Letters to the editor: Jan. 19 | Lexington Herald Leader

Lexington helped provide Christmas to hurting kids

I want to thank Lexington residents who generously gave of their time and means to help impact thousands of hurting kids. Together we packed 20,835 shoe boxes — filled with toys, school supplies and basic necessities — for Operation Christmas Child.

Our gifts, joined by millions of others, are now on their way to needy children in 100 countries. During the 2012 collection season, we reached a milestone — more than 100 million children have been impacted by the power of a simple gift since 1993.

I would like to thank the volunteers at our local collection sites and all those who packed a shoe box gift. For many of the children who receive these gifts, this shoe box will be the first gift they have ever received.

Although our local drop-off locations in Lexington are closed, gifts are received year-round at Samaritan's Purse by mailing them to 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.

There are also year-round volunteer opportunities. Find out how you can use your gifts and talents to make a difference in children's lives around the world by visiting our website, Samaritanspurse.org, or by calling (615) 778-0046.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in this project. A simple gift, packed with love, can communicate hope and transform the lives of children worldwide.

Kate Tanis

Mid-South Regional Manager

Operation Christmas Child

Franklin, Tenn.

Borderline legal

In order to increase the commonwealth's revenue, Kentucky should commission an up-to-date border survey between Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.

The Supreme Court says the border is the north bank of the Ohio as of 1792 but the river has shifted south in places over time, so much of these three states is now in the commonwealth and subject to its jurisdiction — tax and otherwise.

Moreover, the people in these three states would no doubt like to know that many of their state politicians hold office illegally because of the many Kentucky citizens on the north side of the river permitted to vote in their elections.

Herbert Creech

Dayton, Ohio

Environmental holocaust

Does Lexington have a gigantic beam like the one in Batman to call for help?

If anyone knows where the light is, please throw the switch, as the land at 4247 Georgetown Road is in dire need of a rescue.

This land has been designated for agricultural use only. But massive amounts of topsoil and rock have been illegally removed for the owner's profit.

If you look at a satellite view of this property, you will be appalled at the environmental holocaust that has occurred.

The owner was instructed by the Board of Adjustment to cease his bootleg rock quarry. After the removal of over 25 acres of precious topsoil and gravel for profit, the owner was not fined by the city in any capacity; he was given a slap on the wrist and some quiet time in the corner.

After laying low for a while, the owner was caught in the act. Again, a slap on the wrist. Where are the fines and penalties?

My mom got after me with a frying pan just for looking at cookies that weren't ready to eat. Come on, city officials, get out your frying pan.

This owner has shown time and again a flagrant disregard for zoning laws, his neighbors, the integrity of the environment and the city government.

He should be heavily fined and required to return the land to its original condition. His decimated land will not even grow weeds. Someone please throw the switch before more irreversible destruction takes place.

Bill Wofford

Lexington

Greed bowl

Thanks, NCAA. The national football championship game not being on regular TV? Garbage. Hope you and the BCS choke on the money.

Realize your greed is the greed of the American system that is sending us all down the tubes.

There is no saving America, just horrors to come. How can anything be saved that has greed as the overriding factor?

Floyd C. Shipley

Georgetown

Word spreads faster

Nonsense may travel at the speed of light — via fiber optic cable. Formerly it went by word of mouth. Now much more nonsense can be generated.

High-speed hypernonsense is the most rapidly spread. And the vast production of nonsense means that before one error may be corrected, 100 more have been sent. This explosive nonsense is cosmic in nature. It is everywhere. People actually are surrounded by it. This includes scientists studying the phenomena.

The production of gibberish and twaddle has reached epic proportions. Measuring this ocean of misinformation has proven impossible. The public should be alerted to the deluge which has been named "New Overwhelming Absurdity Hurricane (NOAH)"

Risto Marttinen

Lexington

Some spoil it for all

In response to the recent "Marxists after guns" letter: I own and enjoy several firearms (rifles, shotguns and pistols), but when someone offers up unsupported hyperbole as evidence that our own government is plotting to disarm us, all gun owners suffer in the long run.

A few corrections are in order:

1) Being politically progressive does not make anyone a Marxist any more than being politically conservative makes anyone a fascist.

2) The attempt by the British to restrict colonists' access to large amounts of firearms and ammunition was a response to rebellion, not the cause of it.

3) Everyone knows that the Second Amendment begins with "A well regulated militia." Deliberately leaving the beginning of the amendment off just makes you look like you are trying to hide the truth.

4) Using phrases like "slave to the government," and "national bloodbath" casts the shadow of unreasoning extremism on all of us who are law-abiding gun owners.

Jonathan Morris

Busy