Published: June 23, 2008 03:36 pm      

In Your View — 06/24/08

Fight over rock is embarrassing

Kentucky has zero leadership.

Don’t do something to bring more good paying jobs into the area. Don’t do anything to make college more affordable. Don’t build any recreational centers or anything to give people somewhere to go or something to do.

Don’t try to make health care and prescription drugs more affordable. Don’t find new approaches to dealing with the failed war on drugs. Don’t stop jailing people because they choose to consume something or because they have an addiction.

Don’t help people who are addicted who might want help but can’t afford it. Don’t follow the United States Constitution, which ratified the prohibition of alcohol 80-plus years ago, and stop losing tax dollars from beer to Ohio.

No, the best our leadership has to offer is a silly debate over casinos, as if casinos are the cause of all the world’s problems, and a ridiculous fight over a rock that was at the bottom of the Ohio River.

When they talk about the rock in Frankfort and when they take it up in court, they should pass out big red noses and clown shoes for everyone involved to wear.

I’m growing increasingly embarrassed to be from this area.

Frank A. McCoy, Flatwoods



Diabetics need help of Congress

In the past years, diabetes has become such an important issue to the country and to our state as 24 million Americans struggle with this disease, including 260,000 people in Kentucky alone!

My 11-year-old daughter, Emilee, was diagnosed with diabetes four years ago and we have learned how to manage and keep her healthy. But we worry every day about the long-term complications that loom despite our best efforts to manage her diabetes.

We have also been working non-stop to find a cure, and I have learned that a cure for this disease can only come through research — much of which is supported by the Special Diabetes Program. Emilee and I do our part, but we cannot do it alone — we need the help of Congress to keep this program going, and thankfully we have a champion in Sen. Mitch McConnell who is working on extending this program for two more years.

Emilee and I have met with the senator, and I know that he truly understands the burdens this disease places on her and on the millions of those dealing with this disease. I am so very grateful for his support and I know that he will continue to fight for a two-year extension of this program in the final Medicare bill considered by the Senate.

Despite all the challenges this disease brings, I have hope that it will be cured in my daughter’s lifetime. Senator McConnell’s support of Emilee and of the Special Diabetes Program provides me with reason to keep on hoping!!

Paula Fairchild, Paintsville



Tips for traveling with your pets

Vacation season has started and many dogs and cats will be joining their owners for a summer getaway. Although car trips can be stressful for many household pets, experts agree that they do not have to be if drivers take some simple precautions.

-- If the pet is not used to car trips, try a few test runs to help acclimate them for the ride. Short drives to nearby destinations are an easy start.

-- Cats should be kept in a carrier and dogs should be held in a restraining harness. This will help stabilize your pet if there is a sudden movement or crash.

-- Feed your pet a little less than you would normally. Since too much water can upset their stomachs on the road, limit water by providing ice to chew on.

-- When traveling to places your pet is not familiar with, it’s particularly important to have a collar with an ID tag that includes both your permanent and vacation addresses and phone numbers.

-- Dogs like to stick their heads out of the car window, but this is unsafe. Small stones and debris become dangerous projectiles at highway speeds.

-- Never leave your pet in a car in warm or hot weather. Even with windows open, or parked in the shade, interior temperatures can quickly rise to lethal levels.

-- Pack a first-aid kit with tweezers and alcohol for tick removal, cloth bandages and topical antiseptic.

More information on this and other safety topics is available at www.response.com/safety.

Ray Palermo, Response Insurance, Meriden, Conn.

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GCHS class plans 25-year reunion

The 1983 class of Greenup County High School will have its 25-year reunion from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. The cost is $10 per person which includes DJ, light refreshments and door prizes.

For further information, contact Rhonda Clark at (859) 552-5815 or rhonda.clark@insightbb.com, or Mike Meenach at (606) 473-3298 or meenach13@hotmail.com. Please RSVP by July 1.

Leia Meenach,Greenup