Expanded gambling will solve nothing

Some of our Kentucky leaders are trying to push expanding gambling as the answer to economic problems. Their plan is to add slot machines to some of Kentucky’s race tracks.

Why did Governor Beshear say, “Let the people of Kentucky decide” last year but now plans to push a bill through the special session that keeps citizens from having a real say?

They want to pass it as a simple statute instead of a constitutional amendment that the people can reject.

The bottom line is Kentuckians would have to lose money to build government revenue. Based on the Legislative Research Commission’s (LRC) calculations, $6.76 billion will have to be wagered in order to achieve the $667 million of revenue that is claimed will be generated.

Casinos increase poverty — 17.2 percent of Kentuckians currently live in poverty. Casinos increase addiction. We currently have 35,000 pathological gamblers and 70,000 problem (at risk) gamblers, according to the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling.

These figures will double, possibly triple, if slots are added not to mention the increased crime that goes along with gambling problems.

Slots are the most addictive form of gambling. Is this the kind of growth Kentucky wants?

Is this concept good for Kentucky citizens, or is it only good for those who own the slot machines at the race tracks?

Once gambling is authorized and gets its roots down, there is no stopping the destruction it brings.

Let your voice be heard. Please call the Legislative message line 1-800-372-7181 and leave a message, “No expansion of gambling”. There will also be a rally in Frankfort at noon on Tuesday, June 16, to stand against expanded gambling.

Sonya O’Brien, Ashland



Cap and trade is nothing but pork

I’m concerned about the current plan of Congress to reduce carbon emissions. The Waxman-Markey Bill seems to be the mother of all pork bills. Lawmakers are already busy handing out billions of dollars in free emissions credits to industries with enough clout. We shouldn’t have special interests dictating environmental policy.

Furthermore, we’ve just been through a financial meltdown that was created by crooked traders on Wall Street. Why would we put ourselves through that again? A cap and trade scheme will be the perfect mark for the next generation of Kenneth Lays and Bernard Madoffs to use to build another house of cards.

The Waxman-Markey Bill simply hands over a carbon emissions market to the same Wall Street banks that got us into our current economic mess. Imagine how many families could be sitting in the dark through rolling blackouts because tricksters are busy shorting emissions credits.

Oh, by the way: Congress is already in on the act, having recently given billions of dollars in free emissions credits to special interests.

This is unacceptable. I’m tired of the powerful getting their piece of the action by imposing upon working and middle-class Americans. I’ll support climate change legislation as long as it is fair, transparent and affordable. But Waxman-Markey doesn’t cut it.

Robert Works, Independence



Ground the pigs and halt the porkM

Some might say our country will see climate change legislation when pigs fly. Well, let me tell you, the pigs are airborne. The primary climate change bill now in Congress, Waxman-Markey, is full of pork. It comes in the form of billions of dollars in free carbon allowances members of Congress have already promised their favorite companies.

This pork does nothing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It does prove, however, that the cap-and-trade system of GHG reductions, as contained in the Waxman-Markey bill, is prone to backroom dealings and manipulation. Our nation’s recession is the result of analogous wrongdoing. Cap-and-trade would entrust the carbon market to the same Wall Street banks that got us all into this recessionary mess.

It’s time to ground the pigs and bring a halt to the pork. Our nation needs climate policy that is transparent, accountable and affordable.

Candi Combs, Lexington



Westwood VFD fast, proficient

We recently had a fire at our home which was caused by a faulty light fixture in the ceiling.

The Westwood Volunteer Fire Department was on scene in just minutes after we called 911. Chief Webster and his crew were fast, proficient and showed great professionalism in their handling of not only the fire but the way they showed great concern for my family. They placed a firefighter up in our attic for a long period of time with a thermal imaging unit to monitor the area for any more signs of trouble and to remove the faulty light fixture.

If you see one of these young men in the community give them a pat on the back!

Chris Adkins, Ashland



FHS class plans 30-year reunion

The Fairview High School Class of 1979 is planning its 30th reunion on July 11 at the home of Tim and Terri Hood. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a cookout. Meat will be provided; bring a covered dish.

For more information you can contact Terri Hood at (606) 923-0822 or at tlhood@zoominternet.net.

Terri and Tim Hood, Class of 1979, Fairview High School, Ashland