Columnist Ruthe Deskin: How can we trust these negative ads?

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Oct. 22, 1998 | 10:12 a.m.

Half truths and innuendos have been the hallmark of much of the political advertising on television, leaving voters confused and angry, and candidates busy denying allegations of incompetence, dishonesty and unethical conduct.

Election campaigns seem to bring out the worst, and I don't know what the answer is. Year after year we deplore "dirty" campaign tactics, yet character assassination and misleading statements continue to take precedence over discussion of issues.

I guess it comes with the territory, but my advice to voters is: Ignore the negative and go with the positive.

And, speaking of positive, the Sun editorial board members were unanimous in their praise of the caliber of candidates who seek public office this year. Almost every segment of society was represented -- retired seniors, eager baby boomers, students, business men and women, educators, firemen and police.

Making choices was as difficult for the editorial board as it must be for the voters. In several key races the editorial board could not reach a consensus, even after spirited debate.

At this point, all we can say is "may the best man -- or woman -- win." And, thanks to the losers for having the courage to give us a choice.

Jeremy Strohmeyer's sorry rendition of events that caused him to molest and murder an innocent child included almost everything -- drugs, delinquent birth parents, genetic history, David Cash, a former girlfriend, psychiatrists, counselors and the operators of the casino where the crime occurred.

He might have added, "Excuse me, but the devil made me do it."

Ginny Bohannon makes us all proud.

She was one of 19 teachers named on USA Today's All-USA Teacher Team. Bohannon was chosen for her expertise as a learning specialist at Orr Middle School in Las Vegas. As one of her colleagues told USA Today: "If education's ultimate goal is to touch lives and make a difference, the example set by Ginny Bohannon is beyond reproach."

Two other Southern Nevada teachers were honored by USA Today. Suzann Marrazzo of Horizon South High School made the second team, and honorable mention went to Jacob Lee of Herron Elementary in North Las Vegas.

Just wondering:

-- If Sheldon Adelson's chosen county commission candidates win, will they have to abstain from voting on any of his projects because of friendship and campaign contributions?

-- Too bad more people weren't at the Charleston Heights Arts Center to listen to superb pianist Filippo Gama. His program included Beethoven, Bartok and Brahms and was received with standing ovations from the small but enthusiastic crowd.

-- Latest thing in pain relief? Magnets. A friend outfitted me with some and now I am not sure if the pain relief is from magnets or the pills my doctor prescribed.

Leave it to Paul Endy to add a little spice to the evening.

Paul has donated a beautiful restored bug -- 1975 bright red Volkswagon---to be raffled at the annual WestCare dinner Sunday evening at the Flamingo-Hilton.

If you don't have tickets for the dinner, call WestCare at 385-2090.