I found this rare gem of a letter in today’s R-J:

Lawmakers always want more money

To the editor:

I consider myself to be very liberal. Some might even say that I am a bit socialist. But Assemblyman Ruben Kihuen’s proposal to have the state seize funds from unused, expired gift cards is communism — or more likely outright theft (Dec. 25 Review-Journal).

Whatever the assemblyman wants to use the unused gift card money for, it’s wrong. Even if it’s for cancer research or feeding the hungry, I don’t see how Nevada government can take this money from businesses or the public.

If I buy a sweater and I don’t use it, the government shouldn’t be able to come in and take it from me and give it to someone less fortunate. It’s not the best thing, me having a perfectly good sweater just sitting in my closet, but it’s my choice.

How are gift cards different? I thought governments were going after retailers for having expiration dates on gift cards and service fees. If so, then let’s go after retailers who are making a killing on unused gift cards. But don’t make the situation worse by commandeering private property, especially when Nevada has a budget surplus.

This is the worst thing I’ve heard in a long time. Why doesn’t the Legislature do a better job of managing what they have and weed out crooks in their own midst instead of trying to take more from the public?

Tahirih Kempf

HENDERSON

Run for your life, Tahirih! Kihuen and the Confiscation Cops of Nevada’s state assembly (aka the Democrats) might come after you. To them, everything belongs to the state!