Saturday, April 18, 1998 | 2:25 a.m.
Dear Mr. Manuel of Columbus, Ohio:
Regarding your April 12 letter, you were absolutely correct when you decided not to move to Las Vegas. After all, those of us who live here, in your estimation, are either criminals or deadbeats. We work at dead-end jobs all day, sit at gambling tables all night and wander aimlessly about in between.
Certainly, it sounds like a terrible place to live. I'm sure Columbus has no problems with criminals, deadbeats or loiterers. So when you decided not to move here, it was a good decision -- for us.
Yes, there are people who live here who would rather live somewhere else. However, many of these people would find fault in the Garden of Eden ("I have to be naked?") As far as history goes, what makes the history of Columbus more significant than pioneers grinding out a living in the harsh conditions provided by the desert?
And I'm so very glad that, in your short visit to our city, you were able to survey all of the middle-class housing and found it lacking. I'm sure the hundreds of thousands of people who have purchased nice homes here would appreciate your expertise. By the way, what did you say your expertise was in?
For your information, I live in a nice middle-class home and enjoy the lifestyle. I go to casinos only when forced to by visiting relatives from Columbus, Ohio. (Oh yes, I have relatives in Columbus.)
I have been to Columbus, and I know we have all of the amenities your fine city affords, plus wonderful weather (you don't have that). By the way, those people you refer to who wander aimlessly about, we have a word for them: They're called "tourists."
So, finally, those who advised you to stay in Columbus for your own good were doing all of us a favor.
Lori Wheeler
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