In a recent blog post, Steve Friess wondered why national black groups critical of comedian Michael Richards’ and radio host Don Imus’ racist comments didn’t castigate local bad-boy magician Amazing Johnathan for using the N-word five times during Friess’ podcast. Friess blamed the inaction, in part, on how the “liberal elite view Las Vegas.” But the real culprit is apathy. Fact is, there are plenty of things locals should be mad about but aren’t.
• Pay raises: UMC loses $34 million and county commissioners approve a salary hike from $68,390 to $80,000? Only two of the seven commissioners, Susan Brager and Larry Weekly, declined the extra loot.
• Gestapo HOAs: You’re gonna fine me because my satellite dish is one foot above regulation, but I can have it if I get approval from neighbors on all four sides of me, two of whom can’t even see the damn dish?
• Public safety: Two years ago, local officials bemoaned the lack of rail security. So what happens last month? A runaway tanker carrying deadly chlorine gas bolts through town. No one was injured. The squeaky wheel apparently gets ignored.
• Coroner’s Inquest: It’s not like average citizens—quick, name our coroner!—can take credit for strengthening the system for investigating deadly-force incidents among police. Many thanks, ACLU and NAACP.