Published: April 04, 2008 02:07 pm            

In Your View — 04/06/08

Not hopeful for nation’s future

In the early 1900s, a man named Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist, realized something through observation: About 20 percent of the populace controlled or owned about 80 percent of the wealth. The other 80 percent scrounged and struggled over what was left.

He coined this concept the “80/20 Pareto Rule and realized” this was a standard for pretty much any country. I wonder if he at any point of his life let his thoughts wander across the Atlantic to the golden land, America, where people are living the “dream” where it is not like that. I wonder if he knew how wrong he was if he thought that at all.

The concept of “By the people … etc.” has been realized to the 80/20 Pareto Rule. Maybe now it should be the 95/5.

Early last century another person approached the rule from another perspective, seeing the 20, the wealthy, as the “vital few” and the 80, as the “trivial many.” How can so many who are the backbone of this country be trivial?

I’m seriously thinking about giving up on our country. I’ll vote and live here, of course, but a hopeful future is a luxury I do not have. I’m quickly loosing my faith that this nation can be saved from itself.

The ideals set down before us a long time ago are literally being shoved aside at our great expense. One nation under God is that the god of the rich and powerful is the dollar bill. The majority of us are the sacrificial sheep to obtain one more buck for the corporate temples. Being here for the benefit of the ruling wealthy seems to be our only reason for existing. Just like cattle are alive to provide milk and meat for our sustenance.

Thomas W. Elam, Pikeville



'50 under 40’ sections inspiring

The section of the March 27 Independent — “50 under 40” — was very impressive and gave well-earned credit for the accomplishments of the young adults in our area. Their achievements are outstanding and the fact that so many of them returned to their home town or chose to come to our community is most encouraging.

Also impressive is their dedication to the students and residents in the amount of time that they give back to the commuity in many areas. Another benefit from this very well done section is the inspiration it gives to our present students to study and to take advantage of the education available here.

It should make the young people realize that all things are possible for their future if they apply themselves to their studies and set their goals high. Congratulations to the “50 under 40” group and to the writers of this impressive section.

Vic Neyer, Ashland



Talk to teens about alcohol

As a country, we continue to make important progress in reducing underage drinking but much more needs to be done and parental involvement is key. While parents may believe they have no impact on their teens’ behavior, teenagers consistently cite their parents as the most powerful deterrent to drinking illegally.

Parents are often surprised to learn where teens are getting alcohol. According to scientific research, most youth who drink obtain alcohol primarily through non-commercial sources such as parents, family, friends and other adults over 21. They are sneaking alcohol from their parents’ homes, having older friends buy it, or are obtaining it at parties.

This April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Use this opportunity to have a serious discussion with your teen about alcohol. Tools for parents are available through The Century Council, www.centurycouncil.org, a not-for-profit organization funded by America’s leading distillers, and through the Federal Trade Commission’s campaign to prevent underage drinking, “We Don’t Serve Teens,” (www.dontserveteens.com).

Underage drinking is not inevitable. Parents and the entire community working together can make a difference.

Peter H. Cressy, President and CEO, Distilled Spirits Council, Washington, D.C.



Kentucky needs new legislators

Thank you, Bill Bartleman, for once again inspiring me to write concerning our ineffectual state legislators. It is a crying shame that their lack of addressing pressing issues continues to haunt us.

Mr. Bartleman's article in the Sunday, March 16, issue of The Paducah Sun exposed, once again, the waste of time and taxpayers' money resulting from the silliness taking place in Frankfort. Past promises of more effective legislative performance that were supposed to take place by going to annual sessions not only have failed to occur, but they seem to have actually produced poorer performance than when we had biennial sessions.

I know not all legislators are ineffectual, but, taken as a whole, their actions are pathetic. I dislike throwing the baby out with the bath water, but it seems we voters need to oust the whole kit and kaboodle and start with new people — or at least get rid of David Williams, Harry Moberly and Jody Richards, whose actions are so juvenile and vindictive. And if that doesn't get the job done, continue to throw out the incumbents until they get the message we are not going to make them lifetime politicians.

When election time comes around, please use good judgment in selecting those whom you want to represent you in Frankfort.

Michael S. Polashock, Paducah



Veterans of ship planning reunion

Navy and Marine Corps shipmates who served on the USS Columbus CA-74/CG-12 at anytime between 1944 and 1976 are invited to join the USS Columbus Veterans Association.

The association will have a reunion Oct. 1-4 at Holiday Inn North, Dayton, Ohio.

For more information on the association and the reunion, write Allen R. Hope, president, 3828 Hobson Road, Fort Wayne, Ind. 46815-4505.

Frederick A. Fenzel, Public Relations Officer, USS Columbus Veterans Assn.

        

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