News opinion 2008-06-27 Andanh.com

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:18 EDT

readers' views

Mining hurts Kentuckians' quality of life

In Pike County, Clintwood Elkhorn Mining has self-reported to the Army Corps of Engineers that it had mined through two streams and constructed two sediment ponds without having a permit. As a result, water on Millers Creek above Fishtrap Lake, the source of drinking water for Pikeville and much of Pike County, was affected.

Despite this, Bill Caylor, president of the Kentucky Coal Association, says he doubts there is any validity to Kentuckians for the Commonwealth's and Sierra Club's allegations.

Gay community celebrating with pride Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:18 EDT

Each June, the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in cities around the country and the world come together to put on pride festivals, events and parades in an effort to show the world that, yes, we are here.

I have attended festivals and parades in St. Louis, Chicago, New York and Montreal. These festivities range from simple parades to all-out weeklong parties.

Now the festivities are coming to Lexington. The the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community is hosting a series of events, including the Fairness Awards show and the Imperial Court's Coronation, as well as Lexington's first Pride Festival downtown. On Saturday, Cheapside Park will serve as home to .Lexington Pride 2008: We Are Family..

Because of these events, people have asked: Are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in Lexington suddenly proud? Is Lexington ready for such an event? Why now when it's never been done in Lexington before?

Chavez, not Bush, upholds U.S. ideals Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:45 EDT

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez often uses very harsh language when referring to President Bush. And the mainstream media in the United States always rushes to describe Chavez as .anti-American..

They neglect to report that Chavez always goes out of his way to show support for America's poor, who suffer from an oppressive ruling elite. He has gone far past the rhetoric, putting his checkbook where his mouth is.

Venezuela-owned Citgo has donated millions of gallons of heating oil to more than 200 indigenous communities, 250 homeless shelters and an estimated 2 million low-income Americans in 23 states . a $100 million-plus contribution.

This is not only solid support for America but also much better than U.S. oil companies, which have refused to engage in similar efforts despite repeated requests from various state representatives.

Proximity to tragedy Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:18 EDT

A young man killed five co-workers and himself Wednesday in Henderson. This tragedy will not be forgotten in that small Western Kentucky community where so many will be deeply affected by the six deaths.

It also should not be forgotten next year when the legislature will almost certainly be asked again to allow people who park on public university property to keep legally registered guns in their vehicles.

Don't do it.

Good discussion of CentrePointe Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:18 EDT

For five hours Wednesday, the community argued civilly about the future of a block at the heart of our city.

The outcome . that buildings the owners allowed to deteriorate can now be demolished to make way for a high rise . was disappointing. But the passion and the energy brought to the discussion were heartening.

That said, a couple of false arguments arose that should forever be laid to rest as Lexington struggles to find the balance to build in older parts of the city without destroying everything that came before:

. You've got to choose between preservation and economic development. A corollary is that .new. advances the economy while .old. encourages economic stagnation or worse.

Barack Obama ... Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:13 EDT

Glasgow becomes hot spot
It sure is high times in our fair city, don’t you think?

CHEERS and JEERS: From members of our community
FOBP thanks supportersPastors unify for community

Chinese Dir