President is right, wrong on energy

While I appreciated President Obama’s vision for the future of American energy policy laid out in his State of the Union address, I am dismayed that he is still clinging to his failed cap-and-trade plan.

The president was right: We need to focus on an “all-of-the-above” energy plan that includes nuclear power, more off-shore drilling and clean coal technology.

He is wrong to suggest that we also need cap-and-trade to help pay for clean energy.

While I support doing all we can to preserve our environment, I do not believe we should do it at the expense of family’s livelihoods.

In Kentucky, cap-and-trade will create uncertainty in utility bills and drive jobs out of the state. This is a recipe for disaster.

President Obama is correct to say that we must invest in energy-efficiency and clean energy, but we should not do it by placing an extra burden on the backs of the working class. I hope the President and Congress can come up with an energy policy that achieves his goal without taxing families.

Kevin Curtis, Lexington



Is it pro-choice or pro-abortion?

I’m confused about the stance the National Organization for Women (NOW) and other “pro-choice” groups are taking on the upcoming Super Bowl ad with Tim Tebow and his mother.

Mrs. Tebow is simply telling the story of her “choice” — and “pro-choice” activists should applaud her for making an informed decision. Since they are not, maybe they should reconsider and rename themselves “pro- abortion.” Perhaps that name is more accurate.

Chris Saunders, Burlington, Ohio



Head Start has not helped children

The U.S, Department of Health and Human Services has just released an extensive study that found no improvement in children’s lives despite spending some $166 billion on Head Start since 1965.

Putting many children together at a very young age makes them more dependent on and subject to peer group pressures, and increases disease, parent’s costs and taxes. No successful person ever gave credit to the peer group, only to adults such as parents, teachers and preachers.

Home schooling is the best of all worlds. It gives the needed bonding with parents and church members, reduces the chance of communicable diseases, and helps kids learn much of what Jesus did, the most important history ever.

President Andrew Johnson never went to school a day and was taught to write by his employer and to read by his 18-year-old wife.

We have been sold a bill of goods in getting children to school at ever younger ages. Let’s reject such and return to the age that worked so well in building this great country.

J.B. Armstrong, Bardstown



AK, Armco retirees plan 49th reunion

For 49 years, retirees of Armco and AK Steel have been gathering in Florida with their friends and fellow “steel” buddies to celebrate fond memories of working for a great company at a great time in their lives.

The 49th Annual Armco/AK Steel Retirees/Former Employees Florida Reunion will be in the Payne Park Auditorium in Sarasota, Fla., on Monday, March 1, 2010. The auditorium is located at 2100 E. Laurel Street, Sarasota, Fla. 34231. Doors open at 9 a.m. for visiting with old friends, coffee and sweet rolls. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by a program to include an update on AK Steel’s 2009 turnaround performance.

All friends and family are welcome.

Please send reservations to: Ted Heberling, 8701 Pebble Creek Lane, Sarasota, FL. 34238.

Ted Heberling, Sarasota, Fla.