Torture

Dear Editor, The time is way overdue for Congress to honor the oath that they took when they were sworn into office to protect and defend the Constitution. The Bush administration has lied us into a war against a country that posed no threat to the U.S. They have openly admitted to illegal spying on American citizens. They condone the use of torture. They have broken long-standing treaties and thumbed their noses at the rest of the world. The list of crimes committed by this administration go on and on. If I were them, I would be afraid to travel outside the U.S. after leaving office for fear of being arrested for war crimes.

To the editor, Kudos to Senator Tom Buford of Nicholasville and his fellow lawmakers for advancing Senate Bill 58 - Romeo's Law. As a dog trainer in Jessamine County, I see many rescue dogs who have been adopted and given a second chance at life after a past of abuse, neglect and torture. Please pass this bill. We must prosecute the human beast. Many of these canine companions never get a second chance due to excessive abuse causing death or impossible rehabilitation.

Oct. 22 Fall Fling at Clark County Christian School WINCHESTER — Clark County Christian School invites the public to attend this year’s “Fall Fling,” at the First Church of God, 2500 Colby Road. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children 10 and under. The event includes a spaghetti dinner, live auction and entertainment. All proceeds will benefit the school. New Hope Christian School haunted house WINCHESTER — New Hope Christian School, 19 Wainscott Ave., will host a haunted house from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Since 2003, whenever I see the American flag on car decals or on T-shirts, I assume I'm looking at a supporter of the Iraq war. It makes me say to myself: I want my flag back. It also makes me think there's been a perverse meaning attached to "patriotism. " Most people would agree that it's a good thing, even a virtue, to be patriotic in the sense of loving one's country. Does that mean we must support a war once it has been initiated by our government, even if we believe it is unjust?

It was nice, REALLY NICE, to see the White House press corps drilling into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) last week over her ever-evolving account of what she knew about "enhanced interrogation techniques ? like waterboarding ? and when she knew it. This spark of life amongst the group that has been set to "drool" since President Obama's inauguration was a refreshing surprise. After clumsily re-re-restating her denial of any culpability in approval, tacit or otherwise, of the use of torture on terror suspects, Speaker Pelosi looked at the reporters as if they had all suddenly begun shouting at her in Urdu when they tried to get her to acknowledge that she has repeatedly revised her story as document after document emerged contrary to her version on what the CIA had briefed her. Madam Speaker was clearly taken aback by the temerity of a previously accommodating press corps.

With the murder trial of Patrick and Joy Watkins expected to take at least two weeks, starting jury selection a day earlier seemed like a good idea. So in a status hearing Friday afternoon, Senior Judge Gary Payne decided to start the jury selection process Sept. 2, a day earlier than the case was scheduled to begin. Payne, who recently assumed the case after Circuit Judge William Jennings retired, said he would do the bulk of juror questioning as a group, allowing prosecutors and defense attorneys to ask questions to follow up. The jury selection process may raise other concerns about whether an impartial jury can be seated in Clark County.

TODAY ? Teen Read Week. Attend programs to enter for a chance to win a $50 Hibbett's gift card. ? "Back to the Future," showing at Clark County Public Library, 3 p.m., ages 12-18. ? Teen pizza and board gaming, 5-7 p.m., Clark County Public Library, ages 12-18. ? Winchester Chorale Christmas concert rehearsal, 7 p.m., Central Baptist Church. ? Grief support group, Hospice East, Shopper's Drive, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Every Monday through Nov. 2. Registration is required, so call 744-9866 to register or for more information.

Dear Editor, First off, I wish to thank Ed Clark for the reminisces about Maple Avenue School and Ms. Edna Toliver. The last conversation I had with P. Joe Clarke we were remembering our school days and I mentioned Ms. Toliver and how tall she was. Joe quickly said, "And mean. " Seems in the 6th-grade Ms. Neblett and Ms. Harrison produced a play for the class titled, "Tom Sawyer. " It seems Joe was Tom Sawyer and Mark Adams was Huck Finn. The script called for them to smoke as part of the play.

Two recent news stories report decisions taken by senior administrators that defy explanation on both a moral and rational basis. The first concerns the president of Eastern Michigan University, John Fallon, and his staff, who tried to hide the fact that a coed was murdered in her dorm room. They withheld this information from the girl's parents and the public, telling them she died from asphyxiation but there was no sign of foul play. At the time they knew she was raped and murdered.

Dear Editor, Remember the date 9/11 - the time-changing events that happened on this date are not just for remembering, but for us as Americans to take stock in our beliefs and values. Looking back, the most remarkable thing about this date is how this proud nation came together for one purpose - unity. Thank goodness there haven't been any more terrorist attacks on American soil. But what is most troubling is the United States, as a nation, is severely more divided. Back then, the U.S. had a large financial surplus and was the world leader.