Published: August 25, 2008 06:04 pm            

In Your View — 08/26/08

Taxing businesses is taxing ourselves

Windfall profit taxes? Maybe we should ask ourselves a few questions before we get our pitch forks out and begin storming the gates of those evil, rich, oil companies.

First, who actually owns these companies? Check your retirement and investment accounts, because the overwhelming majority of stockholders are just average people like you and me. We should be very careful what we ask for, because we, the stockholders and consumers, are the ones who will get hurt.

And who’s going to pay these taxes? Let’s not kid ourselves. Corporations don’t have magic money trees and they don’t really pay taxes. They get their profits and cash by selling their products to you and me. So when cowardly politicians tell us that they are going to increase corporate taxes, they’re just taxing us indirectly by raising our cost of living.

And what do higher taxes mean for those smaller businesses that are already struggling to keep their prices competitive? Decreased profits force them out of business, and, consequently, unemployment goes up and tax revenues go down.

If our politicians were actually concerned about small business and corporations that “ship” jobs overseas, they wouldn’t be talking about higher taxes and ending tax breaks for evil corporations. They would instead be working to drastically lower or completely eliminate corporate federal and state income taxes. The influx of business and jobs would offset the loss of corporate taxes many times over.

Taxes should be used to raise government revenue, not to punish successful businesses. Likewise, our politicians should be encouraging businesses by creating a welcome environment, not punishing them, and us, with stifling taxes.

John M. Jordan, Grayson



Couple’s deaths loss to community

If you knew Mark and Teresa Stone, you’re aware of the loss our community has suffered with their passing. For those of you who were not lucky enough to have known them, I want to tell you about my friends.

Mark never met anyone that he couldn’t find something in common with. He operated a successful small business, which he and a partner started on Greenup Avenue in Ashland. The business grew and Mark became the sole owner, then moved the business to its Armco Boulevard location. He cared about his clients and he knew his products. He was always honorable even when it wasn’t convenient or in the best interest of himself or his business.

I’ve watched Mark talking with Fortune 500 companies on business deals worth thousands of dollars, then take another phone call from a local farmer needing some way to fix a 40-year-old tractor. Mark would spend the same amount of his time and talents coming up with a way to assist the farmer as he did the big account. He never met a stranger.

Mark could always find someone to talk with and could always get some life story out of them. When he did, he would never forget their story.

He and Teresa always made a good team and raised three remarkable kids. The many times that Mark and I would travel together, Teresa would give me an extra set of keys as Mark was known to lose a set from time to time. Teresa was a long time teacher at Raceland High School, and I’m sure she touched many lives.

I will sadly miss my friend. My sincere condolences to their kids and family, and to those of you who was not fortunate enough to have been touched by their lives.

Paul Carman, Ironton, Ohio



If driving impaired, you will be arrested

Drunken driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. Across the United States, 13,470 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in 2006. That was 32 percent — nearly one-third — of total motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the nation.

Kentucky recorded more than 6,300 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 205 deaths and nearly 2,500 injuries in 2007. But Kentucky seems to be making some progress. The number of deaths resulting from alcohol-related crashes in Kentucky has slightly decreased each year since 2004.

Local law enforcement officials will be joining other law enforcement and highway safety agencies across the nation through the Labor Day holiday to launch an aggressive crackdown on impaired drivers called: Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

Our message is simple: If you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested. No exceptions. No excuses.

Drunken driving is simply not worth the risk of killing yourself or someone else.

Chuck Geveden, Executive Director, Office of Highway Safety, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet



Gate City library is turning 25

I invite all Catlettsburg residents — and anyone else really — to share in the 25th birthday celebration of the Catlettsburg Branch of Boyd County Public Library from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 30.

I’ve been at the branch since it opened, and it’s been a wonderful part of my life. I like helping people by putting a good book in their hands or by providing them with information they really need. Many of the regular patrons are like family. I have watched kids grow up these past 25 years and I know I have been a little bit of an influence in their lives. I recently found out that one young lady who used to come to the branch is pursuing her masters degree in library information science because of me. That made me feel great.

The library fills other needs in town, too. It is at times the gossip center of Catlettsburg, a “meet and greet” place, or simply a waiting area for the bus or the courthouse.

Catlettsburg has been through a lot of changes in the past quarter century. Buildings have gone, along with many businesses. We are one of the oldest businesses in town, and we are glad to be here, serving the community.

Thank you for your support, and please stop in Saturday to say hello, and have some refreshments.

Lisa Epling, Catlettsburg Branch Manager, Boyd County Public Library District



Movie experience is like no other

For an experience guaranteed to thrill you, chill you, and fulfill you, head to the Cinema Theatre in Huntington on Friday nights to see the most unique movie experience the Tri-State has to offer: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Originally released in 1975, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show still plays at movie theatres all across the country and shows no signs of slowing down. Soon after its release, the film became a cult phenomenonand the rest is history.

Come be a part of history! Whether you remember the original release or weren’t even born when the film came out, this is an experience you will not want to miss. The show features audience participation and toilet paper is a throwable prop. Dressing up is always encouraged, so dig out those fishnets and stilettos!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Cinema Theatre features acclaimed shadowcast, DownHome Decadence, a group of live performers who dress up as the characters and act the movie out as it plays on the screen.

The Cinema Theatre is located at 1021 4th Ave. in downtown Huntington. Tickets are only $3.

The dance party begins at 9:45 pm on Friday nights followed at approximately 10:15 with the film.

Come to the movie and spead the word to everyone you know. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an experience like nothing else on this planet.

Sara Stapleton, Stage Manager, DownHome Decadence

        

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