and her opponent's.
Bilbray described the current state of Congress. She hinted at her opponent's contribution to that current state of Congress. And she talked about what she wants to do in Congress and how she wants to change the climate of Capitol Hill should she arrive there next year.
Make no mistake. Another hot campaign season is simmering in NV-03. Expect to see plenty of signs along Eastern Avenue, as well as all the other major thoroughfares of NV-03.
Erin Bilbray has been touting "Eastern Avenue values". It's not just about that street. It's about the communities along that street. It's about the people who commute to & from work along that street. And it's about the reality of the 3rd Congressional District that's seen up and down Eastern Avenue.
And ultimately, this campaign may be won or lost on Eastern Avenue.
Monday, May 5, 2014
(Not the) End of the Road
Late in 2010, it looked like she was approaching the end of the road. She had lost a hard fought reelection race. Between that and narrowly losing the statewide gubernatorial election of 2006, plenty of political pundits were declaring the death of Dina Titus' political career.
Obviously, they spoke too soon. The following year, redistricting changed the game. And Dina Titus was ready for a comeback.
She did face a rather interesting race in 2012... But she ultimately won. And not only did she win, but she dominated. And she definitely made her way back to Congress.
And since returning to Congress, Rep. Dina Titus (D-Paradise) has been working quite hard on a number of critical issues. And she hasn't forgotten why she's there in the first place.
Last Saturday, Rep. Dina Titus came to the Clark County Democratic Party Convention and addressed the crowd. Some of them were her former constituents, while others are her current constituents. Regardless, she wanted to fire them all up and get them ready for the 2014 cycle.
While Rep. Titus herself doesn't have to worry about her reelection race this year, she does seem to want to return to a Congress that's actually functioning. And that means her work is not yet finished. It's far from the end of the road for her, or for her fellow Nevada Democrats.
Obviously, they spoke too soon. The following year, redistricting changed the game. And Dina Titus was ready for a comeback.
She did face a rather interesting race in 2012... But she ultimately won. And not only did she win, but she dominated. And she definitely made her way back to Congress.
And since returning to Congress, Rep. Dina Titus (D-Paradise) has been working quite hard on a number of critical issues. And she hasn't forgotten why she's there in the first place.
Last Saturday, Rep. Dina Titus came to the Clark County Democratic Party Convention and addressed the crowd. Some of them were her former constituents, while others are her current constituents. Regardless, she wanted to fire them all up and get them ready for the 2014 cycle.
While Rep. Titus herself doesn't have to worry about her reelection race this year, she does seem to want to return to a Congress that's actually functioning. And that means her work is not yet finished. It's far from the end of the road for her, or for her fellow Nevada Democrats.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Why Republicans Probably Won't Pick @LV2016
Every so often, a certain local journalist and media pundit (cough- Jon Ralston- cough) has been begging national Republicans to bring the 2016 Republican National Convention to Las Vegas. He's certainly tried his best to promote our region to Republicans and make a convincing case why "The Entertainment Capital of the World" should host what may be the most entertaining political party event ever. Unfortunately for Ralston, most Republicans don't want to listen to his case.
But why is that? Ralston has made many good points. The Strip has plenty of quality lodging, dining, and entertainment options. Nevada will likely be a key Swing State that cycle. And Southern Nevada has become a diverse society that would serve as the perfect backdrop for the Republicans' big party.
Unfortunately for Ralston (and all other @LV2016 boosters), the G-O-TEA Culture Warriors strongly object to this. And why's that? Oh, our lodging, dining, and entertainment options threaten their "Judeo-Christian values". In fact, our "entertainment" is so wicked & sinful that it corrupted poor Rep. Vance McAllister (R-Louisiana) from thousands of miles away! (/snark)
And it's not just our lack of "moral values" that will likely prevent "Sin City" from hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention. There's also the matter of the entire Nevada Republican Party's lack of common decency and common sense. Last week, state & local G-O-TEA politicians rushed to sing the praises of Cliven Bundy violating federal law at Gold Butte. They also tacitly endorsed outside G-O-TEA groups meddling in #BundyRanch to the point of encouraging armed conflict with federal public servants who were just attempting to enforce the law.
But wait, there's more. Republicans just concluded their convention... The 2014 Nevada Republican Party Convention, that is. And while most delegates decided to cast a few votes in favor of the 21st century, they nonetheless decided to spurn the Governor they just endorsed for reelection by rejecting nearly all his preferred candidates in other races up & down the ballot. And even after they endorsed a new platform, they're still fighting each other over it!
But hey, at least they agreed to endorse Sue Lowden for Lt. Governor.
Apparently, all of this finally weighed on Jon Ralston as he prepared to say farewell to his fantasy of the 2016 Republican National Convention playing out in his back yard...
Except that he forgot to mention Nevada Republicans' other great shining moment from last week.
Hillary Clinton may have had a shoe thrown at her, but Republicans are ultimately throwing away whatever chance they have left of defeating her in 2016 by embracing so much crazy. And this visual must be terrifying those in charge of the Republican National Committee.
This is why Republicans probably won't pick Las Vegas to host their 2016 national convention. While Southern Nevada is home to a diverse electorate who likely resembles the future of America, "Republican rebranding" has accomplished nothing but the repeat of the same old lame excuses of why the G-O-TEA base rejects 21st century America. And even though Nevada is a key state that Republicans need to win more often in order to remain a nationally relevant party, the Nevada Republican Party long ago lost interest in winning elections as it's pursued ideological "purity" to the point of endorsing "Chickens for Checkups" and armed anarchy. Southern Nevada can all too easily remind everyone of why the Republican Party has become radically out of touch with the mainstream electorate, and this is why the Republican National Committee will likely "rebrand" itself into a convention somewhere else.
(Sorry, Jon Ralston.)
But why is that? Ralston has made many good points. The Strip has plenty of quality lodging, dining, and entertainment options. Nevada will likely be a key Swing State that cycle. And Southern Nevada has become a diverse society that would serve as the perfect backdrop for the Republicans' big party.
Unfortunately for Ralston (and all other @LV2016 boosters), the G-O-TEA Culture Warriors strongly object to this. And why's that? Oh, our lodging, dining, and entertainment options threaten their "Judeo-Christian values". In fact, our "entertainment" is so wicked & sinful that it corrupted poor Rep. Vance McAllister (R-Louisiana) from thousands of miles away! (/snark)
And it's not just our lack of "moral values" that will likely prevent "Sin City" from hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention. There's also the matter of the entire Nevada Republican Party's lack of common decency and common sense. Last week, state & local G-O-TEA politicians rushed to sing the praises of Cliven Bundy violating federal law at Gold Butte. They also tacitly endorsed outside G-O-TEA groups meddling in #BundyRanch to the point of encouraging armed conflict with federal public servants who were just attempting to enforce the law.
But wait, there's more. Republicans just concluded their convention... The 2014 Nevada Republican Party Convention, that is. And while most delegates decided to cast a few votes in favor of the 21st century, they nonetheless decided to spurn the Governor they just endorsed for reelection by rejecting nearly all his preferred candidates in other races up & down the ballot. And even after they endorsed a new platform, they're still fighting each other over it!
But hey, at least they agreed to endorse Sue Lowden for Lt. Governor.
Apparently, all of this finally weighed on Jon Ralston as he prepared to say farewell to his fantasy of the 2016 Republican National Convention playing out in his back yard...
"Thanks to #BundyRanch and @NVGOP folks for providing great advertisement today why @LV2016 should happen. Thanks, geniuses."
Except that he forgot to mention Nevada Republicans' other great shining moment from last week.
Hillary Clinton may have had a shoe thrown at her, but Republicans are ultimately throwing away whatever chance they have left of defeating her in 2016 by embracing so much crazy. And this visual must be terrifying those in charge of the Republican National Committee.
This is why Republicans probably won't pick Las Vegas to host their 2016 national convention. While Southern Nevada is home to a diverse electorate who likely resembles the future of America, "Republican rebranding" has accomplished nothing but the repeat of the same old lame excuses of why the G-O-TEA base rejects 21st century America. And even though Nevada is a key state that Republicans need to win more often in order to remain a nationally relevant party, the Nevada Republican Party long ago lost interest in winning elections as it's pursued ideological "purity" to the point of endorsing "Chickens for Checkups" and armed anarchy. Southern Nevada can all too easily remind everyone of why the Republican Party has become radically out of touch with the mainstream electorate, and this is why the Republican National Committee will likely "rebrand" itself into a convention somewhere else.
(Sorry, Jon Ralston.)
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
"Rebranding" the Same Old...
Rejoice! It will come! The Republican National Committee (RNC) announced Las Vegas as one of its finalists for the 2016 Republican National Convention.
Despair! It won't come. Already, two national media pundits have declared the RNC won't pick Vegas for 2016. And Jon Ralston's dreams of having a national Republican Party convention in his back yard have officially been dashed.
Does it really matter either way? In terms of political postioning, probably not. Republican Conventions don't have a great track record when it comes to flipping states from Blue to Red.
So why are so many media pundits treating the RNC's convention host selection process like it's a holy grail for 2016? Perhaps because it's easier to do this than to look more closely into the party's serious structural trouble?
Sure, plenty of ink has been spilled over "Republican rebranding". And party "leaders" seem to be suggesting that their 2016 convention selection will be the highlight of all this "rebranding". And of course, this is why many "party insiders" have suggested that Las Vegas is the perfect place to showcase the "rebranded Republican Party".
Well, this would be the perfect location to showcase the Republican Party that's rebranded its way into... Scaring away longtime Republican leaders like Sue Wagner, claiming the likes of (no, not that) Michael McDonald as its "leaders", trying to have it both ways on immigration reform, not even trying all that hard to hide its love of "segregation laws", and always trying its hardest to please its true leaders. Oh, yes. Las Vegas is the perfect location to highlight all the amazing rebranding the Nevada Republican Party has led the national Republican Party into.
And this is why it really doesn't matter where the RNC ultimately chooses to place its 2016 convention. As long as that "Republican rebranding" keeps going nowhere fast, hardly anyone will actually believe the RNC has anything new to offer.
Despair! It won't come. Already, two national media pundits have declared the RNC won't pick Vegas for 2016. And Jon Ralston's dreams of having a national Republican Party convention in his back yard have officially been dashed.
Does it really matter either way? In terms of political postioning, probably not. Republican Conventions don't have a great track record when it comes to flipping states from Blue to Red.
So why are so many media pundits treating the RNC's convention host selection process like it's a holy grail for 2016? Perhaps because it's easier to do this than to look more closely into the party's serious structural trouble?
Sure, plenty of ink has been spilled over "Republican rebranding". And party "leaders" seem to be suggesting that their 2016 convention selection will be the highlight of all this "rebranding". And of course, this is why many "party insiders" have suggested that Las Vegas is the perfect place to showcase the "rebranded Republican Party".
Well, this would be the perfect location to showcase the Republican Party that's rebranded its way into... Scaring away longtime Republican leaders like Sue Wagner, claiming the likes of (no, not that) Michael McDonald as its "leaders", trying to have it both ways on immigration reform, not even trying all that hard to hide its love of "segregation laws", and always trying its hardest to please its true leaders. Oh, yes. Las Vegas is the perfect location to highlight all the amazing rebranding the Nevada Republican Party has led the national Republican Party into.
And this is why it really doesn't matter where the RNC ultimately chooses to place its 2016 convention. As long as that "Republican rebranding" keeps going nowhere fast, hardly anyone will actually believe the RNC has anything new to offer.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Perspective
Hey, someone had to it. Fortunately for us, Jon Ralston did it. Last Wednesday, he attended the glitzy & glamorous Four Seasons premiere party for "Las Vegas Perspective". And what is "Las Vegas Perspective"? Why, it's the ultimate Southern Nevada insiders' cheat sheet to all the inner workings of Southern Nevada's economy and society.
And jeez, was there high society at Four Seasons last Wednesday! First Lady Kathleen Sandoval gave a keynote speech on the state of Nevada's public education system. Numbers guru Jeremy Aguero gave more details on Nevada's economic recovery. And all the movers & shakers in this soirée oohed & awed at all the facts & figures inside the actual publication.
So what's in the actual publication? It turns out that it's a collection of what we already know. The gaming industry is as erratic as ever. Our unemployment rate is down, but it's still above the national average. The housing market is improving, but many local homeowners are still struggling to stay above water. Our economy is improving, but the fundamentals of our economy still point to epic dysfunction and continued missed opportunities.
This is what was so ironic about last Wednesday's posh premiere party for "Las Vegas Perspective". Even as the uber-insiders of the "Gaming-mining-lobbying Industrial Complex" slapped each others' backs and sang the praises of Nevada's hallowed status quo, even their own sacred cheat sheet couldn't completely deny that the status quo keeps us stuck in a "bubble based economy" that hasn't even fully recovered from the bursting of the last bubble.
Funny enough, one of the sponsors of "Las Vegas Perspective" happens to be none other than the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA)? Remember them? They've gone from "Kiss Your Assets Goodbye" to "Say Hello to Our Esmeralda Straw Man". And they're still running scared from the solution to our core economic problem.
The uber-insiders who attended last Wednesday's Four Seasons shindig did not want to discuss The Education Initiative (TEI)... Just as they didn't want to acknowledge our continuing economic difficulties. After all, if they were to acknowledge the unhealthy truth of our "bubble based economy", they'd also have to acknowledge the need for a realistic solution to this problem. And that would completely undercut their rather "sunny" case against TEI.
Last Wednesday's Four Seasons event was supposed to be about "perspective". Perhaps it was... In that attendees celebrated their perspective of Nevada. But what about ours? Fortunately for us, they're not the only ones who will make the final decision on TEI this fall.
Our perspective also matters. Our struggles also matter. And our future also matters. And we should keep this in perspective.
And jeez, was there high society at Four Seasons last Wednesday! First Lady Kathleen Sandoval gave a keynote speech on the state of Nevada's public education system. Numbers guru Jeremy Aguero gave more details on Nevada's economic recovery. And all the movers & shakers in this soirée oohed & awed at all the facts & figures inside the actual publication.
So what's in the actual publication? It turns out that it's a collection of what we already know. The gaming industry is as erratic as ever. Our unemployment rate is down, but it's still above the national average. The housing market is improving, but many local homeowners are still struggling to stay above water. Our economy is improving, but the fundamentals of our economy still point to epic dysfunction and continued missed opportunities.
This is what was so ironic about last Wednesday's posh premiere party for "Las Vegas Perspective". Even as the uber-insiders of the "Gaming-mining-lobbying Industrial Complex" slapped each others' backs and sang the praises of Nevada's hallowed status quo, even their own sacred cheat sheet couldn't completely deny that the status quo keeps us stuck in a "bubble based economy" that hasn't even fully recovered from the bursting of the last bubble.
Funny enough, one of the sponsors of "Las Vegas Perspective" happens to be none other than the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA)? Remember them? They've gone from "Kiss Your Assets Goodbye" to "Say Hello to Our Esmeralda Straw Man". And they're still running scared from the solution to our core economic problem.
The uber-insiders who attended last Wednesday's Four Seasons shindig did not want to discuss The Education Initiative (TEI)... Just as they didn't want to acknowledge our continuing economic difficulties. After all, if they were to acknowledge the unhealthy truth of our "bubble based economy", they'd also have to acknowledge the need for a realistic solution to this problem. And that would completely undercut their rather "sunny" case against TEI.
Last Wednesday's Four Seasons event was supposed to be about "perspective". Perhaps it was... In that attendees celebrated their perspective of Nevada. But what about ours? Fortunately for us, they're not the only ones who will make the final decision on TEI this fall.
Our perspective also matters. Our struggles also matter. And our future also matters. And we should keep this in perspective.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Lessons Learned?
Apparently, this is becoming the hot topic of this election cycle. We've already been discussing the reality behind the Koch Brothers' extreme ideological agenda, as well as the great lengths they're going to amass power on Capitol Hill.
However, they're not alone. They're not the only "TEA Party, Inc." aligned billionaires who spend tons of moneybuying candidates influencing elections. And now, a character who's rather familiar to us here in Nevada is preparing to reemerge.
Remember Sheldon Adelson? He's back! And this time, he's looking for a new candidate tobuy back.
This week, Adelson has summoned 4 likely 2016 Republican Presidential candidates tokiss his ring meet him at the Republican Jewish Coalition spring meeting here in Vegas. And so far, it looks like Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R), New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R), Ohio Governor John Kasich (R), and Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush (R) will be accepting Adelson's invitation. But why, why is Adelson courting these 4 Republicans?
According to Adelson BFF (& 2011 Las Vegas Mayoral candidate) Victor Chaltiel, "He doesn’t want a crazy extremist to be the nominee." Instead, he wants a less "crazy/extreme looking" G-O-TEA lackey to carry his water and do so competently. Apparently, Adelson learned his lesson after bankrolling Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney in 2012.
And now, Adelson wants to teach his party a lesson. Not only is he afraid of Hillary Clinton, but he's also afraid of his own party's base. And more specifically, he's afraid ofRon Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) rallying the G-O-TEA base to take the Republican Party in a more "libertarian populist" (aka batsh*t crazy "TEA" flavored) direction.
Apparently, Sheldon Adelson hasn't really learned his lessons from 2012. He's still shopping for damaged goods. And he's still picking nasty fights with the Paulistas. And both of these big mistakes will likely return to bite him, just as they did in 2012.
But in the mean time, let's think about the ramifications of Adelson starting another political spending spree. Last we checked, Las Vegas Sands is still facing legal trouble over its shady business operations in China. Meanwhile here in the states, Adelson's newest front group is catching scrutiny over its curious campaign to kill legal online gaming. And now, he wants to buy another Presidential candidate? When did this become "normal politics"?
And when will we develop the courage necessary to change this new, dangerous reality? Perhaps there are still lessons we must learn about money in politics?
However, they're not alone. They're not the only "TEA Party, Inc." aligned billionaires who spend tons of money
Remember Sheldon Adelson? He's back! And this time, he's looking for a new candidate to
This week, Adelson has summoned 4 likely 2016 Republican Presidential candidates to
According to Adelson BFF (& 2011 Las Vegas Mayoral candidate) Victor Chaltiel, "He doesn’t want a crazy extremist to be the nominee." Instead, he wants a less "crazy/extreme looking" G-O-TEA lackey to carry his water and do so competently. Apparently, Adelson learned his lesson after bankrolling Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney in 2012.
And now, Adelson wants to teach his party a lesson. Not only is he afraid of Hillary Clinton, but he's also afraid of his own party's base. And more specifically, he's afraid of
Apparently, Sheldon Adelson hasn't really learned his lessons from 2012. He's still shopping for damaged goods. And he's still picking nasty fights with the Paulistas. And both of these big mistakes will likely return to bite him, just as they did in 2012.
But in the mean time, let's think about the ramifications of Adelson starting another political spending spree. Last we checked, Las Vegas Sands is still facing legal trouble over its shady business operations in China. Meanwhile here in the states, Adelson's newest front group is catching scrutiny over its curious campaign to kill legal online gaming. And now, he wants to buy another Presidential candidate? When did this become "normal politics"?
And when will we develop the courage necessary to change this new, dangerous reality? Perhaps there are still lessons we must learn about money in politics?
Monday, March 24, 2014
Not the Kind of "Thunder" We Want
It wasn't the kind of "Thunder" anyone was asking for. Staff had assumed he was a new cast member. The audience had assumed the show would go on as planned (and ultimately, it did). And we all assumed something like this wouldn't happen at a fun Strip show.
Yet it happened anyway. This time, shots were fired at Excalibur. And it happened in the "Thunder Down Under" locker room backstage.
Fortunately, the performers backstage thwarted Joey Kadmiri's attempted robbery. And fortunately, no one other than Kadmiri was seriously injured that night. Still, it's frightening to think something so violent could occur backstage from what's supposed to be "the ultimate girls'/grrlz' night out".
And once again, we're left to wonder how this could happen. After all, this isn't the first time when the Las Vegas Strip suddenly transformed into an armed battlefield. And this likely won't be the last time we see a Strip shooting.
But why? Why does this keep occurring on the Las Vegas Strip? The Strip is supposed to be all about fun & games. It's supposed to be the world's premiere "adult playground". It's supposed to provide an escape from everyday life. It's not supposed to be an armed battlefield where innocent people lose their lives.
Think about it. Like it or not, The Strip is the economic lifeblood of Nevada. What would happen if tourists no longer felt safe on The Strip? What would happen if tourists started canceling their Vegas Vacations because they don't want to become the next Strip shooting news story? What would happen if visitors stopped playing in our big "adult playground" because it's starting to look too damned bloody?
Have they ever thought about this? Have their staff ever briefed them on the dangerous ground we stand on? Or do Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA), Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA), and Rep. Joe Heck (R-NRA) still exude pride because they were "what stood in the way" in Carson City & DC between us and saner gun laws that can curb the kinds of frightening incidents that are becoming more frequent on The Strip.
Joey Kadmiri failed to show in court last December to respond to domestic violence charges filed against him. He used an unregistered gun to shoot at "Thunder Down Under" last week. And Kadmiri himself has said he's been struggling with mental health problems. How on earth was he able to obtain a firearm?
This is when a background check would have come in handy. Yet because the gun industry was too concerned about profit and G-O-TEA politicians were too concerned about their NRA ratings, legislation to expand background checks failed on the state & federal levels. When Joey Kadmiri first entered into the "Thunder Down Under" locker room, no one expected trouble. Perhaps the person(s) who provided Kadmiri with that handgun made the same assumption?
We can't assume "gut instinct" will do the trick. We can't assume everyone can thwart a shooting like the "Thunder Down Under" crew did. And we can't assume a "good guy with a gun" can always take care of a "bad guy with a gun". (Once again, that wasn't the case here.) You know what's said about the word "assume"?
There's too much at stake here for us to simply make assumptions. Our economy depends on tourists coming to The Strip and feeling safe enough to let loose. And our lives depend on the wrong weapons staying out of the wrong hands. Seriously, this is not the kind of "Thunder" we want.
Yet it happened anyway. This time, shots were fired at Excalibur. And it happened in the "Thunder Down Under" locker room backstage.
Fortunately, the performers backstage thwarted Joey Kadmiri's attempted robbery. And fortunately, no one other than Kadmiri was seriously injured that night. Still, it's frightening to think something so violent could occur backstage from what's supposed to be "the ultimate girls'/grrlz' night out".
And once again, we're left to wonder how this could happen. After all, this isn't the first time when the Las Vegas Strip suddenly transformed into an armed battlefield. And this likely won't be the last time we see a Strip shooting.
But why? Why does this keep occurring on the Las Vegas Strip? The Strip is supposed to be all about fun & games. It's supposed to be the world's premiere "adult playground". It's supposed to provide an escape from everyday life. It's not supposed to be an armed battlefield where innocent people lose their lives.
Think about it. Like it or not, The Strip is the economic lifeblood of Nevada. What would happen if tourists no longer felt safe on The Strip? What would happen if tourists started canceling their Vegas Vacations because they don't want to become the next Strip shooting news story? What would happen if visitors stopped playing in our big "adult playground" because it's starting to look too damned bloody?
Have they ever thought about this? Have their staff ever briefed them on the dangerous ground we stand on? Or do Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA), Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA), and Rep. Joe Heck (R-NRA) still exude pride because they were "what stood in the way" in Carson City & DC between us and saner gun laws that can curb the kinds of frightening incidents that are becoming more frequent on The Strip.
Joey Kadmiri failed to show in court last December to respond to domestic violence charges filed against him. He used an unregistered gun to shoot at "Thunder Down Under" last week. And Kadmiri himself has said he's been struggling with mental health problems. How on earth was he able to obtain a firearm?
This is when a background check would have come in handy. Yet because the gun industry was too concerned about profit and G-O-TEA politicians were too concerned about their NRA ratings, legislation to expand background checks failed on the state & federal levels. When Joey Kadmiri first entered into the "Thunder Down Under" locker room, no one expected trouble. Perhaps the person(s) who provided Kadmiri with that handgun made the same assumption?
We can't assume "gut instinct" will do the trick. We can't assume everyone can thwart a shooting like the "Thunder Down Under" crew did. And we can't assume a "good guy with a gun" can always take care of a "bad guy with a gun". (Once again, that wasn't the case here.) You know what's said about the word "assume"?
There's too much at stake here for us to simply make assumptions. Our economy depends on tourists coming to The Strip and feeling safe enough to let loose. And our lives depend on the wrong weapons staying out of the wrong hands. Seriously, this is not the kind of "Thunder" we want.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Maybe a Vegas Vacation Can't Cure Everything?
This should be fun. Pundits all over are chirping over the selection of Former Rep. Enid Greene Mickelsen (R-Utah) to head the convention site selection committee for the Republican National Committee (RNC). Does this mean the 2016 Republican National Convention might just come here after all?
Not so fast. Keep in mind that there are still 22 other cities vying for #RNC2016. And one of them just happens to be the capital of Utah's other next door neighbor. Kansas City, Chicago, and all 3 major Ohio cities (!!!) are also among the contenders, so @LV2016 boosters should expect a fierce competition ahead.
Already, national Republican "leaders" are honing in on better "optics" for future election cycles. That's why local @LV2016 fans are calling on the RNC to "embrace the diversity of Las Vegas". But will they?
We've been down this road before. Sure, this may be the first time that Republicans have seriously considered bringing their national showcase event to Southern Nevada. However, this isn't the first time they've tried to woo us by whispering sweet nothings into our ears.
And then, there's that whole matter of "embracing diversity". How's that working out? Oh yes, that's right. The RNC looks set to double down (again) on the G-O-TEA War on Women. Meanwhile, top Republicans in Oklahoma, Indiana, Arizona, New Jersey (we'll get back to him shortly), and elsewhere continue their crusade against LGBTQ civil rights. And then, there are Republicans' "great ideas" for Latin@ outreach. And of course, we can't forget the G-O-TEA Florida Legislature candidate who wants President Obama executed.
This is how today's G-O-TEA has been embarking on "embracing diversity". No wonder why "Republican insiders" are so worried about their party's electoral future. And with "Great White Hope" Chris Christie's 2016 poll numbers turning south (in the wake of Bridge-gate), they have even more to worry about now.
Perhaps some Republicans are hoping a fun field trip to Las Vegas will cure their party of all these woes. Perhaps they'll even get their way this time. They just can't realistically expect a lavish Vegas Vacation to wash away their party's severe disconnect from reality.
Not so fast. Keep in mind that there are still 22 other cities vying for #RNC2016. And one of them just happens to be the capital of Utah's other next door neighbor. Kansas City, Chicago, and all 3 major Ohio cities (!!!) are also among the contenders, so @LV2016 boosters should expect a fierce competition ahead.
Already, national Republican "leaders" are honing in on better "optics" for future election cycles. That's why local @LV2016 fans are calling on the RNC to "embrace the diversity of Las Vegas". But will they?
We've been down this road before. Sure, this may be the first time that Republicans have seriously considered bringing their national showcase event to Southern Nevada. However, this isn't the first time they've tried to woo us by whispering sweet nothings into our ears.
And then, there's that whole matter of "embracing diversity". How's that working out? Oh yes, that's right. The RNC looks set to double down (again) on the G-O-TEA War on Women. Meanwhile, top Republicans in Oklahoma, Indiana, Arizona, New Jersey (we'll get back to him shortly), and elsewhere continue their crusade against LGBTQ civil rights. And then, there are Republicans' "great ideas" for Latin@ outreach. And of course, we can't forget the G-O-TEA Florida Legislature candidate who wants President Obama executed.
This is how today's G-O-TEA has been embarking on "embracing diversity". No wonder why "Republican insiders" are so worried about their party's electoral future. And with "Great White Hope" Chris Christie's 2016 poll numbers turning south (in the wake of Bridge-gate), they have even more to worry about now.
Perhaps some Republicans are hoping a fun field trip to Las Vegas will cure their party of all these woes. Perhaps they'll even get their way this time. They just can't realistically expect a lavish Vegas Vacation to wash away their party's severe disconnect from reality.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Quite the Country Club Luncheon
Today, an extra special guest drove into the Las Vegas Country Club. Guess who? Here's a hint: Mr. Speaker.
Yes, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) is in town today to raise money for Rep. Joe Heck (R-Henderson). They enjoyed lovely $2,600 per plate lunches and chatted about what's happening in Congress.
Meanwhile, many of the people standing outside Las Vegas Country Club are constantly reminded of what Speaker John Boehner refuses to let happen in his house of Congress. That's why they (including activists from PLAN, the Culinary Union, DREAM Big Vegas, ProgressNow Nevada, and elsewhere) showed up today. They were not going to let Speaker Boehner come to Vegas without getting a sense of what Nevadans really think about the 113th Congress.
Over 100 people stood outside Las Vegas Country Club this morning. Many even managed to stay until Speaker Boehner arrived at the Country Club. Many were upset over the lack of progress on comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). Many were also upset over Congress' failure to extend unemployment insurance (UI). All were frustrated with the sloth that's come to define Boehner's House of FAIL.
After the protest began, Rep. Joe Heck's campaign manager emerged from Las Vegas Country Club to try to spin away the frustration across the street. Yet even as he was trying to spin it all away, some Teamsters were picketing just steps away. Why? Apparently, Las Vegas Country Club sidestepped its usual union crew to use non-union workers for today's $2,600 per plate G-O-TEA luncheon.
Without a doubt, this wasn't the typical country club luncheon.
Yes, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) is in town today to raise money for Rep. Joe Heck (R-Henderson). They enjoyed lovely $2,600 per plate lunches and chatted about what's happening in Congress.
Meanwhile, many of the people standing outside Las Vegas Country Club are constantly reminded of what Speaker John Boehner refuses to let happen in his house of Congress. That's why they (including activists from PLAN, the Culinary Union, DREAM Big Vegas, ProgressNow Nevada, and elsewhere) showed up today. They were not going to let Speaker Boehner come to Vegas without getting a sense of what Nevadans really think about the 113th Congress.
Over 100 people stood outside Las Vegas Country Club this morning. Many even managed to stay until Speaker Boehner arrived at the Country Club. Many were upset over the lack of progress on comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). Many were also upset over Congress' failure to extend unemployment insurance (UI). All were frustrated with the sloth that's come to define Boehner's House of FAIL.
After the protest began, Rep. Joe Heck's campaign manager emerged from Las Vegas Country Club to try to spin away the frustration across the street. Yet even as he was trying to spin it all away, some Teamsters were picketing just steps away. Why? Apparently, Las Vegas Country Club sidestepped its usual union crew to use non-union workers for today's $2,600 per plate G-O-TEA luncheon.
Without a doubt, this wasn't the typical country club luncheon.
Monday, December 16, 2013
The Price of Inaction
Over the weekend, the nation commemorated a tragic anniversary. It's now been a year since the Newtown Massacre. Communities across the nation came together to mark the saddening anniversary, and to pledge to continue working for a better future for our children.
There was even a vigil in Southern Nevada. It was a chance for the local community to reflect on what's happened in the past year.
Imagine hearing gunshots at your school. Wouldn't that be frightening? It certainly was for the students at Sandy Hook Elementary School... And for the students at Sparks Middle School.
Keep in mind that gun violence is not some faraway concern. It regularly occurs here, too. It happened in Sparks. It's happened several times this year on the Las Vegas Strip. And it continues to endanger communities across this state.
Yet when Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA) had the opportunity to do something to protect Nevada's kids, he just ran away. And when Rep. Joe Heck (R-NRA) had the opportunity to take steps to keep dangerous weapons away from dangerous criminals, he made excuses. And when the Nevada Legislature passed S 221 in an attempt to compensate somewhat for Congress' failure to pass the most basic gun safety measures, Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) vetoed it and attempted to cover it up with legalese mumbo jumbo. They all had the chance to do something, but they chose to do nothing instead.
And now, we're all paying the price of inaction. And we all must relive the memories of horrific incidents of gun violence. And we all must continue to bury those who passed "before their time". The price of inaction is turning out to be quite steep.
There was even a vigil in Southern Nevada. It was a chance for the local community to reflect on what's happened in the past year.
Licensed family therapist and retired teacher Linda Cavazos says she sees more fear and generalized anxiety disorder in younger children. Some of them are fearful of violence in their schools, she says, so parents need to talk to their kids often to assess their physical and emotional needs.
"The danger signals are there. They're calling out for help, but sometimes people stick heads in the sand," Cavazos said. She added that parents know their kids best and should encourage them to seek mental health treatment if necessary.
"I find if you do not answer their questions (about violence in schools), they (the children) become more fearful because they don't know what's going on. Explain it to them as simply as you can," said Cavazos.
Imagine hearing gunshots at your school. Wouldn't that be frightening? It certainly was for the students at Sandy Hook Elementary School... And for the students at Sparks Middle School.
Keep in mind that gun violence is not some faraway concern. It regularly occurs here, too. It happened in Sparks. It's happened several times this year on the Las Vegas Strip. And it continues to endanger communities across this state.
Yet when Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA) had the opportunity to do something to protect Nevada's kids, he just ran away. And when Rep. Joe Heck (R-NRA) had the opportunity to take steps to keep dangerous weapons away from dangerous criminals, he made excuses. And when the Nevada Legislature passed S 221 in an attempt to compensate somewhat for Congress' failure to pass the most basic gun safety measures, Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) vetoed it and attempted to cover it up with legalese mumbo jumbo. They all had the chance to do something, but they chose to do nothing instead.
And now, we're all paying the price of inaction. And we all must relive the memories of horrific incidents of gun violence. And we all must continue to bury those who passed "before their time". The price of inaction is turning out to be quite steep.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Bloody Victory
Sadly, this has become all too common in America today. All this year, mass shootings and epic gun violence have made headlines. We've even seen it awfully close to home recently with the Sparks Middle School shooting up north and yet another Las Vegas Strip shooting down south.
Last Friday, history repeated itself again. And this time, it happened at LAX.
Apparently, Paul Ciancia was motivated by "New World Order" and anti-government conspiracy theories and ready to kill anyone in sight. He succeeded in killing on-duty TSA officer Gerardo Hernandez. He also wounded Calabasas High School performing arts teacher Brian Ludmer, along with TSA officers James Speer and Tony Grigsby.
So how did this happen? How did one of the world's busiest airports become a bloody battlefield? As usual, we can thank the NRA for this.
Once again, the NRA can declare bloody victory. The gun lobby has pushed hard in Carson City and on Capitol Hill to kill even the most modest gun safety legislation. So why is anyone surprised by the bitter fruit of the gun lobby's bloody victory?
There's "something evil in our society". And what are we doing about it? What are we willing to do to root it out and end the senseless bloodshed? What will we do to stop this bloody victory from claiming even more innocent lives?
Last Friday, history repeated itself again. And this time, it happened at LAX.
The unemployed motorcycle mechanic suspected in the deadly shooting at the Los Angeles airport set out to kill multiple employees of the Transportation Security Administration and hoped the attack would "instill fear in their traitorous minds," authorities said Saturday.
Paul Ciancia was so determined to take lives that, after shooting a TSA officer and going up an escalator, he turned back to see the officer move and returned to finish him off, according to surveillance video reviewed by investigators.In a news conference announcing charges against Ciancia, U.S. Attorney Andre Birotte Jr. spelled out a chilling chain of events at LAX that began when Ciancia strode into Terminal 3, pulled a Smith & Wesson .223-caliber assault rifle from his duffel bag and fired repeatedly at point-blank range at a TSA officer. The officer was checking IDs and boarding passes at the base of an escalator leading to the main screening area.
After killing that officer, Ciancia fired on at least two other uniformed TSA employees and a civilian airline passenger, who were all wounded. Airport police eventually shot him as panicked passengers cowered in stores and restaurants.
Apparently, Paul Ciancia was motivated by "New World Order" and anti-government conspiracy theories and ready to kill anyone in sight. He succeeded in killing on-duty TSA officer Gerardo Hernandez. He also wounded Calabasas High School performing arts teacher Brian Ludmer, along with TSA officers James Speer and Tony Grigsby.
So how did this happen? How did one of the world's busiest airports become a bloody battlefield? As usual, we can thank the NRA for this.
Over the last decade, the NRA hasrepeatedly lobbied against airport firearm restrictions. According to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, states including Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin either expressly allow firearms in specific sections or only prohibit firearms in airports beyond checkpoints.
And in California in 2012, the NRA formally opposed Assembly Bill 2182, which would have required a person be arrested if they brought a firearm into the airport and ban them from entering in the future. The bill never moved from committee. More recently, bills introduced in Virginia, Georgia, and Ohio would allow people to carry their weapons inside. [...]
When the TSA subjected a girl carrying a firearm-shaped purse to extra questioning, the NRA responded that this extra precaution constituted harassment. “We shouldn’t be surprised that security personnel who see nothing wrong with humiliating 85-year-old women at our nation’s airports might see a teenage girl sporting a purse with a firearm motif as a potential danger,” NRA President David Keene said at the time. “But it should upset us as much as it did her and her parents.” The extra scrutiny may be needed: TSA agents have confiscated 30 percent more guns from passengers, many of them loaded, in 2013 compared to last year. Most travelers say they “forgot” they had the firearm, which has made sociologists think the trend is a result of people being permitted to carry their guns virtually anywhere.
Once again, the NRA can declare bloody victory. The gun lobby has pushed hard in Carson City and on Capitol Hill to kill even the most modest gun safety legislation. So why is anyone surprised by the bitter fruit of the gun lobby's bloody victory?
There's "something evil in our society". And what are we doing about it? What are we willing to do to root it out and end the senseless bloodshed? What will we do to stop this bloody victory from claiming even more innocent lives?
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
We Need More Than Just Words.
This week so far has been a sad one here in Nevada. We saw multiple incidents of gun violence on both ends of the state claim lives and make waves in the media. And today, Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Carson City) paid tribute to Michael Landsberry, the 8th grade math teacher who died in his effort to protect his students at Sparks Middle School.
Meanwhile, Senator Dean Heller (R) tweeted a photo of the US Capitol flag being lowered to half staff to mark the lives lost at Sparks Middle School on Monday.
We now know the assailant used a Ruger 9mm semiautomatic handgun that he brought from his home. He was a 7th grader at Sparks Middle School.
Of course, this isn't the only tragedy that this state is mourning. In Southern Nevada, friends and family are mourning the loss of Kenneth Brown. He was a club promoter and stand-up comedian who recently moved from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to be closer to his mother. He died Monday morning in an effort to prevent Benjamin Frazier from killing any more after Frazier shot a bouncer and a security guard at Bally's on the Las Vegas Strip.
Apparently, Benjamin Frazier opened fire over a cover charge dispute at Drai's After Hours. He used a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver that was not registered in Nevada. He also had a running rap sheet before this week, including a 1997 conviction for assault with a deadly weapon at another local nightclub.
Down here in Southern Nevada, the Bally's Shooting was just one in a recent string of gun violence incidents on the Las Vegas Strip. And up in Northern Nevada, the Sparks Middle School Shooting was just one in an ongoing string of attempted (and sometimes successful) mass shootings. Yet while politicians send out the usual tweets of condolence and deliver the usual somber floor speeches, we've yet to see meaningful action on gun violence.
Senator Dean Heller had an opportunity to do so, but he was too busy catering to his "TEA" fueled base. Rep. Joe Heck (R-Henderson) also had an opportunity to do so, but... Ditto. Rep. Mark Amodei hasn't even tried to hide his allegiance to the NRA. And Governor Brian Sandoval (R) just didn't want to be bothered with reality.
Here's the problem. We regularly see politicians send tweets of condolence and deliver somber floor speeches, yet we rarely see leaders reevaluate the status quo and make a real effort to save lives. Are background checks and guidelines for safe gun storage really "too much to ask"? Are gun industry profits truly that much more important than saving people's lives?
This week, we've heard plenty of words describing the pain several families throughout Nevada are experiencing this week. But now, we need more than just words. We need actions to match those words. When will that happen?
Meanwhile, Senator Dean Heller (R) tweeted a photo of the US Capitol flag being lowered to half staff to mark the lives lost at Sparks Middle School on Monday.
We now know the assailant used a Ruger 9mm semiautomatic handgun that he brought from his home. He was a 7th grader at Sparks Middle School.
Of course, this isn't the only tragedy that this state is mourning. In Southern Nevada, friends and family are mourning the loss of Kenneth Brown. He was a club promoter and stand-up comedian who recently moved from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to be closer to his mother. He died Monday morning in an effort to prevent Benjamin Frazier from killing any more after Frazier shot a bouncer and a security guard at Bally's on the Las Vegas Strip.
Apparently, Benjamin Frazier opened fire over a cover charge dispute at Drai's After Hours. He used a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver that was not registered in Nevada. He also had a running rap sheet before this week, including a 1997 conviction for assault with a deadly weapon at another local nightclub.
Down here in Southern Nevada, the Bally's Shooting was just one in a recent string of gun violence incidents on the Las Vegas Strip. And up in Northern Nevada, the Sparks Middle School Shooting was just one in an ongoing string of attempted (and sometimes successful) mass shootings. Yet while politicians send out the usual tweets of condolence and deliver the usual somber floor speeches, we've yet to see meaningful action on gun violence.
Senator Dean Heller had an opportunity to do so, but he was too busy catering to his "TEA" fueled base. Rep. Joe Heck (R-Henderson) also had an opportunity to do so, but... Ditto. Rep. Mark Amodei hasn't even tried to hide his allegiance to the NRA. And Governor Brian Sandoval (R) just didn't want to be bothered with reality.
Here's the problem. We regularly see politicians send tweets of condolence and deliver somber floor speeches, yet we rarely see leaders reevaluate the status quo and make a real effort to save lives. Are background checks and guidelines for safe gun storage really "too much to ask"? Are gun industry profits truly that much more important than saving people's lives?
This week, we've heard plenty of words describing the pain several families throughout Nevada are experiencing this week. But now, we need more than just words. We need actions to match those words. When will that happen?
Monday, October 21, 2013
So Much Bloodshed in Just One Day
What a day this has been. This morning, we awoke to the horrific news of yet another Las Vegas Strip shooting. This time, it occurred just outside Drai's Nightclub at Bally's. One victim was shot dead, and two more were wounded.
Unfortunately, that wasn't all. This morning, Las Vegas Metro Police were also investigating a shooting at an apartment complex in East Las Vegas. Two people died in that shooting.
And then, there was today's horrific Sparks Middle School Shooting. The assailant shot a teacher dead, wounded two students, and then shot himself dead.
And now, we know Michael Landsberry was the 8th grade math teacher who was shot dead today in Sparks. He was a Marine Corps veteran who also coached the school's soccer team. He attempted to take the gun from the shooter this morning... Yet while he failed to do that, he posthumously succeeded in preventing an even greater tragedy.
Sadly, this is becoming increasingly common throughout America. Mass shootings regularly pop up in news reports. And they keep claiming more innocent lives. And that's in addition to the other incidents of gun violence that don't attract as much media attention.
This is the sad reality we're living in. We've seen so much bloodshed in just one day. There's something wrong with this. What will we do about it?
Unfortunately, that wasn't all. This morning, Las Vegas Metro Police were also investigating a shooting at an apartment complex in East Las Vegas. Two people died in that shooting.
And then, there was today's horrific Sparks Middle School Shooting. The assailant shot a teacher dead, wounded two students, and then shot himself dead.
And now, we know Michael Landsberry was the 8th grade math teacher who was shot dead today in Sparks. He was a Marine Corps veteran who also coached the school's soccer team. He attempted to take the gun from the shooter this morning... Yet while he failed to do that, he posthumously succeeded in preventing an even greater tragedy.
Sadly, this is becoming increasingly common throughout America. Mass shootings regularly pop up in news reports. And they keep claiming more innocent lives. And that's in addition to the other incidents of gun violence that don't attract as much media attention.
This is the sad reality we're living in. We've seen so much bloodshed in just one day. There's something wrong with this. What will we do about it?
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