Published: June 25, 2008 04:21 pm            

In Your View — 06/26/08

The answer lies with synthetic fuels

In recent letters to the editor, Hugh Davis and Mike Sturm tried to assert that the Democrats were to blame for high gas prices because of their opposition to drilling in ANWR.

If either had bothered to do their research, they could have found out that oil companies have more than 4,000 leases they are not using. Furthermore, there are thousands of wells in America that were capped off in the 1980s when oil was $18 a barrel.

Speaking of oil prices, it was $38 per barrel when Bush invaded Iraq because of fictitious weapons of mass destruction and ties to 9/11. Iraq still produces less oil 5 years after the invasion, than before.

While Davis and Sturm claimed ANWR is the answer, the government’s Energy Information Administration found that drilling in ANWR would reduce gas prices by 3 to 5 cents by 2027. As for the ban on offshore drilling, enacted in 1982, that was later supplemented by an executive order from Bush Sr. If this ban was lifted, the EIA estimated it would lower prices by 4 cents a gallon.

Mr. Davis claims increasing domestic production will lower gas prices, but the U.S. has 3 percent of global reserves, while it consumes 24 percent.

The answer is Barack Obama’s Apollo like commitment to synthetic fuels. In 1998, according to a Chevron memo obtained by MSNBC, Condeleeza Rice wrote, while on the Chevron board of directors, “We will never obtain the profit margins we desire unless we reduce refining capacity in the U.S.” Then came Bush and Cheney and a Republican Congress allowing mega mergers that closed smaller refineries and big oil had everything they desired.

Anthony R. Savage, Catlettsburg



Letter inspires a brief response

This is in response to Frank McCoy’s June 24 letter about being embarrassed to be from Kentucky.

From Flatwoods, go down Wheeler Hill to U.S 23, turn right and proceed to Winchester Avenue and 13th Street. Turn left.

Hope this helps.

Tim Duley, Ashland



Hillary Clinton opened many doors

Sen. Hillary Clinton has devoted her life to moving America forward, putting people first, and fighting for the ideals of the Democratic Party. Her historic campaign for the presidency opened the doors of opportunity for women across America.

Senator Clinton has achieved what was a century before considered an unimaginable goal, receiving the most votes of any candidate in any party in any American presidential primary election.

I’m proud to be one of the 18 million Americans who cast my vote for Hillary Clinton and a better future for our nation. Throughout this process, Senator Clinton has demonstrated the same decency and graciousness that was denied to her by so many. She opened her hearts to the millions of Americans she met on the campaign trail seeking a better America.

Even in the most turbulent times of this election season, she never wavered and stood strong in defense of American and Democratic values. I salute her for her courage, leadership and wisdom. Few times before has our nation been blessed with a more qualified candidate for president of the United States.

The primary elections are over and every American had an opportunity to vote in this historic election. Senator Clinton has made history by becoming the first female to win even a single primary election and she received more popular votes than any other candidate. The importance of this extraordinary moment should not be forgotten.

While Senator Clinton has suspended her campaign for the Democratic nomination, her fight for our country and our party will continue — which is why she is not releasing her delegates. No matter what occurs next in this race, Senator Clinton deserves to be held in the highest regard. May we all salute her extraordinary campaign and service to our nation.

Tyler Murphy, Flatwoods



The good jobs are moving elsewhere

I’m 77 year old and have seen a lot, but ...

I’m a Christian and I know God made us all, but it is time to take notice or we won’t have America any more.

Our automobiles, steel, tractors, clothes, lawnmowers, shoes, tires, appliances and just about anything else we buy has “made in China” stamped on it or is made in some other country.

Our government won’t let us drill for oil or gas here in America — and there is plenty here. We are paying for their mistakes and it’s not fair. We can’t drive anymore without it costing our paycheck for gasoline. The big truckers are going in the hole trying to keep up with cost of fuel.

We need to throw all the big officials out of the White House and Congress and start over. Some are probably good, but most are there for the money, not us.

My grandchildren now can’t get any jobs unless it is at McDonald’s, Wendy’s or some other fast-food place because they don’t have the money to go to college. They need more schooling, but it costs an arm and a leg to go to college.

I feel sorry for the little children today. By the time they get old enough to work, they will have to go overseas to get a job because we won’t have anything left in America.

Well, I guess I’ll put on my foreign-made shoes to go to the store —if I have enough gasoline to get there.

By the way, did you get your stimulus check? If not, watch out because now they want to know how much you have, so they can get it back.

Iris A. Cordle, Flatwoods



Lobster Fest will aid Safe Harbor

Safe Harbor, eastern Kentucky’s domestic violence shelter for women and children, is proud to announce a “Maine Event,” the 2008 Lobster Fest, at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 23 at the Bellefonte Country Club with music by The Convertible Blondes.

There will be a gem scoop, silent and live auction with dancing under the stars. The evening's fare will include cheese, fruit, raw bar, New England clam chowder, salad, Maine lobster, baked potato, corn on the cob, dessert and open bar. The Boyd County Medical Alliance will be hosting this event in which all proceeds will go toward the renovation and reconstruction of Harbor Hill, Safe Harbor’s new facility.

Harbor Hill will provide permanent housing for our women and children and allow them a chance to develop the skills necessary to lead an independent life. Opportunities such as child care, counseling and adult education will be offered in a safe and nurturing environment.

This fabulous event will be open to the public and tickets can be purchased for $125 per person on a first come, first served basis. For more information please contact Carie Kizzair at Safe Harbor, (606) 329-9304. Come join us for an incredible evening of fun, fantastic fare and friendship.

Susan Fried, Lobster Fest chairperson, Ashland



1953 AHS class needs addresses

The Ashland High School class of 1953 will be having its 55-year reunion September 12-13. We need help in locating the following classmates:

William Earl Callihan, Betty Jo Cantrell, Anita Mae Mullins Chinn, Mary Ann Rich Gillespie, John B. Gordon, Joe V. Graber. William M. Hemlepp, Marilyn Stewart Johnson, Ann Mae Bean Morrison, Roger Neil Roark, Carroll Milton Staten, James Stewart and Larry J. Waggoner.

Those with current infomration on any of these classmates are asked to call one of the following: Betty Lou Delaney Moore, (606) 324-2057; Barbara Byinton Creech, (606) 836-6994; or Donald Blanton, (606) 325-1471.

Betty Lou Delaney Moore, Ashland

        

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