News opinion 2008-06-29 Andanh.com

Obama’s advantage Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:11:01 -0500
Right now, the smart money is betting the next president of the United States will be named Obama, and dollars are the primary reason why. As you may have heard, the senator has flip-flopped on public campaign financing and now says he will not accept it, even though he once thought it was a swell idea. The government set taxpayer-based funding for presidential candidates at $85 million because, the wisdom went, it would prevent fat cats in the private sector from donating big dollars to influence a potential POTUS. But, like the military, it’s voluntary - and Obama is no longer interested in signing up, even though John McCain says he will. That’s because, in his defeat of Hillary Clinton, Obama raised about $300 million - and his campaign believes he can raise another $300 million before the vote next November. Of course, that is an astounding amount of cash and puts Obama light years ahead of McCain’s paltry $85 million. Money might not be able to buy true love, but it can certainly buy TV and radio airtime, an army of mercenary consultants and legions of staff members in every state. Add in the fact that the media generally love Barack Obama, generously giving him positive news coverage, and you can see some dark clouds on the horizon for McCain. So, it seems like Obama has everything going his way right now. The Bush administration is unpopular, the economy is tanking, and his opponent is 71 years old. Yet, according to Gallup tracking polls this week, Obama and McCain are tied. As Obama supporter P. Diddy might say: What’s up with that? Despite his charisma, his appeal to young Americans and the support of a frenzied liberal media, millions of working-class Americans, primarily white, remain a bit skeptical of the young senator from Illinois. That’s what’s up, my man. McCain has earned respect by his war service and longtime Senate record. You might not agree with him, but there’s no question he has served his country faithfully. Compared to McCain, Barack Obama is new to national public service - and his record troubles some voters. In a largely traditional country, Obama is considered by the National Journal as the most liberal senator on the Hill. Not a great thing in many precincts. The world is a very dangerous place, and the next president will be intensely challenged. We are talking life and death, prosperity or decline. Many voters understand the stakes and are keeping their options open. That, of course, is a good thing. Money and the media should not decide the next election. The wisdom of the regular folks should. Both Obama and McCain would be smart to figure that out.

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:21 EDT

Old thinking

With the the Iraq war, the oil-environmental issue, high gas prices and the political campaigns, former contributing columnist Michelle Ferguson's commentary blaming Democrats or .liberals,. for our energy problems and everything else is not only ludicrous, but also a symbol of our dysfunction.

Failure to accept differences and to listen to the voices of the growing number of individuals expressing their concerns is as close to .taxation without representation. as one can get.

To blame Democrats for the money-power tug of war in Washington, while the masses struggle to stay afloat, illustrates appropriately that .money talks but does not listen..

City must keep eye on building plans Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:21 EDT

In 1995, a concrete retaining wall that a developer had built to hold back runoff from a new Lexington subdivision collapsed, releasing a flood of water and mud that overwhelmed three nearby homes.

During new development construction, .the city's oversight is minimal and record keeping is haphazard. And in this case, officials can't find test results that showed how much water the dam's concrete wall could withstand,. the Herald-Leader reported at the time.

.The adequacy of retaining walls or earthen dams are left largely to the private engineers who design them,. the story continued.

That became city policy in 2001 when city engineers stopped checking calculations made by private engineering firms on development plans.

Her Story impressive group
We had another outstanding group of women from which to choose in the second year of the Her Story program.It’s amazing the number of outstanding women who have contributed to our community over the years. There are younger and more experienced members this year.

Harmony comes to Frankfort
FRANKFORTWelcome to the “comity club” that was the General Assembly that met in special session last week to pass a first step in state employee pension reform.

Chinese Dir