City Councilman Seroka Sued by Victim of Attack

White House, GOP Supreme Court to hear Collective bargaining for defend Trump census citizenship state workers is about emergency declaration case this term politics, not fairness Page 3 Page 4 Page 10

Volume 20, Issue 52 February 20-26 2019 lasvegastribune.com

“I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” — Voltaire City Councilman Seroka sued by victim of attack By Sunny Day If the noise was a shocking to place the recall petition on the entrance in the local political Las Vegas Tribune surprise to them, even more were April election ballot. scene has been surrendered by Kenneth McLin and Hiram they surprised to learn that the noise Kenneth McLin is now suing damaging reports and innuendos Glenn were seated in their truck came from Las Vegas City Council- Councilman Seroka in District and derogatory influence showing having lunch when they were man Steve Seroka banging on their Court and through his attorney lack of respect for the people of stunned by a loud noise on the truck window demanding that they Kristina L. Hillman of the Law Las Vegas; rumors not confirmed driver’s side window of their union- leave the parking lot and to “take Offices of Kristina L. Hillman who by Las Vegas Tribune shows that owned truck at the parking lot of the this f***ing truck out of here.” alleges general damages, according his campaign was influenced and fi- Cosco department store. The truck belongs to a Union to proof, special damages, accord- nancially supported by Jack Binion organization that is backing the re- ing to proof, punitive damages in and Frank Schreck from the Wynn call Seroka effort that was initiated an amount sufficient to punish and organization to benefit some of their My Point in December of last year by a group deter Seroka from such conduct projects or investments at the now that believe that the city councilman in the future, property damage, infamous Badland Golf Course and does not deserve to be a member of according to proof, and such other the Queensridge development. of View the Las Vegas city Council Board; damages as the Court deems just Councilman Steve Seroka’s By Rolando Larraz the group has until March of this and appropriate. 2005 divorce was as tumultuous as Cuba has been suffer- year to collect enough signatures STEVE SEROKA Councilman Steve Seroka’s (See Seroka Sued, Page 4) ing tyranny much longer than Venezuela, Mr. President Anti-Nevada sex puritans Sixty-one years ago Cuba was the most prosperous, wealthy and free beautiful island in the Ca- set sights on wrong target ribbean and all of Latin America, Cuban money was worth one cent By Chuck Muth State of Nevada to its annual “Dirty more than the American dollar; the About the worst thing you can Dozen” list of “major, mainstream relationship between the United do when it comes to the horrific facilitators of sexual exploitation” States and Cuba, politically, diplo- crime of sex trafficking — especial- — along with American corporate matically, socially, economically, ly of underage girls — is to trivial- icons such as Amazon, Google, culturally, artistically and in many ize it through absurdity. Yet that’s HBO, Netflix, Twitter, Sports Il- other ways, was the best; Cuba was exactly what the National Center lustrated and even United Airlines. considered a friend, a supporter, and on Sexual Exploitation (NCSE), Now, think about what this an ally of the United States, but the formerly “Morality in Media,” did Washington, DC group is saying… American political machine broke earlier this month. If you search Google for a recall the rules and decided to turn As reported in a February 11 ipe for Hungarian goulash, you’re against all odds and start helping article published by the Las Vegas facilitating sexual exploitation. If the rebels leading the war against Review-Journal, NCSE named the (See Sex Puritans, Page 5) democracy by a man named Fidel Castro Ruz. After Sixty years of communist Trump on Venezuela: ‘Days regime, which has continued to keep Cuba impaired, and eleven American presidents who have served their country and yet not one of socialism are numbered’ of them have moved a finger to help By Chris Mills Rodrigo western hemisphere, socialism is liberate the island that once was an The Hill dying, and liberty, prosperity and allied nation of the United States President Trump repeatedly democracy are being reborn.” begs the question of why. slammed socialism during a Trump’s speech was in support Is the United States afraid to up- Monday speech about Venezuela, of Venezuelan National Assembly set the communist regime of Cuba? saying that the political ideology›s leader Juan Guaidó’s attempt to Either that or there is nothing in the days in North and South America remove current President Nicolas old island that is of interest to the are «numbered.» Maduro from power. American presidents to benefit them “The days of socialism and com- The U.S. is one of several coun- and their political career. No raw munism are numbered, not only in tries to recognize Guaidó as the sugar, no sugarcane, fuels, nickel, Venezuela, but in Nicaragua and official president in Caracas, and coffee, cigars; no longer gaming or Cuba as well,” Trump told a crowd Trump lauded his efforts during tourism and pharmaceutics, beside gathered in Miami. the speech, calling for Maduro’s the partnerships with the electric “In Venezuela and across the (See Socialism, Page 5) and telephone companies. In November 1956 Castro set sail from Tuxpan, Veracruz, with Bundys may have to face trial after all 81 revolutionaries armed with 90 By Thomas Mitchell graze cattle in the spring because rifles, three machine guns, around This past week prosecutors ap- they might harm the hatchlings of 40 pistols, and two hand-held pealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit the threatened desert tortoise — a anti-tank guns. The 1,200-mile Court of Appeals the decision by contention range biologists say crossing to Cuba was harsh, and in a Nevada federal judge to dismiss is bogus. Since those months are the overcrowded conditions of the with prejudice all charges against the only ones in which cattle gain ship, many suffered seasickness, Bunkerville rancher Cliven Bun- weight on the desert range, Bundy and food supplies ran low. dy, two of his sons and a self-style refused to comply and stopped After Castro had been in the militiaman from Montana because paying the BLM its grazing fees. Sierra Maestra for several months, the government failed to disclose In April 2014, saying Bundy United States started helping the potentially exculpatory evidence owed more than $1 million in Castro rebels by sending ammuni- to the defense. grazing fees and trespass fines, con- tion, arms and other merchandise Knowing the track record of tract cowboys backed by heavily by the Guantanamo Base, betraying the liberal 9th Circuit, odds are the armed BLM and FBI agents started the country that had been its ally for court will order the defendants back rounding up the Bundy cattle. In many years; the same Guantanamo to face charges. response, armed men from across Base that now the Castro regime The Bundy family has grazed the West gathered for a face-off wants to take away from the US, cattle on public land in Clark Coun- Cliven Bundy walks out of federal court with his wife Carol on Monday, with the federal agents. breaking the agreement they have ty since the 1880s, but 25 years ago Jan. 8, 2018, in Las Vegas, after a judge dismissed criminal charges To avert a potential bloodbath had for many years. the Bureau of Land Management against him and his sons accused of leading an armed uprising against the agents backed down and left, Instead of fighting the commu- told the family it could no longer federal authorities in 2014. (See Bundys, Page 6) nism in Cuba, as they are doing today in Venezuela, the United States under socialist Barrack Obama Don’t blame Ocasio-Cortez, she is innocent went there to bow to the communist By Alexandra Cohen headquarters in New York. group [of] politicians [who] put regime and gave them everything Las Vegas Tribune “Today was the day a group of their own narrow political interests they wanted in return for nothing. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has dedicated, everyday New Yorkers above their community.” Where has Senator Marco Rubio made the transition from barmaid and their neighbors defeated Am- Ocasio-Cortez not only has been all these years of dictatorship to congresswoman in just less azon’s corporate greed, its worker made a fool of herself but also and the killing masses of anti-gov- than ninety days and has already exploitation and the power of the ridiculed her Party and those who ernment in Cuba? He is not excused embarrassed her Democratic Party richest man in the world,” Oca- know her and voted for her; that is because his wife is Colombian and several times and has made a fool sio-Cortez wrote on Twitter. why she should not be blamed for the new government of Colombia is out of herself several times in that The new development would her foolish behavior; only the peo- seriously helping to end the Hugo short period of time. have been in the Long Island City ple who voted for her in New York Chavez communism. Ocasio-Cortez, displaying a neighborhood of Queens, near Oc- should be blamed for their lack of The United States is well aware great deal of ignorance, applaud- asio-Cortez’s district; Gov. Andrew political knowledge by supporting that all the military expertise in ed Amazon’s announcement of Cuomo called it a “lost economic such a nut case as Alexandria (See My Point of View, Page 2) backing out of building a second ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ opportunity” and blamed “a small (See Ocasio-Cortez, Page 3) Page 2 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 My Point of View (Continued from Page 1) Venezuela is made up of Cuban sol- diers and intelligence personnel, as long as Cuban terrorists are in and out of Venezuela, communist strong man Maduro will be protected and will continue in power. One decade more than a half of a century the Cuban people have been suffering terror and political abuse and unfairness, as well as unhealthy and inhuman treatment and dramatic political imprisonment and no one has done a single thing to remove the communist regime imposed by the evil Castro family. History almost repeats itself when the United States, as it did with the government of Cuba, stabs of Manuel Noriega in Panama. its first regular payment to him in iation for such disagreement. during Senator Rubio’s failed pres- another ally in the back and attacks Noriega worked with U.S. intel- 1971. Previously he had been paid While the Venezuela issue, the idential run while visiting the Las the six-year-old alleged dictatorship ligence agencies. Noriega was one on a case-by-case basis. Maduro communist behavior and Vegas area and the school Rubio of the Central Intelligence Agency’s The record shows that the CIA the Cuban armed forces controlling attended while living in Las Vegas. most valued intelligence sources, had valued him as an asset since Venezuela are all very good rea- Neither the radio station, the as well as one of the primary con- the 1970s because he was willing sons for the United States to get so newspaper nor this writer realized duits for illicit weapons, military to provide information about the deeply involved in the Venezuela how sensitive the Senator’s office TRIBUNE equipment and cash destined for Cuban government, and later about tragedy, it begs the question: why was or how scared to interact with VOL. 20, NO. 52 U.S.-backed counter-insurgency the Sandinista government in Nic- not Cuba? Why are Senator Marco the community Senator Rubio was. forces throughout Latin America. aragua. Rubio and his Colombian wife Special Agent Schlumpf seemed to FOUNDER interested in Venezuela? Is it the be satisfied with the proof presented Rolando Larraz The U.S. also regarded Noriega On some occasions, U.S. in- as an ally in its War on Drugs, de- telligence agents would use the extermination of the communist and supposedly closed the case. spite Noriega himself supposedly Panamanian embassy in Managua. regime in Venezuela or the Vene- The end of communism in Vene- PUBLISHER zuelan oil? zuela has to end with the extirpation having amassed a personal fortune Noriega was given access to CIA AND During the Primary Election of of the Cuban poisoned communism EDITOR IN CHIEF through drug trafficking opera- contingency funds, which he was 2005, the Florida office of Senator that has been exported to the suffer- Rolando Larraz tions. Though his U.S. intelligence supposed to use to improve his Marco Rubio complained to Feder- ing country of Venezuela. handlers were aware of this, it was intelligence programs, but which al Bureau of Investigation that this My name is Rolando Larraz, and GENERAL MANAGER allowed because of his usefulness he could spend with little account- Perly Viasmensky writer had threatened the Senator’s as always, I approved this column. to the U.S. ability. The payments were as high life and the Las Vegas office of the * * * * * Noriega’s relationship with the as U.S. $100,000 in some years. MANAGING EDITOR FBI responded promptly; Special Rolando Larraz is Editor in U.S. intelligence services was reg- Many believe that a disagree- Maramis Choufani Agent Henry W. Schlumpf met with Chief of the Las Vegas Tribune. ularized during the 1970s, he met ment with Gorge H.W. Bush while this writer in the offices of Las Ve- His column appears weekly in this PRODUCTION on December 1976 with George director of Central Intelligence gas Tribune newspaper and proved newspaper. To contact Rolando Don Snook H. W. Bush, then the director of influenced a later attack on Panama that all this writer wanted was to Larraz, email him at: Rlarraz@ Central Intelligence, when he was that resulted in the kidnapping of invite the Senator for an interview lasvegastribune.com or at 702- ASSOCIATE EDITOR on the CIA payroll; the CIA made President Manuel Noriega in retal- on his radio show Face The Tribune 272-4634. Colleen Lloyd

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The Hill Trump had predicted in his press confer- President Trump on Tuesday took aim at ence on Friday announcing the declaration a mostly Democratic-led effort to block his that the move would likely be blocked by declaration of a national emergency in feder- the San Francisco-based Court of Appeals for al court, mocking «Open Border Democrats» the 9th Circuit, but said he thought it would on Twitter for their lawsuit. ultimately be upheld at the Supreme Court. In a series of tweets, the president lashed “We will possibly get a bad ruling, and out at leadership in California, one of the then we’ll get another bad ruling and then states leading the legal effort. we’ll end up in the Supreme Court,” Trump Trump ripped the state over a recent- said. ly downgraded high-speed rail plan while He added that he hoped to “get a fair shake comparing it to the price-tag of his demanded and we’ll win in the Supreme Court, just like border wall. the [travel] ban.» “As I predicted, 16 cities, led mostly by Several previous immigration cases Open Border Democrats and the Radical against the Trump administration have gone Left, have filed a lawsuit in, of course, the 9th to the appeals court, which has often ruled Circuit! California, the state that has wasted against the administration. billions of dollars on their out of control Fast Trump’s tweets Tuesday referenced Train, with no hope of completion, seems in California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) an- charge!” Trump wrote. Trump’s tweets came a day after a group governors. nouncement earlier this month that California “The failed Fast Train project in Califor- of 16 states filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District California Attorney General Xavier Bec- would scale back plans to build a high-speed nia, where the cost overruns are becoming Court for the Northern District of California erra (D) announced that he planned to bring rail line connecting San Francisco and Los world record setting, is hundreds of times seeking to block Trump›s effort to get funding a lawsuit almost immediately after Trump Angeles, while refusing to return government more expensive than the desperately needed for his proposed border wall. declared a national emergency last week to funding for the project that Newsom says will Wall!” he added in another tweet. Fifteen of the 16 states have Democratic circumvent Congress and allocate nearly $8 still be used on the system. White House, GOP defend Trump emergency declaration By Brett Samuels saying he wants to see the specifics cizing the president for wanting to The Hill on funding sources and a timetable do this executive order are the same President Trump’s allies in the for spending the money before kind of Republicans who just a year GOP and one of his top advisers committing his support. ago didn’t want us to debate and defended on Sunday his decision “We’re going to take a very care- push for the wall funding when we to declare a national emergency to ful look at what he’s doing here in had the majority in both the House secure funding for his long-desired this instance,” Johnson said. “But and the Senate.” border wall, a move that triggered again I have to stress, this presi- Democrats have been openly a flurry of lawsuits and bipartisan dent’s been thwarted in his attempt hostile to Trump’s emergency dec- reservations. to keep this nation safe and secure, laration since it was first floated The White House, seeking to to secure our borders.” weeks ago during a partial govern- quell political and legal questions GOP Rep. Will Hurd, the lone ment shutdown, and have argued about the president’s declaration, Republican to represent a border it won’t hold up in court. sent hard-line immigration advo- district in Texas, called an emergen- Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) cate and senior adviser Stephen cy declaration unnecessary, but did noted on CNN’s State of the Union Miller to push the administration’s not say whether he would vote to that Trump said during Friday›s message in a rare Sunday show blunt Trump’s use of emergency announcement that he «didn’t need appearance. powers. The congressman said to” declare a national emergency, “This is a deep intellectual prob- he would back a measure that “re- but wanted to speed up construction lem that is plaguing [Washington, views how you declare a national of the border wall. D.C.], which is that we’ve had thou- emergency” or that would prevent “It’s hard to imagine a poorer sands of Americans die year after Graham (R-S.C.) said on CBS’s from the Treasury Department’s a president from raiding military case,” Schiff said. “It’s going to be year after year because of threats Face the Nation. asset-forfeiture fund. construction funds. a real test for my GOP colleagues crossing our southern border,” Graham appeared to accept the A number of organizations have “We just spent the last four years in Congress and their devotion to Miller said on “Fox News Sunday.” possibility that Trump could pull already filed various lawsuits over rebuilding our military making the institution. If we give away, “This is a threat in our country, funding from a bill he helped push the decision, and Democrats have sure the men and women in our if we surrender the power of the not overseas,” he continued. “And that includes money for a middle pledged to put forward legislation armed forces have the tools that purse, which is our most important if the president can’t defend this school in Kentucky, military hous- seeking to dissolve the declaration. they need,” he said. “I don’t want power, there will be little check country, then he cannot fulfill his ing and improvements for military A handful of Republicans in to see that money being taken away and no balance left. It will not be a constitutional oath of office.” bases. both chambers, meanwhile, have from that.” separation of powers anymore, just Miller noted other presidents “Let’s just say for a moment that voiced concerns that Trump’s But Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a separation of parties.” have invoked the 1976 National he took some money out of the mil- emergency declaration erodes the a leader of the conservative House And Sen. Tammy Duckworth on Emergencies Act to use military itary construction budget,” Graham powers of Congress and could set Freedom Caucus, questioned Sunday predicted a resolution to construction funds, which is what said. “I would say it’s better for the a dangerous precedent that a future Republicans who have criticized block the emergency declaration Trump did in his declaration on Fri- middle-school kids in Kentucky to Democratic president could utilize. Trump’s decision, insisting on would receive enough votes to day. But the senior adviser was un- have a secure border. We’ll get them Those lawmakers have stopped ABC’s This Week that the amount pass both chambers of Congress, able to cite another example of a the school they need. But right now short of saying they will oppose of drugs flowing into the country but the Illinois Democrat was president using emergency powers we’ve got a national emergency on any resolution to block Trump’s and groups of Central Americans less certain whether it would have to secure funding after Congress our hands.” decision, however. seeking entry are legitimate reasons the requisite two-thirds support to had denied him money through the Trump on Friday declared a Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) took to declare an emergency. override a veto. appropriations process. national emergency to bypass Con- a similar approach in an interview “What I also think is interesting “Frankly, I think there’s enough Trump’s emergency declaration gress and spend roughly $8 billion with NBC›s “Meet the Press,” is those Republicans who are criti- (See Declaration, Page 5) threatens to divide the Republican on barriers along the southern Party, with some members falling border. The move came as Trump in line to support the president agreed to sign a congressional and others expressing reservations spending deal that included $1.375 about setting a troubling precedent, billion for additional barriers along raiding military funds and dimin- the border. MOVING? MOVING? ishing Congress’s appropriation The president’s declara- powers. tion highlighted $3.6 billion in “Unfortunately, when it comes military construction funding to to Trump, the Congress is locked be put toward the border project. NEED A TRUCK? NEED A TRUCK? down and will not give him what That money would be paired with we’ve given past presidents. So separate executive action repur- unfortunately, he’s got to do it on posing about $2.5 billion from the his own and I support his decision Defense Department’s drug-inter- to go that route,” Sen. Lindsey diction program and $600 million Ocasio-Cortez (Continued from Page 1) ey especially to her neighborhood, Ocasio-Cortez. but that is the socialist mentality. “Economic security for all who Did I say socialist? No, that’s com- are unable or unwilling to work.” munism mentality. Does that mean that anyone who Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s wants to stop working or is un- position of happiness for Amazon’s willing to work will get a check announcement of backing out of regardless? How is she going to building a second headquarters in afford such a crazy pattern? New York should not be seen as her No, no...wait a minute...she is fault, should not be taken as igno- not the one giving the “unwillings” rance on her part, and she should any money; it is WE the taxpayers, not be blamed for her position on the hard-working WILLING to that issue; only the people of her work individuals; District should be blamed for her Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the ineptness for electing an ignorant only one that expressed happiness person with obvious mental issues by Amazon canceling the opening just because she gave free drinks or of a second headquarters in her state double shots for the price of a single that will bring lots of jobs and mon- one to her bar customers.

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Your friendly neighborhood dealer at: Your friendly neighborhood dealer at: 716 South 10th Street 716 South 10th Street (Near the corner of 10th and Charleston) (Near the corner of 10th and Charleston) (702) 262-0703 (702) 262-0703 Page 4 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 Supreme Court to hear census citizenship case this term By Lydia Wheeler The American Civil Liberties least a sample of the population in The Hill Union (ACLU), which challenged all but one decennial census from The Supreme Court on Friday the question on behalf of immigrant 1820 to 2000. agreed to take up a case about the rights groups, said it looks forward But states, local governments Trump administration’s plan to add to defending its trial court victory and groups challenging the Trump a citizenship question to the 2020 before the Supreme Court. administration’s move say the census. “Adding a citizenship question question will keep immigrants The justices decided to skip over to the census would cause incalcu- and non-citizens from responding, a regional appeals court and review lable damage to our democracy,” jeopardizing the overall accuracy a district court ruling that bars the Dale Ho, director of the ACLU’s of the population count. Trump administration from adding Voting Rights Project, said in a ACLU said that by the gov- the controversial question to the statement Friday. “The evidence ernment’s own analysis, adding decennial population count. presented at trial exposed this was the question will stop about 6.5 They granted the government’s the Trump administration’s plan million people from participating request to hear arguments this term from the get-go.” in the census. ahead of a ruling from the 2nd Cir- When the Commerce Depart- Census data is used to redraw cuit Court of Appeals. Arguments ment agreed in March to add the congressional districts, which will be heard in the second week question to the 2020 census, Ross determine how many House seats in April. said it was to help the Department each state receives and how many Solicitor General Noel Francis- of Justice (DOJ) better enforce the Electoral College votes they can co asked the Supreme Court last Voting Rights Act. DOJ had asked cast in presidential elections. The month to look at whether Judge for its inclusion in the question- count also determines how federal Jesse Furman, an Obama appointee and decision in the court of appeals The justices initially agreed to naire. funding is divvied up among states. on the U.S. District Court for likely would leave insufficient time stay a district court order that re- Kelly Lacom, a DOJ spokes- ACLU said the district court the Southern District of New for petition — and merits-stage quired Ross to sit for questioning woman, said the agency is pleased found that Arizona, California, York, erred in prohibiting briefing, argument, and decision in under oath in the discovery phase with the court’s decision. Florida, Illinois, New York and Tex- Commerce Secretary Wilbur this court this term, he said. of the litigation and review whether “Secretary Ross, who has au- as face a “certainly impending” or Ross from including the question Furman ruled on Jan. 15 that the district court could order dis- thority over the census, decided to “substantial risk of losing a seat” in in the census. the decision to add the question covery outside the administrative reinstate a question concerning citi- the House and that numerous states The Census Bureau is part of the was “arbitrary and capricious” and record. zenship, which has been included in would “lose funds from several Commerce Department. violated the law governing agency But after Furman moved for- the census for most of the last 200 federal programs” if the citizenship Francisco said the court’s imme- actions in multiple ways. ward with the trial and ultimately years, in response to the Depart- question is included. diate intervention is needed because New York and 17 other states, barred Ross from adding the ques- ment of Justice’s request for better It’s rare for the Supreme Court the government must finalize the along with 16 municipal govern- tion, the justices removed the case data to protect American voters to bypass a regional appeals court 2020 census questionnaire by the ments and the U.S. Conference of from the court’s calendar. Francisco against racial discrimination,” she and agree to hear a direct appeal of end of June for printing purposes. Mayors fighting against including then asked the court to review Fur- said in a statement. “The Depart- a district court ruling. He argued it is exceedingly unlikely the question, argued in court briefs man’s ruling blocking the question ment of Justice looks forward to ar- Stephen Vladeck, a professor that the parties could obtain full that Furman’s decision was correct- from the census instead. gument before the Supreme Court.” at the University of Texas School review in both the appeals court ly decided but said if the justices Only four justices need to be in The government argues that of Law, told The Hill recently the and the Supreme Court before July. think a review is warranted then it agreement for the court to take up questions about citizenship or coun- Supreme Court hasn’t taken this “Even highly expedited briefing should happen as soon as possible. a case. try of birth have been asked of at step since 2004. Trump blasts McCabe after explosive interview By Jordan Fabian internal watchdog report that was and our great country.” The Hill used to justify McCabe’s ouster was During an excerpt of an inter- President Trump on Thursday “devastating.” view with CBS’s “60 Minutes” lashed out at Andrew McCabe after The report found that McCabe released Thursday, McCabe said the former FBI deputy director had a “lack of candor” with investi- that top Justice Department officials revealed he opened a probe into gators looking into FBI leaks about were so concerned about Trump’s whether Trump obstructed justice its probe into the Clinton Founda- decision to fire Comey in May 2017 when the president fired James tion during the 2016 presidential that they discussed forming an ef- Comey as FBI chief in 2017 amid race. fort to invoke the 25th Amendment the Russia investigation. “McCabe is a disgrace to the to force Trump from office. In a string of morning tweets, FBI and a disgrace to our Coun- McCabe also said he ordered Trump wrote that the “disgraced” try. MAKE AMERICA GREAT investigators working on the Russia McCabe “pretends to be a ‘poor AGAIN!” the president wrote. probe to look into whether Trump little Angel’ when in fact he was The White House piled on hours obstructed justice or had fallen un- a big part of the Crooked Hillary later, saying McCabe “has no credi- “His selfish and destructive Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a der the influence of Moscow. Scandal & the Russia Hoax” and “a bility” because of what it said were agenda drove him to open a com- statement. “Andrew McCabe has no Both revelations had been previ- puppet for Leakin’ James Comey.” his efforts to deceive investigators pletely baseless investigation into credibility and is an embarrassment ously reported by media outlets, but The president added that an looking into the leaks. the president,” press secretary to the men and women of the FBI (See McCabe Unterview, Page 6) Seroka Sued (Continued from Page 1) designed to alter Lowie’s plans to proval. his political life where his ex-wife build on his own land. Developer Yohan Lowie stated, accused him of engaging in mental Councilwoman Michele Fiore “This is typical of the corruption cruelty immersing himself in inter- vehemently objected to the ordi- and disingenuous acts of certain net PORNOGRAPHY and ignoring nance, publicly in the city council members of the city of Las Vegas family functions and activities, meeting, and at times verbally who have demonstrated for the past spending hours upon hours in front sparred with the bill’s sponsor, three years, and one of the reasons of a computer, visiting pornogra- Councilman Seroka, citing that why I am in litigation with Council- phy sites and exposing his minor the ordinance started as a 5-page man Seroka and Bob Coffin for the children to his internet escapades. ordinance and FAILED in the Las animus they continue to display.” In his lawsuit McLin asks the Vegas Planning Commission by a Mr. Lowie has hired famed crim- court that a judgment be entered 5 to 1 vote. inal defense lawyer David Chesnoff against Seroka for general damag- Now mysteriously, it has been to represent his interests in possible es, according to proof; special dam- expanded to a 13-page document forthcoming criminal offenses that ages, according to proof, punitive Steve Seroka driving away. and is being considered for ap- may arise from this bill. damages in an amount sufficient Vegas Tribune is so obvious that to punish and deter Seroka from they try to ignore every article that such conduct in the future, property appears in our online editions by damage, according to proof; and not commenting on or even rebut- such other damages as the Court ting our news articles, hoping that deems just and appropriate. the daily does not print it and the In the July 25, 2018 edition of article will go away; but even if it is the Las Vegas Tribune, Alexandra two months later, the daily refuses Cohen wrote, “Steve Seroka, one of to give the Las Vegas Tribune the the newest elected members of the credit due as every professional Las Vegas City Council, has been publication does. accused of corruption by a devel- The article explains that developer over the long-running, divisive oper Yohan Lowie has sued Sero- Badlands Golf Course dispute.” ka in federal court and the battle The hatred that more than half escalated after Councilman Steve of the city council displays for Las Seroka sponsored a bill directly Bob Beckett Attorney At Law Elected 5 terms as Nye County District Attorney Practice areas We Come To You! Criminal defense, Personal injury, Bankruptcy HOME•WORK•OFFICE and debt, Car accident, DUI and DWI Monday thru Friday • Full Detail • Licensed for 29 years 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. • Interior Shampoo • AVVO CONTRIBUTIONS After hours call • Water Spots Removal • Beckett knows Nevada criminal law for an appointment • Headlight Restoration • — especially how to get the most out of the probation/monitoring system. Beckett provides very effective and Car Wash Express Detailing personable service — His fees are also fair (Corner of 10th Street and East Charleston Blvd) (702) 334-4886 (702) 613-6625 February 20-26, 2019 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 5 POLITICAL ANALYSIS Sheriffs warn ICE could be forced to release 8,300 criminal aliens

Donald Trump proved himself by winning fight for border security By Madison Gesiotto priate funds through executive action, even as he had By David Krayden Getting Congress to pass a bipartisan deal on offered numerous compromise proposals in the hopes The Daily Caller border security may prove to be an underappreciated of breaking the impasse. America’s sheriffs are warning Congress to stop a proposed backroom strategic triumph for President Trump, since with the While less than $1.4 billion is not enough to build a deal that would institute a ceiling on the number of illegal immigrants that new law, no one can say the wall is not being built. wall across the entire southern border, it is nearly $1.4 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can detain. By signing the compromise, he not only won a battle billion more than what the Democrats were offering According to letters sent to House and Senate lawmakers on Friday, for his immigration agenda, Trump also overcame the just a few short weeks ago. It is also nearly $1.4 billion the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) and the Major Country Sheriffs obstructionist tactics of the Democrats and forced his less that Trump will have to secure through executive of America claim that if ICE is forced to release detainees, over 8,300 opponents to make an embarrassing concession on action. Thanks to his signing the bipartisan deal, Trump criminal illegals will be sent to the streets and potentially lost to the funding negotiations. can now begin to secure the southern border in places administrative and judicial systems. “The fact is a wall is an immorality,” House where law enforcement says the wall is needed most. The letters were obtained by The Daily Caller Sunday after contacting Speaker Nancy Pelosi said earlier this year, refusing Once the American people see how well those the NSA. to give the White House more than one dollar toward physical barriers work at mitigating the humanitarian The brokered agreement would mandate that ICE can hold no more the federal project. “It is not who we are as a nation.” and security crisis on the southern border, the than 16,500 people at a time. The negotiations began last December as Pelosi then doubled down on her position after obstructionist tactics of the Democrats during the part of the talks surrounding the partial government shutdown. Discussions Trump had agreed to a short term deal to end the funding fight will be discredited. Furthermore, the resumed after the reopening of the federal government and are reported- partial government shutdown last month, promising decision by Trump to bypass Pelosi by declaring a ly ongoing with another shutdown potentially looming. that “there is not going to be any wall money” in the national emergency will be fully vindicated. Make “Capping the number of detention beds utilized by ICE not only jeop- finalized legislation. no mistake, the bipartisan deal on border security is ardizes the integrity of the immigration system, but would cripple ICE’s Astute observers will note that there is clearly more than just a compromise. It is a broader strategic ability to detain criminal aliens and other aliens who pose a risk to public a wide gap between that figure and the nearly $1.4 victory that permanently tilts the immigration debate safety or are a flight risk,” the letters read. One letter was sent to Alabama billion that Congress has appropriated to build 55 in favor of Trump and marks a major triumph for the Republican Sen. Richard Shelby, Vermont Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy, miles of border barriers. It is over a billion times more safety of our nation. while a second identical letter was sent to Texas Republican Rep. Kay than Pelosi was ever willing to accept and amounts to * * * * * Granger and New York Democratic Rep. Nita Lowey. about a quarter of the $5.7 billion that Trump sought Madison Gesiotto is an attorney and commentator The letter warned, “Any legislation that reduces ICE’s detention ca- based on recommendations of border security experts. who serves with the advisory board of the Donald pacity would hinder its ability to perform its national security and public Trump of course always knew the Democrats were Trump campaign. She was an inauguration spokes- safety missions, but also impact local law enforcement’s ability to protect highly unlikely to give him the full amount, which is person and former Miss Ohio. She is on Twitter @ the communities they serve. In order to meet the cap being tentatively why he never stopped making preparations to reappro- MadisonGesiotto. proposed by Congress, ICE would be compelled to release thousands of aliens from custody.” The correspondence noted, “Over 90 percent of ICE’s arrests are aliens Declaration who have a criminal conviction, have been arrested for a criminal, or (Continued from Page 3) have been previously removed. Placing a cap on ICE detention beds will people in the Senate who are concerned that what he’s lawmakers passed a rebuke of his emergency undermine the efficacy of the immigration system and reduce the number doing is robbing from the Military and the [Depart- declaration. of aliens who are removed from the United States. ment of Defense] to go build his wall,” Duckworth, a “Well, obviously, the president is going to protect U.S. Army veteran, said on ABC’s “This Week.” “That his national emergency declaration,” Miller said. it’s really not the best way to fight the crisis that he’s “So, yes, he would veto?” Fox News anchor Chris Socialism talking about at the border.” Wallace asked. (Continued from Page 1) socialism and communism could be Miller indicated that Trump was prepared to stand “He’s going to protect his national emergency dec- backers in the Venezuelan military removed from them. his ground andissue his first veto to Congress if laration, guaranteed,” Miller replied. to abandon the government. Trump has frequently tak- A major focal point of his argu- en the situation with Venezuela as Sex Puritans ment was that socialism is at the a launching point for criticism root of the humanitarian crisis in (Continued from Page 1) NCSE’s linking of Nevada’s who was secretly funding a ballot of socialism more broadly. the Latin-American nation. you order a book on gardening from legal rural brothels to the illegal question to ban legal brothels in During his State of the Union “Years of socialist rule have Amazon, you’re aiding and abetting sex market in Las Vegas is like part because his ex-wife had gone Address earlier this month, Trump brought this once thriving nation sex trafficking. If you watch HBO comparing a car that needs a quart to work for one. condemned “the brutality of the to the brink of ruin,” the president or Netflix, you’re an accessory to of oil and a carwash to one with Yeah, that’s a credible report. Maduro regime, whose socialist said. sex crimes. four flat tires, a busted windshield, Nevertheless, Lyon County policies have turned that nation “Socialism by its very nature Indeed, if you tweet about a a smashed bumper, a blown engine voters — not wanting the crime from being the wealthiest in South does not respect borders. It does story you read in Sports Illustrated and a cigarette lighter that doesn’t and disease rampant in Las Vegas’ America into a state of abject pov- not respect the boundaries or the on Major League Baseball’s spring work. illegal sex market — defeated the erty and despair.” sovereign rights of its citizens or training camps while flying on Where are your priorities, peo- ballot question by a whopping 80- He added that “here, in the its neighbors. It’s always seeking to United Airlines to a Bible conven- ple? 20 percent margin. Leading NCSE United States, we are alarmed by expand, to encroach, and subjugate tion in Alabama, you’re all but a Or think of it this way: To claim to accuse “Lyon County residents new calls to adopt socialism in our others to its will.” street “pimp.” that Nevada’s legal rural brothels who voted against the brothel ban” country. America was founded on He expanded his criticism to That’s right… YOU. are a “magnet for sex traffickers” of being “complicit in the sexual liberty and independence — not Cuba and Nicaragua as well, saying And according to NCSE, Ne- is like saying legal pharmacies exploitation of ‘countless women.’” government coercion, domination the nations had “great potential” if vada was added to its list because such as Walgreens and CVS are Hogwash. And how insulting. and control.” “legalized prostitution in Nevada’s magnets for illegal drug traffickers. The adult women who work in rural counties has turned the state We’re talking apples and oranges Nevada’s legal brothels are busi- into a ‘magnet for sex traffickers here, folks. ness women and entrepreneurs who and prostitution tourists.’” In naming Nevada to its “igno- have chosen such sex work of their Oh, puh-lease. Talk about ab- minious” list, NCSE cites a Lyon own free will — even though that’s surd. County Sheriff’s Department audit not a career choice many others The closest legal brothels to Las of its four legal brothels last fall would make. Vegas — arguably Ground Zero for that purportedly found “signs of They’re not the problem; they’re illegal prostitution and sex traffick- potential sex trafficking” - while part of the solution. The anti-Neva- ing — are an hour and a half away. failing to note that audit report da puritans at NCSE should get off And because of extremely strict was generated by the local sheriff their backs. Live and let live. licensing and regulatory oversight of those legal brothels, there are no underage girls working in them and no one is working there against their will. Sex trafficking in Nevada’s rural counties is all but non-existent. On the other hand, Las Vegas is awash with gentleman’s clubs, nudie bars, escort services, massage parlors, “girls to your room” in lux- urious Strip resorts, adult sex shops, and good old-fashioned slam-bam- thank-you-ma’am in the back seat of cars behind convenience stores and in seedy motels. Yet NCSE doesn’t talk about THAT. Instead it focuses on Nevada’s legal rural brothels which prohibit underage girls from working in the trade, keeps the consenting women who work there safe, protects the public through weekly health Get first month box exams for sexually transmitted diseases, and contribute significant tax rent FREE with any revenue and charitable donations to the communities where they’re U-Haul truck rental located. Page 6 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 Job openings hit record high of 7.3 million in December By Joseph Lawler Trump, is not petering out and may even be Washington Examiner accelerating. The number of job openings hit a record The labor market has remained strong high of 7.3 million in December, the Bureau even as the recovery has stretched on toward of Labor Statistics reported in a sign of the a decade. In the past three months, the econ- labor market’s strength. omy has added an average of 241,000 net The previous high was set in August. Data new jobs a month, more than twice as much goes back to the year 2000. as needed to keep up with population growth The private sector drove the new record, and keep unemployment trending down. with private entities accounting for 6.7 As a result, more of the population is million job vacancies — also a record high. working. For prime-age workers, meaning The construction industry recorded 382,000 those between ages 25 and 54, the total new posts, far more than ever before. employment rate rose to 79.9 percent in Jan- Actual hiring was not quite as strong, at uary, the highest such rate since the financial 5.6 million, up from 5.4 million the month crisis hit. before. The data comes from the Bureau of Altogether, job vacancies are up about Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor 30 percent over the past year, while hiring Turnover Survey, known as JOLTS. The sur- is up 7 percent. vey contains information about hiring and The new figures suggest that the recovery firing that isn’t available in the more widely in job creation and hiring, which began in the watched monthly jobs report, but it is released Obama era and has continued under President on a one-month lag. Best economic optimism in 16 years, 50 percent ‘better off’ under Trump By Paul Bedard —50 percent say they are in Washington Examiner better shape financially than a year Public optimism in their person- ago. al economy has hit a 16-year high The president has been touting under President Trump, according the economy and stock market to a new survey. recently, and Republicans are Some 69 percent told Gal- urging him to continue with policies lup that they expect their personal like deregulation that can contin- finances to be even better next year, ue to feed growth. just shy of the record 71 percent While partisanship colors the when the internet boom was raging view of Democrats and Republi- under former President Bill Clinton. cans on their level of optimism, What’s more, the survey compa- both expressed confidence in the ny said that 50 percent believe they future. are “better off” than just a year ago “For both Republicans and when the current economic surge Democrats, results are more posi- was kicking in and when the White tive over the same time spans for House coined the phrase “MAGA- the question asking about financial nomics.” expectations for the coming year. Gallup said that is the first time Though Republicans’ expectations the level has reach 50 percent since rose after Trump took office and 2007. Democrats became less optimis- “Americans’ optimism about tic, majorities from both parties their personal finances has climbed said they expected to be better to levels not seen in more than 16 off in the coming year in both the years, with 69 percent now saying pre-Trump-election polls and the they expect to be financially better A “Now Hiring” sign welcomes a customer entering a Best Buy store in Hialeah, Fla. post-Trump-inauguration ones,” off ‘at this time next year,’” said Gallup found that the public confidence in their personal finances is near a record high. said Gallup. Gallup. next year. The highlights: —Optimism about finances McCabe Interview —69 percent expect their finan- over the next year is almost at a (Continued from Page 4) to cast another shadow over the White House and cial situation to improve over the record-high level. McCabe spoke about them for the first time on record. renew questions about the president’s leadership. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has In an excerpt of McCabe’s new book “The Threat” denied the 25th Amendment talk and McCabe’s claim published in the Atlanticon Thursday, the former FBI Bundys that he suggested wearing a wire during conversations official cast Trump as “a deliberate liar” who is will- (Continued from Page 1) with Trump. ing to interfere in criminal investigations to protect but Bundy and others were later indicted on charges that included Trump turned his focus to the Russia probe as himself and his presidency. obstruction of justice, conspiracy, extortion, assault and impeding Congress rushes to complete a spending deal to avert “Today we have a president who is willing not only federal officers. a government shutdown by midnight Friday. The to comment prejudicially on criminal prosecutions Two of three scheduled trials took place, but a year ago during the package contains only a fraction of the money Trump but to comment on ones that potentially affect him,” third trial of Cliven Bundy and his co-defendants Judge Gloria Na- demanded for his long-desired border wall, but the McCabe wrote. varro abruptly halted proceedings and ruled that the prosecutors had president has suggested he may use his own powers “He does both of these things almost daily. He is willfully and flagrantly failed to disclose evidence that could have been to build it. not just sounding a dog whistle. He is lobbying for used by the defense, including information about an FBI surveillance But the feud between Trump and McCabe threatens a result.” camera, documents citing the presence of snipers, certain maps, FBI logs, threat assessments that showed the Bundys weren’t violent, documents reportedly showing that no threatened desert tortoises were ever found to be harmed by Bundy’s cattle, and internal affairs documents detailing possible misdeeds by the Bureau of Land Management agent in charge, who was later fired. The judge ruled the dismissal was with prejudice, meaning charges To All Attorneys could not be brought against them again. Curiously, most of that information cited would have allowed the defense to argue the defendants were provoked and were acting in self-defense, arguments the judge previously ruled were impermis- who hate writing sible. The appeal goes into excruciating detail about this seeming contradiction. In response to the appeal, Bundy’s lawyer Larry Klayman asked NEVADA APPEAL GROUP (“NAG”) offers the appellate court to dismiss the prosecution’s appeal because it had FLAT FEE, high quality services for civil and missed the filing deadline. Though the prosecution asked for deadlines extensions, the court has not yet granted such an extension. criminal Appeals and all Post-Conviction Relief. According to press accounts, Klayman also called the appeal “unprofessional and grossly unethical,” adding, “They are apparently hopeful that this court, if an appeal is heard, will relieve them from the prospect that their careers at the Department of Justice are over, much NAG handles all types of appeals more the potential for disbarment. Given the record, this ‘Hail Mary’ (misdemeanor, felony and civil) as well as attempt to skate from their own liability is destined to fail.” But the appeal, penned by Nevada Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Habeas Corpus Petitions, Nevada Supreme White, argues, “Any missteps were inadvertent (or at worst negligent), and those errors did not merit the court’s strong condemnation of the Court briefs, and individual motions across the prosecution team.” White also argued that court precedents show the appropriate civil and criminal spectrum, including Motions remedy for failing to disclose would be either the dismissal of some for Summary Judgment. Turnaround time can charges or a new trial, not outright dismissal. In arguing that disclosure of evidence might jeopardize the safety be as minimal of witnesses and agents, the appeal dredged up a long-discredited base canard. as 24 hours. Federal PCR is also available. The brief stated, “Its goal was to produce all relevant information while protecting victims, witnesses, and law enforcement officers from harassment and threats, and from the violence that had already taken Motions starting at $250 flat fee the lives of two police officers and a civilian at the hands of two of Bundy’s extremist followers.” Appeals starting at $500 flat fee This refers to the fact that in June 2014, Jerad and Amanda Miller, killed two Las Vegas police officers and another man before being killed in a shootout with police. For more information and immediate response, What was not mentioned is that the Millers were a couple of leftist lunatics who showed up at the Bundy ranch standoff but were told by call or email: the Bundys to leave because of their “very radical” views. They were not Bundy’s “extremist followers.” (702) 902-5050 Despite this error, the appellate court is likely to look favorably on the prosecution’s appeal. “ [email protected] February 20-26, 2019 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 7 Who Are Republicans’ Worst Enemy? Sadly… By Chuck Muth bill on the next general election ballot as a My longtime friend Rich Galen makes a REFERENDUM and let the people of Neva- great point on his Mullings blog regarding da weigh in on the new provisions. the cost of The Wall… Have yet to hear a single Republican leg- “Remember, Trump wants $5.6 billion islator call for such an effort. Republicans are for a couple of hundred miles of some kind their own worst enemy. of physical barrier along the border with * * * * * Mexico. We are $22 TRILLION in debt. The Some guy named Omar De La Rosa was Wall represents 0.025 percent of the national hired to work on campaigns for the Assembly debt.” Republican Caucus last year — and proceed- Rich continues… ed to LOSE two incumbent GOP seats and “Say you made $100,000 last year. If I failed to pick up the one seat with a Democrat said I needed you to donate 0.025 percent of incumbent and a Republican voter majority. your salary to a worthy cause… you might Epic fail. Total incompetent. think that 0.025 percent represents a pretty But as is far too common in GOP politics, hefty number. It’s twenty-five dollars. About many of these guys fail upwards. Indeed, De two glasses of wine at your favorite watering continues her effort to pass PAID family ground check ballot initiative correcting the La Rosa is now working for the caucus for hole.” leave. But where does the government derive flaw in it that prevented implementation. But the 2019 session. And he somehow found a Build. The. Wall. the power to force private businesses or tax- would have been nice if supporters would at way to hand the opposition the GOP’s talking Yet Republicans, when in the majority in payers to pay people not to work? least be intellectually honest about it. points briefing on the background check bill Congress for the last two years, failed to do This is not a conservative proposal by any The fact is, the bill being passed (SB143) to opponents on a silver platter. so… forcing the President to do it by way means. This is something you’d expect to is NOT the same as the one BARELY ap- “Thanks to the right for these!” tweeted of executive order today; a decision already find in socialist AOC’s “Green New Deal.” proved by voters. Battle Born Progress, a far-left gun-control criticized by some of the same GOP members Thanks, but no thanks. Yet a number of Re- In addition, the odds are had the revised organization, including photocopies of who didn’t get the job done when they had publicans support it. version been the one voters voted on it likely Omar’s briefing on February 11. “Someone the chance. Republicans are their own worst enemy. would have LOST. Any claims to the contrary should tell the right about how to properly Republicans are their own worst enemy. * * * * * are simply false. work email and the internet.” * * * * * There was never any doubt that Democrats What gun rights supporters should do is Lovely. Republicans are their own worst The president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, would pass a revised version of the back- gather enough signatures to place the revised enemy. Today’s Lunch Special: Brain-Dead Political Pablum By Chuck Muth firearms purchases.” On Friday I received one of the Won’t back down? Hell, they lamest, most deceptively disingen- never stood up! uous fundraising emails from the Onward… Nevada Republican Party you’ll “It’s more urgent than ever that ever want to read. Maybe you re- we band together to STOP these ceived it? shameless attacks on our freedoms. There’s so much bad about this Democrats may have the majority “NVGOP ALERT” email it’s hard in the legislature, but we have the to know where to begin. force on the ground. Build it with us Not really. I know exactly where by joining the coalition.” to begin, but it’s probably gonna Yes, protecting our Second seem a little weird to you… Amendment rights requires folks to Even though the email purport- band together. But giving money to edly came from the Nevada Repub- some made-up, johnny-come-lately lican Party, the Nevada Republican “Nip-Sark” group ain’t the way to Party didn’t really write it or send do it. it out. No, if you really want to support In fact, my guess is Republican a true and active gun rights organi- Party Chairman Michael McDonald zation in Nevada — an organization never even saw it in advance, let that’s been kicking and screaming alone approved it. and scratching and clawing in How do I know? Because the opposition to this bill for YEARS email was simply signed “Nevada Republican Party,” unlike two other — write your check to the Nevada emails earlier this week that were Firearms Coalition. signed, with his actual signature… This “NVGOP ALERT” fund- Sincerely, raising email was insipid in its Michael J. McDonald nicknames to political opponents. No, I’m guessing that’s just And as this bill came forward asininity. Chairman Heck, I’ve been doing it for years. some made-up name as another over the past week, the Republi- If you keep doing what you’ve Nevada Republican Party Just ask former State Sen. “Tax “trick” to get you to cough up can Assembly Caucus declared in always done, you’ll always get You see, there’s this “Golden Hike Mike” Roberson. But “Special some dough. It’s not a real coalition a talking-points memo (stupidly what you’ve always gotten. Rule” in politics: He who has the Interest Steve”? Could it be any that’s actually going to do any- leaked to the opposition) that This fundraising pitch is exactly gold makes the rules. more lame? thing. It’s just a data entry point in “Republicans support background the kind of brain-dead pablum the As such, in return for funding “Rushed”? Puh-lease. QuikBooks. But even if it is a real checks for anyone wishing to pur- bone-headed DC political consult- parts of the Nevada GOP’s opera- Democrats have been running on coalition (it’s not, trust me), two chase a firearm.” ing class has been dishing out for tion, the Republican NATIONAL this background check gun control questions… And Republican State Sen. years. And it appears they have no Committee (RNC) in DC either bill for over two years. Everyone 1.) KNOWING this bill would Keith Pickard declared in a tweet: intention of changing. writes these fundraising emails and their uncle knew if Democrats be a top item on the Democrats’ “I support background checks for We’re doomed. themselves and sends them out on won control of the Legislature and agenda, why did they wait until AF- behalf of the Nevada Republican the governor’s office this would be TER the bill was passed to launch Party… or they hire an outside their top priority — especially after the group? Talk about closing the vendor to do so. Republicans all but goaded them barn door after the horse was al- Vendors who like to use “tricks” into making it Item #1 before the ready out! and techniques they hear about start of the session. 2.) What genius came up with from other vendors and self-de- There was nothing “rushed” the name “Nevadans Protecting scribed “experts.” about this. Second Amendment Rights Coa- So as much as I know many of “Secret meetings”? Puh-lease. lition”? I mean, it doesn’t exactly you would like to blame Chairman The Nevada Legislature is noth- roll off the tongue does it? And it McDonald for this embarrassment, ing BUT secret meetings. Always sure isn’t memorable. Just try to it’s not his fault. This disingenuous has been, regardless of which party remember it 20 minutes after you’re email was clearly ghost-written was in charge. That’s the way they finished reading this. and sent out on his behalf by the like it. So much so that the Legis- Heck, even the acronym — keeper of the checkbook. His hands lature intentionally exempts itself “NPSARC” — is stupid. “Nip- are tied. from Nevada’s “open meeting” law. Sark”? It’s just the way “Golden Rule” Regardless, there WERE public Onward… business is done. hearings on the bill. Testimony was “The process behind this sweep- Onward… given. Republicans were afforded ing gun grab measure has been The subject line, written in the the opportunity to wax poetic, voice flawed from the start and now Ne- grammatically-challenged way of their righteous indignation and vadans see Democrats in Carson a third-grader or Alexandria Oca- pound the table with their shoes. City for the frauds that they are. sio-Cortez, read…“gun grab bill Sound and fury signifying noth- Show them we won’t go quietly and update, Charles this is bad” ing. we won’t back down!” Although that IS my legal “Blatant disregard for what Ne- The process may be flawed, name, not even my mom calls me vadans want”? Oh, puh-lease. but come on. It’s the same process “Charles.” Which told me right off the bat these people had no real idea The fact is a BARE majority Republicans used to ram legisla- who they were talking to. of Nevadans’ voted (foolishly) for tion through in 2015 when they Some idiot obviously told the background checks in 2016. As controlled the Legislature and party or the vendor that “person- such, the truth is Nevadans don’t the governor’s office. It’s called alizing” emails boosts response. know what they want on this issue. hardball politics. So please spare So they put “Charles” — probably 50.45 percent said they wanted us the hypocrisy of such righteous scraped from the voter registration background checks on private gun indignation. files — in the subject line even sales while 49.55 percent said they “Frauds”? You might want to though it had the exact opposite didn’t. look up the definition of that word effect. So NEITHER side can claim in the dictionary. THIS is bad. they represent what “Nevadans They’re not frauds. They ran as But it got worse. want.” gun-control candidates. The voted “CRITICAL UPDATE” blared And, um, since this is a Neva- as gun-control legislators. What’s the blinking red headline, followed da issue and the email was sent fraudulent about that? by… to Nevadans, do ya think maybe No, you know what “fraud” “Special Interest Steve just they should have talked about our was? It’s when Republican candi- signed the Democrats’ rushed gun rights as “Nevadans” rather than as dates — every one of them! — ran control bill. Not only did they do “Americans.” as opposed to tax hikes in 2014 so with secret meetings but as a OK, that one might be a little and then turned around and voted blatant disregard for what Neva- picky. Onward… for the largest tax hike in Nevada dans want and of OUR RIGHTS as “FIGHT BACK! Join the Ne- history. THAT’S fraud! Americans.” vadans Protecting Second Amend- “Won’t back down”? Oh, puh- “Special Interest Steve” is Neva- ment Rights Coalition by pitching lease. da Democrat Gov. Steve Sisolak if in NOW.” GOP candidates on the cam- you didn’t know — and I’m guess- I’m gonna go out on a limb here paign trail in 2018 were already ing a lot of people who received this and suggest that there is no such sounding the retreat on this issue. had no idea that’s who they were thing as the “Nevadans Protecting Many flip-flopped and actually talking about. Second Amendment Rights Coa- voiced support for background Now, I’m not against assigning lition.” checks. Page 8 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 Drama hits Senate Intel panel’s Russia inquiry By Olivia Beavers the president’s campaign manager is mostly a disagreement on how to and Morgan Chalfant sharing confidential campaign in- interpret them.” The Hill formation with Russian agents; the “We were never going to find ev- Drama is building around the notion that the president who didn’t idence that would directly implicate Senate Intelligence Committee’s tell the truth about negotiations of a Donald Trump in a giant plan to col- Russia investigation after the pan- Trump Tower going through at least lude with the Russian government,” el’s top Republican and Democrat June and potentially — if you be- the source added. “We were never clashed over what their findings lieve the president’s lawyer [Rudy] going to find a letter from Trump to reveal two years after they opened Giuliani — through the election.” Vladimir Putin saying, ‘Hey buddy, their inquiry. Those contacts, Warner said, are why don’t we talk about sanctions The Senate probe is viewed as “unprecedented and inappropriate relief?’” the most bipartisan congressional at the very least.” “When I finish, I’ll make a investigation into Russian inter- Warner, who noted that he still judgment,” Burr told The Hill ference, with committee Chair- has “a strong working relationship” last month. “Based upon the man Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and with Burr, recently seized on one information that I have seen today, Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D- particular revelation earlier this I don’t see evidence of collusion.” Va.) walking in lockstep on most year as a sign of inappropriate Burr’s latest assertions come matters. contact between members of the at a time when the investigation is However, fractures have Trump campaign and the Kremlin. said to be winding down, which has emerged recently after Burr public- When a bungled court filing added more weight to his statement. ly stated that none of their evidence revealed in January that Muel- “If I can finish tomorrow, I indicates the Trump campaign con- Warner told The Hill on Wednes- who went on to serve briefly as ler accused former Trump cam- would finish tomorrow,” he told spired with Russia during the 2016 day. “I’m not going to reach any national security adviser. paign chairman Paul Manafort of CBS. “We know we’re getting to presidential campaign. final conclusions until we finish our Senators are expected to in- sharing private polling data with the bottom of the barrel because “If we write a report based report. That has kept us together, terview Michel Cohen, Trump’s a Russian suspected of ties to there are not new questions that upon the facts that we have, then and I am going to adhere to those former personal lawyer, before he Kremlin intelligence, Warner told we’re searching for answers to.” we don’t have anything that would rules.” goes to prison on March 6. Cohen’s CNN this “appears as the closest However, Burr has shifted the suggest there was collusion by the Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), who attorney, Lanny Davis, confirmed we have seen yet to real life actual timeline for the investigation’s end. Trump campaign and Russia,” Burr caucuses with the Democrats, told those plans this week. collusion.” At one point, he predicted the probe told CBS News in an interview The Hill that it’s too early to say The committee is also eye- The data was allegedly intended would be wrapped up in August. published last week, expanding what the probe has determined. ing Trump’s son-in-law and se- to be shared with two pro-Putin The committee has yet to issue somewhat on remarks he made to “The Senate Intelligence Com- nior White House adviser Jared Ukrainian oligarchs. three of the five reports stemming The Hill last month. mittee has not concluded anything,” Kushner, who testified briefly at the “Clearly, Manafort was trying from the probe, some of which Burr has long noted that he re- he said Tuesday. “Several of the start of the Senate probe, according to collude with Russian agents. are held up in the declassification mains open to the possibility there individual members have made to the source. And the question is, what did the process. was collusion and will make a final statements, but I certainly am not “Those are some pretty big wit- president know? What did Donald The intention of the commit- judgment once the panel’s inves- prepared to make a statement as to nesses,” the source said. Trump know about this exchange of tee has long been to issue one tigation, which is still ongoing, is what was found or not found.” Democrats argue there was a information?” Warner asked. bipartisan, fact-based report at completed. Both Burr and Warner have said pattern of communication between The Democratic source close to the conclusion of the probe. But it Democrats have pushed back there are more witnesses to bring in. the Trump campaign and Russia the committee said more investiga- remains an open question whether on Burr’s most recent remarks, According to a Democratic that could point toward collusion. tion is warranted. the issue of collusion will ultimately arguing his assessment is premature source close to the committee, that Warner pointed to “Russian “Certainly, what we have found divide Republicans and Democrats. because key witnesses have not list includes key individuals who agents, Russian actors reaching is a significant pattern of evidence NBC News, citing Democrat- been interviewed and that it doesn’t have become ensnared in special out to the Trump Organization that is suggestive of something larg- ic and Republican aides, report- take into account other evidence the counsel Robert Mueller’s investiga- with promise of dirt on [Demo- er,” the source said on Wednesday. ed earlier this week that no direct investigation has uncovered. tion, including former Trump cam- cratic president nominee Hillary] “And I don’t think within the Senate evidence has been uncovered. “I just respectfully, factually, paign aides Richard Gates, George Clinton, and the president’s son Intelligence Committee there are The recent comments from Burr, disagree with Chairman Burr,” Papadopoulos and Michael Flynn, [Donald Trump Jr.] welcoming that; disagreement about the facts — it (See Senate Intel, Page 9) “Thug” responds to disgraced former Lyon County Sheriff By Chuck Muth No. It was incumbent upon “Shady” doesn’t even begin to The Mason Valley News pub- McNeil to disclose this obvious describe his tawdry actions. lished an article (“Former Lyon and egregious conflict of interest. “I really take offense to Chuck County sheriff was highest con- He chose not to, despite his Muth,” McNeil concluded in his tributor to anti-brothel group”) by false claim that “Most people knew interview with Ms. Alonzo, “who Amy Alonzo February 14 on the where I stood.” is acting like a thug.” complaint I filed with the Nevada No, they didn’t. Whatever. Better than Al Mc- Secretary of State over the hidden As for his First Amendment Neil have been taking offense to donations former Lyon County rights…nice attempt at deflection. Chuck Muth for years. Sheriff Al McNeil made to a po- But it ain’t gonna fly here. The fact is McNeil himself is litical action committee (PAC) last No one is saying McNeil didn’t the one acting like a thug. He’s not year. have the right to make his dona- sorry for his efforts to deceive the In it, Mr. McNeil called me a tions. public, the media and the county “thug.” amount… Will his lies ever end? What’s at issue here is that he commission. He’s just sorry I High praise indeed coming from “I look at that number and said, Regardless, when McNeil is- wasn’t just a private citizen. He was a disgraced public official who’s ‘Why did I write $999?’ In all fair- sued his anti-brothel “audit” report an elected official with regulatory caught him and exposed him. been caught with his knickers ness, I look at that number, and I to the Lyon County Commission power and authority over the very If exposing public corruption ‘round his knees! don’t know.” last October, it wasn’t incumbent industry his donations were trying like this makes me a thug, I wear At issue is the fact that McNeil In all fairness… oh, puh-lease! upon commissioners to ask, “By to shut down. The real issue is his the label with pride. What McNeil was secretly helping to bankroll McNeil himself has been a can- the way, sheriff, have you been efforts to hide those donations from did is a disgrace. Thank goodness a Lyon County ballot question to didate for office in Nevada at least secretly bankrolling the anti-brothel the public, the media and the county Lyon County voters ousted him ban the county’s four legal brothels twice. OF COURSE he knew about question on next month’s ballot?” commission. from office in November. while simultaneously abusing his the reporting requirements and power and authority as the chief loophole. Who’s he trying to kid? regulator of that very same industry. Ms. Alonzo continued in her All without disclosing his finan- report… cial involvement to the public, the “McNeil said he was never media or the county commissioners. questioned during his campaign McNeil was able to get away about his donations to ETAP, but, ‘I with this by taking advantage of an would have said ‘yes’ if somebody absolutely insane loophole in state had asked me. … I look at those law that allows donors to remain campaign contributions as exercis- anonymous as long as they give less ing my First Amendment rights.’” then $1,000 in any given campaign Nice try, Big Al. finance reporting period. As Ms. Alonzo went on to Indeed, on August 30, 2018, note… McNeil donated $999 — just one “When asked during the cam- dollar less than the amount that paign whether he was affiliated with would have “outed” him. the No Little Girl (ETAP) group or And when confronted with this if he had a stance on the referendum fact by Ms. Alonzo, McNeil replied or advisory questions, McNeil de- — I’m assuming with a straight clined to answer.” face — that he didn’t remember So… a reporter asked him… and why he wrote that check for that he… declined… to… answer.

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[email protected]. 1-775-513-0942 February 13-19, 2019 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 9 Winners and losers in the border security deal By Scott Wong and Mike Lillis his wall and increase the number The Hill of detention beds, even without After a weeks-long slog, Con- explicit congressional approval. gress united on Thursday night to House conservatives pass a massive federal spending bill In December, conservative lead- that averts a second shutdown, just ers, including House Freedom weeks after the longest government Caucus Chairman Mark Mead- closure in the nation’s history. ows (R-N.C.), lobbied Trump Although the package funds nine to shut down the government if departments, comprising roughly a Democrats didn’t cave and agree quarter of the federal government, to fund his wall. the lengthy impasse surrounded just Trump listened to that advice — one: the Department of Homeland and has ended up with less money, Security, which would oversee the and fewer miles, for the wall than construction of new barriers on the Senate Republicans and Democrats U.S.-Mexico border. had negotiated last year. President Trump had demanded Last summer, Senate appro- $5.7 billion in funding for new priators agreed to set aside $1.6 construction of his signature border billion to build 65 miles of border wall, launching a drag-out fight priorities, including a $1 billion in- Women as leaders on American Federation of Govern- fencing. The bipartisan pact passed with Democrats, who rejected the crease to conduct the 2020 census, a powerful committee ment Employees, said many work- by Congress this week hands Trump provision outright, and leading a $500 million hike in public hous- Lowey and Granger are the ers are still awaiting back pay and just $1.375 billion for 55 miles of to a five-week partial shutdown ing funds, $1.9 billion for Amtrak first two women to lead the House are facing “massive backlogs” of physical barriers. beginning Dec. 22. and $310 million for National Appropriations Committee, and work from the last episode. It’s unclear if Trump will contin- In a blow to Trump, the new Endowments for the Arts and the in their first negotiation they won “Federal employees — and the ue listening to Meadows and other spending package has no funding Humanities. a deal on border security that will American public they serve — can- unofficial advisers on the right who for the concrete border wall that “She made a very powerful case prevent another shutdown. not go through another shutdown,” helped lead Trump down this path. stood as the central promise of his that she can stand up strong against The two veteran lawmakers en- Cox said in a statement. While Trump sided with the Free- LOSERS 2016 campaign — an exclusion the administration,” said Rep. G.K. joyed good press for their achieve- dom Caucus in using his executive that Democrats are trumpeting as Butterfield (D-N.C.), “and she has ments. President Trump authority, he ignored the conser- evidence that they won the long proven to be a perfect fit for that In an interview with CNN’s The president shut down the vative group’s proposed one-week position.” Dana Bash, they said that if it had government for 35 days over de- partisan standoff. stopgap funding measure designed House and Senate negotiators just been up to them, the deal would mands that Congress give him $5.7 But Trump is expected to an- to give the president more time to In a Congress that’s practically have come around even faster. billion for a wall on the southern nounce an emergency declaration negotiate a better deal. to unearth new funds for his wall, defined by partisan bickering, the “Give us an hour. 30 minutes,” border. In the end, Congress gave Instead, he signed the lon- which will also set up a fight in the top negotiators of the Homeland said Granger. him no money for his concrete wall ger-term agreement that Senate courts. Security deal proved the sides can “We’re very straightforward. and just $1.375 billion — less than a Majority Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Here’s an early list of winners discard their differences and find We also know our own position fourth of what Trump requested — and others on Capitol Hill were and losers from the drawn-out fight. common ground, even on an issue and each other’s position,” Lowey for 55 miles of physical barriers in begging him to support. WINNERS as highly contentious as border se- told CNN. Texas’s Rio Grande Valley. Federal contractors Speaker Nancy Pelosi curity. In a House with the most women It’s a huge let down, not only and women programs Late last year, the California Despite grumbling from some members in history, the fact that for Trump but for immigration Federal workers got back pay Democrat was confronting an in- lawmakers on the 17-member Lowey and Granger were in on the hawks in Congress, groups pushing from the 35-day shutdown over ternal revolt and securing the gavel conference committee, the four final deal was not unnoticed. for immigration restrictions like December and January, as well as only after agreeing to a self-im- leaders of that panel — Sens. Rich- Federal workers FAIR and NumbersUSA, and the a nearly 2 percent pay raise. posed cap on her remaining years at ard Shelby (R-Ala.) and Patrick The nation’s 2.1 million fed- president’s grass-roots conserva- Thousands of federal contractors the top of the party. Yet her handling Leahy (D-Vt.) and Reps. Nita eral employees won a victory in tive base. weren’t as lucky. of the tense budget negotiations Lowey (D-N.Y.) and Kay Grang- the spending package with the in- Fox News host Sean Hannity, — and her unwavering refusal to er(R-Texas) — defied their doubt- clusion of a provision lending them one of Trump’s usual allies on cable Despite an eleventh-hour push cave to Trump’s demands amid the ers to hash out a compromise with a 1.9 percent pay raise, retroactive news, trashed the deal as a “garbage by Democrats, back pay for fed- lengthy shutdown — have boosted two days to spare before another to the start of the calendar year. compromise.” Fox’s Laura Ingra- eral contractors who didn’t get her power within the diverse cau- scheduled shutdown. The increase falls short of the 2.6 ham called it a “Total SCAM!” paychecks during the longest shut- cus and solidified her stature as the To do so, the Republicans had percent given to military person- Trump is expected to declare a down in U.S. history was left out face of the Democrats’ anti-Trump to dismiss the criticisms from nel, and House Democrats — who national emergency on the border of the final funding package. That resistance. conservative voices bemoaning had promoted the higher figure for — a move that he believes gives includes people like custodians and Pelosi’s face-off with Trump in the absence of border wall funding, nondefense workers — are already him the authority to shift hundreds security guards, as well as defense the Oval Office in December set while the Democrats shrugged off vowing to keep up that fight. of millions of dollars from other contractors and consultants. the early tone for the negotiations, attacks from the left protesting “I think it should be 2.6 [per- pots to pay for his border wall. Key GOP leaders and appropri- sending a clear signal that the provisions for fencing and interior cent]. And in the future, I will That move could play well ators rejected the back pay, espe- California Democrat wasn’t ready enforcement. pursue that,” House Majority with his base, but it’s also a move cially since Trump was signaling to cave in her opposition to the The four leaders — all of them Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said that could have been made weeks to Republicans on the Hill that he border wall. Instead, it was Trump top appropriators — had plenty of Wednesday. ago. And it will face serious court wouldn’t sign anything that includ- who folded, accepting just $1.375 history to draw on. Between them, In the meantime, however, ad- challenges. ed the back pay provision. billion in new fencing and levee they have a whopping 128 years of vocates for federal employees say Trump and Republicans do have Negotiators also weren’t able walls — a far cry from the $5.7 experience on Capitol Hill. Pelosi, they’re pleased with the 1.9 percent other reasons to crow. They beat to come to an agreement on an billion he’d demanded initially — for one, said the key to the agree- bump — and that they dodged a back a Democratic effort to cap extension of the Violence Against and igniting a firestorm of criticism ment was giving those lawmakers bullet by avoiding another shut- the number of detention beds for Women Act (VAWA), which pro- from conservatives infuriated he space. down. The first closure had left undocumented immigrants appre- vides grant funding for programs didn’t take the fight to the wire. “That’s real progress, I think, for roughly 800,000 federal employees hended inside the country. to combat sexual and violent assault In the process, Pelosi also se- us to have left it to the appropriators either furloughed or working with- They also think the legislation against women. cured billions of dollars in new to make the decisions,” she said out pay for five weeks. leaves Trump the flexibility to shift That means VAWA programs funding for a host of Democratic Thursday, shortly before the vote. David Cox, president of the funds unilaterally in order to fund will expire at midnight Saturday. Mueller recommends Manafort serve at least 19 years in prison By Lydia Wheeler The Hill Prosecutors working in special counsel Robert Mueller’s office are recommending a federal judge in Virginia sentence President Trump’s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort to at least 19 years in prison. KIOF 97.9 FM Manafort was convicted on eight counts of bank and tax fraud in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia last summer. “Welcome to Prosecutors have recommended Mueller’s office is also recom- office and a grand jury about a pay- that Manafort, 69, serve a sentence mending a fine range of $50,000 to ment from a company to a law firm of 19.5 to more than 24 years in $24.4 million, a term of supervised and his interactions and communi- Fabulous Las prison for the crimes. release of up to five years, restitu- cations with Konstantin Kilimnik, tion in the amount of $24.8 million a former business associate who is Senate Intel and forfeiture in the amount of $4.4 suspected of having ties to Russian Vegas Public (Continued from Page 8) million. intelligence. who also told CBS he hopes poli- After hearing arguments Prosecutors said that for more from both sides in two sealed than a decade, Manafort repeatedly Radio and the tics doesn’t drive his committee’s investigation, caught fire as Trump proceedings, Judge Amy Berman violated the law and chose to en- and other Republicans touted his Jackson on Wednesday ruled that gage in a sophisticated scheme to Manafort had in fact intentionally hide millions of dollars from U.S. Entertainment remarks. “Senator Richard Burr, The lied to the FBI, the special counsel’s authorities. Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Capital of Committee, just announced that after almost two years, more than two Bob Beckett hundred interviews, and thousands Attorney At Law the World” of documents, they have found NO COLLUSION BETWEEN TRUMP Elected 5 terms as Nye County District Attorney YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NON AND RUSSIA! Is anybody really Practice areas PROFIT 501 C 3 RADIO STATION surprised by this?” Trump tweeted Criminal defense, Personal injury, Bankruptcy Sunday. (Federal Charitable taxpayer ID # 45-4388579) “After 2 years and more than and debt, Car accident, DUI and DWI See www.lasvegaspublicradio.org 200 interviews, the bipartisan Licensed for 29 years (www.lvpr.org) Senate Intelligence Committee has AVVO CONTRIBUTIONS affirmed: there was no collusion Now with more than 1.718 Million between the Trump campaign Beckett knows Nevada criminal law and Russia,” reads a Republican — especially how to get the most out of hits to our website to date as National Committee email blasted the probation/monitoring system. we begin our 4th year! out Tuesday. Beckett provides very effective and The Trump campaign also used 400 S. 4th St., Suite 500 the remarks on Saturday to solicit personable service — His fees are also fair Las Vegas, NV 89101 donations, asking for donations to (702) 425-4088 the campaign’s “Official End the (702) 334-4886 Partisan Witch Hunt Fund.” Page 10 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 Collective bargaining for state workers is about politics, not fairness The political push for state-worker collective bargaining State-worker collective bargaining would cost Nevada $500 million annually By Robert Fellner which reflects the cost of health and Nevada Policy Research Institute retirement benefits in addition to Extending the ability to col- wages. Including these costs mag- lectively bargain to Nevada state nifies the disparity found above. A government workers will increase caveat to this data is that it reflects state spending by approximately both full-time and part-time work- $500 million annually — a price ers. The median earnings cited that will be paid by taxpayers via above was limited to full-time, higher taxes, decreased government year-round workers. services or both. Average compensation for Ne- The argument put forward to vada state government workers was justify this staggering increase $85,258, an amount that ranked in future spending is based on a 10th highest among the 50 states. false belief that state workers are Average compensation greater than underpaid. what state government workers in This paper shows that, when 40 states receive is strong evidence measured on a variety of metrics, that Nevada state government compensation for Nevada state workers are far from undercom- government workers is already pensated. significantly above market levels. When the values are adjusted Median earnings for Nevada state to reflect the different price levels workers are 29 percent above pri- incentivized to charge taxpayers Legislature and Governor’s Office, levels.” among the 50 states, average com- vate earnings — a gap that is the monopoly prices for services and it is very likely that lawmakers will The U.S. Census Bureau recent- pensation for Nevada state workers fourth largest nationwide. deliver higher compensation to extend collective bargaining to state ly published 2017 median earnings ranked fifth highest nationwide Average compensation for Ne- government unions. government workers in 2019. data for full-time, year-round work- — while private-sector Nevadans vada state workers ranked 10th The Center for Responsive The purported basis for this rad- ers in Nevada. Median earnings for ranked 41st. highest nationwide on a raw, unad- Politics reports that the largest ical reversal of existing law is that state government workers in Neva- Once again, regardless of the justed basis, and fifth highest when donor to political campaigns na- collective bargaining is necessary da were 2 percent greater than the measurement used, average com- accounting for the different price tionwide since 1990 is the Service for government workers to obtain national median and ranked 22nd pensation for Nevada state gov- levels among the 50 states. Employees International Union, fair wages. Advocates frequently out of the 50 states. Private-sec- ernment workers consistently ranks A state-by-state ranking that which is comprised mostly of claim that current compensation is tor earnings in Nevada, however, among the very highest nationwide. compared compensation for state public workers. Public unions also below market levels or, in the most ranked 41st and were 12 percent Nationally recognized experts government workers against their occupy the 6th, 8th and 9th spots hyperbolic cases, “unlivable.” below the national median. Andrew Biggs and Jason Richwine similarly skilled and educated pri- on the list. A Heritage Foundation This claim is false and has no While earnings for Nevada pri- published a study that analyzed vate-sector counterparts found Ne- report explains the corrupting effect empirical support of any kind. To vate-sector workers ranks among the compensation of full-time state vada government workers earned this has on the democratic process: the contrary, an analysis of all rel- the bottom quintile of states na- government and private-sector 29 percent more than their pri- Politician-Employers. evant data suggests precisely the tionwide, median earnings for state workers in each of the 50 states. vate-sector peers — a premium that Politicians have taken careful opposite: compensation for Nevada government workers surpass what Biggs and Richwine ran a regres- was the ninth largest nationwide. note of government unions’ ability state government workers is already their government peers in the ma- Finally, Nevada state govern- sion analysis that controlled for to influence elections. Many politi- well above market levels. jority of states nationwide receive. ment workers themselves demon- differences in education, experi- cians actively seek union political To demonstrate as much, we This disparity is highlighted when strate that current compensation ence, and other characteristics that support. Some politicians will give analyze three distinct categories of government earnings are measured levels are more than adequate via predict earnings, which allowed the government unions generous con- information: as a percentage of private-sector a voluntary quit rate that is just authors to make an “apples-to-ap- tracts in exchange for their help in 1. Earnings and compensation earnings. a tiny fraction of the overall quit ples” comparison and determine getting elected. data, compared to both Nevada At 29 percent more than pri- rate of workers nationwide. Tak- how state government pay com- As labor economists Jeffrey private-sector workers and state vate-sector median earnings, Neva- pared to a similarly skilled and en together, this evidence makes Zax of Queens College and Casey government workers in the other da state workers had the 4th largest clear that compensation for state educated private-sector worker. Ichniowski of Columbia University 49 states. pay gap nationwide. When those factors were account- government workers is already 2. An “apples-to-apples” com- Mandatory collective bargaining observe, “The political objectives ed for, the wage gap between the well above market levels, and the parison between Nevada state for Nevada’s local government of government officials and of average Nevada state worker and additional cost associated with government workers and similarly workers is performing exactly as public employees may often be in their private-sector counterpart extending collective bargaining skilled and educated private-sector intended. Median earnings for concert rather than in conflict.” disappeared. But when total com- to state workers is an unnecessary workers. Nevada’s local government work- Harvard professor Richard Free- pensation — including pensions, burden on taxpayers. 3. Voluntarily quit rates of Ne- ers were 46 percent greater than man suggests that this alignment health coverage, retiree health In spite of this, Nevada lawmak- of interests between government vada state government workers as private-sector earnings, a gap that care, paid time off, and job security ers are poised to extend collective unions and their politician employ- compared to private sector workers was by far the largest nationwide. — was accounted for, the authors bargaining to state government ers is a major reason for the rapid nationally. Raising taxes on those with found that the average state govern- workers. While the added cost for growth of unions in government. Each metric, on its own, strongly median earnings of around $40,000 ment worker in Nevada earned 29 such a policy is clearly deleterious Instead of resisting union demands, suggests that Nevada state govern- to further inflate the pay premium percent more than their similarly from a social welfare perspective, politician employers have a keen in- ment workers receive compensation enjoyed by Nevada’s government skilled private-sector counterpart. it makes tremendous sense from a terest in encouraging unionization that is already well above market workers is neither fair nor sus- This ranked 9th highest out of the political perspective — as the con- among government employees be- levels. As a whole, the data demon- tainable. While state government centrated support bestowed upon cause the union political machines strate there is no factual basis for workers would obviously benefit in 50 states and was nearly triple the compliant politicians from what can help them to secure re-election. the claim that Nevada state workers the short-run, this deadweight loss 11 percent differential found at the will become essentially a taxpayer In other words, mandatory col- are underpaid. would ultimately make the state median state nationwide. funded political action committee lective bargaining in the public On the contrary, compensation poorer as a whole, to the detriment Current NSHE Chancellor and far outweighs any dispersed costs sector has led to a very one-sided, for Nevada state workers ranks of all Nevadans, including state former Clark County manager Dr. that they will face from the average exploitative arrangement — some- among the very highest nationwide. workers. Thom Reilly found similar results taxpayer. thing private-sector unions were “Each metric, on its own, strongly Comparison to other state gov- when he compared government and This corrosion of the democratic originally designed to prevent suggests that Nevada state govern- ernment workers nationwide The private-sector compensation in a process is precisely why collective — with organized labor wielding ment workers receive compensation Federal Bureau of Economic Anal- study for the peer-reviewed Public bargaining for government workers the power at the expense of the that is already well above market ysis publishes compensation data, Personnel Management journal. has historically been opposed by taxpaying public. economists, pro-union lawmakers This is why even President and even labor unions themselves. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, one of Giving state workers the ability to the most vocal supporters of the collectively bargain will further labor movement, warned that: [T] corrupt the political process in he process of collective bargaining, Nevada at the expense of taxpayers as usually understood, cannot be and citizens. transplanted into the public service. Background Nevada passed its It has its distinct and insurmount- first collective bargaining law in able limitations when applied to 1965, which expressly prohibited public personnel management. bargaining with government unions The very nature and purposes of for all employee groups. Government make it impossible for The entire basis for collective administrative officials to represent bargaining in the private sector — fully or to bind the employer in that an organization is needed to We Need Your Support mutual discussions with Govern- counteract business owners’ desire ment employee organizations. The to personally profit by underpaying employer is the whole people, who Become a participant in the solution, their workers — does not exist in speak by means of laws enacted by the public sector, which has neither their representatives in Congress. while others just criticize the problem owners nor profits over which to This sentiment was echoed by negotiate. Of course, the biggest labor organizations themselves ® difference between government and in the past. 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In the private sector, the ulti- cess. Rather, when unions became —Through each partner’s strengths, attendees will have mindsets changed mate check on union power is the desperate for new members as a toward responsible, productive, contributing lives, where business and educational fact that transactions are voluntary, changing private-sector workforce leaders can then connect them with careers and the future. and consumers are only willing to led to a sharp decline in their mem- spend so much for a given good or bership, the promise of captive, Call (702) 795-7000 today service. 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But the danger of unioniza- mandatory collective bargaining to change mindsets, behavior and character, freeing people from dependency, helplessness and repeated history. tion for government workers isn’t all local government workers, the Hero School Community Initiatives – 7495 W Azure Dr., Ste. 110, Las Vegas, NV 89130 - www.HeroSchool.us merely that the politicians who act prohibition on collective bargaining FAX: (702) 435-3432 - EMAIL: [email protected] - ON-LINE: https://squareup.com/store/lvfc-hero-school as employers can pay them with for state government workers has LVFC-Hero School - 501(c)3 #88-0388656 - Proceeds fund educational interventions in Nevada other people’s money, it’s that the remained intact to this day. But with Real. Life. Change. At the Speed of Movies™ - #VegasBorn and #VegasStrong since 1995 politician-employers are politically Democrats in full control of the February 20-26, 2019 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 11 Can Home Staging Save You Time and Money? By Charity McLean Special to the Las Vegas Tribune The real estate market is shifting. Houses are no longer selling themselves. To stay ahead of the game real estate agents and home sellers are looking for ways to be more competitive and make the highest sale prices. Home staging helps a lot. Home staging is not decorating. It is not making a property prettier. Staging is not interior design. Pro- fessional home staging is function of marketing called merchandising. It is the process of taking what is often the seller’s most valuable asset CHARITY McLEAN and making it the most marketable cide to test the waters to see how product amongst the competition. it will perform first and choose to Home staging is not furniture stage later, it will still outperform and accessories. Not until the third unstaged comps by 73 percent. step. The condition of the home and Staged homes sell for 6 percent to how current it is, inside and out, 20 percent higher prices. The cost must be considered before show- of home staging is approximately 1 agents. Of course, the listings with making the highest equity to they should document it in writing casing with decor. A professional percent to 3 percent of the list price look great and outperform the help them move on with the next in order to avoid breach of fiduciary stager makes recommendations nationwide. That is a 5 percent to competition. This in turn makes phase of their life. duty claims. There are safety and on lighting and plumbing fixtures, 19 percent ROI on average. The the agent look like a rock star and A professional stager can help security issues working which a landscape, paint, flooring, counter- individual improvements may not their clients love them for it. It also protect both the agent and the seller stager can provide protection from, tops and more, when needed. Work deliver the same return, but prop- relieves them of the awkward, yet legally. The continuing education as well. that is realistic, based on budget erly selected and collectively the necessary conversations with their curriculum taught nationwide and * * * * * and time, is decided upon and then results are substantial. clients. Odor and clutter are never endorsed by the Nevada Real Es- Charity McLean of ReLux Stage performed. It is not an all or nothing Unlike interior design home easy subjects. A professional stager tate Division encourages agents to is a RESA Pro and Resa approved deal. A good stager knows what will staging is not regulated. There is knows how to handle this in a pro- educate their clients about home instructor and can be reached at make the most impact and deliver a national organization called the fessional and unbiased manner. A staging and at the minimum to offer [email protected] or 702- the highest return on investment. Real Estate Staging Association good one gets the sellers onboard a consultation. If the seller declines 421-1151. Staging is helpful with occupied helping to raise the bar and set or vacant homes. Commercial list- standards in the industry, though. ings can benefit, as well, but that is Knowing your stager is a member “I got out of jury duty another subject. of RESA is a good sign. If they are a Even when a home is decked RESA Pro it is even more reason to out with the finest of finishes and feel confident. The RESA Pro des- without really trying” decor by the best designers it is not ignation requires the holder to be staged. Staging is about the target tested and sworn to a code of ethics, Thomas Mitchell’s experience with jury duty should serve as a buyer, not the seller’s preferences just like licensed real estate agents. or lifestyle. It is more formula based They must be insured, have at least lesson to the media to avoid all their crazy reporting mistakes and technical. two years of experience and stay By Thomas Mitchell When he asked if anyone had Professionally staging a home current on continuing education. I was called to jury duty recently a problem with that, I dutifully before listing can help the home Working with a professional and dutifully showed up early in raised my hand. When asked, I sell 90 percent faster. If you de- stager has hidden benefits for the morning for a day of tedious said I would never publish a story and repetitive questions during voir if I knew there was a 50 percent dire, which a friend of mine swears chance it was wrong. I did not is French for jury tampering. think that was what preponderance It was a lawsuit seeking damages meant in the first place. A decision over a car accident. The plaintiff’s to wrest money away from one per- attorney asked such inane questions son to give to another on the basis as: What are you passionate about? of only 50.1 percent of evidence There were responses about golf favoring it seemed tantamount to and sports betting and teaching flipping a coin. I explained my de- and what not. I told him: The First cision-making process did not work Amendment and the public’s right that way and I could not imagine to know, which set him back a bit. how 50.1 percent of a winning When he augered in, I explained argument could be persuasive. The that I’d been in journalism for THOMAS MITCHELL difference in the scales of justice is decades and still freelanced a bit. about the jurors’ responsibility. He imperceptible. I unfortunately managed to explained that in criminal cases the I came close to saying that if that survive the first day and returned jury verdict must be beyond a rea- was what the law really said, the for the second and cooled my heels sonable doubt, but a jury in a civil law is an ass, but I thought better with the other potential jurors for case should award damages based of it, suspecting the Dickens quote Centennial Bowl II more than an hour as the wheels on a preponderance of evidence, might not sit too well and just might of justice ground to a halt behind which he explained meant that get my ass in trouble. closed doors. damages should be awarded if 50.1 A few minutes later I was kindly Public Meeting Feb. 27 Then the attorney got around percent of the evidence favored invited to hie my principled ass Special to the Las Vegas Tribune and enhance safety in fast growing to asking more pertinent questions such a verdict. home. The Nevada Department of northwest Las Vegas, while pro- Transportation (NDOT), in part- viding capacity for future growth nership with the City of Las Vegas, and development. For more project PROJECT NEON UPDATE Clark County, and Regional Trans- information, CLICK HERE. portation Commission of Southern WHO: The public is encour- Nevada, in cooperation with the aged to attend. Comments may be Federal Highway Administration submitted for the public record in invite the public to public infor- writing at the meeting or verbally to mation meeting about construction a court reporter who will be present of the $73 million next phase of at the meeting. Written or emailed the Centennial Bowl in northwest comments will be accepted through Las Vegas. 5 p.m., March 15, 2019. Please send The project calls for new ramps to: Please email your comments to connecting eastbound 215 Belt- Jenica Keller, P.E., Senior Project way to southbound U.S. Highway Manager, Nevada Department of 95, southbound U.S. Highway 95 Transportation, 1263 S. Stewart to eastbound 215 Beltway, and St., Carson City, NV 89712, Email: northbound U.S. Highway 95 to [email protected] with westbound 215 Beltway. Addition- a reference to this project in the ally, this phase will remove the old subject line. You may also leave a N-to-W loop ramp, and a portion of comment at us95nw.com. the Oso Blanca ramp in preparation SPECIAL ACCOMMODA- for improvements of Oso Blanca TION REQUESTS: Reasonable Road. The project will finish in the effort will be made to assist and winter of 2020. accommodate physically handi- WHEN: 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, capped person desiring to attend February 27, 2019. A presentation the meeting. Requests for auxiliary will be made at 5:30 p.m., followed aids or services to assist individuals by a brief question and answer with disabilities or limited English period. proficiency should be made with WHERE: Mountain Crest Com- as much advance notice as possible munity Center, 4701 N. Durango to: Julie Maxey, Public Hearings Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89129 Officer, Nevada Department of WHY: This project will relieve Transportation, at (775) 888-7171 congestion, improve efficiency or [email protected] Multilingual S E R V I C E S Immigration • Translations • Divorces Notary • Income Tax • Tickets • Rent of U-Haul Nevada Health Card • Job Applications • and more Hablo Español 716 S. 10th Street Perly Viasmensky Las Vegas, NV 89101 702-337-8277 Page 12 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019

A governmentE big enoughditorials to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. — Thomas Jefferson Our Point of View Barlow’s bad behavior, Seroka’s smutty shocker The city council usually is a group of politicians that normally stick together like chewing gum to the bottom of a chair; right or wrong they always keep quiet and have no comments when one of them becomes the subject of criticism or is involved in a controversial or even illegal or corrupt investigation. A good example of that is the story of former disgraced city councilman Ricki Barlow, during Barlow’s saga with the local Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that ended on a soft slap on the wrist and a ridiculous two-week incarceration in a federal social home. At that time no one member of the city council offered the community or Barlow’s constituents an honest apology or an excuse for his despicable criminal behavior; not one single word was issued by any of the members of the elite club known as the city Democratic House bill council. On February 1, 2019, two Las Vegas residents, is a naked power grab Kenneth McLin, and Hiram Glenn, were startled by By Thomas Mitchell H.R. 1 also seeks to curb the free extremely loud banging on the driver’s side window With Democrats firmly ensconced speech protections for corporations, of a truck owned by Laborers International Union of in power in the House of Represen- unions and other groups upheld by tatives, the first order of business is, the Supreme Court decision in Cit- North America, Local 872, which displayed signs ad- of course, to hold onto that power izens United v. FEC by requiring vocating the recall of City Councilman Steve Seroka in perpetuity. increased disclosure of donors and from his position as Councilman. The 600-page H.R. 1, dubiously online advertisers. dubbed “For the People Act,” wrests In what is an embarrassing ig- The individual continued to hit the truck window voting law decisions from the states norance of history the bill declares, while repetitively yelling at McLin and Glenn in a and shreds the First Amendment right “The Supreme Court’s misinterpreta- voice loud enough for others to hear to “move this of free speech. It is co-sponsored by tion of the Constitution to empower all three of Nevada’s Democratic monied interests at the expense of f***ing truck right now,” and to “get out of the representatives — Dina Titus, Susie the American people in elections f***ing parking lot now.” Others later identified the Lee and Steven Horsford. has seriously eroded over 100 years individual as sitting city council Steve Seroka. The bill would require automat- ThoMaS MiTchell of congressional action to promote ic voter registration, online voter registration and fairness and protect elections from the toxic influence After Seroka turned to walk away, McLin attempted registration on Election Day, allow felons to vote, of money.” to get out of the truck. Seroka turned around, and stood require 15 days of early voting, end the automatic The very first such congressional action mentioned face to face with McLin and continued to scream at purging of voters from registration lists when they is the Tillman Act of 1907 that prohibited corporations don’t vote or fail to respond to mailed inquiries, from making contributions in connection with federal McLin to move the truck, using more profanity and dole out a 600 percent government match for certain elections. threatening language. “small” political donations and make Election Day Lest we forget, the sponsor of the legislation was The city of Las Vegas councilman returned to his a holiday — all of which erode the integrity of the none other than Democratic Sen. Benjamin “Pitchfork vehicle, pulled it up to approximately 20 feet away ballot. (See Mitchell, Page 14) from McLin, and continued his profane tirade. The incident was witnessed and heard by a few Costco ON A PERSONAL NOTE employees and several other members of the public. Goodloe Sutton of the Democrat-Reporter: The shameful scene is an embarrassment not only to the city council, but also to the entire city of Las Freedom of the Press is alive and well By Maramis This editor, Goodloe Sutton, Vegas, but not one single member of the council has It is so hard for me to believe wrote a most unbelievable editorial come forward to apologize for the disgraceful, un- how ignorant some people can be in that called for the Ku Klux Klan “to ethical and unprofessional behavior by a member of print—which is a lot worse than the night ride again” against Democrats ignorance they might show when who “are plotting to raise taxes” in their own political group. speaking. Many of us may have the state. Perhaps the city council does not have the authority blurted out, in anger or some other The editorial, titled “Klan needs to correct Seroka’s behavior; they may not have the kind of emotion, words that we to ride again,” appeared in a Feb. 14 authority to scold him or even reprimand a fellow instantly regretted; but if we were print edition of the Democrat-Re- able to immediately apologize in true porter in Linden, a weekly newspa- councilman, because he is an elected official — and humility, it is likely that the person in per covering Marengo County. the only punishment must come from the voters — but front of us would be willing to listen Mr. Sutton, both the editor and they can step up and ask him to publicly apologize and likely even accept the apology, publisher of the newspaper, con- understanding the emotion behind MaraMiS choufani firmed to several local media outlets to the voters of his Ward and the city of Las Vegas, the outburst. that he did indeed write that editorial. An article about in general. Of course, some who blurt out cruel or unkind or Goodloe Sutton stated that his wife, who passed away Unless, of course, the city has someone by the even hateful words DO mean them, sad to say, and many years ago, used to be his editor; if she were have no intention of apologizing, but to write such still alive today, perhaps she would have advised him name of David Roger, the former Clark County Dis- things (any things of such a deep racist nature) as against publishing that editorial. trict Attorney who left his job because he “wanted to the editor of a certain Alabama newspaper did, in his While Rolando Larraz, the publisher and editor spend more time with his newborn baby” and then got editorial, is hard to comprehend, even while we know in chief of this publication, and I may not always see he has the right to voice his opinion. eye-to-eye, and he is certainly free to express his own himself two brand new jobs; because Roger did not There is no question that Sutton wrote that editorial thoughts, as am I, I don’t have to worry that he would like the then-duly elected County Recorder, he took since he admitted it and it exists in physical form. I ever try to slip in an editorial of that nature. First of it upon himself to fire her even if she was an elected saw a photo of his newspaper online, showing that all, I can’t believe he would ever have those feelings, official. particular article. (See Maramis, Page 17) Perhaps the City Manager should have a pep talk with Steve Seroka to tell him to stop acting like a On Amazon, New York’s loss spoiled child throwing tantrums in public because he doesn’t get what he wants when he wants it; Council- should be the heartland’s gain man Seroka needs to be reminded that he is a member By Mark Muro Washington, D.C. and New York. Amazon’s in-your-face withdrawal of its plan for To be sure, powerful “agglomeration” econo- of the board of city council and his behavior reflects a New York City headquarters continues to prompt mies will continue to drive tech firms to concentrate on the entire organization. debates in New York, but for the rest of the country — their workforces in talent-rich big cities. Yet even so, it His behavior is embarrassing and shameful and it and especially up-and-coming cities in the heartland has become increasingly clear that such concentrations, — the tech giant’s U-turn raises the hope of high-tech which have continued to intensify with no end in sight, should not and must not be tolerated by anyone in City vitality in more of America. are beginning to throw off serious negative side effects. Hall regardless of how much they like Steve Seroka. Amazon’s change of plans, in this respect, is more Some of these side effects of over-concentra- The Las Vegas city council refused to apologize to than just a chance for some heartland cities to grab tion are local and well-known and epitomized by some newly available jobs, given the company’s the tumultuous livability crises that have engulfed this newspaper when city councilwoman Lois Tarka- statement last week that it would abandon New York neighborhoods in Seattle, San Francisco and other nian disrespected, insulted, embarrassed and verbally and reallocate its planned growth into its 17 North tech hot spots. abused the legit owner, publisher and editor in chief American corporate and tech hubs. Other problems with the tech hubs, meanwhile, More importantly, the collapse of the New York involve the business dangers of “groupthink” and the of this newspaper, a legit business license holder and, headquarters bid is a welcome interruption of the possibility of missing out on talented people or great likely or not, recognized member of the media with decade’s “rich-get-richer” regional imbalances and ideas. many years of service in the community and, even if an opportunity for a better distribution of the nation’s Then there is the fact that America’s sharpening we have not forgotten, we have let it go for now, but high-tech growth around the country, for the better- patterns of too-much growth in the superstar cities and ment of all. too little everywhere else have begun to spawn dis- now we demand that the city and every single member It never did sit right that the result of Amazon’s turbing externalities: stagnation in whole swaths of of the council apologize for the immature behavior of year-long search for a second headquarters was going the country, small-town resentment of coastal elites one of them, Councilman Seroka. to be to cram 50,000 more tech jobs into two of the and backlash politics. nation’s biggest, most-crowded “superstar” cities, (See Muro, Page 17) February 20-26, 2019 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 13

VEditors note:iew The views expressed are entirely those of the writersP and do not necessarilyoints reflect the opinions of the Las Vegas Tribune. Interested in learning how to really raise money for your campaign or cause? By Chuck muth —The secret to getting a ce- In fact, using the “shock and Dear Fellow Conservatives, lebrity’s pain-in-the-butt agent to awe” strategies outlined in the They don’t say “money is the pass along your “petty” request or book, my teenage daughter and mother’s milk of politics” for invitation to the star… including a her friend raised over $15,000 for nothing. word-for-word template letter you a three-week school trip to Europe If you’re serious about winning can use a couple years ago… in less than a race or advancing your cause, —How to use a simple pair of 90 days! you’re gonna need to raise mon- tennis shoes to “get your foot in the I’ll detail exactly how they did ey… unless you’re independently door” with just about anyone it Thursday night. wealthy and plan to self-fund your —How to use the Lone Ranger, In addition, we’re going to entire operation. Flash Gordon, The Shadow, Buck talk a lot about the #1 KILLER of Problem is, most people would Rogers and Sherlock Holmes to fundraising letters and emails… rather get a root canal than ask open almost any door to any person and exactly what to do to make sure people for money. born before Kennedy was president you never ever, ever, ever send one But the biggest problem behind CHUCK mUTH (this one is so simple and so won- of those out. this fear is they just don’t know how one… FREE. derful it’ll knock your socks off!) If you’ve ever had trouble to do it. Especially when it comes In it, you’ll discover… Much, much more. getting an appointment with a to asking for big checks from major —Why sending a letter or in- And although the primary fo- high-dollar donor prospect or top donors. vitation card is the WORST thing cus is fundraising for campaigns, corporate executive… And that’s our main topic at this you can send if you want to book ANYONE who finds themselves If you’ve ever wanted to get a Thursday’s FREE Campaign Boot a big-name speaker…and what to Veterans of Foreign Wars have in in a position of raising money for high-profile political figure to en- Camp workshop in Las Vegas. send instead common… and what you can learn ANY cause will benefit from this dorse your campaign or sign your Why should you attend? Be- —How you can profit from a from them to dramatically boost week’s workshop — including fundraising letter but couldn’t get cause I’ve written a book on this surprising discovery by a university your fundraising results folks trying to raise money for a return phone call… subject… literally. professor’s experiment in send- —A perfectly legal way to get charitable organizations like the If you’ve ever tried to get a big- Copies arrived from my pub- ing Christmas cards to complete almost anyone to have coffee with Boys and Girls Club or even your name celebrity speaker to headline lisher this week and everyone who strangers you… without ever leaving their kid’s Little League team. your event but never even got the joins us on Thursday will receive —What the Hare Krishnas and office or ever meeting you in person These strategies WORK! (See muth, Page 14) Trump Declares A National Emergency To Build Border Wall By mace J. yampolsky protect the country from the flow Democrats and some Republicans, is this crisis? Are immigrants President Trump formally de- of drugs, criminals and illegal im- who called it an abuse of power. storming the border? Legal experts clared a national emergency at the migrants coming across the south- House Democrats plan to introduce have said the administration can border on Friday to access billions western border from Mexico, which legislation to block the president’s make serious arguments to justify of dollars to build a border wall he characterized as a profound move, which could pass both its move but added that courts may that Congress refused to give him, threat to national security. houses if it wins the votes of the decide that it is stretching the intent transforming a highly charged The declaration will enable half-dozen Republican senators of the law. The Supreme Court is policy dispute into a fundamental Mr. Trump to divert $3.6 billion who have criticized the declaration. controlled by a five-member con- confrontation over separation of budgeted for military construction That would put the president in the servative bloc but in recent years it powers. projects to the border wall, White position of issuing the first veto of has reined in Republican and Dem- The National Emergencies House officials said. Mr. Trump his presidency. ocratic presidents who were judged Act (NEA), enacted September will also use more traditional pres- He left DC to play golf. IS to be exceeding their authority. 14, 1976 (codified at 50 USC § idential budgetary discretion to tap this really an emergency? When When have they been 1601–1651), is a US Federal Law $2.5 billion from counternarcotics he informed everyone, he had declared in the past? passed to stop open-ended states of programs and $600 million from a a little sneaky smile and talked Presidents have declared nation- national Emergency and formalize Treasury Department asset forfei- about being sued in the 9th circuit al emergencies since World War II. the power of Congress to provide maCe yamPoLSKy ture fund. and getting a bad ruling and then As The Washington Post reported, certain checks and balances on the tember 14, 1976. As of January Combined with the $1.375 going to the US Supreme court and President Bill Clinton declared emergency powers of the President. 2019, the United States is under billion authorized for fencing in a getting a good ruling. emergencies 17 times, George W. The Act empowers the President 31 continuing declared states of na- spending package passed by Con- The smugness of his expression Bush 12 and Barack Obama 13. The to activate special powers during a tional emergency. The International gress on Thursday night, Mr. Trump was really annoying. I’ll give him vast majority have been economic crisis but imposes certain procedur- Emergency Powers Act, enacted would then have about $8 billion in credit; he will keep pushing until sanctions against foreign actors al formalities when invoking such in 1977, falls under the National all to advance construction of new someone or some institution says whose activities pose a national powers. The perceived need for the Emergencies Act, which means that barriers and repairs or replacement ENOUGH! threat, according to Elizabeth Goi- law arose from the scope and num- an emergency declared under that of existing barriers along the border The president has the authority tein, co-director of the Brennan ber of laws granting special powers Act must be renewed annually to this year, significantly more than to declare a national emergency, Center for Justice’s Liberty and to the executive in times of national remain in effect. the $5.7 billion that Congress re- which activates enhancements to National Security Program. A hand- emergency. Congress can undo a Is This Really A fused to give him. his executive powers by essentially ful of declarations have involved state of emergency declaration with National Emergency? Trump Knows There Is creating exceptions to rules that noneconomic crises: a veto-proof majority vote. In a televised announcement in No National Emergency normally constrain him. The idea Clinton declared a national The legislation was signed by the Rose Garden, Mr. Trump said The president’s decision trig- is to enable the government to emergency during the 1996 Cuba President Gerald Ford on Sep- he was signing the declaration to gered instant condemnation from respond quickly to a crisis. What (See mace, Page 17) More tyranny at Bunkerville! Larry Klayman recounts Dept. of Injustice’s appeals indictment dismissal By Larry Klayman been released on bail at our so- Just when you thought you had called government’s phony request. seen enough corruption at my once- In Cliven’s case, the cruel Judge proud alma mater (now regrettably Navarro — more akin to Cruella de known as the U.S. Department of Vil than Snow White — had even Injustice) comes the latest outrage. had him put in solitary confinement On Feb. 6, 2019 — a date that during the early days of his incar- will live in infamy for our nation’s ceration. so called top law enforcement agen- These tardy appellate briefs, cy — corrupt prosecutors in the filed after the previously set Ninth Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Circuit deadline (the USA had District of Nevada, (“USA”), led by asked for three extensions to file Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth them over the last year), are void; like calling it “Special Defense the American west. White, filed untimely legal briefs and I immediately moved to strike Counsel with Larry Klayman.” Last Monday, just two days be- with the U.S. Court of Appeals for them from the record. (To see my Indeed, if as a young lawyer I could fore the USA filed its “Hail Mary” the Ninth Circuit (“Ninth Circuit”). motion, go to Cliven Bundy De- do it all over again — given what I legal briefs attempting to perfect This document is pathetical- Larry KLayman fense Fund to also support Cliven’s have experienced over the last 42 their appeal of the dismissal of the ly pleading to their perceived his sons had spent two years in a defense) But it is unlikely the pliant years of legal practice, privately indictment, Cliven took me on a “friendly” tribunal to overturn the maximum security federal prison in Ninth Circuit will strike them from and then at Judicial Watch and comprehensive four-hour tour of dismissal by an Obama-appointed Pahrump, Nevada (the modern-day the court record, as the U.S. De- Freedom Watch, both of which I the Bundy Ranch, which encom- lower court judge, Gloria Navar- equivalent of Alcatraz) located in partment of Injustice usually gets conceived and founded — I would passes more than 400,000 acres in ro (who was hostile to my client the desert about 50 miles outside what it asks for procedurally. That have become a criminal defense and around beautiful Lake Mead. Cliven Bundy, his sons and the of Las Vegas. This is a mysterious is the nature of the government lawyer, and definitely not a gov- Driving on dirt roads built by other defendants in any event) of and legendary area where atomic law-enforcement beast; ordinary ernment prosecutor. Bundy ancestors (Route 91, also a the frivolous and politically moti- bombs were even detonated in the persons like the Bundys are rele- This is not because some per- dirt road, which during the days of vated indictment which the Obama years after World War II, and which gated to second-class legal status, sons in our generally now-sick horse and buggy and later Model administration had brought against now houses a secret military base while government prosecutors — society don’t deserve being locked T Fords transported voyagers from them four years ago. This indict- designated by the feds as Area 51. or should we more aptly call them away for life — I am opposed to Los Angeles to Salt Lake City also ment was payback for the Bundys The Bundys and their supporters “persecutors” — are given slack to the death penalty, as our justice runs through the property), I got to and their supporters having suc- were eventually set free, effec- commit infractions, if not outright system makes too many unjust er- experience the majesty of this land, cessfully stood down the goons and tively having been found to not crimes. rors — but because I have always thanks to Cliven’s narrative. I also mercenaries of the Bureau of Land have committed any crimes. But Each week I broadcast a radio only represented those defendants got to see all of the improvements Management (“BLM”), who, along because of the callousness of Judge show on Radio America. The local who I believe in. I am not a legal his family had also made to the land with Federal Bureau of Investiga- Navarro — a disciple of the evil listings for the show can be found prostitute, like much of the criminal over the last 150-plus years. tion (‘FBI”) agents, had threatened former Senator Harry Reid (who at Freedom Watch’s website. I also defense bar, who will represent It became even clearer to me to kill, and then assaulted the Bun- with his son tried to take the Bun- posted a blog of the show, and you just anyone for “fun and profit” as why Cliven, his sons and his family dys. They also killed bulls in their dy Ranch away from the family to can listen to it there or at Radio long as they can jingle the change. risked not just death at the hands herd of cattle to drive them off the reportedly have it sold to Chinese America if the show, whose reach is And, in the case of Cliven and his of the BLM and FBI goons who land which the family had ranched environmental interests with likely growing, is not as yet heard in your family, these clients are exceptional invaded his ranch, but also poten- for over 150 years. kickbacks to Reid) — they already home town. The name of my show persons; ones who represent true tially life imprisonment if they had During the time after this in- had done considerable time in this is “Special Prosecutor with Larry American values and are the pro- been convicted of the faux crimes dictment came down, Cliven and hell hole, given that they had not Klayman.” These days I feel more verbial salt of the earth, much less (See Klayman, Page 14) Page 14 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 Is Life Getting Better? Life is improving for the vast majority of people, despite perceptions that may be to the contrary. By José Azel as happier than those in poorer According to Betteridge’s Law nations. of Headlines, any headline that But in 1974, professor of eco- ends in a question mark can be nomics Richard Easterlin compiled answered with the word “no.” The data showing that happiness was “law,” named after British journal- not significantly associated with ist Ian Betteridge, is intended to be GDP per capita among developed humorous rather than a literal truth. nations. His work became known And, in the case of my title “Is as the Easterlin Paradox. According Life Getting Better?” a negative to Easterlin, comparisons within a answer would certainly be wrong. country show that, richer people Life is definitely getting better. are happier. But, in international That is a central theme in Steven comparisons, richer nations did not Pinker’s book “Enlightenment appear happier that poorer nations. Now,” particularly with regard to The Easterlin Paradox controversy his discussion of quality of life and continues to this day. happiness issues in chapters 17 and However, more recent and more 18, which I will appropriate for this José Azel detailed data seem to show Easterlin column. “Think of it this way: The nomics dedicated to the study of was wrong. People in richer coun- Freedom and the other good things in life go hand in hand. average American now retires at happiness. Happiness economics tries are indeed happier, and people Most important of all, we are an “age effect” on happiness. As age 62. One hundred years ago, the is defined as the “quantitative and do get happier as their country gets happier when we are free to choose we get older we tend to become average American died at age 51.” theoretical study of happiness, posi- richer. Happiness economists hope what to do with our lives. As Pink- happier. Apparently, as we age, and That makes the case that life tive and negative affect, well-being, to provide insights to influence the er points out, in theory freedom once we pass our middle age crisis, is getting longer; but is it getting quality of life, life satisfaction, way governments view the well-be- and happiness are independent of we become wiser, and are better better? Consider this. One measure and related concepts, typically ing of their citizens and the national each other. In practice, howev- able to put our lives in perspective. social scientists use to gauge quali- combining economics with other allocation of resources. er, “freedom and the other good I agree. And life is certainly ty of life is the time we must spend fields such as psychology, health, To be sure, there are factors things in life go together.” The getting better as I celebrate the 20th earning a living versus the time we and sociology.” other than income that influence level of happiness in a country anniversary of my 50th birthday. can dedicate to leisure activities. Historically, economists have happiness. The World Happiness is correlated with the free choice José Azel left Cuba in 1961 as a The 60 hour work week of years held that, within a given country, Report 2016 identified other con- and control people have over their 13 year-old political exile in what past is now history and, whereas in people with higher income were siderations with regard to national lives. Freedom, like good health, is has been dubbed Operation Pedro 1929 Americans spent more than 60 happier. That is, well-being was happiness such as: social support a prerequisite for a meaningful life, Pan — the largest unaccompanied percent of their income on necessi- viewed as a function of income. of friends or relatives that we can although the uncertainty of freedom child refugee movement in the his- ties, that figure is now closer to 33 Extrapolating from this, national count on in times of trouble, our may add to our anxieties. tory of the Western Hemisphere. percent. We have the time and the financial measures such as gross generosity, and our perception of Professor Angus Deaton, who He is currently dedicated to the in- income to afford more leisure, but domestic product (GDP) were be- the corruption in our communities. was awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize depth analyses of Cuba’s economic, are we happier? lieved to correlate positively with In aggregate, the data show that as in economics for his work on social and political state, with a It may surprise the reader to a nation’s happiness. Citizens of countries get richer, life is getting poverty, well-being, and economic keen interest in post-Castro-Cuba learn that there is a branch of eco- wealthier nations were assessed better for more and more people. development, has also identified strategies. ON THE HOLMES FRONT Schumer wants this banned from the internet By Frank Holmes Detroit.” She had dinner with a Palestin- One of the most celebrated Dem- Tlaib tried to shoot down the ian activist who praised the leader ocrats in Congress has written for Farrakhan story. She rushed out a of Hezbollah the night she was a racist hate group, but the media spokesperson to tell Joe Perticone sworn in. have been silent about it. Senate of Business Insider, “The piece was The Iranian-backed terrorist Minority Leader Chuck Schumer from 2006 and was not an endorse- group killed 241 Americans in an hasn’t done a thing about it. ment of Farrakhan or anyone for attack on a Marine barracks in And the more voters know about that matter.” 1983. it, the worse it is for Democrats. “The Congresswoman has not Until 9/11, Hezbollah had killed Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the first had any direct contact with Far- more Americans than any other Palestinian-American elected to rakhan and condemns his anti-Se- terrorist organization. Congress, penned an article for mitic and anti-LGBTQ views,” the Tlaib’s dinner with the radical the official publication of Louis statement added. activist came on her first night in Farrakhan’s infamous Nation of It’s not reassuring that she hasn’t office — around the same time Islam… and Schumer and Nancy had any “direct contact” with Farra- that she promised to “impeach the Pelosi couldn’t care less. khan… after all, at least six sitting mother f****er” (meaning Donald The anti-Semitic, racist hate Democratic Congressmen have Trump). personally met Farrakhan. Maxine Her foul-mouthed, anti-Trump group has deep influence on Capitol Waters even gave him a huge hug meltdown was so embarrassing that Hill, especially with the Congres- — behind closed doors, of course. Democratic Senator Joe Manchin sional Black Caucus. But this is Dangerous for whom, Congress- the establishment media —from But Tlaib has spread anti-Se- called it “deplorable.” the first time someone sought out woman? the Detroit Free Beacon, to The mitic sounding conspiracy theories Tlaib’s supporters think im- Farrakhan to pitch him on a free- Her article also puts “national Associated Press, to NPR — found after being elected to Congress — peaching Donald Trump is their top lance article. security” in scare quotes—like the the 13-year-old article! Maybe they as recently as last month! priority — but Tlaib’s hate-filled Tlaib wrote an article for the safety of American citizens doesn’t didn’t bother looking? deserve two seconds’ thought. A conservative blogger named Tlaib said that Jewish Republi- associations prove that she’s the NOI’s newspaper The Final Call in cans who stuck up for Israel “forgot one who should be run out of office. 2006, when she was a community The article’s open borders ex- Jeryl Bier dug up the article on tremism is dangerous enough… February 11. what country they represent.” * * * * * organizer for Detroit’s Arab and but then she decided to have it pub- Imagine if a Republican con- Accusing Jews of “dual loyalty” Frank Holmes is a reporter Muslim community. lished by a man whose nickname is gressman had written an article for is a charge made by the KKK, the for The Horn News. He is a veteran What she wrote was almost as “The Black Hitler”? a neo-Nazi website? We’d never Nazis… and Louis Farrakhan’s journalist and an outspoken conser- bad as where it was published: She Farrakhan would take that as hear the end of it! followers. vative that talks about the news that wrote an op-ed complaining that the a compliment. Most of us think Instead, the media looked the That would be enough — but was in his weekly article, “On The government could deport criminal Adolf Hitler was an insane, mur- other way — even cheered that she that’s not all she’s done. Holmes Front.” illegal aliens! derous monster — but Calypso was one of the first two Muslim The future congresswoman Louis called the Fuehrer a “very women elected to Congress (along Muth complained the deporting illegal great man.” with Minnesota’s Ilhan Omar). immigrants who go on to commit (Continued from Page 13) Farrakhan has said “Jews are my CNN reported that Tlaib, who courtesy of a response to your letter of invitation… other crimes is “arbitrary” and enemy,” and he’s said that “white was endorsed by the Democratic Then you need to be at this week’s FREE Campaign Boot Camp. “dangerous.” people deserve to die.” Socialists of America, “is a vocal But seating is limited. So, if the topic of fundraising is of interest to “Many civil and human rights And Tlaib decided she wanted to critic of President Donald Trump you — and you can get to Las Vegas on February 21st — RSVP TODAY. advocates are calling this cruel and talk to his cult’s followers. and was arrested two years ago * * * * * unusual punishment,” she wrote. The amazing thing is, no one in for disrupting a Trump speech in Chuck Muth is president of Citizen Outreach, a non-profit public policy grassroots advocacy organization and publisher of NevadaNewsandViews. Mitchell com. He may be reached by email at [email protected]. He (Continued from Page 12) blogs at MuthsTruths.com. Ben” Tillman of South Carolina — the leader of a Ku Klux Klan-style Klayman lynch mob known as the “Red (Continued from Page 13) tainty moves forward. Shirts,” a man who declared, “The which the Obama administration While we are confident of our Negro must remain subordinated had fraudulently filed against them. ultimate success, Cliven needs your or be exterminated” in order to But now, it is the Trump De- support and thus I also urge you to “keep the white race at the top of partment of Injustice, through the go to Cliven Bundy Defense Fund. the heap.” same USA, which had been caught Not only the freedom and liberty of The sole purpose of Tillman’s ment. The Federalist Papers were pass this legislative and constitu- red-handed hiding exculpatory the Bundys and their followers are bill was to gag northern corpora- penned under pseudonyms. tional abomination, its chances in evidence, lying to the court, threat- on the line, but so too your own. tions who hired blacks and tended In addition to Nevada’s Demo- the Republican-controlled Senate ening a whistleblower from coming In the words of our great Found- to favor Republicans. cratic House delegates, the state’s are slim. forward (like BLM supervisor ing Father and third president Also, as Justice Clarence Thom- two Democratic senators — Cath- Republican Senate Majority Larry Wooten, who revealed the Thomas Jefferson, “When the as noted in his dissent in Citizens erine Cortez Masto and Jacky Leader Mitch McConnell of Ken- kill list on the heads of the Bundys), people fear the government there is United, disclosure requirements Rosen — have both railed against tucky rightly stated in an op-ed in which is furthering this outrage and tyranny, but when the government have spawned a cottage industry the free speech funded by what they The Washington Post, “They’re injustice. fears the people, there is liberty.” pejoratively call “unaccountable trying to clothe this power grab that uses donor information to To be sure President Trump, giv- We all need to again successfully dark money.” with cliches about ‘restoring de- intimidate, retaliate, threaten and en all of his problems from Special defend Cliven and his God-fearing Nevada Rep. Lee called H.R. 1 mocracy’ and doing it ‘For the boycott individuals and businesses Counsel Robert Mueller and the clan in honor of Jefferson and for “a sweeping package of pro-democ- People,’ but their proposal is simply with whom they disagree. rabid leftist Democrats in Congress, our own heritage and well-being, racy, and anti-corruption reforms a naked attempt to change the rules Thomas wrote, “The disclo- is not aware of the situation. But it before all that our Founding Fa- that will put electoral power back in of American politics to benefit one sure, disclaimer, and reporting is high time he steps in and orders thers envisioned is lost and We the the hands of the American people. party. It should be called the Dem- his U.S. Department of Injustice requirements in (the law) are also People are again enslaved to gov- H.R. 1 will curb the influence of big ocrat Politician Protection Act.” to withdraw its appeal to allow the ernment tyranny, as we were in co- unconstitutional. … Congress may money in politics, make it easier, * * * * * Bundys to move on with their lives. lonial times under King George III. not abridge the ‘right to anony- not harder for Americans to practice Thomas Mitchell is a former And, while I urge you to write * * * * * mous speech’ based on the ‘simple their fundamental right to vote, newspaper editor who now writes to the president (whose address is Larry Klayman is a former Jus- interest in providing voters with ad- and ensure that politicians actually conservative/libertarian columns White House, 1600 Pennsylvania tice Department prosecutor and ditional relevant information …’” serve the public — not special for weekly papers in Nevada. Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. the founder of Judicial Watch and The Founders frequently en- interest groups.” Special interest You may email Mitchell at thom- 20500), rest assured yours truly Freedom Watch. His latest book is gaged in anonymous speech and groups like the Democratic Party? [email protected]. He blogs at will provide a comprehensive legal “Whores: Why and How I Came to protected it with the First Amend- While the House is likely to http://4thst8.wordpress.com/. defense as this appeal in near-cer- Fight the Establishment.” February 20-26, 2019 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 15 National emergency declaration — a legal fight Trump is likely to win By Nolan Rappaport Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence The Hill opinion contributor Community that he presented to the Senate House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) Select Committee on Intelligence on Jan. and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck 29, 2019. Schumer claim that President Donald The same finding was included in Trump’s Southern Border National Emergen- the Worldwide Threat Assessment that former cy Proclamation is an unlawful declaration DNI James R. Clapper presented to Congress over a crisis that does not exist, and that it in 2016, during the Obama administration. steals from urgently needed defense funds The public (redacted) version of either — that it is a power grab by a disappointed report does not explain why increased mi- president who has gone outside the bounds of gration from Central America is a national the law to try to get what he failed to achieve security threat. The intelligence committee through the constitutional legislative process. divided the hearing into two segments, an In fact, this isn’t about the Constitution or open hearing for the public, and then a closed the bounds of the law, and — in fact — there hearing at which classified information was is a very real crisis at the border, though not presented. Presumably, the explanation was necessarily what Trump often describes. It given in the closed hearing. helps to understand a bit of the history of Legal challenge looms “national emergencies.” immediately and publish it in the Federal I expect Pelosi and Schumer to gain Trump just signed the proclamation, and As of 1973, congress had passed more Register; traction disputing Trump’s statement that opposition is forming already. than 470 statutes granting national emergency Maintain a file and index of orders, the southern border is a major entry point House Judiciary Committee Chair- powers to the president. National emergency rules, and regulations issued pursuant to the for criminals, gang members, and illicit nar- man Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) is calling for a declarations under those statutes were rarely declaration; and cotics, but it will be more difficult for them hearing in the coming days on Trump’s challenged in court. Provide reports to congress on expenditures to challenge his concern about large-scale proclamation. In Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Saw- directly attributable to the declaration. illegal migration. And the American Civil Liberties Union is yer, which was decided in 1952, the Supreme Previous presidents declared 27 national Apprehensions of illegal crossers dropped asking for donations to defray the cost of Court overturned President Harry S. Tru- emergencies that were still in effect as of to 303,916 in fiscal 2017, but they are rising challenging the proclamation in court. man’s proclamation seizing privately owned February 1, 2019. Trump declared three again. The challenges will be taken to courts steel mills to preempt a national steelworker national emergencies, which brought that There were 50,998 apprehensions in that have shown hostility towards Trump strike during the Korean War. But Truman total up to 30. An additional 21 national October 2018; 51,857 in November; 50,749 in the past, such as the federal district court didn’t have congressional authority to declare emergency declarations are no longer in in December; and 47,893 in January 2019. in Hawaii that flouted precedent to block a national emergency. He relied on inherent effect. At this rate, there will be around 806,000 the implementation of his travel ban. It is a powers which were not spelled out in the Trump’s proclamation declares that it is apprehensions in fiscal 2019, which will be virtual certainty that those courts will stop Constitution. necessary to increase the use of military forc- two and a half times as many as there were implementation of his national emergency Trump, however, is using specific statu- es at the border and to invoke the emergency in fiscal 2017. proclamation too. tory authority that congress created for the military construction authority in 10 U.S.C. The immigration courts are overwhelmed But in view of the deference that has president. § 2808, which will provide funding for the by their caseload already. As of Nov. 30, been shown to previous national emergency In 1976, Congress passed the National construction of border walls. The Secretary of 2018, the courts had a backlog of 809,041 proclamations, I expect Trump to prevail in Emergencies Act (NEA), which permits the Defense will activate members of the Ready cases. This did not include an additional the Supreme Court, as he did in the travel president to declare a national emergency Reserve to assist and support the activities of 330,211 cases that had not been put on ban case. when he considers it appropriate to do so. the Secretary of Homeland Security at the the active docket yet, for a total backlog * * * * * The NEA does not provide any specific southern border. of 1,139,252 cases. The backlog was only Nolan Rappaport was detailed to the emergency authorities. It relies on emergency Crisis at the border 542,411 cases when Trump took office. House Judiciary Committee as an executive authorities provided in other statutes. The Trump states in the proclamation that The average wait for a hearing is 1,018 branch immigration law expert for three declaration must specifically identify the “the southern border is a major entry point days — more than two and a half years. years. He subsequently served as an authorities that it is activating. for criminals, gang members, and illicit That’s bad, but more worrying is the immigration counsel for the Subcommittee on The president must: narcotics.” He states further that large-scale fact that Director of National Intelli- Immigration, Border Security and Claims for Specify the provisions of law under which unlawful migration through the southern gence (DNI), Daniel R. Coats, identified an four years. Prior to working on the Judiciary he intends to act; border is a long-standing problem that has increase in migration from Central America Committee, he wrote decisions for the Board Transmit the declaration to congress gotten worse in recent years. as a national security threat in the Worldwide of Immigration Appeals for 20 years. Federal worker compensation needs drastic overhaul instead of pay raise By Rachel Greszler while the Heritage Foundation cal- not much President Trump can do The Hill opinion contributor culated up to a 40 percent premium. to close the overall compensation The 800,000 or so federal ci- The Congressional Budget Office gap aside from freezing the federal vilian employees who spent five itself estimated a 17 percent pre- cost of living adjustment. Federal weeks either furloughed or working mium. Furthermore, none of these compensation reform is needed without pay have all since received estimates include federal employee to better align it with that of the their pay for the government shut- benefits such as student loan pay- private sector, including linking down period. Despite this, some ments, retiree health benefits, and pay to performance, reducing the lawmakers want to give federal child care subsidies that almost share of compensation tied up in civilian employees a 2.6 percent certainly add to the compensation retirement benefits, cutting back on pay raise with the Federal Civilian premium. paid leave or shifting to paid time Workforce Pay Raise Fairness Act Freezing federal worker pay off, giving workers more options of 2019. Putting federal workers through executive order by Pres- on how to use their benefits, and in the middle of political disagree- ident Trumpat the end of 2018 is making sure that managers have ments was clearly not fair, but workers receive two effectively in compensation, with $83,600 in not the most effective way to reduce the appropriate means to reward riding on public sympathy to give automatic pay increases. The first is pay and $37,400 in benefits. The this premium. That is because some the high performers and address the them a 2.6 percent pay raise, which an annual cost of living adjustment, average private sector worker re- federal government positions, par- poor performers. is the equivalent of about $2,200 for which is at play here. The second ceives about $69,000 total in com- ticularly those requiring the most A more efficient and effective the average federal worker, is not a is a step increase that occurs every pensation, with $48,100 in pay and skill and education, provide lower civil service system would save resolution for this. one year to three years, depending $20,900 in benefits. The average compensation than the private taxpayers more money, help the In addition to costing taxpayers on the different levels for federal federal worker has more education sector, making it difficult for the federal government attract the best about $4.6 billion in 2019 and more workers. and experience than the average federal government to attract and and brightest workers, and create a than $50 billion over the next de- Thus, even without the 2.6 per- private sector worker. retain employees for their top level better work environment for federal cade, the proposed pay raise would cent adjustment, about 60 percent of However, even looking at sim- positions. To that end, President employees. serve as the second such raise for federal workers will receive a step ilar jobs, studies have consistently Trump has proposed creating a * * * * * a majority of federal workers this increase in 2019. Two raises every found that federal employees are $1 billion workforce fund to help Rachel Greszler is a senior year. It would also increase the year contributes to their significant overcompensated compared to recruit, retain, and reward the high policy analyst for economics and large compensation premium fed- compensation premium. The latest their private sector counterparts. performers who have mission crit- entitlements for the Center for Data eral workers receive. Unlike most numbers show the average federal The American Enterprise Institute ical skills. Analysis at the Heritage Founda- private sector workers, federal worker receives $121,000 total estimated a 61 percent premium, But without Congress, there is tion in Washington. Tomorrow’s life-saving treatments depend on today’s investments By Sandip Shah obtain H2 blockers for less than Scientists just discovered a po- $10 a month. tentially revolutionary treatment Imagine if politicians had for Parkinson’s disease. The experi- slapped price controls on drugs in mental medicine, which is currently the 1960s when researchers were in clinical trials, boosts dopamine still developing H2 blockers. Had production in patients’ brains to those lines of research been killed reduce tremors and improve motor off, generations of patients would skills. still be dying from simple ulcers. The drug is one of several “gene Price controls would have the therapies” developed in recent same effect today. They already years. These medications have the prevent the creation of eight to 13 potential to treat — or even cure new drugs in Europe, Japan, and — the world’s deadliest diseases Latin America each year. Bringing by repairing the genetic mutations those price controls to the United that caused those ailments. States would cause biopharma- The one hiccup? Gene therapies ceutical companies to cut research come with a hefty price tag — at SANDIP SHAH spending by billions of dollars. least for now. imposing drug price controls, as Research projects that could lead These cutting-edge treatments politicians in both parties have to cures for cancer and Alzheimer’s are worth the cost. Their prices called for. helped leukemia patients achieve an have revolutionized the treatment would be scrapped. will ultimately fall once competing Gene therapies work in several overall remission rate of 81 percent. of life-threatening stomach ulcers. Tomorrow’s life-saving treat- drugs are introduced and patents ex- ways. Some replace patients’ mu- Researchers believe gene thera- Until the 1970s, patients afflicted ments depend on today’s research pire. One medicine to treat schizo- tated genes with healthier copies. pies could one-day cure everything with peptic ulcers had to undergo investments — and those invest- phrenia and bipolar disorder, for Some eliminate genes that aren’t from cancer and HIV to neurode- costly and painful stomach surgery. ments won’t happen if politicians example, cost nearly $400 in 2010. functioning properly. Others intro- generative diseases like Parkin- But in 1977, the first “H2 blocker” impose drug price controls. Patients can obtain the generic ver- duce new genes to fight disease. son’s. The drugs will still be saving drugs reached the market after more Sandip Shah is the founder sion of that drug today for just $17. Scientists have researched gene lives long after their patents expire than a decade of research and test- and president of Market Access More importantly, patients will therapies for decades — and pa- and prices drop. The hysterics over ing. The treatments healed ulcers, Solutions, a global market access benefit from these medical advanc- tients are beginning to reap the their current prices simply aren’t no surgery required. consultancy, where he develops es for generations. It’d be a mistake rewards. In a University of Penn- warranted. The medicines were initially strategies to optimize patient access to discourage such innovation by sylvania study, one gene therapy Consider how medical advances expensive, but today, patients can to life-changing therapies. Page 16 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 McCabe’s shocking claims prove the bloodless coup rolls on By Francey Hakes By May 2017, McCabe implies he was The Hill opinion contributor in a state of panic on behalf of the gullible Disgraced former acting FBI director An- nation led by a Russian asset — but as Ohr drew McCabe has provided clear evidence said, McCabe and his cronies were aware that in 2017 a small cabal of high-level that the explosive claims in the dossier were officials inside the Department of Justice unverified. How could there be panic about (DOJ) weighed whether to attempt to remove unverified allegations? the duly-elected president of the United Also by May 2017, the FBI had months States. McCabe claims that he and others and months worth of “FISA take,” or data at the top of the FBI and DOJ held multiple from the electronic spying on former Trump discussions about invoking the Constitution’s campaign adviser Carter Page and all those 25th Amendment to declare President Trum- with whom Page communicated over months, punfit for office and install the vice president or even years, prior to October 2016 when the in his place. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Is this proof that a rolling bloodless warrant was signed. According to former coup really existed within the government? FBI director James Comey, none of that data McCabe himself previously provided false resulted in any verification of the claims in information to the DOJ, for which he was the Steele dossier. unceremoniously fired, rendering any McCabe’s claims that Deputy Attorney taken steps long before now to rid the nation Nonetheless, to these government bu- statements he now makes while promoting General Rod Rosensteinwas part of this coup of such a dangerous commander-in-chief. reaucrats it was acceptable to lie to the FISA his book highly suspect. But, given the un- attempt are shocking. The deputy AG makes It apparently has not occurred to McCabe Court by vouching for an unverified dossier. derpinnings of the entire Russia collusion innumerable decisions every day that impact that he looks cowardly if he really believed It was acceptable to them to illegally leak investigation and what we know now about a massive number of issues; practically every the president was conspiring with a foreign to the media the existence of the Russia its early steps, McCabe’s statements ring decision the federal government makes government in a way that compromised his investigation (for example, leaking the disturbingly true. requires his approval if it implicates legal or loyalty to this country. existence of a highly-classified FISA warrant The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Con- constitutional issues. That any person in that And yet, McCabe blithely went about on the Russian ambassador to destroy former stitution provides for a way to remove a position would consider wearing a wire to meeting with the president, continued to do national security adviser Michael Flynn president who is unable to perform the duties obtain evidence against the sitting president, his normal work, and said nothing about it and cripple the young presidency). And of the office. (This is different from impeach- based upon thin allegations contained in the publicly. Is it reasonable to believe a career they apparently thought it acceptable to ment, the proscribed method to remove a dossier ex-British spy Christopher Steele pro- law officer wouldn’t shout from the rooftops, contemplate the use of the 25th Amendment president for misconduct.) The vice president duced for the Democratic Party and Hillary and even risk his job, to blow the whistle on to remove a president wholly capable of and a majority of cabinet officers must agree, Clinton’s campaign, should frighten every such a catastrophic potential national securi- performing his constitutional duties. in writing, that the president is unable to American. ty risk? McCabe and his cabal knew that the That’s a rolling coup, indeed. discharge the duties of the office. There is Though McCabe’s veracity is ques- entire Russia collusion narrative was bought Francey Hakes was a prosecutor for 16 no provision for law enforcement — the FBI, tionable, it does seem unlikely any serious and paid for by the Clinton campaign. We years and now consults on national security lawyers at DOJ, or someone such as Andy deputy attorney general would joke about know McCabe knew this from the congres- and the protection of children. As a former McCabe — to force a president from office. such matters. sional testimony of former associate deputy assistant U.S. attorney, she appeared before Discussions on how, or whether, to attempt McCabe claims that he and others be- attorney general Bruce Ohr, who swore the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, to exercise the 25th Amendment in this way lieved they were working for a president who under oath (and he, unlike McCabe, was presenting applications for counterterrorism is truly indicative of a coup mentality by might have conspired with Russia to betray not fired for lying) that he told McCabe and and counterespionage warrants on a special career bureaucrats. this country. There must not be one scin- others at the FBI that the Steele dossier was detail to the Department of Justice Office of It is hard to explain this kind of attitude tilla of evidence of this; otherwise, special being pushed by a Trump-hater and should Intelligence Policy and Review. Follow her except in the rankest of political contexts. counsel Robert Mueller surely would have be relied upon with caution. on Twitter @FranceyHakes. From border to Mueller, Barr faces challenges as attorney general By Douglas Kmiec gation must be reaching its limit. Although The Hill opinion contributor there is no statutorily fixed date, nor one Bill Barr is attorney general for the sec- outlined in the Department of Justice (DOJ) ond time in his career. His prior service for special counsel regulations, no U.S. attorney the senior President Bush involved nothing would presume the investigatory time given comparable to the constitutional challenges Mueller. already on his desk. Here, the president is right: A prolonged In the late 1980s and early ’90s, Barr was investigation, or one that now hints it may tasked with giving advice on taking custody be flitting from one subject to another, does of Manuel Noriega to face drug charges in harm not just to the president’s political rep- the United States; on the scope of presidential utation but also to the public’s business. The authority to introduce troops into the Persian longer the investigation drags on — with little Gulf; various ethics reforms; and a host more than minor perjury counts and crimes of unpredictable matters, such as the fra- that originate not with actual subversion of cas surrounding the nomination of Supreme the nation’s interests but in the misspeaks of Court Justice Clarence Thomas. To be sure, investigation — the less justification there is none of this was routine or inconsequential, to prolong matters. but these matters had a certain orderliness and There’s a hint the investigation may respect for constitutional structure. withhold information from Congress relating in Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution that be repeating itself with the latest tell-all Now Barr is legal adviser to a president to open law enforcement investigations and all appropriations originate in the House of book, this one by former FBI Deputy Di- who has bragged about lying to international matters of national security. Representatives. rector Andrew McCabe. There would seem counterparts and refused to disclose his Well, theory is about to meet practice. Barr finds himself in the same uncom- very little new, for example, in McCabe’s tax returns and economic circumstances Indeed, insofar as the attorney general has fortable seat as former Deputy Attorney confirmation that the 25th Amendment was so that potential conflicts of interest might authority to review “for form and legality” General Sally Yates, who gave the president examined to see whether the president was be minimized and the foreign emoluments all executive actions, Barr arguably has an objective advice that his initial travel ban was “incapable” of performing his presidential clause observed. And, of course, Barr’s new immediate obligation to advise the president unlawful. Unhappy to receive this informa- functions. It would have been negligent not boss exhibits a special fondness for Russian that he cannot utilize the National Emergen- tion, Trump chalked it up to Yates being a to observe that books by Bob Woodward, Da- friends who flatter him, while he ignores or cies Act (NEA) of the 1970s without a bona holdover from the Obama administration. She vid Frumand others consistently portray the distorts U.S. intelligence. fide emergency. Long-term wall-building — was discharged — and a short time later the president as often impulsive in decision- Special counsel Robert Mueller has one which the President himself said he “didn’t independent judiciary discharged the travel making. Domestically, the lack of presidential principal task: to report whether any illegality need” to undertake and, two years into his ban as she forecast. preparation can be costly, such as in a or impeachability underlies Trump’s peculiar presidency, hasn’t begun — doesn’t cut it. Will Barr exhibit the same level of profes- purposeless government shutdown, but mean Russian alignments. In the late 1980s, when The NEA was a housekeeping measure sional courage to disapprove the president’s little beyond wasted time; internationally, I handed off the Office of Legal Counsel that consolidated a grab-bag of past assertions specious claims of authority? As uncom- where ISIS and other adversaries look to Barr, the seeming tranquility of the end of executive power. The NEA has had proce- fortable as that is, that is the reassurance for leadership weakness, there is genuine of the Cold War gave Barr the luxury to dural aspects already found unconstitutional, Barr gave the Senate. Barr also has the duty national security concern. wax eloquent about the scope of the unitary and its core substance as Trump desires to to supervise — actively — special counsel McCabe’s claim of wiring up Depu- executive and the ability of the president to use it disregards the Founders’ specification Mueller. The length of Mueller’s investi- (See Kmiec, Page 17) Manafort should not be sentenced to 20 years in prison By David Oscar Markus is around 5 years. And he will most likely get ultimately reversed, and Olis was resentenced The Hill opinion contributor a sentence much lower than that because of to 6 years. Until the reversal, prosecutors in A jury has spoken on Paul Manafort. He his cooperation. His lawyers will certainly Houston expressly mentioned Olis to any was found guilty, and he should be punished. ask for probation as have numerous other fraud defendant who wouldn’t plead. The line But his reported sentencing guideline range cooperators in the Special Counsel’s cases. went something like this: “You can plead or of 19.5-24.5 years is a good example of how Some will respond that Gates should get risk ending up like Olis.” Prosecutors in every our criminal justice system has lost its way. less time than Manafort because he is less district have their own “Olis line.” Once, when trials were common, our sys- culpable and decided to cooperate. That’s The United States Supreme Court has tem was the envy of the world. Now, trials of course true. But that doesn’t mean that explained that the right to trial by jury “is no almost never occur. (In the 1980s, over 20 Manafort should get 20 years simply because mere procedural formality, but a fundamental percent of cases went to trial while less than he had the temerity to go to trial. reservation of power in our constitutional 3 percent proceed to trial today). The reason The truth is that being less culpable be- structure. Just as suffrage ensures the is simple: defendants who go to trial and comes a minor factor when the trial penalty people’s ultimate control in the legislative lose in today’s system now suffer “the trial comes into play. There are many examples and executive branches, jury trial is meant to penalty,” and receive a much more severe of the least culpable defendant getting the ensure their control in the judiciary.” — sometimes decades longer — sentence highest sentence solely because of the trial Sadly, though, trials are dying. If we want simply for exercising a fundamental Consti- penalty. One such victim of the trial penalty to breathe life back into what used to be the tutional right to trial. was James Olis, a securities fraud defendant best justice system in the world, we must Even innocent people plead guilty because who worked at Dynegy Corporation in eliminate the trial penalty. Manafort and other of the risk/reward analysis that all defendants old, first-time offender. If the judge sentences Houston, Texas. Olis was sentenced to 24 defendants who proceed to trial should not consider. The risks of going to trial have be- him to anywhere in that range, he will most years in prison after trial, while his boss who receive sentences decades longer than those come way too high. You can plead guilty and likely leave prison in a box. testified against him received about a year. who plead and cooperate. get probation or go to jail for a manageable Make no mistake, the sentencing range Before trial, Olis had been offered 6 * * * * * amount of time. But if you go to trial and is that high only because Manafort had the months in exchange for pleading guilty and David Oscar Markus is criminal defense lose... well, you’ll be crushed. audacity to make the government actually cooperating. Olis’ lawyer, David Gerger, pre- attorney at Markus/Moss in Miami. He is a A jury found Manafort guilty of tax and prove its case at a trial. Does going to trial dicted: “If there’s a 20-year penalty for going magna cum laude graduate of Harvard Law related offenses, but suggesting that a 20 year warrant a sentence 15 years longer than his to trial, then innocent as well as guilty people School. He tries criminal cases and argues sentence is appropriate in this case is just co-defendant, Rick Gates? Rick Gates hasn’t will simply decide they have to give up their criminal appeals throughout the country. wrong. Twenty years! Manafort is a 69-year been sentenced yet, but his sentencing range right to a trial.” He was right. The case was Follow him on Twitter @domarkus. February 20-26, 2019 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 17 Virginia can be better than this By Joe McLean wants that. not, but we’ll never know, and The Hill opinion contributor With Northam and Herring, that’s not good for our political Virginia is better than this. As the facts are not in dispute. In community or our country. truly embarrassing as the blackface the case of Fairfax, there’s no Fourth, everybody needs to quit soap-opera now playing in Rich- obvious agency to investigate the making knee-jerk pronouncements. mond may be, the commonwealth facts, especially since a Kava- Think hard about what’s fair and can avoid the damaging missteps of naugh-type hearing risks doing move forward in good faith. The the past year, like the U.S. Senate’s more harm than good. The general process of reconciliation requires Kavanaugh hearings, and come to assembly may have professionals patience and listening, especially a reasonable resolution. Virginia who could run a fair investigation, when gender and race are in play. should show America a path to but delegates have shown no stom- Fifth, respect the facts and the reconciliation and the right way to ach for it. The governor might order process of finding them. We need address the thorny issues of race the State Police to investigate the look no further than the Kavana- and gender. charges, but the alleged offenses ugh disaster to see what not to do. Virginia’s mess might easily will be elevated to the governor’s Assembly to even try. The only sa- took place in Massachusetts and Democrats rushed to judgment; be dismissed as a continuation of office. Although that might be po- lient reason for the governor or at- North Carolina. It’s unclear whether Republicans stonewalled and made a long history fraught with racial litically unpalatable to Democrats, torney general to resign is that they that would be within his powers or excuses. There was no due process, tension. From the arrival of slaves it seems a pretty straightforward can’t effectively govern anymore. if he retains the political standing so everyone was left frustrated, in the Old Dominion in 1619 to the governmental move. But, like That said, neither is going any- to lead a credible effort. The FBI angry and unreconciled. 2017 tragedy of Charlottesville, the everything else in this sordid tele- where. Fifty-eight percent of Afri- might be called in, but only if Finally, we need to accept that commonwealth has struggled with novela, there’s a twist. can-Americans say they understand charges are filed by the alleged we may never have the whole truth race. As late as 1989, when I be- The 2016 General Assembly from Northam’s record that he’s no victims. — and learn to live with it. Fairfax’s came campaign manager for Doug election was a squeaker. The House longer the same guy who was in that Just because it’s hard doesn’t fate ultimately may be decided in Wilder’s governor’s race, some of Delegates was split evenly be- awful picture; they appreciate his mean there’s no solution. Here’s the court of public opinion, simply traditionalists in Richmond still tween Republicans and Democrats, record on civil rights, workplace a start: because there’s no other viable referred to the Civil War as “The with one race undecided. After a fairness, health care and education. First, respect African-Ameri- venue. That result likely will leave Late Unpleasantness.” No kidding. recount, the race was declared a Same goes for Herring. As long as cans’ views on what’s offensive, many questions unanswered and be Even so, it’s hard to see how tie, and through an arcane provision these men maintain support among what’s forgivable and what’s not. deeply unsatisfying. educated young college men of of the Virginia law, the winner of African-Americans, they’re not Everyone has the right to say what What really matters, for Virgin- Democratic leanings in the 1980s that race was decided by pulling a budging. insults or offends them. That’s not ia and for the nation, is making a could think it was okay to engage name out of a bowl. It’s almost un- Which leaves us with Lt. Gov. political correctness — it’s good good-faith effort to do what’s right, in a blatantly racist blackface trope. thinkable that the Old Dominion’s Fairfax. While both Northam and manners. Respect the judgment fair and just, while respecting all the Unsurprisingly, the reaction has governorship would devolve to the Herring have admitted their sins, of the offended parties when they people involved. In our dyspeptic been swift and brutal, with elected luck of the draw. Fairfax steadfastly maintains his offer forgiveness and support. A life political age, Virginia can remind officials and community leaders How does Virginia resolve this innocence. Even in the #MeToo of service, doing the right things, America how we ought to behave across the country calling for Gov. tangled mess, freighted with more era, how can Democrats allow should count for something. The in a truly awful situation, even if Ralph Northam and Attorney Gen- than 200 years of racist stereotypes, the white guys to skate, then oust activists clamoring for blood need the results are imperfect. eral Mark Herring to resign. oppression and even lynchings — an African-American on the basis to back off. * * * * * To make the situation truly, overlaid with the #MeToo move- of unproven allegations? It’s not Second, listen carefully to the Joe McLean managed L. Doug- tragically ironic, Lt. Gov. Justin ment? With all three statewide politically tenable. women accusing Justin Fairfax. las Wilder’s historic gubernatorial Fairfax, only the second Afri- elected officials compromised, no It’s not legally possible, either. Take the allegations seriously. They campaign and was a founding can-American lieutenant governor state official has the stature to drive You can’t impeach absent proof of deserve to be heard and respected. member of the leadership team in Virginia history, was accused of a solution. wrongdoing, and neither of Fair- Third, don’t rush to judgment. of Barack Obama’s successful U.S. sexual assault. Not once, but twice. Furthermore, it’s not even clear fax’s accusers has filed charges In hindsight many observers from Senate race. McLean is president And if that weren’t enough, what a solution might look like be- with the police; instead, they have across the political spectrum be- of the Crockett Policy Institute, a there’s one more ugly surprise in cause neither Northam nor Herring said they would be willing to tes- lieve Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) Tennessee-based nonpartisan think this Sophoclean drama: If all three has broken the law or committed tify before the legislature. That didn’t get a fair shake; he asked tank which seeks to provide prac- duly elected Democrats are forced an offense rising to the level of immediately raises the specter of for an investigation but was pushed tical, workable, and fair solutions to resign, Republican Kirk Cox, the impeachment, and there seems to be an emotionally charged public cir- out of office before the facts were to everyday problems in America’s Speaker of the House of Delegates no appetite in the Virginia General cus a la Brett Kavanaugh. Nobody heard. Maybe he was guilty, maybe heartland. Mace (Continued from Page 13) emergency. agencies on how to spend available doctrine is rooted in Article Two tive. Some may describe it as the embargo, preventing U.S. ships Is a national emergency resources. Thousands have been of the United States Constitution Imperial Presidency. Dick Cheney or aircraft from entering Cuban the same thing as created by past presidents, covering which vests “the executive power” used this principle to do an end-run territory without authorization. an executive order? topics as varied as the duties of the of the United States in the Presi- around Congress whenever he felt Obama declared a national emer- In general, national emergencies commander in chief. dent. like it. gency during the H1N1 swine flu have been declared through execu- The U.S. Supreme Court has Although that general principle Remember those Weapons of epidemic in 2009 to activate disas- tive orders. An executive order is a only rarely held an executive or- is widely accepted, there is dis- Mass Destruction (WMD) that re- ter plans to set up proper patient command issued by the president der invalid, including one issued agreement about the strength and sulted in our decision to go to war treatment. Bush declared a national that carries the force of law. The by Harry S., Truman in 1952 that scope of the doctrine.[1] It can with Iraq? They never existed but emergency after the terrorist attacks power is authorized, in part, by seized the country’s steel mills be said that some favor a strongly we went to war, essentially because of Sept. 11, 2001; the order is still Article II of the U.S. Constitution. during the Korean War, and anoth- unitary executive, like Trump Cheney wanted to. See the Movie, Executive orders direct federal in effect. That truly was a national er from Clinton in 1995 involving while others favor a weakly unitary Vice; it illustrates a primer on how workers on strike. executive.[1] The former group to usurp power and essentially Executive orders do not create argues, for example, that Congress’ avoid any and all checks and bal- Kmiec new law or allocate additional fund- power to interfere with intra- ances and oversight. Great movie, (Continued from Page 16) matter and wrongly assumed the ing, which is where Trump has run executive decision-making (such but frightening. This power struggle ty Attorney General Rod Ro- role of investigator, prosecutor, up against congressional hurdles. as firing executive branch officials) judge and jury. Mrs. Clinton had will not end anytime soon. But, at senstein is of a different order. He is a businessman and used to is limited, and that the President reason to be angry. Right now, pre-Mueller report, it getting his way. The constitutional can control policy-making by least we are not dealing with Brexit! If there is a headline in the Mc- reveals less Trump wrongdoing checks and balances are a personal all executive agencies within the * * * * * Cabe volume, it is that McCabe’s than the anti-Trump bias by a anathema. limits set for those agencies by For more information regarding retelling does little to assuage the small clique around dismissed FBI But He Is the President, He Congress. Still, others agree that Nevada laws, or if you feel your president’s concerns about Comey. Director James Comey. It is unfor- Must Be Acting Lawfully! the Constitution requires a unitary rights have been violated, please Respected as a good man, Comey tunate that McCabe and the other The unitary executive theory is executive, but believe this to be call Mace Yampolsky & Associates. nevertheless exhibited far less than acolytes of Comey did not set their a theory of American Constitutional harmful, and propose its abolition Call or text us at (702) 385-9777. the necessary partisanship aside long enough to Law holding that the President by constitutional amendment. We are available 24/7 for emergen- The necessary even-handedness see how the questions that Trump possesses the power to control Trump is not the first one to cies. If you need help, CALL NOW to see this high-profile matter to a put to Comey in those early days the entire executive branch. The espouse a strongly unitary execu- before it is too late. We can help! might have been quite innocent. fair minded conclusion. Remember At least, they should not have been when things were not moving fast prejudged as a sinister obstruction enough against Trump, Comey Muro of justice. leaked government documents to (Continued from Page 12) growth be that Rob Atkinson of last intervene in the now-unhealthy When the president inquired a private citizen friend and Mr. Against that backdrop, the col- the Information Technology and dynamics that have ensured that the whether it was possible to be le- McCabe was likewise misleading lapse of Amazon’s New York site Innovation Foundation and I are lion’s share of the nation’s new tech nient with former national security the inspector general about his own revives the attractive prospect of currently developing a proposal growth has fallen into a short list of adviser James Flynn, that was an contacts with The Press. more high-tech business activity for a sizable federal challenge grant “superstar” cities on the East and awkward, inappropriate inquiry. And so the nation waits. We taking place in a broader set of program aimed at actively bringing West coasts. would do well to pray, too — a Trump also should not have inquired cities, including in the nation’s about such a distributed future. In any event, the time has come prayer that the new attorney general about his own status. And yet, for heartland. Specifically, Atkinson and I for “Big Tech,” the federal gov- acts courageously to restore the all his wealth and worldliness, Such a reorientation would believe the federal government ernment and America’s cities to Trump cannot read minds. If the integrity of DOJ, perhaps by re- link the tech sector to new ideas, should hold its own competition begin building a new geography of former FBI director thought the membering the biblical instruction: talented new people and different to identify 10 or 12 up-and-coming high-tech vitality. The dissolution questions inappropriate, he could “Let your yes mean yes and your no university innovation ecosystems non-superstar cities — especially of Amazon’s attempt to locate in and should have said so. mean no.” And let the answer be in the heartland — that would be New York says so. Given Comey’s mishandling of guided by law, not politics. — for its benefit. Likewise, better- designated rising “growth poles” Mark Muro is a senior fellow at the inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s Douglas Kmiec served as the distributed «Big Tech» sites would email practices, there were reasons U.S. ambassador to Malta from expose more up-and-coming cities and gain significant federal sup- the Metropolitan Policy Program for the president to ask him to de- 2009 to 2011. He is the Caruso to the dynamism of high-growth port to catalyze faster innovation, at Brookings and a co-author, with part — reasons that were neither Family Chair in Human Rights firms, state-of-the-art standards and commercialization and growth in Clara Hendrickson and William self-interested nor necessarily re- and professor of constitutional law new opportunities. exchange for demonstrated readi- Galston, of “Countering the Ge- lated to a foreign adversary. Comey at Pepperdine University School In fact, so welcome would this ness and promise. ography of Discontent: Strategies rushed to judgment in the Clinton of Law. more-distributed style of tech In this way, the nation could at for Left-Behind Places.” Maramis (Continued from Page 12) and clean out D.C., we’d all been better off,” we stand by while people-especially those If Mr. Sutton still carries a Letters to the and secondly, I would get to see it before it he told the Montgomery Advertiser. “We’ll with influence- publish racist, hateful views. Editor section, readers can write him THEIR gets published and would never let that get get the hemp ropes out, loop them over a Words matter. Actions matter. Resign now!” I opinions of his opinion. Maybe they will be by me—not because I would be censoring tall limb and hang all of them.” Can anyone also saw at least one that reminded us about published. him, but as managing editor of the Las Vegas believe an editor in today’s world would not something called Freedom of the Press. Rather than ganging up on Mr. Sutton to Tribune, I always have the best interests of only feel that way but actually put it in writing “The freedom of the press, protected by resign, we — or at least those who advertise the Tribune and of Rolando in mind. But as I in his newspaper’s editorial? the First Amendment, is critical to a democ- in his paper or subscribe to his paper — can said, I can’t believe Rolando would ever have The photo of that editorial as it appeared racy in which the government is accountable show their disdain for his opinions by no those thoughts. And further, even more than in Sutton’s paper, the Democrat-Reporter, to the people. A free media functions as a longer advertising in it or subscribing to it. that, the editorial in the Las Vegas Tribune as mentioned above, was posted online by watchdog that can investigate and report on We have freedom of the press for a very im- is not left specifically to one person to write Chip Brownlee, a journalist for the Alabama government wrongdoing. It is also a vibrant portant reason, and we also have other free- — as is the case with the editorial written by Political Reporter. He posted it because he marketplace of ideas, a vehicle for ordinary doms that allow us to support or not support Goodloe Sutton, which is always a one-per- felt that other people needed to see it as well. citizens to express themselves and gain the views expressed by others... and things son-kind-of-opinion while our editorials are While I did see many comments from exposure to a wide range of information like this show us how — thank goodness — often a compilation of thoughts of several of several outraged readers, and some comments and opinions.” —An uncredited statement freedom of the press is still alive and well. those here at the Las Vegas Tribune, even if saying that he now needs to resign, such as found online. * * * * * everyone does not agree entirely. But no mat- this one from Alabama Senator Doug Jones: That is a very important freedom, and Maramis Choufani is the Managing Ed- ter who writes it, it will never advocate hate “OMG! What rock did this guy crawl out whether we hate what someone says or not, itor of the Las Vegas Tribune. She writes a or violence, or racism, such as the following from under? This editorial is absolutely dis- they have the right to express their opinions. weekly column in this newspaper. To contact quote from that editor under question: gusting & he should resign -NOW,” Jones (See the quotation we have across the top of Maramis, email her at maramis@lasvega- “If we could get the Klan to go up there tweeted. “I have seen what happens when our front page, attributed to Voltaire.) stribune.com. Page 18 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 EntErtainmEnt Legends in Concert previewed their new show at the Tropicana By Sandy Zimmerman Las Vegas Tribune Photos by Sandy Zimmerman during show I was invited to review the “Legends in Concert” outdoor preview of their new show in front of the Tropicana Hotel celebrating their new home. Previously debuting at the Imperial Palace and a long run appearing at the Flamingo Hotel and for a total of 35 years, “Legends in Concert” proudly earned their title as the longest running show in Las Vegas. Tonight some of the former tribute artists joined the newest performers on their tempo- rary stage for the ribbon cutting ceremony. It was a great line-up of talent, we saw Tierney Allen as Lady Gaga Tribute, Brian Duprey as Frank Sinatra, Cody Ray Slaughter as Elvis Presley, and Jazmine as Whitney Houston. The public loves the idols’ songs that are handed down throughout the ages. It is so touching to hear songs that bring back the happy memories of your lives. The “Legends in Concert” tribute performers have studied their subjects, and most often sound and look like their idol. Watching the tribute is like reliving those times and the music of the past. On February 11, the “Legends in Concert” opens formally in the “Legends in Concert Theater, formally the “Follies Bergere” Showroom. This is a great coupling, the “Folies Bergere” opened on Dec. 24, 1959 and closed in 2009, another Las Vegas favorite and “Legends” is bringing back the showgirls, the symbols of early Las Vegas. “Legends” started their tributes early and now is the keystone of the Tribute movement, they have over 125+ tribute artists and you never know who will appear in their show! Interview With Tierney Allen — Lady Gaga Tribute Artist Tierney Allen discussed the plans for her show, “I want to take Gaga, like the way she is and perform some old songs in a new way, upbeat, opening with her hits. I will play the piano and have a little fun with it.” Tierney explained, “Someone told me I look like Lady Ga Ga and I made a job out of it! I didn’t realize the resemblance because Ga Ga was brand new, just starting to appear. I didn’t know who she was so I looked her up and said I like this person. I got some costumes and did a birthday party and started my tribute. Lady Gaga is a consummate talent who Tierney Allen as Lady Gaga can do everything, she sings, dances, acts, plays instruments, anything!” “Legends In Concert” For information about “Legends in Con- cert,” call 1-888-381-8767, #1. The Tropi- cana Hotel is located at 3801 S. Las Vegas Boulevard. https://www.legendsinconcert. com/ * * * * * Sandy Zimmerman is an award-winning television producer for 20 years. She has produced travel specials around the world. She visited China five times and produced two travel specials, one in Beijing and another on the Yangtze River Cruise. Award-winning Talk Show Host/Columnist Sandy Zimmer- man is also a syndicated Show and Dining Reviewer, Travel/ Luxury writer, Health, as well as a Photographer/ Videographer, Editor, Director, and Talk Show Host of Sandy Zimmerman’s Las Vegas TV Show and Discover the Ultimate Vacation travel specials. For information, questions, comments please contact Sandy Zimmerman at san- [email protected] or 702-515-0846. Cody Ray Slaughter as Elvis Brian Duprey as Frank Sinatra

Jazmine as Whitney Houston February 20-26, 2019 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 23 Boyd Gaming fuels the fun during NASCAR weekend with many events, promotions This Week in Las Vegas

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The prize pack- Friday, March 1 age includes a five-day/four-night 1:05 p.m. — Xfinity Series Boyd stay at a Las Vegas Boyd Gaming Gaming 300 First Practice property, tickets for the NASCAR 3:35 p.m. — Xfinity Series Boyd race weekend at Las Vegas Motor Gaming 300 Final Practice Speedway, Neon Garage access, Saturday, March 2 $500 in slot dollars, a $250 dining 9:40 a.m. — Xfinity Series Boyd credit and $250 in airfare credits. Gaming 300 Qualifying Contestants can enter online at 1 p.m. — Xfinity Series Boyd BoydGaming300.com/Giveaways. Gaming 300 (200 laps, 300 miles) Room and Ticket Packages for Race Day Shuttle Service Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 Looking for a ride to and from Want to get a head start on the track? The Las Vegas Motor planning for this fall and next Speedway offers Front-Stretch year’s spring race weekends? Boyd Shuttle service, which will avail- Gaming room and ticket packages able at Main Street Station March for both upcoming events will be 1-3 to the general public and ticket available for purchase beginning holders. race weekend. NASCAR aficionados can pur- Free Boyd Gaming 300 chase a three-day round trip for Commemorative B $159 or a Sunday only round trip Connected Card for $119. Shuttle passes can be Race into the California, Fre- Page 20 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 F.I.O.R.E.’s Valentine Party has a new twist By The Las Vegas Tribune Romantic Roving Reporter Photos by Lorraine Thompson, Debbie Scapac Bush and a bunch of others No one doubts that in Las Vegas, this time of the year a variety of Valentine parties are happening all over the city. We are sure, however, that when it comes to uniqueness and originality, the F.I.O.R.E.’s Cupid’s arrow did reach farther and touched more hearts with their festivities than any other group. That is what they do. Their Valentine’s event, besides the usual live music, surprise guest entertainers, dancing, roses and chocolate for all the ladies, great food and spontaneous mirth, incorporat- ed a terrific renowned portrait artist, Meegan Boiros and the Nevada Silver Tappers from Pahrump. While the festivities were going on, Meegan Boiros was on stage painting a pet portrait from a photo for the second place winner. The one selected for first place was done at her studio and more time was devoted to it. Both paintings were very detailed and the resemblance was uncanny. The winners received their prizes (valued at $325.00 each) during the event. All photos were randomly selected out of dozens of entries from the previous meeting and also sent by e-mail in the subsequent days. And that was only one of the main attractions of the evening. There was yet more on the program. The members of the Nevada Silver Tappers, led by 95 year old, vivacious, energetic and charismatic B.J. Hetrick-Irwin, presented several tapping routines with a very Artist Meegan Boiros did a superb job. impressive patriotic and moving closer. Their entire production was a gift to the F.I.O.R.E from as far as New York, others came from Member of the Year. An Emmy-winning creator of this group, and his usual suspects, given by one of the club’s presidents and sup- Henderson! From the far side of Henderson, broadcaster and author of three books about are already concocting that event. I, for one, porter, Tom Saitta, owner of Saitta Trudeau of course. space exploration, he spent decades covering can’t wait. Rumor, according to our reliable Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Pahrump, NV The March 14th, luncheon meeting will the space program and was seen on ABC, sources, has it that they plan to book the Gary Over 150 members and guests were pres- feature guest speaker John Getter. He is the CBS, NBC, Fox News and CNN. Anderson’s 12-piece Orchestra for it, (it’s a ent in the main room of the Italian American president of the National Speakers Asso- In July, the F.I.O.R.E. will celebrate cinch there wil be strings and braided cords Club for this fun filled evening. Some came ciation of Las Vegas and was named 2016 its 15th year. We are sure Nelson Sardelli, with a twist).).

Enwrapped in her word. Details, details…

Meegan Boiros presenting the winning portrait to Tom and Phree Bartley Collins.

Phree Bartley and “Armani.”

Armani, the winner. Meegan Boiros presenting portrait to Dale and Dee Schultz. February 20-26, 2019 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 21

F.I.O.R.E.’s Valentine Party has a new twist Showtime!

The Nevada Silver Tappers. Bravo!!!

Ain’t that a kick in the head? Kicking up a storm. Ready for Radio City Music Hall.

Charismatic B.J. Hetrick-Irwin, the nonagenarian Leader of the Group. The Silver Tappers helped to brighten the night.

A stirring patriotic closer. Page 22 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 F.I.O.R.E.’s Valentine Party has a new twist

Nancy Hawthorne, single handed decorated the stage. The Gary Anderson Ensemble in a decorated stage.

Ken and Lena Walter.

Donald and Gale Sanders.

Michael Monge and Gary Anderson on sax.

Debbie Scapac and Bob Bush.

Ken, Lena, Nelson, Lorraine, Kate and Jeff.

Debbie Scapac and Bob Bush. The International Group. All Legal. February 20-26, 2019 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 23 F.I.O.R.E.’s Valentine Party has a new twist

Gina Ruk and Stephen Braude.

B.J. Hetrick-Irwin and Tom Saitta. Arlene and Norm Ivans.

A nice name tagless couple. Samantha Kolari and friends. J.T. Miller, Denise Grillo Reed and Patricia Newell.

Nelson Sardelli with Pat and Emily Conner Cooper. Welcome to my world...

Tom Saitta introduced the Silver Tappers. Lady with no name tag, Nelson Sardelli and Sue Silla.

Johnny Amato, Nelson Sardelli and Felix Silla. Nelson Sardelli thanks the Nevada Silver Tappers. Page 24 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 The Mob Museum announces upcoming Youth, Senior Education Outreach Programs

Johnson and Larissa Dos Santos —The neck section is 23-feet show that sometimes love in Vegas tall, and the body sections are be- is easy come easy go. tween eight and 10 feet tall. The now-divorced reality stars WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, will celebrate their parting and March 4 newfound love for the single life WHERE: Neon Museum Bone- at Crazy Horse 3, located at 3525 yard, 770 N. Las Vegas, Blvd. W. Russell Rd., with back-to-back About the Neon Museum parties on Friday, March 1 and Founded in 1996, the Neon Saturday, March 2. Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 or- Johnson, a computer program- ganization dedicated to collecting, mer native to Las Vegas, and Lima, preserving, studying and exhibiting who is from Brazil, received na- iconic Las Vegas signs for educa- By Jerry Fink tion-wide media attention for their tional, historic, arts and cultural Las Vegas Tribune controversial divorce following enrichment. A number of education outreach their appearance on season 6 of the On its 2.27-acre campus, the programs will be presented by The popular TLC television series. Neon Museum houses an outdoor Mob Museum in coming weeks. The award-winning gentlemen’s exhibition space known as the Neon These educational outreach club will throw the official parties Boneyard (“boneyard” is tradition- programs enhance the Museum’s to celebrate Johnson’s separation ally the name for an area where existing community initiatives and from his ex-wife on Friday, March items no longer in use are stored); include audiences of seniors and 1 and Lima’s newly-found freedom the North Gallery, home to the fourth-through-12th-grade students on Saturday, March 2, each starting immersive audiovisual spectacle in Southern Nevada. The Museum at 11:30 p.m. Both reality stars will “Brilliant!” which uses technology created its senior outreach program be available on their respective advances to re-illuminate more than to improve the quality of life for nights for meet and greets with 40 non-operational signs; the new low-income seniors. guests purchasing bottle service. Boulevard Gallery outdoor exhibit Presentations involve Museum * * * * * and event space; and its visitors’ objects and educators who encour- center, housed inside the former La age interaction and dialogue among Concha Motel lobby. the participants. Called Investigat- HAKKASAN NIGHTCLUB surrounding the dance floor, offer- The museum collection also in- ing History, the Museum’s com- DEBUTS ‘ONE NIGHT ONLY’ ing a high-energy experience for cludes nine restored signs installed prehensive educational outreach Global hospitality company table guests who wish to be at the as public art throughout downtown program for Clark County schools, Hakkasan Group will reinvigorate center of the action. The combina- Las Vegas. Public education, out- introduces students to topics in Las Sunday nights in the Las Vegas tion of exclusive musical talent in reach, research, archival preserva- Vegas history, constitutional law nightlife scene with the announce- an unrivaled atmosphere creates a tion and a grant-funded neon sign and criminal justice through inter- ment of their latest concept, “One truly unique nightlife experience. survey represent a selection of the active standards-based classroom Night Only,” premiering at Hak- Reservations for the nightclub museum’s ongoing projects. The and auditorium presentations. kasan Nightclub at MGM Grand can be made by visiting hak- museum is located at 770 Las Vegas Designed for fourth-grade Hotel & Casino starting Sunday, kasannightclub.com or by calling Blvd. North in Las Vegas. For tour through 12th-grade students, the March 3. 702.891.3838. schedules and pricing information, hands-on program will be presented Every Sunday will be an The nightclub is open Thursday visit neonmuseum.org. by Museum educators and will sup- open-format music night, merging through Sunday from 10 p.m. until * * * * * port the fulfillment of national and EDM, hip-hop, Top 40 and more late. Guests must be 21 years or state curriculum standards. for guests to enjoy from a diverse older. Cover charges and table res- 2019 PROGRAM SCHEDULE collection of in-demand talent ervations will vary. The full lineup Date: Wednesday, February 20, across a myriad of music genres in- is available online. RESTORED HARD ROCK 2 p.m. cluding Tyga, Party Favor, Modern The nightclub can be accessed CAFÉ GUITAR SIGN TO BE Topic: African American Histo- Machines, FAED and 4B. from the casino floor across from ILLUMINATED MARCH 4 ry of Las Vegas Guests can anticipate live per- Centrifuge. The newly restored, re-electri- Location: Atria Seville, 2000 N. formances, show-stopping mo- * * * * * fied Hard Rock Café guitar sign Rampart Blvd. ments, fun-filled themed events and CRAZY HORSE 3 TO HOST will be illuminated for the first time Date: Thursday, March 21, 1 new atmospheric elements on the OFFICIAL PARTIES WITH during a private event for museum p.m. special night in the Main Room of COLT JOHNSON AND donors and VIPs on March 4. Topic: Prohibition and American the five-level nightlife mecca. LARISSA LIMA OF The sign was divided into six WILLIAM HILL ASSUMES Society “One Night Only” club-goers “90 DAY FIANCÉ” pieces in order to be transported to OPERATIONS OF ALL Location: Bailey Middle School, can enjoy oversized VIP booths “90 Day Fiancé” stars Colt the Neon Museum Boneyard from GOLDEN ENTERTAINMENT, 2500 N. Hollywood Blvd. the Young Electric Sign Company INC. SPORTS BOOKS Date: Friday, March 22, 2 p.m. (YESCO). Renowned sports book operator Topic: African American Histo- Prior to restoration by YESCO, William Hill is now operating all ry of Las Vegas the sign had been located in front Golden Entertainment race and Location: Sahara West Library, of the Hard Rock Café for 27 years. sports book operations in Nevada. 9600 W. Sahara Ave. In its new Boneyard home, it The expanded partnership pro- Date: Thursday, April 11, 1 p.m. joins many other historical Las Ve- vides bettors access to William Topic: Las Vegas and Hoover gas neon signs where its history can Hill’s innovative wagering technol- Dam be shared with guests and visitors ogy, including its award-winning Location: Adelson Educational from around the world. mobile sports betting app and LIVE Campus, 9700 Hillpointe Rd. FAST FACTS: InPlay wagering menu. Date: Friday, April 19, 1 p.m. —The restoration took approx- The new terms extend William Topic: Las Vegas Entertainers imately 1,650-man hours to com- Hill’s relationship with Golden Location: Centennial Hills Li- plete the rebuild and install. Entertainment to include race and brary, 6711 N. Buffalo Dr. —The Hard Rock letters com- sports book operations at Arizona Date: Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. prise up to 1,538, 10-watt clear Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Topic: Prohibition and American incandescent light bulbs, spaced Charlie’s Boulder in Las Vegas, Society out 3-inches on center. Aquarius Casino Resort in Laughlin Location: Leavitt Middle —Neon colors used on the guitar and the new, state-of-the-art race School, 4701 Quadrel St. were ruby red, clear red, 3500K and sports book at The STRAT on Date: Friday, May 10, 2 p.m. white and gold II. the Las Vegas Strip scheduled to Topic: Las Vegas and the Mob —There are approximate- open in late March. Location: Sahara West Library, ly 4,110 feet of neon tubing on “We are excited to continue 9600 W. Sahara Ave. the sign, equating to more than expanding our relationship with * * * * * three-quarters of a mile and more William Hill, which has a proven than 700 individual neon units. sports wagering platform not only —The footing of the sign rein Nevada but around the world. quired 648 cubic feet of concrete. We look forward to growing our —The area of the face of the sign business in Nevada and other juris- is 800 square feet. dictions through this partnership,” —The largest of the six sections said Steve Arcana, COO of Golden of the sign that had to be transported Entertainment, Inc. from YESCO to the Boneyard is Jerry Fink is an entertainment the head, which measures 13-feet- columnist for the Las Vegas Tribune six-inches; a special permit was newspaper and writes a weekly col- required in order to transport the umn. To contact Fink, email him at sign due to its height. jfink@ lasvegastribune.com. February 20-26, 2019 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 25 LifestyLes

Vinny Adinolfi’s “Bronx Wanderers” opened at the LINQ Hotel Bronx Wanderers all new show at the LINQ Hotel By Sandy Zimmerman Las Vegas Tribune Photos by Sandy Zimmerman during the Bronx Wanderers show I was invited to review the “Bronx Wanderers” FIRST show in the Mat Franco Theater at the LINQ Hotel. Vinnie Adinolfi and his son Vin showed me backstage and we all stood on the extra-large stage where I filmed their introduction for my show. This stage was much wider with more depth than at their previous hotel which now allows greater production value and they really took advantage of that! If you saw their show before, get ready for a big surprise. The audience immediately notices that everything is bigger and better, if possible, at their new LINQ Show! We not only hear the songs but watch the “Bronx Wanderers” recreate the feeling, the mood of each song with fast moving, multiple sequences of dramatic effects, colors, lights, and imagery continually changing on three larger-than-life screens. Vinny and Vin have fun with the musical numbers, adding their own interpretations and seemingly play with each song. Their emotional solos and duos are extraordinary, you never know what to expect at their shows. The Bronx Wanderers perform the songs of the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, including songs from Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Dion, Queen, Billy Joel and Bruno Mars and up to today.

Vin Adinolfi expresses his version of each song! I met with Vinny and Vin to interview now called the Mat Franco Theater. travel specials, one in Beijing and another them backstage in the Green Room, although Before or after you see the Bronx Wander- on the Yangtze River Cruise. Award-winning it was not green, which will appear in my ers at the LINQ Hotel, there’s the High Roller, Talk Show Host/Columnist Sandy Zimmer- next article. a 550-foot-tall observation wheel, an Auto man is also a syndicated Show and Dining The Mat Franco Theater Collection, and much more in the adjacent Reviewer, Travel/ Luxury writer, Health, With 575 seats, most of the showroom is LINQ Promenade Shopping Center with their as well as a Photographer/ Videographer, elevated for perfect views and each section own restaurants and fun. Editor, Director, and Talk Show Host of offers different prices for different budgets. * * * * * Sandy Zimmerman’s Las Vegas TV Show and Michael Jackson, Shakira, Britney Spears, Sandy Zimmerman is an award-winning Discover the Ultimate Vacation travel spe- Cher, the Blues Brothers, and many other television producer for 20 years. She has cials. For information, questions, comments stars performed on this stage, in the room produced travel specials around the world. please contact Sandy Zimmerman at san- She visited China five times and produced two [email protected] or 702-515-0846.

Vinnie Adinolfi and his son Vin on the new stage before their show. Page 26 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 CITY BEAT Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas 2019 season passes are on sale now The distinguished water park will reopen for operations on Saturday, March 30. Have a Golden Summer for the best value with an exclusive Gold Season Pass. The World Trade Centers Asso- Sao Paulo, WTC Saskatoon, WTC ciation encourages mutual assis- Seoul, WTC Taipei, and WTC tance and cooperation among its Twente. The LVCVA also has members. In January 2010, CTA Memorandums of Understanding was granted the rights to the World with the Nevada Governor’s Office Trade Center Las Vegas license of Economic Development and the and partnered with the LVCVA to U.S. Department of Commerce In- attract more international visitors ternational Trade Administration to and trade events to Las Vegas. promote travel and tourism exports. “Las Vegas is the world’s lead- For more information about ing destination for hosting trade WTC Las Vegas and the destina- shows and getting business done,” tion’s business offerings, please vis- said CTA President and CEO Gary it www.vegasmeansbusiness.com. Shapiro. CTA owns and produces * * * * * CES — the world’s largest business and tech event, held each January in Las Vegas. “Both CES and Las Ve- gas have experienced tremendous growth and success over the past few decades, and CTA’s partnership in the WTC Las Vegas endeavor is an excellent way to leverage some of the world’s most respected Opportunity Tax Credit brands to drive business forward.” improving educational The LVCVA has been engaged in achievement of students growing the number of internation- Nevada Action for School Op- Nevada’s premier water park, featuring some of the tightest turns. ac events can be prevented through al visitors to the region, particularly tions commends the Nevada De- Wet‘n’Wild Las Vegas, returns for Families and those desiring a more education and lifestyle changes, as meetings and conventions, such partment of Education (NDE) its seventh season of spring and relaxing experience can enjoy Para- cardiovascular diseases continue as CES® have become global in and Superintendent Canavero for summer fun with 2019 Season dise Falls, the interactive children’s to be the leading cause of death in scope. In 2017, Las Vegas wel- releasing an updated “Fact Sheet” Passes on sale now. For a limited area with kid friendly slides and a women, claiming the lives of one comed a record-breaking 6.6 mil- regarding Nevada’s Opportunity time, guests can save up to $60 on giant dumping bucket; Colorado in three women. Each year more lion business travelers, of those, Tax Credit Scholarship Program. a Season Pass. All three Season Cooler lazy river; and Red Rock women die of heart disease than 12 percent were from outside of The facts are clear, providing Pass options offer unlimited entry Bay wave pool. Wet’n’Wild Las Ve- all forms of cancer combined. It’s the U.S. families with choice opportunities during operating hours and select gas was voted “Best Place to Take time to change this fact. It’s time “Las Vegas has become an im- creates better results for Nevada’s food, beverage and retail discounts. the Kids” in the Las Vegas Weekly’s to be demanding when it comes to portant center of global business. future generations. Starting Season Pass Prices: 2018 Best of Vegas Awards and women’s heart health and ask others The designation of the Las Vegas “The findings in the new report Silver Season Pass voted “Best Water Park” and “Best to do the same. Metro Chamber as a World Trade are encouraging - students in the $49.99 (retail price $89.99) Aquatics Facility” in Las Vegas * * * * * Center Las Vegas Business Club Opportunity Scholarship Program Gold Season Pass Review-Journal’s 2016 Best of Las World Trade Center Las will help create connections be- are showing substantial academic $69.99 (retail price $129.99) Vegas Awards. For information, Vegas Partners with Las tween our Nevada companies and performance growth, which likely VIP Season Pass visit www.wetnwildlasvegas.com. Vegas Metro Chamber to business people from around the compares favorably to Nevada’s $99.99 (retail price $159.99) Keep up with Wet’n’Wild Las drive international business world come to Las Vegas every broader student population. While As a bonus, Wet’n’Wild will Vegas announcements and news on The Las Vegas Convention and week looking for investment and this first report presents a positive offer a Season Pass payment plan Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and business growth opportunities,” report card, we need to remember that splits the cost into three month- * * * * * the Consumer Technology Asso- said Terry Shirey, chairman of the that this is a new program and ly installments, starting as low as ciation (CTA) have announced a Las Vegas Metro Chamber. would benefit from fine-tuning $17.33, for a limited time only. partnership with the Las Vegas The World Trade Centers As- some details to improve its perfor- Guests looking for the best value Metro Chamber that marks the next sociation has 326 current license mance further,” said Don Soifer, with the most added perks, are en- major step in demonstrating to the holders around the world repre- President of Nevada Action for couraged to go Gold. In addition to world that ‘Vegas Means Business’. senting 91 countries and regions. School Options. unlimited entry and in-park benefits During the February 12 LVCVA The Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Nevada Action for School Op- during every visit, Gold Season Board of Directors meeting, a Commerce represents thousands tions encourages legislative leaders Pass holders will receive free park- Memorandum of Understanding of Nevada businesses and their to lock in the funding levels passed ing, free bring-a-friend tickets, free (MOU) agreement was signed that employees. The combination of established during the 79th Legis- souvenir soda bottle, priority entry 14th Annual Go Red for designates the Las Vegas Metro resources between the two entities lature and consider the following and much more. Terms and condi- Women Luncheon Chamber as the World Trade Center provides countless opportunities to suggested enhancements to the tions apply. Visit wetnwildlasvegas. The American Heart Association Las Vegas Business Club. develop global relationships that program: com for more details. wants all Las Vegas women to know This agreement brings the WTC will foster economic development —Require that Scholarship In anticipation of the 2019 that our mothers, daughters, sisters Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Metro in Las Vegas economic develop- Grant Organizations (SGOs) notify season, here is a look at the num- and friends are at risk. Heart disease Chamber together to advance busi- ment. students of their scholarships and bers behind a fun filled season at and stroke kill about one woman ness relationships and maximize “Business clubs are an important grant amounts before the first day Wet‘n’Wild: every 80 seconds. Be part of the economic opportunities stemming amenity that many World Trade of school. This will require the De- 3: Minutes it takes to fill the gi- change to end heart disease and from international business visitors Centers offer their members ten- partment of Taxation expediting its ant tipping bucket with 300 gallons join us for the 14th annual Go Red coming to Las Vegas. The WTC Las ants, or visitors,” remarked Scott timeline to review and approve tax of water before spilling on eager for Women Luncheon. More than Vegas and the Las Vegas Chamber Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer credits. Also, this should not pre- guests below. 500 women will come together and will join forces to welcome in- of the World Trade Centers As- vent SGOs from awarding schol- 13: Number of family-friendly spend the day learning about heart coming delegations to Las Vegas; sociation. “These clubs provide a arships at the last minute if funds dive-in movies screened at the Red disease and stroke and what they develop and implement program- forum for executives and decision become available, for instance if an Rock Bay wave pool. can do to reduce their risk factors. ming to educate visitors on how to makers to connect and engage with awarded scholarship is not utilized. 25: Slides and attractions. WHEN: Friday, February 22, do business in Las Vegas; connect each other, which in turn nurtures —Fund the NDE to instruct an 35: All-day cabanas available 2019; 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. local businesses with interested the kinds of important relationships RFP to Nevada’s public universities for rent. 10:30 a.m. — Health Expo with international partners; and promote that lead to new opportunities. With for a quantitative analysis of stu- 48: Hours of extensive train- F.A.S.T. mini golf and silent auction WTC initiatives. members all over the world, WTCA dent outcome data for Opportunity ing required to be a lifeguard at 12:00 noon — luncheon and “The LVCVA’s involvement deeply understands the importance Scholarship Program students. Wet’n’Wild. motivational speakers with the World Trade Centers As- of connecting with others one-on- —Stipulate that SGOs provide 116: Days of operation in 2018. WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel, sociation has provided tremendous one, and our members’ business families an alternative to requiring 220: Lifeguards at Wet’n’Wild. 3960 Las Vegas Boulevard, South, opportunities to elevate Las Vegas’ clubs are a great way to do so out- students provide filed tax returns of 1,000: Float tubes used for rides Las Vegas reputation as a leading business side of larger, more formal events.” all adults in the household for spec- and swimming. Tickets for the Las Vegas Go destination on a global scale and The agreement with the Las ified periods. Require, and provide 15,300: Gallons of fountain Red for Women luncheon program we view this new partnership with Vegas Mero Chamber of Commerce resources for, NDE to sample SGOs beverages consumed. are $350 per person or $3,500 for the Las Vegas Metro Chamber as marks WTC Las Vegas’ 19th MOU. for adhering to income eligibility 16,055: Square-feet of shade a table of 10, payable in advance. an avenue for developing mean- Each MOU signing party shares guidelines and other regulatory and plus more than 56 umbrellas avail- To purchase tickets and for more ingful connections between the the vision of further enhancing statutory requirements able for guests. information, please call 702-789- outstanding professionals in our the Las Vegas brand as a global —Stipulate that monies received 30,000: Chicken tender baskets 4370 or visit lvgored.heart.org. community and the millions of business destination and growing by an SGO for the purposes of enjoyed. Guests can participate in the international business travelers that international visitation and trade. scholarships must be transferred 50,000: Cups of Dippin’ Dots Health Expo with F.A.S.T. mini come to Las Vegas each year,” said Additional partnerships include, to another qualifying SGO in the devoured. golf and silent auction from 10:30 LVCVA President and CEO Steve WTC Beijing, WTC Brussels, event an SGO loses its standing 340,000: Approximate annual a.m. to 12:00 noon. At 12:00 noon, Hill. “It’s an honor to formalize WTC Denver, WTC Dulles Air- with NDE. visitors from all over the world. the ticketed heart-healthy luncheon this agreement with an MOU and port, WTC Ft. Lauderdale, WTC Nevada Action for School 728,590: Gallons of water in and program begins with emcee we are eager to get to work devel- Istanbul, WTC Leeuwarden, WTC Choice Options looks forward to a the park. Ann Simmons Nicholson and then oping programs that support our Miami, WTC Mexico City, WTC healthy discussion of these import- Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas will open a keynote address from Kerry community.” Montevideo, WTC Santiago, WTC ant reforms in the coming months. for operations on Saturday, March Bubolz, Vegas Golden Knights 30 through Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019. President & COO. Finally, Katie Wet‘n’Wild Las Vegas is located Lever, passion speaker, will share at 7055 S. Fort Apache Road near her words of inspiration with the I-215 and Sunset Road. For infor- audience. The Las Vegas Go Red mation call 702-979-1600 or visit for Women luncheon is co-chaired www.wetnwildlasvegas.com to by Sandra Beaver, North America purchase a season pass. Gaming and Interactive CFO and About Wet‘n’Wild Las Vegas Jennifer Martinez, Consult HR Wet‘n’Wild Las Vegas is Ne- Partners President & CEO and vada’s premier water park with sponsored nationally by CVS more than 25 slides and attractions Health. Local sponsors include covering more than 20 acres, and Encompass Health, The Cosmopol- a place for both thrill seekers and itan of Las Vegas, Association of families. As Las Vegas’ Summer Gaming Equipment Manufacturers Playground, the park features (AGEM), Aristocrat, EVERI, GLI, the Tornado, a premier slide that RSM, Bennett Family Foundation catapults riders to a zero-gravity and AGS. Media sponsors include experience; Rattler, the first slide Luxury Magazine and the Las Ve- of its kind in North America; and gas Review-Journal. Constrictor, an extreme water slide While nearly 80 percent of cardi- February 20-26, 2019 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 27 CITY BEAT

FAA-designated Nevada UAS Test Site selected for 2019 NASA Unmanned Traffic Management Capstone Operation The National Aeronautics and Unmanned Aviation Safety Center (AGA). Bettors report setting bud- and all interested stakeholders to reimbursable as outlined in the Space Administration (NASA) of Excellence. “We believe UTM gets, sticking to them and being build upon this great momentum Public Agency State-approved Cost publicly announced the State of is absolutely essential to making aware of available responsible in the years to come.” Allocation Plan. The funding will Nevada as an award recipient for the airways safe and deconflicting gaming resources at significantly The U.S. gaming industry com- be placed in the general fund of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems manned and unmanned aviation. high rates. mits more than $300 million to 2019-2020 revenues. Traffic Management (UTM) Tech- We look forward to testing the According to the research: responsible gaming annually, sup- The City also applied for a grant nical Capability Level (TCL) 4 latest technology available global- —9 in 10 casual bettors set a porting education, training and to offset costs associated with the operation. This involves Unmanned ly to advance UTM research with budget before they visit a casino; rehabilitation programs across the replacement of specialized cots Aerial Systems (UAS) flying in NASA Ames, the City of Reno, —90 percent of those visitors country. used for transport of patients in higher-density urban areas for tasks the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, report success in tracking their Last year, AGA launched the Fire Rescue Units. The Nevada such as newsgathering, package de- Switch, our diverse Nevada UAS spending; and Responsible Gambling Collabora- Public Agency Insurance Pool livery, and large-scale contingency Industry Team, key Nevada stake- —8 in 10 casual casino visitors tive, convening a renowned group Public Agency Compensation Trust mitigation. For the first time in U.S. holders, and drone businesses.” and 9 in 10 avid casino visitors of thought leaders, stakeholders and (POOL/PACT) awarded the City a Aviation history in a metropolitan Developing Nevada Drone in- are aware of responsible gaming academics to chart a new course on grant in the amount of $120,607.50 area under beyond visual line of frastructure is going to be a major resources. the complex issue of responsible for this project. sight conditions, Nevada will con- factor in Nevada keeping pace with “Responsible gaming is our gaming. The Fire Department’s EMS Co- duct this NASA demonstration over the exponential drone industry industry’s top priority,” said Bill AGA members adhere to the asso- ordinator applied for this Risk Man- several months in downtown Reno, growth and being at the forefront Miller, president and CEO of the ciation’s Responsible Gaming Code agement Grant from POOL/PACT Nevada. The State of Nevada UAS of technology innovations. American Gaming Association. of Conduct which guides industry to replace our existing mechanical Test Site, under the leadership of “Switch is proud to be NIAS’ “This research indicates that our commitments to responsible cots. “Our existing mechanical cots the NIAS, was selected to execute technology infrastructure provider unwavering commitment to respon- gaming and is updated annually are getting close to the end of life the NASA UTM TCL 4 operation throughout Nevada supporting suc- sibility is resonating with our cus- to reflect new developments and and potentially could lead to injury through an intensely competitive cessful drone integration into the tomers. But success in this key area industry innovations. In 2018, to a patient or firefighter if the cot process with six other states. national airspace right in the heart will never mean our work is done, AGA updated the Code to enhance is malfunctioning,” Chief Kevin This NASA UTM milestone of downtown Reno,” said Betsy and we look forward to continuing provisions on sports betting and Nicholson said. “These cots will operation promises to develop a Fretwell, senior vice president of to work with gaming regulators, our responsible advertising. be safer for the patients as well as safe and reliable airspace platform Switch CITIES. partners in the fight against prob- * * * * * for the paramedics loading patients to integrate drones into the National The Nevada (Smart Silver State) lem gambling and our employees Boulder City Fire into our rescue units.” Airspace System (NAS). The inno- NASA UTM partners include For- to ensure customers continue to Department Receives The total project cost for the re- vative NASA concept under Neva- tune 50 companies and Nevada engage in this form of mainstream Grant, Reimbursement placement of four mechanical cots da’s Smart Silver State (S3) theme Teammates/Airspace developers entertainment responsibly.” The City of Boulder City Fire is $159,016. This price includes the will lead UTM to an advanced level including: Uber Elevate, Switch, This research comes on the Department (BCFD) is getting purchase of the equipment and in- only imagined a few years ago. AirMap, Avision Robotics, Harris heels of a recent AGA study that almost $900,000 in reimburse- stallation into our fire rescue units. Involving 33 partners, this NASA Corporation, AiRXOS a GE com- highlighted continued growth in ac- ments and grants in the coming The POOL/PACT grant award is S3 operation is not just the most pany, ANRA Technologies, White- ceptance of gaming. That research months. The State is reimbursing for $120,607.50 (or 75-percent) of innovative concept known for ur- Fox Defense, Iris Automation, indicates that 88 percent of Amer- approximately $750,000 from the the cost of the project. The balance ban beyond visual line of sight and Drone America, Echodyne, Fortem, ican adults view gambling as an State’s Medicaid plan for Medicaid of the project costs ($38,408.50) urban air mobility, it’s also a vision UltiSat, Inc., AviSight, Inc, Utah acceptable form of entertainment. patients who received emergency will be allocated from the City’s to lead the global drone industry State University AggieAir, Deseret Americans also have a positive medical ground transport services unassigned fund balance. toward the next major advancement UAS, Telesis, College of Southern view of the industry’s role as a during fiscal years 2016, 2017, and “This is especially good news — to accomplish what the industry Nevada (CSN), Reno-Tahoe Air- community partner, with 80 percent 2018. The BCFD is also getting as these fulfill several strategies in is ready to do today. port Authority, the Cities of Reno of people recognizing gaming’s a $120,000 grant to install safety the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan,” said “Nevada has become a nation- and Henderson, Town of Laugh- role as a job creator, and 6 in 10 equipment in fire rescue units Al Noyola, City Manager. “Strate- wide leader in emerging technolo- lin, Apex Unmanned, Ainstein, Americans believing casinos help for safer loading and transport of gies related to achieving prudent gies, and this distinction propels our escAerospace, Viasat, University their local economies. patients. financial stewardship, investing state to new heights,” said Gover- of Nevada Reno (UNR), interna- “Gaming has made great strides The City previously did not in infrastructure and sustaining a nor Steve Sisolak. “This incredible tional partners Institute of Avia- over the past few years with the receive the full cost for emergency high level of public safety services opportunity in an exciting field will tion, Warsaw (ILOT), RelmaTech, public increasingly recognizing our transport of patients using Medic- are addressed. I greatly appreciate allow Nevada to showcase all we Aerium Analytics, Canadian UAV, industry as the community partner aid; money from the general fund the Fire Department’s dedication have to offer as a hub for pioneering AVSS-Aerial Vehicle Safety Solu- and economic driver we know it to was used to cover these costs. to accomplishing these Strategic advancements in technology.” tions Inc, and ACAMP. be,” continued Miller. “I look for- Emergency transportation (ground Plan goals.” “In January, we were excited to * * * * * ward to working with our members ambulance services) costs are now * * * * * learn that the NASA UTM Project had selected our great State of Ne- vada, which continues to be a focal point for the UAS industry,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. “Last year the City of Reno was honored to be selected to participate in the FAA’s UAS Integration Pilot Pro- gram, this year’s selection for the FAA’s UAS Traffic Management Pilot Program (UPP), and now we are getting that much closer to Unmanned Aerial Systems flying in New research reveals our urban areas.” 90 percent of casino “We are very excited to partner visitors practice with NASA on such an important responsible gaming program that will have a significant With American acceptance of innovative impact on the global gaming at an all-time high, casino UAS Industry,” said Dr. Chris gamblers are actively practicing Walach, Executive/Senior Director responsible gaming, according to of the FAA-designated Nevada new research released today by UAS Test Site, NIAS and the NIAS the American Gaming Association Page 28 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 Leadership in a word: Doubts By Doug Dickerson have a way of glaring back at us “The only limit to our realiza- from time to time. But what tends to tion of tomorrow will be our doubts be the source of our doubts? There of today.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt are perhaps numerous reasons why Word study we tend to have our doubts as it Verb pertains to our personal leadership 1. To be uncertain about; consid- and confidences we should have. er questionable or unlikely; hesitate But here are three common ones. to believe We have doubts when we 2. To distrust listen to our critics 3. Archaic. To fear; be appre- If we spend too much time enter- hensive about taining the voices of our critics we Source: Dictionary.com can unwittingly position ourselves A word about doubts for disappointment. This happens Doubts. It’s a confession that not because the critic is right but many leaders are not willing to because we allow those opposing own up to. But if you hang around voices to linger. DoUg DICkErsoN “Your attitude, not your apti- how you apply it, will make all the in leadership for any length of time Mindset author Carole S. Dweck tude, determines your altitude.” difference to you going forward. you will have your fill of doubts. I said, “Why waste time proving over noisily several times. When the You can’t expect to grow as a leader Not every doubt is your ene- know I have. train drew into the station, he rose, and over how great you are, when and reach your full potential so long my; not every praise your friend. I am reminded of a story from lifted his hat, and in a gentlemanly you could be getting better?” It’s as negative attitudes fill your mind. As a leader, you must know the Bits & Pieces some years ago about way said: when you change your mindset that Take a moment, right now, for difference. Lord Halifax, a former foreign “May I thank whichever one of you erase the doubts of your critics some intentional reflection. If your Doubt quotes secretary of Great Britain, once you two ladies I am indebted to for and most important — yourself. current attitude/mindset was set like “Your goals, minus your doubts, shared a railway compartment the charming incident in the tun- We have doubts when we a thermostat for the rest of the year, equal your reality.” — Ralph with two prim-looking spinsters. A nel.” He then beat a hasty retreat, have the wrong attitude do you think you could confidently Marston few moments before reaching his leaving the two ladies glaring at The day you own your attitude look back a year from now and be- “Face your fears and doubts, destination the train passed through each other. is the day you begin to tear down lieve in your heart that you would and new worlds open to you.” — a tunnel. In the utter darkness, That amusing little story subtly the destructive force of your doubts. be better off at that time? How do Robert Kiyosaki Halifax kissed the back of his hand reminds us that our own self-doubts Zig Ziglar was right when he said, you think your attitude impacts “I think you’re not a human those around you? What needs to being unless you have doubts and BEHIND THE MIKE change? fears.” — Mike Krzyzewski We have doubts that serve “Never interrupt someone doing a greater purpose what you said couldn’t be done.” — We have to be ever-mindful and Amelia Earhart Making Love Last For 50 Years vigilant about the messages and A final word By Michael A. Aun response to an important challenge. voices we entertain and the mindset If you have doubts as a leader With the high divorce rates in Over the years I have gained we develop. It’s an intuition skill from time to time welcome to the society today and an ever growing strength from being loved by Chris- that we develop over time. club. We all do. Never allow your number of people who do not even tine. Her love and devotion has But not every doubt serves a doubts to get in the way of your bother with the process of mar- also given me the courage to take negative purpose and not every destiny. You are stronger than riage, one has to wonder how you on challenges that were out of my critic is wrong. This is where, as you think. You are not the sum of maintain a lifetime commitment to comfort zone. She found courage leaders, we must listen with a dis- your fears. Turn your doubts into another person. in me that I had not yet discovered cerning ear. stepping stones on your way to On a good day, love is a difficult myself. As a leader, don’t mistake con- achieving your dreams and fulfill- process. Maintaining that love for a To have someone like that be- structive criticism from a friend or ing your destiny. half century… well that’s an even lieve in you can be worth more than peer as a critic out to harm you. Doug Dickerson is a syndicated bigger challenge. In my world, anything you could inherit in life. Trusted confidants who are able to columnist. He writes a weekly col- we never expected to fix all the What a true gift. speak truth into your life are essen- umn for this newspaper. To contact problems we faced with a simple Everyone occasionally suffers tial to your leadership growth. How Doug Dickerson, email him at commitment of “I do.” What that from “impulsive indulgence.” Take you receive the truth along with ddickerson@ lasvegastribune.com. promise meant to my bride and me the ridiculous amount of money my was we would face the challenges bride spends on Christmas every together. MICHAEL A. AUN year. None of it is for herself; all of When you are working on your who have been reared in the same it is for her family. fifth decade of marriage, you come love and righteousness. They have On occasion, I would hope she to understand your spouse. We do replicated that in their own lives. would choose some “righteous re- not say “I love you” just because When you see your progeny straint” but in nearly a half century we mean it, we say it because it is pass all the terrific traits of your of living together, I have learned our habit to do so. spouse along to their wives and that is a fight I will never win. We know it to be true. We know children, then you know for a fact Perhaps the thing that troubles it because it will last forever. We that the mother’s nurturing and love us most is love’s greatest enemy- know we’ll always feel that way is what is sustaining her sons. intimacy. If I have learned nothing until we die. It is fair to say that we are just more about intimacy is it is fright- When we say “I love you more,” ordinary people who do the little ening. what could that possibly mean? things every day and over the It is the one thing we all want Not more than you love me… but course of time, those little things and the only way to get it is to give rather more than those bad days that lead to extraordinary results. That, up all control. appear over fifty years of coexisting quite simply, defines a loving * * * * * with another person. marriage. Michael Aun is a syndicated When we say “I love you more,” Make no mistake, the reason it columnist and writes a weekly col- it means more than any disagree- works is because of a spouse like umn for this newspaper. To contact ment or fight that we ever had or Christine who does not tolerate Michael Aun, email him at maun@ will have. “mediocrity” or “good enough” as a lasvegastribune.com. When we say “I love you more,” it means more than any distance between ourselves. It means more Bob Beckett than any obstacle that stands in the way. It means more than any health Attorney At Law challenge. Elected 5 terms as Nye County District Attorney When we say “I love you more,” Practice areas it means that the best feeling in the world is being loved back by the Criminal defense, Personal injury, Bankruptcy person you love. and debt, Car accident, DUI and DWI When someone says “I love Licensed for 29 years you” it means that it shows up in the deeds and actions of your AVVO CONTRIBUTIONS mate. One of my great frustrations Beckett knows Nevada criminal law in life is being married to a person — especially how to get the most out of you cannot possibly out-love or the probation/monitoring system. out-give. Christine rarely thinks of herself, only others. Beckett provides very effective and Sundays from 11.30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It may only take a moment for personable service — His fees are also fair Please call 702-706-6875 her to say it, but she backs it up with for more information a lifetime of showing it to others, (702) 334-4886 most especially to our three sons OUT WITH CABLE. IN WITH SAVINGS. $ † ™ Get a 100 AT&T Visa® Reward Card when you sign up for DIRECTV SELECT Package or above. MUST MAINTAIN SVC & REDEEM W/IN 75 DAYS (CARD IN 4 WKS). Ends 8/15/18. Restrs apply. See below for o er details.

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May not be combined with other promotional oers on same services and may be modi ed or discontinued at any time without notice. O er ends 8/15/18. ©2018 AT&T Intellectual Property. All Rights Reserved. AT&T, Globe logo, DIRECTV, and all other DIRECTV marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T aliated companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. February 20-26, 2019 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 29 Social Security awareneSS Social Security Benefits: Will they be there when you retire? The uncertain future of Social Security benefits could impact your retirement plans. By Nolo.com If you’re like most Americans, Social Security is a key part of your retirement plans — around 96 percent of the workforce is currently covered by some sort of Social Security plan. But the current economic downturn has many people seeing an increasingly uncertain (if not downright bleak) future for their Social Security benefits. This article describes how the Social Security benefit process works and explains how your Social Security benefits might be impacted by funding shortages. How Does Social Security Work? When you work, you pay taxes into the Social Security system, usually in the form of deductions from your wages and other earnings. (You can see the amount with- held for Social Security by looking at your paycheck stub or accessing your direct deposit records.) Once you retire or are unable to work due to disability, you can apply for the benefits you’ve earned. The amount of your Social Security benefits will depend mainly on three things: —the number of years you worked at Social Security-quali- required number of credits, but money will be put into the Social ly unlikely to affect current retirees that drastic reform must occur to fying jobs, you don’t lose those credits either. Security system, while more gets or even those who plan to retire in prevent the inevitable bottoming —how much money you made When you return to the workforce, taken out. In fact, projections show the next ten years. The SSA has out of the Social Security system. at those jobs, and your credits will begin accumulat- the federal government paying out also stated that it has no plans to Addressing the —the age at which you retire. ing again from the point at which more money in Social Security ben- cut current benefits. Social Security Problem The longer you work — and the you left off, until you have enough efits than it will take in via payroll The Social Security In places like the United King- more money you make — the high- to qualify. taxes around the year 2020. Landscape for Current dom, governments have begun to er your Social Security benefits will You can begin gauging what Economically speaking, this 25-to-35-Year Olds prefund their Social Security plans. be. Benefits don’t kick in automati- your retirement benefits might look shortfall is not sustainable for the If you’re decades away from In the United States, prefunding cally, though. You need to apply for like by carefully reviewing your long term, and without an infusion retirement, this is where things get is being considered, and so are your benefits through an application Social Security Statement. You of money from another source, the dicey in terms of your Social Se- other solutions like infusions from process. You must also accumulate can view your statement online at Social Security benefit retirement curity benefits. This is the primary general revenue and increases to the appropriate number of credits www.ssa.gov/mystatement/. Social system will face problems within focus of the current debate taking payroll tax. (more on credits below) and reach Security sends out printed state- the next 20 or so years. Current place on Capitol Hill. It is very Social Security is seen as too im- the age of 62 before you can apply ments every five years to those not predictions indicate that the Social likely that those currently entering portant of a safety net for millions for any Social Security benefits. receiving benefits, and every year Security trust fund will run out (or relatively new to) the workforce of American workers to risk losing. Your spouse, any dependent chil- to those over 60. in 2035 if nothing is done. After will see a very different Social If small changes to the Social Se- dren, and eventually your survivors Are Social Security this point, retirees can generally Security system than the one that’s curity system are made now, they’ll will also be able to receive your Benefits in Trouble? expect about 75 cents on every in place now — absent some sort go a long way toward ensuring that Social Security retirement benefits. The short answer is “Some- dollar of their scheduled benefits. of drastic change in the numbers. drastic measures don’t become How Do Social Security what.” This is because the next Thats because once the trust fund Unless changes are made, cur- necessary in the future. Retirement Benefits Work? decade will see the largest drop is depleted, there will be no surplus rent 25-to-35-year olds face an For More Information As you pay your Social Security in worker-to-beneficiary ratios in left. From that point on, the amount over 25 percent reduction in ben- To learn more about how Social taxes over the years, you accumu- history, as baby boomers begin to thats paid out in the form of benefits efits once the Social Security trust Security benefits can affect your late credits that can be used towards retire. The problem gets compound- can only match what’s coming into fund is gone. The response to this retirement plans, visit Nolos free your Social Security benefits. The ed when you consider that people’s the Social Security system through problem varies among politicians, legal information on Social Security number of credits you need before life-spans are growing longer, the employment taxes. educators, and economists. Some and Retirement Planning. You will you can apply for your retirement birth rate is declining, and the cost If You’re About to Apply (including the Chairman of the find all the latest information and benefits depends on your date of of living is only going up. for Social Security House Budget Committee) believe instructions you need to get your birth. For example, people born When Social Security was first Retirement Benefits that though recovery will be slow, retirement and disability benefits, after 1929 currently need 40 credits established, the worker to beneficia- If retirement is right around the it will happen in time to fix the and dependents and survivors ben- to apply for their benefits. This is ry ratio was over 15 to 1; today it’s corner, you probably have nothing shortfall in the benefit system by efits, in Social Security, Medicare equivalent to ten years of work. closer to 3 to 1, with odds that it will to worry about when it comes to the time this younger generation is & Government Pensions, by Joseph You can’t receive benefits if you shrink even further over the next your Social Security benefits. The ready to retire. Others (including Matthews and Dorothy Matthews stop working before you reach the few decades. This means that less problems described above are high- various economic think tanks) warn Berman (Nolo). How much will you need to retire? Work out how much you need to save for retirement, see how much retirees normally spend and watch real people’s experiences of managing their money in retirement. By Paul Davies The state pension is currently $332.51 Money per week for a couple (if you qualify for it Many people overestimate how much before 6 April 2016). they’ll need to live on in retirement, think- Tax and pensions ing that they’ll spend the equivalent of their Even with defined contribution pensions, wages. In this page, we cover how much is you’ll usually also get help from your em- enough and what you need to save to gen- ployer by way of contributions into your erate it. workplace pension, so the burden isn’t There are two key questions to consider: entirely on you. —How much money will I need in re- The downside is that your income in retirement? tirement will be taxed. Income you receive —How much money will I need to save in from private pensions is paid with tax already advance to deliver that income level? deducted via PAYE. Although this varies between households, Pension changes some general rules will apply. While many In the wake of the pension changes, most people have some final salary pension to add people with predominantly defined contribu- into the pot, perhaps from a previous job, tion pension provision will opt for income you’ll likely need a defined contribution (DC) drawdown or an annuity, or a combination pension fund big enough to last you your both, when it comes to taking money out of whole retirement. their pension. The common perception is that you’ll need Of course, you can now take your entire between half and two thirds of the final salary pension pot in one go, but this will mean it’s you had when you were working, after tax, entirely down to you to make the money last. to maintain your lifestyle once you retire. Even if you’re getting the state pension This is because as you might have paid off and aiming for a comfortable post-tax in- the mortgage, will no longer be bringing up come of $35,500 per year, a lifetime income children and won’t face the cost of commut- via an index-linked, joint-life annuity will ing once you’ve retired. require a pot of $488,500 according to our How much do people diture and some luxuries, such as European tend to spend relatively less on food and calculations. spend in retirement? holidays, hobbies and eating out. Aiming drink, housing payments and recreation as Alternatively, you’d need $277,000 in an To help figure out how much you need for this level of income will provide a good they get older, but more on utility bills, health initial defined contribution pot, which then in retirement, we’ve spoken to thousands of platform for your retirement. and insurance premiums. goes into income drawdown at retirement. retired Which? members to see where their You’d need $51,500 a year if you include How much money will you need Producing post-tax annual income of money is being spent. luxuries such as long-haul trips and a new in your total pension pot? $51,500, including the state pension, would Households spent a shade under $2,900 a car every five years. State pension mean an initial pot of around $1,320,000 month, or around $34,320 a year, on average Travelling and holidays are a very import- There’s some good news and bad news to buy an index-linked, joint-life annuity when we carried out research at the start of ant part of retirement for our members, with in trying to achieve an acceptable level of or $726,000 invested in income drawdown 2018. people spending nearly $5,940 a year on this income in retirement. Once you reach state (with 3 percent investment growth). Retirees in our survey spent around part of their life. retirement age, currently 65 for men and 63 Annuity income will prove more expen- $2,900 a month per household Priorities change slightly as you move for women, the government will provide a sive as the amount you get is guaranteed for This covers all the basic areas of expen- through your retirement years. Our members sizable chunk of your post-retirement money. the rest of your life. Page 30 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 What You Need To Know By Dr Nina Radcliff Your Health and Your Cholesterol By Dr. Nina Radcliff, MD Conversely, a heart-healthy diet can The American College of Car- lower LDL levels. diology along with the American —Lack of physical activity and damental intervention for the pre- ter, cream, whole milk, cheese, fatty is unhealthy, and increases our risk Heart Association recently released prolonged sitting can lower your vention of elevated cholesterol cuts of beef, pork, lamb, processed for premature death, even if you important, new guidelines to help HDL levels. It also contributes to levels and the development of heart meats (sausage, salami), deep-fried do exercise routinely. Additionally, you take a more proactive — and excess weight and obesity, inde- disease. And, here’s even more rea- and processed foods. These fats physical activity burns calories and personalized — approach to man- pendent risk factors for elevated son to adopt a heart-healthy diet: it stimulate your liver to increase this can help you maintain a healthy age cardiovascular risks. If you, LDL levels. can decrease your risk for stroke, cholesterol production. weight or lose weight. Extra weight like many Americans, are a little —Smoking — whether it’s cig- hypertension, certain cancers, the —Decrease and aim to elim- is an independent risk factor for confused about all the cholesterol arette, pipe or cigar smoke—there development of Alzheimer’s de- inate trans-fats: The Food and elevated cholesterol levels. And, talk, here is a breakdown of what is no doubt this habit negatively mentia, obesity and obesity-related Drug Administration has waged dropping just 5 to 10 percent of you need to know. affects your overall well-being. illnesses such as osteoarthritis and war against trans-fats, forcing excess weight can have a significant Understanding Cholesterol Blood cholesterol is no exception. diabetes. food manufacturers to decrease or impact. — Vital to your Health Smoking decreases HDL (good) —Increase consumption of fruit eliminate their inclusion. However, Quit Smoking or Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy levels while increasing LDL (bad) and veggies: They are rich in vita- trans-fats may be still included in Don’t Ever Start substance that is manufactured by levels (as well as triglycerides). mins, nutrients, and antioxidants, processed or packaged foods like Smoking is considered the lead- your body in your liver. It is found How to Know if Your and decrease our liver’s production crackers, cookies, microwaveable ing cause of heart attacks and in every single one of your three Cholesterol Levels of cholesterol while increasing popcorn, frozen pizza, fast food, heart disease. The good news is trillion cells and is: are Elevated elimination. Additionally, they and margarine. that the minute you stop, there are —Essential to your body’s nor- Elevated LDL levels do not are low in calories and devoid of —Incorporate whole grains such immediate benefits for your heart: mal function cause symptoms and as a result, saturated fats. Make sure to have as oats and barley. Select breads, decreased heart rate and blood —Necessary for the integrity many people have no idea that their a serving or two of veggies in each pasta, and other carbohydrate-rich pressure. And, in fact, your risk of and firmness of your cell mem- bad cholesterol is high and they and every meal and top it off with foods that are made from whole a heart attack decreases within just branes and, in fact, comprises about are at risk for the development of a piece of fruit for dessert. grains instead of highly refined 24 hours. half of it atherosclerosis. And, know that this —Increase consumption of le- white flour. There is a lot you can do to de- —Vital to cell signaling (how can begin in your teens and early gumes (beans, peas, lentils): One —Foods high in cholesterol can crease your cholesterol levels and, your cells communicate with one adulthood! Sadly, too often, people study showed that eating just a half have a number of health benefits consequently, risk for heart disease. another) learn about it after having a heart cup of legumes a day can lower bad and should not just be cut out. Start by knowing what cholesterol —Utilized to make important attack or stroke, which could have cholesterol levels by 6.6 mg/dL. For example, egg yolk is rich in is, what the modifiable risk factors vitamins and hormones been prevented. And because they are a great source Vitamin B12, omega-3 fats, and are, and that a healthy lifestyle of However, too much cholesterol Cholesterol Lowering Efforts of protein, consider replacing a folate — important nutrients for diet, exercise, weight management, production — or dietary consump- are Important for Everyone serving of meat a few times a week optimal body function. However, and being smoke-free are key. Get tion of certain fats — will raise your Because plaque formation can (or daily) with legumes. for some people, cholesterol-rich your cholesterol levels checked and blood cholesterol levels. When this begin at a young age, guidelines —Choose healthy fats: Between foods can slightly elevate your talk to your doctor about your risk occurs, cholesterol can combine recommend checking cholesterol 25 to 35 percent of your daily calo- blood cholesterol levels but is not for heart disease so you can stay with other substances such as cal- levels beginning at age 20, and at ries should come from dietary fats. associated with an increased risk of heart-heatlhy! cium and fat to form fatty plaques least once every 5 years after that. If Make sure to select unsaturated and heart disease. For most, it has little * * * * * inside blood vessels, known as your bad cholesterol is elevated, it monosaturated fats found in lean impact. If you have elevated choles- This article is for general in- atherosclerosis. is important to speak to your doctor meats, fatty fish (rich in omega-3 terol levels, speak with your doctor formation only and should not be This leads to vessel thickening to formulate a plan. Depending on fatty acids such as salmon, sardines, to determine what is best for you. used for the diagnosis or treatment and narrowing with consequent your risk factors, lifestyle changes mackerel, herring), nuts, vegetable Regular Physical Activity of medical conditions and cannot impairment of blood flow. And, if will suffice with close monitoring. oils (olive, canola), avocados, and Exercising is associated with substitute for the advice from your one of these cholesterol deposits In some cases, prescription medica- nuts. One study showed that eating drops in LDL levels and concurrent medical professional. Dr. Nina has ruptures or shears, it stimulates tion may be appropriate. Remem- a handful of almonds a day lowered increases in HDL levels. Make it a used all reasonable care in com- thrombosis — the collection of ber, high cholesterol treatment is bad cholesterol by 4.4 percent. goal to engage in at least 30 min- piling the current information but platelets and immune and inflam- not “one-size-fits-all.” Doubling that to two handfuls a day utes of exercise five times a week. it may not apply to you and your matory cells — that can completely Steps To Modify lowered it by 9.4 percent. Nuts are a And, it can be spread out through- symptoms. Always consult a doctor block off blood flow. This is the Modifiable Risk Factors great topper for our salads, oatmeal, out your day! In fact, research or other health care professional leading cause of heart attacks in Maintain a Heart-Healthy Diet or other meals. shows that movement breaks are for diagnosis and treatment of America. What you eat remains the fun- —Decrease saturated fats: But- important. Sitting for long periods medical conditions. Today, about 1-in-3 Americans have high cholesterol. And, so, while your body needs cholesterol to function normally, too much of it can build-up in the arteries and may lead to serious problems like heart attack and stroke. Two Types of Cholesterol — The Good and The Bad Cholesterol is carried in your bloodstream by structures called li- AUTO INSURANCE poproteins. The type of lipoprotein determines where the cholesterol is DESIGNED FOR AARP MEMBERS delivered to in our body and, hence, its effect. Low-density lipoproteins are IF YOUR CURRENT YOU COULD SAVE: referred to as “bad” cholesterol INSURANCE IS: because it delivers cholesterol to * the inside of our vessel walls and $357 GEICO $482 promotes plaque formation. High-density lipoproteins are AVERAGE SAVINGS ALLSTATE $571 referred to as “good” cholesterol WHEN YOU SWITCH because it picks up and delivers STATE FARM $427 excess cholesterol back to our liver to be broken down and removed from our body. As a result, HDL helps prevent plaque buildup and Experienced Drivers 50+: You could save hundreds* protects against heart disease and on Auto Insurance when you switch to the AARP® Auto heart attacks. What’s Happening in your Insurance Program from The Hartford. Body — What Causes Your • Rates that reward you for your safe driving Bad Cholesterol to Elevate? With age, our cholesterol levels • Exclusive package of beneﬁ ts rise. And, interestingly, estrogen and progesterone provide a protec- • 24/7 Claim Hotline and exceptional claims service tive effect for women. But, after menopause, when these hormone CALL THE HARTFORD TO REQUEST A FREE QUOTE levels drop, a woman’s LDL levels AND SEE HOW MUCH YOU COULD SAVE: often elevate. Additionally, our genetics play a role in how much cholesterol our liver synthesizes. These are considered non-modi- 1-855-855-6448 fiable factors, meaning we cannot Not a member? If you’re 50 or over, request a FREE quote and more information today! change them. However, you have significant power over modifiable cholester- LIMITED TIME OFFER! Receive this calculator FREE when ol-elevating risk factors: you request a quote and provide your email address.** —Unhealthy eating habits: Pre- viously, Americans were told that cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs * Savings amounts are averages based on information from The Hartford’s AARP Auto Insurance Program customers who became new policyholders between 1/1/17 and 12/31/17 and provided or shrimp play a key role in elevat- data regarding their savings and prior carrier. Your savings may vary. ing blood levels. While our body ** The gift offer is only good for rst time responders who provide a valid email address. Responders will be sent an email to con rm the gift. All responders in IA, IL and RI who do not provide an email does absorb a small amount of cho- address are still eligible to receive the gift. The gift offer is not available in GA, ND, NM or PA, but residents may still request a quote. The gift is only available as a limited time offer. Please allow 4-7 weeks for delivery. lesterol from foods we eat, the ma- AARP and its af liates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. jority is manufactured by our liver. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. The AARP Automobile Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its af liates, However, consumption of saturated One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. Auto program is currently unavailable in Massachusetts, Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions. Speci c features, credits and discounts may vary and fats and trans-fats stimulate your may not be available in all states in accordance with state lings and applicable law. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not qualify. 8/18 CW liver’s production of cholesterol. February 20-26, 2019 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 31 Places To Go Walking Tour of Basel, Switzerland’s Ancient City By Sandy Zimmerman his customers, one man said, “You will Las Vegas Tribune poison us!” The owner answered, “If it is Photos by Sandy Zimmerman so bad to sell beer, I will sell wine too. If Basel is the smallest Canton in Swit- I poison people, I will change the name.” zerland, just 37 square kilometers, but Another exciting reason to visit Basel, they have so much to offer. Discover the you can visit France and Germany. Sleep world of the 13th and 14th century, the in Basel, have breakfast in Basel, lunch streets, 202 fountains and buildings just in Germany, dinner in France and back as they were in early times. to sleep in Basel, Switzerland. Basel is There are some areas where they rein the middle of three countries, in the moved houses and the city gates in order western part of Switzerland, on the border to enlarge the streets in the 19th century. of France and Germany, close, within 15 Out of the original seven city gates, only minutes bus or tram ride, you would be three are left. Many of the beautiful there. houses and shops were built without any Basel offers five star hotels as well space between them, right on each other’s as all types of accommodations. The walls. These are separate buildings with restaurants do not only serve Swiss different owners. cuisine, their menu also lists influences The baroque and other styles of archi- from France, Germany and international tecture catch your eye as you walk down cuisine. the streets. * * * * * The building’s murals dramatize their Sandy Zimmerman is an award-win- way of life, a look at the tradesmen and ning television producer for 20 years. the images of the past. She has produced travel specials around Discover the world of the 13th and the world. She visited China five times 14th century, the streets, 202 fountains and produced two travel specials, one in and buildings just as they were in early Beijing and another on the Yangtze River times. Many of the beautiful houses and Cruise. Award-winning Talk Show Host/ shops were built without any space be- Columnist Sandy Zimmerman is also a tween them, right on each other’s walls. syndicated Show and Dining Reviewer, These are separate buildings with differ- Travel/ Luxury writer, Health, as well as ent owners. There are some areas where a Photographer/ Videographer, Editor, they removed houses and the city gates Director, and Talk Show Host of Sandy in order to enlarge the streets in the 19th Zimmerman’s Las Vegas TV Show and century. Out of the original seven city Discover the Ultimate Vacation travel gates, only three are left. specials. For information, questions, The Poison Chalet Restaurant, a busy comments please contact Sandy Zimmer- place even with that name. When the man at [email protected] or owner decided to buy beer to serve to 702-515-0846. Page 32 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / February 20-26, 2019 declined by some two-thirds over off certain parts of the ocean as that with strong laws and careful the last 100 years, and the decline “marine protected areas” (MPAs) stewardship, we can also restore is accelerating, with 54 percent of it to let marine wildlife recover are them, causing wildlife numbers to occurring in the last 40 years. showing promise. A Center for surge.” No doubt these changes are Biological Diversity analysis of 31 Another way to stop or slow the happening partly as a result of over- marine wildlife populations found overexploitation of marine resourc- fishing. According to the United that habitat and other protections af- es would be to end the approximate- Nation’s Food & Agriculture Orga- forded them under the Endangered ly $20 billion in yearly subsidies nization (FAO), nearly 90 percent Species Act helped them rebound for harmful fisheries that encourage of the world’s marine fish stocks are significantly, with three-quarters destructive practices. The World either fully exploited, overexploited of endangered marine mammal Trade Organization has pledged to or depleted. and sea turtle species increasing set new targets by mid-2019 that Efforts to rein in the industry population sizes accordingly. would require member nations to in the U.S. and elsewhere have led “The Endangered Species Act reroute any such subsidies toward to more sustainable practices, but not only saved whales, sea turtles, investments in sustainable fisheries, bad actors still ply deep sea waters sea otters and manatees from ex- aquaculture and coastal community with destructive trawlers and other tinction, it dramatically increased development to reduce pressure gear which not only collect more their population numbers, putting on fish stocks. But even if such a fish than is sustainable but also in- them solidly on the road to full drastic restructuring of the fisheries sity of British Columbia researchers advertently kill many other marine recovery,” says the Center for Bi- economy takes place, environmen- EarthTalk® is pro- corroborates WWF’s findings, con- wildlife in the process. ological Diversity’s Shaye Wolf. tal leaders worry it may be too little duced by Roddy Scheer cluding that the biomass of preda- There is some hope. Early re- “Humans often destroy marine too late. and Doug Moss for tory fish in the world’s oceans has sults of efforts to essentially rope ecosystems, but our study shows * * * * * the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. To donate, visit www.earthtalk.org. Send questions to: ques- [email protected]. Dear EarthTalk: There’s a lot of talk about overfishing and pollution wreaking havoc in marine ecosystems, but has anyone actually studied if there is less wildlife in the oceans these days? — Melissa Cassidy, Raleigh, NC Environmental advocates do spend a lot of time harping about threats to our oceans, but sadly for all of us the facts bear out the concern. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), population numbers for the majority of marine wildlife species have declined by half since 1970, with many species down as much as 75 percent. Furthermore, a third of all fish stocks are overfished and one in four species of cartilaginous fish (sharks, rays and skates) are living on the brink of extinction. “Driving all these trends are human actions: from overfishing and resource depletion, to coastal development and pollution, to the greenhouse gas emissions causing ocean acidifica- tion and warming,” says WWF’s Senior VP for Oceans Brad Ack. The oceans certainly aren’t as crowded as they used to be now that we have depleted stocks of large marine predators Another recent study by Univer- through overfishing, pollution and climate change. LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE CLASSIFIEDS

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