Can Kentucky’s Senate candidates give some real answers to questions? Opinion
Candidate questions
Perhaps it may be possible that the candidates for the U.S. Senate from Kentucky address questions with direct answers. For me, this would be a welcome addition to the issue of immigration which seems to be the only issue about which they have any view (which for the Republican candidates is Trump’s view). I only have four questions.
- How does my family benefit from artificially created higher prices on virtually all products?
- How does aggressiveness and drastically increasing the military budget while decreasing support for health care, infrastructure, education and environmental issues, among others, make my family’s life better?
- How will neglecting our traditional allies coupled with the approval of and coddling of so many non-democratic dictators and their disdain for America protect my family?
- How does secrecy, withholding information, and censorship regarding potential criminal conduct, e.g. sexual abuse, insider trading etc., make us more informed citizens?
It is possible to answer basic questions directly. For many, if not most, politicians, it is unfortunately highly improbable. But in keeping with the season, “Hope Springs Eternal.”
Charles Myers, Lexington
Republican pandering
It is sad, but enlightening, to watch as Republican candidates for Congress pander for the approval of the most unpopular president in recent memory and then spend outlandish amounts of money on negative television messages with no substantive value. It speaks volumes about the state of our political system and the quality of Republican candidates for Congress.
Since in Kentucky voters must vote according to party affiliation in the primary election, perhaps a good suggestion for Republican voters would be to avoid voting for congressional candidates, since none appear worthy of your vote.
William Farnau, Lexington
Women’s statues
A move is underway to add another statue of a white male to the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort.
Oh, goody.
The Rotunda is now home to statues of Abraham Lincoln, Henry Clay, Alben Barkley and Ephraim McDowell.
All were officeholders except McDowell, a Danville physician who performed an operation on Jane Todd Crawford in the early 1800s to remove a large ovarian cyst (without anesthesia).
Crawford does get a brief mention in the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit displayed along a Capitol hallway. But apparently, she, like countless other women, has not been deemed Rotunda-worthy.
The only statue of a woman in the Capitol is that of educator Nettie Depp of Barren County, unveiled in 2022 in the west entrance. It joins a plaque there honoring Thelma Stovall – lieutenant governor, representative and senator.
The space is shared by busts of Col. Harland Sanders and John Sherman Cooper. A bust of Albert B. “Happy” Chandler lives in the east entrance.
So here we are, missing another opportunity to bestow the Capitol’s highest statuary honor in recognition of the vast contributions of women to Kentucky.
What a shame.
Diana Taylor, Frankfort
State mushroom
Normally I do not agree with the Governor’s vetoes. However, I hope he vetoes S.B. 19. I’m not an outdoorsy person but I’ve never heard of the Indigo Milk Cap mushroom. Is it edible? Is it easily distinguished from other varieties? Is it widely distributed?
Come on people! What about the Morel? Edible, fun to hunt, easy to distinguish, no danger of poisoning and it already has a festival.
Anytime the state needs an official whatever, pick something that we the people know about!
My apologies if I’m the only one who didn’t know about the blue-colored Milk Cap. After all, it ain’t the Kentucky Wildcat nor a Cardinal!
Robert Murph, Wellington
Unchecked government
We are seen worldwide as a country with unchecked capitalism, taking democracy for granted. Can we afford to wait for the midterms to impeach a criminal? This so-called ‘President of Peace’ bullies the U.S. into violating law. Abroad, children are killed. At home, ICE deports people on the basis of quotas, killing defenders, suppressing peaceful opposition.
My Uncle Norbert defended democracy, giving his life July 30th, 1944; his father Joseph served in WWI; my father in Korea.
Why be silent? Remember past generations and their sacrifices in the millions for democracy. Human rights were defended for all, not just some.
Democracy depends on shared respect for each other. When we tolerate its violation against others, we’ll find it is a violation against ourselves. A society cannot endure such disregard for human rights.
Will you defend democracy? Call and write your Congressmember, to remind politicians of their oaths to care. It’s past time for No Kings and White House puppets. It is time to insist upon a courageous U.S. Congress to save democracy and people of other countries. Impeach.
Ann Mescher, Lexington
Trump hymn
Well now that we have visual documentation that President Donald Trump sees himself as a savior it’s time to sing a hymn.
Praise Trump from whom all blessings flow,
Praise him all MAGAs here below.
Praise him above ye Fox News Hosts,
Praise Donald Trump from coast to coast. Amen
Oh, and if Vice President JD Vance or anyone else is offended, well, it was only a joke....right?
Jay Hopkins, Frankfort
Expanding Medicare Advantage
As a blind Kentuckian, I depend on reliable health care coverage. That’s why I’m grateful the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a 2.48 percent Medicare Advantage rate update for 2027, a significant improvement over the original 0.09 percent proposal, which was essentially flat even as health care costs keep rising.
The CMS adjustment better reflects real-world pressures facing the 35 million Americans, mostly seniors, who rely on Medicare Advantage. For people like me, stability in this program helps keep costs predictable and care accessible.
Medicare Advantage often includes benefits traditional Medicare doesn’t, like vision, dental, and coordinated care that can be essential for those of us with vision loss. When rates fall behind, the consequences are real: higher out-of-pocket costs, fewer supplemental benefits, and less support to stay healthy and independent at home.
I’m thankful CMS listened, but this can’t be the end of the conversation. Kentucky’s congressional delegation should keep pushing for a strong, stable Medicare Advantage program so seniors and people with disabilities don’t end up paying more or getting less the next time rates are on the table.
Todd Stephens, Board member of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky, Lexington
BOA Money talks
It is becoming more apparent that in government money talks and majority opinion walks. I, along with nearly 300 concerned citizens who oppose allowing an inpatient mental health facility on Duke Road, attended a Board of Adjustment meeting April 13. The opposition provided a clear and concise case against having this facility in this location, due to the proximity to 3 schools and a park.
The applicants were very vague about most details including security, number of beds provided, and what types of disorders they intended to treat. The board gave great latitude to the applicants. Those opposed wrote letters, attended meetings and showed up in great numbers to plead our case. It seemed apparent that the people who live near there and send their children to schools there, had no voice in the matter. A business model versus a neighborhood’s concerns for their children.
One proponent asked if there weren’t police to keep the neighborhood safe? We answered, “Is it worth the possible risk?” Who would be accountable?
The question remains, do the residents of a neighborhood have any rights? Money talks more loudly.
Cheryl Keenan, Lexington
Wildcat basketball
What has happened to the historic University of Kentucky Wildcats Men’s basketball team? What once was a proud program is now the laughing stock of the SEC and college basketball. They made a deal with the devil, aka Coach Cal (John Calipari). He did give the university a National championship, but he sold the soul of the program for one-and-done players and became an NBA farm system, all the while tearing down the playing for the school. No longer do players come to Kentucky for Kentucky, but for the chance to go to the NBA. No staying for 4 years, players are no longer relatable to the fan base, because every year it is a new team, new players. There’s no watching a player or players develop and grow for 4 years.
College basketball is at a critical point. The next 2 to 3 years something has to be changed with the transfer portal. This can be an easy fix. Players can sign with a school get X amount of money from NIL with max limits on amounts based on staying at that school for a minimum of 2 yrs., and players would have 2-year contracts unless the Coaches leave. If they leave, then players can leave too.
Just a thought from a fan.
John R. Turner, Alexandria