Columnist Ruthe Deskin: McDonald mirrors style of Baring

Although Las Vegas City Councilman Michael McDonald is too young to remember, he has a counterpart in Nevada's former congressman Walter Baring. I don't know about their political philosophies, but their way of doing business is similar.

Baring was not the fair-haired boy of the wheelers and dealers, but the voters loved him, sending him to the House of Representatives for 10 terms. His secret was to give direct service to his constituents. If a baby was born, the family received congratulations and a book on infant care from Baring. Weddings, funerals, special events -- all had the congressman's personal attention. Letters to his office were answered and phone calls accepted.

McDonald has a similar approach. He serves his constituency by being available and approachable. He hosts town meetings to allow residents to express opinions -- and he listens. Is it any wonder he won a resounding victory in the primary, assuring him of another term on the City Council?

Last week was National Nurses Week, honoring those men and women who devote their lives to the care and healing of the sick. At the same time that we pay homage to these individuals the media is reporting a shortage of nurses and a lack of interest on the part of young people to pursue a career in that field.

Anyone who has ever been hospitalized knows how vital the compassion and care of the nursing staff is to the welfare of the patient. Maybe we expect too much from nurses, who must assimilate some psychology, hands-on-caretaking, gentleness and medical knowledge into a hectic schedule that is often overwhelming.

What can be done to lure young people into a nursing career? From my observation, I would say better pay, less work and most of all, the respect of all members of the medical profession and the public. If we want TLC, we have to be good to the RNs and their helpers.

Kudos to the county for continuing its battle against the smut peddlers on the Strip. Eventually, public opinion might win on this issue, even with the American Civil Liberties Union battling in defense of the pornographers.

"Tragic mistake" is the term NATO is using for the unintentional bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Three Chinese were killed and another critically wounded. Non-NATO countries condemn the attack, and Chinese students broke into and set fire to the U.S. Consulate in retaliation. More "tragic mistakes" could incite non-NATO nations to take action and the United States would be the fall guy. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Old Rebel basketball fans, of which I am one, should be pleased with the story in a recent Sports Illustrated about the contribution Greg Anthony and Stacey Augmon are making to the success of the Portland Trailblazers. Which brings me to the question of when they plan to retire Anthony's jersey number at UNLV. Who can ever forget his courage when he played on the championship team with a broken jaw?

Comic K.L. Jones says if you are worried about the justice system, just remember that jurors are paid less than the minimum wage.

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