Bill poses threat to local radio
It's hard to believe but foreign-owned record labels are asking for a handout from Congress. The major record labels, three of four of which are based overseas, are asking Congress to impose hundreds of millions in new fees on local radio stations to help rescue their failing business model.
The labels argue the money is for “struggling artists, but at least half of this fee would be tunneled to the labels. And aren't these the same record labels that have long abused and exploited recording artists?
The record labels also fail to acknowledge that free, local radio is struggling, too. Ad revenues have plummeted and jobs have been cut, a situation that will only be made worse if the record labels get their way.
If it weren't for radio airplay of music, where would the labels and performers be? Radio is the top way listeners discover new music, and free radio airtime and promotion of music generates $1.5-$2.4 billion in annual safes for labels and artists.
Thankfully, U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis has been a champion for free local radio and the communities we serve. Davis is co-sponsoring the Local Radio Freedom Act, which would keep radio free from these ridiculous fees.
A performance tax could force all Kentucky radio stations to cut more jobs and reduce the fund-raising and public service initiatives for local charities throughout the state.
I’m grateful that Congressman Davis is working to defeat this detrimental legislation. You can help bolster these efforts by weighing in with Kentucky’s federal representatives that have not yet taken a stand for radio at www.saveyourradio.org. Together, we can work to keep jobs in our community, protect our nonprofit organizations and keep radio free.
Francis Nash, General manager, WUGO-FM / WGOH-AM, Grayson
Morgan Avenue work praised
Ashland is a great place to live. I live on Morgan Avenue in Midland Heights.
The people in Midland Heights have something to be proud of: Morgan Avenue now has a wider road and new sidewalks thanks to City Manager Steve Corbitt, who lives nearby.
I hope everyone who lives in the neighborhood enjoys the new walk down Morgan Avenue. There’s no more worrying about getting hit by a car, and the new curbs are at least 12 inches high. That’s so cool.
We have the very best city leaders Please let them know how happy you are if you live in this area. I’m really happy and grateful to the city leaders of Ashland for all the great time and effort put into this project.
George Davidson, Ashland
Jack Ditty ran great campaign.
I thank all who voted in the Aug. 25 special election for the state Senate. There’s nothing more important to a republic than citizen participation in the electoral process.
The Republican Party is proud of our candidate for the Senate, Dr. Jack Ditty. Dr. Ditty ran a great campaign and became friends with many of us here in Lewis County. Dr. Ditty went from being a relatively unknown candidate running against an entrenched state legislator to coming within 283 votes of being our next state Senator. He won four of the six counties in the 18th District. Republicans can be proud of his efforts.
There have been unfounded allegations that Dr. Ditty ran a dirty campaign or wasn’t telling the truth about his opponent. The Republican Party and the Ditty campaign cited validated court records and legislative records in its claims. The ads by the Ditty campaign were truthful.
When one serves in a legislative capacity, one creates a voting record. This legislative record is open to the public and criticism ought to be allowed based on that record.
In politics, it’s easy to take criticism personally. Those that take such disapproval personally should not get involved in politics because along with public service comes dissent and disagreement.
Pointing out an opponent’s legislative record is not wrong. If a legislator is unhappy with an opponent’s campaign for examining their legislative record, then that legislator should be making changes in how they legislate instead of feigning outrage over a campaign that explores that record.
The Republican Party will continue to hold our public officials accountable and will put forth candidates that want to make a positive change for this area and for the commonwealth. We should hope that more candidates of Dr. Ditty’s caliber step forward to run for office.
Ben Harrison, Republican Party chairman, Lewis County
Heaven beyond fondest dream
In 1932, my family moved from Crocket, Ky., to Morehead. I was 12 years old, and the argument was if they should leave me there or take me with them. I was lucky they chose the latter.
To me, Morehead was the most awesome place that I had ever experienced. I saw a train, a picture show, and a lamp that one could light without using a match.
Many years have passed since then, and I have grown to love, believe and forgive. I have been lucky and traveled all around the world. In my travels, I have come to the opinion that all people, regardless of race or color, are all God’s children and the rest of life is up to us.
When this computer was invented, it blew my mind. It was impossible but there it was.
Yesterday, I was sitting on the patio with a cup of coffee thinking what a wonderful day. My mind wondered to a quote in the Bible that Heaven was beyond our fondest dream. Then I thought about all the faces that I had seen around the world, and no two looked the same. I couldn’t help believing that if there is an intelligence that can create such as this, that when we enter the door beyond the grave, Heaven will be beyond our fondest dream.
Cliff Barker
Morehead
Enact health plan wihout the GOP
Republicans offer no new ideas for health care reform and allow right-wing talk radio hosts and Fox News to spread misinformation about the Democratic plan.
In attempting to block health care reform, the GOP is trying to take down President Obama. So much for bipartisanship!
Democrats in the House and Senate should unify and pass a bill that includes a public option without Republican support. Let the chips fall where they may and let the mid-term elections and presidential election of 2012 decide where our country is going.
Paul L. Whiteley Sr., Louisville
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Pet walkers should clean up their mess
Promises should be kept, no matter how small they seem. The people of Catlettsburg elected the candidates they thought were the best ones for the job. It seems there is one who can’t keep a promise.
While sitting at a picnic table in front of our building, a councilman who lives nearby was walking his dog and letting him do his business beside our cars. We questioned him as to whether he had a baggie. He gave us his word he would return to pick up his dog’s mess.
We have residents who have fallen because of people using our areas for their pets’ dumping ground. Well, he didn’t do as he promised. Our residents clean up after their pets , and we expect the same courtesy from our neighbors.
If your walk your dog, clean up after your pet. It’s that simple.
Jean Nolen, Catlettsburg
