Published: January 25, 2008 02:34 pm            

In Your View —01/27/08

Only those who pay deserve tax rebate

Last week, President Bush introduced an economic stimulus plan that would consist of income tax relief and urged Congress to quickly pass legislation that would benefit American taxpayers with rebates of up to $800 for individuals and $1,600 for married couples.

Sounds good to me: A small dose of income tax relief granted to hard-working Americans who see large chunks of every paycheck confiscated by the government.

As simple as that sounds, however, this is where it gets complicated for the liberal geniuses among us, who are always looking for ways to expand the free ride they seek for core Democratic voters.

It seems they’re predictably complaining that income tax rebates will not benefit those who do not pay income tax. Good grief. Only in the mind of a Democrat could one envision an income tax rebate finding its way into the wallet of someone who does not pay income tax.

That's about as stupid as insisting that General Motors pay rebates on new Chevy pickup trucks not only to customers who actually bought the trucks, but to all those who did not. Democrat politics, as usual.

Randy Webb, Ashland



Clinton stands apart from field

After seven years of the Bush administration’s failed policies, America is in desperate need of a new direction. The question Democrats face during this primary is which candidate is best equipped to lead us in that new direction and bring about the change our country needs. That candidate is Sen. Hillary Clinton.

The daunting tasks facing the next president of ending the war in Iraq, reversing our economic woes, repairing America’s standing in the world, finally providing universal health care, and confronting the issue of climate change leaves no room for on-the-job training.

Senator Clinton stands apart in the Democratic field as the only candidate with the strength and experience to hit-the-ground running and change America for the better.

The Democratic Party is certainly blessed with qualified candidates in this primary; however, Senator Clinton has repeatedly proven to be a capable public servant and possesses the strength, experience and knowledge to lead America out of the political wilderness. Not only does she talk about change, she is able to bring about that change. And she has the ability to fight the Republican smear machine (which will await any Democratic nominee), win in November, and restore our nation’s true vision.

Senator Clinton has set bold goals for America and she knows how to accomplish them. Her remarkable service as First Lady and U.S. senator have more than prepared her for the task.

For 35 years, Hillary Clinton has fought for those struggling to get ahead — for the poor and middle-class working for a fair shot, for America’s children, for women and minorities across the world, and for those who seem invisible to political leaders in Washington — and that is a fight that she will carry into the Oval Office.

Tyler Murphy, Flatwoods



Lions are screening to detect ‘lazy eye’

Two-thirds of children under the age of 6 have an undiagnosed eye disorder that, if left untreated until school age, could result in loss of vision in the affected eye.

The Kentucky Lions accepted the challenge to screen, free of charge, all Kentucky children between the ages of 1 and 5.

Through donations, special cameras were purchased and one of those cameras is now with the South Ashland Lions Club. Ten members of the club were recently trained by KLEF to screen children, and on Dec 17, our first screenings were done at the Child Development Corp. on Lexington Avenue. Fifty-nine children were screened with the photos being sent to Louisville for checking. If problems are found the parents will be notified and they can take their children to eye-care professionals for further diagnosis.

This condition is called Amblyopia (lazy eye). The stronger eye takes on the job of vision, and little by little the lazy eye gives up its ability to see, resulting in loss of vision in one eye. The earlier this can be detected, the better the results of treatment.

The screening only takes a couple of minutes and occurs when the child looks at a blinking light and a picture is taken with the special camera. All results are strictly confidential.

We hope to screen all of the day care centers in our county. All it takes is the cooperation of the center and a signed consent from the parents.

The loss of vision in just one child is too high a price to pay. The Lions’ motto is “We Serve” and eyesight is out major focus. We also hope to have an open day where children not enrolled in day care or pre-school can be screened.

Ann Wiseman, Kidsight chairperson, South Ashland Lions



March 15 is chance to stand up for U.S.

It’s time to stand up for America, and we'll be doing just that on March 15 in Washington, DC. Our patriotic group — referred to as “Eagles” — will be mustering in support of our troops and in opposition to the anti-America crowd that has surrender as their goal.

March is the anniversary month of the start of the Gulf War, which represents a special protest month for anti-war rabble. It further gives them the opportunity to dishonor our troops, deface and dishonor our memorials and generally disgrace America.

It has been my sad experience to see the “uncaring” of the American people, to see them just stand by and watch our flag, the symbol for all that is right, being stomped and spat upon. We all need to come together in support of our veterans, our troops, our nation.

The cause is freedom. The outcome is yours. I’ll see you in Washington on March 15.

For further information, contact me at kentucky@eaglesup.us. View our Web site at www.eaglesup.us.

James M. Clontz, State coordinator, Eagles Up

        

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