Columnsit Ruthe Deskin: Agreeing on a question of trust

Thursday, Feb. 25, 1999 | 11:23 a.m.

How about this for a blow to the old ego:

I received an e-mail from Craig Kemnitz that started, "Admittedly, I usually don't read your column ..."

I was almost afraid to continue, but the initial shock was eased as Kemnitz continued: "However, the headline caught my eye and I enjoyed it very much. I think you hit the nail on the head when you questioned how we can trust Bill Clinton with Social Security or the lives of our young men. We know we can't trust him with the virtue of our daughters. I for one have three boys who are of military service age. Your solution, however, has a big hole in it. He cheats at golf, too."

And now we have another woman coming out of the woodwork to accuse the president of unwanted sexual relations. Juanita Broaddreck's alleged encounter took place many years ago, making one question why she waited so long to come forward. She claims she wanted to put the whole distasteful experience behind her and move on with her life.

Who will be next? Apparently the line forms to the right.

Several months back, irate residents in the area of the old bank building on the corner of Decatur and Meadows met to protest the use of the bank by an upscale pawnshop. The citizens won and the pawnshop lost.

Quietly, and with little fanfare or public discussion, the building has been transformed into a tattoo parlor and the same residents who objected to the pawnshop are scratching their heads, trying to comprehend how the tattoo parlor was approved without public notice.

No puzzle. These things happen all the time.

The idea of having the Legislature approve key appointees of the governor is downright stupid. It would be ridiculous to tie the governor's hands in making key appointments.

Sun Executive Editor Mike O'Callaghan wrote a masterful commentary opposing the proposal, and if anyone should know how disruptive it would be, former Gov. O'Callaghan would be the one.

The Rev. Jerry Falwell has brought more attention to the TV show "Teletubbies" than it ever had by claiming that one of the characters is gay.

Tinky Winky is the offender, according to Falwell, because "he is purple -- the gay pride color, and his antenna is shaped like a triangle -- the gay pride symbol." He also carries a purse.

Actually, Tinky Winky looks a little like the Rev. Falwell.

Such nonsense.

Just when we were deciding that the mayor's race in Las Vegas would be the hot political potato, Democratic Sen. Richard Bryan announces his forthcoming retirement. That leaves the race for Senate a wide-open slugfest between prominent Republicans and Democrats. Who knows, a Jesse Ventura might even sneak in and change the face of politics in Nevada forever!

Bryan has set a high standard for honesty, integrity and intelligence in his years of service in public office. He will be a hard act to follow.

And filling Bonnie Bryan's shoes will not be an easy task. Her graciousness and charm have made her a favorite with all Nevadans.