Opinion

Dear Editor,

Where is our responsibility to respect our American Flag?

After Memorial Day weekend was over, and into the following week, I returned to the Willisburg community to get the American Flag I had taken down to my husband’s grave.

As my colleagues and I began the second week of the 2009 Extraordinary Session, we were still uncertain as to if we would be able to accomplish our foremost mission, addressing our almost $1 billion budget shortfall. With the Senate approving one version of the budget and the House approving vastly a different one, many were unsure about the bill’s fate.  Yet, after only one day, the conference committee emerged from negotiations with two bills geared towards economic recovery and fiscal discipline.

I’m glad that in these weekly columns I have an opportunity to share thoughts and opinions about things going on in the world.

I write in the local newspaper while millions of others share their opinions via a blog on the Internet.

One item caught my attention last week that had me shaking my head.

NBC Nightly News reported that some pet owners are spending upwards of $15,000, out-of-pocket, for surgery for a beloved cat or dog.

That’s fifteen thousand dollars, cash!!!

For some people “exercise” is a dirty word. The fact remains, however, that almost everyone can improve his or her health through regular physical activity. Physical activity has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of developing or dying from heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. In recent years, research has linked regular physical activity to the prevention of breast cancer, stroke, osteoporosis and many other major health complications.

“Look through the windshield, not the rearview mirror.”

Lauran’s favorite quote

Washington County High School had its graduation a couple of weeks ago.  There were 143 graduates, and I’m sure each had a story to tell.  But none could be more compelling or inspiring than Miss Lauran Elizabeth Yates’ journey to that special night.  

For anyone who complains about getting a ticket for not buckling up when driving or riding in a motor vehicle, here’s a crash course in reality:

• 826 people were killed on Kentucky’s roadways in 2008.

• 55 percent of those killed were not wearing a seat belt.

When worn correctly, seat belts are proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat occupants by 45 percent and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans.

Jesus Christ was the ultimate storyteller, and he did it through what they call “parables.”   The parable leads the listener to one important moral lesson that can’t be denied or rationalized away.  

I think God sent me a parable to live out this last year.

Let me tell you about it.

My 80-year-old New York City personal advisor, Mr. S. Willey, is riding around the country visiting all of his clients.  He stopped by my house last week to see me and pass out some of his sage wisdom.  I know everyone can’t have a personal advisor, so I thought I’d let you in on what he had to say during his visit.

Yep, I remember it like it was yesterday, mainly because it was.  There was a knock at the front door and…

“Mr. Willey, come on in!  What a surprise!”

I just finished a five-day bus trip to Washington, D.C. with St. Dominic’s eighth grade class and their parents.  Well, let me tell you something.  You never met a rowdier bunch in your life.  Sure, the kids were OK, but those parents need some sharp edges rounded off.  

This trip started at the “crack of dawn.” I always wondered what that looked like.  Cindy drove me, my brother Tom, my son Will and nephew Christopher down to meet the bus at the school.  I was determined to be on time for the early departure.