Curbside recycling should cost nothing

I read the March 7 story about curbside recycling. I don’t understand how this should cost the taxpayers a single dime.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought companies made money by collecting materials that could be recycled and then taking them to a center that pays you money based on what you bring them?

Why would the city charge taxpayers to have a company pick up material that makes it money?

I think companies should be bidding to secure a contract with the city for “x” amount of years to pick up these recyclables. That company should bear the cost of supplying containers to the public and picking up the materials that will then be sold for profit.

I know plenty of people who would go around and pick up the recyclables for free if the city would provide the 9,000 residents with bins and would actually fill them with recyclables.

That would solve all the city’s problems. It would have less trips to the landfill, thus saving them the cost of fuel, a reduction in landfill fees and less manpower needed because of fewer trips. With all those savings the city may be able to reduce the cost to taxpayers and make Ashland “greener” in more ways than one.

Jim Murphy, Ashland



Patriot Act needs to be repealed

Far too many Americans are oblivious to the rising tide of civil liberties violations in America. The reason is that much of it is being done under the Patriot Act.

What we do know about those who are supposed to be the role models of our country is quite troubling. FBI agents broke into the home of a Portland, Ore., attorney and searched it, using the sneak-and-peak provision of the Patriot Act. They arrested him and accused him of being a part of the Madrid train bombings. The FBI later realized they had made a mistake in the DNA and released him. He won $2 million in a subsequent lawsuit.

Horrific invasions of privacy are caused using the sneak-and-peak and other provisions of the Patriot Act. FBI officials have admitted creating computer viruses in an effort to get passwords.

Last year, FBI agents positioned cameras above where teenage girls were trying on prom dresses for a fundraiser for Hospice International. Two agents spied on the girls and were arrested for criminal invasion of privacy.

We need to repeal the Patriot Act and investigate abuses of it.

Chad Kister, Nelsonville, Ohio



Social workers help resolve issues

March is Social Work Month and the theme for this year is “Social Workers Inspire Community Action.”

Social workers are integral parts of a vibrant community. They know the full range of challenges facing families of every description.

Social workers advocate for inclusion, fairness and non-discriminatory access to services that help people reach their full potential. Many social workers work to resolve systemic issues that negatively affect a community. Some work in education or research, and others work as elected officials in government or as heads of nonprofit organizations to create positive sustainable change in communities.

Most social workers serve individuals and families. Working through private practices, agencies and organizations, they provide resources and guidance that support social functioning.

People who become professional social workers believe that there are no limits to human potential and use their talents to help others lead rewarding lives.

Social work is a profession of hope, grounded in practical problem solving expertise. It is a desirable field of study for bright and socially engaged people of all ages.

Social workers are employed in schools, courtrooms, drug treatment clinics, hospitals, senior centers, shelters, nursing homes, the military, disaster relief, prisons and corporations.

Social workers are on the frontlines, developing social programs that are responsive to such human needs as homelessness, poverty, family break-up, mental illness, physical and mental disability, alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence and many other issues.

Kentucky Christian University’s Social Work Department recognizes and thanks our area social workers as they inspire community action.

Margaret McLaughlin, Dean, School of Social Work & Human Services, Kentucky Christian University



Those over 50 need a colon check

March has been designated as National Colorectal Cancer Prevention Month. In memory of my brother-in-law, Gary Griffith, who passed away at the young age of 46 because of this preventable disease, I felt compelled to urge everyone who is 50 or older to have a colon check.

Usually there are no symptoms in the early stages of this type of cancer. That’s why it’s of utmost importance to have a colon check. Gary’s only symptom was what he thought were hemorrhoids, which many people have. By then, it was too late for doctors to cure him.

The symptoms of this type of cancer in the advance stages are rectal bleeding or blood in a stool; change in bowel habits or narrower stool; stomach discomfort such as bloating, fullness or cramping; diarrhea or constipation with a feeling that the bowel is not completely empty; weight loss of no apparent reason; constant fatigue and vomiting.

As nurse, I know this is a subject that is embarrassing for some people to talk about. Let’s speak out and prevent cancer.

Diane Stone Gullett, Catlettsburg