Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Senator warns of ‘Big Labor’

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, April 19, 2001 | 8:27 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Reach her at deskin@ lasvegassun.com.

Afew weeks back I reported on a recorded telephone message I received from Sen. Bob Smith of New Hampshire urging me to send "a tax-deductible contribution to help the National Right to Work Foundation block Big Labor's all-out bid for power."

I requested further information and I received it in spades. I learned that the AFL-CIO President John Sweeney is "the most feared man in Washington and he smells blood in the water."

Four single-spaced pages detail Big Labor's abuses in elections as well as violations of employee's rights.

The National Right to Work Foundation is declaring "an all-out effort to free American workers from compulsory union abuses ..."

I am much too old and weary to become alarmed over a gigantic battle against Big Labor by the Foundation, but it might be interesting to watch.

Are senior citizens having trouble getting taxis to pick them up and drive to their destinations?

One local resident thinks so and has done some research on the subject.

He claims cab drivers won't come to senior citizens centers. Some drivers complain about poor tipping. They prefer Strip business. Seniors have been know to wait hours for cabs at doctors' offices, grocery stores and other business establishments, as well as their homes.

Although many complaints have been made to the Taxicab Authority and are being investigated, little has been done to solve the problem, he claims.

Of course it all comes down to money. Big tips get the job done. Most seniors cannot afford big tips. Simple, isn't it?

The University Board of Regents' annual list of honorees is somewhat puzzling.

They voted a Distinguished Nevadan Award to Wayne Newton, who already has received a higher honor---an honorary doctorate at UNLV.

They also voted an honorary doctorate to the late James Dickinson, who holds a doctorate the old-fashioned way -- he earned it.

A school for the deaf will open in Las Vegas in August if its sponsors can raise $400,000.

Part of that effort will be a five-hour outdoor music festival May 12. Tie a string around your finger and remember that date.

It's discrimination for sure.

Wells Fargo recently sent me a notice that, as a good customer, I was entitled to free $1,000 accidental death insurance. I ignored it. Then came another. I decided to fill out the application. What could I lose?

A week or so later I received a letter saying I was too old to qualify for free insurance. OK, I wasn't all that enthused about it anyway.

Within the past week I received my certificate of enrollment and another form if I wanted additional coverage.

The Wells Fargo Accidental Death Insurance Plan administrators need to get their act together. If I am too old, just take me off the mailing list. Don't keep reminding me.

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