Editorial: Beers’ about-face on e-mail remarks

Friday, Feb. 7, 2003 | 9:45 a.m.

We add our voice to those of Gov. Kenny Guinn and state legislators who have criticized Assemblyman Bob Beers for writing that most gaming industry workers don't value education and that they pass this legacy down to their children. Once the offensive e-mail to a Las Vegas resident was made public, Beers quickly apologized. If Beers wasn't so prominent, this wouldn't have become an issue. But the Las Vegas Republican, who also wrote in the e-mail that he believes the state should focus its spending on those children who value education and cut those programs that offer services to adults, is in a powerful position to affect public policy.

It is remarkable that someone as intelligent as Beers would pen such nonsense, falsely portraying gaming industry workers as not caring about the quality of education their children receive. Most of the workers, just like everyone else in Nevada, will do everything possible so that their children can have the educational opportunities they may not have had. If there is any good that can come out of this controversy, we hope it is that legislators in the future will focus on the merits of an issue to make their case -- and won't resort to stereotypes or ad hominem attacks.