October 09, 2008 03:34 pm
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Seeing 70 take oath was electrifying
During this election period, it seems that there are so many negatives circulating, from economics, partisanship, morality, and to the direction of our youth and country. Some are convinced that we are going to “heck” in a hand basket.
But even with all our faults, the United States of America is the greatest nation on earth, rich with opportunities and freedoms that are all but unknown in other countries.
I was born in this country with no knowledge or experience of living under a dictator, ruler or a controlled state of communism. I, like most American citizens, take so many of the freedoms that we have for granted.
I recently had the privilege to be in the company of more than 70 people who stood to take their oath to become American citizens. Men, women, and children from more than 30 countries had made the move from their homeland to the U.S. to grasp those freedoms we all share.
It was a humbling and electrifying experience to hear each individual person state their name, their homeland, and their current place of residence. There were some who also shared the reason for their decision to become a citizen stating some of the atrocities and disadvantages experienced in their homelands.
My high point was when I heard my wife take her oath. She is one of those special souls that made the choice to become a citizen. She has been in the states for many years and has been a productive, valued and positive part of the Ashland community as dedicated mother, a great wife and successful business person. She continues to celebrate her rich cultural heritage. She then made a conscious choice to join the multitudes that are known as Americans.
Rusty Jenkins, Ashland
What’s happened to our manners?
I live on a busy street, and it is difficult to back out of my driveway because of the traffic. The other day a nice person in a red truck stopped to let me out.
I thought that was so nice because a lot of times people will honk at you or zoom around you if you aren’t fast enough and force them to slow down a bit. In the scheme of thing, how important is it to be in such a hurry?
I thank that person for renewing my faith in people. There are those out there who are courteous.
It seems almost everyone is in too big of a hurry and doesn’t take the time to be nice to others. It only takes a minute to hold a door open for someone, instead of letting it shut in his or her face. We don’t hear ‘excuse me’ or ‘thank you’ as much as we used to either.
What happened to manners?
Mary Wessel, Ashland
Hart’s columns draw a response
What is the frequency, Kenneth Hart? Obviously, it’s a heavy support for Democrats and a total disdain for Republicans. In light of Ken Hart’s “No duh” series, I want to add a few that I’m sure Mr. Hart forgot:
Joe Biden: Yes, I plagiarize.
Oprah Winfrey: Yes, Democrats are welcome on my show, but Sarah Palin is not.
William Ayers: Yes, I want to bomb America.
Jeremiah Wright: Yes, I hate America. I hate Jews. I hate whites.
Barack Obama: Yes, small town people are bitter and cling to their guns, and yes, William Ayers and Jeremiah Wright are my friends.
Kenneth Hart: Yes, on Sundays, I write columns for the Independent and take every opportunity to dump on Republicans.
Joe Barker, Catlettsburg
McCain pledges more of Bush
As we head into the last weeks before the election, it’s clear why the Democrats have the most qualified candidates. John McCain has given us several reasons not to vote for the other ticket.
McCain wants to continue the failed policies of the Bush administration. His pick for his running mate also says a lot. Although very smart, this woman is not qualified to be vice president. It sure would be a scary time to wake up and find out she was directing our military and running our country.
McCain and Palin call themselves mavericks. A maverick is a calf not branded and is always bawling and running around like it’s lost. Well, these two do act like mavericks, so I could be wrong on that point.
Veterans, wake up! Mitch McConnell has voted against veterans’ health every time it has come up.
Paul L Hutchinson, Rush
Hogsten improved her neighborhood
In the past five years our neighborhood has undergone some positive changes. It is a peaceful neighborhood where residents respect one another and strive to be good citizens.
This was not the case. So we contacted Paula Hogsten for advice. She guided us in the right direction and advised us how to accomplish what we were seeking. It worked.
When I cast my vote for Paula as Ashland mayor, I’ll remember what she’s already done, not just for our neighborhood, but for our community as well.
Kathleen Chamis, Ashland
Hogsten will not be a seat warmer
Like many others in this town, I’m tired of business as usual. If all I wanted of a mayor was a body to warm the seat on Thursdays, there’d be no need for elections. Just hire a trained seal or roll the dice. It’s a lot cheaper and more entertaining.
Personally I want someone who cares enough about this town to want to try to make a real difference, someone with the courage of their convictions. So far the only one I’ve seen or heard like that is Paula Hogsten.
Douglas Morrison, Ashland
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