Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Democrat gets a Republican honor

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Jan. 27, 2000 | 9:59 a.m.

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

It's like being anointed.

The Republican National Committee has selected me as an outstanding example of strong leaders who "proudly stand firm in support of the Republican Agenda, never wavering from your principles."

That's what a recent letter from Jim Nicholson, chairman of the RNC, told me. Further, he writes that "it is my distinct privilege to present you with your 2000 Republican Party Inaugural Platinum Card on behalf of every Republican leader nationwide. I hope you will be (as) proud to carry it as I am to have the honor of presenting it to you."

Well, now, just how does a lifelong Democrat turn down an honor like that?

I do admit to being a Republican for a short time in the early '60s. It was not a case of philosophical binding, but necessity. A very good friend was running for a high office on the Republican ticket in the primary. I registered Republican so I could vote for him. As soon as it was legally possible I returned to the Democratic ranks, where I remain to this day, with some occasional trepidation.

Do you suppose Jim Nicholson has caught wind of the fact that I find myself thinking more like a Republican these days?

It is difficult to say no to this recognition when Nicholson praises my "extraordinary patriotism" and my record of "never wavering from my principles." But, he is stretching it a bit when he refers to my standing firmly for the Republican agenda. I like to believe I never waver in my principles, but I really don't expect a reward.

Like everything else, this "great honor" does not come without a hitch. When I return the confirmation, Nicholson suggests that I "include a gift of at least $25."

I admit that is a small price to pay for the privilege of joining the elite of the Republican party, but I have to say "thanks, but no thanks."

For the record, I have never voted a straight party ticket in my life and have no intention of ever doing so.

Nowhere in the country can you find weekend entertainment like that in Las Vegas. And I am not referring to the great shows in the resort hotels. Any Saturday or Sunday you will find thousands of locals trekking through construction sites to view model homes. Builders vie for your attention with free drinks, lunch, balloons and music. Of course the purpose behind the lure is to sell a new home.

The challenge for the sales person is to be able to tell real prospects from lookers, many of whom are searching for decorating ideas for their current homes. Our balmy weather makes model home visiting a great pastime -- and it's all free.

Attorney Charley Thompson is recovering from a mugging that took place in his own front yard.

Thompson went outside to call his cat and noticed a man loitering on the sidewalk. A short dialogue took place and Thompson suddenly found himself pinned to the ground with the assailant demanding his wallet. It all happened so suddenly that there was no possibility of identification.

The cat, apparently, escaped without harm.

Remember those days when we were being warned about water shortages in the valley and golf courses, along with decorative ponds, and fountains were pegged as heavy water users?

Remember when public officials deplored the proliferation of casinos in neighborhood areas?

What a joke. Today golf courses are being built all over the valley and a new casino has been approved for the Spring Valley neighborhood area -- all of which supports the theory that a good politician is a chameleon.

"Is that your final answer?" is the latest catch phrase making its way into our daily conversation and it comes from the hit show, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."

Imagine a judge asking a murderer: "How do you plead?"

"Not guilty, Your Honor."

"Is that your final answer?"

"That's my final answer."

End of story.

I usually see eye to eye with Sen. Richard Bryan, but saving the Black Rock Desert area in Northern Nevada seems to be a lesson in futility. About the only claim to fame for this arid bit of land is the annual Burning Man event, which has brought media attention that some consider undesirable.

To commemorate the trail of the early pioneers who crossed this stretch of desert in covered wagons is commendable; but to set aside thousands of acres of barren land for unlikely sightseers and vacationers is ludicrous.

Perhaps Sen. Bryan can explain his latest venture to me and change my mind. If County Commissioner Lance Malone can switch -- so can I.

Don't worry if they say you are over the hill.

You can coast the rest of the way.