May 24, 2006

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley - Representing Nevada's 1st Congressional District

LIVE today

Dear Tony,

I invite you to join me today for a live on-line chat from 12:00 � 1:00 p.m. (Pacific).

To take part, log-on to my website, http://berkley.house.gov, where you will find information on submitting questions and a link for the live chat which will begin today at noon.

The Internet is a great way to keep in touch with Southern Nevadans when Congress is in session. I always enjoy the interesting questions I receive from home and hope you will find today�s on-line chat to be a fun and easy way to share your thoughts.

Even if you cannot join me for today�s live chat, I hope you will still submit a question in advance, which I will gladly answer during this afternoon�s session.

Looking forward to chatting with you!

(Signiture)
Shelley Berkley
Member of Congress

We appreciated the input that extended from Miss Yi Li to WBTI.

Date: Tue, 9 May 2006 07:22:54 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Yi Li" [yili1996@yahoo.com]
Subject: Fwd: Fwd: ������n���V����
To: tojulei@yahoo.com

Note: forwarded message attached.

**********************

Date: Tue, 9 May 2006 07:22:17 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Yi Li" [yili1996@yahoo.com]
Subject: Fwd: Fw: �x�W����
To: tojulei@yahoo.com

Note: forwarded message attached.

******************************

Date: Tue, 9 May 2006 14:33:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Yi Li" [yili1996@yahoo.com]
Subject: Re: Fwd: Fw: �x�W����
To: "Tony Lei" [tojulei@yahoo.com]

Dear Dr. & Mrs. Lei,

Those two forwards are about Taiwan artistic pottery plates and Chinese folk nationalities, I thought you may like it and post on your website under Art and Culture section.

Happy Mother's Day, Mrs. Lei!

Sincerely,

Yi Li

Bob Calls For Repeal Of State Gas Tax

In the News
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Bob Outlines
The Issues In Fallon

If you're wondering where Bob Beers stands on more issues, read the recap of his stump speech in Fallon where he tackled education, immigration, and the common sense of TASC.
Lahontan Valley News

Nevada Business Journal Weighs In On TASC
Lyle Brennan, publisher of the Nevada Business Journal, outlines why TASC makes sense for Nevada, especially small business owners who are often targeted by tax increases.
Nevada Business Journal

Gibbons Sides With Democrats
KRNV reported Gibbons will side with Democrat candidates on the minimum wage issue. Gibbons tried to get out of it by being for increasing the minimum wage while opposing the cost-of-living adjustment. Huh?
KRNV
Quick Links...

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Beers for Governor Website
Contribute
Map To Headquarters
TASC 4 Nevada

judy,
Bob Beers took a bold step today by calling on Governor Kenny Guinn to call a special session of the legislature for the purpose of permanently repealing the state portion of the gas tax. The repeal will have no effect on road maintenance and construction if such programs are funded by a growing government tax surplus.

This makes sense because gas prices are high and will continue to rise as the weather gets warmer and the demand for gasoline increases before Memorial Day. Repealing the gas tax right now will soften the impact that rising prices will have on families, immediately refund a portion of the state government tax surplus, encourage visitors to retain their travel plans to Nevada, and solve a long-term problem facing our state.

Currently, gas taxes are earmarked for road construction and maintenance. However, gas taxes are expressed as pennies per gallon and not as a percentage of the sale price. A gallon of gasoline sold today generates the same tax that it did in 1980, which means gas taxes are not keeping pace with inflation. In addition, as vehicles continue to become more fuel efficient and/or are replaced by electric, natural gas, and alternative fuel source vehicles, gasoline taxes will no longer be a viable option to construct and maintain roads anyway.

Bob added that repealing the gas tax now while Nevada has a state government tax surplus is an opportunity that should not be overlooked. More importantly, he does not want to see families have to make difficult choices this year as the cost of a basic necessity goes up dramatically. Our government does not have to make the situation worse by maintaining an unneeded and outdated system of taxation that no longer works or by sitting on another large tax surplus, Bob said.

Beers' call for a special session was released today. You'll be seeing more of this issue unfold as the media covers the topic in the days ahead! This is also a great opportunity to tell your friends, family, and coworkers that this is a fine example of the common sense approach to government they can expect with Bob Beers as governor!

Bob Aims For Government Accountability

Given that the average Nevadan paid an additional $508 in state taxes last year, over and above what we were already paying, some people are asking, �Where did that money go?�

Nevada is still 46th in the nation in per-pupil spending in our public schools. We are still ranked 47th in graduation rate. And, overall, our state government has not produced a return on investment other than an increased appetite for more spending.

In fact, all other gubernatorial candidates have already gone on record to say that they intend to spend any government surplus, which will eventually lead to additional taxes. No wonder Bob Beers is the only candidate who supports the Tax and Spending (TASC) initiative, which will limit government spending increases to the rate of population growth plus inflation, unless voters approve an additional increase.

In other words, TASC makes state government accountable to the people, which is something that terrifies Jim Gibbons because he loves Washington-style politics. Just check his record and you'll find a long list of waffling in Washington.

Thank You For Your Continued Support!

This race is going to come down to our ability to get our message to voters through communications and voter contact. While we do not need to spend as much as our opponent, Bob needs more contributions in order to get his message out, so please contribute now on our secure Website.

In addition to sending in another donation, we would appreciate it if you would ask your friends to join in your support for Bob Beers. Forward them this newsletter, send a personal letter to friends, or host a meet and greet. We appreciate all kinds of donations � financial support, time, and even supplies. Any support is greatly appreciated. Call us today!

Bob's schedule for the coming week:
(*indicates an event where Bob will be speaking)

*Elko County GOP Convention
Date: Saturday, April 29, 2006
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Stockman�s Hotel, 1560 W. Williams Ave., Fallon
Cost: $25
RSVP: Nancy Ernart (775) 397-1169

Fundraiser for State Sen. Washington
Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2006
Time: 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Rapscallion Restaurant, 1555 S. Wells Ave., Reno
Suggested contribution: $500
RSVP: Kristine Henley (775) 326-4312

*Flamingo West Seniors Group Meeting
Date: Thursday, May 4, 2006
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Flamingo West Mobile Home Community, 8122 W. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas
RSVP: Eleanor Smith (702) 363-5664

*Elma Pullis and Ron Knecht Meet and Greet
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2006
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Pullis Residence, 805 S. Terrace, Carson City
RSVP: Elma Pullis (775) 841-7587

Bob is working hard to meet as many voters as he can before election day. If you are interested in volunteering for Bob's campaign, e-mail Kristin.

Help us bring Bob Beers' message to all of Nevada. Donate today!

Andy Matthews
Beers For Governor

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email: andy@beers4nevada.org
phone: 702-876-1555
web: http://www.beers4nevada.org

All Paradise Club members and their spouses are invited to attend this $500 per person Justice Nancy Becker Reception free of charge at Caesars Palace Thursday April 27th Florentine Ballroom 5:30 to 7:30 PM, see attached file. Just tell them you are Paradise Club members at the door.

John Ponticello, President
Paradise Democratic Club
7744 Rockfield Drive, LV NV 89128
(702) 363-2456 phone/fax - jpontic177@aol.com

----- Original Message -----
From: Angel Chi
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 6:43 PM
Subject: Lessons learned

1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.

During my second month of college, our professor
gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student
and had breezed through the questions until I read
the last one:

"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the
cleaning woman several times. She was tall,
dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question
blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if
the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

"Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers,
you will meet many people. All are significant. They
deserve your attent ion and care, even if all you do
is smile and say "hello."

I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her
name was Dorothy.

2. - Second Important Lesson - Pick-up in the Rain

One night, at 11:30 P.M., an older African American
woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway
trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had
broken down and she desperately needed a ride.
Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally
unheard of in tho se conflict-filled 1960s. The man
took her to safety, helped her get assistance and
put her into a taxicab.

She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his
address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a
knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a
giant console colour TV was delivered to his home. A
special note was attached..

It read:
"Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway
the other night. The rain drenched not only my
clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along.
Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying
husband's bedside just before he passed away. God
bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving
others."

Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole.

3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those
who serve.

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less,
a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and
sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in
front of him.

"How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked.

"Fifty cents," replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and
studied the coins in it.

"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired.

By now more people were waiting for a table and the
waitress was growing impatient.

"Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.

The little boy again counted his coins.

"I'll have the plain ice cream," he said.

The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on
the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice
cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress
came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the
table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish,
were two nickels and five pennies..

You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had
to have enough left to leave her a tip.

4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a
roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if
anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the
king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by
and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the
King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did
anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of
vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the
peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the
stone to the side of the road. After much pushing
and straining, he finally succeeded. After the
peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed
a purse lying in the road where the boulder had
been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note
from the King indicating that the gold was for the
person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The
peasant learned what many of us never understand!

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve
our condition.

5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a
hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who
was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only
chance of recovery appeared to be a blood
transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had
miraculously survived the same disease and had
developed the antibodies needed to combat the
illness. The doctor explained the situation to her
little brother, and asked the little boy if he would
be willing to give his blood to his sister.

I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a
deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will
save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in
bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did,
seeing the colour returning to her cheek. Then his
face grew pale and his smile faded.

He looked up at the doctor and asked with a
trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away".

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the
doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his
sister all of his blood in order to save her.

Now you have 2 choices.

1. Delete this e-mail, or
2. Forward it to people you care about.
I hope that you will choose No. 2 and remember.

Most importantly.................. "Work like you
don't need the money, love like you've never been
hurt, and dance like you do when nobody's watching."

NOW more than ever - Peace...Pass It On.....

The upcoming event of the Paradise Democratic Club of Las Vegas (PDCLV):

Wednesday May 17, 2006
A $5 dinner with Senate Candidate Jack Carter at the Teamsters Local #14, 1250 Burnham St. (off E. Charleston) no host cocktails 6 pm and dinner 6:30 pm. Pay at the door.

A thanks e-mail was written by Ms. Margaret Andert to Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) for this post on April 8, 2006.*1

From: "margaret andert" [margaretandert@msn.com]
Subject: Fw: Stroke ID + New Symptom
Date: Fri, 7 Apr 2006 09:45:14 -0700

----- Original Message -----
From: milkyar@earthlink.net
Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2006 6:23 PM
Subject: Fw: Stroke ID + New Symptom

---------------------------------------------

[[[A picture about STROKE: Remember the Three Letters Plus the Tongue.]]]

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

My friend sent this to me and encouraged me to post it and spread the word, I agreed. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks. Seriously . please read:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the afternoon. Ingrid's husband called later saying that his wife had been taken to the hospital and passed away. She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some stroke victims don't die, they end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this...

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within three hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke . . . totally. He said the trick was having a stroke recognized, diagnosed and then getting the patient medically cared for within three hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE:

Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps.

Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE .

T *Ask the person to TALK, to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE. (Coherently) (i.e. . . It is sunny out today)

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue . if the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke .

If he or she has trouble with any one of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to ten people, you can bet at least one life will be saved.

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Reference

*1. Andert, Margaret. 'Thank you,' "An e-mail from Ms. Margaret Andert to WBTI," (April 10, 2006), Las Vegas, Nevada: Margaret Andert's Residence.

Google.cn and Google.com published this section [Social & Community (LAF6)] at 11:18 a.m. in the morning on March 23, 2006. It covers about the 25 fliers from January 7, 2006 to March 21, 2006.

Just type your name, the title of a report or an article, your concerned, the name of an organization, an event, or a reporter;{like "Chairperson Elaine Chao", "�⏬��", "�L��䗗���", and among others) on the searching box of Google.cn and Google.com please, and what can you find the good things that Google and WBTI have for you?*2

Many people have a good perspective on Google. Google.cn and Google.com will put more effort and wisdom to contribute to English and Chinese readers being an efficient visitor on the searching of fluent and useful information. Washington Business and Technology Institute's (WBTI's) website has been continuously published by Google.com and Google.cn about every 11 days. We wish advanced performance may be extended from Google.cn to WBTI.*3

You're on Google.cn and Google.com, if you're on Washington Business and Technology Institute's website at http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/wbti

[[[A compliment or encouragement is verbal sunshine! We are pleased to quote the following three short but meaningful ones:
***** No matter how busy you are, you must take time to make other person feel important. ---Mary Kay Ash
***** There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assit another human being---to help someone succeed. ---Alan Loy McGinnis
***** There are two things people want more than sex and money ...recognition and praise. ---Mary Kay Ash
All art, permanent or temporary, has a life in the immediate experience, but then has a life in the imagination. ---Anish Kapoor 1954- :in "Sunday Times" 11 July 1999
"Accomplishment will prove to be a journey, not a destination." ---Dwight D. Eisenhower]]]

[[[Dear Dr. & Mrs. Lei:
I am writing this letter to invite you to my next Senior Advisory Committee meeting at 9:30 am on Thursday, February 23, 2006, at the Lieburn Senior Center, 6230 Garwood Avenue (map is enclosed). ..... Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei has been U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley's Senior Advisor since January 2000.]]]*4

[[["It's really my pleasure and honor to be named as an Associate Professor of the Graduate School of Business and Public Administration of WBTI. WBTI has a good reputation with its Advisory Board and faculty members. The Board has Governor Kenny Guinn as its Chairman; U. S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign as Vice Chairmen; U. S. Representatives James Gibbons and Shelley Berkley, and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman as Executive Directors. With the excellent and informative publications of 'Google.cn', 'Google.com', 'Communitylink of Reviewjournal.com', 'Next Weekly' and among others, high-ranking officials of Nevada with the spiritual leadership of Chairperson Elaine Chao of WBTI have been inspired to help realize the creed for professional righteousness, community service, and humane spirit of WBTI," expressed Justice Michael Douglas of Nevada Supreme Court at the Event and Dinner Party in the Emperor's Garden Restaurant on February 4, 2005 in Las Vegas. It was held by the Committee to implement the ART EXHIBIT of Mr. QIN QUAN XIONG.]]]*5

[[[Some of the significant idea from the letters to Dr. Tony Lei, President of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI):
"It's my great pleasure and honor to be named by you as a Senior Advisor and Honorary Chairman of CCDAPCC of WBTI. Please know that I irrevocably stand by my personal commitment to diversity issues in this state and that my sense of patriotism and faith in America stems from its embrace of that diversity." --A. William Maupin, Chief Justice of Nevada Supreme Court
"As Mayor, I will continue to devote my energies into the preservation and improvement of the standard of living enjoyed here in the City of Las Vegas." --Oscar B. Goodman
"It is only with the dedication and commitment of good people like yourself that I will achieve my goal of becoming Governor of this great state. Dema and I can't thank you enough for your assistance and your positive activivities in the community." --Kenny C. Guinn]]]*6

[[["As the Hononary Chairperson of International Cities Business Council of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI), I'll have more venues to work for international tourism with Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn who is the Chairman of the Advisory Board of WBTI. We're putting all our effort and wisdom to work for our people, land, and country under the spiritual leadership of Chairperson Elaine Chao of WBTI," said Lorraine Hunt, Lt. Governor of Nevada, on November 11, 2005.
The above message was signed by Lt. Governor of Nevada Lorraine Hunt:.....]]]*7

[[["It's my great pleasure to extend my warm greetings of 'Happy Lunar New Year!' to every American and Chinese here in Las Vegas and North America through the Communitylink (at http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/wbti) of the largest newspaper in Nevada, Las Vegas Review-Journal," said James Gibbons, U. S. Congressman and Senior Director of Washington Business and Technology Institute, in the Event and Dinner Party held by Nevada Republican Party and ARCC on January 29, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event and dinner party were sponsored by Asian Republicans of Clark County for a reunion of the lunar new year to the Chinese, Asian, and American people in Las Vegas:.....]]]*8

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Michael Douglas is a distinguished Justice of the Nevada Supreme Court. Valerie Weber is a famous and achieved Assemblywoman of Nevada and the Minority
Whip of the Assembly. Cheryl Moss is an outstanding District Court Judge of Nevada serving in Las Vegas, Clark County.
*2. PAI of WBTI. 'U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao's on Google!' "A search of 'U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao' on the Google.com," Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*3. Ibid.
*4. Berkley, Shelley. 'I am writing this letter to invite you to,' "A letter from U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley to Dr. and Mrs. Tony Tung-tien Lei," (February 8, 2006), Las Vegas, Nevada: Congresswoman Shelley Berkley's Office.
*5. Denton, Mark; Vega, Valorie; and Chang, Tiffany. 'Michael Douglas has been appointed Associate Professor of GSBPA by WBTI,' "A search of 'Justice Michael Douglas wbti' on the Google.com," (March 25, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*6. Guinn, Kenny C. 'Nevada Proud of Our Troops in the Middle East,' "Section of 'Business & Administration' of the WBTI website," (March 23, 2006), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*7. Hunt, Lorraine. 'As the Hononary Chairperson of International Cities Business Council,' "A search of 'Chairperson Lorraine Hunt' on the Google.com," (March 26, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*8. Gibbons, James. 'It's my great pleasure to extend my warm greetings of,' "A search of 'James Gibbons, U. S. Congressman' on the Google.com," (March 27, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.

Mar. 27, 2006
Copyright � Las Vegas Review-Journal

Sides evoke Twain in flap over church
Author raised money to help complete construction
By MARTIN GRIFFITH
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Mark Twain impersonator MacAvoy Lane, left, and church pastor the Rev. Bruce Kochsmeier talk Tuesday about the history of the First Presbyterian Church in Carson City.
Photo by The Associated Press

CARSON CITY -- As a fledgling writer in his 20s, Mark Twain was well-known for his carousing at Nevada gold rush saloons, his pranks and his irreverence toward the establishment.

Now, the creator of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer is getting attention for a little-known good deed: his role in the construction of a frontier church in the 1860s.

Twain's name is being evoked by both sides in a dust-up over plans to demolish the First Presbyterian Church in Carson City to make room for a new one.

The plans are on hold while the city and church negotiate to save it.

At the request of two church trustees, Twain raised $200, worth about $2,200 today, to help complete construction of the church by charging admission to his January 1864 "roast" of Nevada lawmakers in Carson City.

Twain was a reporter for the Territorial Enterprise in nearby Virginia City. His brother, Orion Clemens, was a church member and secretary of the Nevada Territory.

"I still take a religious interest in its welfare," Twain wrote of the church three months after his fundraiser.

"I could sling a strong prayer for its prosperity, occasionally, if I thought it would do any good. However, perhaps it wouldn't -- it would certainly be taking chances anyhow."

The National Trust for Historic Preservation and other groups argue it would be a mistake to tear down the humble brick church at a time when heritage tourism is becoming more popular.

Not only is the church a rare link to Nevada's territorial days, they argue, but it's one of only four remaining buildings associated with Twain in Nevada.

Others are the Orion Clemens House in Carson City, where Twain occasionally stayed while covering the Legislature, and the Stewart-Nye House in Carson City and Theodore Winters House in Washoe Valley, both places where Twain is known to have attended social events.

When visiting such Twain haunts as Hannibal, Mo., Hartford, Conn., and Elmira, N.Y., "you find tangible vestiges of him," Nevada State Archivist Guy Rocha said.

"What we have here with the church, in my opinion, is a national treasure."

Robert H. Hirst, head of the Mark Twain Project at the University of California in Berkeley, agreed.

"If such a thing existed in those cities, they wouldn't allow it to be destroyed," he said. "They value such things, buildings he had an association with."

Church officials view Twain differently.

While they appreciate his fundraising, they think too much is being made of what they call his minor association with the church.

Twain was not a member of the congregation, they said, and there's no proof he ever set foot inside the church.

His nearly three-year stay in Nevada ended a couple of weeks after the church was dedicated in May 1864.

"His speech is fine, but we don't see the relevance of bringing it up at this point," said Ken Pearson, chairman of the church's building committee.

"It's only by his association with his brother that he raised money for the church."

Other church members chided Twain for what they called his anti-Christian beliefs.

"I have read where he was an atheist," Jean Schmid said after a hearing on the demolition permit. "And I'm sorry he was ever mentioned (in connection with our church)."

In a recent letter to the editor of the Nevada Appeal, Julie Dawson of Gardnerville suggested Twain would be unhappy with being linked to the effort to save Nevada's oldest church building.

"I think I hear Mark Twain groaning in his grave," she wrote to the newspaper.

"To implicate him in the preservation of the (church) would be an affront to a man who, by his own words, generally disparaged organized religion (and) mocked faith. Those who invoke his name would do well to consider whether this is an endeavor he would like to be remembered by."

Though he was not a Christian, Hirst said, Twain believed in God and attended church as an adult.

Twain was raised a Presbyterian and his funeral was at a Presbyterian church.

"He had a lifetime interest in religious affairs," Hirst said. "He sees churches as a good thing to support because they help the community. He supports their social functions, such as raising money for the poor."

"It's a myth that he became more bitter about religion late in life after his wife died. He just became more willing to say what he believed in all along," Hirst said.

Several Territorial Enterprise columns in which Twain mentioned church fundraisers show his commitment to the cause was deeper than thought, Rocha said.

If he ever came into money, Twain wrote in one, "I shall donate my salary to charitable institutions. I will finish building this chronic brick church here, and lease a high-priced parson to run it. Also, an exorbitant choir. Everything connected with the church shall be conducted in the bulliest manner."

Twain's fundraiser helped put a roof over the church after its brick walls went up two years before.

"Clearly, he was very much invested in that church," Rocha said.

"He was sowing wild oats at the time, but he still had a respect for churches."

Both sides acknowledge that rehabilitation costs pose a major challenge to saving the brick church.

Church officials have said it would cost as much as $5 million to restore it, more than double the cost of building a new one.

Mar. 24, 2006
Copyright � Las Vegas Review-Journal

Perkins promoted to police chief post
44-year-old to lead Henderson force
By HENRY BREAN
REVIEW-JOURNAL

[[[Photo of Richard Perkins]]]

Longtime officer also serves as lawmaker in Assembly but is not seeking re-election

Longtime Henderson police officer Richard Perkins was named chief of the department Thursday, but the promotion should not force him to step down early as Assembly speaker, city officials said.

During much of his tenure as a deputy police chief in Henderson, Perkins was dogged by allegations that he was violating the federal Hatch Act through his dual roles as a police official and a partisan politician.

Perkins' term in the Assembly expires in January 2007. He announced in September that he would not seek re-election or enter the race for governor.

A week before that surprise announcement, a judge determined Perkins had not violated the Hatch Act, which restricts partisan political activity by federal employees and those who work for state, county or city agencies whose programs receive federal funding.

Henderson spokeswoman Cindy Herman said the act is no longer a concern because it applies only to candidates for elected office.

"Since Chief Perkins is a seated officer rather than running for elected office, there should be no problem with him fulfilling his term of office (in the Assembly) while also serving as interim police chief," Herman said.

Perkins, who is 44, said he has been interested in the police chief job for a long time but "there were things that precluded me from seeking it," namely his 12 years in the Assembly, the last five as speaker.

"It's just a privilege and an honor to lead such an outstanding department with such outstanding people," Perkins said. "I figured I was going to be a deputy chief for the rest of my career. Life takes different turns, and this was one of them."

Perkins replaces former Police Chief Alan Kerstein, who resigned March 6 after less than seven months on the job.

At the time, Kerstein sent a departmentwide e-mail to police employees explaining that he was stepping down because he didn't want to "become a disruptive force in the organization."

In his first four months on the job, Kerstein faced questions about his decision to call for a Henderson patrol cruiser to pick him up at airport after a family vacation and have his department-issue car outfitted with a sunroof and an eight-speaker stereo system.

He later acknowledged that the airport ride was a mistake, and he paid for the upgrades to his car out of his own pocket.

Assistant City Attorney Mark Calhoun said the city decided against conducting another national search after Perkins and fellow Deputy Chief Jutta Chambers expressed interest in the job.

"We had two good (internal) candidates so we decided we didn't want to go outside," he said.

Calhoun flatly denied speculation that Kerstein may have been forced out when Perkins became available for the position.

"That is totally false," Calhoun said. "It wasn't until Monday that he informed (City Manager) Phil (Speight) he was interested."

Calhoun said Perkins will serve as interim police chief for an unspecified period of time before he is given the job on a permanent basis, assuming he still wants it and the city is satisfied with his performance.

The city is already doing the same thing in its Utility Services Department, where Dennis Porter was named acting director a few days after the Jan. 15 death of then-director Kurt Segler.

Calhoun guessed that Porter is about a month away from being able to shed the word "acting" from his job title.

Perkins will receive a base salary of $150,836, a 10 percent increase from what he was paid as deputy chief.

Kerstein was hired at an annual salary of $144,721.

Perkins is a native of Southern Nevada. He grew up in Henderson and graduated from Basic High School.

He holds bachelor's degrees in criminal justice and political science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He also is a graduate of the FBI's National Academy.

Perkins said he has spent "a little more than half my entire life" as a Henderson police officer. During that time, he has seen the department grow from 50 sworn officers to nearly 300.

He was hired as a patrol officer in January 1984 and rose steadily through the ranks.

He was promoted to sergeant in 1991 and to captain in 1995. He was named deputy police chief over the Operations Command in December 2000.

Mar. 16, 2006
Copyright � Las Vegas Review-Journal

Friends recall Tobman fondly
Businessman praised for his generosity
By HOWARD STUTZ
GAMING WIRE

[[[Herb Tobman
56-year Las Vegas resident dies at 81 after battle with kidney disease]]]

Las Vegas businessman Herb Tobman was remembered Wednesday by family members, associates and friends as a throwback to old Las Vegas.

If someone was in dire straits or a community effort needed a financial boost, Tobman would anonymously help out.

"Herb Tobman knew everyone's name but he was also a very quiet and charitable man," Las Vegas attorney John Moran Jr., said of his father-in-law, who died late Tuesday after battling kidney disease for about two months.

"Herb was one of the old-timers," Moran said. "He would help out people, but he just didn't want anyone to know about it."

Tobman, 81, was a 56-year Las Vegas resident who had a varied business career as a furniture store proprietor, casino industry executive, restaurant operator and taxicab company owner.

"My father had never been hospitalized before this," said Tobman's daughter, Marilyn Moran. "That wasn't for him. He was home with my mom and he quietly went to sleep. It was a blessing but at the same time, it's going to be a terrible void for this whole group."

Tobman operated Western Cab Co. since 1965 and he was part of the Stardust's executive team in the 1970s and 1980s. He was the Strip casino's general manager for eight years. He also served briefly on the board of directors for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in the early 1980s.

Tobman also had ties to Las Vegas' modern history; he was considered a close associate of Las Vegas developer and philanthropist Moe Dalitz, who built the Desert Inn and was profiled in the Review-Journal's The First 100. Dalitz, however, was linked by law enforcement to organized crime.

"They always said I am an associate of Moe Dalitz, which I was and I'm proud to admit," Tobman told the Review-Journal in 1990. "They ought to name 20 schools after him."

Born in the Bronx, N.Y. in 1924, Tobman came to Las Vegas from New Jersey in the early 1950s and used a $1,200 bank loan to open City Furniture Exchange, a 25-year Las Vegas landmark and the city's first used furniture store.

He started Western Cab with one vehicle. Today, the business has 134 taxicabs and 355 employees.

On Wednesday, workers at the Main Street business tearfully hugged each other and employees were subdued after the news of Tobman's passing was discussed.

"We're a family here, and this is hitting all of us really hard," said Martha Sarver, Western Cab's manager who has spent 33 years with the company. "He was here all the time. He cared about his employees and treated us like we were all part of his family."

Marilyn Moran said Tobman considered the taxicab company a family business. John Moran Jr. said Tobman never retired and refused to miss a day of work at Western Cab.

Longtime Democratic activist Harriet Trudell, who had known Tobman since the 1960s, said many Las Vegans were touched by his generosity.

"You have to understand something about Herb Tobman; he considered everyone equal in the truest sense," Trudell said. "There are many kids in this town who Herb helped with their schooling. He would always dig into his pocket to give a handout to a kid who was hurting. He's one of the best citizens this community has ever had."

Tobman helped Dalitz build the Sundance (now Fitzgeralds) in downtown Las Vegas in the 1970s; it was the city's tallest building at the time. At various times he managed the Sundance, Marina, Fremont, Aladdin and Stardust.

The Stardust was one of the few dark points in Tobman's career. In 1984, gaming regulators forced Tobman and fellow Stardust operator Al Sachs out of the gaming industry for failing to stop an alleged skimming operation at the casino. He lost his business interests, paid a $100,000 fine, but admitted no liability in the revocation process.

"Herb always said he did nothing wrong, and I know he did nothing wrong," Trudell said.

After the Stardust, Tobman continued to manage Western Cab. In addition, he spent four years in the late 1980s and early 1990s managing Mr. T's, a 65-seat Main Street diner that became a hangout for working people as well as politicians and community leaders.

"He did it as a favor and it became a fun place to be," Marilyn Moran said.

After his involvement with the Stardust, Democratic Party loyalist Tobman toyed with seeking public office.

In 1986, he made an unsuccessful run for the Democratic nomination for governor, challenging then incumbent Gov. Richard Bryan in the primary. Tobman raised $90,000, limiting his campaign donations to no more than $10 per individual.

He received 14,279 votes in the primary, 15 percent of the overall total.

Tobman tossed his name out as a candidate for lieutenant governor in 1990 and Las Vegas mayor in 1991, but he never followed through with filing for office.

"He (ran for governor) as a lark and it was actually a lot of fun for all of us," Marilyn Moran said. "We set up the campaign office up across the street from the cab company and we all ran around with 'Tobman for Governor' T-shirts."

Bryan, who went on to serve two terms in the U.S. Senate, said Wednesday he was never certain why Tobman ran against him, but it didn't change his opinion of the business leader.

"Herb was a totally self-made man who was cut out of the old-school mold," said Bryan, now a Las Vegas attorney. "He's from the Las Vegas that's no longer around where everyone knew each other. He was very generous and very involved. His associations and contacts go way back and were priceless."

Moran Jr., said that Tobman quietly made financial contributions to fund community endeavors, helping to build four Jewish synagogues.

Tobman is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean; three daughters, Marilyn, Helen, and Janie; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A son, Alan, is deceased.

Services will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at Palm Mortuary Downtown on Main Street. A burial will take place immediately following the services at Woodlawn Cemetery on Las Vegas Boulevard. The family requests donations be made to WestCare Nevada, 900 Grier Drive, Las Vegas, 89119.

Congresswoman Berkley recently spent a week in Washington with a new friend from Las Vegas: Flat Stanley. Flat Stanley is a character from a popular children�s story of the same name who is flattened by a bulletin board and mailed in an envelope to visit his friends and family. Berkley helped one Las Vegas youngster re-enact Flat Stanley�s adventures while representing Southern Nevada in the nation�s capital.*1

Shannon Dresser, a second grader at Herbert Derfelt Elementary School, asked Berkley to take the Flat Stanley she created with her to Washington to show him the sites. Berkley brought Flat Stanley with her when she left Las Vegas for Washington on February 14. Flat Stanley visited the congresswoman�s office and greeted visitors from Las Vegas. He also saw the Capitol Building, the National Mall and various committee hearing rooms and offices throughout the Capitol complex. Finally, Flat Stanley accompanied the Congresswoman home to Las Vegas at the end of the week and was eager to share his story with Shannon and all the students at Derfelt Elementary.*2

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Congresswoman Shelley Berkley. 'A profile of Shelley Berkley,' "A search of 'u s congresswoman shelley berkley' on the Google.com," (March 7, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

It is obvious that man or woman is himself or herself a traveler. The good purpose for mankind in this world is not "to have and to hold" but "to give and serve." The service that we render to other people is really like the rent we pay for our room on this earth. We are sure that the people who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.

We are pleased to quote the following three short but meaningful ones:

***** From now on, any definition of a successful life must include serving others. ---George Bush

***** When people are serving, life is no longer meaningless. ---John Gardner

***** One need not be a servant to be able to serve. ---Victor Frankl*2

It's our pleasure to post a short story from "Speaker's Source Book II" by Glenn Van Ekeren:

Twenty-five centuries ago, Lao-tse, a Chinese sage, offered this profound insight;
"The reason why rivers and seas receives the homage of a hundred mountain streams is that they keep below them. Thus they are able to reign over all the mountain streams. So the sage, wishing to be above men, putteth himself below them; wishing to be before them, he putteth himself behind them. Thus, though his place be above men, they do not feel his weight; though his place be before them, they do not count it an injury."
So it is with humankind. Those who wish to yield the greatest influence will unselfishly position themselves below others, so as to serve them better.
Bruce Barton told a parable two seas in Palestine that expounds on the wisdom of Lao-tse. One sea is flesh. Fish live in it. Trees and bushes grow near it. Children splash and paly in it. The river Jordan flows into this sea with sparkling water from the hills. People build their homes near it. Every kind of life is happier because it is there. The same river Jordan flows south into another sea. Here there are no fish, no green things, no children playing, no homes a building. Stale air hangs above its waters, and neither man nor beast will drink of it. What makes the difference between these neighbor seas? Not the Jordan River. It empties the same good water into both. Nor is the soil or the countryside.
The differnece is that the Sea of Galilee receives water but does not keep it. For every drop that flows in, another drop flows out. The giving and receiving go on in equal measure. The other sea hoards its income. Every drop it gets it keeps. The Sea of Galilee lives and lives. The other sea gives nothing. It is called the Dead Sea.
There are also two kinds of people in this world---those Dead Sea people who take without giving back, and the givers who remain fresh and vibrant by freely sharing of themselves.

-------------------------------------
References

*1. PAI of WBTI is the initial of Public Administration Institution of Washington Business and Technology Institute.
*2. Ekeren, Glenn Van. "Speaker's Source Book II," (1994), Prentice Hall Press, Paramus, New Jersey: Prentice Hall Press.
*3. Ibid.

February 8, 2006

Dr. & Mrs. Tony Lei
2245 Homeland Street
Las Vegas, NV 89128

Dear Dr. & Mrs. Lei:

I am writing this letter to invite you to my next Senior Advisory Committee meeting at 9:30 am on Thursday, February 23, 2006, at the Lieburn Senior Center, 6230 Garwood Avenue (map is enclosed).

To R.S.V.P., please contact Jan Churchill in my Las Vegas office at (702) 220-9823 or you may email her at jan.churchill@mail.house.gov. If you wish to have any specific issues addressed at the upcoming meeting please contact Jan prior to the meeting. I look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,

(Signiture)
Shelley Berkley
Member of Congress

Congresswoman Berkley*1, right, joins with colleagues from the House and Senate for an event at the Library of Congress to unveil Congressional Democrats? new agenda to restore ?Honest Leadership and Open Government? through a series of comprehensive reforms, including tougher limits on lobbying.*2

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Congresswoman Shelley Berkley. 'A profile of Shelley Berkley,' "A search of 'u s congresswoman shelley berkley' on the Google.com," (February 3, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

In 1951, two great creations were introduced to the world: Color Television and Shelley Berkley!*1

An invitation card was sent by U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley to President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) as in the following:

You are cordially invited to the bi-annual
BERKLEY BIRTHDAY BASH
a 55th Birthday Party for
U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley
Thursday, January 26th, 2006
5:30 p.m.
In the Grand Ballroom B of
The South Coast Hotel & Casino
9777 Las Vegas Blvd.
at Silverado Ranch*2

U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November, 1998. Shelley represents constituents living in the First Congressional District of Nevada, including residents of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and unincorporated areas in Clark County. The District annually records the largest population increase in the nation. U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley has A Lifetime of Commitment to Nevada.

She has lived in Las Vegas for over four decades. Shelley has a deep sense of commitment to give back to the community that opened the doors of opportunity for her. She also has never forgotten that her family headed west seeking a better life, and found it in Las Vegas. She completed junior high and high school in Las Vegas, then went on to become the first member of her family to attend college when she enrolled in UNLV. Elected Student Body President, 1971-1972, she graduated with honors and a B. A. in Political Science from UNLV in 1972. After earning her law degree at the University of San Diego School of Law in 1976, she returned to Las Vegas to begin her career.

U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley has successfully sought appointments that enable her to meet the needs of Southern Nevada, since she swore in as a Member of Congress on January 6, 1999.

Shelley is a former Vice Chair of the Nevada University and Community College System Board of Regents. Appointed to the Board in 1990 by the Governor, she was then twice elected as a Regent by Las Vegas-area voters. She completed her second term on the Board in 1998. Throughout her tenure, Shelley worked to keep higher education in Nevada affordable and accessible to all qualified students.

This bright lady has devoted her energies to charitable and civic efforts ever since she was a teenager. Her work and ideas have contributed to many of Southern Nevada�s successes.*3

On February 23, 2004, U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley wrote Dr. and Mrs. Tony Lei that,"Thank you for your generous contribution to my re-election campaign. I greatly appreciate your support. Please know that your help makes a significant difference. I look forward to continuing my service in Congress and shall endeavor to serve in the manner that merits your confidence in me."

Shelley Berkley is born a leader. Shelley is an educated leader. Shelley is a prctical and bright leader since her college life. She received her juris doctorate degree from San Deigo Law School. She was the former Regent of University and Colleges of Nevada. She has been Executive Advisor for Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) since 1996. Her successful leadership both good in work performance and human relations has won all her assistants' and followers' full and sincere respects. In order to celebrate Shelley Berkley's winning as U. S. Congresswoman, elected as a member of the International Relations Committee (IRC) of the Congress, and Dr. Tony Lei as her Senior Advisor; Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) and Chinese American Academic Association of Nevada (CAAAN) established the "Literature and Academic Forum" ("LAF") in 1999. It is brought to you now by Las Vegas Review-Journal's reviewjournal.com through the section of "LAF5" (now continues in "Social & Community") at: http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/wbti.

At the time when Shelley was elected as the Member of IRC, she told Las Vegas Review-Journal that to promote the tourism, trade, and investment with foriegn countries for Nevada and our states is her primary interest. .............

Shelley's popularlity is arising from her effective production for public service and good personal traits by nature and sincerity.

Shelley Berkley is an Adjunct Professor of Administrative Strategies of the Graduate School of Business and Public Administration (GSBPA) of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI).

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Ms. Shelley Berkley is the U. S. Congresswoman of Nevada District 1.
*2. Berkley, Shelley. ' "A mail from U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley to Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei," (January 14, 2006), Las Vegas, Nevada: Office of Congresswoman Shelley Berkley.
*3. Office of Congresswoman Shelley Berkley. 'A profile of Shelley Berkley,' "A search of 'Congresswoman Shelley Berkley' on the Google.com," (January 19, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.

Whether you are man or woman, each of us have the instinct to travel. We live in this world for a good purpose, not "to have and to hold", but "to give and to serve others." We help others as if we need to continue to pay rent for our time here on earth. Those who "pay rent" by serving those in need of our assistance, are the individuals who are indeed most happy and at peace.

Since being established on January 8, 1996, the distringuished officers and members of the Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) have persevered with a fiery spirit to serve its purpose in helping the community. We have endured and weathered many obstacles, and miraculously we have survived and grown into a strong organization.

WBTI formulated and implemented several important projects in 2005. WBTI also assisted several associations and organizations in planning and conducting successful parties and events. This is evidenced by the more than 12 awards and proclamations received from the State of Nevada, Clark County, U. S. Senators and Congressmen and other high-ranking members of the community.

Innovation is the key to success. Managers are constantly searching the globe for new ideas. Modern companies view information and technology (IT) as a major competitive differentiator. Strategic businesses emphasize the use of information technology for effective management. International companies develop their global IT platforms by integrating hardware, software and Internet-based network architecture worldwide. Commuunication technology, such as teleconferencing and computer networks, are making it possible for people from subsidiaries around the world to work together on a single project or multiple projects.

Many business are becoming global and moving toward transnational e-business strategies in which they
integrate the worldwide business activities between their subsidiaries and headquarters. In the coming year, 2006, WBTI will continue to monitor and promote further innovative activities in the international perspective arena.

Washington Business and Technology Institute should be credited due to our remarkable leadership and our hardworking members. WBTI is neither made up of statues or fountains, nor landsacapes or waterscapes. Rather, WBTI is made up of actual hardworking and dedicated persons -- its faculty, advisory members, administrators and numerous friends and allies within the community.

Many thanks to the Las Vegas Review-Journal for providing WBTI with a website so that we can continue to communicate easily and expeditiously. You're on Google.com and Google.cn, if you're on Washington
Business and Technology Institute's website (http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/wbti)" [WBTI]. Google.com and Google.cn are published approximately every ten days for most of the sections of this website.

For many years, one of WBTI's most important functions is to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of certain individuals. In 2005, we have had the pleasure to honor several individuals who have made outstanding accomplishments in many special fields.

President Dr. Andrew K. Benton of Pepperdine University inspired us by the following: "Reaching up, reaching
beyond, always pressing forward; this is the passion of the human spirit." We are certainly being challenged! At the beginging of this splendid year, I wish everybody success in their endeavors, prosperity, good health and a happy life!

Tony Tung-tien Lei, M.B.A., Ed.D.

A beautiful 2006 Calendar sent by U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley to Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei from her office in the Congress of the United States, Washington, D.C. was received by him on December 28, 2005. Dr Tony Tung-tien Lei is a Senior Advisor for U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley since January 1999.*2

To:
Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei
President
Washington Business & Technology Institute
2245 Homeland Street
Las Vegas, Nevada 89128-6792

2006 Calendar

Best wishes,

(Signiture)
Shelley Berkley
United States House
of Representatives

[[[A Lifetime of Commitment to Nevada

U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley began serving in the U.S. House of Representatives in January, 1999. Shelley represents constituents living in the First Congressional District of Nevada, including residents of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and unincorporated areas in Clark County. The District annually records the largest population increase in the nation.

The Congresswoman has lived in Las Vegas for over four decades. She has a deep sense of commitment to give back to the community that opened the doors of opportunity for her. She also has never forgotten that her family headed west seeking a better life, and found it in Las Vegas. .....]]]*3

A colorful Season Greetings' card was sent by Chancellor Dr. Charles Runnels of Pepperdine University from the Chancellor's Office in Malibu, California:*4

Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei
President
Washington Business & Technology Institute
2245 Homeland Street
Las Vegas, Nevada 89128-6792

Through the sunlight that shines
upon a world filled with troubles
and sorrow, we see a day of
peace and hope marching
toward us. We celebrate the
good that God is doing through
our students, faculty, staff,
and all who are part of the
Pepperdine family of friends,
to bring joy and peace to a
suffering world, Amy Jo and
I celebrate no greater gift this
holiday season.

Charles (Signiture)

The card has a symbol building of Pepperdine University with a word of "Peace" on its cover. Look at those who are honest and good, a wonderful future lies before those who love peace. ---Psalm 37:37

Inside the card is a colorful photo of Dr. Charles Runnels with his family. This photo was taken on the occasion of Dr. Runnels' 80th birthday at the Los Angeles Country Club, July 30, 2005.*5

[[[Chancellor Runnels has been sharing the dreams of Pepperdine University for more than 39 years. Taking his great love for students, he seeks out those willing to partner with Peppersine and make the school's dreams become reality. Chancellor Runnels continues this important work by offering counsel to President Benton in the area od advancement. The chancellor also directs a program he founded 28 years ago, the Youth Citizenship Seminar, which inspires high school students to make a personal contribution to America's future.]]]*6

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. PAI is the initials of Public Administration Institution of Washington Business and Technology Institute.
*2. Berkley, Shelley. '2006 Calendar,' "An U. S. mail from U. S. Congresswaman Shelley Berkley to President Dr. Tony tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute," (December 24, 2005), Washington, D.C.: Congresswaman Shelley Berkley's Office.
*3. Office of Congresswaman Shelley Berkley. 'A profile of Shelley Berkley,' "A search of 'U. S. Congresswaman Shelley Berkley' on the Google.com," (December 29, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*4. Runnels, Charles. 'As the holidays approach once more .....,' "A Season Greetings' card from Chancellor Dr. Charles Runnels of Pepperdine University to President Dr. Tony tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute," (December 24, 2005), Malibu, California: Chancellor's Office.
*5. Ibid.
*6. Pepperdine University. Celebrating the Human Spirit,' "The 'Pepperdine Annual Report - 2005' sent by Pepperdine University to President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute," (December 26, 2005), Malibu, California: Office of Public Affairs, P. U.

Protecting Survivor Benefits for the Families of Fallen Service Members

Dear Tony (Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei),

I believe we should honor our national commitment to our veterans and ensure the families of service members who have borne the ultimate sacrifice are taken care of. That is why I am strongly supporting the repeal of the Military Families Tax, which reduces survivor benefits by the amount of their DIC benefits, unfairly penalizing the more than 50,000 widows of those service members who have died as a result of service-connected injuries.

The Republican Leadership in the House are blocking a bill to eliminate this injustice, even though the Senate voted to repeal the tax last month. On November 16, 2005, I signed a petition that would force a vote on the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act, a bill that would repeal this unfair tax. House rules require 218 signatures to force the bill to the floor, and as of today, 147 Members of Congress have joined the fight.

I am urging my House colleagues to sign this petition, and when the bill reaches the floor, I will enthusiastically vote for it. We owe a great debt to those who die for our country, and the least we can do is take care of the families these heroes leave behind.

For additional information, please contact veterans legislative specialist Shannon von Felden of my Washington staff at 202-225-5965 or veterans assistance specialist Gerri Schroder in my Las Vegas office at 702-220-9823.

(Signiture)
SHELLEY BERKLEY
Member of Congress