Not everybody smokes weed
This is in response to a recent letter which advocated legalizing marijuana. The writer used the same lame arguments that have been around since the 1960s. I’ll list some of these arguments and my answer.
It cost too much to enforce marijuana laws. To this I say if it cost too much to enforce the law, why have laws at all? It also costs to enforce laws against murder, rape, and robbery, but we still don't legalize those offenses.
The jails and prisons are full of people who are minor offenders for selling or using marijuana. If we legalize marijuana then we won't have overcrowded jails and prisons.
I don’t know about jails, but I have worked in the state prison system for over four years and, believe me, state prisons are not full of minor drug offenders! State prisons are full of people who have committed crimes either to get dope or while under the influence of dope. Many times that dope is “just” marijuana. How could legalizing marijuana help that problem? Legalization would just make dope more available.
Everybody smokes marijuana, so why fight it? I grew up in the 1960s. I went to Vietnam in 1967 and I raised three children in the 1970s and 1980s. My wife or I never regularly smoked marijuana. As a matter of fact, I never even wanted to be around it really.
None of my children got involved in marijuana, and the people I associate with never smoke marijuana. So where is that “cool, sophisticated” drug culture that all the young people want to be a part of and Hollywood is so proud of?
I hope the people who want to legalize marijuana read this. I hope they can understand, “Hey, not everybody smokes weed and life ain’t bad without it!”
Randall McGlone, Grayson
Beauty Bash sparks reprimand
Recently, there was an outreach program from a local church in our area to give a day of pampering to a group of ladies from Safe Harbor, Hillcrest-Bruce and a local Nursing Home, to help them feel good about themselves. They were given makeovers of hairstyling, nail polishing, make-up and new clothing, plus glamour photos. A meal was provided and each lady received one-on-one special prayer at the end of the day.
These ladies were very appreciative of being special for a day in their unfortunate circumstances of life.
Unfortunately, someone complained to the Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists, and as a result, the church received cease and desist notices from the state board for polishing nails and applying make-up without the proper license.
Also, the hairdresser who participated received an agreed order along with a $250 fine for operating a salon in an unlicensed premise. Mind you, she only styled hair. She did not shampoo or cut, and did not receive money. She gave of her talent for an outreach of kindness from her heart.
It’s unfortunate that you can't use a talent you have for charity purposes. The Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists needs to look at this as a special needs matter and possibly change laws.
It appears to me that hairdressers can’t offer their services to nursing homes, funeral parlors, readifest at schools, or any other charity functions. This is a very sad situation.
I am praying for the person responsible for sending the complaint to the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology. I pray they never have to experience the everyday troubles of the ladies our church reached out to.
To complain to the state Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists, write Wilma May, administrator, 111 St. James Court, Suite A, Frankfort, Ky. 40601.
Nancy Christian, Ashland
Ashland’s national title not forgotten
I read with interest an article last week that appeared in The Independent on the Ashland Police Department's 2009 National Nite Out celebration, which was Tuesday night.
However, although many may have forgotten, it was 20 years ago on August 7, 1989 when the city of Ashland became National Town Watch’s “National Nite Out” National champion over 8,800 cities nationwide.
I guess the two decades since that date have covered the event of 1989 like vines on a fence. That first Tuesday in August 1989, more than 5,000 packed Central Park to participate in Ashland’s celebration sanctioned and created by the Ashland Police department.
Families and residents came to Central Park not jut to focus on APD's crime prevention programs and Neighborhood Watch. They had another reason, too. They came to meet a new, young and vibrant coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, Rick Pitino who was a participant of the celebration. It was an evening of excitement for the thousands who attended and for Ashland's city officials as well.
I have always felt a great sense of pride for the efforts of many who were instrumental in Ashland’s NNO title. Championships in anything do not come easy and as such should not be forgotten.
So, to those who worked on the project for many months, again my sincere thanks. The National Nite Out title indeed put the city of Ashland on the national map of crime prevention in 1989.
I am happy to see the celebration is alive and well in Central Park. I thank the Ashland Police department for their solid efforts in making it a successful annual event.
Mike Tussey, Retired Crime Prevention Officer, Ashland Police Department, Florence
Memorial no place for election signs
I'm just wanting to bring attention to an extreme lack of respect to our veterans. As I was passing by on U.S. 23 in Wurtland, in the middle of the awesome memorial for our veterans was a campaign sign. There in the flowers along with all the names of our fallen veterans of Greenup County was a campaign sign for Robin Webb. I found that sign to be offensive.
I live in Worthington and I pass that memorial every morning and evening going to and from work. It’s a beautiful site to behold because of what it stands for, but I was appalled to find that ugly sign sticking out like a sore thumb right in the middle of the memorial. It degraded a place that is dedicated to heroes.
The sign needs to be removed immediately, as do all other campaign signs that surrounds the Memorial. That is no place to campaign.
It's not a Republican or Democrat thing; it's just simply American.
Claudiene Mullins, Worthington
Ironton mayor ignores decision
On July 13, the arbitrator selected jointly by the mayor and Ironton police officer Beth Rist made his decision based on evidence that was jointly submitted to him. By prior agreement, both parties had agreed that his decision would be binding and non-appealable. The decision was that Sgt. Rist be "immediately" restored to her prior position and rank.
The Mayor has failed to abide by the decision. There is no justification for this. When Sgt. Rist appeared for duty, she was reassured by the mayor that he would talk to the police about her proper treatment. But he refuses to place her on the payroll. Poor treatment of Ironton’s most productive officer goes on.
If the mayor’s conduct costs the taxpayers and compels litigation, he will be held personally liable for his vindictive conduct!
William J. Osborne, Ironton
