Letters to the editor of the Pahrump Valley Times

Congress should renew diabetes program

As Congress considers legislation to reform health care, one program I hope all of our elected leaders will work to renew is the Special Diabetes Program.

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 13 ? and I am intimately aware of the complications associated with the disease and the impact it has had on my life.

The past 10 years have included many challenges, but also many advancements. Progress that would not be possible without the valuable research and new technologies developed through the Special Diabetes Program.

Progress that has provided me and 30 million other Americans with a quality of life that would otherwise not exist.

The Special Diabetes Program has fostered a unique collaboration between the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the broader research community to accelerate studying the onset of Type 1 Diabetes and managing this illness.

This effort has aided in the development of insulin and insulin administration devices, glucose monitors, and artificial pancreas technologies ? truly life-changing technologies.

There are also ongoing clinical trials funded by the Special Diabetes Program to better understand and identify health and environmental factors that may contribute to the onset of Type 1 Diabetes in the hopes of ultimately preventing people from developing this illness in the future.

It's difficult to articulate how important I feel this vital program is to our future.

In order to continue making breakthroughs into treating and ultimately curing diabetes, I urge Congress to renew the Special Diabetes Program.

Thank you,

Andrew Turcaz

A tool to help pass Nevada driver's test

When my granddaughter was going for her driving permit test I took it upon myself to do some research and make sure she not only had the tools she'd need to pass the test (and save me the headache of driving back and forth to the DMV), but make sure she had the knowledge she'd need to be a safe driver.

In doing so, I came across wwww.DrivingOffice.com - a site that has practice tests for each state, which she used to quiz herself and prepare for the actual exam. The site was a perfect complement to her driver's education course. I was inspired to share it with you when I saw your page.

She used a few other driving permit tests, but found this one to be the most useful to her purposes and attributes it to her success in passing the first time (she spent hours studying the practice road signs tests). I pray she retains the knowledge and stays safe!

I figured I'd share this site as a useful resource so others looking to test their knowledge for the permit test, and thought if you found it useful as well, you might consider sharing it as a resource for others to try.

Jesse Madison

Roundabouts are not easy for some people

Roundabouts cheaper?

There are elements of fact to some of Tom Waters'Sept. 8 letter, but the cost comparison is doubtful.

I also find there usually are not problems for those familiar with a roundabout area, but can be confusing, especially to older drivers who aren't. I also have noticed many drivers come to a complete stop before entering, while no traffic is visible, while some 'gun it' to beat the vehicle coming.

The double roundabout at Pahrump Valley Boulevard was almost christened with its first accident about a week ago while I entered it going west on Highway 372 from the right lane, a high four-wheel drive vehicle entered from the left lane. The young man driving decided to change to the right lane, and within a few feet back to the left lane and again before the 372 exit back to the right lane. It didn't seem that he was intoxicated but I don't think he was aware of anything about roundabouts.

Copying all things from Europe is not always a good thing. By the way "there's Big Ben, there's Big Ben again."

David Jaronik

No racism here ? jerks come in all colors

Being called names is hurtful. Being called a racist is hurtful and harmful. Racism goes against everything I stand for, teach against, and believe. My children and grandchildren have been taught to never judge a person by their skin color, only by one's character ? that jerks come in all colors.

Recently my family was called racist by a disgruntled family member. The following are examples of my "racist" family. Those mentioned are all black.

My best friends Ann and Wade were living in Los Angeles. Ann was fearful of even walking to the market in daylight. I was able to find them a rental in our neighborhood.

Ann and I did everything together. Our families melded together with them and their little boys. An elderly couple were grandma and grandpa Jones to my children.

My husband and I, and one other couple were the only white invitees to the Duncan's 50th anniversary party. My son's buddies, Mark and Andre were often in our home and sleepovers. They were groomsmen at his wedding.

Recently, my daughter went to a wedding where she was the only white person in the chapel and at the reception. The groom's father walked her to her car as he feared for her safety in their area.

An older single gentleman, Mr. Harris, was often in our home where he witnessed that we had Hispanics, Filipinos, blacks, etc., always for parties and dinners. He once mentioned to me, "Why is it that you are always open to all peoples in your home but when I go to black homes, only blacks are there?" I replied, "Well, we've been in their homes, but as to that question you will have to ask them."

There are many more examples but as for time I only mentioned the above.

So, being judged a racist because we are white is hurtful and so wrong.

Patricia Williams