In Your View

Opinion

Discussion

November 28, 2012

In Your View

Anonymous The Independent The Daily Independent Wed Nov 28, 2012, 06:00 AM EST

ASHLAND — McConnell must reach compromise

Sen. Mitch McConnell has the power to prevent the passage of a budget that would avoid a “fiscal cliff. “ Mr. McConnell, now it is time for a compromise.

A compromise should include the end of the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent of the American population. In this economic climate (a $13 trillion budget deficit), it’s fair to ask those who are making $250,000 or more a year to pay more.

An article titled “The Lost Decade of the Middle Class” published by the Pew Research Center documents a shrinking middle class. “In 2011, this middle-income tier included 51 percent of all adults; back in 1971, using the same income boundaries, it had included 61 percent.

“Over the same period, only the upper-income tier increased its share in the nation’s household income pie. It now takes in 46 percent, up from 29 percent four decades ago. The middle tier now takes in 45 percent, down from 62 percent four decades ago. The lower tier takes in 9 percent, down from 10 percent four decades ago.”

It’s also time for cuts in the defense budget. A chart published by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, supported by data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute in the Oct. 23, 2012, Los Angeles Times shows our country now spends more on its military than the next 13 countries combined. Total defense spending for fiscal year 2011 was $711 billion compared to the $695 billion spent by the combined military budgets of the 13 countries.

With federal budget deficits in the trillions, we can afford to make reasonable cuts in our bloated military budget. We no longer need a military outlay designed to fight two conventional wars simultaneously. Even the Pentagon agrees that strategy is outdated and cuts can be made.

Please let McConnell know it is time for a compromise.

Jim Johnson, Louisville

Star Elementary is great school

Congratulations to Star Elementary School in Carter County! Our children attended Star Elementary and we now have a grandchild in her last year there. We have always been extremely pleased with the education our family received at Star.

Star is small and has often been overlooked concerning building upgrades. However, we have always been blessed with excellent teachers and staff. Thanks to all of the staff and kudos to the students who worked so hard to be a “School of Distinction.” We are so proud of you!

Gordon and Brenda Womack, Grayson

Items sought for animals

For the 14th year, 0akview Elementary School students are collecting tiems for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at our local animal shelter and dogs and puppies at the Ashland Animal Rescue Fund shelter.

Collections began Monday and will continue through Dec. 19. The following items are being sought: towels, sheets, blankets, shampoo, brushes, dry pet food, toys, rawhide chews, treats and any other new or used items the animals could use.

Donations may be dropped off at Oakview Elementary School, 3111 Blackburn Ave., Ashland. The school’s phone number is (606) 327-2733.

Leigh Ann Baker, Primary teacher, Oakview Elementary, Ashland

Letters invited

The Independent invites readers to submit In Your View letters on public issues. Letters must not exceed 300 words and must include the name, address and telephone number of the author. Words of Thanks letters are limited to no more than 150 words. The Independent cannot guarantee a day of publication for letters.. The Independent reserves the right to edit letters for length, spelling, grammar, accuracy and appropriateness of language.

Text Only

Opinion

Retiring
As members of the Ashland Board of City Commissioners look for a replacement for retiring City Manager Stephen W. Corbitt, they should seek someone just like Corbitt.

May 21, 2013
In Your View
Letters to the editor

May 12, 2013
On the increase
It’s certainly good news that a new report by Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet has found the economic impact of tourism grew by 5.2 percent in eastern Kentucky in 2012, outpacing the overall statewide growth rate. However, we would be more excited bout the report if we had more confidence in how tourism spending is calculated by state government.

May 12, 2013
After the crash
Like thousands of other Kentuckians, we remember well May 14, 1988, when a drunken driver traveling the wrong way on Interstate 71 near Carrollton struck a church bus returning home to Radcliff after day at King’s Island, causing one of he most deadly vehicle accidents in this nation’s history. The horrific crash killed 27, many of them teenagers, and injured 34 others.

May 10, 2013
High price tage
Much has been said and written about the rapid and dramatic decline of air passenger service at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport. Much less has been said and written about the tremendous economic impact the loss of air service has had on the entire region.

May 9, 2013
Return of pencils
It is a question asked by all of us whose lives and jobs are dependent on computers with email and Internet access, fax machines, cellphones and other other electronic essentials of this modern age: What do you do when the electronic devices fail?

May 8, 2013
Banned
If you live in Boyd and Lawrence counties and are thinking of burning trash, wood, leaves or other debris outdoors, here’s a word of advice: Don’t even think about lighting that match. If you do, it could cost you dearly.

May 7, 2013
In Your View
Letters to the editor

May 7, 2013
Few citations
When the 2011 Kentucky General Assembly approved a bill banning texting while driving and cellphone use for drivers younger than 18, there was widespread public support for both restrictions.

May 6, 2013
Booming times
Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergran Grimes has launched a statewide tour to gauge public support for allowing more voters to cast their ballots before Election Day. While other states have enacted laws to allow early voting, the biggest obstacle to the proposal in Kentucky is the state’s history of widespread voter fraud.

May 6, 2013
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

In Your View

Site Map

Contact Us