City’s recycling decision was sound

The Ashland City Commission used very sound judgment in rejecting Boyd County’s recycling program. Ashland has a recycling program and has had one for some time.

Boyd County wants Ashland to give it $280,000 for the $560,000 building it needs for recycling. This is just a drop in the bucket for what it will cost to start this program. Boyd County doesn’t have mandatory garbage pickup. How will it get curbside pickup?

The county would use inmate labor to sort the recyclables and hire guards to watch them. I think it is wrong for a taxpayer-supported government to use slave — oh, excuse me — convict labor to compete against a private company.

As an Ashland citizen, I pay property tax to the city and to the county. The city provides me with the best police and fire protection, street repairs, garbage pickup, water, parks and on and on. The county provides with — what? Maybe the county could use some of the money it collects from Ashland to fund its project.

No one that I know of it against recycling. The motive is right and sincere, but the judgment of this program is flawed.

Tom Cantrell, Ashland



Nation is on road to financial ruin

In the last two months, the United States government has borrowed more money than in the previous 30 years combined. Our government has mortgaged not only our children’s and grandchildren’s future, but has set us squarely on the road to financial ruin.

We were told that GM and Chrysler were “too big to fail,” so billions of our dollars went into the companies. And for what? Bankruptcy anyway! Does anyone else see a problem with this?

Do you want to see what happens when a government spends out of control? Look at California. California has the 8th largest economy in the world. Yes, in the world. It is in so much trouble even the ultra left-wingers out there are beginning to feel nervous — as well they should be. Things are about to take a drastic turn for the worse in California. It is planning on raising taxes so high that the ones who pay taxes will move, further deepening the trouble. It’s a vicious cycle.

Mark my words: Within a year we will see double-digit inflation, interest rates that haven’t been seen since the Carter administration and unprecedented unemployment. All of this will lead to a depression that will make the Great Depression seem mild.

I hope I’m wrong. Do some investigating for yourself. Don't believe the network news libs. Do some research. We’re in deep trouble. Change you can believe in? Yes. But change that will ruin us.

Kris Langstaff, Grayson



Two-state solution is no solution at all

Israel has a God-given right to live in the land that they now possess plus the land they gave up for so-called peace in 2005. In the summer of 2005, the Gaza Strip was stolen from Jewish settlers and a Hamas terrorist-state was formed. Hamas wants the rest of the West Bank and desires to inhabit and rule Jerusalem. It does not want half of Jerusalem; it wants it all.

Our new president, Barack Obama, is continuing the previous administration’s failed policy of a two-state solution. This is no solution; this is a catastrophe. The ultimate catastrophe will happen when an American president tries to force Israel to divide Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the home of King David and will be the future home of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Zechariah 14).

Jerusalem is precious to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and He will defend it with all his power. Jerusalem means “city of peace,” but it has become a “burdensome stone” (Zechariah 12:3) to the whole world.

When the Gaza strip was being forcibly evacuated, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast and displaced over 500,000 American citizens.This was no coincidence. This was the wrath of God. This was a warning shot from God. God will judge America severely if the current administration uses stronghold tactics on Israel.

The Bible says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).” Also, Genesis 12:3 says, “I (God) will bless those that bless thee (Israel) and curse those that curse thee.” Our future as a world leader depends on how we treat Israel. Hands off of Jersualem and the rest of Israel or God will judge us, again.

John Morris, Catlettsburg



'Cash for Clunkers’ has many negatives

As “Cash for Clunkers” legislation moves closer to becoming law, the unintended negative consequences of this radical bill should be of concern to all Americans. The legislation, which in theory is supposed to be environmentally-friendly, would actually increase the amount of pollution generated for years to come.

“Cash for Clunkers” is touted as protecting the environment by taking older vehicles off the road and replacing them with new, more fuel efficient vehicles. The reality is that the trade-in vehicles will be scrapped regardless of the amount of useful life they have left. It’s ironic that a proposal designed to reduce pollution will actually further damage the environment. While the true intention of this legislation is not to protect the environment but to financially stimulate the automobile industry in the short term, the hidden costs of this bill could cause environmental havoc indefinitely.

“Cash for Clunkers” is loaded with so many potholes that the American people will be paying a steep bill both economically and environmentally for a long time. In addition to the wasteful nature of destroying perfectly good vehicles, a tremendous amount of energy and resources will be exhausted to build new vehicles to replace the scrapped ones.

Providing tax incentives to purchase new vehicles or maintain current vehicles maintained for fuel efficiency would be a much better use of federal money that would truly benefit the environment.

Aaron Lowe, Vice President, Government Affairs, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association



Boyd class plans 30-year reunion

The Boyd County High School Class of 1979 will be having its 30-year reunion June 12-13 at the El Hasa Shrine Temple located in Cannonsburg. A “meet and greet” casual reception is planned for 7 p.m. on Friday and a dinner and dance at 6 p.m, on Saturday.

We are still taking reservations. You may e-mail David Meade at ce2198@yahoo.com or Alison Wilson Christie at skytowerky@roadrunner.com. You may also telephone Alison at (606) 324-6373 with your information.

David Meade, president , Alison Wilson Christie, Class of 1979 , Boyd County High School



Teen’s death inspires tribute

This a poem for my best friend Zach Meenach (who was recently killed in a traffic accident):

Greenup county has lost a son,

One who could pass, one who could run.

He was No. 3 in the field; No. 1 in our hearts.

The brothers and I thought nothing could break us apart.

Until one foggy night coming home from a game,

There was an accidental wreck there is no one to blame.

His sister is safe, we are thankful for that.

But we just can’t believe that we all lost Zach.

We all love him and we always will.

The only way to prove it is to do better on the field.

Jeff Cooley, Greenup