Where I Stand — Brian Greenspun: Future in good hands

Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2001 | 8:45 a.m.

Brian Greenspun is editor of the Las Vegas Sun.

GIVING THANKS.

What? It's not Thanksgiving anymore so why the sentiment? And so close to last week's holiday, couldn't it wait? I don't think so.

We are told that the horrific events of Sept. 11 have forever changed our lives, not only in the United States, which bore the brunt of the terrorists' madness, but across the planet where people will have to adjust to a brave new world in the face of a fear none but a few have ever felt. So, why not learn to appreciate more of that which we have? Why not count our blessings on more than a calendar-inspired occasion? Doing so may give us pause the next time we take too much for granted which, by the way, is a particularly American trait.

So, while I am suitably inspired, let's spend just a moment on the 46th annual Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum that was held last Wednesday. When my father, Hank Greenspun, and Ruthe Deskin started the Youth Forum almost half a century ago, it was with the express purpose of giving Las Vegas' teenage population the opportunity to meet together to exchange ideas, however unpopular or misguided, without the omnipresent adult influence that marks the growing-up years and keeps many from sharing their thoughts. It is safe to say that after witnessing a room full of Youth Forum participants for the better part of the day, I can assure Las Vegans that tomorrow's leaders are well on their way to a most productive future.

For if the way many of Clark County's best, brightest and most accomplished students handled themselves is any indication, the world should be a far safer and saner place than the one we have currently provided for them. Not that their ideas are any more sound than, say, ours were a generation ago, but the way they express themselves and the respect they have for others with whom they disagree has shown a marked improvement from just a few years ago.

And, even though there were a multitude of topics being discussed by the 900 high school students from every school in the county, there was an overlay that couldn't be ignored, courtesy of the events of Sept. 11. Even in those groups where terrorism or national or international subjects were not supposed to be part of the discussion, the students' focus was exactly where that of their parents has been for the past two months. And, I suspect, much of the respect I noticed -- which was markedly different and more evident this year -- was a direct result of the attacks that have brought Americans of all stripes together. If there is any silver in the terrible cloud that still smolders overhead at ground zero, it is that we have been awakened to the strength of our diversity rather than cowered out of fear of our differences.

In the days ahead, Las Vegans will be treated to the opinions of our young people. Finalists from the Youth Forum will write in this space during the Christmas holidays, they will appear on television and they will write in Class Magazine, which is written by and for our high school students. In short, any parent or public servant interested will have the opportunity to learn what is on the next generation's minds. Be thankful we can learn in our living rooms and not from the streets like many in other countries.

I am not certain whom to thank for the following, but I believe there is plenty to go around.

I speak, of course, about the interminable drive from Southern California to Las Vegas and back that our tourists must endure if they want to visit our city. Surely, someone or a group of someones -- we'll call them politicians and very bad business people -- have been messing around with the interstate highway system long enough to create three times as many travel lanes on what has to be one of the busiest stretches of federal highway in the country. Let's not even mention a high speed train that should be whisking people back and forth at speeds well in excess of 100 miles per hour. But, alas and alack, no such thing has happened.

The result of years of bickering, fingerpointing and a general unwillingness to prioritize the inevitable has created a parking lot on weekends and holidays to the extent that if I were even thinking about Vegas for the weekend I would think again. Actually, I would think about flying rather than endure the 8-hour drive time to Los Angeles. But, ever since the terrorist attacks, people have seemed more willing to spend an entire day in the car rather than three hours in the airport. That's one heck of a choice we've given our guests, isn't it?

I know, I know, complaining about the state of the transportation in and out of Las Vegas is old hat by now, and it is obvious that not much will be done until much is done, if you get my drift. But, it must be apparent to all that until people feel safe again using air travel, the car will be the manner and method of choice, especially for those tourists who live within 300 miles. So, I suppose we should be thankful that at speeds as low as 10 mph in the bumper-to-bumper through lanes between here and L.A., at least the injury rate from accidents will go down. Somehow, though, I don't think the people who have a choice of an Indian casino nearby will continue to opt for the all-day auto experience to Las Vegas.

And, as long as we are on the subject, how many people think it will even be necessary to widen those roads if President George W. Bush starts sending the high-level nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain? Who in their right minds is going to drive their family alongside a 300-foot-long convoy carrying the deadliest poison known to man, all the way to Las Vegas? You see what I mean. We have a lot to be thankful for ... look how much money we'll save on road building when no one comes to Las Vegas!

And, finally, we must give thanks to the people of Las Vegas who, in spite of the recent layoffs, the clogged highways, the bad tempers and an uncertain and shaky future, still get up every day and go to work believing that tomorrow will be a better day. For that's what has been driving this city for the past 50 years and that is the same spirit that makes us the envy of the rest of America. And, while we are at it, look around at family and friends and let's be a bit sappy. Be thankful.

I try to take nothing for granted, even my right to complain from time to time. What about you?