Compassion

I absolutely oppose House Bill 208, proposed by Republican Lonnie Napier. This bill requires drug testing for anyone seeking public assistance. Just one more way for government to use strong-arm tactics against the poor to invade and intrude into the private lives of people. One more way to insult poor people. To dictate and control. This tyrannical bill places undue shameful indignity on senior citizens. It demonstrates great disrespect for them. This uncaring and heartless measure would cause innocent little children to suffer.

Dear Editor: George W. Bush flew into Lexington Oct. 9 to raise money for Ernie Fletcher, his faithful ally in Congress. He did not speak in public, but rather to a select audience of donors who had arrived at Heritage Hall in a stream of luxury sedans, doing their best to ignore hundreds of picketers along the streets. To his invited guests Bush proclaimed that "The true strength of this country is the heart of the American people. We're a compassionate, decent nation. " Presumably, he saw himself as an embodiment of American decency and compassion.

All God's Children's two-night Christmas Village and Living Christmas Card drew more than 1,500 spectators during the event that was held Dec. 10 and Dec. 11. "It was a smashing success to say the least," Volunteer Ben Prewitt said. "The 70 degree weather didn't hurt either. " The event was in its second year. In 2006 temperatures in the 20s and lower greeted visitors to the event. This year's event featured a live nativity scene, complete with animals including Tyler the camel.

Dear Editor, Hard to let pass the irony in a letter from a well-meaning Christian soul who would ban Sunday liquor sales and throw the drug addicts out of town. I won't debate whether an all-knowing universal intelligence responsible for the welfare of an infinity of planets is concerned whether a few stepped-up monkeys get messed up on Sundays, although I think it should be debated among the monkeys themselves. I am quite sure, however that God would not advocate throwing the drug addicts out. Where are they to go?

Republicans in Congress literally turn my stomach. Now they want to cut $33 million from the food stamp program. These people, if you can call them people, are absolutely heartless and void of any compassion. Seven in 10 families on food stamps have children. But Republicans don't care about children or anyone who isn't rich. These cold, heartless Republicans have no conscience whatsoever. No concern for poor people. They want to cut every program that poor people literally depend on, not to live, but merely survive.

Dear Editor, Today, Thursday, May 3, I attended the 56th Annual National Day of Prayer service. I did not realize that it was the 56th Annual National Day of "Christian" Prayer service. In a world of tragic division and mistrust, I was saddened to have missed an opportunity for us to reach out and embrace friends of all faiths. I will personally continue to pray for unity, compassion, hope and peace for all of God's children. Roz Heise Danville

Editor's note: Clay City Police Chief Randy Lacy was shot to death on June 14 by a man he had arrested. Boyle county inmates sent a poem, written by inmate Ben Stokes, to the Clay City Police Department and were recognized with a "Thank you" card from that police department. Dear Editor, Even when inmates hear of problems, and it seems as though enough of the world isn't sharing enough compassion, we offer our goodness. This was done in the way of poetry in hopes that this gentleman's family would recognize our concern and sympathy as well.

Dear Editor, Never in all my days on this earth have I experienced such an outpouring of love and compassion from the wonderful people of Danville and surrounding areas. People I didn't know took the time to find my phone number, and the calls of concern and support began coming in. The mail contained cards addressed to Poody, some with beautiful words of concern, a couple with some money to help with Poody's vet bills, a gesture greatly appreciated. Some people were so concerned they even stopped by my home to offer Poody their love and express their outrage at the senseless act of cruelty.

Dear Editor, "Experience at work for you" is not just a campaign slogan for Joni Hogue Terry. Her friendly, familiar face has been a "mainstay" in the Boyle County circuit clerk's office for over 29 years. In the past, Joni was instrumental in helping our family with assistance from the clerk's office. We could always depend on her pleasant demeanor and compassion, not to mention her exceptional knowledge. Joni's dedication and commitment to Boyle County in this public service position should not be overlooked on Election Day. As life-long residents of Boyle County, Joni has our respect and our support on May 16. Kathy and Stuart Wilson Danville

Dear Editor: I have read Don Rhodus' letter concerning Kerry's attitude about his experience in Vietnam. Her letter presents the truth in much detail and should make voters aware of Kerry's real self. I would like to congratulate her on writing such a well-informed letter and trying to get the word out to the public about Kerry's bogus tour in Vietnam. I would like to add a couple of other situations that Kerry has been in that I feel the public should know. The first is an event that occurred in 1971, either before his testimony to Congress or after.

Much like the scales of justice, Robert Joseph Jackson is remembered as a judge who was balanced by compassion and fairness. “He was known to adhere strictly to the letter of the law, and loved for it,” said his daughter, Maryanne Jackson Clay. “But we also knew him for his humor and wit.” The Hon. Judge Jackson served as the circuit court judge for the 13th Judicial District, which included Jessamine and Garrard counties as well as Lincoln County for a short time, for 16 years between 1984 and 2000.

Republicans in Congress literally turn my stomach. Now they want to cut $33 million from the food stamp program. These people, if you can call them people, are absolutely heartless and void of any compassion. Seven in 10 families on food stamps have children. But Republicans don't care about children or anyone who isn't rich. These cold, heartless Republicans have no conscience whatsoever. No concern for poor people. They want to cut every program that poor people literally depend on, not to live, but merely survive.

As you all know, we have two wonderful shelter cats, Pierre and Bella. We flew with them to our new home in Colorado and, aside from the fact that they pretty much screeched the entire way, they did recover pretty quickly and have adapted to their new home beautifully. There is just one thing going on that puzzles and saddens me. Bella, every single night after everyone is bedded down and is quiet, starts this strange behavior. She picks up one of her many fuzzy toys in her mouth and starts crying mournfully.

A cold, dark drizzle fell at a slant that noon, but he came anyway, just like every other day. I always look for him on Mondays when we meet our friends, Maxine and Eddie, for lunch at the Golden Corral. From the parking lot I can see his truck behind Goodwill and him, sitting on an upside down box and surrounded by a colony of cats, who, over time, have come to trust him. Because I am drawn to cats — indeed, to all animals — and to people who care for them, I often walk over to speak to this man, to give him a few cans of cat food and to thank him for having such a heart.

I absolutely oppose House Bill 208, proposed by Republican Lonnie Napier. This bill requires drug testing for anyone seeking public assistance. Just one more way for government to use strong-arm tactics against the poor to invade and intrude into the private lives of people. One more way to insult poor people. To dictate and control. This tyrannical bill places undue shameful indignity on senior citizens. It demonstrates great disrespect for them. This uncaring and heartless measure would cause innocent little children to suffer.

HOOVER, Ala. — As far as Sam Simpson can tell, nothing has changed dramatically for roommate Morgan Newton since he found out he would be Kentucky’s starting quarterback in the BBVA Compass Bowl Saturday in Birmingham, Ala. “Morgan is a humble guy. He has always been ready to go. He was one snap away from playing all year. Something could have happened like it did last year (when starter Mike Hartline got hurt), so you have to be ready to go in this business and he was,” said Simpson, a redshirt freshman center.

LEXINGTON - Joker Phillips isn't worried about the uncertainty surrounding the head coach at Pittsburgh impacting the way the Panthers will play Saturday when they face Kentucky in the BBVA Compass Bowl in Birmingham. Coach Dave Wannstedt, who played at Pittsburgh, resigned under pressure and Pitt hired 46-year-old Mike Haywood, who led Miami (Ohio) to a 9-4 record as its new coach Dec. 16. Wannstedt has yet to say publicly if he will coach the team in the bowl game or if an assistant coach will be the head coach.

Joker Phillips’ first bowl game as Kentucky’s head coach will have a familiar feeling. Kentucky (6-6) will face Pittsburgh (7-5) on Jan. 8 at noon on ESPN in the BBVA Compass Bowl in Birmingham, the same city where Phillips played for the Wildcats in bowl games in 1983 against West Virginia and 1984 against Wisconsin at the same Legion Field in what was then the Hall of Fame Bowl “It will be a huge challenge and an exciting time for our football program to play in the BBVA Compass Bowl,” Phillips said.

The holiday season is a time for giving thanks and giving back. Now is the perfect time of year to teach children the importance of community service and nurture the spirit of giving. Start by choosing a charity in your own community. Then talk to youth about the kinds of charities they would like to support. If an organization is looking for food donations, give your children the money you want to spend on donations and let them choose the food items at the grocery stores.