The speaker was John L. Smith, columnist for the Review-Journal. John is highly respected and well known and read. He described the difference between a reporter and a communist, which si primarily one who reports events based on facts and one who writes topical opinions. He has plenty of those.
Recognizing a graying Rotarian audience he talked until Pres. Bill stood up, thus avoiding any questions. Brett, where were ya? He loves writing in Las Vegas because it is a circus that never leaves town. Several of his opinions follow.
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| 2011-05-03-Meeting |
Mining is making too much money with the rise in gold prices and is grandfathered into a low tax position, thus not helping to pay for education. Internet poker will be legalized because Senator Reid will push it because the casino bosses, who presumably fund Reid's elections, want it now. They too are making too much money without paying enough taxes. Internet poker, that is. John does not seem to like any enterprise that is successful without paying more taxes. He did not mention increasing taxes on gaming or taxes on small businesses. No reason to lose even more friends than he already has.
He made an excellent point about cutting funds for education by cutting the school day or year. It's an absurd solution. Also unmentioned was Nevada tax strategy which ignores property taxes that are so low they have no effect toward funding schools as in almost every state in the union.
John was raised in Las Vegas and writes an excellent column whether one agrees with his opinions or not. He is also an avid supporter of childhood cancer, and promotes many worthwhile community projects.
I was late but arrived in time to hear Ted and Duncan complaining about the food. Ashley is home but not improving. Duncan's daughter was in the crowd at the White House chanting USA! Pretty hard to top Duncan's happy fines. There was a visitor from Germany who described his district and club. Next week is Randy Walker, Director of Aviation for Clark County, which promises to be interesting.
Tom Lott
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