Capitalism doesn’t mix with socialism

In response to Paul Whiteley’s Feb. 1, while I’m no biblical scholar, I don’t find anywhere in Scripture where God shows an interest in economic systems. The nearest that comes to mind is when Jesus says we should give to the government what belongs to it and to God what belongs to him.

There are passages which indicate the church has a responsibility to care for those in need, such as widows and orphans, and many churches have started food pantries and the like. I think Mr. Whiteley is missing the larger picture. He asks if it’s possible for socialism and capitalism to co-exist. I’d argue that they’re directly opposed to each other.

Socialism and capitalism are like oil and water. Here’s why:

Socialism sees government as the answer to every problem. Socialism creates a “nanny state,” where the government oversees every aspect of its people’s lives from the cradle to the grave. As a result, more and more people are on government assistance and there’s little incentive for its citizens to work.

Capitalism says that government is not the solution to the problem; the citizens are. With capitalism, the government gets out of the way and allows its citizens to work and create and solve their own problems.

At one time, it was considered a disgrace to be on welfare. Now, it’s a way of life for over 33 million Americans.

The health care system needs fixing, but how will government sponsored universal health care fix anything? This would simply move us one step closer to President Obama’s vision for the USSA, the United Socialist State of America.

Capitalism is simply an economic system and greed is going to exist anywhere. Maybe our churches need to do a better job preaching messages on contentment, self-worth, and charity.

Kris Langstaff, Grayson



Utility disconnects require notification

I am writing in response to William Secrest’s letter of Jan. 8. It seems that Mr. Secrest would have readers believe that the power company just arbitrarily disconnected (without notice) the service to an apartment owned by the Greenup County Lions Club (GCLC). The Kentucky Public Service Commission sets the requirements for disconnecting service. The KPC does not just go out and disconnect a service without notice as required by the PSC.

For the record, a disconnect order is issued only after several notices are sent to the customer of record. Also the technician responsible for executing the disconnect does just that — disconnects the service. It’s not the responsibility of the technician to ensure that all other systems are protected. That is the responsibility of the property owner — in this case the Lions club.

If there was any “ignorance” involved in this situation it lies with the club for not living up to the obligations of a responsible landlord. They thought they had an automatic name transfer when a tenant moved out but, alas, did not. Wouldn’t a responsible landlord want to notify KPC that the tenant had moved and the club would be responsible for paying for future electric service? Wouldn’t a responsible landlord ensure that their property was protected if any utility service was discontinued? Where was the responsibility of the property owner?

As a former employee of Kentucky Power Co., I know the employees were not perfect and did make mistakes, but they took pride in providing good service to all of its customers and were caring responsible people trying to do a good job. I assume the same is true of the people with whom Mr. Secrest worked.

Mike Campbell, Kentucky Power employee (Ret.), Ashland



Stimulus package avoided depression

In his Jan. 31 letter, Hugh Davis said that Barack Obama did not inherit a $1 trillion deficit. He’s correct — it was actually $1.4 trillion. George W. Bush started with a $2.3 billion surplus.

The last fiscally conservative Republican was Dwight Eisenhower. Ronald Reagan tripled the debt, George H.W. Bush added 30 percent to it, and George W. Bush left us with $8 trillion in debt.

The stimulus package saved us from a depression. Both General Motors and Chrysler are still operating and the FED made $46 billion last year. Several banks have repaid their government loans with interest, and it looks like all soon will repay. SCHIP covered four million uninsured children, and $19 billion went to implement an electronic medical records system. Everyone but the rich have received tax breaks.

We had six years of Republican majorities in Congress and a Republican president. Where were the balanced budgets then? As for Republicans being responsible for President Clinton’s ’ balanced budgets, in 1993 Clinton’s budget was passed without one Republican vote.

Clarence W. Tipton, Ashland



Too many chiefs, not enough Indians

Even if it is not in New York City, the terrorist trial is going to cost $200 million. This is what the president thinks of America’s economy. Senior citizens can not get a cost-of-living increase on Social Security, but President Obama and the Democratic Party can put the taxpayers’ money on security for the terrorists’ trial.

This is the worst our country has been in, and it is not going to get any better. The 2012 election may help, but a new president is going to have it rough getting the country on the right track. We have too many chiefs and not enough Indians.

It is easy to take big and long vacations on the taxpayers’ money. I am a Democrat but I sure did not cast my vote for Barack Obama, and those who did are getting what they deserve, which is nothing.

Republicans and Democrats alike should take a hard look in electing a new president and make sure it’s all done in the right way.

God bless America. May the Lord watch over all of us.

Charles J. Wellman, Flatwoods



U.S. must rebuild its infrastructure

Our economy grew at a vigorous pace of 5.7 percent in the fourth quarter after a 2.2 percent growth in the previous quarter. That should give Congress enough impetus to consider innovation and investments to create jobs and spur more growth.

Our country needs to rebuild its infrastructure, add high speed railroads and create comprehensive energy reform incentives that will make the production of clean energy more profitable and job-producing. These improvements are imperative since the Chinese are treating the energy technology competition as if it were an arms race. China is spending as much or more on green tech as it does on its military.

Under President Obama’s plan, community banks are to get a $30 billion shot-in-the-arm to increase lending to small businesses while also giving those small businesses tax credits for hiring new workers or to raise wages. Big banks, which put our entire financial system at risk, need their reckless practices curbed so we can lay a foundation for sustained prosperity.

Finally, and most importantly, we need real health care reform that reins in out-of-control costs that are squeezing our families and businesses.

Donna Hoffman, Fort Thomas



The king is coming and it’s not Elvis

In Friday’s Independent, the words “The king is coming” were printed in bold letters on top of the front page above the headlines. It was also the headlines on the Lifestyle page. It referred to an Elvis impersonator’s coming appearance in this area.

Upon seeing these statements, I’m reminded that the real king is indeed coming, and it may be sooner than we think. It won’t be an Elvis impersonator or even Elvis himself. It will be the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Winston C. “Windy” Morris, Ashland