Published: August 18, 2008 02:43 pm            

In Your View — 08/19/08

Alcohol sales don’t bring prosperity

Alcohol sales have not brought economic prosperity to Ashland or Boyd County. Currently, there are two active petition drives to allow liquor sales: One in Russell and one at a golf course in Boyd County. (The election in the Garner precinct is today.)

In Ashland, residents voted for alcohol sales in hopes of keeping Ashland Oil. It didn’t work. Their corporate headquarters is now in Covington. No business has filled the void, and I don’t see corporate businesses knocking down Ashland’s door because of alcohol sales,

Kyova Mall sponsored a successful petition drive, which ultimately led to a new restaurant there. That restaurant has since closed and there is no development at the mall because of alcohol sales.

Across the Ohio, Ironton has been wet a long time. Its economy has not prospered because of alcohol sales.

Alcohol sales do not equal economic prosperity. This is not the answer for our economy and families. The social, moral and justice related issues resulting from alcohol abuse has been well documented. A recent incident, killing a grandfather and severely injuring his grandson, was caused by an alcohol-intoxicated driver.

People of Russell and Boyd County, voting yes to alcohol will not improve your economy. It will only make it easier to abuse alcoholic beverages and cause more moral, social and justice related issues.

Cindy Brown, Catlettsburg



Acts of kindness make her day

Have you ever been so busy that you don’t take the time to stop and look at all God does for us? I have. But while on my way to work on Saturday, Aug. 9, I was blown away! I took time to stop.

I live in the small community of Russell/Flatwoods. As I drove to work on this particular Saturday morning, I saw God’s people serving our community using individual talents.

On one corner of my town, there were people in neon green tee shirts getting ready to go out and work in our community doing various jobs. They were with SHOUT (Servants Helping Others Using Talents).

On the other corner, at one of our local gas stations, another group did a “Gas Buy Down.” This helped people save some money on gasoline. You not only saved dollars, but people pumped your gas, cleaned your windshield, and did it all with a smile.

It’s called “Random Acts of Kindness.” Isn’t that what life is all about? You can change the world one act of random kindness at a time.

As I drove on to work, I stopped, took time to reflect and thanked God for all he does through the lives of people here in my community and beyond. As I unlocked the gate to drive up to work, I was met by a baby deer, standing in front of my car. As I looked into the eyes of this beautiful creature, all I could say was, “Thank you God for today!”

This day was a reminder to me that no matter how busy our lives get, we should strive to stop, reach out to others and show God’s love, one act of random kindness at a time. Have a great day!

Debbie Perry, Russell/Flatwoods

        

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