Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Will 2000 bring kinder society?

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999 | 9:54 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Her column appears Thursdays. Reach her at deskin@vegas.com.

A new day is coming.

If we believe the prognosticators, 2000 will be the start of a new philosophy of living. There will be a spiritual revival of huge proportions and family relationships will become more meaningful. The "What's in it for me?" attitude could change to "What can I do for you?" It's hopeful thinking, but it's the best way to avoid the erosion of moral values and the anti-authority emotions that have split our nation and pitted citizens of different backgrounds against each other, endangering the democratic way of life.

Pundits base their prophecies on the revelation that huge, boisterous New Year's Eve celebrations are being toned down for lack of interest. Planned galas are being canceled as ticket sales fail to reach expectations. One would hope this is an indication that we will become a more responsible and caring citizenry. Then again, it might be that the outlandish prices for celebrations are turning people toward home.

Whatever the cause, a kinder, gentler society would be most welcome.

The rocketing show prices on the Strip cause old timers to think back on the good old days when top stars appeared in showrooms and we could enjoy their talents for the price of dinner. There were no advance tickets sold. Visitors could enjoy great lounge acts while sipping on moderately priced drinks. In those times the idea was to fill the casinos by offering exceptional bargains in entertainment, rooms and food. The gaming take paid the bills and took up the slack. Nothing was too good for guests. Those were the days, my friend.

This letter appeared in a recent issue of Paws Pause, the newsletter of the NSPCA:

"My name is Rose Maria. Please deposit the enclosed $365 for the animals at NSPCA. I love animals and my husband loves them more. Therefore, for my birthday, I asked my guests to give a donation for the animals at my party instead of presents for me."

What a novel idea to raise money for a favorite charity.

Engineer and longtime resident, Bob McNutt, believes the answer to the problem of nuclear waste storage is in reprocessing.

Those gadgets exploring Mars are scientific playthings that have become a belt to the pocketbooks of taxpayers each time one fails in its mission and gets lost in the universe.

Why not take McNutt's suggestion and spread some of that money, researching the benefits of reprocessing nuclear waste?

Not too long ago, City Councilman Mike McDonald held a neighborhood meeting to introduce Michael Mack, who was seeking permission to open a pawn shop at the corner of Meadows and Decatur. It was a noisy and cantankerous meeting and McDonald promised he would vote against the pawn shop. The rest is history and now Michael Mack is on the City Council. That's certainly a development with a lot of possibilities.

The state of Nevada should be proud of Abby Miller. The Green Valley High School senior has been chosen as the female winner of Wendy's High School Heisman Award.

Miller has parlayed her exceptional track and swimming talents, her leadership in school activities, academic achievements and thousands of hours of volunteer work in the community into a national award winner. Miller is a perfect role model for her peers.

There is something special about the holiday season that causes people to open their hearts and pocketbooks to help the less fortunate. Charities, counting on this feeling of goodwill, turn on the heat in appealing for funds. Potential donors are being warned against phony organizations soliciting financial aid.

The best advice is to give only to organizations with which you are familiar. Watch out for similar names and check with the Better Business Bureau if you are in doubt.

In other words, giver beware.

When the hype for a new state university in Henderson, a cultural arts center in Las Vegas and an arena for downtown keeps the politicians excited, some of us sit back and wonder: How much is it going to cost?

Gremlins were once known to get into the printing process and cause errors. Today it's a virus in the computer. At least that is what I blame for the recent misspelling of John Moran and Archie Grant in this column. The virus made me do it.

A bit of trivia: Today is the anniversary date of the Boston Tea Party -- Dec. 16, 1773.