Published: April 02, 2008 02:23 pm            

In Your View —— 04/03/08

Parking comments removed from site

Democracy, “government by the people” especially rule of the majority; a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections. These elections will soon take place in Ashland.

We encounter many different people every day of our lives. We choose not to pass judgment on someone due to his/her religion, ethnicity, politics, or opinions if they differ from ours. However, there are some things we choose not to do. One of those is to remain silent or be censored while there are those around us who suffer at the cost of those with political power.

There is a Web site (ashlandddc.ning.com) that has been established for people of this community to express their views in an open forum for discussion about ideas to enhance the “Revitalization of Ashland.” Having shared some of our experiences with a committee member, he invited us to join the forum.

We knew our views would be unwelcome, but they are factual and encountered on a daily basis. We posted them on this Website, and in less than 18 hours, the discussion which we had hoped to begin on “parking” was removed from the site due to failure in expressing optimism; however, for someone who faces the “current parking issue” on a daily basis, there is no optimism for the future.

In a forum, all views should be allowed to be heard; however, to censor those who demonstrate the inequalities with the current system is an injustice.

Should any citizen have a desire to see what others do not wish you to see, we will happily make that available for you.

Kenny and Candy Messer, Pier 17 Salon, Ashland



Clinton equated with the past

It seems as though the old Clinton sense of entitlement is finally backfiring.

In an effort to make an issue out of Barack Obama's eloquence and speech delivery savvy, Hillary Clinton is doing just what she accuses her opponent of doing: Not offering any concrete solutions for voters.

Clearly Senator Clinton went into this primary season assuming she would clean up. Instead she’s facing a candidate that’s gaining the kind of broad support this country has not seen since Ronald Reagan’s first term.

Clinton is now firmly equated with the past, while Obama seems to be opening new doors and new eyes every day. The Bush administration planted the seeds for a big wake up call. Barack Obama was the only candidate politically astute enough to reap what’s been sown.

In my book, that's leaps and bounds more "presidential" than anything we've seen or heard from Hillary Clinton this year.

Mark Imgrund, Ashland



U.S. 23 clean-up will be April 19

Spring means warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. Spring also signifies “spring cleaning,” as in the Ashland Alliance U. S. 23 Cleanup.

This year's sweep of trash along the Country Music Highway from South Shore to Catlettsburg will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 19.

Volunteers are needed to pick up debris and trash along the 50-mile stretch of roadway in Boyd and Greenup counties during the annual clean-up.

For more information on how to volunteer your business, church or civic group contact Missy McCalvin, Boyd County volunteer coordinator, or Debbie Gaines, Greenup County volunteer coordinator at (606) 324-5111 or by e-mail at mcconley@inicity.net for Missy McCalvin or debbie@inicity.net for Debbie Gaines.

Paula Mayo, Administrative assistant, Ashland Alliance



More can be done about teen smoking

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services recently released its annual buying survey results of Kentucky retail tobacco outlets indicating that 94 percent of the surveyed stores were in compliance with state law prohibiting tobacco sales to anyone under 18 years old.

Philip Morris USA believes this is a step in the right direction but that more can be done. We urge legislators to pass legislation that prohibits self-service sales of tobacco products in retail stores and prohibits any adult from buying or providing tobacco products to a minor.

In addition, it’s estimated the commonwealth will receive about $114 million in fiscal year 2008 tobacco settlement agreement payments. More of that money should be directed to youth tobacco use prevention programs.

At Philip Morris USA, we believe we have a responsibility to help prevent kids from using cigarettes and other tobacco products. While Kentucky has made progress in its efforts to help prevent youth tobacco use, we hope more can be done to help this trend to continue.

Pam Lieberman, director, Youth Smoking Prevention, Philip Morris USA, Richmond, Va.



Hospice offers help with living wills

National Health Care Decisions Day (NHDD), a nationwide initiative to promote living wills, has been set for April 16. Community Hospice has chosen to be part of this effort with events throughout the month of April.

As a participating organization, Community Hospice is committed to providing information and tools for the public to talk about their wishes with family, friends and health care providers. We will have presentations at the Boyd County Public Library on April 16. Community Hospice representatives will be at the library’s main branch at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and at the Summit branch at 2 p.m.

Representative will have the appropriate forms and be available after the presentations to assist individuals in completing a standard living will. Other events at area senior centers are also scheduled during April.

If you would like a Community Hospice representative to speak to your club, church, organization or business, please call us at (606) 329-1890 or 1-800-926-6184.

For additional information about National Health Care Decision Day, please visit their Website at www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org.

Elizabeth V. Taylor, Director of Development and Community Relations, Community Hospice, Ashland

        

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