Morality

Dear Editor: While driving through Danville today, I noticed a sign in front of a local church which read, "If you vote economy over morals, you get neither. " Although not specifically stated, I am assuming this statement is meant to persuade we immoral and evil Democrats to not bother our minds with such trivial issues such as the economy, but to cast our votes in favor of the party with obviously stronger, and self-declared, morals and values. As a Democrat and life-long Christian, I am highly offended and personally insulted by the message being publicized by not only this particular church but many others around the country.

I have long expressed deep concern over the rapid erosion of our Constitution. It is under siege and being destroyed. We should be deeply concerned. Our Founding Fathers said unless our Constitution is based on biblical religion and morality it will not work. Christianity has become an empty ritual. Where are the Christian leaders who will even label homosexuality a sin? The Bible labels it an abomination. British historian Paul Johnson said in 1999, "The essence of the rule of law is it's impersonality, omnipotence and ubiquity.

Dear Editor, What do we expect in a circuit judge? Fairness to ensure that all people are treated equally, no matter what their social status in life may be. Integrity to make the tough decisions based on the facts and merits of each particular case without bias. Compassion in making sure that all individuals have the opportunity to utilize programs and services available in our community to help improve their lives. Honest and morality every day in all personal and public parts of their lives.

Dear Editor, Religious fanaticism. That's a phrase frequently bandied about in the course of political debate. A phrase that is used by some politicians to marginalize a group of people or an ideology that is not in lockstep with what they are advocating. If we put everything in its historical context, and use the oldest documented historical reference, which is the Bible, we find that religion predates politics. We also find that when man lived according to the laws of God, there was no need for political governance.

Dear Editor, Thank God there are a few honest voices like Roger Bowman, who will still proclaim the truth, that are still holding to morality as the fabric of our national soul. Can anyone deny that the almighty God and morality were essential to the establishment of our nation? But the Bible and prayer have been outlawed in the public school system, replaced with evolution. The killing of unborn children is tolerated, even encouraged. Homosexuality is crammed at our children in many schools as an acceptable lifestyle.

As we approach the upcoming gubernatorial election, we of Lincoln County and Kentucky face an unprecedented set of obstacles in re-electing our sitting governor. Perhaps not since the Civil War has there been such a polarization among the citizens of our state. On the one side is the Republican Party with clear-cut visions of morality and decency. We are the party of the "right to life" and the sanctity of traditional marriage. Kentucky does not need casino gambling and slot machines on display for our children to become accustomed to. Few intelligent people will deny the harm that the present lottery has brought to our state since the early 1990s.

Did you know the biggest lie ever told was when Satan, the Devil, deceived Eve into disobeying her creator? Bill Clinton will go down in history as one of the biggest liars in the world, after he told people like you and me he did not have sex with that woman. I kind of dread the last two months before an election. Democrats and Republicans start airing their political (lies) messages, condemning their opponents. Lying is becoming the norm since the breakdown of morality, starting at the White House and same sex marriage.

Dear Editor, The article in the Aug. 8 edition of The Advocate-Messenger titled "Religious leaders want FDA to regulate cigarettes" is indicative of the morass that has developed as it pertains to governmental intrusion into religious affairs. This is a 180-degree departure from what is usually advocated by religious leaders. The decision to smoke or not to smoke is a moral issue, and that's where the problem originates. What the Southern Baptist Convention is asking government to do is to legislate morality.

Dear Editor: This is in response to your editorial criticism of our raising the question of medical ethics when Gov. Ernie Fletcher signed a death warrant for the execution of Thomas Bowling. You characterize our action as a "cheap shot. " We respectfully disagree. There is a direct prohibition in the Kentucky statutes, which was supported by the Kentucky Medical Association of which Dr. Ernie Fletcher is a member. The prohibition states: "No physician shall be involved in the conduct of an execution except to certify cause of death provided that the condemned is declared dead by another person.

Dear Editor: This is in response to your editorial criticism of our raising the question of medical ethics when Gov. Ernie Fletcher signed a death warrant for the execution of Thomas Bowling. You characterize our action as a "cheap shot. " We respectfully disagree. There is a direct prohibition in the Kentucky statutes, which was supported by the Kentucky Medical Association of which Dr. Ernie Fletcher is a member. The prohibition states: "No physician shall be involved in the conduct of an execution except to certify cause of death provided that the condemned is declared dead by another person.

The so called “West Way” broadened in meaning Wednesday with a trio of softball talent taking their skills and friendship to Asbury University. From the West Jessamine High School library, senior pitcher Ashley Brunty, catcher Kendall Anderson and outfielder Jessica Baker announced their intentions to take head coach Michelle Baker's 200 feet of defense to Wilmore. “Getting all three of them is going to be good for that program,” coach Baker said. The girls' signing came together just recently after the three took their visit to the Asbury campus, where they were quickly offered a scholarship by Eagles softball coach Samantha DeMartine.

In 1796, after heroic military service and two presidential terms, George Washington announced his retirement from public service. His farewell address may be the most underappreciated document in America's political canon.  Washington did not deliver this valedictory as a speech, but merely published it in newspapers. He called it “the disinterested warnings of a parting friend” with “no personal motive to bias his counsel.” It remains remarkably relevant today. Regional rivalries, political factions, and foreign powers threatened the young republic's stability.

LEXINGTON - Linebacker Avery Williamson was Kentucky's leading tackler last season, when the Wildcats won just two games and went through a coaching change. Joker Phillips was fired and Mark Stoops was hired, and Williamson said the change has been good for the team. “We needed a change to get ourselves going. Really, a lot of guys were just down in spirits. We needed it bad,” Williamson said Friday after Kentucky's practice. “It can happen with any team. I am feeling good about what we are doing now. I am very confident in these coaches and what they are doing.

A sun dial is an instrument that tells the time of day by the position of the sun. For years, I wanted one and could have purchased it, but I never did. Then, to my surprise, I received one as a gift. Although it was not an item of great value, I was pleased to receive it. Immediately, I read the instructions for installing it and began to make preparation to do so. At first, I looked at the lawn and chose a suitable spot in a flower bed for the sundial. Then, I prepared a foundation for it. My neighbor, seeing me at work, came over and expressed an interest in what I was doing.

Ask your typical blue-collar Kentucky basketball fan where the pinnacle of college basketball is located and more often than not, their finger will point you north along Lexington Road, toward Rupp Arena in Lexington. A few local alumni have even ventured there during the years, but East Jessamine High School spawned its own hard working athlete, and the only from his team to play varsity college basketball. Located in Grayson, Kentucky Christian University watched on as its big man on campus, Clay McKinzie, recently closed the book on his basketball career.

While the people of Vicco, KY can be commended for protecting the rights of all citizens and taking care of their own people, we would be remiss to allow an emotion-packed letter or anything else to determine what is the standard for right and wrong. In fact, neither Chicago, New York City, or Washington can do that. No congressional law, Supreme Court ruling or even the President has that right. They can give their opinions like the writer of this article but that does not determine what is true nor what is right.

Did you know the biggest lie ever told was when Satan, the Devil, deceived Eve into disobeying her creator? Bill Clinton will go down in history as one of the biggest liars in the world, after he told people like you and me he did not have sex with that woman. I kind of dread the last two months before an election. Democrats and Republicans start airing their political (lies) messages, condemning their opponents. Lying is becoming the norm since the breakdown of morality, starting at the White House and same sex marriage.

I have long expressed deep concern over the rapid erosion of our Constitution. It is under siege and being destroyed. We should be deeply concerned. Our Founding Fathers said unless our Constitution is based on biblical religion and morality it will not work. Christianity has become an empty ritual. Where are the Christian leaders who will even label homosexuality a sin? The Bible labels it an abomination. British historian Paul Johnson said in 1999, "The essence of the rule of law is it's impersonality, omnipotence and ubiquity.

After publicized results from two surveys last spring, teachers got a chance to give more anecdotal data to leadership last week. Yvonne Marx, president of the Jessamine County Education Association, spoke to the board of education at its August meeting to offer possible explanations for low teacher morale reported in the district-wide survey. Teachers also responded to the Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning (TELL) survey in the spring. Administrators told the board in August they believed teachers had low morale in part because of the rollout of new English and math standards.

Students across all grade levels in Jessamine County say their teachers expect the best from them, according to a survey in public schools last year. Meanwhile, teachers perceived lower morale for themselves and their administrators compared to data from two years ago. The district-wide survey was given in early 2011 to students, teachers and parents; it received about 7,000 responses. Paul Hamann, chief operating officer for the district, shared the results with the Jessamine County Board of Education at its work session Monday, Aug. 8. Survey-takers responded to dozens of positive statements with a level of agreement on a five-point scale.