Shameful reporting in tragic story of hoarder

To the editor:

Jane Ann Morrison's recent columns about the Sun City Summerlin hoarder were appalling, irresponsible and unethical.

This gentleman likely suffers from a severe mental illness. Most hoarders also suffer from depression. It has been shown in numerous medical studies that elderly depressed males living alone have a higher suicide rate than any other group. Additionally, this man clearly values his privacy and almost certainly is deeply embarrassed to be featured in a front-page article containing his name, pictures, personal information and a printed map to his home. Undoubtedly, gawkers have been driving by his home taking pictures at all hours since Ms. Morrison irresponsibly printed her "news." This may further worsen any co-existing depression that could potentially lead to a fatal outcome.

I realize that there are several TV shows about hoarding, but these shows are produced with the consent of the victim and family. They also provide extensive free psychiatric counseling before and after production. The city apparently sent case workers, but they are not equipped to provide the ongoing psychological treatment and medication this man might require.

In a city of more than 2 million people, this story is not news. It is simply another example of the media and the American people taking pleasure in other people's misfortune. I understand that the neighbors feel victimized, and that the respective HOAs and the city failed in their responsibility for code enforcement. That aspect of the situation is a valid news story, but that story could be reported just as effectively without revealing this gentleman's identifying information, the tragic loss of his mother, and without describing him as "disheveled" with his "pubic hair showing."

Shameful.

Christopher Gerst

Las Vegas

Get informed

To the editor:

I read with interest the comment made by Daisy Garcia in Sunday's newspaper ("Sign-ups of voters just got harder"). She said she would not vote for Mitt Romney, even though he said he loves Big Bird, because he does not want to subsidize public broadcasting.

Ignorance of the facts is what threatens this election and the future of our country.

Does Ms. Garcia know that Joan Kroc, the widow of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc, donated more than $200 million to NPR? That money has been left in investment vehicles to generate returns while the federal government continues to fund NPR to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars that could be used more efficiently. Does she know that NPR does not advertise, which could add to their operational funding? Does she know that NPR has fundraising twice a year on top of all the money they have and receive?

Ms. Garcia needs to be informed of the facts before reacting. A simple Google search will help her and others make an informed decision.

Mercedes H. Barris

Henderson

The real Romney

To the editor:

Pundit Peggy Noonan says we saw the real Mitt Romney at last week's presidential debate. I agree. He was happy, almost giddy, to tell moderator Jim Lehrer that he would defund every penny (and there are so few) of federal tax money to PBS, saying he really likes Big Bird and Mr. Leherer, but they "gotta go." He is Bain Capital personified.

No wonder he says people who don't produce - that 47 percent he trashed yesterday but embraces today - don't take responsibility for their lives. For him there is only one measure of worth: a bottom line. So, if Mitt Romney is elected, say goodbye to "American Experience," "Masterpiece Theater," the national celebration for all Americans to share on July 4, all the Ken Burns documentaries, all the children's programs, all quality TV. What a bleak, empty and soulless nation he seeks to create.

Judith Halprin

Henderson

Investing in Las Vegas

To the editor:

Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi and the Thomas family should be applauded for their efforts to improve the recreational opportunities for thousands of Southern Nevadans and visiting tourists. Their investment in the soon-to-open Wet 'n Wild water park will create jobs, benefits and wages for numerous people in the Las Vegas area for years to come (Oct. 4 Review-Journal). Instead of investing their money overseas, they have made a choice to give back to the community that they live in and work in.

They are true American entrepreneurs, much like Tony Hsieh of Zappos, who also made a huge commitment to our community. One by one, these organizations will improve Las Vegas and America. They deserve the community's support and gratitude.

James Reilly

North Las Vegas

Tortoise talk

To the editor:

In response to your Sept. 28 editorial, "Desert tortoise 'preservation' a waste of money."

I am a 40-year resident of Searchlight with more than 25 years of service at the volunteer fire station. In the past 15 years we have worked with the Bureau of Land Management on bunch grass fires and burns that I believe caused more harm to the tortoise population than any cow has ever caused.

When this area was closed to grazing due to tortoise preservation, all water sources, windmills and natural springs were no longer maintained. This was unbelievable.

Through the more than 40 years I've lived here, traveling to Las Vegas at least once a week, I have only seen one tortoise along U.S. Highway 95. It was moving away from the road, out of harm's way.

I really thank you for this editorial. It is the truth.

RILEY G. DOING

SEARCHLIGHT