Letters to the Editor: I want to vote. Thanks, governor, for giving me hope.

I want to vote

Earlier this month, I stood in the cold for hours at Andy Beshear’s inauguration as governor because I believe in democracy, and I’m really proud of his win and what it means for the future of Kentucky. I worked hard with Kentuckians For The Commonwealth to get him elected, making phone calls and talking to people on their doorstep. But I couldn’t vote for him.

I hope his executive order restoring voting rights is broad and deep because everyone deserves to have a voice. I’m one of the 312,000 Kentuckians denied the right to vote because they have a felony in their past and because Kentucky has uniquely repressive voter disenfranchisement laws.

Governor Beshear’s support for restoration of voting rights made me feel hopeful.

Restoring voting rights to 140,000 Kentuckians would be a big deal and an excellent start, whether I end up being one or not (but I really hope I am).

Debra Graner, Frankfort

Holiday reminder

Christmas is one of the most joyous times around the world for Christians. It celebrates the miraculous birth of Jesus and the values of family and gratitude. Every year we see families from all over the world get together to share gifts and meals with each other. Although Muslims do not celebrate Christmas, the stories of Jesus and Mary are crucial to the Islamic faith. In fact, there is a whole chapter in the Quran dedicated to Mary herself. One lesson during Christmas that resonates with many Muslims is gratitude. The importance of gratitude cannot be understated in Islam.

In the Quran it says, “Why should God make you suffer torment if you are thankful and believe in Him? God always rewards gratitude and He knows everything” (Quran, 4:147).

Even for people who don’t formally celebrate Christmas, it still acts as a great reminder of the gratitude we need to instill in ourselves for the blessings we receive daily. If we remain grateful for what we do have, we will surely find even more happiness and blessings in the future.

Faizan Ahmed, Lexington

Cruel present

Christ divided the loaves and fishes to feed the hungry. President Donald Trump wants to stop feeding the hungry because as a billionaire he is not hungry. Merry Christmas, Trump voters on food stamps. You’re getting what you voted for. Signed by someone who spent 25 years in state government administering the food stamp program who knows the real plight of how it will affect those who will lose their benefits.

Bob Sutton, Springfield

SMH here

One hundred and forty thousand new Democratic voters were just added to the voter rolls when Gov. Andy Beshear restored voting rights to criminals. Shaking my head.

William R. Elam, Lexington

Actions, not words

Seemed hypocritical that the headlines of the Herald-Leader on the day after Andy Beshear is inaugurated as governor of Kentucky said he “calls for unity” when he spent the last four years trying to divide the commonwealth and sue anything that breathed, especially the governor of Kentucky.

I also found it interesting that on the same page there was an article where someone is contemplating suing him after he spent so much energy as attorney general wanting to sue someone else. Doesn’t sound like a man that is calling for unity. “Your actions speak so loud that I cannot hear the words you say.”

Beshear said his faith teaches him forgiveness and his faith teaches him respect. I wonder if it did it not also teach him the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Does he want to spend his four years as governor being sued, or does he truly want to do the right thing and bring unity to the commonwealth? Hmmm. . .

Pat Bullock, Salvisa

Look at the dollars

In response to the recent opinion piece by Linda Blackford: Stating that President Donald Trump is “probably the most corrupt politician in U.S. history” ignores the dollars amassed by the Clintons and the Obamas on account of their tenures.

I haven’t seen any of that from this president, only accusations.

Ray Brown, Lexington

Punish animal abuse

It is high time we Kentuckians urge our government to change the abuse of animals to become a felony.

These cruel individuals could possibly be helped before they move on to the abuse, neglect, and murder of human beings.

MM Baughman, Lexington