Published: November 13, 2009 05:07 pm      

In Your View — 11/15/09

Cruel policies should be changed

Recent circumstances have led me to begin the search for adult day care and possibly long-term care for a loved one.

I recently met with a state social worker to discuss what Kentucky will do to help the elderly when independent living may no longer be an option. When I was told that the state would take the elderly person’s home and entire bank account if there’s more than $2,000 in the account, I was stunned. The state also would take all cash life insurance policies along with any IRAs, CDs or other savings. Anything saved or owned by the elder within the past 44 months (even if transferred to others) would be taken over by the state.

My elder loved one — who worked from the time she was 17 until she retired — would lose everything. She would be stripped of her possessions and her dignity!

This government statute applies even when adult day care is the only thing requested. Is the elder supposed to go to adult day care during weekdays and sleep in a tent at night and on weekends?

It’s time for Kentuckians to stand up to our government leaders and demand policies that protect the elderly from this form of institutional rape. I cannot understand why someone like my loved one who has worked since a teenager cannot be allowed to keep her possessions and her dignity in the latter years of her life, while others are living in our state and drawing monthly checks for free food, free rent, free health care and yet, many of them have never worked a day in their lives. Something is very wrong here!

I encourage you to contact your legislators and let them know we want these cruel policies changed.

Chere Stewart Hallahan, Ashland



There are better ways to mine coal

As a person with roots in Ashland, I was disappointed to see Boyd County Commissioner Carl Tolliver’s comment in the Nov. 11 article headlined, “Officials join pro-coal campaign.”

Tolliver expresses regret about the destruction of the mountains, but says, “We need the coal.” The truth is, we do not need mountaintop removal coal. Coal from this egregious attack on the land and water makes up only about 7 percent of our national coal supply.

The coal industry is as adaptable as a cockroach. Tell them they can’t mine one way, and they are back the next day mining a different way. They never walk out, despite their whining and threats.

As such a small percentage of the coal supply, mountaintop removal is obviously not about energy security. I believe much needed progress can be made in energy efficiency, both by electricity suppliers and consumers.

Mountaintop removal is not about jobs — there would be far more jobs in the Appalachian coal industry if deep mining were done instead. It certainly is not about community health, as our streams are filled and the waters poisoned. Make no mistake, mountaintop removal is about one thing: Making more money for coal operators.

Carol Warren, Webster Springs, W.Va.



There are better ways to mine coal

On Veterans Day, I witnessed a wonderful program honoring veterans at Charles Russell Elementary School.

Many veterans attended, some making a great effort to be there. Men, women, young and some much older from World War II, from all branches of the service, proudly introduced themselves to the children. The children performed patriotic songs for them.

Following their performance every child greeted each veteran as they returned to their classroom. The most moving part for me was hearing those young voices slowly saying the Pledge of Allegiance and then singing the National Anthem along with the honored guests.

Those veterans present had to feel the same lump in their throat and know that what they did while serving our country gave us the freedom we have today and hearing those children perform was in some way their reward. Thanks to our veterans and thanks to the children and staff of Charles Russell School for a job well done.

Mayor Tom Kelley , Ashland



2nd hand stores are not all alike

As the owner of Second Rose Consignment Stores, I want to clarify any misconceptions that may have been created around “second hand stores” mentioned in the story printed November 9 and headlined, “Where’s My Stuff?”

In the story, Sherriff Keelin rightly states that thieves “are going to steal today to get their fix this evening … and tomorrow they are going to steal again to get their fix tomorrow.”

That key fact is what separates our consignment/thrift business of selling gently used clothing, furniture and housewares from pawn shops, flea markets, etc. With consignment sales sometimes taking up to 90 days, drug-addicted thieves can’t use our business to get quick cash.

Also, consignors must supply a photo ID to set up an account with us for all items they wish to sell. All of our policies and FAQs about consignment can be found on our Website: www.mysecondhandrose.com.

In fact, in the 10 years our family has managed the 30-plus-year-old Second Hand Rose business, we haven’t encountered any police or customer inquiries regarding stolen property finding its way into our stores. That’s a testament to the great customers and consignors we have.

Sam Perkins, owner, Second Hand Rose Consignment Shops, Ashland



Area KFTC chapter topic of meeting

Anyone interested in forming a Northeast Kentucky chapter (Greenup, Boyd, Lawrence, and Carter counties) of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth (KFTC) is invited to a community meetingat 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Greenup County Public Library in Flatwoods.

KFTC is a statewide non-profit tirelessly working for an economically and socially just society for all. The meeting will be an opportunity to discuss local issues impacting our area and to join together as a collective group to make our voice heard.

Baked goods and coffee will be provided. For more information visit www.kftc.org or call Daniel and Bethany Deborde at (606) 547-7276.

Daniel Deborde, Russell



Optimist auction begins on Tuesday

The 52nd annual Optimist Radio Auction will be Nov. 17, 18 and 20. The auction will be at Don Hall Chevrolet and broadcast on WLGC 105.7 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. each evening. Item or items donated will be advertised in The Independent and on the radio.

The Ashland Optimist Club supports the following: High school sports programs, CAReS, Little League baseball, Bicycle Safety Day, Tri-Star Basketball, Respect for Law Week essay contest, T.P. Leach Scholarships, Youth Appreciation Week, Ashland Baseball Association, Friends of Children, Ronald McDonald House, Hope’s Place, WalkAmerica March of Dimes, Central Park playground, Shop with a Cop, Hillcrest-Bruce Mission, Giving Tree, Shelter of Hope, United Way, American Red Cross, Pop Lewis Bandstand in Central Park, National Challenge, Salvation Army, Needy Family Fund, D.A.R.E., CASA (Court Appointed Child Special Advocates) and many more activities to serve our youth.

Help us help our youth by donating items or services. To donate an item or items contact Richard Dowdy at (606) 324-6574 or David Payne at (606) 325-4312.

Please check The Independent on Tuesday, Nov. 17, for our first ad and tune into 105.7 FM at 7 p.m. to begin bidding. It’s a great opportunity to buy Christmas gifts and support our youth work.

Steve Gilmore, president, Dick Dowdy and David Payne, Auction co-chairs, Ashland Optimist Club