Cap and trade tax will harm Kentucky

I’m a Democrat who agrees with Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels’s opposition to the cap and trade tax scheme being considered by Congress. If adopted, it would have a devastating impact on Kentucky’s economy, transferring our monies to the more politically powerful states. It also wouldn’t result in its purported goal of significant worldwide carbon reductions.

My training and experience provides me a solid background upon which to base my personal view. I have a bachelor of science degree from the University of Kentucky along with 30 years as an environmental and energy efficiency professional.

Cap and trade will put thousands of Kentucky’s highest paid union and engineering jobs at risk. Jobs from every part of the commonwealth would be at risk including our coal mines, power industry, chemical manufacturers, petroleum refineries, steel mills, and auto manufacturing plants. There would be no way to replace these jobs as Kentucky businesses would be forced by economics to close. Less efficient and less regulated overseas industries would produce our products and increase carbon emissions.

Not only would costs of energy more than double, but prices would also increase because this complex scheme is tailored to allow big banks to get a cut of the action. These are the same banks that have caused the current financial crises because of their playing fast and loose with the rules.

I’m reminded of the old story about playing poker. At every poker game, there is a sucker. If you look around the table and you don’t know who that is, then that means you’re probably the sucker.

Kentuckians are too sharp to be fooled by this cap and trade tax. Contact your congressman and state officials to tell them to put the interest of the commonwealth before any political or personal self interest.

Charles Bennett, Catlettsburg



American troops need some relief

President Obama has never served in combat. He’s never been in the military. Yet, he has proposed budget cuts for the Defense Department. Thus, it's clear that President Obama doesn’t have a clue.

We have troops serving three and four combat tours. To force our troops that many tours in combat is cruel and inhumane, and worse than torture. That many tours in combat is not only torture for the troops but is torture for their families as well.

These proposed budget cuts for the military are wrong. If there is equipment that the military doesn’t need, then use that money to put more troops on the ground so these troops can get a break! It's obvious that our military budget needs to be increased to give these troops some relief!

Our president and Congress are giving billions to big banks and insurance companies, and billions to other countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and others, yet the president wants to cut the military budget. That doesn't make sense.

President Clinton and Congress cut, cut, cut and cut our military, including intelligence agencies during Clinton's eight years in office, and what happened? The attacks on 9-11 happened because our military and intelligence agencies had less personnel and equipment to protect the country.

President Obama should not make the same mistake.

Lannie Ray, Varney



Former Missouri crew to gather

The USS Missouri (BB-63) Association will have its 36th annual reunion Sept. 2-8 in Norfolk, Va. For more information, contact Bill Morton, vice president, at (803) 469-3579 or at Mo63@ftc-i.net, or Jack Stempick, president, at (203) 281-4693 or mobb62ct@aol.com.

Bill Morton, Vice president, USS Missouri Assn.