http://www.kentucky.com/595/index.xml News, sports, and entertainment from Kentucky.com en-us Copyright 2008 Kentucky.com Letters to the Editor 60 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:19:40 EDT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's Workbench webmaster@kentucky.com http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/456373.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/456373.html Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:05 EDT
Court's gun ruling based on ideals of nation's founders

The Second Amendment, reaffirmed by a recent Supreme Court decision, reads: .A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed..

What did the founding fathers mean by those words?

James Madison: Americans have .the advantage of being armed. . unlike the citizens of other countries where .the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/455334.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/455334.html Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:56 EDT
Tear down those outdated campaign signs

We're still nearly 5 months away from the presidential election and supporters of one presumed presidential candidate are putting up yard signs in my neighborhood.

These signs are in direct violation of a city ordinance which prohibits display of political signs prior to 30 days preceding the election for which the candidate is on the ballot.

I have spoken with Lexington code enforcement and they won't remove these signs except in certain very specific circumstances. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/453562.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/453562.html Sun, 06 Jul 2008 04:28 EDT
Shame on Family Foundation for intimidation tactic

In yet another act of hateful spite, conservative groups are attacking intellectuals interested in topics other than the Bible and oppressing women.

These ultra-conservative, close-minded groups and individuals are certainly entitled to their own opinions . but they are not entitled to a witch hunt each time they feel uncomfortable.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals at the University of Kentucky and in the community who support the progressive people who are doing research that benefits our greater society, and yet you don't see us compiling posters of those whose backward views we find appalling. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/451089.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/451089.html Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:11 EDT
Underage riders on scooters pose danger on roads

To legally ride my motorcycle on public roads, I had to prove I could operate it safely to receive a license from the state. I have to have proof of insurance and display a license plate. I wear a helmet because I choose to. I have to obey all traffic laws as if I was in a car.

No problem, but why do I see almost every day kids way too young to get a license riding scooters in the middle of traffic? Is there a different law regarding scooters from motorcycles?

These kids . some look younger than 12. are shooting through turning lanes, doing 15 mph on New Circle Road and generally endangering themselves. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/450057.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/450057.html Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:02 EDT
It should be apparent to Lexington's elected officials and residents that we have created environmental problems through 40-plus years of urban sprawl, a lack of unified and integrative city planning, designing and building against nature, and maintaining dependence on coal and petroleum.

Our environmental problems have come home to roost publicly as we have received two strikes:

First, we violated the federal Clean Water Act and must comply with the consent decree that will result from the November 2006 lawsuit by state and federal governments on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Second, the Brookings Institution reported that Lexington has the largest carbon footprint of the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the country.

We now stand at a fork in the road, and we must ask ourselves what we can do individually and collectively to prevent a third strike.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/448674.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/448674.html Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:08 EDT
Tired of so much, you know, cluttered speech

Stop saying .you know?. If I'm listening to someone speak, it's because I want to know. Loading speech with this deadwood makes the speaker sound indecisive and weak.

Weak and puny English does an injustice to the language. Fill spoken English with enough deadwood and you have another dead language.

English cannot stay a powerful world language if it is spoken by hesitaters and fad addicts. Strength comes from clarity, logic and precision . not from nonsensical repetition. .You know. is illogical, imprecise and unclear. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/446883.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/446883.html Sun, 29 Jun 2008 12:18 EDT
Old thinking

With the the Iraq war, the oil-environmental issue, high gas prices and the political campaigns, former contributing columnist Michelle Ferguson's commentary blaming Democrats or .liberals,. for our energy problems and everything else is not only ludicrous, but also a symbol of our dysfunction.

Failure to accept differences and to listen to the voices of the growing number of individuals expressing their concerns is as close to .taxation without representation. as one can get.

To blame Democrats for the money-power tug of war in Washington, while the masses struggle to stay afloat, illustrates appropriately that .money talks but does not listen.. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/446880.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/446880.html Sun, 29 Jun 2008 12:17 EDT
Feet off the table

The University of Kentucky spent $6.2 million renovating the Boone Center, and the Herald-Leader article reporting this event was accompanied with a photograph of trustee Billy Wilcoxson lounging in the center.

What is wrong with the photograph?

Wilcoxson needs to be told that a coffee table is not an ottoman. The placement of his foot will scratch the the table. Wonder how many times the table can take this abuse without having to be replaced? ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/446879.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/446879.html Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:21 EDT
Racing industry needs federal regulation

With fascination, I watched the House Subcommittee on Commerce hearings on the horse-racing industry.

Obviously, the industry faces very serious problems, and most of them seem to be a direct result of continued benign neglect by the powers that be in the industry.

What made the hearings so fascinating was trying to listen to Alan Marzelli, president of The Jockey Club and Alex Waldrop, president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, arguing that the industry should regulate itself. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/446291.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/446291.html Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:31 EDT
Be grateful to Webbs

I invite Mayor Jim Newberry, Vice Mayor Jim Gray and Urban County Council members to take a trip down memory lane with me.

In the early 1970s, I noticed a farmhouse on Nicholasville Road being torn down. Shortly, Steak and Ale was built, and along Moore Drive many successful businesses arrived. Farther south on Nicholasville Road, a beautiful Lexington Green came along, then Hilton Suites. Also on Nicholasville Road is Regency Center.

The word center reminds me of Tates Creek Center, Corporate Center, Palomar Center and Perimeter Center. In fact, most all exits off New Circle Road will take you to a Webb Cos. development. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/446289.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/446289.html Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:31 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/445215.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/445215.html Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:18 EDT
readers' views

Mining hurts Kentuckians' quality of life

In Pike County, Clintwood Elkhorn Mining has self-reported to the Army Corps of Engineers that it had mined through two streams and constructed two sediment ponds without having a permit. As a result, water on Millers Creek above Fishtrap Lake, the source of drinking water for Pikeville and much of Pike County, was affected.

Despite this, Bill Caylor, president of the Kentucky Coal Association, says he doubts there is any validity to Kentuckians for the Commonwealth's and Sierra Club's allegations. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/444233.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/444233.html Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:33 EDT
The Woodford County Planning and Zoning Commission holds the future of the unique community of Midway in its hands. I say “no” to the proposed residential development of property near Interstate 64 at Georgetown-Paris Road.

Lexington developer Dennis Anderson proposes to double the size of Midway's population. Why would any developer want to build homes, restaurants and retail space on land occupied by huge, ugly power lines?

This is the same development group that several months ago bought property across the interstate for the development of a small hotel, which would have greatly benefited the community.

A sign has been on that property for some time now. It reads: “For lease or build to suit.” Since that has not seen fruition, what is the real plan for the other property? ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/443001.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/443001.html Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:09 EDT
Downtown project essential to Lexington's future

Having been involved with the slow-but-steady renaissance of downtown Lexington for more than 20 years, I feel compelled to speak out in favor of the The Webb Cos.' proposed CentrePointe project.

My agency, Meridian Communications, was the first office tenant at Victorian Square, a Webb project opened in 1985. We loved being nestled within the complex, but we outgrew the space. When Festival Market (another Webb development, admittedly then ahead of its time) opened, my family operated McBear, a retail teddy bear store there.

In 2000, because I realized the value of a Main and Broadway business address, I purchased the top floor of that then-vacant Festival building. Today, what is now Triangle Center is alive and well. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/441982.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/441982.html Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:35 EDT
Democrats voted for messiah, not candidate

Yes, sexism and misogyny were demonstrably alive in the Democratic primaries, but neither of these was the most damaging obstacle to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. She was far and above the sane and logical choice for president.

Her background, proven record, intellect, compassion and stamina placed her far ahead of the pack. She was the .no-brainer. choice for Democratic nominee. That is, until she ran into a roadblock that no candidate should ever have to face: competing with a newly created messiah.

During troubled times, people are drawn to messianic prophets: charismatic males who most resemble the biblical Christ in message and demeanor and, for some, may even foreshadow the second coming. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/440595.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/440595.html Sun, 22 Jun 2008 09:39 EDT
The Herald-Leader and McClatchy Newspapers are owed thanks for the excellent series on U.S. treatment of detainees in Afghanistan and elsewhere. This is journalism at its best.

The brutality by U.S. troops recounted in the series is horrifying, as are similar reports that have emerged since the exposure of the Abu Ghraib atrocities.

As a patriot, I am heartbroken. This is not the country I was proud to represent during my years in the U.S. Foreign Service. America's armed forces should stand for decency, honor and protection of the innocent, not for bestiality.

Our armed forces exist to promote U.S. security, but actions like the ones described in the series (which commanding officers failed to prevent) have created enemies worldwide. They are also a stain on the reputation of the U.S. military, whose dedicated and decent men and women sacrifice so much to serve our country.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/439082.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/439082.html Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:06 EDT
On June 9, I watched U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, present 35 articles of impeachment regarding President Bush's trashing of the Constitution. Finally, I thought, someone with some power would actually be able to start the proceedings against Bush, who has denigrated our country and destroyed our standing throughout the world.

I imagined that the Herald-Leader and major local and national newscasts would be full of this news the next day. Alas, I have yet to read or hear one word from any of the media about Kucinich's brave stand on behalf of millions of Americans who believe that Bush should not be allowed to complete his term of office.

During the 1973 impeachment proceedings against Richard M. Nixon, I felt a personal sense of exoneration when people much smarter and more powerful than I determined that Nixon had committed crimes against our country. Bush makes Nixon look like a choir boy.

Kucinich presented articles of impeachment against Vice President Dick Cheney a year ago, and the House Judiciary Committee has failed to act on that also.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/437942.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/437942.html Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:13 EDT
Maybe the governor's proposed cost-of-living adjustment of 1.5 percent for retirees sounds good to the legislature, but there's something wrong with his figures.

If one looks at the annual inflation rates in the United States, one notices that in no year from 1967 through 2007 has there been an inflation rate of 1.5 percent or below. There have only been three years in the 40-year period in which the inflation rate was below 2 percent, but the inflation rate has been above 10 percent in four years. The annual average inflation rate for the whole period is 4.67 percent.

So what does this 1.5 percent annual COLA mean to retirees? It means their buying power will be reduced every year that the inflation rate is above 1.5 percent -- unless they go back to work to make ends meet.

By the time retirees really start to feel the pinch, they will probably have a tough time finding jobs. And if they do find jobs, they will probably have to continue working until they die.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/436942.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/436942.html Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:27 EDT
The U.S. police state has reached new levels of madness. When someone can be arrested and dragged through a costly legal quagmire for what seems a simple case of forgetfulness, we have a major problem. When the people of this nation fail to voice their opposition to a legal system run amok, we have a major crisis of freedom and common sense.

The law-and-order culture that so many acquiesced to after 9/11 is doing what those types of cultures always do: creeping into other areas without much thought. Then one day you find yourself in jail with a big legal bill, likely troubles with your employer and a very confused child who probably didn't know Daddy was a bad man. For what? Lack of sunscreen.

The police are now involved in evaluating sun exposure to our children. To citizens of "the land of the free," this should really matter, and it ought to scare the hell out of us.

We are, it seems, docile supplicants at the hands of our fatherly protectors, passively waiting for the next invasion on personal sovereignty and common sense. Children matter, to be sure -- but so does rearing those beacons of hope in an America still worthy of the name.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/435952.html http://www.kentucky.com/595/story/435952.html Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:31 EDT
Although Sen. John McCain told a reporter that he is not "born again" and has not been baptized, I believe McCain when he says he is a Christian.

And although syndicated columnist Cal Thomas differs with Sen. Barack Obama's interpretation of John 14:6, I believe Obama when he says a sermon at Trinity United Church of Christ led him to get baptized and dedicate himself to the word of God.

On Oct. 25, 1995, the 48th annual assembly of the Kentucky Council of Churches adopted a statement disapproving of "personal attacks in campaign advertising," and asked the media to "assist the electorate in identifying substantive and critical issues."

The assembly called upon all religious organizations to "help their members understand the relationship between faith and participation in civic life" and to "encourage their members to be intentional in using resources of faith in building a society which is respectful of human dignity."]]>